Efforts to preserve the Bonnell Tavern are appreciated by this Hunterdon County resident.
By Jeanette Sliker
Lebanon Township
To the editor:
Every time I passed the old Bonnell Tavern over the years, I've always wished that someone would fix it up and make it into offices of some kind. I'm so glad that that wish may finally come true.
It was great to see an article about it in the staging plans of renovations and not have another historical Hunterdon County structure being torn down. I was surprised and delighted to learn that it is still in the Bonnell family.
It's also fascinating that the N.J. Militia was basically organized there in 1775, ironically just a few miles from the Vought house, which is in the process of renovations, where Loyalists lived.
Revolutionary War era tavern could move
Kudos go out to Henry Bonnell for his visions of restoring this historic building and his heritage, to be part of Clinton's present along with its past. Perhaps he can create a GoFundMe account to help defray the costs.
I know the Hunterdon County Historical Society or the Hunterdon Cultural and Heritage Commission has a grant available once a year. Maybe some local contractors could give of their experience, knowledge and time to help out. I'm hopeful too that the community and some organizations would be willing to help.
If only the walls of this old tavern could talk, what stories they could tell.