Sussex County History Today: Ogdensburg Historical Society turns 40

One of Sussex County’s history societies is celebrating its 40th anniversary of serving the community. This community is Ogdensburg!

The group’s president, Jane Krueger, is excited to be sharing its lengthy and rich heritage. She has deep sentimental ties to Ogdensburg as the third-generation descendant of John and Rachel Predmore.

She and her sister Judy Perentin are proud to call Ogdensburg their hometown. The family ties to Ogdensburg starting in 1912, just two years before the town’s incorporation and split from Sparta Township.

Mrs. Krueger, along with the officers and board of trustees, are observing this milestone with a dinner. Through this, all will look back at the past and plan for the future of the historical society.

From Mrs. Krueger:

Ogdensburg has a fertile history that is peppered with many cultures. This mix of countries of origin creates a true melting pot of civilization in this little town.

From farmers who settled the area to the influx of immigrants who came to work in the mining industry, many nations make up the people.

The zinc mining spanned 100 years, and the iron mining influence went back to the Revolutionary War period.

Our community made its mark with its own mineral, named Ogdenite, as well as its own mining museum when the mining industry ended.

Ogdensburg shares with Franklin the moniker of Franklinite: the New Jersey state mineral as memorialized in legislation passed unanimously by Senate and Assembly.

Our community developed from a stagecoach stop to a railroad stop to having a main traffic route to the rest of the county.

We also are known for having our own ‘Backwards Tunnel.’

In 1980s, the need to preserve history was brought to the attention of the mayor and council by Wasco Hadowanetz, the town historian.

Through exploration and grant monies, the Old Schoolhouse and Fire House Museum was established in 1984 to house the history of Ogdensburg and its doors opened in 1986.

During the past 40 years, the town’s history has been celebrated at the museum and through the efforts of the historical society to engage citizens through guest speakers, the Meet the Candidates Night, ethnic dinners, and partnering with the Sterling Hill Mine & Museum for the annual picnic and mine tour.

This year, we plan on having the museum open these Sundays: May 26, June 23 and July 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. Look for the Museum Open sign on the street.

Future Sunday dates will be posted on the Ogdensburg NJ Historical Society’s Facebook page. Come see our antique firetrucks and the interesting information the museum holds of Ogdensburg’s history.

To celebrate this milestone, we have commissioned a new tapestry throw that depicts everything Ogdensburg. The cost is $65. Please use the same contact information for the dinner tickets to place your order.

We are taking time June 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. to enjoy a catered dinner with presentations and entertainment for all to enjoy. Tickets are $35 per adult; $60 per couple. For information and to RSVP, contact Judy Perentin at 973-827-4280 or oburghistoricalsociety@gmail.com by May 20.

“We are looking forward to celebrating this milestone,” she concluded.

All the best to the Ogdensburg Historical Society - a vital member of our Sussex County history!

Bill Truran, Sussex County historian, may be contacted at billt1425@gmail.com