Chatham Historical Society
1924 – 2024
Chatham Historical Society will be celebrating its
100th Anniversary in 2024
The Society is looking for Volunteers to help plan the
upcoming celebration of this HUGE milestone
We are so excited for the upcoming Centennial of the Historical Society
If you want to join the fun, sharing your ideas and enthusiasm
please send CHS an email to:
chathamnjhistory@gmail.com
Please include CENTENNIAL in the SUBJECT BOX
THANK YOU!!
1924 – 2024
Chatham Historical Society will be celebrating its
100th Anniversary in 2024
The Society is looking for Volunteers to help plan the
upcoming celebration of this HUGE milestone
We are so excited for the upcoming Centennial of the Historical Society
If you want to join the fun, sharing your ideas and enthusiasm
please send CHS an email to:
chathamnjhistory@gmail.com
Please include CENTENNIAL in the SUBJECT BOX
THANK YOU!!
American River
Thirteen/WNET New York Premiere!
Wednesday, Nov 29 at 8:00pm ET
and on
WLIW - Thursday, Nov 30 at 8:00pm ET
AMERICAN RIVER is now airing on public television nationwide. Check your local public television station website for broadcast dates and streaming availability. Presented by NJ PBS and distributed by American Public Television.
Wednesday, Nov 29 at 8:00pm ET
and on
WLIW - Thursday, Nov 30 at 8:00pm ET
AMERICAN RIVER is now airing on public television nationwide. Check your local public television station website for broadcast dates and streaming availability. Presented by NJ PBS and distributed by American Public Television.
Chatham Is Proud of Its Veterans
Library of the Chathams Calls for Veterans' Memorabilia
Honor a veteran in your family!
Chatham Historical Society, Chatham Township Historical Society, and Library of the Chathams are delighted to announce a joint project to celebrate Veterans Day: a special exhibit highlighting the service of our towns’ residents to their country.
We invite Chatham veterans and their family members to be part of this project. Please bring a memento or a photograph with a brief explanation. It may be about yourself, your family member, or someone with a connection to Chatham Borough or Chatham Township.
Bring the items in before November 6, 2023. They will be on display in the library during the month of November. Our display cabinet has secure locks so be assured that your memorabilia will be safe.
The planned exhibit is part of the library’s commitment to honoring those who served their country and Chatham veterans in particular. In 2020, we started the Veterans Project of the Chathams, with a mission to collect, archive, and make available to the public personal histories of veterans who are or were residents of Chatham Borough and Chatham Township.
Read more about the project and access its digital archive at chathamlibrary.org/veterans-project-of-the-chathams.
Contact us with any questions at 973-635-0603 or email librarian@chathamlibrary.org.
Chatham Historical Society, Chatham Township Historical Society, and Library of the Chathams are delighted to announce a joint project to celebrate Veterans Day: a special exhibit highlighting the service of our towns’ residents to their country.
We invite Chatham veterans and their family members to be part of this project. Please bring a memento or a photograph with a brief explanation. It may be about yourself, your family member, or someone with a connection to Chatham Borough or Chatham Township.
Bring the items in before November 6, 2023. They will be on display in the library during the month of November. Our display cabinet has secure locks so be assured that your memorabilia will be safe.
The planned exhibit is part of the library’s commitment to honoring those who served their country and Chatham veterans in particular. In 2020, we started the Veterans Project of the Chathams, with a mission to collect, archive, and make available to the public personal histories of veterans who are or were residents of Chatham Borough and Chatham Township.
Read more about the project and access its digital archive at chathamlibrary.org/veterans-project-of-the-chathams.
Contact us with any questions at 973-635-0603 or email librarian@chathamlibrary.org.
THOMAS NONNENMACHER AWARDED THE CHATHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP 2023
by Marianne Ivers
The recipient of the Chatham Historical Society 2023 Margaret Keisler scholarship is Thomas Nonnenmacher. 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.
Chatham is made up of unique individuals, each with a distinctive story to tell. As part of the scholarship process, students were asked to share their own stories. The Historical Society received approximately 25 essays all with a different focus. In his essay titled “Chatham: My Town by the River” Thomas fondly recalls his elementary school years, when the neighborhood children gathered in his front yard to wait for the school bus to take them to Southern Boulevard School. During those “playground” times the kids at the bus stop bonded and made friends.Thomas has two older brothers, one of which he described as “the coolest kid” on the front lawn playground in his essay.
Thomas is excited to begin his acting studies at Pace University in New York City this fall. Theater and performing arts were “a very big part” of his life over the past few years. Recently, he played Lumiere in the Chatham High School production of Beauty and the Beast. He has previously held many other roles in the high school performing arts productions.
The Chatham Historical Society wishes Thomas much success in his future endeavors. Thomas’s essay can be read here.
Chatham is made up of unique individuals, each with a distinctive story to tell. As part of the scholarship process, students were asked to share their own stories. The Historical Society received approximately 25 essays all with a different focus. In his essay titled “Chatham: My Town by the River” Thomas fondly recalls his elementary school years, when the neighborhood children gathered in his front yard to wait for the school bus to take them to Southern Boulevard School. During those “playground” times the kids at the bus stop bonded and made friends.Thomas has two older brothers, one of which he described as “the coolest kid” on the front lawn playground in his essay.
Thomas is excited to begin his acting studies at Pace University in New York City this fall. Theater and performing arts were “a very big part” of his life over the past few years. Recently, he played Lumiere in the Chatham High School production of Beauty and the Beast. He has previously held many other roles in the high school performing arts productions.
The Chatham Historical Society wishes Thomas much success in his future endeavors. Thomas’s essay can be read here.
Chatham’s Historic Toboggan was Featured in July 4th Parade!
Donors: Rich & Scott Bradley AND Steve Simonfay
Drivers & Movers: Francisco & Wilbreth
Volunteers: Chatham Historical Society Board, Girl Scouts, along with friends, followers and all their photos!! Anne & Paige, Hannah and Regan, Diana, Kathy, Hannah and Stacey, Dina & Dylan, Winnie and Beau, Sarah and Milly, Fiona & Theo, Amy & Bob, Pat, Diane, Susan, Karen, Barb
Drivers & Movers: Francisco & Wilbreth
Volunteers: Chatham Historical Society Board, Girl Scouts, along with friends, followers and all their photos!! Anne & Paige, Hannah and Regan, Diana, Kathy, Hannah and Stacey, Dina & Dylan, Winnie and Beau, Sarah and Milly, Fiona & Theo, Amy & Bob, Pat, Diane, Susan, Karen, Barb
The Fourth of July Toboggan float celebrates a piece of Chatham’s history. In the 1890’s when tobogganing was all the rage, Edward Phillips of Fairmount Ave built an 11-foot-long toboggan for his daughters. The hills of Chatham were great for coasting. As many as 18 passengers could fit by tightly holding onto the person in front. For the sled to pick up enough speed, there had to be at least 10 people on board.
Stories obtained from the Society’s Oral History Interviews of local Chatham residents described two separate routes. Beginning at the top of Fairmount Ave, the riders would mount the sled and with a big push take off down the hill. One account had the toboggan take a right onto Watchung Ave and go fast enough to “catch air” at the Passaic River Bridge, crossing into Summit. Another account had the sled travel down Fairmount Avenue creating sparks as it crossed over the railroad tracks, where someone was stationed to control traffic, after which the sled made a right turn onto Main Street, coming to a stop in front of the Library!
Over the years, the toboggan fell on hard times, but thanks to stories shared by the Society, the toboggan was kept “alive”. When Rich Bradley came across it at Kielblock’s Farm, he asked if Mr. Kielblock would like to donate it to the Chatham Historical Society, he replied, “Yes”.
The Bradley family safely stored the infamous sled in the Funeral Home garage for many years for the Historical Society, occasionally bringing it to Society Meetings for photo opportunities!
Anyone have this photo in their photo collection? Please share it if you find one.
The Society’s book, “Ten on a Toboggan and other Tales” is comprised of highlights taken from oral histories obtained by the Society’s recorded interviews. The stories celebrate living and growing up in Chatham. Do you have a story to share about life in Chatham, write us and let’s talk!
chathamnjhistory@gmail.com
The Chatham Historical Society will be celebrating 100 years of
saving and sharing Chatham’s history
Do you want to be a part of “Chatham history”
If you want to join the fun, please reach out to us at our email address
chathamnjhistory@gmail.com
Stories obtained from the Society’s Oral History Interviews of local Chatham residents described two separate routes. Beginning at the top of Fairmount Ave, the riders would mount the sled and with a big push take off down the hill. One account had the toboggan take a right onto Watchung Ave and go fast enough to “catch air” at the Passaic River Bridge, crossing into Summit. Another account had the sled travel down Fairmount Avenue creating sparks as it crossed over the railroad tracks, where someone was stationed to control traffic, after which the sled made a right turn onto Main Street, coming to a stop in front of the Library!
Over the years, the toboggan fell on hard times, but thanks to stories shared by the Society, the toboggan was kept “alive”. When Rich Bradley came across it at Kielblock’s Farm, he asked if Mr. Kielblock would like to donate it to the Chatham Historical Society, he replied, “Yes”.
The Bradley family safely stored the infamous sled in the Funeral Home garage for many years for the Historical Society, occasionally bringing it to Society Meetings for photo opportunities!
Anyone have this photo in their photo collection? Please share it if you find one.
The Society’s book, “Ten on a Toboggan and other Tales” is comprised of highlights taken from oral histories obtained by the Society’s recorded interviews. The stories celebrate living and growing up in Chatham. Do you have a story to share about life in Chatham, write us and let’s talk!
chathamnjhistory@gmail.com
The Chatham Historical Society will be celebrating 100 years of
saving and sharing Chatham’s history
Do you want to be a part of “Chatham history”
If you want to join the fun, please reach out to us at our email address
chathamnjhistory@gmail.com
The Chatham Historical Society Holds Annual Dinner Meeting; His Excellency General Washington In Attendance
CHS Officers for 2023-2024 - Christine Grobert (left), Karen Hoerrner, Amy Crandall, Debbie Fabian and Stacey Keenan
(Marianne Ivers took the picture) |
Curator Susan Allen and General George Washington (Jay Allen took the picture)
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Sophie Harb and Jack Davidson (Picture taken by Susan Allen)
|
The Chatham Historical Society held its annual dinner meeting on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at the
United Methodist Church. The annual dinner meeting resumed after three years of pandemic
restrictions and disruptions. Special guest, His Excellency General Washington, entertained the
audience with recollections of the most significant battles of the Revolutionary War, spiced
with anecdotes of the United States’ journey to independency.
As customary the officers for the society were elected for 2023-2024. Amy Crandall and Karen
Hoerrner will serve as co-presidents, Debbie Fabian as vice president, Christine Grobert as
treasurer, and Stacey Keenan as secretary.
Long-time board members Diane Conlan and Gerry Geisler were honored for their outstanding
contributions to the Chatham Historical Society. The co-presidents also presented the Library of
the Chathams with an annual contribution check for the library’s support and assistance.
General Washington’s presentation highlighted the many miracles that turned the tables on the
British in the colonies’ long road to winning their independence. He touched upon the small
role that Chatham played in the final stages of the war.
In August 1781 Washington and his troops set up a camp in Chatham. The bread ovens were
constructed to fool the British into thinking that Washington and his troops were staying in the
area and preparing to attack New York. In reality, Washington secretly planned to move his
troops to the south and attack the British at Yorktown, Virginia. It took over a day for the British
to realize that Washington had left the area. The American and French forces surrounded
Yorktown on September 28, 1781. The battles continued for over two weeks until British
General Cornwall surrendered on October 19, 1781 thus successfully concluding the
Revolutionary War.
Chatham Historical Society will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2024. The society is
looking for volunteers to help plan the upcoming celebrations of this milestone.
United Methodist Church. The annual dinner meeting resumed after three years of pandemic
restrictions and disruptions. Special guest, His Excellency General Washington, entertained the
audience with recollections of the most significant battles of the Revolutionary War, spiced
with anecdotes of the United States’ journey to independency.
As customary the officers for the society were elected for 2023-2024. Amy Crandall and Karen
Hoerrner will serve as co-presidents, Debbie Fabian as vice president, Christine Grobert as
treasurer, and Stacey Keenan as secretary.
Long-time board members Diane Conlan and Gerry Geisler were honored for their outstanding
contributions to the Chatham Historical Society. The co-presidents also presented the Library of
the Chathams with an annual contribution check for the library’s support and assistance.
General Washington’s presentation highlighted the many miracles that turned the tables on the
British in the colonies’ long road to winning their independence. He touched upon the small
role that Chatham played in the final stages of the war.
In August 1781 Washington and his troops set up a camp in Chatham. The bread ovens were
constructed to fool the British into thinking that Washington and his troops were staying in the
area and preparing to attack New York. In reality, Washington secretly planned to move his
troops to the south and attack the British at Yorktown, Virginia. It took over a day for the British
to realize that Washington had left the area. The American and French forces surrounded
Yorktown on September 28, 1781. The battles continued for over two weeks until British
General Cornwall surrendered on October 19, 1781 thus successfully concluding the
Revolutionary War.
Chatham Historical Society will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2024. The society is
looking for volunteers to help plan the upcoming celebrations of this milestone.
The Historical Societies of Chatham Borough and Chatham Township Present: REMEMBER THE LADIES
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 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 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
Chatham Historical Society Presents
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 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 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.
Holiday Happenings
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CHS Publications For Sale!
A large selection of our publications wrapped for the holidays! "Give the Gift of Chatham History"! Library foyer. All items only $10 (coloring book $5). Just Until January 1, 2023.
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2022 Annual Holiday Party
We had a wonderfully successful Holiday Party this year. Thanks to our hosts Joel and Karen, we celebrated in style at their beautiful home circa 1922! Join the Society and you will not miss out on the party of the season next year!
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Veterans Day Program 2022:
This program was recorded and can be viewed at the following link: youtu.be/lZj0ATYHkJc
Congratulations to our
2022 Chatham High School Scholarship winner!
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
Chatham Shade Tree Commission Honors the Memory of Ken Chmura with the Planting of a Dawn Redwood at Garden Park
Chatham's personality is built on by the wealth of its yolunteers. Ken Chmura was a great man - committed to his faith, his family and his community. When Ken passed in April of 2020, Chatham Borough lost a champion of our community. Ken Chmura was always at the ready when called upon. He was a truly treasured member of our Historical Society, assisting with moving, parade float building and promoting our Historical Society to others at Fishawack Festivals, Farmers Markets and even a cemetery field trip for Lafayette School students. Ken lent his time and energy to Chatham Borough in many ways. He was a member of the Shade Tree Commission and he directed the broadcasts for the Chatham Borough Council Meetings.
On Sunday, May 1, 2022, a tree was planted in Ken's memory at Garden Park, near the Chatham Middle School. The planting of "Ken's Tree," a Dawn Redwood, was attended by family and friends, as well as Mayor Kobylarz, members of the Borough Council, and Colleen Truppo from the Shade Tree Commission, who shared memories of Ken.
Thank you Ken for the imprint you left behind!
We miss your willingness to help, sense of humor, your compassion and love of your family, Susan, Jenny, and Kristy.
Chatham's personality is built on by the wealth of its yolunteers. Ken Chmura was a great man - committed to his faith, his family and his community. When Ken passed in April of 2020, Chatham Borough lost a champion of our community. Ken Chmura was always at the ready when called upon. He was a truly treasured member of our Historical Society, assisting with moving, parade float building and promoting our Historical Society to others at Fishawack Festivals, Farmers Markets and even a cemetery field trip for Lafayette School students. Ken lent his time and energy to Chatham Borough in many ways. He was a member of the Shade Tree Commission and he directed the broadcasts for the Chatham Borough Council Meetings.
On Sunday, May 1, 2022, a tree was planted in Ken's memory at Garden Park, near the Chatham Middle School. The planting of "Ken's Tree," a Dawn Redwood, was attended by family and friends, as well as Mayor Kobylarz, members of the Borough Council, and Colleen Truppo from the Shade Tree Commission, who shared memories of Ken.
Thank you Ken for the imprint you left behind!
We miss your willingness to help, sense of humor, your compassion and love of your family, Susan, Jenny, and Kristy.
Chatham Veterans
A Joint Presentation by the Library of the Chathams, the Chatham Historical Society and the Chatham Township Historical Society
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
7:00pm
A Joint Presentation by the Library of the Chathams, the Chatham Historical Society and the Chatham Township Historical Society
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
7:00pm
Members of the two historical societies presented vignettes of Chatham veterans of various wars and conflicts, from the Revolution to the present.
The audience heard interesting stories about a variety of people, their service, and their lives before and after service.
The program was held live at the library and virtually via Zoom.
You can view the recording of the event here:
Chatham Veterans: https://youtu.be/Z5r3imTSdOM
Mills of the Passaic
The Chatham Historical Society And The Chatham Township Historical Society presented their annual
Joint Program via Zoom on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 2:00pm. With the help of the Library of the Chathams, the program was recorded and may be viewed through the following link: https://youtu.be/5FWE302khAk
The Chatham Historical Society And The Chatham Township Historical Society presented their annual
Joint Program via Zoom on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 2:00pm. With the help of the Library of the Chathams, the program was recorded and may be viewed through the following link: https://youtu.be/5FWE302khAk
MILLS OF THE PASSAIC
Secrets of the history of Chatham Borough and the Township have recently been revealed along the banks of the Passaic River. Young archaeologists from Drew University have collected fascinating artifacts from the site where George Shepard Page built the Stanley Felt Mill, housing for immigrant workers, and a store stocked with creature comforts from their homelands.
Dr. Maria Masucci, Professor of Anthropology at Drew University, and her students shared artifact analysis and historical research for their current exhibit “Life Along the River: Revealing the Impact of Industrialization on Chatham Township 1890–1920.”
Susan Allen of CHS gave a brief presentation with early photos, maps, and history of the mills.
Pat Wells of CTHS shared her collection of oral histories, and personal reflection.
These are the links referenced in the program:
The Sanborn maps - library.princeton.edu/libraries/firestone/rbsc/aids/sanborn/morris/chatham.html
The Drew students' exhibit - https://omeka.drew.edu/exhibits/show/lifealongtheriver
The Google maps page - https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1KffXYatYuL0KvnZ_2k1eAPU1oT1Esdi-&ll=44.47119902246159%2C-70.60186569648731&z=5
The Chatham Historical Society thanks Dr. Masucci, her students, Susan Allen and Pat Wells for this informative and fascinating presentation! Thanks also go to the Library of the Chathams for facilitating the program!
Chatham Historical Society | PO Box 682 | Chatham, NJ 07928 | chathamnjhistory@gmail.com
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