Spencer Martin (in tricorn hat) with other Historical Society Volunteers on the side porch of the Osborn Cannonball House Museum.

Spencer Martin, a junior at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School (SPFHS), has been recognized as the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood (Historical Society) Student Volunteer of the Year. As the founder and co-president of the SPFHS History Club, Spencer has forged a vital connection between local students and the Historical Society since the Fall of 2023. Prior to his involvement, student volunteers were rare. There now exists a meaningful bridge between the SPFHS History Club and the Historical Society linking our towns past with its present.

Spencer has organized volunteers to help out at the Osborn Cannonball House Museum, one of Scotch Plains’ Revolutionary War-era sites, by managing students who volunteer for two of the museum’s biggest events. Alongside Historical Society members, students serve as docents giving tours of the museum and aiding children with crafts and games. Visitors to the museum have remarked how encouraging it is to see students involved in the preservation of their local history.

In addition to volunteering his time to the museum, in May of this year, Spencer spearheaded a fundraiser on the museum’s behalf. Over $1,000 was raised to help support the preservation of the museum building. His passion and commitment to local history also earned him a seat on the Historical Society’s Board of Directors, where he serves as its first student and youngest member.

Spencer’s drive, dedication and leadership skills make him an ideal candidate for this award. His outstanding academic record and his involvement in other activities and community organizations outside the Historical Society only highlight his achievements.

The collaboration between the SPFHS History Club and the Historical Society is an inspiring example of how different generations can come together to support a common cause. Both organizations are optimistic that this partnership will remain strong. The Historical Society looks forward to continuing working with Spencer and future History Club students who will follow in Spencer’s footsteps. Together, we will keep history alive across all generations.

 Many of us will be traveling for Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends so the November 26th Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood program is a timely one. Society president David Bierman and technician extraordinaire member Glenn Mongold will show the short film of Horatio’s Drive. This is the exciting true story of Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson, who on a whim, bet $50 that he could drive a 2 cylinder 20hp Winton Carriage-like automobile from the West Coast San Francisco to the East Coast NYC in 1903.  He hires a young mechanic and chauffeur, Sewall K. Crocker,  as his driving partner. Somewhere near Idaho Horatio buys a bulldog he names “Bud” who has to be outfitted with goggles to protect his sensitive eyes since there is no windshield. Amid many breakdowns and losses, the trio becomes famous. People turn out to meet them on their 63 days, 12 hours trip. Upon completion, Horatio decides not to collect his bet:  having done it to prove a point is satisfaction enough.

David Bierman has been a vivid antique car enthusiast since age 10. His family has been involved with pre-1930 cars since before he was born. He’s a member of numerous pre-1930 Car Clubs and himself owns 4 pre-1930 autos. Glenn Mongold is a movie enthusiast who watches many car shows and who has established a Friday family movie night. He works in a technical field in the custservice field and solves many technical problems at our monthly meetings.

Come to this program on Tuesday evening November 26th to see a movie where you imagine taking a road trip in your vehicle that has a riding lawn mower engine put into a carriage and driving it from the West coast to the East Coast with very few roads available. The meeting starts at 7:30 PM and is held at the Shady Rest Golf Club at 820 Jerusalem Road (at the corner of Plainfield Ave.) in Scotch Plains. Refreshments and fellowship follow the presentation. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.