Historic Longstreet Farm

 

The sights, sounds, and smells of rural Monmouth County in the 1890s have been re-created on 9 acres at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel Park, Holmdel. Interpreters in period dress show both daily and seasonal agricultural and domestic activities. This site is dedicated to being an accurate historic representation of a working farm in the 1890.

Longstreet Farm is open daily year round from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visitors may enter at their leisure, free of charge. From Memorial Day through Labor Day the farm is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Pets are not allowed within the farm.

With its interior furnished in late-Victorian style, the Longstreet Farmhouse is open from 12-3:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays, March through December, or by reservation. Originally built as a two-room Dutch cottage prior to 1775, the house was expanded and redesigned over time. In the 1790s, the large two-story main section was constructed. A larger kitchen and the present porch were added around 1840.

The site is maintained as a living historical farm with the purpose of interpreting the agricultural activities in Monmouth County's rural past. This interpretation includes the breeds of animals and crops raised at this site in the 1890s. For your safety, as well as the safety of the animals, we ask that you do not touch or feed the animals. As a general precaution when leaving this site, you are encouraged to wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 

Longstreet Farm’s mission is to promote an appreciation for Monmouth County farm life at the end of the 19th century, preserving historic structures and practices through interpretive programs and tours.  Livestock are an important component of this mission. The farm’s livestock are raised and cared for just as they were in the past – to meet the labor, food, and material needs of the farm.  Mules and horses help plow the fields and harvest crops; dairy cows, chickens and pigs provide food to eat; and sheep are raised for meat and wool. 
 
The livestock are well cared for and receive modern veterinary visits to secure their good health and intended use.  Periodically, the animals are bred to ensure the health of the historic breeds and to provide visitors with a realistic window into the life cycle of farm animals as it was in the 1890s and as it is today on thousands of small farms across the nation. 
 
When the animals can no longer work toward the educational goals of the farm, they are replaced with animals that can.  Farm staff work with local farmers who may prepare the animals for market, or with institutions that may have other uses for the animals. The Park System welcomes placement offers for retired Longstreet Farm livestock. Inquiries may be made to Philip Andras, Park Manager, 732-946-3758. Longstreet Farm Livestock

Throughout the year, Longstreet Farm hosts weekend activities that allow visitors to experience life as it would have been during the 1890s. For additional information on any of these activities, call 732-946-3758.  

Upcoming Free Events:   

Cookstove Demonstration   
Saturdays, November 8 & 22 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.   
Visit the out kitchen and discover how recipes and cooking techniques have changed since the 1890s.

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s  

Saturday, November 8 from 1-3 p.m.   

In the mid-19th century, the accordion became a favorite of folk musicians. Enjoy the melodies on your visit to the Farm.

       

Piano Ballads from the Turn-of-the-Century   

Saturday, November 15 from 1-3 p.m.    

Tap your feet, dance a one-step, or sing along to popular turn-of-the-19th-century ballads as they are played on our farmhouse piano.

     

Blacksmith Demonstration

Sunday, November 9 from 1-3 p.m.

Sunday, December 14 from 1-3 p.m. 

Head to the blacksmith shop and see this skill in action. 

  

Cider Making Demonstration   

Sunday, November 16 from 12-2 p.m.   

Autumn is here, the leaves are changing color, and the cool crisp air is upon us. Help the farm staff press this year's apple harvest into cider. Sample some fresh cider and talk about cider's other uses on the farm.
  

19th Century Christmas Ballads  

Saturdays, December 6 & 20 from 1-3 p.m.   

This holiday season come to the Longstreet farmhouse and enjoy 19th century Christmas ballads played on the piano.
  

Holiday Tree Trimming   

Saturday, December 6 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.   

Homemade ornaments are so much fun to make, and this year we're decorating for Christmas with your help! Meet us at the Longstreet Farm Visitor Center to create Victorian Christmas tree ornaments, featuring pipe cleaner candy canes and stars, paper chains, snowflakes, and more! Your artwork will be displayed on the Visitor Center Christmas tree for all to see!
  

The Sounds of Christmas   

Saturday, December 13 from 1-3 p.m.    

Celebrate the holidays visiting the Longstreet farmhouse this season. Enjoy the tranquil music as Max Rowland and the Stark & Steady band plays Christmas carols from the Victorian era.
  

Visit with Santa   

Saturday, December 13 from 12-3 p.m.   

Sunday, December 14 from 12-3 p.m.    

Father Christmas is coming to Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel! He invites young visitors and their families to join him and welcomes them to bring their letters for him to read. No appointment needed and pictures are encouraged.
  

Parlor Games for Wintry Weather   

Saturday, January 10 from 12-2:30 p.m.   

Sunday, February 8 from 12-2:30 p.m.  

Strategize your best moves while playing Halma and Basilinda, two long-forgotten 1890s board games. We also have old-time favorites like Backgammon, Checkers, and Dominoes.
  

Cutting, Splitting & Hewing   

Sunday, January 4 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.  

Sunday, February 1 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.   

Wood heated the farmer three times: once when they gathered the wood, once when they split the wood, and a final time when they burned the wood. Come out to Longstreet Farm and get warmed up using a two-man saw and splitting wedge, and then learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad axe to hew beams.
  

Make-and-Take Victorian Dolls

Sunday, January 11 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Dolls have provided entertainment for young children throughout the ages, and in many rural communities, they were made from items found in the home. Drop in for a quick lesson on crafting two styles of home-made Victorian dolls - corn husk dolls and rag dolls.

Ropework on the Farm  

Sunday, January 25 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.   

Ever wondered how to tie a knot that won’t slip — or how farmers make a strong loop right into the end of a rope? Join us for a fun, hands-on session where we’ll explore the fascinating world of knots and splices. You’ll discover the difference between a square knot and a reef knot, learn when to use a bend or a hitch, and see how to splice an “eye” in a rope. Then it’s your turn to practice! With guidance from our instructors, you’ll gain the confidence to tie and use the same practical knots we rely on every day around the farm.

               

Gingerbread Contest - "Winter on the Farm"  

Open to ages 10 and up.   
 

Calling all bakers and artists! This December we invite you to add some spice to Longstreet Farm by taking part in our Gingerbread Contest. The theme is "Winter on the Farm" - farmhouses, barns and other farm-related scenes are encouraged. Winners will receive award ribbons and bragging rights.
 

Contestants may enter in the following categories:

• Individual Youth - ages 10-17
• Individual Adult - age 18+
• Family
• Business/Organization; Small Group (Scout group, church group, etc.)

Registration: Entrants must register between November 10 and November 24 by calling 732-946-3758.

Please check back for additional information.

Longstreet Farm has group activities covering a variety of topics relating to agricultural and social history. These programs have been developed for a wide range of age groups. There are fees for all programs listed. For additional information and registration, call 732-946-3758 or write to Longstreet Farm Programs, Monmouth County Park System, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738. 

Other points of interest: 

• Tenant House - This building, across Longstreet Road, was home to the family that worked at Longstreet Farm. During the 1890s, the Hylin family, who emigrated from Ireland, were tenants on the farm. The house is now used for staff offices. c. 1850 with additions.
• Holmes-Hendrickson House - Nestled in a grove of trees, this historic museum is open seasonally for tours. Built in 1754, it provides an excellent example of local Dutch building tradition and a glimpse into the county's colonial past. Learn more about the Holmes-Hendrickson House and its tours.

Professional Portrait Photography    

Directions

• Garden State Parkway to Exit 114. Southbound, turn right onto Red Hill Rd; northbound, turn left onto Red Hill Rd. Follow Red Hill Rd. to Everett Rd., turn right (heading west). Follow Everett Rd. to Roberts Rd., turn left. Follow Roberts Rd. to Longstreet Rd., turn right to Park on left.  
  
• State Hwy. 34 to Roberts Rd. (1.75 miles north of Rt. 520). Southbound, turn left; northbound, turn right. Follow Roberts Rd. to Longstreet Rd., turn left. Park is on left. 
  
• State Hwy. 35 to Holmdel/Keyport Rd. Northbound, turn left; southbound, turn right. Follow Holmdel/Keyport Rd. to Crawfords Corner Rd., turn left. Continue to Longstreet Rd., turn right Park is on right.