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:       

Victorian Laundry Demonstration   

Sunday, July 12 from 1-2:30 p.m.   

Sunday, August 9 from 1-2:30 p.m.   

We get it, laundry is agitating for everyone! But you will appreciate your modern conveniences after experiencing a late-Victorian laundry day. From lighting the wood stove to ironing the aprons, we cover loads of material during this demonstration, so make sure to hang around for a bit.   
     

19th Century Woodworking Demonstration  

Saturday, August 22 from 12-3 p.m.    

Woodworking is more than carpentry. See how a woodworker studies his materials, plies his tools, and crafts beautiful and functional items.

  

Lacemaking Demonstration  - Please note that this offering, originally scheduled for Saturday, July 11, is being postponed. Check back for new date.   

Watch lacemaking in action, as our demonstrator shows the historic techniques of crochet, bobbin, and shuttle work used in the Victorian era.    

   

Smocking Demonstration   

Saturday, August 15 from 1-3 p.m.    

Visit Longstreet Farm and view the lost art of smocking, a decorative embroidery or shirring made by gathering cloth in regularly spaced round tucks. Years ago, children's clothing had this decorative embroidery.
  

Cookstove Demonstrations   

Saturdays, September 5 & 19 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.  

Saturdays, October 3, 17 & 31 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.   

Saturdays, November 14 & 28 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.   

Visit the out kitchen and discover how recipes and cooking techniques have changed since the 1890s.  
    

Piano Ballads from the Turn of the Century  

Saturday, September 12 from 1-3 p.m.  

Saturday, October 10 from 1-3 p.m.  

Saturday, November 14 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.

    

Potato Harvest   

Saturday & Sunday, September 12 & 13 from 12-2 p.m.    

Learn how potatoes were grown and harvested at the end of the 19th century. Help the Longstreet Farm staff bring in the crop and dig some potatoes for your own family. Weather and field conditions permitting.
   

Blacksmith Demonstrations   

Sunday, September 13 from 1-3 p.m.   

Sunday, October 11 from 1-3 p.m.  

Sunday, November 8 from 1-3 p.m.   

The blacksmith will be working at the anvil, turning iron into functional tools and hardware. Don't miss this opportunity to see craftsmanship in action and learn about the rich history behind the forge.
  

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s   

Saturday, September 19 from 1-3 p.m.   

Saturday, October 17 from 1-3 p.m.  

Saturday, November 21 from 1-3 p.m.   

Enjoy the melodies of the 1890s played on the accordion while you visit the Longstreet farmhouse.
   

Preserving the Harvest   

Sunday, September 20 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.   

Fall's cooler weather means the end of the growing season, so it's time to prepare for the coming winter. We'll be featuring some 19th-century techniques for food preservation, such as salting, pickling, drying, and jelling.
   

Harvest Home Festival   

Sunday, September 27 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.   

An old-fashioned country fair reminiscent of the 1890s, Harvest Home Festival takes visitors back in time to when neighbors gathered to help with the harvest, spent time socializing and enjoying each other's company. These festivals showcased the best produce and craft work in the community; and music, games, and athletic contests provided entertainment for all who attended. Experience fun from 130 years ago with wagon rides, games, and live entertainment. On-going craft demonstrations may inspire you to start a new hobby!

      

Cider Making Demonstration   

Sunday, October 4 from 12-2 p.m.   

Experience the traditional methods from the 19th century of cider making. This time-honored tradition of pressing apples for cider was produced as a staple, fermented drink that was enjoyed through dark and cold winter days.
    

Traditional Quilting Demonstration  

Sunday, October 18 from 1-3 p.m.   

Traditional hand quilting is becoming a lost art. Hand quilting pre-dates the sewing machine, and it is a great way to add a special touch to your quilt. Be inspired as our quilter demonstrates beautiful quilting stitches, so you can create your own heirloom quilt.

         

Gingerbread Contest  - "Star Spangled Gingerbread"

Calling all Bakers and Artists! This December we invite you to celebrate America's years of independence with a specially crafted patriotic gingerbread creation.

Farmhouse, barns, and other related scenes are encouraged to be patriotic. Show off your talent with red, white and blue. Winners will receive award ribbons and bragging rights.

Registration: Entrants must register between November 9-23. To register or for additional information, call 732-946-3758. Entries will remain on display from December 5-13, in the Visitor Center.

  

   

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.