Glassboro celebrates 50th Anniversary of the Glassboro Summit

Rowan University and the Borough of Glassboro will celebrate the historic 1967 Summit between President Lyndon B. Johnson and Russian Premier Alexei Kosygin at the Hollybush Mansion.

Hollybush was always much more than a residence or dormitory, however, in 1967 it served as the backdrop for some easing of the Cold War tensions. In June, with Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin in New York to address the United Nations, President Lyndon B. Johnson asked state Gov. Richard J. Hughes to suggest a site for such a meeting. Hughes offered Glassboro State College, now Rowan University, located approximately halfway between New York and Washington. The offer was accepted, and with only 16 hours notice, the official residence of Glassboro state president had to be converted from a quiet campus home into a secure and sophisticated diplomatic locale. Johnson liked its homey atmosphere which complemented his unpretentious style. Kosygin admired it too, saying to Johnson as he stepped out of his limousines, “you chose a nice place.”

On Saturday, June 24, Rowan University and the Borough of Glassboro will celebrate the historic 1967 Summit between President Lyndon B. Johnson and Russian Premier Alexei Kosygin at the beloved Hollybush Mansion in Glassboro.

“Join me and the borough council on June 24 for a borough-wide celebration of this commemorative event, where we will celebrate the ever-present “Spirit of Glassboro,” Glassboro Mayor Leo McCabe said.

The afternoon will consist of free shuttle bus tours to Glassboro locations holding special events to celebrate the day including Summit City Winery, the Historic West Jersey Train Depot, Edelman Planetarium and the Heritage Glass Museum all returning to the Hollybush Mansion.

Hollybush Mansion will be host to mansion tours, theatrical performances, 60’s era music, 50/60’s cars, face painting-balloon artists, fun, food and games for the entire family. All daytime festivities are free to attend.

After a free, fun-filled day of festivities for the entire family, the evening finishes with a very special evening event: “The Spirit of Hollybush Dinner and Awards,” which will be outdoors under a tent and feature 60’s era music as well as 60’s inspired gourmet dining, including craft beer and wine selections.

The awards dinner will honor five previously unnoticed Glassboro residents who do amazing things for the community, have never been recognized for their citizenship and consistently display “The Spirit of Glassboro” with unwavering dedication. Categories of awards are education, public service, business, international understanding and partnership.

All inclusive dinner tickets are $60 per person. Seating is limited to 250 and will be for ages 21 and older. Proceeds will benefit Glassboro Historical Society and Rowan University Hollybush Institute. For more information, visit www.glassboro.org/summit-celebration.