Deckertown Day planned in Sussex Borough
SUSSEX BOROUGH — Deckertown Day, a chance to discover the history of Sussex Borough through a self-guided walking tour and historic films, will be held Sunday, June 7, from 1-5 p.m.
The event will feature live music, shuttle buses, displays and docents, and is organized by the Friends of the Sussex-Wantage Library. Deckertown Day is an outgrowth of the Friends’ popular “Historic Deckertown” brochure and map, which was introduced last fall to a standing-room-only audience at the library.
“So many people have an interest in our local history, in the stories behind the buildings and the life of the town,” said Jayne McHugh, president of the Friends. “We are looking forward to a great day celebrating Sussex and its history.”
Start a tour at the Sussex Middle School, pick up a brochure and map, and enjoy historical displays and old photos of the town. Two films will run continuously in the auditorium throughout the afternoon: a movie made in the 1940s by local resident Bill Davis showing shops, farms, schools and a firemen’s parade; and a “video walking tour” of downtown Sussex produced by students at High Point Regional High School.
Visit local shops, enjoy live music at the gazebo, and tour the Crescent Theater, which first opened in 1917. The self-guided walking tour will be enhanced by outdoor signs matching up with descriptions in the brochure.
Parking will be available at the middle school or at the library; free shuttle buses will stop at the library, middle school and downtown. A bus will also make designated stops along historic sites and churches in the borough.
This special event is free; advanced registration is not required. Rain or shine!
“We love hearing stories of old Deckertown,” said Barbara Young, chairwoman of the Friends’ local history committee, pointing out that Sussex used to be called Deckertown, after Peter Decker, the town’s founder. “We hope people will come out, enjoy a stroll, share stories, and learn a little bit more about this town.”
For more information, call the library at 973-875-3940.