The Shipman Mansion

November 13 It was Christmas time in 1868 when Paul R. Shipman, a retired newspaper editor, arrived in Edgewater Park, New Jersey, having played a crucial role eight years earlier to keep Kentucky neutral during the Civil War. You are invited to visit his home, the Shipman Mansion, on Wednesday, November 13, for a free program exploring Christmas customs in Shipman’s era. Jane Peters Estes, a student of the Civil War and a reenactor of that conflict and its times, will appear in period costume to discuss the origins of the Christmas tree, stockings hung by the fire and other traditions we still enjoy. Ms. Estes’ interest in the period began when she led a school field trip to Gettysburg. Now a tour director for Starr Tours of Hamilton, N.J., she has since expanded her knowledge of all aspects of the 1860s by touring historical sites and participating in Civil War reenactments. A native of Lumberton, Jane’s efforts in historical preservation were recognized by the Delaware Valley Civil War Round Table when Jane was presented with its "Award of Merit." In 2018, she was chosen to receive the Samuel Town Memorial Award for “outstanding contributions” to Civil War history. Her program begins at 7 p.m., with tours beginning at 6 p.m. of the Shipman Mansion, which is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. The presentation is offered by the non-profit Shipman Mansion Foundation, which is dedicated to the restoration of the 1869 mansion, with a mission to research, preserve and present to the public the cultural, architectural and maritime history of the area. The Shipman Mansion, at 221 Edgewater Avenue, Edgewater Park, is home to the Red Dragon Canoe Club, one of the oldest boating clubs on the Delaware River, whose members invite you to consider joining them for sailing, paddling and social events year round.