Formed in 1762 by Royal Charter of King George III, Hardyston Township derives its name from Josiah Hardy, Royal Governor of New Jersey from 1761 to 1763, making Hardyston one of the oldest towns in Sussex County. Hardyston originally spanned from the New York-New Jersey line to Byram and from the border of Sussex and Bergen Counties to Wantage Township. Over the years, portions of Hardyston have been de-annexed to form the present-day Townships of Vernon and Sparta, and the Boroughs of Franklin and Hamburg. From the date of its formation, Hardyston played an important role in the nation’s history, including housing George Washington and the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. What began as a township of farmers, millers, and blacksmiths now boasts a diverse economy and vibrant community. Today, Hardyston is home to the Hardyston Elementary and Middle Schools; Wallkill Valley Regional High School; the Crystal Springs, Wild Turkey, Black Bear, and Ballyowen Golf Courses; the Sussex County YMCA; Skylands Ice World; Cava Winery and Vineyard; sprawling farms, lake communities, and multiple condominium communities. Hardyston even has its own mineral, Hardystonite, a fluorescent zinc silicate discovered in the Franklin Furnace Mine in 1899.
To celebrate Hardyston’s 250th Anniversary, the Township will be hosting a variety of events throughout the year, organized by the 250th Anniversary Committee. The Committee has been meeting since November 2010, but is looking for more volunteers to help organize the celebration. If you are interested being part of the planning, please contact Terry Johnson at tjohnson@hardyston.com.
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HARDYSTON TOWNSHIP 250TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE MERCHANDISE
HARDYSTON TOWNSHIP 250TH ANNIVERSARY BANNERS SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
You’ll find a tentative schedule of the year’s events below, but be sure to check back for an updated itinerary of celebratory events:
FEBRUARY 25, 2012 – 2:00 PM – Municipal Building
- CHARTER DAY
Hear the Town Crier read the original patent from King George III, creating Hardyston Township. The raising of the Anniversary Flag, music performed by Hardyston children and a display of historical photos are also planned.
JUNE 2, 2012
- 5K CHARITY RUN, in partnership with the Northern New Jersey Chapter of Guardians of the Ribbon; proceeds go to helping Hardyston residents and families affected by cancer.
5k Walk/Run Application
5k Sponsorship Form
Current 5k Sponsors
5k Course
SEPTEMBER 8, 2012
- A SPECIAL 250th ANNIVERSARY HARDYSTON DAY, starting with a parade, filled with games, entertainment, and a pig roast, and ending with fireworks. All at the Sports Complex on Wheatsworth Road.
- Music provided by Bishops Gate (sample).
Show your pride and collect limited edition Hardyston Anniversary memorabilia. To mark this special event, the Anniversary Committee is offering for purchase a variety of 250th Anniversary Collectibles, including t-shirts, water bottles, key lights, magnets, caps, and woven throws. These will be available at Hardyston Day; you can also find information and an order form in your Township Calendar.
Attention Business Owners and Organization Leaders: The Economic Development Advisory Commission (EDC) is sponsoring the sale of banners bearing the anniversary logo and the purchasing business’s name/logo which will hang from light poles surrounding the recreation field and parade route. Please contact the EDC at 973-827-7020 for more information.
As Hardyston turns 250, it is important as we remember our past, to look forward to our future. The Hardyston Extraordinary Education Foundation is offering a scholarship to any Hardyston high school student to research and prepare a PowerPoint presentation about the future of Hardyston Township. Download information and application here.
