CHATHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
CAPTURES A MOMENT IN TIME
New history was created on Sunday, March 24 at the Chatham Train Station as the Chatham Historical Society (CHS) organized an event celebrating the importance of the railroad to Chatham’s development. A panoramic picture was taken of approximately 200 attendees mimicking a 1930’s picture of Chatham residents celebrating the arrival of the first electric train into our town.
About a year and a half ago, Debbie Fabian - Chatham Historical Society Vice-President, was in the Chatham Train Station looking around at the blank walls when she had an idea. Why not decorate the walls with some of the photos from the Chatham Historical Society's archives. While looking for photos, she discovered a panoramic photo of a large crowd of people on the westbound station platform celebrating the arrival of the "First Electric Train" into Chatham.
The Chatham Business Men's Association (CBMA) was formed in 1921 to improve the growth and development of Chatham. In 1928, the CBMA, along with other towns serviced by the Lackawanna Railroad, met with railroad company representatives to discuss improvements to the train service. At the end of 1929, the Dover Line was electrified. To celebrate this milestone the participants rode the first electric train on December 18, 1930 from Hoboken to Chatham. When they arrived their signatures with occupations were recorded and the panoramic photo was taken. This photo is now on display at the station along with many other historic Chatham train pictures through the years for commuters to enjoy.
Sunday, March 24, 2024 turned out to be a bright and sunny day which was perfect for all the attendees who came to see the pictures posted at the station. Just like in 1930, attendees signed their names on the participant sheets before posing for the picture. Coloring book pages of trains that children had colored at the library were on display along the station walls as well.
One of the attendees, Rick Loock, a retired Police Officer and a lifelong resident of Chatham, found the signatures of his Grand Uncle George H. Loock, Sr. and Uncle Carl Henrich, 1948's Chief of Chatham's Volunteer Fire Department, on the 1930 photo signature list.
The Chatham Historical Society would like to thank New Jersey Transit, Madison Photo, Nicholas F. Rizzo Fine Arts, Inc., various borough employees, especially at the DPW and Community Services, Library of the Chatham, Gerry Geisler, the Chatham Chamber of Commerce, Chatham Jaycees, the Model A Ford Club of New Jersey, Kevin Bumcrot, Tom Salvas, Karen Tannahill, Lisa Justine, various local publishers and all the residents who showed up for this historic "moment captured in time”.
Photos from our event at the Chatham Train Station
on Sunday, March 24, 2024
Please join us at the Chatham Train Station
on Sunday, March 24, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 pm
to be a part of history!
As a part of the Chatham Historical Society’s (CHS) centennial events, the society is recognizing the importance of the railroad to Chatham’s development. Residents of all ages are invited to join the society on Sunday, March 24 from 2-4 PM at the Chatham Train Station to celebrate the history of the railroad and its impact on the growth of Chatham to the town that it is today. The festivities include a recreation of a 1930’s picture of Chatham residents celebrating the arrival of the first electric train. Everyone is welcome to be part of the picture for future generations to enjoy. Old pictures depicting the evolution of trains through Chatham will be on display and refreshments will be served. It is sure to be a fun-filled event!
The first steam powered train reached Chatham arriving from Newark in 1837. The train service allowed passengers to travel to and from Newark in about two hours. From Newark travelers could take a boat to New York City. The Morris & Essex Railroad began service to their own Hudson River waterfront terminal in Hoboken in 1863. Fast and easy ferryboat connections made quick round trips to Manhattan a practical thing and the day of the suburban commuter had begun.
Many changes and improvements were made over the years. In 1914, tracks through Chatham were elevated, eliminating street level crossings. A new train station was built at this time, one that still serves Chatham commuters 110 years later. Growth in passenger traffic necessitated further improvements, and on December 18, 1930 the first electric train arrived in Chatham.
The upgrading of the electric trains through Chatham opened up the possibility of achieving another
dream: direct passenger trains into New York City. On June 10, 1996 train 6604 from Dover was the
first train to stop in Chatham and then proceed directly into Penn Station, New York.
on Sunday, March 24, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 pm
to be a part of history!
As a part of the Chatham Historical Society’s (CHS) centennial events, the society is recognizing the importance of the railroad to Chatham’s development. Residents of all ages are invited to join the society on Sunday, March 24 from 2-4 PM at the Chatham Train Station to celebrate the history of the railroad and its impact on the growth of Chatham to the town that it is today. The festivities include a recreation of a 1930’s picture of Chatham residents celebrating the arrival of the first electric train. Everyone is welcome to be part of the picture for future generations to enjoy. Old pictures depicting the evolution of trains through Chatham will be on display and refreshments will be served. It is sure to be a fun-filled event!
The first steam powered train reached Chatham arriving from Newark in 1837. The train service allowed passengers to travel to and from Newark in about two hours. From Newark travelers could take a boat to New York City. The Morris & Essex Railroad began service to their own Hudson River waterfront terminal in Hoboken in 1863. Fast and easy ferryboat connections made quick round trips to Manhattan a practical thing and the day of the suburban commuter had begun.
Many changes and improvements were made over the years. In 1914, tracks through Chatham were elevated, eliminating street level crossings. A new train station was built at this time, one that still serves Chatham commuters 110 years later. Growth in passenger traffic necessitated further improvements, and on December 18, 1930 the first electric train arrived in Chatham.
The upgrading of the electric trains through Chatham opened up the possibility of achieving another
dream: direct passenger trains into New York City. On June 10, 1996 train 6604 from Dover was the
first train to stop in Chatham and then proceed directly into Penn Station, New York.
Chatham Historical Society
1924 – 2024
Chatham Historical Society is celebrating its
100th Anniversary in 2024
The Society is looking for Volunteers to plan the
celebration of this HUGE milestone
If you want to join the fun, share your ideas and enthusiasm
please send CHS an email to:
chathamnjhistory@gmail.com
Please include CENTENNIAL in the SUBJECT BOX
THANK YOU!!
1924 – 2024
Chatham Historical Society is celebrating its
100th Anniversary in 2024
The Society is looking for Volunteers to plan the
celebration of this HUGE milestone
If you want to join the fun, share your ideas and enthusiasm
please send CHS an email to:
chathamnjhistory@gmail.com
Please include CENTENNIAL in the SUBJECT BOX
THANK YOU!!
100 Years of Chatham's Rich History
At the last Borough Council meeting of 2023 on December 11, the Borough of Chatham passed a resolution to honor and celebrate the centennial of the Chatham Historical Society in 2024.
The Chatham Historical Society Holds Annual Dinner Meeting; His Excellency General Washington In Attendance
The Chatham Historical Society held its annual dinner meeting on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at the
United Methodist Church. The annual dinner meeting resumed after three years of pandemic
restrictions and disruptions. Special guest, His Excellency General Washington, entertained the
audience with recollections of the most significant battles of the Revolutionary War, spiced
with anecdotes of the United States’ journey to independency.
As customary the officers for the society were elected for 2023-2024. Amy Crandall and Karen
Hoerrner will serve as co-presidents, Debbie Fabian as vice president, Christine Grobert as
treasurer, and Stacey Keenan as secretary.
Long-time board members Diane Conlan and Gerry Geisler were honored for their outstanding
contributions to the Chatham Historical Society. The co-presidents also presented the Library of
the Chathams with an annual contribution check for the library’s support and assistance.
General Washington’s presentation highlighted the many miracles that turned the tables on the
British in the colonies’ long road to winning their independence. He touched upon the small
role that Chatham played in the final stages of the war.
In August 1781 Washington and his troops set up a camp in Chatham. The bread ovens were
constructed to fool the British into thinking that Washington and his troops were staying in the
area and preparing to attack New York. In reality, Washington secretly planned to move his
troops to the south and attack the British at Yorktown, Virginia. It took over a day for the British
to realize that Washington had left the area. The American and French forces surrounded
Yorktown on September 28, 1781. The battles continued for over two weeks until British
General Cornwall surrendered on October 19, 1781 thus successfully concluding the
Revolutionary War.
United Methodist Church. The annual dinner meeting resumed after three years of pandemic
restrictions and disruptions. Special guest, His Excellency General Washington, entertained the
audience with recollections of the most significant battles of the Revolutionary War, spiced
with anecdotes of the United States’ journey to independency.
As customary the officers for the society were elected for 2023-2024. Amy Crandall and Karen
Hoerrner will serve as co-presidents, Debbie Fabian as vice president, Christine Grobert as
treasurer, and Stacey Keenan as secretary.
Long-time board members Diane Conlan and Gerry Geisler were honored for their outstanding
contributions to the Chatham Historical Society. The co-presidents also presented the Library of
the Chathams with an annual contribution check for the library’s support and assistance.
General Washington’s presentation highlighted the many miracles that turned the tables on the
British in the colonies’ long road to winning their independence. He touched upon the small
role that Chatham played in the final stages of the war.
In August 1781 Washington and his troops set up a camp in Chatham. The bread ovens were
constructed to fool the British into thinking that Washington and his troops were staying in the
area and preparing to attack New York. In reality, Washington secretly planned to move his
troops to the south and attack the British at Yorktown, Virginia. It took over a day for the British
to realize that Washington had left the area. The American and French forces surrounded
Yorktown on September 28, 1781. The battles continued for over two weeks until British
General Cornwall surrendered on October 19, 1781 thus successfully concluding the
Revolutionary War.
Holiday Happenings
CHS Publications For Sale!
A large selection of our publications wrapped for the holidays! "Give the Gift of Chatham History"! Library foyer. All items only $10 (coloring book $5). Just Until January 1, 2023.
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2022 Annual Holiday Party
We had a wonderfully successful Holiday Party this year. Thanks to our hosts Joel and Karen, we celebrated in style at their beautiful home circa 1922! Join the Society and you will not miss out on the party of the season next year!
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JOIN the SOCIETY