Whitman Stafford Farmhouse-Laurel Springs, NJ

06/06/2026

On this day: June 6, 1909 & 1910

06/03/2026

The Analog Rebellion Podcast - Episode 1 is live — released on Walt Whitman's Birthday.

Recorded at Crystal Springs, Laurel Springs, NJ — the site of Whitman's recovery. Nature sounds, breath, guitar, and the story of uncovering what speed forgot.

Featuring The Jump poem recited with guitar for the first time and verses from Whitman's Song of Myself and Song of the Open Road.

"This moment is real."

Listen here: https://austinjhaines.com/podcast



Whitman Stafford Farmhouse-Laurel Springs, NJ

06/03/2026

On this Day: June 3, 1905, 1914 & 1915

06/02/2026

Thank you from the Whitman-Stafford Farmhouse Committee to everyone who joined us for WaltFEST last weekend!

We were thrilled to welcome visitors from near and far to explore our historic farmhouse and learn a little about the rich history of Laurel Springs. Events like this are only possible because of the support of our community, dedicated volunteers, and local partners.

A special thank you goes to the members of the 12th New Jersey Company K for helping bring history to life through their engaging demonstrations and educational presentations. Their participation made the day even more memorable for visitors of all ages. And thank you to the Laurel Lodge No.237 F&AM for sponsoring them for us!

We appreciate everyone who attended and helped make WaltFEST such a wonderful celebration of history, community, and local heritage. We look forward to seeing you again at future events!

05/30/2026

On this Day: May 29, 1923 & 1936

05/27/2026

🍪🌮 PARTICIPANTS WANTED! 🍓🧀

Join our community potluck-style WaltFEAST Snack Zone at Laurel Springs Day!

We’re looking for participants to help create a fun afternoon snack stop for festival-goers. All types of food are welcome, sweet or savory, homemade or store-bought! Cookies, dips, fruit trays, baked goods, finger foods, desserts... bring something delicious to share! 🍽️✨

WaltFEAST is all about community, food, and fun, plus it’s part of a bigger project to create a town-wide recipe book featuring favorite dishes from some of Laurel Springs’ best cooks! Participants are welcome to include their recipe for future consideration. 📖

Whether you love to cook, bake, or just want to contribute a favorite snack, we’d love to have you join in! 💛

🥗🍔 WaltFeast 2026! 🍰🌮

Start planning your dish for WaltFeast, our Laurel Springs Day food-sharing event inspired by WhoFeast! 🎉

We’re looking for shareable crowd favorites, finger foods, baked goods, appetizers, desserts, and family favorites for guests to sample throughout the day.

Bringing a recipe you love? Feel free to include it for our upcoming community recipe book! 📖✨

A few quick notes:
• Limited outlets will be available
• Samples are meant to be small so everyone gets a chance to try everything
• WaltFeast is a tasting event, not a full meal 😊
• Please keep children with you while visiting the food tables

📍 Jack H. Hagen Recreation Center during Laurel Springs Day

We can’t wait to see what delicious favorites everyone brings! 🍽️

05/22/2026

Good morning! The Whitman Stafford Committee will be hosting a summer “Show & Tell” of sorts, and we’d love for residents to join in by sharing pieces of our town’s history!
We’re asking everyone to start taking a look through their homes for historical items connected to the town. It could be something as large as a boat or as small as a photograph. Yearbooks, class photos, little league uniforms, matchbook covers from local establishments, postcards, memorabilia, newspaper clippings, and more—we’d love to see it all!
You will bring your special item to our “Show & Tell” event on the night of the gathering to help us celebrate the stories and memories that make our town so special.
Date will be announced soon, some time in July or August.

05/21/2026

Did you know? 🇺🇸
During the Civil War, Walt Whitman volunteered in military hospitals caring for wounded soldiers. He brought supplies, wrote letters home for injured men, and offered comfort and companionship during one of the nation’s darkest chapters.

As you explore the Civil War encampment at WaltFEST, you’re stepping into a piece of history that connects directly to Whitman’s own life. Thank you to our friends at 12th New Jersey Company K for their wonderful demonstrations!!

05/18/2026

On this Day: May 18, 1906, 1912 & 1937