It was there that General Washington wrote the first order for the United States Army to celebrate the 4th of July – a tradition that continues to this day.

They were then given an extra ration of rum and that evening the General had a party for officers (including Alexander Hamilton, the Marquis de Lafayette and Baron Von Stuben) and their ladies at Ross Hall.

The building was destroyed in the 1960s but because of its significance, a parlor wall was saved and was exhibited at the New Jersey Historical Society until it was given to the Township and the Metlar–Bodine House in 2000.

After Lane's death in 1761 this widow, Margaret lived in the house, but in 1780 she sold the property to William French, the son of a sea captain.

[4] 07/06/14: "Red, White and Boom" Madeira wine-tasting event complete with a George Washington impersonator, a colonial dance troupe and a wide variety of catered hors d'oeuvres (including Madeira-roasted clams, a pickelled vegetable bar and ham salad on grilled cornbread).

Some of the items up for grabs were a Franklin mint coin set, the services of a professional sommelier and an exotic vacation getaway to Baja, Mexico!