Programs
|
The Hopewell Valley Historical Society regularly sponsors community programs on local history, generally in partnership with the Hopewell Museum, and with co-sponsors including the Pennington Public Library and the Hopewell Branch of the Mercer County Library. These programs typically are free and open to the public.
Upcoming:
|
|
|
Note on Internet Webinars: These upcoming programs are presented as online webinars, typically using the Zoom or GotoMeeting video conferencing applications. You then view these presentations live on a computer, or on a mobile tablet or even a smartphone. (You also can use these applications for videoconferencing, using a camera with your device to send your own video and audio, but you don't need these features just to view the presentations.) See Using Zoom on the Pennington Library site for more information on setting up Zoom, and the GoToMeeting Installation Instructions (PDF) to set up GotoMeeting.
|
|
Hoproco - Hopewell's 1920s Toy Company
Presented by Douglas Dixon
|
Wed., Nov. 2, 2022 - 6:45 pm Exhibits, 7 pm Presentation
In person at the Hopewell Theater, 5 South Greenwood, Hopewell, NJ Or online virtual presentation via Zoom -> Register here for online only Yes, Hopewell did have a toy company, albeit a short-lived one. Hoproco, the Hopewell Products Company, operated from 1923 to 1929 on Burton Avenue in Hopewell, manufacturing metal and wooden mechanical toys and novelties.In this presentation, Doug Dixon will explore the history of Hoproco, and the five known toys that the company created. Plus, come early to see examples of the actual antique toys (and even original product boxes), exhibited by several local collectors, The Hopewell Museum, and the Hopewell Valley Historical Society.
Hoproco manufactured some interesting products that were nicely designed and constructed, and are still admired and collected today – A “Hopewell Flyer” dirigible, originally priced at 25 cents, recently sold on eBay for $61. The presentation and exhibits will cover multiple versions of all five toys, along with associated product literature and advertising. Dixon also will discuss the beginnings of the Hoproco company, and the factory building on Burton Ave., that was built in 1897 as a sash and blind factory, and still stands today as a residence and art studio. 
See the History Project site for more on Hoproco and the toys,
and images of the various products kindly contributed by local collectors. Doug Dixon is an independent technology consultant and writer, now morphed into a history enthusiast. He is a board member of The Hopewell Museum and the Hopewell Valley Historical Society.
Over the past few years since 2019, Doug has developed the Hopewell Valley History Project (HopewellHistoryProject.org), working with over 100 local contributors to collect and freely share digital copies of local historical materials. The History Project now hosts some 540 documents and maps, 3000 images and videos, and an interactive historical map of Hopewell to aid research into Hopewell area people and places. As a software technologist, Doug specializes in Web technology, databases, and digital media. He has authored four books on digital media, published hundreds of feature articles, and presented over a hundred technical seminars and talks. Hopewell Public Library “Wednesday Night Out” Series Co-sponsored by the Hopewell Valley Historical Society and The Hopewell Museum - Attend the event in person at the Hopewell Theater, 5 South Greenwood Ave, Hopewell, NJ. The event is free and open to the public – No registration is required. - Or attend the event online via Zoom – Register here for online only |
Hoproco Carousel
Hoproco Sled
|
Next - Past Programs 2022