HOLIDAY CHEER theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 16 RC Collectibles One of the Largest Vintage Sports Card Collections in NJ! We sell a wide array of all collectibles, sports and non-sports, Pokemon and more! • Live Auction 1st Wednesday of Each Month • Facebook Auction 3rd Wednesday of Each Month • Silent Auction Running Now! It’s a December to Remember: CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY!! December 19, 2026 Doors Open 10am, Signers 12-3pm Featuring GIANTS SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS: Steve & Zak DeOssie • SANTA will give out gift bags to all kids! • Autographing: 12-3pm • Prize Giveaways All Day • Special Spin-The-Wheel at 3pm GRAND PRIZE GIVE AWAY • Special Silent Auction ends at 3pm • Pack Break 3:30pm Save the Date: SUPER SUNDAY SHOW February 14, 2027 WWE Hall of Famer-JIMMY VALIANT-The Boogie Woogie Man Heavy Weight Champion-BONECRUSHER SMITH • CAS Autograph Authentication On-Site • VENDORS • Pack Break/Special One Day Silent Auction • Autographing: 11am-2pm MORE SIGNERS TO FOLLOW! itage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission. General Charles Lee was George Washington’s second in command, leading approximately 2,000-3,000 troops stationed in Morristown and the surrounding area in December 1776. He was ordered to march those troops across New Jersey to meet Washington for the Delaware River crossing. On December 13, 1776, General Lee was in no rush to follow these orders. By all accounts, he had a very high opinion of himself and was jealous of Washington. Instead of staying with his troops in Morristown and preparing for their deployment, he headed to Widow White’s tavern in Basking Ridge. This tavern was on Finley Avenue across the street from where his year has been filled with events celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday. There have been battle reenactments, tales of heroism, fireworks, parades, and more. These celebrations have captured the revolutionary spirit of the many men and women who sacrificed to make the democratic experiment a reality. Not all stories from that time are inspiring, however, and not all patriots were heroes. Enter General Charles Lee. He was not the typical Revolutionary War hero and his story unfolded right in Basking Ridge. The tale of his capture will be reenacted at the Lord Stirling Stables in Basking Ridge on Saturday, December 12th, as part of a three-day celebration made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural and HerSaint James Church now stands. There is a sign commemorating the tavern on its original site. In the early morning hours of December 13th, after a night of drinking and carousing, General Lee was captured by the British and made to walk to New York (by some accounts in his nightshirt!) where he would remain imprisoned until May 1778 when he was released in a prisoner exchange. Elias Boudinot, a resident of Basking Ridge, negotiated his release. See this historic event unfold live on Sunday, December 12, 2026, at the Stables at Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge. This reenactment is thanks to the efforts of many people, organizations, municipal departments, and non-profits working together to make this story come alive for a new generation. It is spearheaded by the Bernards Township 250th Committee, which is led by David Becker of the Friends of the Boudinot-Southard-Ross Estate, Jennifer Gander, the Director of Parks and Recreation, and Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy and in partnership with Trilogy Repertory Company and the Somerset County Park Commission. Registration is required to attend, but there is no cost. The reenactment is suitable for all ages, so bring your children! Dress for the December weather. This event will take place outdoors and on unpaved ground. Once your curiosity is piqued by watching his capture at the reenactment, you can learn more about this controversial figure at The Brick Academy on Sunday, December 13th. The Brick Academy will be outfitted as a 1776 tavern and there will be a discussion of the capture and its local impact. On Monday, December 14th, at the Bernards Township Library, there will be a presentation of “Sacking General Lee Day Basking Ridge” by Brooks Betz, Mr. Local History. This capture was a significant point in the Revolutionary War, was celebrated in England as a major victory, and took place in our own backyard. “Our town plays a significant role in what happens to General Lee,” Mr. Becker notes. Not only was he captured here at Widow White’s tavern, but Boudinot negotiated his release and Lord Stirling, also of Basking Ridge, was the presiding officer over General Lee’s eventual court-martial in 1778. Information on these events is available at www.bernards.org/resident/250. Bring the family and learn more about how our area played a pivotal role in our nation’s history. History Comes Alive in Basking Ridge By Joanne Kleinle FAMILY ADVENTURES T was he captured here at Wid
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