On June 20th at 1:00PM, the Union Forge Heritage Association is hosting an informational meeting at the Solitude House Museum to discuss the potential adaptive re-use of Springside Farm in High Bridge NJ as a Community theatre, and a portion of the the open surrounding space as a Community Garden. Also being discussed is the restoration efforts of the TISCO Complex, also located in High Bridge NJ.
Springside Farm is a complex of 19th and 20th century barns and a historic 1803 home that has been vacant for several years, and is in varying stages of decay. Without an immediate implementation of an adaptive re-use, these wonderful structures will be lost, and a big part of High Bridge history will be gone forever.
Proposals for a community theatre at the barn complex has been before the town council for nearly 2 years, but little interest exists for this project by the borough committees, and little progress has been made. Amazing potential exists for this property, and we hope to be to allow to proceed with the initial due diligence phases of the theatre project. The support for the Community Garden from council is also wavering to an extent. The Garden Group sub-committee of UFHA would like to start work in June at Springside Farm, but have not been able to secure a permanent location of the gardens. Community support is good for these project, and we now need to step up our show of support at meetings and at council meetings so we can get these projects moving.
An open invitation is being extended to several historical groups, neighboring townships and the general public to discuss these projects with the goal of getting feedback and more support. Please pass this info. on to any interested parties that may like to attend. Also being discussed at this meeting will be the TISCO Complex, also located in High Bridge NJ. TISCO contains a massive 18th Century stone structure that was always used as the general office for the Taylor Wharton Iron and Steel Company. The state recognizes this structure as the oldest administrative building in the state. This structure is in poor condition, and the UFHA is working hard to secure grant money for emergency stabilization of the roof. TISCO is in the same general position as Springside farm....great public and organizational support, but little to no support from the borough on allowing us to proceed fully with restoration efforts and to secure funds through grants. Attached please find photos of both Springside and TISCO.
The Solitude House Museum is located at 7 River Road in High Bridge NJ....adjacent to beautiful Lake Solitude.
Please reply to this e-mail with any questions, or you may leave a message at the Solitude House Museum phone service at 908-638-3200
Best Regards,
Mike Gronsky
President, Union Forge Heritage Association
