This historical marker tells of Goldsmith Maid, a horse known as ‘The Queen of the Trotters.’
One of the most important, and exciting, parts of being the Sussex County Historian is the opportunity to review and award historical markers for sites that are of significant value to our county.
The historical marker program for this year will begin soon.
Applications may be submitted from Feb. 18 to June 30,
Applications will be available on my Sussex County History website at https://www.sussex.nj.us/cn/webpage.cfm?tpid=17045
Judging will be done during July by a panel of leading Sussex County historians.
Winners will be awarded on the first Saturday night at the New Jersey State (Sussex County) Fair in Augusta at the County Building about two hours before the Queen of the Fair event. There usually is a limit of three markers each year.
Many of the county historical societies, in particular, are eager to send in applications for significant historical features in their area. Municipalities also have shown interest in having their precious properties displayed in the form of the markers.
Currently, there are about 40 markers throughout our historically rich county. One is shown here to illustrate the color and layout of the markers.
This one is for Goldsmith Maid; the outstanding accomplishments of this horse made it “The Queen of the Trotters.” In the late 1800s, when horse racing, in the form of trotters, was exceedingly popular, she was a figure known around the world.
A historical article on her will be coming soon.
Other historical markers will be highlighted over time.
One benefit of these markers is that half of the cost is funded by the county while those who are awarded the markers pay the rest.
The county will monitor the making and delivery of the marker to the county garage, then the county will install the marker on the approved ground at the site.
It makes my day when an enthusiastic historical society, for example, submits a winning proposal.
The word spreads quickly through their organization when they realize that the work on the proposal, and the significance of the site, are recognized.
They usually have a public event to celebrate the installation.
This makes for many happy Sussex County citizens and is a vivid example of how history is alive today.
We look forward to submissions for 2023!
Bill Truran, Sussex County Historian