The John Ballantine House was built in 1885 for John and Jeannette Ballantine, in Newark, New Jersey. The Ballantines were a prominent family who owned the Ballantine Beer Brewery. The mansion’s limestone and brick exterior, is a prelude to the exquisite decorated period rooms. It allows you to step into the richness of Newark’s past.
To learn more about The Ballantine House, which is part of the Newark Museum, click this link to the official site.
Ballantine House 49 Washington Street, Newark NJ
The Ballantine House was home to joyous and heartbreaking occasions. Below are two articles from the New York Times that highlight each of those occasions.
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Published: January 24, 1883 Copyright © The New York Times |
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Published: February 7, 1894 Copyright © The New York Times |
Two things strike me about this. One, I knew that Newark had a long history of beer making, but I didn't know about Ballantine specifically. I've been the museum a number of times, but never notice the Ballantine house. I will definitely pay more attention to it the next time I'm in that neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing that I noticed was that the social event didn't start until 11 PM, dinner was over at 1:30 AM, and people left by 4 AM. I guess I tend to think of this kind of schedule as a modern practice, but clearly it was not. I guess I knew Cinderella had to leave by midnight, but I never thought too much about it.
The Ballantine House is just beautiful & the museum offers a wonderful tour. Another treasure in our backyard that we tend to overlook. I have several books about days gone by on the Newark Social scene. It is amazing to see how the city has changed so dramatically. Sadly what was once bustling & a hub of industry is now in such despair and state of disrepair.
ReplyDeleteIt's fascinating that this house survived all that has gone on it Newark over the years. I took the tour a few summers ago. You described the interior perfectly. It is "exquisite."
ReplyDeleteI never realized this house existed....to think it's big enough to hold a "ball"! I like the idea of taking a tour. Sounds like a good Sat outing
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty sad that I lived in Newark for 25 years and never visited the Newark Museum! I agree with Susan - good Saturday or Sunday outing.
ReplyDelete~Gaby
I visited the Newark Museum and the Ballantine House a few years ago as a chaperon on a class trip. I would like to go back again and possibly have my students write a piece of historical fiction about the Ballantines. It would be a chance for them to use primary sources like the ones you provided and their personal observations to craft their own literature. I have had students write pieces of historical fiction in the past, but I believe that having them actually observe a historical place with their own senses would be much more meaningful.
ReplyDeleteI would never even think that such a fancy society evening would have been in Newark! I've heard great things about the Newark museum, so this seems to be one more thing worth checking out.
ReplyDeleteWhen I went for a tour I was amazed at how beautiful the inside of the house looked. Even though I have heard how prominent of a city Newark used to be, sometimes it is hard to picture it by Newark's current reputation.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great Saturday day trip!
When I read the article I was shocked to read that the ball started at 11pm and ended at 4am. I didn't think people of that timed partied like that. I can imagine the grand attire, laughter, music, menu, and conversation and would have loved to have been in attendance as a guest.