For this very special milestone issue of Loco Mag, I wanted to try something I’ve never really taken a shot at before; photography. Being that I have more free time in my schedule this semester than I have in a long time, I decided to just take a drive on a random Wednesday, as driving can often be something meditative to me, but with a few simple rules:
- Drive for 75 minutes (for the 75th issue of course)
- Drive without aim, as much as possible
- Stop after 75 minutes and take pictures of wherever I am
From my house, I began by heading east, towards River Road, which runs along the PA side of the Delaware River. Turning north along the river, I was heading for one of the infamously narrow suspension bridges. These bridges technically span two lanes, however without any shoulder or space between lanes, lost and broken mirrors become a common occurrence during crossings. On this particular day, crossing at the Riegelsville bridge, I was fortunate enough to get the whole bridge to myself with no opposing traffic, so as I drove, tires on the yellow line all the way, I was actually able to admire the raging gray river below me.
Once safely in New Jersey, I began heading west along the Musconetcong River for a few miles, during most of which the river ran mere feet from the road. Much like the PA side of the Delaware, the Jersey side feels like the heart of Appalachia, much further from civilization than you actually are. An abrupt right turn across the Musconetcong and I’m southbound, still on a two-lane road, seeing signs for places like Stockton to the south and Flemington further east. After 15 minutes or so, things start to look familiar. Colorful, meticulously maintained Victorian houses draped with Pride flags begin to appear and it’s not until I pull onto the main drag with its plethora of quirky local businesses that I realize I’m in Frenchtown. (If you haven’t been, I’d highly recommend a trip!)
From there I continue east, then south, then east again passing roadside stands and farmlands, all the while noticing that time is running short, hoping I’ll wind up somewhere noteworthy. It was then that I came upon a covered bridge, a rare sight in general, so I was surprised to find one on some random back road. As I pulled to the side of the road to get some shots of the bridge, I noticed a bright red sculpture in a yard on the next street. Not only is this a very rural area, but also a very wealthy one.
Feeling as though I was on the trail of something bigger, I decided to drive a little bit further down the road, which is when I stumbled upon the sleepy town of Sergeantsville (pronounced Sir-gents-ville). First settled in 1700, the town still has a colonial feel about it. From the rural setting to the buildings dating back to the revolution, it really feels like you travel back in time once you cross the covered bridge. The town really only has one intersection, where a 4-way stop is located, and is lined with local businesses including the Sergeantsville Inn, Rosemont Fitness Studio, and 89.7 WDVR, a community-access radio station which broadcasts music from a variety of genres, mostly from lesser-known artists.
There were a bunch of quaint farms just outside town 
Tell me this isn’t straight out of a George Booz painting 
Green Sergeant’s Covered Bridge was constructed in 1872 
The bridge was torn down in 1960, but rebuilt in 1961 after massive public outcry 
I still don’t understand this sculpture or why its in someone’s front yard but… 
The “booming” center of Sergeantsville…yes they do get Amazon deliveries 
The aforementioned crop box 
When all was said and done, I was really pleased with how this adventure turned out. Not only did I get to capture the beautiful landscapes of rural New Jersey, but this trip also gave me an opportunity to challenge myself with a medium I don’t frequently work with, as well as an opportunity to relax, center myself, and just enjoy my own company for the day.
All images by Jake Horan
