Honoring the Pioneers of the Batsto Citizens Committee

BATSTO – The Batsto Citizens Committee recently kicked off celebrations in honor of its upcoming 50th anniversary with a event honoring the families of Pine Barrens pioneers, and a rededication of the Joseph J. Truncer research library at the Batsto Visitors Center.

Falling snow did not stop what turned out to be standing room only crowds who came to hear speakers talk about the Committee, and the impact that Henry Charlton Beck, Arthur Pierce, and Joseph Truncer had on making it a success.

Florence McNelly, superintendent of Wharton State Forest , spoke first, thanking the committee for their fifty years of service, and announcing that the Batsto Grist Mill will soon be reopening.

Althea Vail, co-chairman of the Citizens Committee, spoke of the rededicated library, announcing that the newer, larger space would allow them to host various workshops and events, the first one being a Children’s Christmas workshop. She then unveiled three portraits painted by her father, George Vail, who also is a member of the Committee. The three portraits, originally unveiled in the early 1970s, were moved for safekeeping during the recent renovation of the library. They honor Joseph Truncer, former director of Parks and Forests, Henry Charlton Beck, renowned Jerseyana folklorist and author of the successful Forgotten Towns books, and Arthur Pierce, author of Iron In the Pines and several other books documenting the impact ironmaking in the Pine Barrens had on the history of the area.

Next to speak was Jose Fernandez, director of the Division of Parks and Forestry, unveiling his new program for the stewardship of New Jersey’s 1 million acres of public land by having groups such as the Citizens Committee work closely with state officials, volunteering ideas and time so that conservation and preservation can happen faster. He honored the Committee by recognizing that the last 50 years of work by the committee was contributed greatly to the welfare of the State.

Up next was Budd Wilson. Wilson , the former state Archaeologist recalled some personal anecdotes regarding Henry Charlton Beck and his late father. Attending the event was Susan Phillips, daughter of Beck and her family.

Joseph Truncer was honored by Tom Pogranicy who is the retired Wharton State Forest superintendent. Truncer was responsible for advocating the restoration of Batsto Village and much of the early work done in restoring the buildings and grounds. Mrs. Ruth Truncer, wife of Joseph, and their son and daughter-in-law James and Ramona were there.

Budd Wilson then spoke about Arthur Pierce and the work that his writing did to foster interest in the history of ironmaking in the Pines. The Pierce family was represented by Eleanor Bringhurst, Arthur’s daughter and the family of her sister Carol Powell.

Also present at the event were Jack Boucher, former BCC chair-person and author of Absegami Yesteryear , John Pearce, author of Heart of the Pines, and Syd Walker, original superintendent of Wharton State Forest.

Following the ceremony, there was an open house at the Batsto Mansion with interpretations given by volunteers.