Winter in old Plainsboro was no small challenge. Long before modern conveniences, residents relied on ingenuity and determination to get through the frigid months. Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces were vital for warmth, and families often crowded into just one or...
Museum Collections
From Snow Boots to Sandals: How to Winter Like a Wicoff
In 1956, Marjorie Wicoff decided that Christmas didn’t need snow—just sunshine! While everyone else was battling the cold, she headed to West Palm Beach, Florida, for a warm holiday escape. At the time, West Palm was just starting to become the go-to spot for...
War of the Words: How Orson Welles Changed Plainsboro with a Radio Broadcast
On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles’ radio adaptation of War of the Worlds caused nationwide panic, especially in New Jersey. The broadcast, which presented a fictional Martian invasion through news bulletins, was so convincing that many listeners believed it was real....
There’s No Mooing in Baseball: How the Walker-Gordon Dairy Farm Was Involved in Our National Pastime
The Walker-Gordon Baseball Team holds a special place in the history of Plainsboro, New Jersey. Named after the Walker-Gordon Dairy Company, which was a cornerstone of the local economy for much of the 20th century, the team was formed in the mid-1900s as a way to...
Shake, Rattle, and Roll: Lenape Rattles and Social Dances
Among the many items in Wicoff House Museum's Native American collection, the most interesting is arguably the rattles. Used in social dances and traditional ceremonies, the rattle was an instrument created to add percussion to the music of the water drum. Rattles...
Commitment to Quality and Health: The Walker Gordon Dairy Farms
Founded in 1897 with an initial 40 acres and 35 cows, Walker Gordon Dairy Farms swiftly distinguished itself through its dedication to quality and sustainability. The farm expanded significantly over the years, growing to 2,500 acres and 1,650 cows, while...
Textile Collection
The textile collection at the Wicoff House Museum shows the history of Plainsboro, as it allows visitors to gain a greater understanding of the town's history by viewing the historic pieces. Through the variety of textiles we can see how many aspects make up a town....
Wicoff Elementary School Students Visit the Wicoff House
Third grade students from the Wicoff Elementary School recently toured the museum. The Wicoff House was the life-long home of John Van Buren Wicoff, for whom Wicoff Elementary School is named. These "Wicoff for Senate" campaign items date from John Van Buren's run in...
Mr. Wicoff’s Secretary Desk
This beautiful antique secretary desk is on display in the former home of John Van Buren Wicoff. Mr. Wicoff's portrait sits on the hinged, drop-down writing desk. When folded, the writing desk hides inner storage compartments which would have held various desk...