FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 1, 2008

Preservation awards presented in Middletown, Brielle

Fifth-grade essay contest winners announced as well

FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Historical Commission recently announced both the Preservation Award winners for 2008 and the winners of the annual fifth-grade essay contest.

Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry congratulated all of the award winners, particularly the youngsters who wrote about Monmouth County’s history.

For his first-place prize, Maile McCann of Oak Hill Academy in Lincroft wrote a poignant essay about the Battle of Wigwam Creek near his home that earned a $100 bond.

Wigwam Creek is now an overgrown ditch, but on Feb. 13, 1777, during the Revolutionary War, a battle with the British occurred there. Fighting took place near the home of Richard Hartshorne (later called Hartshorne Woods Park) on the creek. Twenty-five militiamen died and 72 were captured.

“Now, I am growing up in this wonderful place rich with history,” Maile wrote in the essay. “It is significant to me because this land is where I play, where I sleep, where I spend most of my time, and on this same land, soldiers once fought here to protect my independence and change the future of America. Living here has helped me to appreciate American history…”

Runners up included second-place finisher James Gaudio of St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft, whose piece “Trail of Tears” earned a $75 bond, and third-place winner Christian DiAntonio of Oak Hill Academy, Lincroft, whose overview of Monmouth County history earned a $50 bond.  

“These were all extremely well-researched and well-written,” Freeholder Burry said. “Monmouth County is rich in history and I am glad to know that our young people are growing up with the desire to know more about it. Congratulations to all of you on your fine efforts.”

In addition to the essays, preservation awards were given to the owners of property who have engaged in successful preservation projects on their own.

Michael Winchell of Middletown Township turned the dilapidated Navesink Hall – once a meeting place for the public – into a one-family residence.

Sam and Alexandra Lugiano preserved the Longstreet Farm cottage in Brielle, reportedly the oldest house in the borough dating to 1820, by performing a number of structural and functional improvements, including the removal of inappropriate changes in past remodeling.

Preservation awards are given out each year to recognize people who have preserved a piece of Monmouth County history.

“As we celebrate the 325th anniversary of Monmouth County, it’s very important that we recognize when ordinary people do extraordinary things,” said Randall Gabrielan, executive director of the Historical Commission. “Had it not been for the dedication of these owners and their deep regard for preserving history, these properties would be gone forever. We owe them a debt of gratitude.”

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