October, Halloween, Grovers Mill, and Martians all seem to go together. The barely-visible water tower next to Grovers Mill Company at the intersection of Cranbury, Clarksville, and Grovers Mill roads can rarely be seen through the trees yet how many area residents do not point out the historical area while driving through it? Real estate agents often take their future buyers on a tour of the area. ##M:[more]##
People are still talking about it, IT being “The War of the Worlds” drama as presented by the Mercury Theater on October 30, 1938. Directed by Orson Welles, and written by Howard Koch, the 60-minute broadcast was an adaptation of H. G. Wells’ 1898 novel, “The War of the Worlds.” Koch, who wanted the landing site of his story to be in New Jersey, pointed at a map with a pencil — and landed on Grovers Mill.
Historical Society of West Windsor members Joan Parry and Mary Schenck have assembled a new double exhibit, “War of the World” and the “Village of Grover’s Mill” at the group’s museum. An open house is scheduled for Sunday, October 14, 1 to 4 p.m.
At the top of the stairs leading to the second floor exhibit area, the head of a Martian greets visitors while signs lead to the exhibit. In the first stop, there are many news clippings and articles from the 1938 event to read. In 1988, the 50th anniversary of the event, there were many activities including a parade and the installation of a 3D bronze relief monument in Van Nest Park, featuring Welles, a family, and a Martian machine. Many of the photos on display were taken by Roberta Smith. If visitors find themselves in a photo they are asked to inform the historical society staff. Memorabilia on display include a program, a cookbook, and buttons.
In 1998, during the 60th anniversary, there was a ball at the Hyatt. The interactive gala featured special effects including auditory, lighting, and pyro-techniques, to create a war zone in the ballroom. Dress was Martian-themed costumes or black tie. Tickets were $175.
While there are not many people still in town willing to talk about the 1938 event, there are some who will, some who have, and many stories in print.
Mary Schenck, who lived at the corner of Meadow Road and Route 1 in 1938, did not learn about the broadcast until the next day. Although they often listened to the radio in the evening, the house was quiet on that date. They did not learn of the “invasion” until the next day.
Possibly the most-heard story came from Lolly Dey. A 16-year-old Plainsboro resident, she was at the First Presbyterian Church playing the piano for the youth group that evening. The group was singing when someone came in to tell them that the Martians had landed at Grovers Mill. Dey ran home to tell her mother. When they turned on the radio, they discovered that it was not real news.
Edith Perrine Sprague, who lived in Dutch Neck, also recalls the night. She and her younger sister, Anna, were listening to the show on the radio, and became very frightened. They told their father, who was in the bathroom at the time. Soon the whole family — four children and two adults, got into the car and drove to Grovers Mill. “It was all roped off and we could not get close,” she says. “We wanted to be part of it. It was quite an experience.” The family returned home.
They did not learn the truth until the next day. Prague has very recently donated all of her papers to a Chesterfield teacher who has agreed to share the information with his students. See story on page 23 about her travels with Elsie the Cow.
The Grovers Mill Coffee Company, run by former councilman Frank Gamatese, to be located at the site, will be dedicated to the memory of the 1938 broadcast and the lasting impression it made on American history and society.
“The War of the Worlds” is also being presented at the Wells Science Fiction Festival, at 59E59 Theaters, New York City, on Thursday, October 11, to Saturday, November 3. www.59e59.org. Tickets are $25.
“War of the Worlds” will be presented as a benefit for the David Sarnoff Library on Saturday, October 27, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Presented by the Hunterdon Radio Theater’s cast, it will be broadcast over 16 antique radios by the New Jersey Antique Radio Club. Thereminist Kip Rosser will accompany electronic musicians Gregg Waltzer and Howard Moscovitz of the Martian Radio Orchestra for a half hour of appropriate “mood music” before each show. Tickets range from $10 to $15 for the matinee, and $15 to $25 for the evening show. Call 215-885-5355 for reservations.
— Lynn Miller
Open House, Historical Society of West Windsor, Schenck House, 50 Southfield Road, West Windsor, 609-799-1278. Visit a new double exhibit, “War of the World” and the “Village of Grover’s Mill.” Self-guided tour of 1790-1830 kitchen and Victorian double parlor. Exhibit of West Windsor history in museum rooms. English-Dutch barn, outhouse, corn crib, and other farm buildings on view. Donations welcome. Sunday, October 14, 1 to 4 p.m.
