A recent play group trip to story hour on the New Hope Ivyland Railroad got me thinking about the fate of the beloved Dinky train.  If the local landmark is destined to go out of service in exchange for a shuttle, they should convert it into a destination for children’s activities, private parties, and more. OR, take a cue from Rod’s Steakhouse in Morristown, and convert the train and station into a restaurant.  Easier said than done, I know, but numerous railways have been reincarnated into scenic tourist railroads.

What are your thoughts?

“Save the Dinky” merchandise available at CafePress.com

I haven’t blogged in a little while, but all with good reason: last week my 2 year old Maddy became a big sister.

After spending 4 days in the wonderful care of the Labor & Delivery nursing staff at University Medical Center at Princeton, I came home to my new life and slow but steady recovery.  I’ve been watching a lot of tv this week and the Hallmark Channel has been one of my go-to networks for some favorite programming from my childhood like Who’s the Boss and Little House on the Prairie.

Today’s episode of LHP was all about football and included a shout out to both Princeton and Rutgers.  Those of you who followed the series will remember Nels Oleson who owned the local mercantile in town and was the other half of the busybody/town gossip Harriet and daughter Nellie. What you probably didn’t know was that he (his character) played football at Princeton!

This episode focused on Albert (the Ingalls’ adopted son) and the Walnut Grove football team. Rutgers football star Pete Ellerbee comes to town to coach the team and is introduced to the parents by Nels who recalls his Princeton days and playing against Ellerbee. Who knew!

After doing some Internet research, I found that even though the first collegiate football game was in 1869 (LHP took place in the 1880s) Nels and Pete would have been too old for college. A TV show taking creative liberties? Never! Still cool for a show set in 1880s Minnesota to pay homage to a memorable event in football history.

Looks a little like a MOMA annex, don’t ya think?

In case you missed it: bear sitings are on the rise in our area and the latest was in Lawrence near Brystol-Myers Squibb.

Just the other day, I got nervous when 2 baby deer appeared in my cul-de-sac while I was outside with my daughter (we mostly just see bunnies and squirrels) so I don’t want to think about bears hanging out in our scarce grouping of trees.

Maybe in addition to the potty training books, I can find ones that talk about animal safety and the difference between real bears and teddy bears.

Photo courtesy of CentralJersey.com article “Black bear keeps on the move“

Two 19th-century baseball teams-the Flemington Neshanock and the Elizabeth Resolutes-will come back to life on the PHS junior varsity field. You’ll feel like Kevin Costner watching his baseball heroes play right in his backyard. The authentic game will feature period uniforms from 1864 and 1873 and a brief baseball lesson and recreation of “Casey at the Bat” by Brad “Brooklyn” Shaw.  And what is a baseball game without hot dogs? Princeton Soup and Sandwich Co. will supply the lunch and Joe’s ice cream truck will bring dessert.

Cost: Free for HSP members; $2/person or $6/family (4+ people) for non-members.

Location: Princeton High School junior varsity baseball field, next to 25 Valley Road, Princeton.

Time: 11:00am

For more information please call 609.921.6748, ext. 100 or email jeanette@princetonhistory.org