I would like to point out to readers of the print version of the WW-P News that the “article” titled “Who Gets Credit For Saving History” in the August 10 issue of the paper was in fact totally written and submitted by West Windsor resident Pete Weale and not actually an interview conducted by the paper as presented. I was surprised that no explanation by the WW-P News was offered given the acerbic nature of the piece. Online it is listed under Letters and Opinions.
In answer to the criticisms about preserving the township’s heritage, previous mayors and councils made the decision to celebrate the West Windsor farming history at the Schenck Farmstead on Southfield Road. That land was donated to the township in 1991 by Mr. Max Zaitz, who also donated tens of thousands of dollars on its preservation. Under this administration, a master plan was developed to preserve all of the buildings on the property. These buildings include the house c1740, barn c1750, carriage house c1910, and a one-room schoolhouse c1900. Numerous artifacts and old farming equipment have also been collected and put on display by the Historical Society of West Windsor. Bathrooms and an Environmental Education Center are being added.
It should be mentioned that of all the farming families of West Windsor, the Schenck family together with the Covenhoven family, were the founding fathers of our farming community. West Windsor was initially established in 1682 when William Penn signed a treaty with the Lenni Lenape. In 1731, the area was known as New Windsor Township and it included Princeton Township, Princeton Borough, and East Windsor. In 1737, the area was sold by Penn’s heirs to the Schenk and Covenhoven families who were Dutch farmers.
M. Patricia Ward
Director, Community Development
