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Postcards from the Past Series: Week 7

5/11/2020 | Activities

This resource was created by Carl Cucchiara and Kate Reilly.

Overview:
In this series, participants will visit the past while developing an understanding of the present by comparing postcards of "Duke's Park" from the early 1900s to current views of the same location at Duke Farms. 

Background:
James Buchanan Duke, amassing his fortune in tobacco and hydro-electric power, arrived on the banks of the Raritan River in 1893. He bought farms, mostly from early Dutch settlers, who had removed early growth while introducing many non-native plants to the area. J.B. Duke wished to emulate the European gardens and parks he encountered on his travels and desired to create his own park in Hillsborough, NJ. With manicured lawns, a variety of native and non-native plants, in addition to many structures and statues inspired by his ventures, he opened “Duke's Park” to the public in the early 1900s.                           

The Challenge:
Over the next few weeks, we will present scenes from these early postcards of Duke Farms partnered with a current photograph of the same site. These will be posted weekly. 

  • Can you identify the specific differences between the view from a historic postcard and a current photo of the same area?
  • Can visitors, who have previously visited the property recognize the location? Or, if you are new to Duke Farms, we encourage you to explore our website or app for clues.  
  • If this activity inspired you to further explore how our recent initiatives improve the environment while maintaining the integrity of the past, click here. 
  • There are a series of questions under the pair of photos. 
  • The answers for each week will be posted under the following week.

Photo above; postcard below

Questions: 

  1. Which path is this well house located?
  2. How many other foot paths will lead one to this well?
  3. This well house is located near which Duke Farm entrance?
    4. a) East gate  b) North gate  c) Eagle gate  d) South gate
  4. Extra Credit: This well makes excellent use the arch in its construction. Which ancient peoples invented the arch? (Hint: They inhabited present day Italy.)

 Click here for Week 6

Answers to Week 6: 

  1. Mermaid Pool
  2. The mermaids around the fountain
  3. Pineapple Fountain
  4. Duke Reservoir

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