Category: Chapter Stuff

Jockey Hollow Members Host Table On The Morristown Green To Welcome Lafayette’s Return

Five compatriots staffed a table on The Morristown Green on Sunday, July 13, 2025 to celebrate the bicentennial of the Marquis de Lafayette’s farewell tour of America. The wonderful event brought more than an estimated 1000+ people out to visit the displays, watch and march in the parade, listen to the guest speakers and enjoy the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey’s rendition of the specially composed music for the event.

President Jeff La Marca, in full uniform, along with Vice President Michael Smilek, Sergeant-at-Arms George Link, and compatriots David Paretti and Ellis Bailey were visited by many of the attendees, answering questions about the SAR, our chapter, and our projects. Numerous men completed forms to allow follow up for possibly joining the chapter.

The parade saw the arrival of the Marquis in horse drawn carriage, escorted by a fife and drum corps, dragoons from the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, re-enactors from the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, cannon fire, church bells, other period re-enactors and townsfolk. Numerous town officials and re-enactors participated in the event. The Marquis circulated through the crowd, being welcomed by all, much like the event 200 years ago.

It was a wonderful day of camaraderie, enlightenment and celebration.

You can read more about the day at: https://morristowngreen.com/2025/07/14/two-centuries-later-vive-lafayette-echoes-on-the-morristown-green/

and at: https://morristowngreen.com/2025/07/14/lafayette-conquers-morristown-once-more/

Re-enactor Julie Diddell (Westfield Chapter, DAR)
Re-enactor Pat Sanftner (Morristown Chapter, DAR)
Re-enactors Jeff La Marca (President, Jockey Hollow Chapter) and Frank Hadley (President, Colonel John Rosenkrans Chapter)
Sargent-at-Arms George Link and President Jeff La Marca ready for visitors.
Our table on The Green.
The Marquis de Lafayette (Michael Halbert), his escort Ned Hector (Noah Lewis) and event co-chair Carol Barkin.

Reinstallation of Patriot Marker for Pvt. William Connet

By Jockey Hollow Chapter SAR and Morristown Chapter DAR

On Sunday, June 23, you are invited to join the Jockey Hollow Chapter SAR and Morristown Chapter DAR for the reinstallation of the Patriot marker for Pvt. William Connet, a revolutionary war soldier buried at the historic Hilltop Cemetery behind the Hilltop First Presbyterian Church in Mendham Borough, NJ. Private William Connet served in the NJ Militia during the Revolutionary War. His marker was installed many years ago, but was found broken and in bad shape. It has been repaired and restored and will be reinstalled at his grave site.

The beautiful Hilltop First Presbyterian Church and cemetery is near the Jockey Hollow encampment site and is the final resting place of many Revolutionary War veterans.

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Hilltop First Presbyterian Church Cemetery
20 Hilltop Rd., Mendham Borough, NJ 07945

All are welcome. Meet in the cemetery.

Jockey Hollow Represented at Grave Marking Ceremony

Yesterday, the Jockey Hollow Chapter (NJ), SAR was represented at a grave marking ceremony at the Big Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Newville, Pennsylvania. Jockey Hollow President Jeff La Marca assisted in placing a wreath to commemorate Revolutionary War Patriots.

Washingtonburg Chapter, PASSAR Representative Ray Mowery IV and Jockey Hollow President Jeff La Marca.
Placing wreath at monument recognizing Revolutionary War Patriots.