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Post date: October 2, 2023
By Peter Wolff
With the turn of the 19th century, there came a drastic deviation of the once all to typical manufacturing style which had survived for ample centuries. In the many millennia that predated the Industrial Era, employers who wished to earn a wage large enough to be reliant on were forced to produce high quality goods. However, following the early 1800’s, technological innovations began to see a sudden and steady increase in utilization therefore shifting the standard from the thousands of years prior that focused on the condition and functionality of the item to a now larger focus on the quantity of items that could be produced in a short period of time. This was appropriately dubbed the Industrial Revolution, changing many aspects of everyday life such as the style of architecture and the new hobbies that were enabled by the lack of requirement towards employees needing to be provided with extensive training. However, while many of the smaller, more local towns slowly adapted to the changing times, a majority of remote settlements refused to conform and grow alongside the new “Modern ideals.” Today, there is a very short supply of towns that remain standing in which their inhabitants took a stance in opposing the advancements of the future. Despite the lack of surviving towns that were unable to withstand the test of time, amidst the trees and deep within the winding, flourishing forest covered roads of Monmouth County, NJ lay a settlement, unchanged in appearance, that showcases life as it was before the pivotal alteration that was the Industrial Revolution. Allaire Village.
Historical Actors
Today, the historical sight of Allaire Village is home to a group of conservationists who have studied artisanal trades from the mid 1700’s and strive to preserve the historically monumental impacts that not only Allaire Village, but all towns that predated the Industrial Revolution held. Every Sunday (Weather permitting), these non-for-profit actors dress in apparel suitable for the time and attempt to educate the public about the ins and outs of each day before the revolutionary technological era. To be as authentic as possible to the settlers who once resided within the village, these historical scholars take on the daily tasks of the once flourishing town’s citizens no matter how mundane. From glass blowers to blacksmiths, all the cast at Allaire put on an experience that one can not obtain by simply reading a textbook.
Walking Trails
Now, on any other day of the week besides Sunday, these historical scholars will often not be present (Certain events they are). However, that does not mean that one can still not enjoy the village. Open all 7 days a week, Allaire Village has many walking trails that wind around throughout the historic sights and lead through various places where its inhabitants would once gather and chat with one another. Along the trail, placed periodically are trail markers and little informational signage that allows those who may not be able to attend during one of the reenactment days to still face a similar experience to those that did turn up.
Yearly Events
During the holiday season, Allaire village showcases a special insight on the celebrations that would have historically occurred on holidays of the present day. From Easter in the late 1700’s to Christmas, there is a unique take on traditions for all. This year, Allaire village retold the tale of Sleepy Hollow in one of its oldest chapels, held an enormous easter egg hunt and is hosting the retelling of” A Christmas Carol” featuring the great, great grandson of Charles Dickens.
How Allaire Raises Funds
As the historic town of Allaire village is run by a non-for profit organization, (a separate entity from the National Parks Service) all they do occasionally ask for donations and with these donations, they are able to upkeep the appearance and necessary maintenance that these buildings require in order to preserve the important point of history.
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