Jes and I met up with Ben who was already at the Visitors Center, and when we entered the library Janet Worrell from the Batsto Citizens Committee introduced herself and talked to us for a few minutes. We then semi wandered around checking out the new building as the guests arrived, and occasionally I/we were introduced to them by Janet.
As Ben's article mentions, the event was in part to rededicate the library in honor of Joseph Truncer who was instrumental in restoring Batsto; however, Joseph Truncer did much more than that during the purchase of Wharton.
He in fact was the surveyor of Wharton when the state purchased it in the mid 50's. He and his crews spent almost 4 years placing monuments along the property lines that the state had purchased. These are the cement monuments frequent visitors to the Wharton forest occasionally find. One is almost directly across from the Carranza Monument along the road if you have never viewed one. It is interesting to note it was the largest survey east of the Mississippi up until that time.
So it was with excitement that I learned that his son and wife would be present at the event, and that I would have the opportunity to chat with them. I first met his son James who many years ago was instrumental in developing the Monmouth County Park system. Our multiple conversations varied from me explaining how because of my interests I became aware of his dads work, to his recollections and facts of his dads surveying of the property.
Later on while the Sugar Sand Ramblers played in the lobby, I caught up with Joseph Truncer's wife as she was enjoying the music, and I discussed a few things with her. She enlightened me with a recollection of a dinner that her and her husband had out with Henry Beck.
At one point I was standing next to Beck's daughter and I was able to get one clear close-up photo of her and some of her family, but I never did see a chance to get to talk with her.
Ben and I were able to speak for a short time with Florence McNelly, superintendent of Wharton State Forest, and we learned a few small bits of info that will be happening in the near future that you may see pop up on this site.
The tour of the mansion was interesting, with a harp player in one of the rooms. We had free roam of the hallways and one empty room, and we visited them all, getting bits of information from volunteers in various rooms.
It was obvious the gathering went well, and most of the credit goes to the members of the Batsto Citizens Committee.
Here is some info on Joseph Truncer and his son James who I spoke with.
http://www.rpts.tamu.edu/pugsley/Truncer Joseph.htm
http://www.rpts.tamu.edu/pugsley/TruncerJames.htm
Guy
