JUNE 17, 2017

Restoration of the Historic Horse Trough

The restoration of Metuchen’s cast iron water fountain, known locally as the “horse trough,” was an important local historic preservation project that high-lighted the creative collaboration of community organizations, the quality of the restoration by a well-respected firm, and the significance of the monument at a prominent location in town.

For 117 years, the beloved local landmark has stood within a landscaped triangle, and was originally built as a water fountain to service both people and animals. The fountain’s large front basin served to provide water to horses, a lower bowl (now gone) was to serve dogs, and its rear spigot allowed humans to enjoy a cold drink. Later, Stanley Steamers – turn of the last century cars that ran on boilers – used the trough to refill their boiler water.

The increasing deterioration prompted the Woodwild Park Association to spearhead the restoration effort. In June of 2016, they were joined by the Metuchen Arts Council, the Metuchen Garden Club, the Metuchen Borough Improvement League, Metuchen Historic Preservation Committee, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The collaborative effort resulted in an innovative approach to raising the needed funds, leading to a major financial commitment from a local bank. The restoration job was awarded to a well-qualified company, and the town will celebrate its return with a re-dedication ceremony.

The restoration of Metuchen’s horse trough, including the creative and collaborative fundraising, the high-quality restoration, and the opportunity for a community celebration, have all helped to raise community awareness of the importance of historic preservation. At a time when Metuchen is striving to strengthen its commitment to historic preservation, this effort has been successful in education the public about the importance of preserving Metuchen’s history.

The horse trough was restored by Robinson Iron of Alexander City, Alabama.
https://www.robinsoniron.com/

Below is a timeline of activities, from newest to oldest.

May 11, 2017

The project to restore the horse trough is recognized by New Jersey Historic Preservation Office and is awarded a New Jersey Historic Preservation Award. The award ceremony is held at the Burlington County Olde Courthouse in Mount Holly. The text at the beginning of this page was taken from the award nomination.

The following article appeared in the May 16 edition of the Edison-Metuchen Sentinel:
 Metuchen horse trough takes prize

April 30, 2017

The horse trough is re-dedicated.

The following article appeared in the April 28 edition of the Home News Tribune:
 Metuchen historic landmark to be rededicated Sunday

April 12, 2017

The horse trough arrives back in Metuchen.

The following article appeared in the April 18 edition of the Edison-Metuchen Sentinel:
 Metuchen horse trough is back in place

February 14, 2017

The horse trough has been partially re-assembled and painted with black paint.

January 11, 2017

Inappropriate repairs made in 1980 are being reversed and done correctly. The various parts are painted with zinc primer.

January 6, 2017

The horse trough has been disassembled and is being cleaned thoroughly.

December 21, 2016

The horse trough is picked up by Robinson Iron for transport to Alabama.

The following article appeared in the December 22 edition of the Edison-Metuchen Sentinel:
 Metuchen horse trough heads south for repair

November 16, 2016

The Fundraising Committee reports that it has raised sufficient funds to allow the restoration to begin. The committee presents bids from restoration vendors who are capable of undertaking the work. The Association approves the restoration of the horse trough and awards a contract for this work to Robinson Iron of Alexander City, Alabama. Robinson Iron has an impressive track record in restoring cast iron.

Click here for a list of fountains that the company has restored.

Click here for an example of restored ornate features similar to those found on the horse trough.

Click here for an example of a fountain that was restored by the company.

October 8, 2016

The association participates in the Metuchen Country Fair and raises additional funds.

June 26, 2016

The annual Art In The Garden event is held in and around Woodwild Park. Proceeds from the event are dedicated to the restoration of the horse trough.

November 4, 2015

The Fundraising Committee finishes the preparation of all fundraising materials. Brochures are printed and distributed. Letters are sent to potential donors. Fundraising begins in earnest.

July 25, 2015

The horse trough has continued to deteriorate as evidenced by the pictures below.

May 27, 2015

First meeting of the Fundraising Committee.

April 29, 2015

The association announces that it has obtained 501(c)(3) non-profit status and appoints a Fundraising Committee.

December 3, 2014

The association notes that the deterioration of the horse trough has progressed to a point where action is needed. As a first step, the association decides to seek federal non-profit status to facilitate fundraising.

June 5, 2009

The association notes the condition of the horse trough as a cause for concern as evidenced by the pictures below.

October 14, 2011

David Glasofer Photo Exhibit

We hope you enjoyed the exhibit of Woodwild Park photographs by David Glasofer of Image Up, Main Street, Metuchen.

 Press Release

You may purchase the pictures — framed or unframed. Send email to info@woodwildpark.org

All money from picture sales will be donated to Woodwild Park Association for the upkeep of the park and insurance.

Framed 18 inches X 12 inches = $50 each
Unframed 18 inches X 12 inches = $30 each
Unframed 10 inches X various = $20 each

October 29, 2012

Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy passed over New Jersey on Monday evening, October 29, 2012, exactly one year after the October snow storm of 2011. In our area, the storm produced heavy winds but fortunately little rain. Several trees in the park fell or were severely damaged.

Part 1 (Beech Tree)

These pictures were taken after the storm, on October 30. They show one of the largest Beech trees in the park. About half the crown broke off the tree and rests on a small branch.

Part 2 (Other Trees)

These pictures were taken after the storm, on October 30. They show various fallen trees, limbs, and branches.

Part 3 (Close-ups)

These pictures were taken after the storm, on October 30. They show close-ups of fallen branches, some with fungi or lichen.

October 29, 2011

Snow Storm

On Saturday, October 29, 2011, an early nor’easter passed through our area, leaving several inches of heavy, wet snow. Most trees had only just begun dropping their leaves. As a result, the tree crowns caught a lot of snow. Many branches were not able to support that much weight and snapped off. Loud cracking sounds could be heard for many hours as branches kept falling out of the trees.

Aside from the widespread damage, parts of the park were quite picturesque.

Part 1

These pictures were taken during the storm, on October 29.

Part 2

These pictures were taken the next morning, on October 30.

February 2, 2011

Ice Storm

An ice storm with freezing rain and below-freezing temperatures passed through our area overnight and during the early morning hours on Groundhog Day, February 2, 2011. Tree branches were covered in a layer of ice. Temperatures reached above the freezing point in the day time. Falling ice could be seen and heard throughout the day, falling down from the treetops. The ground was still covered by a foot of snow from an earlier snow storm. The weight of the ice caused a few small branches to fall out of the trees, but otherwise the park sustained no damage.

July 27, 2010

Storm Cleanup

The Association prefers to let nature take its course. Trees are left where they fall so that they may decompose naturally. Fallen trees are removed (or simply moved out of the way) only when they block one of the main paths.

The March 13 storm caused several of the paths to be blocked. The projected cost of the cleanup was well outside the Association’s operating budget, requiring the Association to undertake a fundraising effort. The kind donations of many residents allowed the park to hire a tree service to clean up the park on July 27, 2010. We hope you agree that the workers did a very nice job.

March 13, 2010

Storm

On Saturday, March 13, 2010, a storm with heavy rain and strong winds caused five large trees and a number of smaller trees and branches to fall down in Woodwild Park.

Part 1

A fallen tall tree near the main entrance of the park. As the tree fell, it caused damage to smaller trees near it.

Part 2

Another fallen tree across the Maple Avenue extension, about a hundred feet past the first tree.

Part 3

A large tree in the center of the park was partially uprooted. It remained standing only because it is leaning against another tall tree.

Part 4

A fallen tree in the northen part of the park. As it fell, it broke off a large branch of a nearby medium sized tree, and it took down a number of smaller trees and branches.

Part 5

A fallen tree near the rear entrance of the park. The tree fell across Chestnut Avenue towards Chestnut Lane, and took down power lines. Judging by its size, this appears to have been one of the oldest trees in the park.

Part 6

The path parallel to Oak Avenue, which is one of the best sledding trails in the park, was blocked by the top that fell out of a small, nearby tree.