The area commonly known as “Alliger Park,” in Hopewell Township, has actually never officially been named until last night when Hopewell Township passed an ordinance naming the 167.3 acre tract “Woolsey Park” at 203 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road.
Temporarily called Alliger after the family that most recently owned it, the property is of historical significance to Hopewell Township, dating back 300 years ago, when property was settled by George Woolsey when the Township was formally created. Woolsey and his decedents occupied and farmed the land until 1929 and are believed to have had the longest tenure of any family on their original parcel in Hopewell Township.Jeremiah Woolsey, son of George, built the 1765 National Register brick house which stands on the land adjacent to the park. He assisted the cause of the American Revolution by helping recruit soldiers and provide supplies for the army. Jeremiah’s son, Ephraim, served as a private in the war. Ephraim’s sons, George and Ephraim, participated in the growth and development of the community by financially supporting the Presbyterian Church in Pennington and through George’s service in the State Legislature.
Captain Henry Woolsey, Ephraim’s son, served with the distinction in the American Civil War and gave the ultimate sacrifice, being wounded in the Peninsula Campaign of 1862, wounded again in Chancellorsville in May 1863, again in Gettysburg in July 1863, and finally died of wounds received in the last great infantry charge of the War, before Petersburg, on June 19, 1864, according to the Hopewell Township Resolution.
Not only does the name have historic significances but it would also complement the existing name of the Woolsey Brook which is a significant nature feature of the park.
And don’t miss an “Evening Under the Stars: Fireworks Display with Classic & Custom Care Exhibit” presented by Hopewell Valley Veteran’s Association at Alliger/Woolsey on Friday July 8th – car exhibit at 6pm; military band concert at 7:30pm; fireworks at 9:15pm. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the night. Food will be available: burgers, hot dogs, and italian ice for sale. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held on Sunday July 10. Event is free! For up-to-date info, check out the Hopewell Valley Veteran’s Association Facebook page www.facebook.com/HopewellValleyVeterans.
