Nutley
Historical Society and Museum
Founded 1945
65 Church
Street, Nutley N.J. 07110
973-667-1528
A not-for-profit organization dedicated to serve the educational, cultural and historical needs of our community.
to Annie Oakley to the Morris Canal on Our Western Border
to Quarry Town and Speed Racing Velodrome
to our Golfer's Heaven and Old Military Hall
to Presidential Visits and Professional Wresting
to Cold Ice Cream to our Cold War Anti-Aircraft Radar Camp
to the Arrival of Route 21 ...
Dutch Introduced Skating as Nutley Winter Sport
Few alive today would recognize most of the Nutley backwoods and ponds described in this memoir sixty-odd years ago. Bearskin Brook, Rusby's Pond, or Hillside Park ring a bell in your olde Nutley memories? Compare your memories.
Artists of Nutley
Letter to Mark Twain:
“There isn’t much that is prettier than
this end of New Jersey. It is all upland, tumbling into shallow valleys
and bright sunny reaches along the Passaic River, and hillsides white as
snow with the daisies, and everywhere trees, in little clumps or in long
lines by the roadside.... You come. I’ll drive you around on Sunday and
show you some views that will do your heart good. I’ll row you up the
Passaic. I’ll give you a chance to play tennis.... Don’t be afraid. You
can’t play worse tennis than I do.... The mosquitoes are very small this
summer—few over an inch long...
Continue reading
NHS Meeting Room Available for Rental
We are happy to announce that our meeting room is now available for rentals. To inquire about availability and rental fee, please call 973-667-1528 and leave a message for our caretaker, Kerry Flynn.
Call Kerry Flynn, caretaker to rent the hall
PLEASE CALL AND LEAVE A MESSAGE BEFORE YOU EMAIL FOR RENTAL AVAILABILITY INFO - Thanks
120 Years Ago
Franklin Officially Becomes Nutley, March 5,1902
Nutley
Was Born in Strife, Strategy and Secession
"Annie Oakley: Little Sure Shot" by Gary Erbe
Nutley
Author
Nutley Museum Online Tour
Nutley Museum Director John Simko's online tour of the Nutley Museum, recorded December 5, 2020. Simko spotlighted the Annie Oakley collection and other select items featured throughout the Nutley Museum. Projects by the Nutley Historical Society were also highlighted.
Nutley Museum Online Tour video
Nutley Historical Society
Annual Fall Pumpkin Festival
Family and Friends are invited to join us
Children of all ages are welcome to come and paint a pumpkin and everyone gets to enjoy some fall treats.
In addition, our museum collection will be open for tours. Admission is free however donations are graciously accepted.
Thank you and hope to see you then.
Annual Ice Cream for History
June 2, 2022
The Society is especially happy to welcome children to the museum along with their parents who will enjoy Nutley's rich history. Ice cream is 'free' and all welcome to tour the Nutley Museum on the 2nd floor. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Admission is free.
Ice cream social brings visitors back to Nutley Museum By Amanda Valentovic
“A Walk in the Park,” led by Nutley Museum director John Simko of the Nutley Historical Society, was held Sunday, May 29, 2022. The tour traveled along the Third River in Nutley Memorial Parkway—from Vreeland Avenue to Chestnut Street, then on to Nutley Town Hall and Franklin Reformed Church, and ended at the Nutley Museum.
Simko discussed the Yantacaw River’s (the Third River) role in Nutley history as a source for early industry, as inspiration for world-class artists, as a symbol of civic pride, as an important boundary marker, and as a fitting memorial to our war veterans.
Stops on the tour include the sites of three former mills, see the pre-Revolutionary War Van Giesen homestead, the beginnings of Nutley’s 100-year-old Carnegie Library and even older Town Hall, and walk through one of Nutley’s oldest cemeteries.
The Nutley Historical Society sponsored the event.
Non-professional videos of previous tours are available on YouTube.
Another Park Walk Celebrates the Yantacaw
Due to an overwhelming response from our Memorial Day "Walk in the Park", Nutley Museum director John Simko led "Another Walk in the Park" - a free tour that celebrates the Yantacaw River and its role in Nutley history while strolling through Memorial Park on July 16.
Sgt. Walter Bray, Korean War POW
DVD Presentation, Friday, May 27
A short documentary highlighting Sgt. Walter Bray's experience as a prisoner of war during the Korean war will be shown at in the Nutley Museum, 65 Church Street, at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2022.
Walter Bray grew up in the 1930's. He was an orphan and lived in state homes until he turned 17 years old and enlisted in the U.S. Army.
While awaiting his separation papers at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, he and his company were told to fall out with their barracks bag and were put on a ship to Korea.
Sgt.
Bray was part of a 250 men first company mortar team when they were
attacked and captured. Only 27 men of the 250 survived. He had been
shot in the leg and thanks to a Father Kopec who begged the doctors
not to amputate, Bray recovered from the injury.
During his time as a POW, soldiers continued to die, and Bray would steal one of their dog tags and bury it. When the war was over, Bray dug out all the dog tags he had buried so that the families of the fallen knew what happened to their sons. Walter Bray was an originator of a local Old Guard chapter and initiated over 200 men before his death.
If you would be interested in seeing this documentary, please feel free to join us and while you are there, take a tour of our museum collection as well.
Walter E. Bray Jr. (May 6,1930 to April 29, 1998), was raised in Hackensack, and according to the 1940 Census, his mother was the head of the household. He was the youngest child and had three sisters and one brother. He lived in Lodi with his wife Lillian and two children. He is interred at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus.
On behalf of the Nutley Historical Society board members, to all those who have served or continue to serve our country, THANK YOU.
Pfc. Nicholas S. Pucci was killed in action in Pusan, Korea, on Sept. 6, 1950. Pfc. Joseph DiNardo was declared missing in action since Dec. 2, 1950. Pfc. Reed A. Smith died while in service on Feb. 15, 1951. Pfc. John F. Van Der Linde was killed in action in Korea on March 15, 1951. Corp. Alex. MacMillan was killed in action in Korea on March 22, 1951. Pfc. William Nolze was "presumed dead" after being MIA since April 1951. Pfc. John R. Gorman was killed in action in Korea on May 18, 1951. Richard Arthur Miller was killed in service in July 1951. S/Sgt. John McConnell died while in service on Oct. 9, 1951. 1st Lt. Bernard Hafkin was killed in action in Korea, on Oct. 19, 1951. Robert G. Bliss died while in service on Feb. 4, 1953.
Nutley Museum Big Plans, New Exhibits
By Barry Lenson
The Nutley Museum has been quiet over the summer. We didn’t have our annual Ice Cream Social. John Simko, our Museum Director, didn’t lead his annual “Walk in the Park” history tour of our parks on Memorial Day. We cancelled an evening of sports films that was part of the Gary and Zeny Erbe Film Festival. And we have just learned that we will not be permitted to rent out our first-floor meeting/party space until autumn at the earliest.
Like you, we have been through a tough time. But we’ve been making huge plans for wonderful new things for the people of Nutley to enjoy when we open our doors.
■ WE’RE PLANNING A BLOCKBUSTER EXHIBITION TO HONOR NUTLEY’S FIRST RESPONDERS AND VETERANS
The Nutley Museum owns a large collection of photographs and memorabilia that are related to Nutley’s long history of public servants and veterans from years past – firefighters, policemen and women, Red Cross volunteers, and more. And we’re planning to put our collection on display at a special event and exhibition.
Stay tuned after we open our doors again.
■ WE’RE OPENING A PERMANENT ANN TROY EXHIBITION
Ann Troy (1890-1983) is best known to Nutley people as the author of the “bible” on Nutley History, a book called Nutley: Yesterday and Today. She was also principal of the Park Street School from 1919 until 1934 and later, principal of Washington School until 1952. And back in 1945, she was one of the founders of the Historical Society and Museum.
Museum Director John Simko (and his family too) have been working hard to create an area in the Museum where a collection of Ann Troy’s possessions will be on permanent display. And there will be a big surprise. John Tiene, a longtime friend of the Museum, has given us the desk where Ann Troy wrote her book. It will be the centerpiece of our new permanent display.
■ WE’RE POLISHING UP OUR DISPLAY OF WORKS BY NUTLEY ARTISTS
Thanks to a grant from Essex County, we have been able to restore a painting we own by Frank Fowler, who founded the Enclosure Artists’ Colony nearly 150 years ago. We plan to display it when we reopen, alongside works by Nutley’s other great artists. We’re also hoping to invite today’s Nutley artists to lend their work to the show.
■ WE’RE UNVEILING THE VINCENT METHODIST CHURCH GATES
Silas Mountsier, the Nutley hero who is best known to Nutleyites as the cultivator and developer of the gorgeous Mountsier Garden, has underwritten the cost of restoring and reinstalling the impressive wrought iron gates that once stood at the entrance of Vincent Methodist Church. They are now being professionally restored. We plan to reinstall them as a grand entrance to the Nutley Museum, or nearby on museum property.
Stay tuned. It will be a grand event and a major addition to our beautiful town.
■ AND THAT’S NOT EVERYTHING …
We’re unveiling lots of artifacts from our history … class trips will come again and fill the museum with fun and laughter … we will host our annual Pumpkin Festival, Holiday Party and other events … we’ll hold lectures and special exhibitions … and we can hardly wait to see you at the Nutley Museum!
■ JOHN DEMMER HAS GIVEN US HIS NUTLEY SUN ARCHIVES
John, our Town Historian, has donated an extensive collection of old issues of The Nutley Sun. While the Nutley Public Library has its own digitized collection too, we are thrilled to add this resource to our research tools.
■ Won’t You Join the Nutley
Historical Society and Museum? We invite you to become a member of
the Nutley Historical Society. It’s easy and fast to join.
Lambert Square dedication May 1
The Nutley Community Preservation
Partnership, The Nutley Historical Society, and The Nutley
Historic Preservation Committee cordially invite you to
celebrate William A. Lambert at noon on Sunday, May 1, 2022.
Activities start at the Nutley Historical Society-65 Church Street - where the Nutley Museum be open until 1 p.m. Items related to William Lambert will be on display.
Nutley Township Historian John Demmer will give a brief talk about William A. Lambert and his impact on the development of Nutley.
The action the shifts to Lambert Square-at the intersection of Franklin Avenue & High Street-for the actual Lambert Square dedication ceremony and the unveiling of two Lambert plaques.
Suzanne Beadle - Past President
Nutley Community Preservation Partnership
Author Ron Negra speaks on Waves of Hope
Ron Negra, Nutley native and author, discussed his book “Waves of Hope” at the Nutley Museum on March 16.
“Waves of Hope” tells the remarkable story of the author’s mother, an inspiring young woman named Agnes Joan (Verdi) Negra and heroic acts of kindness she performed during World War II.
Imagine a time back in 1944 when she sat at her shortwave radio in Nutley night after night, listening to broadcasts in which our German enemies read the names of American soldiers they had captured and were holding as prisoners of war in Europe. This was personal for her. As a young bride and mother – her husband August had been wounded at the Battle of the Bulge and was missing in action.
Yet Ms. Negra did more than listen for news of her husband. She began to write down the names of the American soldiers whose names she heard on the air. She then personally wrote to the families of each of those soldiers. Often, her letters were the first indications that families received that their soldiers were alive.
That is the remarkable story of “Waves of Hope.” Yet the book is much more than a written history. It contains copies of the letters that Ms. Negra received from the families she had written to. The result is an astonishing and deeply moving story of kindness and hope.
And if you are wondering, Agnes and her GI husband were reunited after the war. This story of love, family, kindness and more will inspire you.
Ronald Edward Negra, a Nutley, NJ native, was born on November 9, 1947. He enjoys writing about genealogy and wrote his first book in 2004 titled, “The History of the Verdi Family…Celebrating 100 Years in America.” Ron also completed a book on the Negra Family History and on the life of his father, August E. Negra.
Nutley woman sent ‘Waves of Hope’ across the country during WWII Essex News Daily
General Membership Meeting Held March 16, 7 PM
Approved Slate of Officers Two-Year Term, 2022-2024
President: Domenick Tibaldo
Vice President: Suzanne Hagert
Treasurer: Maryann Lauber
Van Riper Historian: Patty Williams
Art Historian: Barry Lenson
Director, Buildings & Grounds: Mike Petrucelli
Director, Membership: Eleanor Slomkowski
Historical Society Congratulates Winners
Of Annual Nutley History Essay Contest
By Michael C. Gabriele
Nutley Historical Society
Founded 1945
65 Church
Street, Nutley N.J. 07110
973-667-1528
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Contact Room Rental, via phone, not email, Call 973-667-1528
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Got Historic Nutley Stuff?
Our trustees and docents continue to itemize, catalog and preserve as much Nutley history as we can. If you have an item tied to our town's history, please consider donating it to the Nutley Museum. Give us a call 973-667-1528, or email us for more information.
NUTLEY Yesterday - Today - Ann Troy
& Vivian Noyes Fikus
Where
all great study of Nutley history begins
The importance of history in general cannot be doubted. It sets
before us striking instances of virtue, enterprise, courage,
generosity, patriotism and, by a natural principle of emulation,
encourages us to copy such noble examples. History displays the
dealings of God with mankind. It often leads us to view with awe His
darker judgments and again it awakens the liveliest emotions of
gratitude for His kind and benignant dispensations.
In 1945 the founders of the Nutley Historical Society wrote into its
constitution the statement that:
“It shall be the purpose . . . of this association to do all in its
power to collect all the available historical material connected
with . . . the history of Nutley and carefully to preserve the same.
. . . This shall mean ultimately the writing of the history of the
town. . . Down through the years, work on this project continued
until the present volume has been prepared.
So now, since History never stops, we in the Nutley Historical
Society in 1961—like those who wrote the first History of Nutley in
1907— pass on the torch to those coming generations who at some
future time will feel the need to once again issue a . . .
“HISTORY OF NUTLEY”
Robert F. Heald
First President 1954 to 1961
March 5, 1961 The Nutley Historical Society From the Foreword
As
a member, you and your family are welcome to participate in any or
all of our upcoming events.
When you join or renew your membership, the Nutley Historical
Society will be able to continue and expand our work to bring
you interesting, informational and fun programs throughout the year.
By making our history available and known to those who visit the
museum, we continue to move forward by knowing about and
appreciating our past. We can only accomplish this with your help.
Join Now Now is a
great time to join or renew your Nutley Historical Society membership.
Thanks to all our members who supported the Nutley Historical Society’s
events and activities.
Thanks to all
who joined
us to raise a toast in celebration of the seventy-fifth
anniversary of the founding of the Nutley Historical Society on
March 5, 2020. Events included cake cutting and a birthday toast, an update
on recent museum acquisitions and activities, and a special tour of
museum highlights by the museum director.
Nutley
Historical Society Celebrates 75th Anniversary
Call Kerry Flynn, caretaker
PLEASE CALL AND LEAVE A MESSAGE BEFORE YOU EMAIL FOR RENTAL AVAILABILITY INFO - Thanks
See the 1910 artist's view of Nutley in person in our first floor meeting room!
Also of Interest in Nutley, N.J.
Kingsland Manor
Nutley Historic Preservation Committee
Web site
development & maintenance
provided at no cost to Nutley Historical
Society,
sponsored by:
Links are subject to change
Contact Room Rental, via phone only, not email, Call 973-667-1528
Email Nutley Historical Society
The Nutley Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serve the educational, cultural and historical needs of our community.
65 Church
Street, Nutley N.J. 07110
973-667-1528
Web Master/Social Media: Anthony Buccino
Nutley Notables in two volumes:
The men and women who made a memorable impact
on our
home town, Nutley, New Jersey
