The Nutley Historic Society held their annual “Stroll within the Park” just lately, main a dialogue concerning the township’s previous and what led to its current.
The tour, held over the Memorial Day weekend, was headed by Nutley Museum director and tour information, John Simko, who was assisted by his spouse Patti Harris and Domenick Tibaldo, president of the Nutley Historic Society and Museum.
The tour started in Memorial Park on the World Conflict I monument close to the practice trestle. The tour then traveled alongside the Third River, often known as Yantacaw River, and Simko shared its position in Nutley’s historical past as a supply for early business, an inspiration for world-renowned artists, a logo of civic pleasure, an vital boundary marker, and a becoming memorial to Nutley battle veterans. There have been 427 males from Nutley who served in WWI.
A bronze memorial on the Chestnut Road entrance lists the names of the 17 males who gave their lives in WWI. The names included Raymond Blum, who was the son of Mayor Abam Blum, who was mayor from 1912-1916; Stephen Higginson Dorr Jr., whose father was a lawyer; and William Harrison who died of pneumonia.
Simko spoke concerning the position of the river in business.
“Nutley provided a variety of sandstone, one of many early industries,” he mentioned.
Grist mills and cotton mills have been additionally a part of Nutley’s historical past.
The Enclosure Historic District options buildings that have been in-built 1812 on Calico Lane, one among which Simko known as “Essentially the most stunning dwelling in Nutley.”
All through the park, tributes to veterans have been just lately put up on mild posts, with their names and images.
Simko spoke of nineteenth century land developer James Hays, who was instrumental in bringing artists to Nutley.
Painter Frank Fowler was one of many notables who lived in Nutley. A few of his work are within the Nutley Museum. Arthur Hoeber was one other beloved artist on the town, finest recognized for his writing on art-related topics. Albert Sterner was recognized for illustrations and etchings of WWII. He additionally drew a portrait of Nutley painter Frederick Dana Marsh.
Michael Lenson was a Russian immigrant who got here to New Jersey. He introduced a house in Nutley in 1941. Who Was Who in American Artwork known as him “New Jersey’s most vital muralist.”
Nutley artist Gary T. Erbe is an oil painter nonetheless alive right now.
The “Vreeland Homestead” constructing was known as “the oldest constructing on the town” by Simko. “An impressive home—a outstanding spot on the town,” he mentioned.
The historic stone home positioned at 216 Chestnut St. dates again to earlier than the American Revolution. Simko defined that it was constructed by a Dutch household, the VanGiesons. They have been a touring household and gave up the property in 1783. It was bought by John Vreeland.
The Lady’s Membership of Nutley used the home from 1912 to 2012, after they determined to not preserve the group going.
At present the house wants a variety of work. Simko mentioned,
“The caretaker handed away and it’s present process repairs,” Simko mentioned. “Raccoons did injury. It’s closed proper now.”
The Nutley Public Library is what Simko known as “the epitome of what you need your library to be.” It opened in 1914 and Simko mentioned it was “superbly constructed out of brick.” In 1930 there was an growth alongside the again. The glass wing was expanded within the Eighties. “It’s unbelievable,” mentioned Simko.
Based on Simko, the steps resulting in the library’s entrance are a logo of upper studying.
The 90-minute tour ended inside Nutley’s first brick schoolhouse, now the Nutley Historic Society and Museum, which is open to the general public.
To study extra concerning the Nutley Historic Society and Museum, go to: https://www.nutleyhistoricalsociety.org
