Four Centuries in a Weekend at The Osborn Cannonball House Museum
In the center of the Township of Scotch Plains, across the street from the Stage House Restaurant, is a small yellow house with burgundy shutters, the c.1750 Osborn Cannonball House Museum. You might be surprised to learn that this little house has a big story to tell!
Almost right at its front door, this little house witnessed a skirmish of The Battle of the Short Hills, which took place on June 26, 1777.
This battle may not be one of the most successful of Washington's battles, but it was pivotal in ensuring that the majority of Washington's troops were able to retreat back to the safety of the Watchung Mountains after being tricked by the British into coming down the mountain while the British feigned a retreat into Staten Island.
Legend tells us that It was during a skirmish of that Battle that the Osborn house was hit by an errant cannonball, thus getting its name from the local townspeople.
In the 18th century, the house was the home of the Osborn Family, who were among the first families of Scotch Plains. The father, Jonathan Osborn, was a tailor and an innkeeper. He was a respected elder who often held community meetings in his home. His oldest son, John Baldwin Osborn, was a Revolutionary War soldier and preacher. He married Mary Darby, whose father donated land to build both The Baptist Church on Park Avenue and one of the first schools in Scotch Plains. Mary, herself, is famous for helping the colonial troops who passed by her home by giving them many items from her own home when she noticed they were in dire need of supplies. Jonathan's second son, Jonathan Hand Osborn, was also a Revolutionary War soldier. He had an illustrious career as a gravestone carver and was well-renowned. Many of his stones still stand in NJ cemeteries today and are admired for their artistry and design.
Jonathan's third son, David Osborn, was the first town clerk of Westfield and the first postmaster of Scotch Plains. Jonathan's fourth son Henry Osborn also became a well-respected gravestone carver.
The Cannonball House is now a museum and the little house has many more stories to tell. Come visit to hear all about its amazing history.
Costumed docents will be available to give tours of the museum. The museum will be open on Sunday, October 6th from 2 to 4 p.m. and for Four Centuries in a Weekend on Saturday, October 19th and Sunday, October 20th from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. For Four Centuries in a Weekend, there will be a children's craft in our craft tent along with an early Halloween treat! Admission is always free but donations are always welcome. The museum is located at 1840 Front Street, Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
As a special event for Four Centuries, the museum will feature a visually stunning display of bridal gowns through the decades from as early as 1860 through the 2010's. The Museum's impressive collection of antique bridal dresses are magnificent to behold and reflect the changing styles of women's fashion through the years. It is truly a unique and breathtaking display which should not be missed!!