Pathways Of History Tour Includes Site In Long Valley

LONG VALLEY, NJ — The Pathways of History, a self-guided weekend tour of Morris County museums and historic sites, is scheduled for May 6 and 7.

The tour will visit over 25 museums, historical societies and sites, including one in Long Valley.

The Washington Township Land Trust will be conducting tours of the historic Obadiah La Tourette Grist and Saw Mill in Long Valley on Sunday between 12 and 5 p.m.

Attendees can expect to be given a tour of the mill's inner workings, which have been actively restored since it was purchased by the Land Trust following its condemnation in 1991.

"Our docents will take attendees on a journey through time as they recount the storied history of the building, as well as the many memorable tenants that called it home over the years," Washington Township Land Trust Chair Daniel J. Ross said. "They will leave with a sense of awe upon learning the way grain was once milled into flour and eventually logs were sawed for timbers utilizing the raw power of the churning South Branch of the Raritan River."

The Obadiah Latourette Grist and Saw Mill is a landmark in the German Valley Historic District. It was built around 1750 by Philip Weise and used water power from the South Branch of the Raritan River until the start of WWII.

For years, the Washington Township Land Trust has been working to restore and preserve this historic site.

"Originally constructed circa 1750, prior to the fight for independence, and has been the cornerstone of historic downtown Long Valley ever since. Hundreds of commuters undoubtedly pass by the mill each day completely unaware of its presence, or at the very least, its vast significance to the development of our town," Ross said.

The Pathways of History tour was designed to provide the entire family with the opportunity to explore Morris County’s rich heritage.

The free, family-friendly event features over two dozen Morris County museums and historic sites that have dug deep into their archives to present the best of their collections in various artistic mediums such as fine art, photography and more.

Volunteers will be on hand to provide background information, as well as live historic craft and music demonstrations. For a list of all sites included on the tour, guides and maps, go to www.PathwaysofHistoryNJ.net.

"The Washington Township Land Trust has been tirelessly devoted to restoring this historic landmark for the better part of three decades, and it is our pleasure to open our doors to the public during an event such as this one so that we can share it with the entire community," Ross said.