For the second year, Jockey Hollow Chapter will support the Wreaths Across America Program. This year, the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery, United Methodist Church Cemetery, and Flanders-Hillside Cemetery (NJFPUM) will be the site we support through donations of wreaths and time. This wonderful program, sponsored and managed by the Ferro Monte Chapter, NSDAR for 11 years, to be held at 99 Main Street in Succasunna, NJ honors approximately 700 graves of the men and woman who have served our county. The ceremony will be on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
What can you do?
Sponsor (purchase) wreaths at the Official Jockey Hollow Chapter donation page. Same $17 price per wreath as last year. Please ask family, friends, associates and acquaintances to help support. Note: cut-off date for ordering for 2025: ~Thanksgiving.
After the wonderful events on The Morristown Green on Sunday, July 13, 2025, two members attended the Lafayette Ball at the historic Sansay House in Morristown. The event was a re-enactment of the ball held 200 years ago to celebrate Lafayette’s return visit to Morristown.
The Sansay House was the actual venue for the original ball, and the hosts, Dillard and Adrienne Kirby, of the contemporary party truly went all out to make this celebration memorable. The house entry was adorned with blue, white and red flowers in the gardens, in honor of the the Marquis’s home country. The “dining” room was set as though the Marquis and his hosts and guests had just finished a grand meal, while around the room were originals of correspondence from, and to, the Marquis owned by the Gilder-Lehrman Institute for American History – what a treat. Proceeding to the back yard, guests were treated with French champagne cocktails upon entry. The passed foods were delicious, French-themed wonders.
President Jeff La Marca and compatriot Ellis Bailey joined the approximate 130 guests in enjoying the festivities of toasts from the re-enactors, specially composed music from an ensemble from the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, and an exhibition of period dances by professional dancers from NYC and CT, in costume.
This was a wonderful event held by those that support the history and triumphs of America, and Morristown’s contributions.
The splendid Sansay House decorated for the Ball.Attendees enjoying the Ball.Attendees enjoying the Ball.The Ensemble from the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey.The dancers demonstrating choices of the period.The “Sansay’s” escorting their esteemed guest, “The Marquis de Lafayette.”
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.
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.
Two chapter compatriots enjoyed the symposium “The Marquis de Lafayette: Human Rights Champion” held on July 14, 2025 at the Morris County Library in Morristown. Over 120 people attended.
Prior to lunch, Alan Hoffman, President of the American Friends of Lafayette, presented “Lafayette and the Anti-Slavery Cause” and Diane Windham Shaw, Curator Emerita, Lafayette Collections of Lafayette College, presented “Lafayette and Human Rights”. Both presentations were excellent and provided great insight to the hero’s beliefs and actions.
After lunch, a panel, moderated by Chuck Schwam, Executive Director of the American Friends of Lafayette, included the two presenters in addition to John Becica (author and historian), Pat Sanftner (DAR past state historian re-enacting a Quaker woman), and Leslie Bramlett (owner of “From the Grey Fortress” educational consultancy re-enacting Hannah Till, Washington’s cook who served Lafayette). The panel discussed various topics and questions about Lafayette and his role as human rights champion.
Compatriots David Paretti and Ellis Bailey enjoyed the presentations and discussions about the great leader.
Symposium programPresenter Alan Hoffman.Presenter Diane Windham Shaw.Panel discussion and Q&A. Diane Windham Shaw, John Becca, Leslie Bramlett, Pat Sanftner, Alan Hoffman and moderator Chuck Schwam.
Four chapter members attended the June 21, 2025 presentation of the off-Broadway play “Father Anonymous” to celebrate America 250. The play “tells the story of America’s forgotten founder Dr. Joseph Warren and his more famous friends, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere. Opening on the day of the Boston Massacre (1770), it closes with Joseph’s martyrdom at Bunker Hill (1775)” – https://fatheranonymousplay.com
The story of Joseph Warren is truly inspiring – the ultimate sacrifice so that we can have the opportunity to celebrate 250 years as a democracy.
President Jeff La Marca, Vice President Michael Smilek, and Compatriots George Robb and Ellis Bailey attended the wonderful play. Vice President Smilek is the Producer of the play and facilitated the event for the members. Everyone had a wonderful time at the outing.
The play is currently at the AMT Theater on West 45th Street, NYCPresident La Marca and Vice President Smilek discuss the play during intermission.Morristown Chapter DAR member Pat Sanftner also enjoyed the play with the members.Members George Robb, Michael Smilek, Jeff La Marca and Ellis Bailey enjoyed the outing.
Thursday evening, January 9, 2024 was an exciting time for Chapter President Jeff La Marca and Compatriot Ellis Bailey who attended the premier of the NJ PBS documentary about Jockey Hollow: Morristown National Historical Park, held at the Morristown Museum.
The 27 minute documentary depicts the significant history and impact of Jockey Hollow to the American Revolution. NJ PBS produced the video in partnership with The Friends of Jockey Hollow and other generous contributors, most in attendance at the premier. The night started with a reception where guests were able to mingle and socialize with the producers, subject-matter experts in the video, and other notable leaders in the Morristown history community. During the reception, Jeff and Ellis raised the profile of the chapter and built valuable new relationships. The reception was followed by the premier screening of the film and a panel discussion. The entire event offered great insights into the historic park, the creation of the video, and discoveries along the way.
The video aired to the public for the first time on January 15, 2025 on NJ PBS, with multiple showings over the next few weeks. It can also be viewed on-line any time at:
The documentary is one in the wonderful series from NJ PBS called “Treasures of New Jersey”, that delves into other “treasures” of the state. The series can be found at https://www.njpbs.org/programs/treasures-of-new-jersey/ and on most regional TV providers’ PBS channels.
Thanks to Bobbi Bailey, Registrar of the Morristown Chapter DAR and DAR State Chair of Historic Preservation, who facilitated the chapter members’ invitations and also attended.
Please make the time to watch this wonderful video and please share it with others so they can enjoy it and better understand our Jockey Hollow namesake.
All compatriots should have received their renewal forms for 2025 from our state organization. It is very important that you renew your membership now. The form is attached here, just in case you didn’t receive yours in the mail or have misplaced it. Don’t forget and renew today!
On July 20, 2024, members of the Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR participated in the marker cleaning event held by the Morristown Chapter, DAR at Fort Nonsense, part of the Morristown National Historical Park. The main stone marker and numerous information markers were cleaned, using preservation approved cleaners and brushes, to revitalize the area in preparation for America 250 ceremonies in 2025. This is just one of many events around the Morristown area sponsored by the Morristown Chapter, DAR. Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR members have participated in others, also.
Main marker at Fort Nonsense, before cleaning, showing years of accumulated grime and organic material on the stone.
DAR hosts and SAR compatriot Ellis Bailey scrubbing the main marker.
DAR hosts and SAR President Jeff La Marca, admiring the drying marker after cleaning.
One of the many, nicely cleaned information markers after the event.
The Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR is proud to announce that our first workshop for 2024-2025 will be a joint venture with the Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Over the past few months, we have developed an exceptionally good relationship with our counterparts and will be co-sponsoring our first event of the year with them! A flyer with the full details is shown below.
This should be an exciting event! Please note that this workshop will be held at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, in Morristown. This event is not only FREE but (as with all of our events) is also open to the public.
If you are planning on attending, please RSVP President Jeff La Marca and, if so inclined, donations to help defer the costs for food will be greatly appreciated. Due to the nature of this event, we are prohibited from collecting money at the facility, so any donations may be sent to our treasurer at:
Glenn Maguire, Treasurer Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR 1 Glenside Drive Budd Lake, NJ 07828
On June 23, 2024, the Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR was honored to have worked in collaboration with the Morristown Chapter, SAR to place an old marker on the grave of Patriot William Connet (1735 – 1800).
Final resting place of Patriot William Conner (1735-1800).
The date the marker had originally been placed on the grave is unknown. However, at some point, it was removed as it was damaged. It was later found in the garage of a gentleman who had planned on repairing it. Unfortunately, he passed away before that could be done.
Restored marker
The inscription on the marker states:
REVOLUTIONARY
SOLDIER
WILLIAM CONNET
1735 1800
PLACED BY
MORRISTOWN CHAPTER DAR
&
JOCKEY HOLLOW CHAPTER SAR
As family members were clearing out the garage, they found the marker and contacted the Morristown Chapter, DAR. They set about getting the marker repaired.
Bobbi Bailey, Registrar, Morristown Chapter and her husband, Jockey Hollow Chapter Compatriot Ellis Bailey, not only cleaned the headstone, but helped research William Connet. They also coordinated efforts with the Hilltop Presbyterian Church and Cemetery (Mendham, NJ) to prepare for a ceremony to replace the marker.
The Hilltop Presbyterian Church, Mendham, NJ.
Members of the local community were also contacted and very supportive of the event. William Maurer, Historian at Mendham Borough, wrote a brief biography of Patriot William Connet.
The date for the ceremony was set for 23 June 2024. The day dawned – sunny, hot (90 + degrees), and humid. The event, however, proceeded flawlessly!
Regent Nina Hoban Morristown Chapter, NSDAR introduced the event.Barbara Genthe, Chaplain, Morristown Chapter, NSDAR led the invocation.Jockey Hollow Chapter President, Jeff La Marca greets the audience and reads the biography written by William Maurer (who was unable to attend due to other commitments).Regent Nina Hoban unveils the restored marker as President La Marca watches.Following the unveiling, Pastor Scot McCachren, Hilltop Church, PC (USA) blesses the marker.To close the ceremony, bugler John Logan, from Bugles Across America, performed Taps.
Following the ceremony, many photos were taken.
Group photo with members of the Morristown Chapter, DAR and the Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR.Jockey Hollow Compatriot Ellis Bailey and President Jeff La Marca.Pastor Scot McCachren, Hilltop Church, PC (USA) receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Jockey Hollow President Jeff La Marca.
It must be mentioned that Pastor McCachren was extremely supportive of the event and is looking forward to working with both DAR and SAR in the near future.
The Hilltop Presbyterian Church Cemetery an extremely historic site but played a major role during the American Revolution but is also the final resting place of 120 to 140 or more patriots! As noted on this monument, the church served as a hospital in 1777 when 27 Americans passed away from smallpox; they were all buried in a common grave.Although the ceremony was flawless, there was one snag. The restored marker is not acceptable to the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution for their grave marking program, so an official marker had to be ordered. However, the United States Post Office lost it (!!!!) and the didn’t find it until after the ceremony. Just the same, here it is now next to the grave.
So, what’s next for the Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR? Over the past few months, our Chapter has developed a great relationship with the Morristown Chapter, DAR and we’re already planning future collaborative efforts.
Equally exciting is that our Chapter is located in one of the most important locations of the Revolutionary War! Everyone has heard of Valley Forge (located in Pennsylvania) but almost no one has heard of Jockey Hollow – the place where George Washington and his army spent two full winters. During 1777, many of his men perished from smallpox but it is the winter of 1779 – 1780 that his army of 10,000 men survived the most brutal winter of the war (indeed, one article noted that compared to Jockey Hollow, Valley Forge was a “Caribbean holiday.” Indeed, the winter of 1779-1780 is still believed to be the worst ever recorded. The area experienced 100 inches of snow, the Hudson River (located about 30 miles to the east) froze over, and Washington’s men were left without adequate food, clothing, or supplies. The conditions were so dire that the army survived by eating their shoes (if they had them; many did not), tree bark, and even their pet dogs. The only thing “worse” at Valley Forge is that approximately 2000 men died (mostly due to smallpox and disease). By the second encampment in Morris County (location of Jockey Hollow), is that Washington learned the lessons from Valley Forge where the lack of sanitary conditions killed his men. At Jockey Hollow, only 100 men perished (which is considered miraculous given the conditions).
It is against this backdrop that the Jockey Hollow Chapter is currently seeking to launch a MAJOR project. Within our boundaries, there are potential thousands of graves of Revolutionary War patriots that have never been marked or recognized by SAR.
So far, a mere four cemeteries have been contacted and they contain 250 or more patriots (a conservative estimate) whose graves have never been marked! Given that each grave marker costs $200, to mark just 250 graves will cost $50,000. Again, it is believed that there are potentially thousands of patriot graves with our Chapter’s boundaries!
It is hoped that we will be able to launch a major fundraising effort to fund our grave marking program!
