Vineland resident Sam Neuber may have only just turned seventeen, but he is already engaged in helping out his community. In 2018, he joined Scout Troop 2 and plans to start his Eagle Scout Project by refurbishing Vineland’s First House.
The tiny structure, which sits on the grounds of the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society museum, is the first house built in Vineland. Originally occupied in 1862, the building has served over the years as a home, a business and a restaurant before it was moved to Landis Park. There, it was occupied by the Park security guards before it was transported to the Society’s grounds in 1962.
Neuber will work with his fellow Scouts and Scout leaders to clean, paint and repair the structure, which is considered a “stipulation house.” Charles K. Landis stipulated in his contracts with newcomers that they had to build a home in order to show they were serious about settling in Vineland.
On his way to obtaining Eagle Scout rank, Neuber has served as Quartermaster, Senior Patrol Leader and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. He is a member of The Order of the Arrow, the honor society of the Boy Scouts of America and to date, he has earned 38 merit badges. Neuber selected the First House as his project because he has a strong interest in local history. He began the project in August when he returned from serving as a Scout camp counselor at Camp Trexler in Kunkletown, Pennsylvania.
If you are interested in following along with his project or donating funds or supplies, please visit the GoFundMe page or email VinelandEvents@gmail.com. Any remaining donations will be returned to the Society after the work is finished. To learn more, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/EagleProjectVHAS |
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