Published in the Asbury Park Press 12/28/04

MANAHAWKIN BUREAU

BARNEGAT -- The sound of musket fire once again cracked the air outside Cedar Bridge Tavern on Monday, though this time everyone escaped unharmed.

Dozens of people were able to hear and see a piece of history as actors doned Revolutionary War-era uniforms to commemorate the Battle of Cedar Bridge. The shoot-out took place more than 220 years ago on Dec. 27, 1782, and pitted the Burlington Militia against the forces of loyalist John Bacon.

Some local historians contend the area is the site of the last battle of the Revolutionary War. Others, however, argue it's simply another in a long line of skirmishes. In either case, Barnegat historian Mary Catherine Kennedy said the tavern is historically significant.

"No matter what it's called, it's part of the Revolutionary War," she said Monday.

Brian Himelstein of Toms River, who attended the event with friend Bill Davis, 22, of Brick was intrigued by what he saw and learned.

"I didn't know this was here," the 22-year-old Himelstein said after the re-enactment. "It's kind of interesting."

On that fateful day in 1782, the Burlington Militia stopped at Cedar Bridge Tavern for refreshments on their trip back from searching the Manahawkin area for Bacon. He had been a wanted man for some time. Among other things, two months earlier, Bacon was known to have participated in the killings of several American privateers who were plundering the cargo of a British ship that ran aground near Barnegat Light.

Turning the tables on his pursuers, Bacon's crew barricaded the old cedar bridge by the tavern and traded heavy gunfire with the militia before escaping into the Pine Barrens. But Bacon was unable to cheat death for much longer. The following April, he was killed by militiamen and had his body dragged through the streets of Manahawkin.

Monday's re-enactment was the second time that the Battle of Cedar Bridge has been recreated, Stafford Historical Society President Tim Hart said. Last year, only a handful of people came. This time, he said, the event drew a crowd of about 50.

The onlookers included 7-year-old Jimmy Carruthers of Morristown, who came to the re-enactment armed with a toy musket. While Jimmy did not participate, he did get to watch his uncle Bill Treusch of Pennsauken play the role of the infamous Bacon.

"I have the flag that has 13 stars on it," Jimmy said, holding his musket against his shoulder.

Bonnie Gore, 65, of Long Beach Township said she enjoyed learning about the past, and that it is important for children to learn about it so history can be preserved.

"Kids need attachments to the past," she said.

Brian Prince: (609) 978-4537 or bprince@app.com