COLTS NECK, NJ — A reading Sunday of "The Night Before Christmas" poem is not only a holiday celebration, but a way to mark the contributions of political figure Lillian G. Burry to both the township and Monmouth County.
The Colts Neck Historical Preservation Committee is hosting the free, traditional holiday fest at the historic Montrose Schoolhouse, located at the corner of Montrose Road and Cedar Drive, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3.
Seasonal refreshments and holiday music by the Mike Wells Trio will fill the historic one-room schoolhouse, organizers say.
But an important attraction may well be Burry herself.
The longtime Monmouth County commissioner (now serving her sixth, three-year term), former Colts Neck mayor and avid supporter of historic preservation in the county is stepping down from the county board at the end of the year.
Burry, the historical committee's chairperson, will read "The Night Before Christmas" to children (and grownups) at the event. Author Clement Clarke Moore claimed authorship, in 1837, of the poem, one of the most well known in America.
And Santa Claus is admittedly another big attraction and will pose for photos (at no cost, in keeping with the season). The Christmas tree inside the school will be festooned with decorations appropriate to the period of the Montrose Schoolhouse.
But with Burry not running for re-election as County Commissioner, the historical committee will also celebrate her "numerous years of public service to Colts Neck and the county" during the festivities, organizers say.
It is also selling its map depicting Colts Neck historic sites, (suitable for framing) for $10. "A Tour of Historic Colts Neck," a booklet written by Burry, is also available for $5.
Despite the praise to be coming her way, Burry's focus is, as usual, on the event and its historical significance, a specialty of hers since her days as a history and political science major at Wagner College. She was also elected to the National History Fraternity, and in 2005 was granted the Wagner College Fellow in Political Science.
"With each passing year, we continue to have a strong turnout and receive great praise for this wonderful town tradition, and we hope to continue this tradition for years to come." said Burry.
Everyone on the historical committee, she said, "enjoys preparing and opening the Montrose Schoolhouse for special events that highlight our township's unique role in 19th-century America. We invite everyone to share in the warmth and historic significance of the Montrose Schoolhouse during this community celebration."
Along with her devotion to history, Burry is very much a modern woman.
Burry pioneered the real estate industry as a broker of record and owner of Colts Neck Realty. Married to Capt. Donald Burry, retired from the Coast Guard, the couple has a daughter, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren, according to her county bio.
Despite her departure from county government, Burry has said she plans to maintain her many civic commitments.
“While public life may be a brief candle, civic life is something limited only by life itself. I find that now is the time to bring the years of my political life to a close, but to assure all of you who have counted on my support for the good things that make Monmouth County such a wonderful place to live that my voice will not fall silent as I explore new ways to be of service," she said when she announced she was not seeking re-election to the county board.
And she imparted her sense of the long view history provides:
"The deeds we do, the things we create, built on the strong foundation of centuries past and providing the future with a secure place to stand, will endure long beyond our hour upon the stage."