Chatham Historical Society Presents
Remember the Ladies
This program will touch on all the First Ladies of the United States, from Martha Washington to Melania Trump. Not all First Ladies were the wives of the President, and each dealt in her own way with the inherent tension between the public nature of the role and the discomfort of society with women in public positions. Many of these varied and often overlooked women made valuable contributions and helped shape the presidency of their husband, brother, or father.
This free program will be presented on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 3 PM in the Chatham Library Lundt Room. Refreshments will be served.
The program will also be available by Zoom, registration for Zoom participation at the library website: https://chathamlibrary.librarycalendar.com/event/remember-ladies.
Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Photo: Grace Coolidge, White House Historical Association
This program will touch on all the First Ladies of the United States, from Martha Washington to Melania Trump. Not all First Ladies were the wives of the President, and each dealt in her own way with the inherent tension between the public nature of the role and the discomfort of society with women in public positions. Many of these varied and often overlooked women made valuable contributions and helped shape the presidency of their husband, brother, or father.
This free program will be presented on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 3 PM in the Chatham Library Lundt Room. Refreshments will be served.
The program will also be available by Zoom, registration for Zoom participation at the library website: https://chathamlibrary.librarycalendar.com/event/remember-ladies.
Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Photo: Grace Coolidge, White House Historical Association
Stitches in Time: Three Centuries of Hemlines, Necklines, and Everything in Between
Liberty Hall Museum in Union is the ancestral home of the distinguished Livingston and Kean families of New Jersey. Over the years, their descendants have lovingly preserved and packed away the previous generation’s belongings in attics, basements, closets, drawers, and even underneath the floorboards! Combined, they tell the story of a way of life that has vanished from the Garden State. This fashionable presentation covers all the dos and don’ts and how fashion has changed over three centuries.
This free program will be presented on Sunday, January 22, 2022 at 3 PM at the Chatham Library Lundt Room. Refreshments will be served.
The program will be available by Zoom, registration at https://chathamlibrary.librarycalendar.com/event/stitches-time.
Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Liberty Hall Museum in Union is the ancestral home of the distinguished Livingston and Kean families of New Jersey. Over the years, their descendants have lovingly preserved and packed away the previous generation’s belongings in attics, basements, closets, drawers, and even underneath the floorboards! Combined, they tell the story of a way of life that has vanished from the Garden State. This fashionable presentation covers all the dos and don’ts and how fashion has changed over three centuries.
This free program will be presented on Sunday, January 22, 2022 at 3 PM at the Chatham Library Lundt Room. Refreshments will be served.
The program will be available by Zoom, registration at https://chathamlibrary.librarycalendar.com/event/stitches-time.
Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
The Historical Societies of Chatham Borough and Chatham Township Present: REMEMBER THE LADIES
2022 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER:
MARIANNA ZINGONE
The recipient of the Chatham Historical Society 2022 Margaret Keisler scholarship is Marianna Zingone. The $1500 scholarship, awarded at the commencement exercises of Chatham High School, is named in memory of “Peg” Keisler, a lifelong resident of Chatham who was the Borough’s historian and dedicated educator. It is through the generosity of members and friends that this scholarship is possible.
Our town is made up of unique individuals, each with a distinctive story to tell. As part of the scholarship application process, students were asked to share their own stories. The Historical Society received 9 essays all with a different focus. Marianna’s is based on what it was like growing up in Chatham with a very special friend.
Marianna lives with her mom, dad and brother, Joseph, on Edgewood Road. She has a love of history – especially art history and archaeology - which she hopes to explore at Bowdoin College in Maine. She also is a talented artist and received the Silver Key Award in Fashion her senior year in the 2022 Regional Scholastic Art Awards. With so many interests, Marianna said she is very excited to see what her future holds.
We wish Marianna a happy life with much success in whatever path she follows.
Click here to read Marianna's winning essay
MARIANNA ZINGONE
The recipient of the Chatham Historical Society 2022 Margaret Keisler scholarship is Marianna Zingone. The $1500 scholarship, awarded at the commencement exercises of Chatham High School, is named in memory of “Peg” Keisler, a lifelong resident of Chatham who was the Borough’s historian and dedicated educator. It is through the generosity of members and friends that this scholarship is possible.
Our town is made up of unique individuals, each with a distinctive story to tell. As part of the scholarship application process, students were asked to share their own stories. The Historical Society received 9 essays all with a different focus. Marianna’s is based on what it was like growing up in Chatham with a very special friend.
Marianna lives with her mom, dad and brother, Joseph, on Edgewood Road. She has a love of history – especially art history and archaeology - which she hopes to explore at Bowdoin College in Maine. She also is a talented artist and received the Silver Key Award in Fashion her senior year in the 2022 Regional Scholastic Art Awards. With so many interests, Marianna said she is very excited to see what her future holds.
We wish Marianna a happy life with much success in whatever path she follows.
Click here to read Marianna's winning essay
JANET W. FOSTER: THE FUTURE IN THE PAST
CHS was excited to host our first Zoom Program on Sunday, November 15, 2020.
We were most fortunate to have Janet Foster as our speaker. Her program was entitled “The Future in the Past: 20th Century Suburban Architecture focused on Chatham, NJ.” Janet is a well-recognized local architectural historian, preservationist, and author who serves, and has served on many boards and commissions protecting the historical architecture of our state.
Over 70 guests logged-on to hear and see Janet’s educational and inspirational program focusing on how local rural areas quickly evolved into diverse suburban communities. We learned that dwellings 50 years or older are now considered “historic,” and we were enlightened as to how Chatham became “modern” from 1900 to 1970.
We visited the turn of the century when people imagined what the modern future would bring. Gustav Stickley introduced an innovative, yet simple design for housing and furniture. A visit to Craftsman Farms, his home in Parsippany, will introduce you to his dream of a “Lifestyle in Harmony with Nature.” His magazine illustrated “visions of what the future would hold.”
Stickley’s plans initiated the emergence of “kit” or mail order homes which quickly became a suburban phenomenon, referred to as a “bungalow.” Many companies quickly endorsed the trend. All construction supplies for a home would arrive in a train car – plan specs, wood, bricks, hardware, plumbing, electrical, even paint and wallpaper.
Janet elaborated on innovative housing plans such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie House,” and the “Four-Square” which was very popular in Chatham during the 1930’s - at the time considered to be modern, even futuristic! The 1920’s and ’30 also experienced a “colonial revival,” in popular kit homes. A perfect melding of colonial and bungalow, traditional and modern.
Janet showed us several examples of Tudor Revival homes in Chatham, detailed to look older than their 1930’s construction. She touched on the clean lines of Mission Revival as a true statement of Modernity in the 20th Century. We learned about an ill-fated trend of concrete block homes, and metal and aluminum structures. Janet’s program concluded with our two lovely and unique examples of A-frame churches on Main Street exhibiting a post-war view of what modern churches should look like.
The Chatham Historical Society is most grateful to the Library of the Chathams for facilitating our program!
JANET W. FOSTER: THE FUTURE IN THE PAST
CHS was excited to host our first Zoom Program on Sunday, November 15, 2020.
We were most fortunate to have Janet Foster as our speaker. Her program was entitled “The Future in the Past: 20th Century Suburban Architecture focused on Chatham, NJ.” Janet is a well-recognized local architectural historian, preservationist, and author who serves, and has served on many boards and commissions protecting the historical architecture of our state.
Over 70 guests logged-on to hear and see Janet’s educational and inspirational program focusing on how local rural areas quickly evolved into diverse suburban communities. We learned that dwellings 50 years or older are now considered “historic,” and we were enlightened as to how Chatham became “modern” from 1900 to 1970.
We visited the turn of the century when people imagined what the modern future would bring. Gustav Stickley introduced an innovative, yet simple design for housing and furniture. A visit to Craftsman Farms, his home in Parsippany, will introduce you to his dream of a “Lifestyle in Harmony with Nature.” His magazine illustrated “visions of what the future would hold.”
Stickley’s plans initiated the emergence of “kit” or mail order homes which quickly became a suburban phenomenon, referred to as a “bungalow.” Many companies quickly endorsed the trend. All construction supplies for a home would arrive in a train car – plan specs, wood, bricks, hardware, plumbing, electrical, even paint and wallpaper.
Janet elaborated on innovative housing plans such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie House,” and the “Four-Square” which was very popular in Chatham during the 1930’s - at the time considered to be modern, even futuristic! The 1920’s and ’30 also experienced a “colonial revival,” in popular kit homes. A perfect melding of colonial and bungalow, traditional and modern.
Janet showed us several examples of Tudor Revival homes in Chatham, detailed to look older than their 1930’s construction. She touched on the clean lines of Mission Revival as a true statement of Modernity in the 20th Century. We learned about an ill-fated trend of concrete block homes, and metal and aluminum structures. Janet’s program concluded with our two lovely and unique examples of A-frame churches on Main Street exhibiting a post-war view of what modern churches should look like.
The Chatham Historical Society is most grateful to the Library of the Chathams for facilitating our program!
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
It is a new age for the Chatham Historical Society as it recently opened its own Instagram account @historychathamnj. The social media outlet is the perfect place to share the rich history of the borough, which is an important part of the organization’s mission. It also serves as a medium to reach a large number of people concerning the upcoming community events sponsored by the society. President Helen Ann Rosenfeld started posting "Chatham Gems" on Instagram in July and has received a lot of positive feedback. "The most popular posts deal with the architecture of Chatham and how neighborhoods developed. I actually have a long list of houses to post, but the most difficult part is getting a good front photo of the home," she explained. Chatham Gems has evolved into @homesofhistory which shares old homes of history, each with a story to tell.
Chatham Gem Lum Avenue was named after Benjamin P. Lum who started the brick industry in Chatham about 1835. Around 1870, this neighborhood was developed by the New York Homestead Association who laid out small 50 x 65 lots. Representatives then met
Irishmen, fleeing Ireland's Great Potato Famine, at the ports and invited them to buy one of the lots with the promise jobs were available for the Irish at Lum's brickyard. The sales pitch worked and for many years the neighborhood was known as "Dublin". Some of the original houses still stand, recognizable by their front gable, returns on the eaves and rounded top window. This fine example was built about 1875.
It is a new age for the Chatham Historical Society as it recently opened its own Instagram account @historychathamnj. The social media outlet is the perfect place to share the rich history of the borough, which is an important part of the organization’s mission. It also serves as a medium to reach a large number of people concerning the upcoming community events sponsored by the society. President Helen Ann Rosenfeld started posting "Chatham Gems" on Instagram in July and has received a lot of positive feedback. "The most popular posts deal with the architecture of Chatham and how neighborhoods developed. I actually have a long list of houses to post, but the most difficult part is getting a good front photo of the home," she explained. Chatham Gems has evolved into @homesofhistory which shares old homes of history, each with a story to tell.
Chatham Gem Lum Avenue was named after Benjamin P. Lum who started the brick industry in Chatham about 1835. Around 1870, this neighborhood was developed by the New York Homestead Association who laid out small 50 x 65 lots. Representatives then met
Irishmen, fleeing Ireland's Great Potato Famine, at the ports and invited them to buy one of the lots with the promise jobs were available for the Irish at Lum's brickyard. The sales pitch worked and for many years the neighborhood was known as "Dublin". Some of the original houses still stand, recognizable by their front gable, returns on the eaves and rounded top window. This fine example was built about 1875.
THE SPACE RACE
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969, Kevin Woyce will present a new presentation, packed with historic photographs and vintage concept art. Relive the dramatic “Space Race,” from the pioneering Mercury and Gemini flights to the first Apollo Moon landings and the lesser-known scientific missions that followed.
Bring a friend, admission is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
We look forward to seeing you!
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969, Kevin Woyce will present a new presentation, packed with historic photographs and vintage concept art. Relive the dramatic “Space Race,” from the pioneering Mercury and Gemini flights to the first Apollo Moon landings and the lesser-known scientific missions that followed.
Bring a friend, admission is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
We look forward to seeing you!
2017 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER The 2017 recipient of the Chatham Historical Society Margaret Keisler Scholarship is Paul Coyne of Dempster Road.
The scholarship is named after a lifelong Chathamite who was an educator and town historian. It was presented at the Chatham High School commencement held on June 23, 2017 at Mennen Arena in Morris Township. The $1500 award is made possible by the generosity of members and friends of the Society.
To be considered for the scholarship, students are asked to write an essay in response to this prompt: Chatham: My Town by a River. The history of our town is made up of individual unique stories. Please share your own distinctive story about growing up in Chatham. Paul’s essay is an evocative piece of a singular town event. He writes about the fishing derby sponsored by the Chatham Fire Department each spring at Kelley’s Pond, behind Milton Avenue School and recalls his memories of participation through the years. Reading Paul’s memoir, which can be found at the end of this article, reminds us that Chatham has many long-treasured traditions that make it such special place in which to grow up.
Paul Coyne is a lifelong Chatham resident and an accomplished young man. He was founder and president of the Astronomy Club and with funding from the Chatham Education Foundation, he created an aquaponics system in the Chatham High School greenhouse. Paul ran track and field and cross country. He is an Eagle Scout and worked as a guide for groups of Cub Scouts teaching them various tasks related to scouting.
Paul will attend Susquehanna University in the fall where he plans to major in ecology. He always wanted to work with animals but after researching and writing a paper for English class, he realized how amazing aquaculture could be. He believes that aquaculture will be an important food source for future generations and hopes that he will have an impact helping people around the world. We wish this very talented student continued success in all of his endeavors.
To read Paul's essay click here.
The scholarship is named after a lifelong Chathamite who was an educator and town historian. It was presented at the Chatham High School commencement held on June 23, 2017 at Mennen Arena in Morris Township. The $1500 award is made possible by the generosity of members and friends of the Society.
To be considered for the scholarship, students are asked to write an essay in response to this prompt: Chatham: My Town by a River. The history of our town is made up of individual unique stories. Please share your own distinctive story about growing up in Chatham. Paul’s essay is an evocative piece of a singular town event. He writes about the fishing derby sponsored by the Chatham Fire Department each spring at Kelley’s Pond, behind Milton Avenue School and recalls his memories of participation through the years. Reading Paul’s memoir, which can be found at the end of this article, reminds us that Chatham has many long-treasured traditions that make it such special place in which to grow up.
Paul Coyne is a lifelong Chatham resident and an accomplished young man. He was founder and president of the Astronomy Club and with funding from the Chatham Education Foundation, he created an aquaponics system in the Chatham High School greenhouse. Paul ran track and field and cross country. He is an Eagle Scout and worked as a guide for groups of Cub Scouts teaching them various tasks related to scouting.
Paul will attend Susquehanna University in the fall where he plans to major in ecology. He always wanted to work with animals but after researching and writing a paper for English class, he realized how amazing aquaculture could be. He believes that aquaculture will be an important food source for future generations and hopes that he will have an impact helping people around the world. We wish this very talented student continued success in all of his endeavors.
To read Paul's essay click here.
THE FAIRMOUNT CEMETERY FIELD TRIP Organized by the Chatham Historical Society, has become a tradition for students at Chatham's Lafayette School.
In mid-May, 340 fourth graders walked to Fairmount Cemetery where they spent the morning visiting fourteen stations, each lead by a high school student actor dressed in period costume, telling the story of the influential Chathamite he or she portrayed.
Chatham High School drama teacher, Laura Russo, directed her student actors in preparation for their performances. The fourth grade students listened intently as they heard stories from the past about people, who during their lives, contributed greatly to our community. Local figures, such as Major Dawley, a film director; Frederick Lum, Chatham's first mayor; Jan Westfall, a historic preservationist, were among the people featured. New to the event this year was a display table that featured historical artifacts from our collections: locally found fossils, World War II memorabilia and vintage photos of Chatham. Overall, the program was enjoyed by all - children, teachers and volunteers!
In mid-May, 340 fourth graders walked to Fairmount Cemetery where they spent the morning visiting fourteen stations, each lead by a high school student actor dressed in period costume, telling the story of the influential Chathamite he or she portrayed.
Chatham High School drama teacher, Laura Russo, directed her student actors in preparation for their performances. The fourth grade students listened intently as they heard stories from the past about people, who during their lives, contributed greatly to our community. Local figures, such as Major Dawley, a film director; Frederick Lum, Chatham's first mayor; Jan Westfall, a historic preservationist, were among the people featured. New to the event this year was a display table that featured historical artifacts from our collections: locally found fossils, World War II memorabilia and vintage photos of Chatham. Overall, the program was enjoyed by all - children, teachers and volunteers!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! It’s time to celebrate the holidays and we kicked off the season in style. The annual holiday party was held December 10 at the home Karen and Mark Hoerrner of 194 Fairmount Avenue. They recently finished a major renovation restoring their home to its past splendor - inside and out.
Using archival photos, the Hoerrners meticulously captured every detail of the original home and enhanced it with modern updates and amenities. Built in 1921, it is eclectic in style with a strong Prairie School influence. Prairie School is a truly American concept, where buildings echo the wide, flat expanses of the mid-West plains and are intended to meet basic needs without being too showy. This fine example is built of buff bricks with a green tiled hipped roof and broad overhanging eaves creating a strong horizontal presence intended to blend into the landscape.
This vintage home was the perfect venue for members to enjoy delicious food and libations while mingling with old friends and new. An eight foot Christmas tree was the centerpiece of the decorations and added to the festive atmosphere.
This annual tradition is a way to thank members for their support during the year. A special thank you to the Hoerrners for hosting the holiday celebration.
Using archival photos, the Hoerrners meticulously captured every detail of the original home and enhanced it with modern updates and amenities. Built in 1921, it is eclectic in style with a strong Prairie School influence. Prairie School is a truly American concept, where buildings echo the wide, flat expanses of the mid-West plains and are intended to meet basic needs without being too showy. This fine example is built of buff bricks with a green tiled hipped roof and broad overhanging eaves creating a strong horizontal presence intended to blend into the landscape.
This vintage home was the perfect venue for members to enjoy delicious food and libations while mingling with old friends and new. An eight foot Christmas tree was the centerpiece of the decorations and added to the festive atmosphere.
This annual tradition is a way to thank members for their support during the year. A special thank you to the Hoerrners for hosting the holiday celebration.
MOVING TRIBUTE TO OUR WWI HEROES n June 10, 2017 the Chatham Historical Society commemorated the 100th anniversary of the United States entering the Great War by remembering Lieut. Eugene P. Hubbard, Sgt. Van Horn D. Wolf, Private Paul Van Fleet, Private Fred Reinhold Pihlman and Private Frederick Percy Parcells, the five Chatham soldiers who lost their lives in France during the “war to end all wars.”
In 1919, a year after the WWI ended, the Chatham community planted five red oak trees in honor of these young men. The trees were planted on the front lawn of Public School #1, now Borough Hall, but time and construction took their toll and none of the original five oaks survived. We set out to dedicate a new memorial honoring these men. On a sun-filled June day, that idea became reality. A red oak tree, with a memorial boulder beneath it listing the names of Chatham’s fallen soldiers, was dedicated on Chatham Borough Hall grounds.
Jackie Pindak, a trustee of the Historical Society, welcomed the large crowd that included local and state officials. Among those in attendance were Senator Thomas Kean, Jr., Assembly woman Nancy Munoz, Madison Mayor Robert Conley, Chatham Township Committee member Michael Kelly, Chatham Borough Council President Victoria Fife and Councilmember Peter Hoffman. Pindak thanked Mayor Harris and the Borough Council for their enthusiastic support of this project, and Chairwoman Colleen Truppo and the Shade Tree Commission for their enthusiasm and guidance in the tree selection and placement. She made special reference to the Department of Public Works noting, “We are indebted to the Public Works Department, especially Tony Torello and his crew, for helping to make this dream a reality.” Chatham Boy Scout Troop 8 led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Bruce A. Harris dedicated the memorial with an inspiring speech, stating “The world saw what the industrial revolution had made possible in war – devastating artillery, chemical weapons, aerial warfare, sixteen million died. Five million were buried in unmarked graves. Millions of minorities were brutally relocated and killed. The carnage was horrifying. Perhaps that is exactly why we remember these events and remember those who served in these gruesome battles fighting for freedom.” As Mayor Harris remembered each young man a representative from the Chatham Girl Scouts placed a beautiful bouquet of white roses at the base of the boulder.
The ceremony closed with the thought, “It is hoped that this memorial will give people pause to reflect on what is given during war – the wars of yesterday and today.”
To learn more about Chatham's World War I Heroes click here.
In 1919, a year after the WWI ended, the Chatham community planted five red oak trees in honor of these young men. The trees were planted on the front lawn of Public School #1, now Borough Hall, but time and construction took their toll and none of the original five oaks survived. We set out to dedicate a new memorial honoring these men. On a sun-filled June day, that idea became reality. A red oak tree, with a memorial boulder beneath it listing the names of Chatham’s fallen soldiers, was dedicated on Chatham Borough Hall grounds.
Jackie Pindak, a trustee of the Historical Society, welcomed the large crowd that included local and state officials. Among those in attendance were Senator Thomas Kean, Jr., Assembly woman Nancy Munoz, Madison Mayor Robert Conley, Chatham Township Committee member Michael Kelly, Chatham Borough Council President Victoria Fife and Councilmember Peter Hoffman. Pindak thanked Mayor Harris and the Borough Council for their enthusiastic support of this project, and Chairwoman Colleen Truppo and the Shade Tree Commission for their enthusiasm and guidance in the tree selection and placement. She made special reference to the Department of Public Works noting, “We are indebted to the Public Works Department, especially Tony Torello and his crew, for helping to make this dream a reality.” Chatham Boy Scout Troop 8 led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Bruce A. Harris dedicated the memorial with an inspiring speech, stating “The world saw what the industrial revolution had made possible in war – devastating artillery, chemical weapons, aerial warfare, sixteen million died. Five million were buried in unmarked graves. Millions of minorities were brutally relocated and killed. The carnage was horrifying. Perhaps that is exactly why we remember these events and remember those who served in these gruesome battles fighting for freedom.” As Mayor Harris remembered each young man a representative from the Chatham Girl Scouts placed a beautiful bouquet of white roses at the base of the boulder.
The ceremony closed with the thought, “It is hoped that this memorial will give people pause to reflect on what is given during war – the wars of yesterday and today.”
To learn more about Chatham's World War I Heroes click here.
PEAPACK-GLADSTONE BANK CONTRIBUTES TO THE SOCIETY Recently Peapack-Gladstone Bank presented a $500.00 contribution to the Chatham Historical Society to support their efforts to promote awareness of the rich history of Chatham Borough.
Presented by Laura Zmijeski, Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Consultants, a Division of Peapack-Gladstone Bank, to Helen Ann Rosenfeld, President and Amy Crandall, Vice President of the Society, this contribution will support the Society’s public appreciation of Chatham Borough’s character and history.
Ms. Zmijeski, former Treasurer of the Chatham Historical Society, submitted the Society’s nomination as a part of the bank’s recent Employee Donation Contest whereby six charity/non-profit entries submitted by employees were selected to receive monetary gifts.
Founded in 1924, The Chatham Historical Society brings information of historical interest to the community through its programs, publications and other media and recognizes that today’s residents, places and events will become our history. With Peapack-Gladstone Bank’s rich history and strong roots dating back 96 years it also understands the importance of preserving institutional and family legacies for the next generation. The Society is grateful for the donation and thanks Peapack-Gladstone Bank for their generosity.
Presented by Laura Zmijeski, Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Consultants, a Division of Peapack-Gladstone Bank, to Helen Ann Rosenfeld, President and Amy Crandall, Vice President of the Society, this contribution will support the Society’s public appreciation of Chatham Borough’s character and history.
Ms. Zmijeski, former Treasurer of the Chatham Historical Society, submitted the Society’s nomination as a part of the bank’s recent Employee Donation Contest whereby six charity/non-profit entries submitted by employees were selected to receive monetary gifts.
Founded in 1924, The Chatham Historical Society brings information of historical interest to the community through its programs, publications and other media and recognizes that today’s residents, places and events will become our history. With Peapack-Gladstone Bank’s rich history and strong roots dating back 96 years it also understands the importance of preserving institutional and family legacies for the next generation. The Society is grateful for the donation and thanks Peapack-Gladstone Bank for their generosity.
HISTORICAL HOME PLAQUE AWARDED Recently, Graeme and Carol Dewar of 95 Fairmount Avenue were presented the Chatham Historical Society Historical Home Plaque under the Dani McCulloch Adopt-A-House program.
Launched in 2010, the Adopt-A-House program originated with the enthusiasm of the late Dani McCulloch. The program was conceived to document the history of borough homes and to give special recognition to Chatham homes that are 100 years or older.
Through the Adopt-A-House program, Helen Ann Rosenfeld researched the Dewar’s house.
The Heald House, named after the original owners John H. and Sarah J. Heald, is remarkably well preserved. The home was built about 1875 by Civil War veteran Israel D. Lum and is a stunning example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture.
Commonly referred to as Carpenter’s Gothic in America, carpenters and builders adapted pointed arches, steep gables and towers of European architecture to traditional American construction. With the invention of a scroll saw available to the masses, machine made architectural details allowed builders to enhance homes with fancy woodwork to replicate the details of the great stone structures of England. America had an abundance of timber and it was a natural transition to adapt the Gothic style to wood.
Beautiful craftsmanship and interesting mill work are the hallmarks of this gorgeous home. Although it is shorn of some of its original detailing, much remains including batten cladding in the gables, detailed eave brackets, bulls-eye decorations and chamfered posts.
The Society invites anyone who would like to research the history of their home to click here. Residents will receive an Adopt-a-House packet full of useful information to aid in the research. When the Plaque Committee and the Adopt-a-House Committee have reviewed the property, the homeowner will have the opportunity to obtain a beautiful historical plaque to display on their home. Through this program, the Society hopes to encourage residents to help preserve the architecture and history of Chatham Borough.
Launched in 2010, the Adopt-A-House program originated with the enthusiasm of the late Dani McCulloch. The program was conceived to document the history of borough homes and to give special recognition to Chatham homes that are 100 years or older.
Through the Adopt-A-House program, Helen Ann Rosenfeld researched the Dewar’s house.
The Heald House, named after the original owners John H. and Sarah J. Heald, is remarkably well preserved. The home was built about 1875 by Civil War veteran Israel D. Lum and is a stunning example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture.
Commonly referred to as Carpenter’s Gothic in America, carpenters and builders adapted pointed arches, steep gables and towers of European architecture to traditional American construction. With the invention of a scroll saw available to the masses, machine made architectural details allowed builders to enhance homes with fancy woodwork to replicate the details of the great stone structures of England. America had an abundance of timber and it was a natural transition to adapt the Gothic style to wood.
Beautiful craftsmanship and interesting mill work are the hallmarks of this gorgeous home. Although it is shorn of some of its original detailing, much remains including batten cladding in the gables, detailed eave brackets, bulls-eye decorations and chamfered posts.
The Society invites anyone who would like to research the history of their home to click here. Residents will receive an Adopt-a-House packet full of useful information to aid in the research. When the Plaque Committee and the Adopt-a-House Committee have reviewed the property, the homeowner will have the opportunity to obtain a beautiful historical plaque to display on their home. Through this program, the Society hopes to encourage residents to help preserve the architecture and history of Chatham Borough.
WWI HEROES HONORED AT OUR ANNUAL DINNER The Society’s Annual Dinner and Meeting, held May 2nd at the Chatham Fish & Game Club attracted 112 people. In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the US entering WWI, the featured program, Chatham and the Great War, told the story of war-time Chatham. It chronicled the impact of the war on Chatham and the contributions and sacrifices made by military personal, volunteers and everyday citizens.
The program was researched and developed by Jackie Pindak and Helen Ann Rosenfeld. The presentation was dedicated to the five Chatham soldiers who lost lives in France: Eugene Hubbard, Van Horn Wolfe, Paul VanFleet, Fred Pihlman and Fredrick Parcells. The use of the Society’s vintage photos and documents from the era brought the war-related activities to life. The Hand family donated over 50 letters and postcards to the Society written by their son, Clarence during the war. Through excerpts from these missives, attendees were given an eye witness account of the war.
Joyce Martinsen and Cheryl Leverich organized the well-attended dinner. The menu centered on foods that were appropriate to eat during the war. Since red meats and wheat were saved for the troops, the dinner was pork, potatoes accompanied by string beans and applesauce and corn bread.
They also beautifully decorated the venue in red, white and blue. White carnations and roses were on the table as well as “tin” cans filled with Wrigley’s gum, a favorite of soldiers. Each table had colorful posters from that era that were used to build patriotism during the war.
A new addition to the event was the musical accompaniment by a Chatham High quartet - Olivia Kelly-Quigley, Amrita Sooklal, Yuntso Bhun and Annie Leverich.
In 1919, a year after the war ended, the town recognized the sacrifice of the five men lost in the war by planting five red oak trees on the grounds of Public School #1, now Chatham Borough Hall. Sadly, none remain. On June 10 at 12:00 during Fishawack, the Society will dedicate another red oak tree at Borough Hall to the memory of the five soldiers and in gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice. All are invited to join in the commemoration. Click here for details.
The program was researched and developed by Jackie Pindak and Helen Ann Rosenfeld. The presentation was dedicated to the five Chatham soldiers who lost lives in France: Eugene Hubbard, Van Horn Wolfe, Paul VanFleet, Fred Pihlman and Fredrick Parcells. The use of the Society’s vintage photos and documents from the era brought the war-related activities to life. The Hand family donated over 50 letters and postcards to the Society written by their son, Clarence during the war. Through excerpts from these missives, attendees were given an eye witness account of the war.
Joyce Martinsen and Cheryl Leverich organized the well-attended dinner. The menu centered on foods that were appropriate to eat during the war. Since red meats and wheat were saved for the troops, the dinner was pork, potatoes accompanied by string beans and applesauce and corn bread.
They also beautifully decorated the venue in red, white and blue. White carnations and roses were on the table as well as “tin” cans filled with Wrigley’s gum, a favorite of soldiers. Each table had colorful posters from that era that were used to build patriotism during the war.
A new addition to the event was the musical accompaniment by a Chatham High quartet - Olivia Kelly-Quigley, Amrita Sooklal, Yuntso Bhun and Annie Leverich.
In 1919, a year after the war ended, the town recognized the sacrifice of the five men lost in the war by planting five red oak trees on the grounds of Public School #1, now Chatham Borough Hall. Sadly, none remain. On June 10 at 12:00 during Fishawack, the Society will dedicate another red oak tree at Borough Hall to the memory of the five soldiers and in gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice. All are invited to join in the commemoration. Click here for details.
A BRILLIANT ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM The society hosted a well-attended spring program on April 2nd at the Library of the Chathams. Janet W. Foster, an architectural historian and historic preservation consultant, led a group of over 60 people through a wonderful presentation on the history late 19th Century American Architecture.
Using slides of beautiful homes depicting local, state and regional examples of different architectural expressions popular during the reign of Queen Victoria architecture (about 1840-1900), Foster provided the audience with a unique understanding of the many different styles during the time. She also clarified why calling a home “Victorian” neither dates it nor describes how it looks.
She also explained why historic homes have various types of roofs, gables, porches, wood or stone details, and much more.
It was an exciting, fast paced program. At the conclusion, Foster graciously fielded many questions and a lively discussion ensued.
Using slides of beautiful homes depicting local, state and regional examples of different architectural expressions popular during the reign of Queen Victoria architecture (about 1840-1900), Foster provided the audience with a unique understanding of the many different styles during the time. She also clarified why calling a home “Victorian” neither dates it nor describes how it looks.
She also explained why historic homes have various types of roofs, gables, porches, wood or stone details, and much more.
It was an exciting, fast paced program. At the conclusion, Foster graciously fielded many questions and a lively discussion ensued.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS The Society welcomed in the holiday season with old friends and new at its Annual Holiday Party held December 11. The home of Andy and Carole Dinnhaupt on Chandler Road was the perfect location to host over 80 Chatham Historical Society members.
The Dinnhaupts graciously opened their recently renovated 1930s eclectic style house. The vintage home was enlarged and modernized while keeping its historical charm and character intact. Many original features including fireplaces with stunning mantels and gorgeous hardwood floors were beautifully restored. All the rooms were elegantly decorated, creating an ideal atmosphere for the gathering.
The mood was merry as holiday greetings were passed from friend to friend, while all enjoyed a delicious spread and festive libations. Karen Hoerrner, chair of the event said, “The party was a wonderful success and Carole and Andy were so kind to open up their amazing house at such a busy time of year.” The celebration, an annual tradition, is the Society’s way of thanking its members for their support during the year.
The Dinnhaupts graciously opened their recently renovated 1930s eclectic style house. The vintage home was enlarged and modernized while keeping its historical charm and character intact. Many original features including fireplaces with stunning mantels and gorgeous hardwood floors were beautifully restored. All the rooms were elegantly decorated, creating an ideal atmosphere for the gathering.
The mood was merry as holiday greetings were passed from friend to friend, while all enjoyed a delicious spread and festive libations. Karen Hoerrner, chair of the event said, “The party was a wonderful success and Carole and Andy were so kind to open up their amazing house at such a busy time of year.” The celebration, an annual tradition, is the Society’s way of thanking its members for their support during the year.
PRIDE and HISTORY In October, clients of PRIDE were an enthusiastic group for a “Walking Tour of Fairmount Avenue” presented by the Chatham Historical Society.
PRIDE stands for Promoting Responsibility, Independence, Decision-making and Employability and those are the aspirations shared by adults with special needs in this program. All graduates of ECLC are offered a spot in the program.
The Society was contacted by staff member, Valerie Tomaro, who was looking for a program for clients interested in local history. We offered a few suggestions and she chose the Fairmount Avenue Tour.
Jackie Pindak, Society Trustee, led the tour on a gorgeous, sun-filled day. She brought to life the history of the homes and the people who lived there “back-in-the-day”. The young adults listened intently and asked many questions.
One of the favorite stories was of the house which used to be the clubhouse for the golf course which was once located behind the Fish & Game Club and went up past Red Road. They were also fascinated by the story of a man who built boats in his attic and that children a 100 years ago tobogganed down Fairmount Avenue.
The tour concluded at the gazebo where Amy Crandall served homemade apple cake and cider while Jackie gave the participants a pamphlet of the tour for them to share with their families.
The tour was enjoyed by all and the Society looks forward to this becoming an annual event.
PRIDE stands for Promoting Responsibility, Independence, Decision-making and Employability and those are the aspirations shared by adults with special needs in this program. All graduates of ECLC are offered a spot in the program.
The Society was contacted by staff member, Valerie Tomaro, who was looking for a program for clients interested in local history. We offered a few suggestions and she chose the Fairmount Avenue Tour.
Jackie Pindak, Society Trustee, led the tour on a gorgeous, sun-filled day. She brought to life the history of the homes and the people who lived there “back-in-the-day”. The young adults listened intently and asked many questions.
One of the favorite stories was of the house which used to be the clubhouse for the golf course which was once located behind the Fish & Game Club and went up past Red Road. They were also fascinated by the story of a man who built boats in his attic and that children a 100 years ago tobogganed down Fairmount Avenue.
The tour concluded at the gazebo where Amy Crandall served homemade apple cake and cider while Jackie gave the participants a pamphlet of the tour for them to share with their families.
The tour was enjoyed by all and the Society looks forward to this becoming an annual event.
HISTORY & HOPS 2016 On October 21, the first annual “History & Hops”, presented by the Chatham Historical Society, was held at the Chatham Fish & Game Club. The club was transformed into a traditional beer garden complete with bushes and sparkling lights.
Amy Crandall, event chair, welcomed the sell-out crowd and thanked local sponsors DeFalco Automotive & Towing and Twin Elephant Brewing Company.
Chatham grew and thrived around Day’s Tavern which once sat by the Passaic River on Main Street. The organizers expanded on the tavern theme to celebrate Chatham’s past with hops.
The guests enjoyed beer from Ireland, Great Britain, Germany and Belgium. Each beer represented an historical Chatham person or place including Irish immigrants who came in the mid-1850s to escape Ireland’s Great Potato Famine and Sheppard Kollack who founded north Jersey’s first newspaper at the site where Sheppard Kollack Park is today.
Hors d’oeuvres and sandwiches were served as well as a selection of wines from France and Italy. The entertainment was provided by Chatham’s own “Sal Arnuk, Mike McLaughlin and Chris “Sarge” Tomaino Unplugged”.
The gathering was attended by adults of all ages who came to enjoy great beer and to socialize while learning a bit of local history, with many of them hoping this will be an annual event. “We are so happy there is such interest and enthusiasm in our event. Mark your calendar for next year.” said Society president, Helen Ann Rosenfeld.
Amy Crandall, event chair, welcomed the sell-out crowd and thanked local sponsors DeFalco Automotive & Towing and Twin Elephant Brewing Company.
Chatham grew and thrived around Day’s Tavern which once sat by the Passaic River on Main Street. The organizers expanded on the tavern theme to celebrate Chatham’s past with hops.
The guests enjoyed beer from Ireland, Great Britain, Germany and Belgium. Each beer represented an historical Chatham person or place including Irish immigrants who came in the mid-1850s to escape Ireland’s Great Potato Famine and Sheppard Kollack who founded north Jersey’s first newspaper at the site where Sheppard Kollack Park is today.
Hors d’oeuvres and sandwiches were served as well as a selection of wines from France and Italy. The entertainment was provided by Chatham’s own “Sal Arnuk, Mike McLaughlin and Chris “Sarge” Tomaino Unplugged”.
The gathering was attended by adults of all ages who came to enjoy great beer and to socialize while learning a bit of local history, with many of them hoping this will be an annual event. “We are so happy there is such interest and enthusiasm in our event. Mark your calendar for next year.” said Society president, Helen Ann Rosenfeld.
CHATHAM: TOMORROW IS TODAY is a brilliant film produced by Kelly Krincek for her Girl Scout Gold Award Leadership Project.
Kelly, a rising senior at Chatham High, created the film to prevent history from being forgotten and to preserve the culture of Chatham today for future generations. Kelly commented, “Everyday history is being lost - even in my hometown of Chatham”.
She worked closely with her adviser Amy Crandall, Vice President of the Chatham Historical Society. Amy noted, Kelly’s “parents and grandparents had grown up in the town. She has such a connection to the community”. Amy and the historical society aided in research and in the collection of photos, “but she really did it all by herself."
Kelly was thorough in her research, the film features many interviews from people in Chatham as well as images which focus on the culture and lifestyle of the town. Also included are stories and memories of yesterday and today.
The film premiered at the Library of the Chathams on August 17 to a full house. To view this impressive film click here.
Kelly, a rising senior at Chatham High, created the film to prevent history from being forgotten and to preserve the culture of Chatham today for future generations. Kelly commented, “Everyday history is being lost - even in my hometown of Chatham”.
She worked closely with her adviser Amy Crandall, Vice President of the Chatham Historical Society. Amy noted, Kelly’s “parents and grandparents had grown up in the town. She has such a connection to the community”. Amy and the historical society aided in research and in the collection of photos, “but she really did it all by herself."
Kelly was thorough in her research, the film features many interviews from people in Chatham as well as images which focus on the culture and lifestyle of the town. Also included are stories and memories of yesterday and today.
The film premiered at the Library of the Chathams on August 17 to a full house. To view this impressive film click here.
2016 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER Justin Hayes was the 2016 recipient of the Chatham Historical Society Margaret Keisler Scholarship.
Awarded at the commencement exercises of Chatham High School held on June 23, 2016 at Mennen Arena in Morris Township.It is named in memory of the dedicated educator and life long Chathamite, Peg Keisler. The scholarship award was $1500, thanks to the generosity of members and friends of the Society.
Since the history of our town is made up of individual and unique stories, students are asked to share their own narratives about living in Chatham. This year 25 essays were submitted. It is always a difficult decision for the Scholarship Committee but this year’s essay stood out for its uniqueness. Justin’s parents, Karen and Tim Hayes, opened Supper in 2007 on Main Street in what was the old Chatham Diner. This essay is a look at the operation of the restaurant through Justin’s eyes. It reminds us that small businesses are the back bone of our community as they have been since colonial times.
Justin lives on Edgewood Road with his mom and dad and three older brothers. He was an outstanding athlete in high school - an MVP of the football team and “Athlete of the Week” on TAP. Justin will follow the footsteps of his oldest brother and attend the University of Richmond in Virginia where he intends to study International Business. He says his summer job which took him to construction sites in New York City, the outer boroughs and Long Island greatly influenced his career plans.
We congratulate Justin on his achievements and wish him continued success in all he does.
Click here to read the winning essay
Awarded at the commencement exercises of Chatham High School held on June 23, 2016 at Mennen Arena in Morris Township.It is named in memory of the dedicated educator and life long Chathamite, Peg Keisler. The scholarship award was $1500, thanks to the generosity of members and friends of the Society.
Since the history of our town is made up of individual and unique stories, students are asked to share their own narratives about living in Chatham. This year 25 essays were submitted. It is always a difficult decision for the Scholarship Committee but this year’s essay stood out for its uniqueness. Justin’s parents, Karen and Tim Hayes, opened Supper in 2007 on Main Street in what was the old Chatham Diner. This essay is a look at the operation of the restaurant through Justin’s eyes. It reminds us that small businesses are the back bone of our community as they have been since colonial times.
Justin lives on Edgewood Road with his mom and dad and three older brothers. He was an outstanding athlete in high school - an MVP of the football team and “Athlete of the Week” on TAP. Justin will follow the footsteps of his oldest brother and attend the University of Richmond in Virginia where he intends to study International Business. He says his summer job which took him to construction sites in New York City, the outer boroughs and Long Island greatly influenced his career plans.
We congratulate Justin on his achievements and wish him continued success in all he does.
Click here to read the winning essay
KUDOS TO CHRISTINE GROBERT On June 14th at the JayCees Distinguished Award Ceremony, Christine Grobert, Treasurer of the Historical Society, and her husband John were presented with the very well deserved Distinguished Service award for their many hours of volunteer work around town. Dividing their time among numerous organizations, Christine and John are active members of the Chatham Emergency squad.
The Historical Society takes great pride in calling Christine “one of our own.” To celebrate the 100th birthday of the Chatham train station, Christine came up with the idea of breaking the Guinness world’s record of having the most people blowing train whistles simultaneously. This was no easy feat. The logistics alone were mind boggling but she put Chatham in the record books. This is how it is listed in the Guinness World Records: "The most people blowing train whistles simultaneously is 1,127, achieved by Friends of the Chatham Historical Society (USA) in Chatham, New Jersey, USA, on 14 June 2014." There we are in the book for all posterity.
Christine, along with Vice President Amy Crandall, was also instrumental in planning and organizing the annual 4th Grade Cemetery Tour where, each year, historical figures of Chatham come to life. There are over 300 children and 16 actors involved yet Christine manages to make it all look easy.
If you need help, Christine is there. You can find her meeting and greeting people at the Historical booth at the Farmer’s Market or at Fishawack. She is at Board meetings discussing finances, working in designing the very popular puzzle of Chatham places or lending a hand at the Christmas party and annual dinner. Christine’s positive attitude, innovative ideas and seemingly boundless energy make her an important and integral part of the Historical Society. We congratulate Christine and John for their award and are grateful that they are part of our town.
More Good News!
At the same event, the Society received from the JayCees a donation of $900 to help with the cost of upgrading the computer system. This will help the society preserve and catalog Chatham’s artifacts. It will also allow for the centralization of important papers and data bases. President HelenAnn Rosenfeld and Vice President Amy Crandall were on hand to receive the donation and to thank the JayCees for their generosity.
This donation is made possible from the proceeds of the JayCees Annual Christmas Tree Sale and other fundraisers throughout the year.
The Historical Society takes great pride in calling Christine “one of our own.” To celebrate the 100th birthday of the Chatham train station, Christine came up with the idea of breaking the Guinness world’s record of having the most people blowing train whistles simultaneously. This was no easy feat. The logistics alone were mind boggling but she put Chatham in the record books. This is how it is listed in the Guinness World Records: "The most people blowing train whistles simultaneously is 1,127, achieved by Friends of the Chatham Historical Society (USA) in Chatham, New Jersey, USA, on 14 June 2014." There we are in the book for all posterity.
Christine, along with Vice President Amy Crandall, was also instrumental in planning and organizing the annual 4th Grade Cemetery Tour where, each year, historical figures of Chatham come to life. There are over 300 children and 16 actors involved yet Christine manages to make it all look easy.
If you need help, Christine is there. You can find her meeting and greeting people at the Historical booth at the Farmer’s Market or at Fishawack. She is at Board meetings discussing finances, working in designing the very popular puzzle of Chatham places or lending a hand at the Christmas party and annual dinner. Christine’s positive attitude, innovative ideas and seemingly boundless energy make her an important and integral part of the Historical Society. We congratulate Christine and John for their award and are grateful that they are part of our town.
More Good News!
At the same event, the Society received from the JayCees a donation of $900 to help with the cost of upgrading the computer system. This will help the society preserve and catalog Chatham’s artifacts. It will also allow for the centralization of important papers and data bases. President HelenAnn Rosenfeld and Vice President Amy Crandall were on hand to receive the donation and to thank the JayCees for their generosity.
This donation is made possible from the proceeds of the JayCees Annual Christmas Tree Sale and other fundraisers throughout the year.
THE TRIP THAT ALMOST DIDN'T HAPPEN For the past four years, the society has hosted a field trip to Fair Mount Cemetery for fourth graders.
Dressed in period garb, high school drama students, standing by the grave of a former resident, brought Chatham’s history to life. They tell the younger students all about life in Chatham back in the day and the contributions the individuals made to the community.
Planning the 5th Annual Fair Mount Cemetery Tour class trip began last fall. By early May the tasks of coordinating with the cemetery and schools, selecting costumes and studying scripts was all done - the trip was ready to go.
In anticipation of the trip, during the year the fourth graders were taught about local history of Chatham. One teacher invited a local rose grower to come in and talk about Chatham when rose growing was its major industry. The fourth graders were eager to learn more history and about some of Chatham’s former residents who greatly impacted the community.
An unexpected snag almost canceled the trip. A scheduling conflict, discovered just days before the trip, prevented the high school actors from participating. Should we cancel? Society members discussed their options and decided that we could not disappoint the 321 fourth graders who were looking forward to the trip. The show must go on!
Amy Crandall, vice-president of the society put calls and emails out to the community asking them to consider helping pull this together and save the trip. Six volunteers and 14 actors were needed to make the event happen.
Within hours Amy had all the volunteers needed including a borough council member, a Board of Education member and a crossing guard. Scripts were quickly memorized and costumes adjusted.
On June 7, the trip went off without a hitch. Amy said, “The day was sunny and cool – a perfect day to explore Chatham’s past. The high school students were missed; they always played their roles with such enthusiasm and talent.”
The people who stepped up, however, were amazing. Many of the early Chathamites they portrayed were people who contributed to make Chatham grow and become the town we know and love. These volunteers displayed that same attitude and willingness to help out.
All the actors were thrilled to be a part of the tour. Borough Councilman Len Resto commented, “The fourth graders were impressive with their overall knowledge. They were well prepared by their teachers.”
The Chatham Historical Society is dedicating to sharing the rich history of Chatham Borough and the Fair Mount Cemetery Tour has become an eagerly anticipated event each May. The Society looks forward to hosting many more fourth graders and to introducing them to past citizens of Chatham, NJ.
Dressed in period garb, high school drama students, standing by the grave of a former resident, brought Chatham’s history to life. They tell the younger students all about life in Chatham back in the day and the contributions the individuals made to the community.
Planning the 5th Annual Fair Mount Cemetery Tour class trip began last fall. By early May the tasks of coordinating with the cemetery and schools, selecting costumes and studying scripts was all done - the trip was ready to go.
In anticipation of the trip, during the year the fourth graders were taught about local history of Chatham. One teacher invited a local rose grower to come in and talk about Chatham when rose growing was its major industry. The fourth graders were eager to learn more history and about some of Chatham’s former residents who greatly impacted the community.
An unexpected snag almost canceled the trip. A scheduling conflict, discovered just days before the trip, prevented the high school actors from participating. Should we cancel? Society members discussed their options and decided that we could not disappoint the 321 fourth graders who were looking forward to the trip. The show must go on!
Amy Crandall, vice-president of the society put calls and emails out to the community asking them to consider helping pull this together and save the trip. Six volunteers and 14 actors were needed to make the event happen.
Within hours Amy had all the volunteers needed including a borough council member, a Board of Education member and a crossing guard. Scripts were quickly memorized and costumes adjusted.
On June 7, the trip went off without a hitch. Amy said, “The day was sunny and cool – a perfect day to explore Chatham’s past. The high school students were missed; they always played their roles with such enthusiasm and talent.”
The people who stepped up, however, were amazing. Many of the early Chathamites they portrayed were people who contributed to make Chatham grow and become the town we know and love. These volunteers displayed that same attitude and willingness to help out.
All the actors were thrilled to be a part of the tour. Borough Councilman Len Resto commented, “The fourth graders were impressive with their overall knowledge. They were well prepared by their teachers.”
The Chatham Historical Society is dedicating to sharing the rich history of Chatham Borough and the Fair Mount Cemetery Tour has become an eagerly anticipated event each May. The Society looks forward to hosting many more fourth graders and to introducing them to past citizens of Chatham, NJ.
HONORING OUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT The Chatham Historical Society held its annual dinner meeting on May 3rd at the Chatham Fish & Game Club with over 100 people attending. The theme of the evening was the celebration of the Chatham Borough Fire Department.
The society honored the volunteer department and its members not only for their volunteerism, but for the contributions they make to the community. The department organizes many events including the July 4th parade and fireworks, the Fishing Derby and Fire Prevention Week.
The event was was a great success. Joyce Martinsen, chair of the dinner, brilliantly planned and organized everything from the festive decorations to the beautifully decorated desserts. Pascarella Brothers of Watchung Avenue catered the event with a delicious array of antipasto, lemon chicken, baked ziti and salads. Main Street Cellars of Madison helped with the selection of wines and beer.
Helen Ann Rosenfeld, historical society president, welcomed all in attendance. She thanked Mayor Bruce Harris, council members Vicki Fife and Len Resto, Community Services Director Janice Piccolo and Library of the Chathams Director Karen Brodsky for their support of the Society. Outstanding volunteers Ken Chmura, Debbie Fabian, Marie Goeckler, Pat Foca, Lisa O’Hara, Jackie Pindak and Marie Stobie were recognized for their contributions of ongoing programs. Members of the Chatham High School Key Club were thanked for their help in serving dinner.
Amy Crandall, vice president, presented Karen Brodsky with a donation for the Library of the Chathams in appreciation for their continued alliance. A check was also presented to Fire Chief Doug Allan along with a supply of archival supplies and a promise from the Society to help them preserve their photos and artifacts.
The night’s program The Chatham Borough Fire Department History, researched and presented by Gerry Geisler, featured the history of the department from its inception in 1898. The slide show revealed many interesting facts and stories going back to the first fire in 1898 fought with a horse drawn hook and ladder. In those early years, the fire department responded to chicken coop fires and hay stacks burning. There were photos of the most famous Chatham fires including the Christmas night fire in 1951 that burned the original Fish & Game Club to the ground, the Summit Lumber fire of 1972, the fire that destroyed the Good Deal store where Kings now stands and the spectacular William Pitt fire in 1986.
An emotional tribute was paid to two firefighters who were killed in the line of duty. Doyle M. Butler who lost his life in 1947 and Lewis R. Sheats who lost his life in 1993.
Many firefighters attended the dinner including Chief Doug Allan and former Chiefs Peter Glogolich, Greg Henrich, Jack Conlan and Charlie Salin. Ironically, during the program the firefighters’ beepers went off. Three of the men left their table but fortunately did not have to leave the presentation to respond to the call.
The evening ended with everyone realizing how fortunate Chatham is to have such dedicated volunteers in the fire department who help to keep our community safe.
The society honored the volunteer department and its members not only for their volunteerism, but for the contributions they make to the community. The department organizes many events including the July 4th parade and fireworks, the Fishing Derby and Fire Prevention Week.
The event was was a great success. Joyce Martinsen, chair of the dinner, brilliantly planned and organized everything from the festive decorations to the beautifully decorated desserts. Pascarella Brothers of Watchung Avenue catered the event with a delicious array of antipasto, lemon chicken, baked ziti and salads. Main Street Cellars of Madison helped with the selection of wines and beer.
Helen Ann Rosenfeld, historical society president, welcomed all in attendance. She thanked Mayor Bruce Harris, council members Vicki Fife and Len Resto, Community Services Director Janice Piccolo and Library of the Chathams Director Karen Brodsky for their support of the Society. Outstanding volunteers Ken Chmura, Debbie Fabian, Marie Goeckler, Pat Foca, Lisa O’Hara, Jackie Pindak and Marie Stobie were recognized for their contributions of ongoing programs. Members of the Chatham High School Key Club were thanked for their help in serving dinner.
Amy Crandall, vice president, presented Karen Brodsky with a donation for the Library of the Chathams in appreciation for their continued alliance. A check was also presented to Fire Chief Doug Allan along with a supply of archival supplies and a promise from the Society to help them preserve their photos and artifacts.
The night’s program The Chatham Borough Fire Department History, researched and presented by Gerry Geisler, featured the history of the department from its inception in 1898. The slide show revealed many interesting facts and stories going back to the first fire in 1898 fought with a horse drawn hook and ladder. In those early years, the fire department responded to chicken coop fires and hay stacks burning. There were photos of the most famous Chatham fires including the Christmas night fire in 1951 that burned the original Fish & Game Club to the ground, the Summit Lumber fire of 1972, the fire that destroyed the Good Deal store where Kings now stands and the spectacular William Pitt fire in 1986.
An emotional tribute was paid to two firefighters who were killed in the line of duty. Doyle M. Butler who lost his life in 1947 and Lewis R. Sheats who lost his life in 1993.
Many firefighters attended the dinner including Chief Doug Allan and former Chiefs Peter Glogolich, Greg Henrich, Jack Conlan and Charlie Salin. Ironically, during the program the firefighters’ beepers went off. Three of the men left their table but fortunately did not have to leave the presentation to respond to the call.
The evening ended with everyone realizing how fortunate Chatham is to have such dedicated volunteers in the fire department who help to keep our community safe.
AN IRISHMAN'S FAMILY RESEARCH BRINGS HIM TO CHATHAM John Duggan, a genealogist from County Mayo in Southern Ireland, recently enlisted the help of the Chatham Historical Society. His research had led him to a tragedy in Chatham which took the young lives of two of his ancestors 100 years ago.
He contacted the Society via email and soon Helen Ann Rosenfeld, president of the Society, was helping him plan a visit to Chatham, and ultimately, the site of the tragedy.
Mr. Duggan explained, "The purpose of my holiday was to learn more about the places that my ancestors emigrated to and to gain a greater understanding of their lives in America. The tragic accident involving my grandmother's first cousins struck a chord." He went on to say, "I wanted to visit the place for myself to envision their activities during the fateful day and also to pay my respects."
On July 28, 1916 Edward Dowd 14, and his sister Mary, 16 perished in a boating tragedy on the Passaic river during a visit to the Old Mill. The Old Mill was a resort by the river where picnics where held, canoes and boats were rented and swimming was enjoyed. It was a popular resort, but on this day, due to recent heavy rains the floodgates of the dam were open to permit the flood waters to escape. No boats were to be rented due to the raging torrent.
On that hot July day, however, five teenagers managed to get possession of a large canoe. They ignored the warnings and began to boat on the river. At first, they stayed away from the dam, but then they ventured closer. Although the water was smooth, there was a strong current which swiftly steered them to the floodgates.
As they frantically tried to row to shore, the canoe moved closer to the gate and was thrown against one of its piers and snapped in two. The children were thrown into the flood waters, three of them vanished instantly, while two managed to hold on to branches. One was rescued and one lost his grip and was swept away. (Information gathered from various issues of the Chatham Press 1916.)
In March 2016, Chatham Historical Society members Helen Ann Rosenfeld, Amy Crandall and Liz Holler accompanied John Duggan and his cousin, Patrick Morris, to Shepard Kollock Park, the site of the long ago accident. The park was once home to the Old Mill Resort, Parrott Pond, a dance pavilion and a boat launch to the Passaic River.
Although much has changed in 100 years, Liz Holler, Chatham’s "unofficial historian," painted a vivid picture of how the river and the area looked a century ago. She explained how due to local milling in those days, the river at this section used to be much wider and the resort was not only visited by locals, but also by people from the surrounding communities who took the trolley or train to enjoy the activities and the salubrious air Chatham had become known for. It was a bygone time when on hot summer days women wore long dresses and men donned bow ties and hats while they danced at the pavilion and canoed on the river. The Passaic River was a vital part of the community as an industrial milling center and a playground for visitors.
The society members showed Mr. Duggan and Mr. Morris photos of the dam and the river from back in the day. As they viewed the dam, a light mist was falling and Mr. Duggan commented, “The rain is only fitting for a somber event such as this.”
The Chatham Historical Society’s mission is to discover and share the history of Chatham Borough. Next time you are enjoying a ball game or a picnic at Shepard Kollock Park, take a look at the river and think about how it once was.
He contacted the Society via email and soon Helen Ann Rosenfeld, president of the Society, was helping him plan a visit to Chatham, and ultimately, the site of the tragedy.
Mr. Duggan explained, "The purpose of my holiday was to learn more about the places that my ancestors emigrated to and to gain a greater understanding of their lives in America. The tragic accident involving my grandmother's first cousins struck a chord." He went on to say, "I wanted to visit the place for myself to envision their activities during the fateful day and also to pay my respects."
On July 28, 1916 Edward Dowd 14, and his sister Mary, 16 perished in a boating tragedy on the Passaic river during a visit to the Old Mill. The Old Mill was a resort by the river where picnics where held, canoes and boats were rented and swimming was enjoyed. It was a popular resort, but on this day, due to recent heavy rains the floodgates of the dam were open to permit the flood waters to escape. No boats were to be rented due to the raging torrent.
On that hot July day, however, five teenagers managed to get possession of a large canoe. They ignored the warnings and began to boat on the river. At first, they stayed away from the dam, but then they ventured closer. Although the water was smooth, there was a strong current which swiftly steered them to the floodgates.
As they frantically tried to row to shore, the canoe moved closer to the gate and was thrown against one of its piers and snapped in two. The children were thrown into the flood waters, three of them vanished instantly, while two managed to hold on to branches. One was rescued and one lost his grip and was swept away. (Information gathered from various issues of the Chatham Press 1916.)
In March 2016, Chatham Historical Society members Helen Ann Rosenfeld, Amy Crandall and Liz Holler accompanied John Duggan and his cousin, Patrick Morris, to Shepard Kollock Park, the site of the long ago accident. The park was once home to the Old Mill Resort, Parrott Pond, a dance pavilion and a boat launch to the Passaic River.
Although much has changed in 100 years, Liz Holler, Chatham’s "unofficial historian," painted a vivid picture of how the river and the area looked a century ago. She explained how due to local milling in those days, the river at this section used to be much wider and the resort was not only visited by locals, but also by people from the surrounding communities who took the trolley or train to enjoy the activities and the salubrious air Chatham had become known for. It was a bygone time when on hot summer days women wore long dresses and men donned bow ties and hats while they danced at the pavilion and canoed on the river. The Passaic River was a vital part of the community as an industrial milling center and a playground for visitors.
The society members showed Mr. Duggan and Mr. Morris photos of the dam and the river from back in the day. As they viewed the dam, a light mist was falling and Mr. Duggan commented, “The rain is only fitting for a somber event such as this.”
The Chatham Historical Society’s mission is to discover and share the history of Chatham Borough. Next time you are enjoying a ball game or a picnic at Shepard Kollock Park, take a look at the river and think about how it once was.
RESTORING A FENCE, DISCOVERING HISTORY When Bill Torppey moved into his home on Fairmount Avenue sixteen years ago, he knew he was moving into an area of town that was rich in history.
His house, and the neighboring homes, sit on what was once “Broadview”, the name of the country estate of James Gifford who purchased the land in June, 1900 and lived there until 1930.
It was at this time that Broadview was purchased by Chatham’s Mayor Gilbert Hedden who sold it in 1940 to J. William Hatt, who lived at 228 Fairmount Avenue. While Mr. Hatt purchased Broadview, he also purchased the adjoining Hamill property. Although he demolished the Broadview mansion, he left the Hamill house intact, and very smartly developed the rest of the large piece of property into 29 separate housing lots.
An article from The Chatham Press in January, 1941 states, “These two properties together have a frontage on Fairmount Avenue of 700 feet and a depth of over 1,000 feet, consisting of about 15 beautifully planted acres of land.” The article goes on to say it is the “…intention of the new owner to dismantle the Gifford residence and to cut a street through from Fairmount Avenue to Washington Avenue, thus opening up the property for building lots. This is the most beautiful and most ideally located property for development purposes in Chatham.” This new street was named Broadview Terrace in honor of the torn down Broadview Estate.
Mr. Torppey didn’t know all this history at the time, but he did know that the original wrought iron and stone fence that lined the front of his property and that of many of his neighbors, was in bad disrepair. The stone pillars that stand on either side of his neighbor's driveway have “Broadview” carved into the top while the iron fence stretches along Fairmount from the Hamell House (178 Fairmount) to the far corner of Broadview Terrace. Not wanting “… to let history crumble away,” said Mr. Torppey, he researched where he could hire an ironworks company that would do proper repairs and preservation. After the repairs, many of his neighbors began to ask who he used and they too invested in having their historic, communal fence lovingly repaired.
The photograph above shows the fence and the original Gifford estate. Sometime during the years, as homes were laid out to be built upon the property, the fence was cut to allow driveways and walkways and some owners built their own pillars.
His house, and the neighboring homes, sit on what was once “Broadview”, the name of the country estate of James Gifford who purchased the land in June, 1900 and lived there until 1930.
It was at this time that Broadview was purchased by Chatham’s Mayor Gilbert Hedden who sold it in 1940 to J. William Hatt, who lived at 228 Fairmount Avenue. While Mr. Hatt purchased Broadview, he also purchased the adjoining Hamill property. Although he demolished the Broadview mansion, he left the Hamill house intact, and very smartly developed the rest of the large piece of property into 29 separate housing lots.
An article from The Chatham Press in January, 1941 states, “These two properties together have a frontage on Fairmount Avenue of 700 feet and a depth of over 1,000 feet, consisting of about 15 beautifully planted acres of land.” The article goes on to say it is the “…intention of the new owner to dismantle the Gifford residence and to cut a street through from Fairmount Avenue to Washington Avenue, thus opening up the property for building lots. This is the most beautiful and most ideally located property for development purposes in Chatham.” This new street was named Broadview Terrace in honor of the torn down Broadview Estate.
Mr. Torppey didn’t know all this history at the time, but he did know that the original wrought iron and stone fence that lined the front of his property and that of many of his neighbors, was in bad disrepair. The stone pillars that stand on either side of his neighbor's driveway have “Broadview” carved into the top while the iron fence stretches along Fairmount from the Hamell House (178 Fairmount) to the far corner of Broadview Terrace. Not wanting “… to let history crumble away,” said Mr. Torppey, he researched where he could hire an ironworks company that would do proper repairs and preservation. After the repairs, many of his neighbors began to ask who he used and they too invested in having their historic, communal fence lovingly repaired.
The photograph above shows the fence and the original Gifford estate. Sometime during the years, as homes were laid out to be built upon the property, the fence was cut to allow driveways and walkways and some owners built their own pillars.
COMMUNITY TEAMWORK Every year we mail invitations, postcards and newsletters to our members.
Volunteers from our board fold, insert, label and stamp many envelopes! Recently, we made it a goal to have all our mailings fulfilled by ECLC students in the SKIL (Seeking Knowledge for Independent Living) department at ECLC. SKIL is a work/ job readiness program for teens with severe special needs.
As a community organization, we try to partner with other local groups. In this endeavor we are “helping these students learn to focus, work as a team and to take directions,” said Ann Cooper, SKIL Director at ECLC*.
All aspects of the job are supervised and positive reinforcement is constantly used. “The students learn a sense of value in completing a task and being part of a group effort as well as learning what happens in the real world,” said Cooper.
Students in the SKIL departmentcharge not-for-profit prices and encourage anyone in the community to reach out to ECLC for help with various needs. The students can design invitations, notecards, posters, napkin imprints and other party ideas. They can put together gift baskets, laminate signs, fulfill mailing needs and many other services.
*ECLC of New Jersey (Education, Careers, Lifelong Community), was founded in 1970 to educate children and adults with special needs.
Volunteers from our board fold, insert, label and stamp many envelopes! Recently, we made it a goal to have all our mailings fulfilled by ECLC students in the SKIL (Seeking Knowledge for Independent Living) department at ECLC. SKIL is a work/ job readiness program for teens with severe special needs.
As a community organization, we try to partner with other local groups. In this endeavor we are “helping these students learn to focus, work as a team and to take directions,” said Ann Cooper, SKIL Director at ECLC*.
All aspects of the job are supervised and positive reinforcement is constantly used. “The students learn a sense of value in completing a task and being part of a group effort as well as learning what happens in the real world,” said Cooper.
Students in the SKIL departmentcharge not-for-profit prices and encourage anyone in the community to reach out to ECLC for help with various needs. The students can design invitations, notecards, posters, napkin imprints and other party ideas. They can put together gift baskets, laminate signs, fulfill mailing needs and many other services.
*ECLC of New Jersey (Education, Careers, Lifelong Community), was founded in 1970 to educate children and adults with special needs.
HAPPY 2016 AND BEFORE The Library of the Chathams showcase is currently featuring a wonderful collection of vintage calendars which promoted local Chatham businesses. The collection is from the Society’s archives and represents past years from 1924 to 1970.
While Harry Hatton's Market, once located on Passaic Avenue, is only a memory the store’s 1924 calendar is in the archival collection. Back in the day, one of the finest markets to open was Hatton’s Market. First known as Hatton and Hay, they carried fresh meats, choice groceries and fresh produce in season.
Stop by and see if you recognize any of the other businesses including Fritz Coal and Mason Material Co. and Frank Cazzeto Model Shoe Repair. While there enjoy the lovely subject matter from a bygone era.
The Chatham Historical Society has extensive archives which it exhibits at the Library of the Chathams and at Borough Hall on the main floor.
While Harry Hatton's Market, once located on Passaic Avenue, is only a memory the store’s 1924 calendar is in the archival collection. Back in the day, one of the finest markets to open was Hatton’s Market. First known as Hatton and Hay, they carried fresh meats, choice groceries and fresh produce in season.
Stop by and see if you recognize any of the other businesses including Fritz Coal and Mason Material Co. and Frank Cazzeto Model Shoe Repair. While there enjoy the lovely subject matter from a bygone era.
The Chatham Historical Society has extensive archives which it exhibits at the Library of the Chathams and at Borough Hall on the main floor.
HEIDI HUSTON RECEIVES VOLUNTEERISM AWARD Heidi Huston was recently honored with the Chatham Historical Society’s Volunteer Service Award.
She was thanked for her many years of volunteer service and leadership. Heidi served on the Society's board for 10 years, including four as President. Through the years, her calm voice of wisdom and willingness to contribute served as an inspiration to many.
Heidi will be missed as a board member. With sincere gratitude we thank her for her passion, volunteerism and her guidance through the years.
She was thanked for her many years of volunteer service and leadership. Heidi served on the Society's board for 10 years, including four as President. Through the years, her calm voice of wisdom and willingness to contribute served as an inspiration to many.
Heidi will be missed as a board member. With sincere gratitude we thank her for her passion, volunteerism and her guidance through the years.
2015 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER Anastasia Arvanites was selected by the Scholarship Committee as the 2015 recipient of the Chatham Historical Society Margaret Keisler Scholarship awarded at the commencement exercises of Chatham High School held on June 19, 2015 at Mennen Arena in Morris Township.
Thanks to the generosity of members and friends of the Society, the scholarship was for $2000. It is named in memory of the dedicated educator and life-long Chathamite, Peg Keisler.
Since the history of our town is made up of individual and unique stories, students are asked to share their own narratives about living in Chatham. This year 23 essays were submitted. Anastasia writes about her experience portraying one of Chatham’s influential citizens, Edna VanSickle Budd, at the annual 4th grade Fair Mount Cemetery field trip. Her essay highlights the affect this very popular activity has on both the portrayers and the participants.
Anastasia lives on River Edge Drive. She has an older brother and younger sister. She is a National Honor Society and Honors Music program member, was co-editor of the yearbook and a very active participant in musical productions at the high school. Anastasia will be attending Ithaca College. She is undecided at this point what her major will be but sees herself in a career involving music and/or writing.
We congratulate Anastasia on her achievement and wish her continued success. Click Here to read the essay.
Thanks to the generosity of members and friends of the Society, the scholarship was for $2000. It is named in memory of the dedicated educator and life-long Chathamite, Peg Keisler.
Since the history of our town is made up of individual and unique stories, students are asked to share their own narratives about living in Chatham. This year 23 essays were submitted. Anastasia writes about her experience portraying one of Chatham’s influential citizens, Edna VanSickle Budd, at the annual 4th grade Fair Mount Cemetery field trip. Her essay highlights the affect this very popular activity has on both the portrayers and the participants.
Anastasia lives on River Edge Drive. She has an older brother and younger sister. She is a National Honor Society and Honors Music program member, was co-editor of the yearbook and a very active participant in musical productions at the high school. Anastasia will be attending Ithaca College. She is undecided at this point what her major will be but sees herself in a career involving music and/or writing.
We congratulate Anastasia on her achievement and wish her continued success. Click Here to read the essay.
FAIR MOUNT CEMETERY HISTORICAL FIELD TRIP The Chatham Historical Society hosted the fourth annual Chatham 4th grade Fair Mount Cemetery Field Trip on May 20.
The weather was cool and clear - a perfect day to explore Chatham’s past. While the students walked from Lafayette elementary school to the Fair Mount cemetery, Chatham Historical Society volunteers, turned the cemetery into an outdoor interactive museum.
The Chatham Police Department held traffic until all 323 children were on the cemetery property, then the fun began. The Fair Mount Cemetery is a unique setting to explore Chatham's history.
Fourteen narratives for the actors were written by members of the Society. Chatham High School drama students, dressed in period costume and well-rehearsed, transformed themselves into their roles and shared their character’s story about life in Chatham back in the day. The energy the students brought to their characters was amazing, it was hard not to get lost in the past believing you took a trip back in time. After each performance, the fourth graders had the opportunity to talk to the characters and ask questions.
The continued success of the trip is due to the dedicated members the Historical Society and the School District of the Chathams. Lynn Polan, Chatham High School Drama teacher, prepares the students for their performances and gives them just the right pep talk to get the students in the right frame of mind to portray the colorful characters who each had a part in making Chatham the town it is today.
All of the featured people served Chatham. Original settlers, a newspaper printer aiding loyalist, merchants and shop owners, inventors, directors and even a dedicated individual who helped to maintain Chatham’s historical charm – all but two can be found at the cemetery.
The Chatham Historical Society is dedicating to sharing the rich history of Chatham Borough and the Fair Mount Cemetery has become an eagerly anticipated event each May. The Society looks forward to hosting many more 4th graders and to introducing them to past citizens of Chatham, NJ.
The weather was cool and clear - a perfect day to explore Chatham’s past. While the students walked from Lafayette elementary school to the Fair Mount cemetery, Chatham Historical Society volunteers, turned the cemetery into an outdoor interactive museum.
The Chatham Police Department held traffic until all 323 children were on the cemetery property, then the fun began. The Fair Mount Cemetery is a unique setting to explore Chatham's history.
Fourteen narratives for the actors were written by members of the Society. Chatham High School drama students, dressed in period costume and well-rehearsed, transformed themselves into their roles and shared their character’s story about life in Chatham back in the day. The energy the students brought to their characters was amazing, it was hard not to get lost in the past believing you took a trip back in time. After each performance, the fourth graders had the opportunity to talk to the characters and ask questions.
The continued success of the trip is due to the dedicated members the Historical Society and the School District of the Chathams. Lynn Polan, Chatham High School Drama teacher, prepares the students for their performances and gives them just the right pep talk to get the students in the right frame of mind to portray the colorful characters who each had a part in making Chatham the town it is today.
All of the featured people served Chatham. Original settlers, a newspaper printer aiding loyalist, merchants and shop owners, inventors, directors and even a dedicated individual who helped to maintain Chatham’s historical charm – all but two can be found at the cemetery.
The Chatham Historical Society is dedicating to sharing the rich history of Chatham Borough and the Fair Mount Cemetery has become an eagerly anticipated event each May. The Society looks forward to hosting many more 4th graders and to introducing them to past citizens of Chatham, NJ.
CHATHAM 300 YEAR! Chatham Borough’s Tricentennial Celebration festivities took place on Saturday, June 13, 2015, in conjunction with the annual Fishawack Festival.
Three hundred years ago in 1715, John Budd, a Philadelphia merchant, bought 1,200 acres near the Passaic River and established his farm. Long before John Budd arrived, however, the Lenni-Lenape Tribe crossed the Passaic River, very close to the location of our current bridge, on their annual trek along the Minisink Trail to their summer campgrounds by the ocean.
It was a beautiful day to celebrate Chatham’s 300th birthday and the crowds came to Railroad Plaza South to enjoy the festivities. To honor the Tricentennial, the Chatham Historical Society created an accurate directional “Then & Now” signpost indicating noted Chatham destinations and what was once there. Designed and handmade by Gerry Geisler, it was a colorful prop of history that enticed people to stop and take photos and selfies with the signpost as a backdrop.
Selfiemania was another feature of the celebration. The Society encouraged residents to embrace selfies by taking and submit photos to #Chatham300Years. Three winners each won a $100 gift certificate.
More picture taking was on the menu at the Historical Societies 300 Years booth with two face-in-the-hole boards painted by Chatham High School AP Art students. People of all ages enjoyed sticking their faces through the holes to show their spirit.
A lasting tribute to the day was the “Celebrate Chatham!” puzzle. The jigsaw puzzle, consisting of a collage of historical photos as well as present day photos, was created in honor of the day and was sold with all proceeds directly benefiting the Society. The puzzles cost $20 and may now be purchased at the Library of the Chathams.
It was a grand celebration enjoyed by all!
Chatham Borough’s Tricentennial Celebration festivities took place on Saturday, June 13, 2015, in conjunction with the annual Fishawack Festival.
Three hundred years ago in 1715, John Budd, a Philadelphia merchant, bought 1,200 acres near the Passaic River and established his farm. Long before John Budd arrived, however, the Lenni-Lenape Tribe crossed the Passaic River, very close to the location of our current bridge, on their annual trek along the Minisink Trail to their summer campgrounds by the ocean.
It was a beautiful day to celebrate Chatham’s 300th birthday and the crowds came to Railroad Plaza South to enjoy the festivities. To honor the Tricentennial, the Chatham Historical Society created an accurate directional “Then & Now” signpost indicating noted Chatham destinations and what was once there. Designed and handmade by Gerry Geisler, it was a colorful prop of history that enticed people to stop and take photos and selfies with the signpost as a backdrop.
Selfiemania was another feature of the celebration. The Society encouraged residents to embrace selfies by taking and submit photos to #Chatham300Years. Three winners each won a $100 gift certificate.
More picture taking was on the menu at the Historical Societies 300 Years booth with two face-in-the-hole boards painted by Chatham High School AP Art students. People of all ages enjoyed sticking their faces through the holes to show their spirit.
A lasting tribute to the day was the “Celebrate Chatham!” puzzle. The jigsaw puzzle, consisting of a collage of historical photos as well as present day photos, was created in honor of the day and was sold with all proceeds directly benefiting the Society. The puzzles cost $20 and may now be purchased at the Library of the Chathams.
It was a grand celebration enjoyed by all!
Three hundred years ago in 1715, John Budd, a Philadelphia merchant, bought 1,200 acres near the Passaic River and established his farm. Long before John Budd arrived, however, the Lenni-Lenape Tribe crossed the Passaic River, very close to the location of our current bridge, on their annual trek along the Minisink Trail to their summer campgrounds by the ocean.
It was a beautiful day to celebrate Chatham’s 300th birthday and the crowds came to Railroad Plaza South to enjoy the festivities. To honor the Tricentennial, the Chatham Historical Society created an accurate directional “Then & Now” signpost indicating noted Chatham destinations and what was once there. Designed and handmade by Gerry Geisler, it was a colorful prop of history that enticed people to stop and take photos and selfies with the signpost as a backdrop.
Selfiemania was another feature of the celebration. The Society encouraged residents to embrace selfies by taking and submit photos to #Chatham300Years. Three winners each won a $100 gift certificate.
More picture taking was on the menu at the Historical Societies 300 Years booth with two face-in-the-hole boards painted by Chatham High School AP Art students. People of all ages enjoyed sticking their faces through the holes to show their spirit.
A lasting tribute to the day was the “Celebrate Chatham!” puzzle. The jigsaw puzzle, consisting of a collage of historical photos as well as present day photos, was created in honor of the day and was sold with all proceeds directly benefiting the Society. The puzzles cost $20 and may now be purchased at the Library of the Chathams.
It was a grand celebration enjoyed by all!
Chatham Borough’s Tricentennial Celebration festivities took place on Saturday, June 13, 2015, in conjunction with the annual Fishawack Festival.
Three hundred years ago in 1715, John Budd, a Philadelphia merchant, bought 1,200 acres near the Passaic River and established his farm. Long before John Budd arrived, however, the Lenni-Lenape Tribe crossed the Passaic River, very close to the location of our current bridge, on their annual trek along the Minisink Trail to their summer campgrounds by the ocean.
It was a beautiful day to celebrate Chatham’s 300th birthday and the crowds came to Railroad Plaza South to enjoy the festivities. To honor the Tricentennial, the Chatham Historical Society created an accurate directional “Then & Now” signpost indicating noted Chatham destinations and what was once there. Designed and handmade by Gerry Geisler, it was a colorful prop of history that enticed people to stop and take photos and selfies with the signpost as a backdrop.
Selfiemania was another feature of the celebration. The Society encouraged residents to embrace selfies by taking and submit photos to #Chatham300Years. Three winners each won a $100 gift certificate.
More picture taking was on the menu at the Historical Societies 300 Years booth with two face-in-the-hole boards painted by Chatham High School AP Art students. People of all ages enjoyed sticking their faces through the holes to show their spirit.
A lasting tribute to the day was the “Celebrate Chatham!” puzzle. The jigsaw puzzle, consisting of a collage of historical photos as well as present day photos, was created in honor of the day and was sold with all proceeds directly benefiting the Society. The puzzles cost $20 and may now be purchased at the Library of the Chathams.
It was a grand celebration enjoyed by all!
CHATHAM HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE INSPIRED With AP exams out of the way, eight Chatham High School senior art students are creating two unique photo opportunities for the Chatham Historical Society. These displays will be located at Railroad Plaza South during the Tricentennial celebration of Chatham held June 13, 2015 in conjunction with the annual Fishawack Festival.
The art students are creating two fun face-in-the-hole boards. As inspiration, the artists are using Victorian era photographs taken in Chatham. You won’t want to miss seeing these fabulous creations and encourage friends and family to try it out while you snap their photo!
Under the direction of AP Studio Art teacher Eric Hreha, seniors Hailey Brock, Melissa Danitz, Ingrid Hoernner, Austin Huffman, Christine Inzerillo, Catie Maguire, Taylor Maloney, and Laura Walsh have taken 5x7 black and white photographs and created life-size painted pictures upon pieces of plywood.
Additionally, the Chatham Historical Society is encouraging everyone to get into the spirit of celebration and enter its Selfiemania contest, starting now! Tag your selfie to #Chatham300Years on Instagram for a chance to win one of three $100 Visa Gift cards. Enter as many times as you want just remember that all photos must be taken in Chatham, New Jersey and must be appropriate to be viewed by all ages. The contest will run through June 14th, 2015 and winners will be notified via Instagram messenger the week of June 15, 2015. Three gift cards will be awarded to the winner of each of these three categories: Funniest Selfie; Best Chatham Spirit Selfie and Best Group Selfie.
The art students are creating two fun face-in-the-hole boards. As inspiration, the artists are using Victorian era photographs taken in Chatham. You won’t want to miss seeing these fabulous creations and encourage friends and family to try it out while you snap their photo!
Under the direction of AP Studio Art teacher Eric Hreha, seniors Hailey Brock, Melissa Danitz, Ingrid Hoernner, Austin Huffman, Christine Inzerillo, Catie Maguire, Taylor Maloney, and Laura Walsh have taken 5x7 black and white photographs and created life-size painted pictures upon pieces of plywood.
Additionally, the Chatham Historical Society is encouraging everyone to get into the spirit of celebration and enter its Selfiemania contest, starting now! Tag your selfie to #Chatham300Years on Instagram for a chance to win one of three $100 Visa Gift cards. Enter as many times as you want just remember that all photos must be taken in Chatham, New Jersey and must be appropriate to be viewed by all ages. The contest will run through June 14th, 2015 and winners will be notified via Instagram messenger the week of June 15, 2015. Three gift cards will be awarded to the winner of each of these three categories: Funniest Selfie; Best Chatham Spirit Selfie and Best Group Selfie.
WE DID IT! The Chatham Historical Society was notified by email confirming Chatham, NJ is the official new Guinness World Record holder for Most people blowing wooden train whistles simultaneously!
During the Society planning for the Chatham Train Station Centennial Celebration, Christine Grobert, Treasury Chair of the Society, wanted to insure a truly memorable celebration. At Society board meeting, Christine presented the idea of breaking an existing world record. Christine had discovered that the current record was 396 whistles being blown, a record that could be beat. She contacted Guinness, obtained the rules, started making preparations and spreading the word.
On June 14, 2014 the lure of being part of history attracted over 1,200 residents, area friends, train enthusiasts and even out of state participants to gather together to break the Guinness World Record. The Train Station Centennial Celebration coincided with Chatham’s annual Fishawack Day ensuring a large number of attendees.
The Guinness World Record Company has strict guidelines to ensure an accurate count of individuals. First, all participants were encouraged to preregister. At the field opposite the train station, people checked in retrieving their envelope with their wooden whistle, a certificate of participation, wrist band and tracking sticker.
As the scheduled time, 11:15 am, grew near, the excited crowd was escorted into the “Guinness Corral”, with one entrance gate manned by two official counters and recording video cameras. In an orderly fashion, families, young and old, babies in strollers, grandparents, residents and non-residents entered the fenced in area. A professional photographer was positioned on the roof of the neighboring ECLC School to take a high-resolution photo of the assembled group.
Christine Grobert had two practice blows lasting 10 seconds. The crowd listened intently as she told them the next blowing would be official. When the countdown came to BLOW, everyone in the Corral blew and blew. When Bruce Harris, Chatham Borough’s Mayor, announced that the attempt was over and he was sure that the record had been broken, there was an uproarious cheer. As people filtered out, many remarked, “How great it is to live in a small town and enjoy such a fun event,” and “Where else except a small town can everyone come together like this!”
“It was such an amazing day! We couldn’t believe the turn-out,” said Christine Grobert, Chair of the Guinness World Record event. “The Historical Society was hoping to make some new history in town, so we were thrilled to have so many residents and neighbors come out to create such a memorable Chatham event.”
The Guinness rules include paperwork involving lawyers, notarizing, testimonials and several kinds of proof. Once completed, paperwork, photos, documentation of the number of bought wristbands and wooden whistles was mailed. Finally, on December 22, Christine received confirmation via a link to the Guinness website stating that Chatham, New Jersey was the new record holder.
The Chatham Historical Society is anxiously awaiting the Guinness authorized certificate arrival. At that time, we can thank all 1,127 people for their participation in making history for Chatham, New Jersey.
During the Society planning for the Chatham Train Station Centennial Celebration, Christine Grobert, Treasury Chair of the Society, wanted to insure a truly memorable celebration. At Society board meeting, Christine presented the idea of breaking an existing world record. Christine had discovered that the current record was 396 whistles being blown, a record that could be beat. She contacted Guinness, obtained the rules, started making preparations and spreading the word.
On June 14, 2014 the lure of being part of history attracted over 1,200 residents, area friends, train enthusiasts and even out of state participants to gather together to break the Guinness World Record. The Train Station Centennial Celebration coincided with Chatham’s annual Fishawack Day ensuring a large number of attendees.
The Guinness World Record Company has strict guidelines to ensure an accurate count of individuals. First, all participants were encouraged to preregister. At the field opposite the train station, people checked in retrieving their envelope with their wooden whistle, a certificate of participation, wrist band and tracking sticker.
As the scheduled time, 11:15 am, grew near, the excited crowd was escorted into the “Guinness Corral”, with one entrance gate manned by two official counters and recording video cameras. In an orderly fashion, families, young and old, babies in strollers, grandparents, residents and non-residents entered the fenced in area. A professional photographer was positioned on the roof of the neighboring ECLC School to take a high-resolution photo of the assembled group.
Christine Grobert had two practice blows lasting 10 seconds. The crowd listened intently as she told them the next blowing would be official. When the countdown came to BLOW, everyone in the Corral blew and blew. When Bruce Harris, Chatham Borough’s Mayor, announced that the attempt was over and he was sure that the record had been broken, there was an uproarious cheer. As people filtered out, many remarked, “How great it is to live in a small town and enjoy such a fun event,” and “Where else except a small town can everyone come together like this!”
“It was such an amazing day! We couldn’t believe the turn-out,” said Christine Grobert, Chair of the Guinness World Record event. “The Historical Society was hoping to make some new history in town, so we were thrilled to have so many residents and neighbors come out to create such a memorable Chatham event.”
The Guinness rules include paperwork involving lawyers, notarizing, testimonials and several kinds of proof. Once completed, paperwork, photos, documentation of the number of bought wristbands and wooden whistles was mailed. Finally, on December 22, Christine received confirmation via a link to the Guinness website stating that Chatham, New Jersey was the new record holder.
The Chatham Historical Society is anxiously awaiting the Guinness authorized certificate arrival. At that time, we can thank all 1,127 people for their participation in making history for Chatham, New Jersey.
PLAQUE AWARDED TO LOCAL HOMEOWNERS Bob and Amy Crandall spent several Saturdays researching their Fairmount Avenue home and what they found was well worth their time.
For their effort, the Crandall's received a recognition marker through the Chatham Historical Society as part of the Dani McCulloch Adopt-A-House Program.
The Crandall's home was built in 1887 by the original owner, William Genung, in the traditional Folk Victorian style. According to their research, William Genung was a popular figure in early Chatham life. In 1897, he was elected to the Borough’s first Common Council. In 1876, William and other fellow Chatham leaders donated a sum of money for the establishment of Chatham's first official baseball team-the Passaics. The National Baseball League was created that same year.
An Interesting “Find”
While the Crandall's children were playing in a storage space under the front stairs they found someone had written on the wall. After inspection, Amy said, "We found scrawled in the plaster the name, E.R. Atteridg, Chatham, Jan 1, 1907. Then, we looked the name up in the Fishawack papers and found that Edgar R. Atteridg was a local Chatham man who did general mason work, brick, block and plaster work. He was locally renowned for working on churches and many homes in the area and he must have worked on our home."
Once the Crandall’s completed their research, they applied for a Historical Home Plaque which identifies homes over 100 years old. This plaque not only recognizes the home and the research that went into recording its history, but is also a wonderful way of making the home noteworthy and creating a sense of pride in our community.
The Society invites anyone who would like to research the history of their home to contact the Adopt-A-House Chair. Interested residents will receive an Adopt-a-House packet with a wealth of information to help guide them in their research.
Additionally, the Chair and members of the Historical Society are there to help every step of the way. After the required research is completed, and an application for a plaque is submitted, the Plaque Committee and the Adopt-a-House Committee will review the property and the homeowner will have the opportunity to obtain a beautiful plaque to display on their home. Through this program, the Society hopes to encourage residents to help preserve and share the architecture and history of Chatham Borough.
For their effort, the Crandall's received a recognition marker through the Chatham Historical Society as part of the Dani McCulloch Adopt-A-House Program.
The Crandall's home was built in 1887 by the original owner, William Genung, in the traditional Folk Victorian style. According to their research, William Genung was a popular figure in early Chatham life. In 1897, he was elected to the Borough’s first Common Council. In 1876, William and other fellow Chatham leaders donated a sum of money for the establishment of Chatham's first official baseball team-the Passaics. The National Baseball League was created that same year.
An Interesting “Find”
While the Crandall's children were playing in a storage space under the front stairs they found someone had written on the wall. After inspection, Amy said, "We found scrawled in the plaster the name, E.R. Atteridg, Chatham, Jan 1, 1907. Then, we looked the name up in the Fishawack papers and found that Edgar R. Atteridg was a local Chatham man who did general mason work, brick, block and plaster work. He was locally renowned for working on churches and many homes in the area and he must have worked on our home."
Once the Crandall’s completed their research, they applied for a Historical Home Plaque which identifies homes over 100 years old. This plaque not only recognizes the home and the research that went into recording its history, but is also a wonderful way of making the home noteworthy and creating a sense of pride in our community.
The Society invites anyone who would like to research the history of their home to contact the Adopt-A-House Chair. Interested residents will receive an Adopt-a-House packet with a wealth of information to help guide them in their research.
Additionally, the Chair and members of the Historical Society are there to help every step of the way. After the required research is completed, and an application for a plaque is submitted, the Plaque Committee and the Adopt-a-House Committee will review the property and the homeowner will have the opportunity to obtain a beautiful plaque to display on their home. Through this program, the Society hopes to encourage residents to help preserve and share the architecture and history of Chatham Borough.
2014 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER The 2014 Chatham Historical Society Margaret Keisler Scholarship was awarded to Paige Enslow at the commencement exercises of Chatham High School held on June 20, 2014 at Mennen Arena in Morristown.
This $1000 scholarship is named in memory of the dedicated educator and life long Chathamite, Peg Keisler. The history of our town is made up of individual and unique stories. Students are asked to share their distinctive experiences about growing up in Chatham. This year 25 essays were submitted. Paige’s evocative essay reminds us of the powerful influence of family and town.
Paige lives on Highland Avenue with her parents and two sisters. She is a National Honor Society member and was president of the Filmmakers' Club. Paige worked as an intern at the School of Cinematic and Performing Arts in New York. This experience solidified her desire to pursue film as a career. She will be attending New York University in the fall and looking at Chatham from the banks of Hudson with a writer’s perspective. We congratulate Paige and wish her continued success.
Click here to read the essay.
This $1000 scholarship is named in memory of the dedicated educator and life long Chathamite, Peg Keisler. The history of our town is made up of individual and unique stories. Students are asked to share their distinctive experiences about growing up in Chatham. This year 25 essays were submitted. Paige’s evocative essay reminds us of the powerful influence of family and town.
Paige lives on Highland Avenue with her parents and two sisters. She is a National Honor Society member and was president of the Filmmakers' Club. Paige worked as an intern at the School of Cinematic and Performing Arts in New York. This experience solidified her desire to pursue film as a career. She will be attending New York University in the fall and looking at Chatham from the banks of Hudson with a writer’s perspective. We congratulate Paige and wish her continued success.
Click here to read the essay.
WE "BLEW" THE WORLD RECORD AWAY! What a record breaking day! On June 14, during the Train Station Centennial Celebration, the Chatham Historical Society hosted the Guinness World Record attempt to blow the most wooden train whistles simultaneously. Over 1,000 people participated. Check back soon to view the official results!!
ECLC CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN CHATHAM On June 3, the students of ECLC in Chatham were an enthusiastic audience for a presentation at the school by the Chatham Historical Society.
The school was awarded an art grant with a theme "25 Years in Chatham," the length of time ECLC has been in town. The final grant requirement was an assembly. Fran Ryder, the Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, contacted Historical Society board member, Stacey Keenan, to meet and brainstorm ideas. It was decided that an assembly based on the lives of some legendary Chatham figures would appeal to the student body.
A collaboration between the Historical Society and Lynn Polan, the drama teacher at Chatham High School, was already in place. For the past three years, fourth graders from Lafayette School have taken a field trip to Fair Mount Cemetery where high school drama students portray various historical figures buried there. Some of these characters became part of the ECLC assembly.
The assembly began with a welcome by Historical Society co-vice president, Amy Crandall. She gave the students a brief history of the brickyard where ECLC now stands. She also talked about the 100th anniversary of the train station that the students see daily from the front of their school.
Then it was time for history to come alive. The high school students, dressed in costume, inhabited their roles with much spirit. Jack Feeney, portraying Shepard Kollock, explained how Kollock was able to publish journals in Chatham during the Revolutionary War. Lucas Fertakos played the role of Frederick Harvey Lum, Chatham's first mayor, with appropriate gravitas. An animated Colon Walsh brought Jimmy Littlejohn, a rose grower and diarist of Chatham events to life. Jessy Jogodnik, as Lynda Phillips Lum, recreated the life of Chatham's first librarian. Hannah Brogan successfully achieved the commanding presence of Major Dawley, a prominent director and animator. Sarah Lowe, as Jan Westfall, recounted the efforts of Ms Westfall to keep Chatham's small town charm.
The assembly ended with a viewing of a video previously prepared for Washington Avenue School by Chatham PTO parents, Christina Hill and Elizabeth Kneebone entitled "Chatham: Then and Now." It was received with great excitement as the students recognized various places in town. The cooperation between ECLC, the Chatham High School drama department and the Chatham Historical Society made for an interesting and entertaining afternoon.
The school was awarded an art grant with a theme "25 Years in Chatham," the length of time ECLC has been in town. The final grant requirement was an assembly. Fran Ryder, the Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, contacted Historical Society board member, Stacey Keenan, to meet and brainstorm ideas. It was decided that an assembly based on the lives of some legendary Chatham figures would appeal to the student body.
A collaboration between the Historical Society and Lynn Polan, the drama teacher at Chatham High School, was already in place. For the past three years, fourth graders from Lafayette School have taken a field trip to Fair Mount Cemetery where high school drama students portray various historical figures buried there. Some of these characters became part of the ECLC assembly.
The assembly began with a welcome by Historical Society co-vice president, Amy Crandall. She gave the students a brief history of the brickyard where ECLC now stands. She also talked about the 100th anniversary of the train station that the students see daily from the front of their school.
Then it was time for history to come alive. The high school students, dressed in costume, inhabited their roles with much spirit. Jack Feeney, portraying Shepard Kollock, explained how Kollock was able to publish journals in Chatham during the Revolutionary War. Lucas Fertakos played the role of Frederick Harvey Lum, Chatham's first mayor, with appropriate gravitas. An animated Colon Walsh brought Jimmy Littlejohn, a rose grower and diarist of Chatham events to life. Jessy Jogodnik, as Lynda Phillips Lum, recreated the life of Chatham's first librarian. Hannah Brogan successfully achieved the commanding presence of Major Dawley, a prominent director and animator. Sarah Lowe, as Jan Westfall, recounted the efforts of Ms Westfall to keep Chatham's small town charm.
The assembly ended with a viewing of a video previously prepared for Washington Avenue School by Chatham PTO parents, Christina Hill and Elizabeth Kneebone entitled "Chatham: Then and Now." It was received with great excitement as the students recognized various places in town. The cooperation between ECLC, the Chatham High School drama department and the Chatham Historical Society made for an interesting and entertaining afternoon.
4TH ANNUAL CEMETERY TRIP The Chatham Historical Society hosted the third annual Chatham 4th grade Fair Mount Cemetery Field Trip in late May.
The weather was cool, clear and crisp - a perfect day to explore Chatham’s past. While the students walked from Lafayette elementary school to the Fair Mount cemetery, Amy Crandall, Chatham Historical Society co-vice president, and her army of helpers, made ready for the students arrival.
The Chatham Police Department held traffic until all 356 children were on the cemetery property, then the fun began. The Fair Mount Cemetery is a unique setting to explore Chatham's history and children were able to “talk” to many of the leading citizens of Chatham’s past.
Chatham High School students, dressed in period costume, transformed themselves into one of thirteen personalities and shared their story about life in Chatham in their day. The audience had many questions, including "what is Kelly's elbow and where was Ruzicka’s swimming hole again?" Lynn Polan, Chatham High School Drama teacher remarked, "this is an opportunity for a real world application for acting and performing for these kids. And not all the re-enactors are from the drama department, some are volunteers from theatre classes."
Barefoot and wearing overalls, Colin Walsh turned into Chatham’s Jimmy Littlejohn and talked about raising roses, his love of riding his bicycle all over NJ, and his favorite activity of keeping daily journals. "People today go to my journals to see what life was like when I lived in Chatham. I saw Haley's Comet and lived through the blizzard of 1888." He encouraged his audience to start their own journals and in 50 years people can look back and they will learn what it's like to live in Chatham today! The Littlejohn journals are safely kept in the Chatham Historical Society, all 56 of them!
Jennifer Gates, a teacher at Lafayette School, told Chatham Historical Society president, Susan Allen, "this gets the children connected to their past which is taken for granted. The children learn so much about their town." She went on to say, "I grew up in Chatham and I've learned so much!"
The student who re-enacted Lynda Phillips Lum commented, "I think Lynda was a really cool person. I am a reader and love the library and i think Lynda did, too." Lynda Lum was a woman before her time, an avid golfer as well as one of the few college educated women in town when she became the town librarian. Lynda Lum did make a big impact on Chatham and it's library.
The Chatham Historical Society has shared the history of these Chathamites with the students for the past three years. Along with Amy Crandall and Susan Allen, Chatham Historical Society board members, Christine Grobert, Stacey Keenan, Diane Conlan, Noelle Joralemon, and Joyce Martinsen, assisted with Lynn Polan, drama teacher from Chatham High School in this special program.
The weather was cool, clear and crisp - a perfect day to explore Chatham’s past. While the students walked from Lafayette elementary school to the Fair Mount cemetery, Amy Crandall, Chatham Historical Society co-vice president, and her army of helpers, made ready for the students arrival.
The Chatham Police Department held traffic until all 356 children were on the cemetery property, then the fun began. The Fair Mount Cemetery is a unique setting to explore Chatham's history and children were able to “talk” to many of the leading citizens of Chatham’s past.
Chatham High School students, dressed in period costume, transformed themselves into one of thirteen personalities and shared their story about life in Chatham in their day. The audience had many questions, including "what is Kelly's elbow and where was Ruzicka’s swimming hole again?" Lynn Polan, Chatham High School Drama teacher remarked, "this is an opportunity for a real world application for acting and performing for these kids. And not all the re-enactors are from the drama department, some are volunteers from theatre classes."
Barefoot and wearing overalls, Colin Walsh turned into Chatham’s Jimmy Littlejohn and talked about raising roses, his love of riding his bicycle all over NJ, and his favorite activity of keeping daily journals. "People today go to my journals to see what life was like when I lived in Chatham. I saw Haley's Comet and lived through the blizzard of 1888." He encouraged his audience to start their own journals and in 50 years people can look back and they will learn what it's like to live in Chatham today! The Littlejohn journals are safely kept in the Chatham Historical Society, all 56 of them!
Jennifer Gates, a teacher at Lafayette School, told Chatham Historical Society president, Susan Allen, "this gets the children connected to their past which is taken for granted. The children learn so much about their town." She went on to say, "I grew up in Chatham and I've learned so much!"
The student who re-enacted Lynda Phillips Lum commented, "I think Lynda was a really cool person. I am a reader and love the library and i think Lynda did, too." Lynda Lum was a woman before her time, an avid golfer as well as one of the few college educated women in town when she became the town librarian. Lynda Lum did make a big impact on Chatham and it's library.
The Chatham Historical Society has shared the history of these Chathamites with the students for the past three years. Along with Amy Crandall and Susan Allen, Chatham Historical Society board members, Christine Grobert, Stacey Keenan, Diane Conlan, Noelle Joralemon, and Joyce Martinsen, assisted with Lynn Polan, drama teacher from Chatham High School in this special program.
WANTED! The Chatham Train Station Centennial Celebration is June 14th during the Fishawack Festival and you are invited!!
Since it was established last fall by the Borough Council, the Train Station Centennial Committee, Led by Chairman Len Resto, has been hard at work planning events to commemorate the big day! Several Historical Society members serve on the committee. Breaking a world record, attending a mural unveiling, exploring a train Museum and visiting an outdoor “Bar Car” for a cold glass of beer—an exciting day with something for everyone to enjoy.
The Chatham Historical Society is sponsoring an opportunity for YOU to make history! With Christine Grobert leading the way, the goal is to break an existing Guinness Book World Record by having a large group of people blow wooden train whistles simultaneously.Please click here for a registration form and more information! No wooden whistles will be turned away! As the Historical Society’s motto goes, make Chatham’s Past Part of Your Future!
At Noon, the Public Arts Council will be unveiling its much anticipated mural celebrating Chatham’s past and present at the Fairmount Avenue underpass. Created over a four year period by forty community volunteers, the Fairmount Avenue Mural depicts Chatham’s past and present. Lead artist Kenji Hasegawa weaves together a collage of historic events and modern cultural themes unified by a backdrop of Chatham’s natural landscape.
Gerry Geisler, a local railroad aficionado and avid railroadiana collector, will be “conducting” a Railroad Museum located in the eastbound train station building. Rare artifacts, memorabilia, and historic photographs form the railroad can be seen from 10:30 am to 3:00pm. The exhibit will tell the story of Chatham’s growth alongside the Morris & Essex Line. Historic reproduction photographs will be available for purchase.
Fishawack’s trackless train and other children’s activities will be operating at the Lum Lower Field. Everybody loves a train ride!
Visit the “Bar Car” and join your friends and neighbors because they will be serving beer from Noon to 4:00pm. Sponsored by Ken Decker of Charlie's Aunt, proceeds will benefit mychathamnj.orgwhich among other things is responsible for bringing back the white lights to downtown.
Chatham’s growth can be directly attributed to the fortunate location of the Morris & Essex Line. June’s Centennial Train Station Celebration will be an event that you won’t want to miss. Come and see how train travel has changed over the last 100 years. Peruse the train artifacts in the Railroad Museum. And have a cold beer at the "Bar Car" with your friends after a day of all the Fishawack activities including exploring the vendors, listening to the music and partaking of delicious food – all in support of this great town where we live. Please join the community in the Train Station Centennial Celebration of our own Chatham train station; it will be a day of fun, discovery, and record-breaking "whistle blowing"! We look forward to seeing you there!
Since it was established last fall by the Borough Council, the Train Station Centennial Committee, Led by Chairman Len Resto, has been hard at work planning events to commemorate the big day! Several Historical Society members serve on the committee. Breaking a world record, attending a mural unveiling, exploring a train Museum and visiting an outdoor “Bar Car” for a cold glass of beer—an exciting day with something for everyone to enjoy.
The Chatham Historical Society is sponsoring an opportunity for YOU to make history! With Christine Grobert leading the way, the goal is to break an existing Guinness Book World Record by having a large group of people blow wooden train whistles simultaneously.Please click here for a registration form and more information! No wooden whistles will be turned away! As the Historical Society’s motto goes, make Chatham’s Past Part of Your Future!
At Noon, the Public Arts Council will be unveiling its much anticipated mural celebrating Chatham’s past and present at the Fairmount Avenue underpass. Created over a four year period by forty community volunteers, the Fairmount Avenue Mural depicts Chatham’s past and present. Lead artist Kenji Hasegawa weaves together a collage of historic events and modern cultural themes unified by a backdrop of Chatham’s natural landscape.
Gerry Geisler, a local railroad aficionado and avid railroadiana collector, will be “conducting” a Railroad Museum located in the eastbound train station building. Rare artifacts, memorabilia, and historic photographs form the railroad can be seen from 10:30 am to 3:00pm. The exhibit will tell the story of Chatham’s growth alongside the Morris & Essex Line. Historic reproduction photographs will be available for purchase.
Fishawack’s trackless train and other children’s activities will be operating at the Lum Lower Field. Everybody loves a train ride!
Visit the “Bar Car” and join your friends and neighbors because they will be serving beer from Noon to 4:00pm. Sponsored by Ken Decker of Charlie's Aunt, proceeds will benefit mychathamnj.orgwhich among other things is responsible for bringing back the white lights to downtown.
Chatham’s growth can be directly attributed to the fortunate location of the Morris & Essex Line. June’s Centennial Train Station Celebration will be an event that you won’t want to miss. Come and see how train travel has changed over the last 100 years. Peruse the train artifacts in the Railroad Museum. And have a cold beer at the "Bar Car" with your friends after a day of all the Fishawack activities including exploring the vendors, listening to the music and partaking of delicious food – all in support of this great town where we live. Please join the community in the Train Station Centennial Celebration of our own Chatham train station; it will be a day of fun, discovery, and record-breaking "whistle blowing"! We look forward to seeing you there!
ROADSHOW EVENING OF APPRAISALS Guests of the Chatham Historical Society's Fundraiser on April 3rd got a peek at some antique treasures though the eyes of a professional appraiser. The outcome ran the gamut from a $10,000 painting to a $25 silver plated salver. Not everyone who paid extra for an evaluation, however, ended up with a smile.
In reference to an "old" Icon painting in which a family member "cleaned" the dirt off with a brillo pad, John Nye, a regular contributor on "Antiques Roadshow" suggested, "that probably wasn't the best idea", drawing a ripple of laughter from the 100-plus crowd. John, his wife Kathleen, and associate Lorraine DeJianne of Nye & Company in Bloomfield, NJ went on to educate, entertain and even surprise the audience during the two hour spent appraising 50 objects.
If you weren't there you missed viewing a multitude of valuables from some of the best attics in the area, as well as the opportunity to bid on 30 Silent Auction Baskets of donated goods containing items and gift certificates from local merchants.
The speeches were kept to a minimum leaving time for $100-a-ticket patrons to ask serious questions they had about collecting, restoring and preserving their family heirlooms.
But all agreed it was a wonderful evening of delicious food at the lovely Morris County Golf Club, and the nicest assembly of people gathered in one place, for fun, in a long time!
We thank all the volunteers, contributors, paying guests and everyone who applauded the evening.
In reference to an "old" Icon painting in which a family member "cleaned" the dirt off with a brillo pad, John Nye, a regular contributor on "Antiques Roadshow" suggested, "that probably wasn't the best idea", drawing a ripple of laughter from the 100-plus crowd. John, his wife Kathleen, and associate Lorraine DeJianne of Nye & Company in Bloomfield, NJ went on to educate, entertain and even surprise the audience during the two hour spent appraising 50 objects.
If you weren't there you missed viewing a multitude of valuables from some of the best attics in the area, as well as the opportunity to bid on 30 Silent Auction Baskets of donated goods containing items and gift certificates from local merchants.
The speeches were kept to a minimum leaving time for $100-a-ticket patrons to ask serious questions they had about collecting, restoring and preserving their family heirlooms.
But all agreed it was a wonderful evening of delicious food at the lovely Morris County Golf Club, and the nicest assembly of people gathered in one place, for fun, in a long time!
We thank all the volunteers, contributors, paying guests and everyone who applauded the evening.
THE SOCIETY AND CHATHAM'S SCHOOLS CONNECT We are working closely with Washington Avenue School on their “Special Events Day”, to be held February 24. The entire school will be transformed to teach the children the rich history of their town. Every bulletin board and classroom will be decorated with a Chatham related theme. The multi-purpose room will celebrate Chatham with a “Then and Now” theme to encourage an interest of our town’s history. Susan Allen and Amy Crandall have been working with several parents to use the resources of the Historical Society to enhance this program. Lots of historical photos and stories were provided to bring this program to life. A few Historical Society members will be on hand the day of the event to answer the questions of the children, aged kindergarten to third grade. It will be a great day for our town.
We are also working with the ECLC School to create a school wide assembly on June 3. Modeled after the “Annual Field Trip to the Fairmount Cemetery” program, several Chatham High School students will portray past Chatham residents who contributed greatly to shape the town of Chatham as we know it today. Bringing these people to life will teach the students about the town in which they go to school.
The Society will also host the 3rd Annual Field Trip to the Fairmount Cemetery for fourth grade students of Lafayette Avenue School on May 28. Christine Grobert and Amy Crandall had a great idea to bring to life the colorful characters who once lived in our town to teach the children about the past.The women, with the help of several other Society members, researched prominent citizens "resting " at the cemetery. Lynn Polan, the drama teacher at the high school, eagerly joined in the enthusiasm for the project and enlisted members of the Chatham High School Drama Department to portray the characters. Quite frankly, this worthwhile project would not be possible without her! Each year students look forward to portraying the Chatham characters. It is a wonderful way to reach so many groups and create excitement about the town in which we live.
We are also working with the ECLC School to create a school wide assembly on June 3. Modeled after the “Annual Field Trip to the Fairmount Cemetery” program, several Chatham High School students will portray past Chatham residents who contributed greatly to shape the town of Chatham as we know it today. Bringing these people to life will teach the students about the town in which they go to school.
The Society will also host the 3rd Annual Field Trip to the Fairmount Cemetery for fourth grade students of Lafayette Avenue School on May 28. Christine Grobert and Amy Crandall had a great idea to bring to life the colorful characters who once lived in our town to teach the children about the past.The women, with the help of several other Society members, researched prominent citizens "resting " at the cemetery. Lynn Polan, the drama teacher at the high school, eagerly joined in the enthusiasm for the project and enlisted members of the Chatham High School Drama Department to portray the characters. Quite frankly, this worthwhile project would not be possible without her! Each year students look forward to portraying the Chatham characters. It is a wonderful way to reach so many groups and create excitement about the town in which we live.
June 19, 2014 marks the 100th Anniversary of the train station.
This commemorative, $10 calendar is filled with beautiful old photos and interesting stories. Read about Chatham's growth after the arrival of the train, the reason the tracks are raised and why nineteen passengers formed the Morris and Essex Esquimaux Society. Look for more information of the Borough wide Train Station Centennial to be celebrated June 14, 2014.
This commemorative, $10 calendar is filled with beautiful old photos and interesting stories. Read about Chatham's growth after the arrival of the train, the reason the tracks are raised and why nineteen passengers formed the Morris and Essex Esquimaux Society. Look for more information of the Borough wide Train Station Centennial to be celebrated June 14, 2014.
2013 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER Each June, the Chatham Historical Society Margaret Keisler Scholarship is awarded. The scholarship is in memory of Margaret Keisler, town historian and lifelong Chathamite.
This year’s recipient is Teresa Frenzel. Seniors are asked to write about a personal memory that exemplifies Chatham. Teresa's essay is about hurricane Sandy and how her neighborhood came together to help each other. This timely and evocative essay will become part of the Historical Society's archives so future generations can read about this extraordinary event. We wish Teresa, who will be attending Amherst College in the fall, and all the graduates success in their future endeavors.
Please click here to read Teresa’s winning essay.
This year’s recipient is Teresa Frenzel. Seniors are asked to write about a personal memory that exemplifies Chatham. Teresa's essay is about hurricane Sandy and how her neighborhood came together to help each other. This timely and evocative essay will become part of the Historical Society's archives so future generations can read about this extraordinary event. We wish Teresa, who will be attending Amherst College in the fall, and all the graduates success in their future endeavors.
Please click here to read Teresa’s winning essay.
2013 ANNUAL DINNER The Chatham Historical Society held their annual dinner meeting on May 7th at the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township with a sell-out crowd attending.
The Society honored Liz Holler for her extraordinary contributions including her insightful stories of Chatham and her amazing ability to field questions about Chatham's past. Her name, along with the late Rose Cruikshank’s, was added to the Distinguished Service Award plaque displayed in the Library of the Chathams. This award recognizes residents for their outstanding civic and community involvement.
The night’s program was The Sights and The People of Fairmount Avenue, researched and written by Helen Ann Rosenfeld. Presented by Vicki Fife, the presentation featured the history of the "Fifth Avenue" of Chatham, which revealed many interesting facts and stories of the buildings and the people involved in the development of distinctive Fairmount Avenue.
Many avenue residents and the men who erected the buildings contributed greatly to the social and architectural fabric of the community.
Several of the structures were designed and built by local men including the original Borough Hall at 14 Fairmount; the Old “New” Homestead, a turn-of-the-century boarding house located at number 44; and many of the grand homes including numbers 91 and 95 Fairmount Avenue.
Others, were constructed by renowned builders such as 178 Fairmount built in 1910 and the train station completed in 1914. Newark based, Viner J. Hedden built these two buildings. His company was known for erecting some of the most costly and beautiful buildings on the eastern seaboard.
Among the avenue residents mentioned were Mayor Frederick Lum and Henry D. Harrower, each a driving force in the incorporation and beautification of the borough from before its inception in 1897.
Another resident, Councilman Frederick Boyle was behind the first speed bump to be installed in the borough in 1906. Residents lined the streets and cheered as speeding cars hit the bump and flew several feet into the air. The New York Times covered the event and the Chatham speed bump gained national and international attention.
The program was so well received it will be re-shown in the near future.
The Society honored Liz Holler for her extraordinary contributions including her insightful stories of Chatham and her amazing ability to field questions about Chatham's past. Her name, along with the late Rose Cruikshank’s, was added to the Distinguished Service Award plaque displayed in the Library of the Chathams. This award recognizes residents for their outstanding civic and community involvement.
The night’s program was The Sights and The People of Fairmount Avenue, researched and written by Helen Ann Rosenfeld. Presented by Vicki Fife, the presentation featured the history of the "Fifth Avenue" of Chatham, which revealed many interesting facts and stories of the buildings and the people involved in the development of distinctive Fairmount Avenue.
Many avenue residents and the men who erected the buildings contributed greatly to the social and architectural fabric of the community.
Several of the structures were designed and built by local men including the original Borough Hall at 14 Fairmount; the Old “New” Homestead, a turn-of-the-century boarding house located at number 44; and many of the grand homes including numbers 91 and 95 Fairmount Avenue.
Others, were constructed by renowned builders such as 178 Fairmount built in 1910 and the train station completed in 1914. Newark based, Viner J. Hedden built these two buildings. His company was known for erecting some of the most costly and beautiful buildings on the eastern seaboard.
Among the avenue residents mentioned were Mayor Frederick Lum and Henry D. Harrower, each a driving force in the incorporation and beautification of the borough from before its inception in 1897.
Another resident, Councilman Frederick Boyle was behind the first speed bump to be installed in the borough in 1906. Residents lined the streets and cheered as speeding cars hit the bump and flew several feet into the air. The New York Times covered the event and the Chatham speed bump gained national and international attention.
The program was so well received it will be re-shown in the near future.
BRINGING HISTORY TO THE HIGH SCHOOL Last year, the Historical Society was called upon to line the walls of the high school's main office with a few glimpses into Chatham's past. Society members searched the archives to find just the right images. The photos were so well received by all who traveled the halls, Principal Darren Groh called the Society for another project...liven up the conference room used by parents, staff and students.
The Historical Society went back to the archives to find ten additional photos which highlight the charm of our town. The photos depict what Chatham looked like in the early 1900s and also give an idea of what life might have been like for the students of that time.
The Chatham Historical Society has collaborated with the high school in the past working with administrators on the 2011 graduation ceremony, marking the 100th class of students to graduate from Chatham High School.
Coming up in May, the Society will host the 2nd Annual 4th Grade Field Trip to Fair Mount Cemetery. Historical Society volunteers serve as guides as the entire 4th grade population from the Lafayette School learn about past residents. Enthusiastic high school drama students dress in period costumes while performing short narratives of influential persons from Chatham’s past, right in the vicinity of their final resting place!
All these activities contribute to the ongoing effort of the Chatham Historical Society to reach out to the community in the hopes of encouraging an appreciation of the borough’s historical character.
The Historical Society went back to the archives to find ten additional photos which highlight the charm of our town. The photos depict what Chatham looked like in the early 1900s and also give an idea of what life might have been like for the students of that time.
The Chatham Historical Society has collaborated with the high school in the past working with administrators on the 2011 graduation ceremony, marking the 100th class of students to graduate from Chatham High School.
Coming up in May, the Society will host the 2nd Annual 4th Grade Field Trip to Fair Mount Cemetery. Historical Society volunteers serve as guides as the entire 4th grade population from the Lafayette School learn about past residents. Enthusiastic high school drama students dress in period costumes while performing short narratives of influential persons from Chatham’s past, right in the vicinity of their final resting place!
All these activities contribute to the ongoing effort of the Chatham Historical Society to reach out to the community in the hopes of encouraging an appreciation of the borough’s historical character.
MORE THAN JUST A HOME The Chatham Historical Society recently awarded Karen and Paul Franklin of 27 North Hillside Avenue the Historical Home Plaque. This distinguished award is presented by the Society to home owners who research their homes which are at least 100 years old.
Through the Society’s Adopt-A-House program, Mr. & Mrs. Franklin researched the history of the land, the builder and the previous owners of their home.
In 1909, the Mayor of Chatham approved the petition for North Hillside Avenue to become a public road. At this time, there was considerable growth in the Borough while it was changing from a farming town to a suburban community.
George Carley, a local builder who lived on Hedges Avenue, bought several lots on Hillside Avenue. He constructed the Franklin’s home in 1912.
With broad horizontal lines, asymmetrical design, overhanging eaves and wrap around porch, the home is a fine example of the American Four Square design. The rich architectural details flow into the interior spaces with a simple floor plan with rooms enhanced by high ceilings, gorgeous moldings and hardwood floors.
Although short lived, this popular style of architecture was perfectly suited for Chatham's middle class. It afforded a roomy home on a small lot.
In 2002, the Franklin’s added an architecturally sensitive addition and renovated the existing home. They painstakingly restored windows and moldings preserving the original architecture while bringing the home into the 21st century.
In 2010, the Chatham Historical Society launched the Dani McCulloch Historical Plaque program to commemorate homes over 100 years old and to encourage research of local homes through its Adopt-a-House program. Through these initiatives, the Society aims to share with the community the rich history of Chatham Borough.
The Chatham Historical Society continues to recognize Chatham’s rich architectural history and invites anyone who would like to research the history of a home to join our Adopt-a-House Program. To participate, we offer interested residents an Adopt-a-House packet filled with useful information to aid in the research.
Through the Society’s Adopt-A-House program, Mr. & Mrs. Franklin researched the history of the land, the builder and the previous owners of their home.
In 1909, the Mayor of Chatham approved the petition for North Hillside Avenue to become a public road. At this time, there was considerable growth in the Borough while it was changing from a farming town to a suburban community.
George Carley, a local builder who lived on Hedges Avenue, bought several lots on Hillside Avenue. He constructed the Franklin’s home in 1912.
With broad horizontal lines, asymmetrical design, overhanging eaves and wrap around porch, the home is a fine example of the American Four Square design. The rich architectural details flow into the interior spaces with a simple floor plan with rooms enhanced by high ceilings, gorgeous moldings and hardwood floors.
Although short lived, this popular style of architecture was perfectly suited for Chatham's middle class. It afforded a roomy home on a small lot.
In 2002, the Franklin’s added an architecturally sensitive addition and renovated the existing home. They painstakingly restored windows and moldings preserving the original architecture while bringing the home into the 21st century.
In 2010, the Chatham Historical Society launched the Dani McCulloch Historical Plaque program to commemorate homes over 100 years old and to encourage research of local homes through its Adopt-a-House program. Through these initiatives, the Society aims to share with the community the rich history of Chatham Borough.
The Chatham Historical Society continues to recognize Chatham’s rich architectural history and invites anyone who would like to research the history of a home to join our Adopt-a-House Program. To participate, we offer interested residents an Adopt-a-House packet filled with useful information to aid in the research.
NEW DISPLAY AT BOROUGH HALL Several Chatham veterans brought home souvenirs from the war and over the years these pieces were donated to the Society. Among the items displayed are a bayonet; lead bullets picked up from battlefields; military uniform epaulets and buttons; a bullet mold; and items made by prisoners of Libby Prison in Richmond, VA.
Following the Civil War, the "Grand Army of the Republic" held many reunions and on display are the GAR badges of our local veterans. Additionally, there is a unique reproduction from the 1930's of a tin plate, cup and utensils from the Battle of Gettysburg as well as a very rare "old" reproduction of "Hard Tack", a Civil War staple
Following the Civil War, the "Grand Army of the Republic" held many reunions and on display are the GAR badges of our local veterans. Additionally, there is a unique reproduction from the 1930's of a tin plate, cup and utensils from the Battle of Gettysburg as well as a very rare "old" reproduction of "Hard Tack", a Civil War staple
WE'RE LOOKING FOR PARROTT MILL PHOTOS The building located at 47 Main Street has gone through many changes through the decades. Built c.1780, it was home to the prominent George T. Parrot Family who owned a mill on the Passaic River. Parrot's Mill was built on the east side of the tail-race near Main Street. It has been thought that the home was moved from a previous location closer to the river to the spot it resides today, at the corner of Parrot Mill Road and Main Street. The possibility also exists that the routing of the Passaic River and Mill pond's location, which is currently Shepard Kollock Park, has changed significantly over the years due to nature and maybe it always sat on the land where it resides today. Since 1986, it has served as a bread and breakfast. The building is about to under go a major change.
We need your help!
The current owner, a real estate developer, has expressed the desire to restore the building to its original state, thus re-establishing its architectural significance.
The Chatham Historical Society is looking for photos of this Chatham gem which sits at the beginning of Chatham's Historic District. The photos could assist the developer in the reconstruction. We are seeking ANY and ALL photos of the Parrot residence. While we have photos dating from the 1850's of the actual Mill, sadly we are void of any older photos of the Parrot residence.
Any photo could be important! Your picture could reveal an undefinable detail from another photo. In addition to your photos assisting in the buildings accurate reconstruction, the society would value your pictures as great additions to our currently vast photo collection documenting Chatham's past!
We need your help!
The current owner, a real estate developer, has expressed the desire to restore the building to its original state, thus re-establishing its architectural significance.
The Chatham Historical Society is looking for photos of this Chatham gem which sits at the beginning of Chatham's Historic District. The photos could assist the developer in the reconstruction. We are seeking ANY and ALL photos of the Parrot residence. While we have photos dating from the 1850's of the actual Mill, sadly we are void of any older photos of the Parrot residence.
Any photo could be important! Your picture could reveal an undefinable detail from another photo. In addition to your photos assisting in the buildings accurate reconstruction, the society would value your pictures as great additions to our currently vast photo collection documenting Chatham's past!
NEW STORAGE CABINET In mid-July Susan Allen and Heidi Huston, co-presidents of the Chatham Historical Society, saw their hard work and perseverance pay off when our new archivally correct storage cabinet arrived at Borough Hall.
Our thanks go out to Chatham Moving & Storage who helped with delivery and the cabinet is now installed in our research room on the middle level in Borough Hall on Fairmount Avenue. One of the old pews in the main hallway was relocated to the opposite wall to make room for our display cabinet which was relocated from our locked room, to a place of prominence in the main hallway. Some of our most precious collections, (the Jimmy Littlejohn diaries, among them) have already been stored away in the cabinet. Susan will soon be displaying the Civil War items, previously displayed at the Library of the Chathams, in the display cabinet in the hallway. Stop by soon to "see" us!
The Chatham Historical Society received a grant administered by the Morris County Heritage Commission for the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders that enabled us to be able to purchase the cabinet. The grant was funded by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. Our new cabinet is "environmentally safe," secure, and provides proper archival storage for our files and photos.
Our thanks go out to Chatham Moving & Storage who helped with delivery and the cabinet is now installed in our research room on the middle level in Borough Hall on Fairmount Avenue. One of the old pews in the main hallway was relocated to the opposite wall to make room for our display cabinet which was relocated from our locked room, to a place of prominence in the main hallway. Some of our most precious collections, (the Jimmy Littlejohn diaries, among them) have already been stored away in the cabinet. Susan will soon be displaying the Civil War items, previously displayed at the Library of the Chathams, in the display cabinet in the hallway. Stop by soon to "see" us!
The Chatham Historical Society received a grant administered by the Morris County Heritage Commission for the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders that enabled us to be able to purchase the cabinet. The grant was funded by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. Our new cabinet is "environmentally safe," secure, and provides proper archival storage for our files and photos.