INTRODUCTION

In January, 1906, a number of the members of the Woman's Public School Auxiliary and of the teachers of Nutley met to organize a Literary Section of the Auxiliary for the purpose of studying History. It was resolved to begin with the history of our own town. 

The following program was accordingly drawn up and carried out by the writing of papers, several of which required original research: 

1. The Settlement of Essex County. 

By Mrs. A. B. Meredith. 

2. Franklin, the History of its Corporate Existence. 

By Mrs. R. W. Booth. 

3. The Story of the Passaic River. 

By Miss K. A. Lambert. 

4. Old Landmarks and Traditions of Nutley (Franklin). 

By Mrs. R. J. M. Chase and Miss C. E. Wallin. 

5. Old Documents and Records bearing upon the History of Nutley (Franklin), 

By Mrs. J. S. Brown. 

6. Famous People who have lived in Nutley (Franklin). 

By Mrs. H. W. Goodrich. 

At the end of the season it was resolved to compile a History of Nutley on the basis of these papers and to offer it to the main society for publication. The Woman's Public School Auxiliary voted to assume the publication, deeming the work one peculiarly fitted to their aims. 

The books for reference have been largely those obtained from the State Traveling Library which has been connected with The Park School Library. 

To Mr. William Nelson, Corresponding Secretary of the New Jersey Historical Society, and the first authority on historical matters of this neighborhood, we are indebted for verification in antiquarian research. The quotation from Bacon is also a contribution from Mr. Nelson. 

Acknowledgment for his courteous interest is due to Mr. John Cotton Dana of the Newark Public Library, whose success in popularizing Newark history has been a direct incentive to us. 

To the Town Clerk, Mr. Frank Rusby, the Town Surveyor, Mr. Frank T. Shepard, and to Mr. George W. Symonds, we are greatly indebted for data involving consultation of records. Mr. Symonds has also helped us very generously by contributing the Nutley map, brought up to date. 

Mr. James R. Hay kindly loaned the photograph of Old Nutley Manor from which the frontispiece is made. 

For assistance in preparing the tablet on the old Vreeland or Van Zandt house, thanks are extended to Miss Schultz and Mr. Johnson Foy. The illustration is made from an impression taken by Mr. Frederic Dorr Steele, who generously placed his professional skill at our service. 

For traditions and old documents we would express our thanks to Mr. Warren Vreeland, Mr. Silas Chappel, Miss A. L. Van Winkle, Mrs. J. R. Hay, Mrs. W. R. Nairn, Mr. Simon Tuers, Mrs. Barbara A. Hough, Mrs. Mary M. Booth, Mrs. Jared Speer, Mr. J. Fisher Satterthwaite, Mr. John Speer, Mr. and Mrs. Abram Stager; to Mr. C. F. Underhill of Newark; and to Mrs. Mary E. Tucker, Judge Theodore Sandford, and Mrs. S. W. Sargent of Belleville. 

Mr. E. F. Bassford has kindly furnished the history of the newspapers of Nutley. 

Mr. J. R. Hay, Mr. R. W. Booth, and Mr. A. B. Meredith, Superintendent of Schools, have very courteously assisted the compiler in the final revision of the manuscript.