Shrewsbury to Celebrate July 4 with Annual Event
16 JUNE 2021 | TheJournalNJ.com
BY LORI DRAZ
The patriotic spirit will once again be live
in Shrewsbury when the annual Fourth of
July reading of the Declaration of Independence
returns on Sunday, July 4 at 10 am.
It’s a charming and most unique celebration
that the whole family will enjoy and
be enriched by. Presented by the Monmouth
County Historical Association (MCHA) at the
Allen House, the event includes volunteers in
period attire, the presentation of the colors,
and the central event occurs when neighbors
and friends of all ages get up to read a line of
the Declaration of Independence.
All are invited to participate in sharing
the words that sparked America’s journey of
independence and democracy. As in years
past, the association anticipates the participation
of Mayor Eric Anderson of Shrewsbury,
Reverend Lisa Mitchell from Christ Church and
Monmouth County Commissioner Lillian Bury,
according to MCHA Board President Linda W.
Bricker who acts as Mistress of Ceremonies
for the event. Much like the day the Colonists
bells at Christ Church ring in honor of the signing.
Bringing lawn chairs is recommended, and parking is available in the
Shrewsbury municipal parking lot across the street from the Allen House.
Current health and safety guidelines will be observed for the celebration.
The Allen House is a most appropriate location for this historically
reverent event in this historic town. It was built circa 1710 as a second
residence for a wealthy merchant, his wife and eight children. By 1754,
Josiah Halstead had purchased the property and transformed the home
into the Blue Ball Tavern. Taverns served as community centers in the
18th century as well as places to drink and eat.
a tavern and is one of the properties managed by the MCHA.
Since its founding in 1898, the MCHA has enriched the quality of
life in Monmouth County by preserving and celebrating the history of
-
tion in New Jersey, the MCHA operates a museum, archives and research
museums located throughout the county. The Monmouth County Historical
Association received an operating support grant from the New Jersey
Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.
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