Ewing Recreation

May 2023

We linger one last month along the western border of the Township, in final consideration of the “ribbons of transport” which can be found there.

So far, we’ve looked at the Delaware River; the Feeder Canal for the Delaware and Raritan Canal; the neighboring towpath, railroad bed and trail; and now, finally, the road which parallels it all. Let’s journey together!

Of course, rivers have always been associated with travel, in many ways simplifying the act of moving from one location to another. Similarly, the land of the adjoining river valleys has also been associated with travel, often being a place of gathering resources and trade.

Native Americans established pathways along the contours of rivers, affording ways to connect key locations and points of trade either by foot or canoe.

Archaeological research continues to document the presence of Native Americans (primarily Lenni Lenape) living and thriving along the Delaware River, its marshes and tributaries for centuries prior to the arrival of European colonists. A day trip to the Abbotts Marshlands and Tulpehaking Nature Center in Hamilton can reveal much more information about this fascinating history.

These paths continued to be used by early European colonists for travel from one point to another, whether by foot or horse, or later, coach. As the population grew and trade expanded, some locations tapped into flowing water to create mills, and some established ferries to cross the river. These places eventually grew to become larger villages, towns, and sometimes cities.

The pathways along the Delaware developed at different times and at different rates, not surprisingly developing fastest near the places of most activity. Sites of early growth during the colonial period were Trent’s Town (Trenton), Coryell’s Ferry (Lambertville), Reading’s Ferry (Stockton), and Calvin’s Ferry (Frenchtown).

But throughout the 19th century, those paths connecting those locations remained dirt paths or a narrow dirt road, traveled only by foot or horse.

As transportation evolved, so did the roads. The area between current-day Trenton and Lambertville experienced

After the development of the motorcar, the State and other public roads officials began creating roads to connect places of import. In 1911, the State proposed the “Delaware River Drive,” a portion of a larger route to connect Trenton with Newark, and ultimately New York. In 1927, the Delaware River Drive was numbered as State Route 29, running along the river from Trenton to Lambertville.

North of Lambertville to Frenchtown, the river drive was known as Route 29A. At the time, it was (and still is!) considered “one of the most beautiful drives in New Jersey.” In 1953, the State renumbered the highways, and the entire stretch from Trenton through Lambertville and on up to Frenchtown was named State Route 29.

There were plans in the 1930s to widen the southern stretch of the route to a limited access road. The only portion of the plan to be realized was the section of the road from Warren St in Trenton to the Scudders Falls Bridge in Ewing, constructed between 1954 and 1957. It was named the John Fitch Parkway, to honor John Fitch, local Trenton clockmaker, silversmith, and inventor of the steam-powered (and oar-propelled) steamboat. (See last December’s column!)

Another portion of the highway, from Stockton to Frenchtown, is known as the Daniel Bray Highway, honoring the Captain in the Hunterdon Militia who helped to gather the boats necessary for Washington’s 1776 Crossing.

Most of the 35-mile route from Trenton to Frenchtown is still a two-lane highway, and a delight to drive. Now designated as a National Scenic Byway, it offers a wonderful sampling of NJ history, from the historic Trent House and other Revolutionary sites in Trent’s Town, past mills, farms and historic homes, and on into the more rural sections in Stockton and beyond. The river towns provide many options for dining, shopping, hiking and exploring!

Whether you consider the river itself, the canal, the towpath, or the river drive, we in Ewing live beside a wonderful “ribbon” of history, culture and natural beauty! I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed these virtual visits Go explore!

Helen Kull serves as an advisor for the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society.

The Moody Park Summer Basketball League is accepting registration for boys in 4th – 8th grade, Register at communitypass.net. The deadline is May 15th. The season starts the week of Monday, June 5th. For more info go to the league website at www.moodyparkbb.com.

The Ewing Community Pools System offers two pools for seasonal members and daily patrons. The Hollowbrook Pool located at 320 Hollowbrook Drive, is scheduled to open on weekends & Memorial Day on Sunday, May 28th. Operating hours are Sunday – Friday 12:00pm – 8:00pm. Saturdays can be rented for private events, email Raquel at rince@ewingnj. org to schedule an event. The ESCC pool will open on weekends & Memorial Day starting Saturday, May 27 and both pools will open full time starting on Monday, June 19 from 12:00 noon – 8:00pm. Swim lessons start with evaluations on Saturday, June17th and space is limited. Senior Swim and Senior Water Aerobics are offered and will start on Monday, June 19, seniors register at the Senior Office for these programs. Online registration for seasonal memberships, swim lessons and Senior Swim/Water Aerobics is required at communitypass.net.

The Ewing Recreation Summer Camp will run from June 26 – August 25 for grades K – 5 and is held on the grounds of the Fisher School and Ewing Sr. & Community Center (ESCC). Hours are from 8:30 – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday. Early hours are from 7:30-8: 30am and late hours are from 4:30 - 6:00pm. Online registration is required at communitypass. net. Teen Travel will be for grades 6 – 8 and run from July 5 – August 11. The camp will travel 4 days a week and stay in Ewing the other day. Campers can participate in day camp on weeks Teen Travel is not being held.

Ewing Recreation Basketball Camp is scheduled for Monday, June 26 – Friday, June 30 at Ewing High School, from 9:00am – 3:00pm. The camp is for kids in grades 4 – 8, and will be directed by Shelly Dearden, she will be assisted by other staff members and players. Daily sessions will include work on individual skills, drills, 3 v 3 and full court games, competitions, daily prizes, guest speakers and end of camp championships. Cost is $95 and includes a camp shirt and more. Register at communitypass.net.

Ewing Recreation Department is taking applications for picnic area permits at the following parks, John Watson on Upper Ferry Rd., Banchoff on Mt. View Rd., Higgs Park on Summerset St., Betor Park behind the Municipal building. Email Nancy at npappano@ewingnj.org or contact the office for more information or to reserve a date. The ESCC camp picnic area will be closed for use this season.

The ESCC, 883-1776x2 and Hollowbrook Community Center, 883-1199 have rooms available for rent for small groups to large parties. Kitchen facilities are available.

For more information on these or any other programs you can contact the Recreation Office at (609) 883-1776, online at www.ewingnj.org/communityaffairs. The Recreation Office is located at Hollowbrook CC and is open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.

The Ewing Recreation column is paid content provided by Ewing Township.