The Wealthy History of Rova Farms
Almost a century ago — within the Nineteen Thirties — a gaggle of Russian immigrants settled within the Cassville section of Jackson Township, N.J. They purchased 1,400 acres of land there, which eventually got here to be referred to as Rova Farms.
Originally housing residential communities, farms, churches, and social centers, the realm soon blossomed right into a thriving lakeside resort and retreat. Hundreds of special events and live shows were hosted there over the many years.
Growing up in Jackson, I even have fond memories of shopping on the legendary Rova Farms Flea Market within the 90s. Bought some excellent board games and tech equipment there.
Even Bruce Springsteen played Rova Farms in 1973. The concert is mentioned in his “Born to Run” memoir as “the one full-out bar brawl” he and his band experienced.
Disuse and Disrepair
Unfortunately, within the 2000s, Rova Farms fell into disuse and severe disrepair.
Break-ins and vandalism blighted the buildings, and accelerated the realm’s deterioration. Eventually, the township determined the structures couldn’t be salvaged.
A Latest Life for Rova
Jackson Township purchased 34 acres of the land as Open Space in 2019. A volunteer advisory committee was formed to find out the most effective use for the space.
The large decision: Soon the restaurant and cultural center will probably be demolished, as Rova Farms transforms to Rova Park.
The goal is to create a community space featuring each lively and passive recreation. Officials are also fully dedicated to preserving the importance of the location. So an excellent more vital objective is to keep up historical perspective, with an enormous educational proponent to the brand new development as well.
Rova Farms Day
A number of portions of the property have already been taken down and cleaned up. The foremost demolition and renovation is about to start soon.
So the town decided to carry a Rova Farms Day celebration this Saturday 10/22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A flier for the event invites the general public to “Say Goodbye, Learn the History, See Future Plans”. The official address for the festivities is 120 Cassville Rd in Jackson.
NJ Assemblyman Alexander Sauickie, former Jackson council president and champion of this project, will kick off the event by speaking at 1 p.m. Saturday.
At 1:30 p.m., singer Galina Moore will perform original songs within the kind of Belarusian folklore.
At 2:30 p.m., a dance ensemble will take the stage to perform “Inspiration”.
And the day will wrap up with a 3:30 p.m. performance by singer Tatyana Hatliskaya.
While it’s sad to see a outstanding piece of Jackson Township history razed and committed to dust, the longer term development of Rova Park looks like a sensible use of public Open Space funds. And a promising recent space for Jackson residents to assemble, to play, and to learn in regards to the township’s wealthy Russian heritage and history once more.
Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media Latest Jersey. Follow Dan on Facebook or Twitter on your latest weather forecast updates.
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