About the
Society
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About the Society |
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During the Victorian era of the late 1800s, many new communities were formed across America. Prompted by a need to escape the rapidly growing urban and industrial regions, attempts were made to establish communities built on ideal principles; places that were both physically and spiritually healthful.
Methodist Camp Meetings—open air religious revivals held in woodland or seaside settings and lasting many days — gained popularity. Some grew into enduring communities; permanent structures replaced the original tents.
Mount Tabor was founded as this type of camp meeting ground— the site where a camp meeting was held for ten days or so each summer. The camp meeting itself consisted of a heavy schedule of religious services, prayer meetings, and uplifting lectures. Shortly after its founding in 1869, as the first permanent camp meeting site in New Jersey, it became evident that the early participants in the community would not be content to spend only the short period of the camp meeting here. Very quickly Mount Tabor became a summer resort community with social and cultural activities added to the religious programs. Eventually the summer tents and cottages became year-round homes, still within the dimensions of the original 25' x 16' tent lots.
Today, Mount Tabor is a very special community. It has an historic heritage that is
being proudly preserved. It is a community full of good will and good neighbors.
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Our mission is to restore and preserve the Victorian heritage of Mount Tabor and its roots as a Methodist "camp meeting" and to increase community awareness and participation in planning for the future, in harmony with our past.
The Society was formed in 1990 when several community-minded citizens organized to assemble a slide show, which became the video “Mount Tabor: Then and Now.” The society has been active in community projects concerning the historic and natural beauty of Mount Tabor ever since.
Over the years the Society has developed a growing collection of historic documents, photographs, postcards and memorabilia. We are now working towards finding a home for this important collection. In the meantime, we plan to produce a traveling exhibit, and maintain rotating exhibits in local exhibit cases for the public.
Our collection is the result of generous gifts from friends and members. New donations
to our collection are welcomed as an excellent way to ensure the long-term preservation of
items of historical interest. All donations are tax deductible.
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The Society’s goal is to acquire a house or other building that reflects the
historic architectural flavor of Mount Tabor, and could be a home for our growing
collection and displays.
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Want to Get Involved? We always have more fantastic ideas and plans than we have
member-volunteer hours! We need your energy and ideas. Get to know your neighbors and get
involved in your community. Please join us!
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Our meetings are normally held on the second Thursday of each month in the
historic Bethel Pavilion. Meetings start at 7:00 for a social half-hour,
followed at 7:30 by any scheduled program and a business meeting. The Bethel is
located in Trinity Park, just up the path from the Post Office/Tabernacle on
Simpson Avenue. The public is welcome to attend our regular meetings and special
programs.
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The Mt. Tabor Historical Society also sponsors "At the Tabernacle," which
features concerts in the Tabernacle. Click here
for more information.
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You are cordially invited to become a member of the Mount Tabor Historical Society. Your membership will help to support the work of the Society and is tax-deductible. With membership you will receive a monthly newsletter, keeping you up-to-date on our activities and events, and a ten percent discount on purchases.
Our yearly membership dues are as follows:
Patron: $200
Sustaining Member: $50
Family: $25
Individual Member: $15
Senior Citizen: $10
You may download a membership application
here, or contact us at:
Mount Tabor Historical Society P.O. Box 271, Mount Tabor, NJ 07878.
At one time, Mount Tabor was graced by an impressive welcoming
sign which arched above the walking path at the main entrance at the base of the hill,
where Dickerson Road intersects with Route 53. Unfortunately, this piece of our past had
not survived to the present day. A group of Mount Tabor residents, sponsored by the
CMA’s Ad-hoc Beautification Committee, with support from the Historical Society,
worked to replace the original wood sign with a wrought iron replica. The intent was to
resurrect this example of Victorian architecture as part of an ongoing effort to restore
the unique heritage of Mount Tabor. The fundraising campaign welcomed donations from
residents and friends of Mount Tabor who wanted to take part in the restoration project.
The arch was completed and erected in June 2001.
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Mount Tabor Historical Society puts all program proceeds back into our community through beautification, educational, and restoration projects. Past projects include: Educational Programs, Production of Video, Placement of Fountain in Trinity Park, Gazebo Restoration, Refinishing of the Floor and Installation of Wall Sconces in the Tabernacle, Archival Grant to the CMA.
In addition to providing educational programs and house tours, the Mount Tabor Historical Society has made many fine contributions to the community which include the following:
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| Welcome | House Tour | Walking Tour | Contact Us | Calendar of Events | Directions | Related Links