Harry Case, who defined Lord Stirling Stable’s character as its first manager, was a much-admired man. When the Ft. Meyers, Fla., resident, died on May 22, 2020, pandemic restrictions meant that wasn’t the time for those who knew him to gather in his memory.
Now his granddaughter, Krista Case, is organizing that celebration of his life. It will be held at Lord Stirling, 256 S Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25. Those attending will be able to share their memories of Mr. Case and enjoy the scrapbook and mementos Krista is bringing. It is an open house type of celebration, so it is expected that people will come and go throughout the afternoon.
Those who have photos of Harry and his wife, Vivian, should call or email Larry Basinski, who is putting together a tribute video. Contact him at (908) 338-3223 (cell) or (908) 604-8501. His email is basi1952@gmail.com. In order for organizers to determine how much caterig is needed, those who have not RSVPd that they will attend should click on this link
The stable is located on a former cattle farm started in the 1890s by Dr. Charles Frederick Baker, a Newark physician. The property was purchased in the 1940s by John Jacob Astor VI, a survivor of the Titanic disaster (his mother was pregnant with him when she escaped the sinking ship.) The land east of Maple Avenue included a barn complex where he raised prize cattle; stables, paddocks, riding trails and extensive wetlands along the Passaic River.
After the Great Swamp was named New Jersey’s first National Natural Landmark, Helen Fenske, who led the fight to save it from becoming an airport, approached Somerset County Park Commission Secretary-Director Jack Moody in 1967 with $75,000 (worth about $573,000 today) from Sarah Mellon Scaife to help the county preserve the Astor farm. Moody obtained a matching grant from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.
With the popularity of horses in Somerset County, Moody suggested to the park commission that it convert the Astor barns and stables to a county riding facility. He recalled, “We wanted to promote a broad appreciation of horses and the sport of riding among the general public.” The commission approved, opening the stable in 1969 with 30 horses and riding programs for adults and children.
Mr. Case, who had trained Arabians, was in charge and set the standard for Lord Stirling to become a very popular facility. He planned the program and the set-up, including the rings. He definitely was hands-on, and enjoyed leading trail rides on Utah, his favorite horse.
A real horseman, Mr. Case had a great sense of humor, which served him and the stable’s clients very well. A role model who inspired his students, he left his stamp on the stable and the hundreds of people who rode there prior to his retirement in 1991.