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:   

Parlor Games for Wintry Weather    

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, 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.

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.

Cookstove Demonstration   

Saturdays, March 7 & 21 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.   

Saturdays, April 4, 18 & 26 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.   

Saturdays, May 2 & 16 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 
Sunday, May 31 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.       

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

Blacksmith Demonstration   

Sunday, March 8 from 1-3 p.m.   

Sunday, April 12 from 1-3 p.m.   

Sunday, May 10 from 1-3 p.m.    

Head to the blacksmith shop and see craftsmanship in action and learn about the rich history behind the forge.

   

19th Century Woodworking Demonstration   

Saturday, March 21 from 1-3 p.m.   

Saturday, May 16 from 1-3 p.m.   

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

                

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s   

Saturday, March 21 from 1-3 p.m.  

Saturday, April 18 from 1-3 p.m.  

Saturday, May 16 from 1-3 p.m.  

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

Piano Ballads from the Turn of the Century   

Saturday, March 28 from 1-3 p.m.   

Saturday, April 11 from 1-3 p.m.   

Saturday, May 30 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.
    

Wood Carving Demonstration   

Saturday, March 28 from 1-3 p.m.   

Using a collection of knives, gauges, and their imagination, see how our wood carver whittles a block of wood into a beautiful work of art.

    

Traditional Quilting Demonstration   

Sunday, April 19 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.
 

Wool Days/Sheep Shearing   

Saturday & Sunday, April 25 & 26 from 12-3 p.m.   

Harvesting wool is a farm activity performed every spring. Stop by this weekend to learn how our farmers use traditional blade shearing practices to remove the fleece from our sheep. Gene Sheninger will return with his collies to demonstrate their herding skills.    

    

Rug Hooking Demonstration   

Saturday, April 25 from 1-3 p.m.    

Join us for this demonstration of the 19th-century craft of rug hooking.
   

Felting Demonstration   

Sunday, April 26 from 1-3 p.m.   

Felted wool is the world’s oldest known textile. Learn the process of felting wool that can be used in garments.
   

Embroidery Demonstration   

Saturday, May 2 from 1-3 p.m.   

Embroidery is the skilled art of applying decorative designs with a needle and thread. Be inspired by the various stitches and embellishments to create a beautiful piece of clothing or decoration for your home.

    

Traditional Chair Caning Demonstration   

Saturday, May 9 from 1-3 p.m.    

Chair caning is an intricate skill. Our demonstrator will show you the process of weaving natural plant fibers into the seat of a chair, creating a delicate but sturdy design.

  

The Libby Prison Minstrels  

Saturday, May 23 from 1-3 p.m.   

Visit the farm and be entertained by the Libby Prison Minstrels, known for their historical songs about life on the battlefield and the home front during the Civil War era.
    

Decoration Day Celebration   

Monday, May 25 from 12-3 p.m.    

Before it was called Memorial Day, Americans celebrated Decoration Day. This family holiday originated soon after the Civil War, when women decorated the graves of fallen soldiers. It was a day for family reunions and remembrance. Enjoy the good company of family and friends at Longstreet Farm as we honor this early American holiday.

    

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.