Monthly Archives: May 2024

The History Club of The Scotch Plains/Fanwood High School is sponsoring a fundraiser on behalf of the Osborn Cannonball House Museum, at 1840 Front Street in Scotch Plains, across the street from the Stage House Restaurant, on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Presidents and founders of the SPFHS History Club, Spencer Martin and Max Nicholson, encourage everyone to show support for the SPF Community to help ensure that its history is preserved for future generations to enjoy. The History Club members will be raising money to assist with the costs of restoration of the museum.

 

For those interested in visiting the c.1750 building, there will be tours of the museum given by docents dressed in 18th-century attire. There will also be 18th-century games and a craft for children to make and take home.

 

Please come out and visit the Osborn Cannonball House Museum and experience an extraordinary example of an 18th-century home.

 

Step back in time at the Osborn House and see, hear, and feel what life was like for an 18th Century Scotch Plains family. We hope to see you there!

The Osborn Cannonball House, located at 1840 Front Street in Scotch Plains, will be open to the public on Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 2.p.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Period accurate, costumed docents will be giving tours of this c.1750 museum, which was home to one of Scotch Plains earliest families. The story of the family of Jonathan and Abigail Osborn, the owners of the home in the 18th century, is a fascinating one. The Osborns are part of the early fabric that helped create the tapestry of the Scotch Plains that we know today.

 

Two of the Osborn sons fought in the war for freedom against the British practically in their own backyard. In fact, a skirmish took place right in front of their home on the corner of Front Street and Park Avenue in Scotch Plains during The Battle of the Short Hills on June 26, 1777. The nickname given by the neighbors to the house of “Cannonball House” comes from a legend that the house was hit by an errant cannonball during that battle.

 

Also on display at the museum will be summer dresses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and a collection of original accessories from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, including shoes, purses, hats, etc. from the museum’s vast collection of antique clothing and accessories.

Step back in time at the Osborn House and see, hear, and feel what life was like for an 18th Century Scotch Plains family. We hope to see you there!