Princeton University Tour from Waretown

Princeton University Tour from Waretown

"The Gargoyles of Princeton and Morven House Walking Tour" is a three miles long and is sponsored by the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation, here on The Jersey Shore.

The garish, grotesque, and yet grand gargoyles are a humorous addition to the gothic architecture of Princeton University. Enjoy this "walking tour de farce" that will be followed by a more refined look at historic Morven museum and garden.

 For centuries scholars have asked why gargoyles inhabit their most solemn churches and institutions. Fantastic explanations have come down from the Middle Ages. Some art historians believe that gargoyles were meant to depict evil spirits over which the Christian church had triumphed. One theory suggests that these devils were frozen in stone as they fled the church. Supposedly, Christ set these spirits to work as useful examples to men instead of sending them straight to damnation. others say they kept evil spirits away.

 Why does Princeton have gargoyles? Here's one excuse:

...If the most fanciful and wildest sculptures were placed on the Gothic cathedrals, should they be out of place on the walls of a secular educational establishment? ("Princeton's Gargoyles," The New York Sun, May 13, 1927)

Morven House is situated on five pristine acres in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey, and serves as the gateway to this university town. Located in the former New Jersey Governor's Mansion, Morven showcases the cultural heritage of the Garden State through exhibits of fine, folk, and decorative arts and educational programs.

Pick-up will be at 8:30, Friday October 22, in the parking lot of Wells Mills County Park, Waretown.  Call 1-877-OCPARKS, ext 5940 to register.

Karl Hess, Your Agent on the Jersey Shore, Search for Homes, Ocean County Real Estate