Ye Old Tye News Ye Old Tye News

D OVER A REA H ISTORICAL S OCIETY Ye Old Tye News Ye Old Tye News

Volume XLIII XLIII Issue Issue II II SpringSpring 2012 2012

Dover Area Historic Society Dover History Is State-Of-The Art DVDs, Computer Programs, Web Site….Puts Dover Into The 21st Century $500 DOVER-With the revolutionized DVD’s Now Available world around us rapidly chang- the ability to “Downtown Dover Now and Then” ing every day the Dover Area “The Morris Canal in Dover” offer the com- Historical Society has managed plete collection “Good Old Dover” “Old, Old Dover” HIGH SCHOOL to stay on the cutting edge with of the historical “More Old Dover” “Dover’s Disasters” SCHOLARSHIP the latest technologies, bringing society’s photo “Dover The Parade Town” AWARD Dover’s history into everyone’s library, in the “Not There Anymore in Dover” See page 5 home, around the country and form of DVDs, “Dover Fire Department” around the world. Through the now available to “Wm. Harris Collection” “Lowell Cook Collection” outreach efforts of Stan Schoon- anyone upon “Vivian Berg Collection” maker, the history of Dover has request. Now for “History of Dover School System” not only been taught and the first time, *Dover High Decade of 30s & 40s” appreciated at the Dover History individuals can “Dover High Decade of 50s” Museum, but as well as the own these photo- “Dover High Decade of 60s” schools, churches, senior citi- graphs and view “Dover High Decade of 70s” zens centers, other historical them at their own Call Stan to order: 973-366-2319. societies, non profit organiza- convenience. tions and now on the Internet. Another technological with power outages for days For the past several breakthrough is the ease at which and downed trees and power years, Stan has been able to Stan has the ability to update lines all over town. assemble theme programs into these programs as often as neces- And we must’n forget, presentations offered at the soci- sary. For instance, one of the our wonderful Website. Phil ety’s regular monthly meetings. most popular programs offered is Reynolds has done an excellent These presentations have also “The Disasters Of Dover.” Stan job in putting together a web- been presented to visiting has been able to include new site that is easy to maneuver groups, school reunions, to the disasters of Dover, like the recent and contains a wealth of infor- local schools and other groups Hurricane Irene that flooded parts mation on the Dover area and is of interest. of Dover never seen before and available around the world. It wasn’t until about a the recent October 2011 snow- doverhistoricalsociety.com year ago that Stan completely storm that devastated the town

What Will Become of Dover’s Famous Painting? Historic Painting On A Five Year Loan to Metropolitan Art Museum

DOVER-One of Do- by the Derry family in ver’s historic treasurers that memory of their has hung in the Dover Public mother Mrs. William Library for over 60 years may E. Derry on June 3, be in danger of losing Dover as 1943. The painting is its home, forever. The 1863 historically significant painting by Emanuel Leutze, because the same art- Jean Darling, a role that should “Indians Attacking the Wagon ist painted the famous have gone to a Dover girl? Train” was donated to Dover (cont. on page 3) See page 8. PAGE 2 YE OLD TYE NEWS VOLUME XLIII ISSUE II

2012 Paid Memberships James & JoAnn Dodd, Dover Jacqueline Loeffler, Dover LIFE TIME MEMBERSHIP Patrick Fahy, Dover Mel & Barbara Loory, Boonton Phillip D. Alverez, Blairstown Margeret Fischer & Bob Starling, Bert & Linda McDonald, Dover Ira & Cynthia Ayers, Randolph Erwinna, PA Charlotte Morgan Luer, Denville Jean Baker, Hopatcong Jay & Patti Ferriero, Mt Arlington Betty MacNaughten, Mine Hill Bill & Ginny Birch, Bernardsville Evelyn Gilbert, Jensen Beach, FL Marilyn Martin, Cottage Grove, MN Carolyn Bishop, Dover David & Karen Glaser, Dover Terry Forsstrom Meloskie, Denville Benson Thomson Agency, Dover Bob & Linda Gordon, Mt Arlington Dr. Hugh Miller, Dover, DE Joan & Alan Bocchino, Dover Victor & Ellen Guadagno, Sparta Otto Miller, Mine Hill James Brooks, Ocean City Ellen G. Gustafson, Kingman, AZ Robert L. Miller & Claire Rohloff, Curtis & Lois Brown, Lancaster, PA Frank&Grace Hamilton, Old Lyme, CT Bloomsbury Harriet Buono, Dover Willard & Betty Hedden, Randolph Rich & Barbara Newman, Dover Joan Burdge, Dover Dorothy Hertel, Safety Harbor, FL Henry O Baker Ins., Dover Shirley Hendrickson Burgess, Jackie & Ken Hillman, Scottsdale, AZ Helen & Carmen Pennella, Dover Randolph Mariann Horan, Douglassville, PA Dave & Lisa Pennella, Dover Charles & Marion Caccavale, Wharton Betty Inglis, Dover Michael & Catharine Picciallo, Dover Robert Carpenter, Rockaway Carl Iosso, Dover Frank Poolas, Dover Eve Casey, Dover Jim & Verna Johnson, Pompton Plains Wm. Richardson, Mt Arlington Phyllis Casey, Dover Patricia Kalena, Dover Cindy & Rich Romaine, Dover Dom Ciardi, Picataway Martin & Laura Kane, Mt. Lakes Stan & Marj Schoonmaker, Dover George Coulthard, Dover Wm. & Nancy Kattermann, Dover Robert, Patricia & Samuel Schwarz, Norman & Mary Lou Dailey, Dover Richard Kelly, Dover Dover Florence D’Agostino, Dover Karen Kovalesky, Hackettstown William & Susan Shauer, Dover (Cont. below) Mike D’Agostino, Succasunna David & Sherry Lenox, Dover

Any corrections or changes in membership information, please contact Bill Woodhull at 973-361-2073 LIFE TIME MEMBERSHIP Kay Walker, Succasunna Murray’s Tavern, Dover Peg & William Shuler, Dover Henry & Phyllis Winstead, Rockaway Sylvia E. Rubens, Randolph Ulla, William & Paul Shuler, Dover Debbie & Bob Wood, Succasunna Rev. James J. Slattery, Dover Smith, Taylor, Ruggiero Funeral Bill & Brenda Woodhull, Dover FAMILY MEMBERSHIP Home, Dover JoAnne Zarger, Mine Hill Kenneth & Diane Afferton, Morrisville, PA JoAnn, Bob & Mike Steinberg, Dover In Memory of Arch Nicholas Nan Cannon & Family, Dover Robert. & Rose Tiefenbacher, Philip & Mary Carthage, Belfast, ME Lafayette SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP George & Mary Castellitto, Randolph Jackie & Ken Hillman, Scottsdale, AZ Don & Jean Alperti, Oak Creek, CO Juan & Kathleen Casiano, Dover Dr. Arthur Tiger M.D., P.A., Dover Margie Bell, Los Angeles, CA Susan Champion & Family, Montville Dr. Anthony Troha, Mine Hill Brownwood Realty Co., Dover Christopher Chapman & Family, Dover Tuttle Funeral Home, Randolph Dover Renaissance, Inc., Dover John & Mary Chirip, Randolph William. & Judy Ciardi, Randolph Robert & Alice Wagner, Wharton George W. Johnson, Dover Nancy & Wm. Kattermann, Dover Richard & Cathy Cole, Dover Francis & Louis Wagner, Canton, GA (cont. below) Scott, Judy & Jeffery Miller, Dover

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP Eleanor & Dick Kehoe, Succasunna INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP Jack & Gail Delaney & Family, Dover Ralph & Margaret Kubisky, Dover George & Kathleen Doboney, Wharton George & Lynn Laurie, Dover Robert D. Ciardi, Irwin, PA Paul & Olga Downs, Dover Eugene & Beatrice Lemoncelli, Robert A. Cleffi, Wesminister, CA Maribeth & Frank Dulfer, Dover Blairstown Louis Cloitre, Dover Hudson Favell & Ada Rosen, Dover John Mann & Family, Lake Hiawatha Johnson H. Cole, Roblin, Ontario, Canada Kevin & Mary Flanagan & Family, Dover Catherine Magliocchetti, Dover Janet Hooper, Dover Dr. Edward & Ellen Forbes, Randolph Paul & Kathy McDougall, Dover Nancy Nicholas & Family, Dover Debra & George Force, Wharton Linda & Jim Mullin, Dover Shirley & George O’Brien, Dover Bill & Bonnie Gregory, Morristown Joseph & Sharon Nazzaro, Randolph Helen & Bob Slack, Dover Karen & Roy Hendrey, Dover Ralph & Louise Vecchio, Dover Leroy & Edith Varga, Dover Francis R. & Marie Hoffman, Dover Penny & Pat Visioli, Milford, DE Neldon & Alma Williams, Dover John & Mary Hynes, Easton, NJ Pat White & Family, Rockaway Patricia Davis, Landing Nancy & Emily James, Dover The Doug Zeek Family, Dover (cont. next page) Gary Kazin & Family, Rockaway VOLUME XLIII ISSUE II YE OLD TYE NEWS PAGE 3 Fire Dept’s Huge Gift to the Historical Society Cablevision Channel 12 News Carries the Story Across the State DOVER-Organized in 1874, the the light-of-day with a public display. Dover Volunteer Fire Department has According to George Laurie, collected over the years literally thousands museum curator, “considering the of photographs of everything from fires, amount of memorabilia being offered emergency recues and disasters to the hun- to the society, this project may take dreds of parades, fire apparatus demonstra- months before completed.” tions, celebrations and picnics, along with So far, members of the a case load of newspaper clippings, maps, historical society have uncovered documents and memorabilia. All these some early photographs of Dover’s belongings were tucked away in boxes and early firefighters from the late 1800s crates for decades at the Fire Department’s along with thousands of photographs Garage, utilized for the storage of antique of the various steamers and fire Pictured l to r: Roger Flartey, Helen Pennella, apparatus and equipment, located near the engines the department owned over Bob Bahrs, Bill Woodhull and Vishal Parmar Town Garage on North Sussex Street. the years. Also found were pictures of In February 2012, current Dover the early hand drawn hose & latter ous fires, such as the Park Union Lumber Yard Fire Chief Richard Mattison and members trucks along with the steamer-engines fire in 1954 which is considered one of the of the fire department decided to give the that were pulled through the streets of largest fires in Dover’s history. Also clippings’ Dover Area Historical Society an opportu- Dover and nearby towns by teams of ranging from disasters such as the explosions at nity to search through these boxes and horses, such as Mae and Blossom. Picatinny Arsenal and nearby Hercules Powder crates and decide what is historically Also uncovered so far were Depot to emergency rescue efforts like the grand- significant to the citizens of the Dover area hundreds of newspaper clippings over stand collapse at the Dover Speedway injuring and what items, for the first time should see the years reporting on Dover’s numer- dozens of spectators. (cont. page 6)

Leutze Painting (cont. from pg. 1) the street from Dover History Museum security at the library to house the painting would have to be carefully studied. House. “Washington Crossing the Delaware” in In the meantime, the Library Board of According to research done 1851 and the 1862 painting “Westward the Trustees decided to loan the painting to the Met- by Marilyn Patterson, Dr. Derry was ropolitan Museum of Art in New York for a five Course of Empire Takes Its Way” painted born in July of 1856, his wife Olivia -year term so that it might be made available to on the great stairway of the House of Rep- born in June of 1869 and they had three the millions of patrons that pass through the resentatives in the U.S. Capitol. museum each year. daughters, Edna, Sarah and Mildred. How the Derry family of Dover Barbara Weinberg, curator of Ameri- According to Library Director gained possession of this painting is un- can Paintings and Sculpture at the Metropolitan Robert Tambini, the painting was in- said Dover’s painting will be grouped with other known, but it was loaned to the library six sured for $300,000 based on the ap- artworks of similar subjects from the same era. years prior to it being donated. Dr. Wil- praised value in the 1980s, however, a What will become of the painting after liam E. Derry was a prominent physician in recent appraisal by a Morristown firm five years? That remains to be seen. In the appraised the value of the painting at Dover with his office and home at 52 W. meantime there is now a replica of the painting $2.5 million. With this revelation, the Blackwell Street in “Doctor’s Row.” across at the Dover Public Library hanging where the insurance on the painting would have original once stood. to be dramatically increased and the Upcoming Events “Fruit Basket” Family will be highlighted and displayed on No charge & Refreshments served. the large screen. Bring a friend! Tuesday * April 17th * 7:30 pm No charge—Refreshments served MUSEUM HOUSE Sun. * June 10th * All day “Bon Ton Movie Night” DOVER FLEA MARKET Sat. * Sept. 29th * 1 & 3:30 pm Christmas In July “Townwide Yardsale and Root Beer Social” MUSEUM HOUSE Starring Dick Powell & Ellen Drew A $30 donation to the historical society buys “Afternoon Tea in the Parks” Great movie! Bring a friend! you a spot in the Dover Flea Market for the Enjoy a pleasant afternoon of tea and goodies No charge & Refreshments served. whole day. One of the most successful yard as each room in the museum is dedicated to sales in the area. Call 973-361-3525 for app. one of Dover’s beautiful parks: Hurd Park, Tuesday * May 15th * 7:30 pm Overlook Park, JFK/Commons Park, Water- MUSEUM HOUSE Sun. * June 19th * 7:30 pm works Park and Hooey Park. “Then and Now Game Show” MUSEUM HOUSE $15 donation View old photographs of the Dover area and “Happenings in Dover in the 30s, 40s, & 50s” (Proceeds will benefit the Scholarship Fund) guess the scene as it looks today. Game Photographs, newspaper clippings, scrapbook Bring a friend! show winner will be awarded a nice items and other stuff collected by the Ericson (THESE PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE) PAGE 4 YE OLD TYE NEWS VOLUME XLIII ISSUE II

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP James & Doris Bush, Randolph Alexander D. Everitt, Lafayette John A. Detore, Randolph Frances Campbell, Mt Tabor Dorothy Fackina, Ringwood Patricia Farruggia, Hopatcong Jean Cater, Dover Robert Fancher, Wharton Kathleen Kalena, Dover Jean Chervnsik, Dover Shirley F. Ferriero, Boonton John Kuzel, Denville Deanna Cicchetti, Wharton Robert Feinberg, Wesley Chapel, FL Helen Guiles, Dover Ingrid Cleffi, Simi Valley, CA Raymond Fisher, Dover Richard C. Palmer, Mine Hill Louis Cloitre, Dover Roger Flartey, Mine Hill Beth Schoonmaker, Dover Jane B. Cody, Pompton Plains John V. Gill, Flanders Carrie Schwabacher, Dover Kathleen H. Cole, Dover Marie Gleckler, Randolph Pinelopi Sikolas, Dover Mary Lou Cole, Dover Rolando Gomez, Dover William A. Slack, Okeechobee, FL Lowell A. Cook, Twp. of Washington Gary Gordon, Morris Plains Mike Srsich, Rockaway Francis S. Cordes, Tavares, FL Ms. Joyce Gorine, Dover Anne Stephens, Lake Hopatcong Earline A. Cortese, Morris Plains Sophie Goritski, Londonderry, NH Charles Walker, Greensboro, NC Margaret H. Coward, Houston, TX Allen C. Hale, Lake Mary, FL Joseph F. Woodhull, Portland, OR Henry Crouse, Underhill, VT William Hastie, Wharton William B. Woodhull, Newton Harold Curtis, Kenton, OH JoAnn Hillabrant, Rockaway SENIOR MEMBERSHIP Ed Daniels, Dover Mrs. Ruth Hilderbrant, Ironia Jim D’Auria, Dover Martha A. Hoffman, Dover Charlotte E. Arndt, Denville Francisco DeJesus, Dover Malfalda Hooper, Rockaway Bob Bahrs, Morris Plains Catharine DeShazo, Dover Lyndon E. Hooper, Jr., Camden, DE Joshua Bennett, Dover Thomas DeShazo, Millsboro, DE Betty J. Howard, Dover Joseph & Carolina Bentrovato, Dover Douglas Dickerson, Dover Diane L. Hunter, Dover Frederick J. Blakley, Dover Mr. Drew Diesel, Newton Caroline & John Huntzinger, Joyce Boniface, Mine Hill Paul & Olga Downs, Dover Slaughter Beach, DE Ennette Boyiatgis, Dover Albert G. Ebner, Mine Hill Phil Jaeger, Cedar Grove Walter M. Buczek, Totowa Richard & Elfriede Egan, Dover ( cont. below) Flavia & David Brock, Dover Jean Evans, Wharton

SENIOR MEMBERSHIP Charlene Sue May, Manassas, VA Diane Power, Rockaway Sandy Mayer, Morristown Paul Preis, Dover Mary H. Jenkins, Dover Marion McKane, Dover Russell M. Reed, Hackettstown Paula Kassell, Dover Gloria J. Melneck, Atlanta, GA Edward Reich, Dover Kevin Kelly, Ganesville, WI Kenneth H. Miller, Mine Hill Ms. Marie Richards, Dover Dan & Judy Klement, Remer, NM Roy & Marion Miller, Dover Linda Romeo, Burlington, VT John Kostakis, Rockaway Byard & Linda Miller, Heber Springs, AR Emma Lou Rushing, Nepean, Ontario Judith Kovar, Rockaway Bette Monda, Paterson Ms. Diane Saitta, Dover Helen & John Kuzel, Dover Joan Monnia, Wharton Ms. Martha Salvesen, Dover Jean Hastie Lane, Boonton John Morrison, Brooksville, FL Bernard Schenkler, Alden, NY Donald Lansing, Dover Carlo Nisi, Dover Mrs. Florence Schuten, Pelion, SC Virginia List, Dover Dorothy Broadback O’Leary, Hanover, PA Ms. Rosita L. Scinto, Dover Everett Lucas, Eatontown Michael & Irene Palanchi, Dover Donald Seath, Wharton Delores M. Lynch, Stevens, PA Philip B. Paulson, Jr., Dover Carolyn Seeger, E. Stroudsburg, PA Stan & Rosalyn Manning, Dover Dave Peer, Rockaway Marva Serotkin, Newtonville, MA Athena Mantgas, Dover Helen Peterson, Dover Lorraine Shallop, Dover Eleanor Mason, Hibernia Raymond Porphy, Ridge Spring, SC (cont. below)

SENIOR MEMBERSHIP Marsha H. Vitow, Essex, MD DONATIONS Marjorie J. Weber, Birdsboro, PA Morris Canal Program on 1/17/12 $76 Virginia A. Shukailo, Dover Ralph Whipple, Kenvil Kenneth H. Miller, Mine Hill $20 Shirley M. Shay, Dover Donna L. Whittam, Dover Kathleen Kalena, Dover $20 Mrs. Betty Shunk, Dover Susan M. Wittig, Dover Mr. & Mrs. Gordon, Morris Plains $12 Jack & Marie Slater, Rockaway Barbara & Joseph Williams, Mine Hill Dover Rotary Club $1,000 Mary & Raymond Storey, Manchester Miriam Willinger, Dover Donald Chafetz, El Cajon, CA $10 Maxine Rosen, Ulster, PA Clara M Wolford, Dover Dorothy O’Leary, Hanover, PA $120 Gladys & Paul Sullivan, Dover Kay Walker, Succasunna $30 Delores Tate, Belhaven, NC Disasters of Dover (1st program) $166 Kensley R. Thompson, Denville Disasters of Dover (2nd program) $90 Marian Thriemer, Murphysboro, IL Attention: Membership dues can now be paid on-line through PayPal at: Robert Tiefenbacher, Laffeyette - Judy Truex, Hackettstown “In Memory of Roger Aree” $100 Jim & Raeann Visioli, Dover www.doverhistoricalsociety.com Dover Woman’s Club $100 Ellen M. Visioli, Morristown Rebekah Lodge $50 VOLUME XLIII ISSUE II YE OLD TYE NEWS PAGE 5 The Rise and Fall of the Historic Morris Canal Dover Played an Important Role In Its Early Success

DOVER-There was a time when lived in a comfortable way on their Morris Canal boatmen and their families boats not only carrying full cargoes of could afford to purchase small farms or coal down from Port Delaware to sizable houses. Some canal boatmen were Jersey City, but also carried cargoes able to save sizable amounts of money that back such as brick, lime, lumber, when the railroad began carrying most of groceries, therefore having profits the trade, they went to canals in other states made on round trips. During the and purchased boats of their own. In NJ winter months, the canal was shut they could only lease a boat for a season down and the men either worked in or and take a percentage of the income since owned saloons or stores in towns. In all the boats were owned by the Morris all, the canalers who were industrious Canal Company. On the Erie canal for and economical did not have much to instance, boats were privately owned, that’s complain about. why they were kept in better condition and In 1848, the railroad finally they were built to carry lighter loads such made its way to Dover. A few years as grain, fruit, flower and other clean goods later it was extended to Hackettstown. Because of the falling off of business, some rather than iron ore and coal. The cabins With the rapid growth of the railroads, by of the boatmen and their families lived in and kitchens on these boats were neat and the 1870s & 1880s, it began to take much their boats during the winter months and comfortable and the wife of the captain and of the shipping away from the canal. Even found some kind of employment to support her children were clean and wore men’s though there were full loads of coal coming their families until the canal reopened in the clothing. from Port Delaware to Jersey City, very spring. (Cont. below) There was a time when boatmen few boats returned with a load of any sort.

Morris Canal 889,220 tons of freight (equivalent to nearly 13,000 boat loads). Those unfortunate canalers who In 1871, the canal was leased could not be guaranteed a shipment, often by the Lehigh Valley RR, primarily to found it hard to get credit to purchase give that railroad the use of the valu- groceries. able terminal properties at Phillipsburg The construction of the Morris and Jersey City. By 1871, however, the Canal was commenced in July 1825 and canal was already on the decline, and was completed from the Delaware River the Lehigh Valley RR never realized a to Newark in August of 1831. It was later profit from the operation of the canal. extended to Jersey City in 1836. The By the early 20th century, original design of the canal allowed for commercial traffic on the canal had Some signs of the canal are still visible in boats of 25 tons, which was small by the become negligible. In 1922 the state of Dover. The path of Bassett Highway (as seen standards of the day. By 1860, the canal New Jersey took control of the canal above) was built directly over the canal. JFK Park had been progressively enlarged to allow and formally abandoned it in 1924; was the canal’s large basin. And a section of Route for boats of 70 tons. Traffic reached a between 1924 and 1929, it was largely 46 through east Dover was also constructed di- peak in 1866, when the canal carried dismantled. rectly on top of the canal.

Dover Historical Society Group Offers A Scholarship

DOVER-For a number of months, A suggestion was made to establish a winner would receive a signed copy of the the Dover Historical Society had been scholarship/award Dover history book “Images of America – discussing ways to reach out to Dover area to a Dover High Dover”. youth to become more involved with our School graduating It was decided the scholarship activities. Stan Schoonmaker's “Outreach senior. It was award would be funded partly from the Program” has already been reaching out to decided the first annual afternoon tea event, along with other area schools with programs for students and scholarship would fund raising events and generous donations several field trips to the museum by class- be $500 given to a from members, supporters and friends of the rooms from second grade all the way to high senior living in Dover, Mine Hill or Vic- society. Application forms are available at school students. tory Gardens who plans to attend an ac- the Dover High School or on-line at: Members wanted to do a little more. credited 2 or 4 year college. Also the doverhistoricalsociety.com. PAGE 6 YE OLD TYE NEWS VOLUME XLIII ISSUE II The Dover Police Chief That Refused To Step Down 1898 Chief Bowlby Refused To Leave After Being Ousted By The City Council

DOVER-On Feb. 14, 1898 the be removed for the welfare and benefit of City Council, acting on the advice of the Dover.” Police Committee, voted three to one to Meanwhile, Councilman Stumpf, oust Police Chief Bowlby from office. didn’t agree, “I don’t see why you should After a long and careful investigation of the find so much fault with Chief Bowlby. He doings and behavior of the Chief, the Com- has always done his duty and yet, you are mittee recommended he be removed from all the time harassing him.” office for the following reasons: (1) Willful The next day, Chief Bowlby neglect to obey the orders of the City Coun- wrote the following: “I feel compelled to cil after refusing to expunge from the police notify you whereas the term of my appoint- docket, certain derogatory and libelous ment has not expired and as I have not been entries concerning a fellow officer, (2) removed from office by any legal proceed- Neglecting to patrol any part of the city, (3) ings, I therefore hereby notify you that I Spending most of his time sitting in police absolutely decline to consider myself headquarters, (4) Using nearly a whole day removed from office. Yours truly, C.W. taking a prisoner to Morristown and return- Bowlby, Chief of Police. ing, and (5) Disrespect of the Police At a town meeting on March 14, Committee, to a night-watchman and other 1898, the following resolution was ap- officers. proved, “Whereas, Charles W. Bowlby, According to the report, who has exercised the office of Chief of Dover’s first Police Station located in the “therefore, we, the Committee on Police are rear of the same building as the Benson satisfied that the present incumbent should Police after being removed from office and (cont below) Thomson Agency on North Morris Street

acting Chief until a replacement could be force may be deemed inadequate.” Mayor Police Chief found. After the reports, nothing more was Pierson refused to sign such appointments said. feeling the former Chief Bowlby’s removal failed within 10 days to deliver to the On Wednesday, April 27, 1898 from office had been illegal. Meanwhile, Police Committee books, papers, vouchers former Marshal James Hagan was ap- the New York Tribune, piped in and stated, and property of every kind in his posses- pointed the new Chief of Police for Dover. “The Mayor was right about Bowlby. sion belonging to Dover has forfeited and The following resolution was read Perhaps there are in existence, statutes that becomes liable to pay the city a sum of and passed, “Whereas a vacancy has permitted the council to remove him, but if $500.” existed in the office of Chief of Police for so they should be declared unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Mr. Bowlby contin- Dover, the name of James Hagan is nomi- Higher than any mere statutory enactment is ued to operate as if he were still the Chief, nated to be the Chief of Police.” the unwritten law that no governing body patrolling the streets, making arrests and Meanwhile, an editorial in the shall do injury to the interests committed to carrying on duties of Chief. Dover’s Iron Era newspaper quotes a town its care, and it is a sorrowful fact that in At a town meeting on April 11, ordinance, “The Chief of Police shall have firing Bowlby, the Council did great damage 1898 two police reports were read in the power “with written consent of the to Dover’s reputation.” public, one from former Chief Bowlby and Mayor” to appoint special officers to serve What happened next? Read all about the second from Officer McElroy who was upon special occasions when the regular it in the next edition of Ye Old Tye News.

chief, the men who drove the appa- Fire Dept. (cont. from pg. 3) ratus to and from fires and a list of Everyone loves a parade and the volunteer firefighters over the years. Dover Fire Department had their fair share Laurie said that this was a of parades since its founding in 1874 con- great opportunity for the historical tinuing up to the present day; hundreds of society to dig deep into the roots of photographs of parades in Dover, Boonton, the fire department’s history which Morristown, Rockaway and Randolph has existed for the past 138 years. along with apparatus demonstrations show- The society hopes to seek a grant to ing the public the latest technologies in help fund the documenting of these fighting fires. records and the cost of establishing Uncovered so far were hundreds an exhibit at the Dover History Mu- of documents detailing the various fire seum House and also possibly at the apparatus owned by the department over Dover Free Public Library. Volunteer Fire Dept. circa late 1800s. One of thousands the years, lists of those who served as fire of photographs donated to the Historical Society. VOLUME XLIII ISSUE YE OLD TYE NEWS PAGE 7 Dover Resident R. F. Oram Establishes Wharton Moves To Dover in 1848 and Becomes Large Property Owner

DOVER-Robert F. Oram, one of operations. Mr. Oram and his wife Hannah occupied the Dover’s most prominent citizens and one In 1858, Mr. Oram purchased Oram Homestead on Salem Street, near the Sa- of the wealthiest men in Morris County, from Fuller, Lord & Co. all the land on lem Street Bridge. Robert F. Oram passed away was responsible for the development of which Wharton would some day exist. after a long illness on March 21, 1899 and news Wharton circa 1849. According to the Iron In 1859, he built four dwelling houses Era Newspaper (3/24/1899) Mr. Oram was and with John Hance, built a store of his death, which was sudden and unexpected born in Cornwall England in 1824. Up building. The location would soon be came as a painful shock to his many friends in the until the age of 13, he attended a private known as Port Oram. A stock company Dover area. Funeral services were conducted by school and soon was placed in charge of an was organized under the name of Oram, Rev. W. W. Halloway of the Presbyterian Church engine in his father’s business. In 1845, he Hance & Co. and John Hill and William and interment at the Orchard Street Cemetery. came to America arriving in New York Lathrop of Boonton became partners. Oram’s wife Hanna passed away in 1896 and he City after a voyage of 45-days. He joined Mr Oram still managed the many min- was survived by four children, Mrs. Charles his brother Thomas in Pottsville, PA and ing interests of Fuller, Lord and Co. became engaged in mining and the ship- until 1881 when he resigned. In 1892, Peirce, Thomas W. and Robert F. Jr. all of Dover ping of coal from Philadelphia. he dissolved the firms of Oram, Hance and Mrs. Frank Phillips of Scranton, PA. In 1848, he and his brother came & Co. and started the firm of R. F. Dear DAHS: I am looking for info. on the Mat- to Dover and began operating the Swedes Oram & Co. Soon Mr. Oram became a thews family that lived in Wharton in the late Mine in East Dover. The mine was origi- very large property owner, one of the 1800s & early 1900s. There was some info. about nally the property of Col. Jackson of Rock- original stockholders in the National the family living in Irondale. Family buried at St. away. In 1848, the Mt Pleasant Mine was Union Bank of Dover and a stockholder Mary’s Cemetery. Does anyone have any info.? purchased by the same owners of Swedes in the Newark Bank and the First Na- Thank you, Ellen Hankard - W. Hartford, CT and Mr. Oram was placed in charge of its tional Bank of Morristown. [email protected] Robert Oram’s Town Becomes Wharton, NJ in 1909 Founder of U-Penn’s “Wharton School” Holds Interests in the Town

WHARTON-In 1901, mine 1909 and left behind, not only a huge busi- Wharton was a baron and entrepreneur Joseph Wharton ness empire but a legacy as well; founder personal friend actively acquired and managed a large of the Wharton School of Business at the and consultant and diverse business empire including the University of Penn., co-founded Bethlehem with several iron smelting plant in Wharton. Wharton Steel, one of the founders of Swarthmore presidents. was born in Philadelphia in 1826 to an old College and owned land in N.J. Pine Bar- Joseph Wharton wealthy Quaker family. He entered into ons which later became Wharton State was buried in business in the manufacturing of zinc and Park. Wharton successfully lobbied for the Philadelphia. nickel and gradually bought controlling use of nickel in the U.S. coinage and was a The town of Port interest in the Bethlehem Iron Works. close colleague of such great leaders as Oram was named Joseph Wharton passed away on Jan. 11, Thomas Edison and Cornelius Vanderbilt. after him in 1902.

News Happening Around Us Spring Cleaning – It’s time to spruce up Afternoon Tea In The Park the History Museum House. Volunteers are invited featuring to bring rakes, yard waste bags, etc. to help clean JFK (Dover Commons), Hooey Park, around the house. Sat. Apr. 14th - 9 am. Water Works, Overlook and Hurd Downtown Dover Flea Market opens for Park another season on Sunday, April 15th. New awning for the front entrance to the Enjoy a delightful afternoon of tea and a museum house should be installed. Should give a variety of treats and prizes. A great get whole new look to welcome members & supporters. Technology equipment - Thanks to the together for old friends and new ones. generous donation of the Rotary Club, the historical society has a new projector, screen and color Sat. Sept. 29th with two seatings: scanner. Photos can now be ordered at the 1:00 pm & 3:30 pm museum and copied on the spot. For more infor- Donation: $15 mation log on: www.doverhistoricalsociety.com Call Phyllis for more info. 973.366.4276 PAGE 8 YE OLD TYE NEWS VOLUME XLIII ISSUE II Dover Girl To Star In “Our Gang Comedy” Selected From Over 400 Contestants To Win The Role

DOVER-According to a 1928 Newark and Essex County and had taken a on the name as her own. Jean Darling newspaper article from Rockaway, little number of prizes in baby parades held in would appear in 46 silent episodes of Our Miss Marjorie Jennings, five year old Dover, Asbury Park and other places. She Gang Comedies and 6 talkies during her daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William had never appeared before the movie contract with Hal Roach. She continued to Jennings of Crystal Street in Dover, and camera, however, Mr. Roach who made appear in films after leaving the gang granddaughter of Port Jennings was on the the selection, said she had poise and including an appearance in Laurel & threshold of a “movie” career in Holly- intelligence far beyond her years and Hardy’s “Babes in Toyland” and as the wood. The little tot with her mass of would respond readily to direction. young Jane in “Jane Eyre” in 1934. In the blonde curls and pink and white complex- It was indicated in the paper that 1940s she became a Broadway star and her ion was chosen from among 400 other Miss Marjorie would then be selected to career hit a real high when she landed the children to play the role of “Jean Darling” go to Hollywood upon the completion of role of Carrie Pipperidge in the the vamp in an “Our Gang” comedy to be the present picture and put under contract original production of “Carousel” in 1945, shown in Newark and metropolitan for $100 a week. Her carfare and that of where she appeared in 850 consecutive per- theaters later in the year. her parents would be paid to and from the formances. The selection was made by Hal Pacific cost. What happed to Marjorie Roach, motion picture director and owner Whatever happened to Little Jennings? We do know that she won the of Hal Roach Studios in Hollywood and Margie? Upon further investigation it was 1941 Miss Teenage Contest in Atlantic New York. Marjorie was to begin work discovered that the part of Jean Darling City, but nothing else. Did you know the immediately on location at Palisades Park. eventually went to a Dorothy Jean Jennings’s family of Dover? Let us know. The little tot from Dover had LeVake. She took on the part in the Contact us at: appeared in scores of beauty contests in comedy series and eventually legally took www.doverhistoricalsociety.com

“Springtime 1922” A High School Musical Presentation

Compliments of Compliments of Compliments of Compliments of Brownwood Realty Co. Dover Renaissance, Inc. Margie Bell Murray’s Tavern Dover Dover Los Angeles, CA Dover

Frances Sakala Cordes - FL Libby Butler - NJ Compliments of Buy-A-Brick At Charlene Sue Stehle May - VA Jean Cater - NJ George W. Johnson JFK Park Grows John T. & Marie Hynes - NH Lorraine D. Sgalia - NJ Dover Dorothy E. O’Leary (3 bricks)-PA Jack E. Slater - NJ The Buy-A-Brick Michael J. Del Vecchio - NJ Melissa Iturralde - NJ Compliments of Sylvia E. Rubens Campaign continues to grow as Kathleen Doboney (2 bricks) - NJ Susan Baker - CT Randolph more members wish to leave a Robert & Rose Tiefenbacher - NJ A great lasting gift memory forever at the Susan E. Champion - NJ idea for a Birthday, Anniver- Compliments of JFK Gazebo’s “Memory Lane.” Jay Thomson - NJ sary, In memory of:, Gradua- Joyce Gorine - NJ tion, Wedding, etc. Each 6”X9” Charles & Margaret John Morrison (3 bricks) - FL Maxine Rosen - PA brick contains 3 lines of 13 Stehle, Manassas, VA Margaret Coward - TX Jean B. Evans - NJ spaces. For application call Don & Jean Alperti (2 bricks) - CO Richard C. Palmer - NJ Joan at (973) 361-3279 or order Compliments of William B. Woodhull - NJ Johanna Silvester - NJ on-line at: Dover Rotary Club Charles & Marion Caccavale - NJ Joan Bocchino - NJ www.doverhistoricalsociety.com Dover VOLUME XLIII ISSUE II YE OLD TYE NEWS PAGE 9 Historical Society Wins Rotary Club Grant Funds To Be Used To Upgrade The Society’s Media Center & Outreach

DOVER-The Dover Rotary Club family room as a Club project. was pleased to announce that it had re- Many school groups and senior ceived a $1,000 grant to improve and up- citizen groups attend the Museum both for date media equipment for public presenta- meetings and for historical programming. tions. Sincerely, David C. Pennella, President January 24, 2012. To Mr. John Dover Rotary Club. Wilson, District Foundation Chair, Morris- February 7, 2012. Dear Dave. town, NJ. Dear John: Enclosed herein We are pleased to announce the Dover please find a District Simplified Grant Ap- Rotary Club has been awarded a District plication for the Dover Rotary Club. We Simplified Grant in the amount of $1,000 propose to assist the Dover Area Historical to “adopt a room” at the Dover Area His- Society in purchasing media equipment torical Society by upgranding media (projector and screen) to present their vari- equipment for public presentations. Many ous programs to community members, thanks for your participation in the Rotary clubs, societies and school children. Foundation Program and we wish you They are already very active in continued success in assisting our commu- outreach programs and developing specific nities, both locally and globally. With programs of interest on Dover area history. warm regardes, Michael Rabasca, Founda- When the Museum first saw a permanent tion Grants Committee Chair. home on Blackwell Street it solicited local service organizations to “adopt a room.” Applications for the June 10th Townwide Yard- The Epson Powerlite 1750 and the Epson sale are now online at: doverhistoricalsociety.com Liteweight Movie Screen are now part of the The Dover Rotary Club improved the front Dover historical society’s growing media center. Dover Fire Department Donates Thousands of Photos Members of the Dover Volunteer Fire Dept. recently offered to the historical society, thousands of photographs from their vast archival collection. Kurt Siegelin, Anchor for News 12 New Jersey ran a story on this. Check it out on our website: www.doverhistoricalsoc Photograph of Mae & Blossom. The Steam En- iety.com Photograph taken in front of the old Dover Fire House gine is still in the possession of the Fire. Dept. circa late 1940s. From the Fire Dept.’s photo collection. Barn Sale at the Inglis’ Homestead

DOVER-The Dover Senior Center Committee will hold a sale in the Inglis’ Barn in back of 328 Richards Avenue. The sale will be held on May 18th and 19th from 9 am to 4 pm. If you would like to become involved with this group come to the Dover History Museum House on the second Thursday of every month from 2 to 4 pm. If you wish to donate clothing or household items please come to the barn between 10 am and 12 noon on any Monday in April. Should these times be inconvenient, please call 973-366-0629 to arrange for a drop off time.

The most requested download on our website is Charles Platt’s 1914 “Dover History”. This has been found to be a great source of information for research- ing Dover’s early history. Also, Platt’s 1922 “Dover Dates” is available on-line. Dover Area Historical Society PO Box 609 Dover, New Jersey 07802-0609 www.doverhistoricalsociety.com

Bon-Ton Movie April 17, 2012 7:30 pm. A screwball comedy you don’t want to miss. Be sure to bring a friend!

Compliments of Compliments of Don & Jean Alperti Nancy & William Kattermann Oak Creek, CO Dover

Compliments of Compliments of Scott, Judy & Jeffery Miller Rev. James Slattery Dover Dover No wonder this kid looks like that!

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES DOVER AREA HISTORICAL President—Betty Inglis SOCIETY Family - $20 * Individual - $12 Vice President—Stan Schoonmaker Board of Trustees Recording Secretary—Joan Bocchino Senior Citizen (62 and older) - $8 Corresponding Secretary—Wm Woodhull Brenda Woodhull 2012 Scott Miller 2012 Treasurer– Bill Shuler Junior Member (Student) - $6 Museum Committee-George Laurie, Bonnie Doboney 2012 Beth Olney 2012 Stan Schoonmaker, Alice & Bob Wagner Sustaining Member - $75 Phyllis Casey 2013 Ways and Means-Bob Wagner (Display Ad or Compliments of:) George Coulthard 2013 Photographer-Rick Kelly Helen Pennella 2013 Old Tye Editor-George Laurie Life Membership (one-time pay- Kathi Gilbert 2013 Grant Committee-Linda Mullin, George ment) (Husband & Wife or Individ- Jim Johnson 2014 Laurie, Betty Inglis ual) - $300 Alice Wagner 2014 Archivist-George Coulthard Vishal Parmar 2014 Webmaster-Phil Reynolds Dover Area Historical Society is a 501(c)3 Bob Wagner 2014 Not-For-Profit Organization

More letters to Mr. Schoonmaker from 2nd graders at East Dover Elementary School: Dear Mr. Schoonmaker, Thank you for telling us about Dover. I learned that the Baker Theater held plays and then was a movie theater. I was impressed when you told me that people rode horses. Thank you, Joanna Dear Mr. Schoonmaker, Thank you for coming to our school. I couldn’t believe when you told me that a trolley hit a canal boat. I don’t understand is that a boat is on water and a trolley is on a track. Thank you, Danny Dear Mr. Schoonmaker, Wow! Finding out that there was a racetrack where Shop Rite is and that the Baker Theater had plays and movies. I am interested in finding out what kids did for fun. Thank you, Gabriel Dear Mr. Schoonmaker, Thank you for coming to East Dover. It was cool that there was a drive-in theater. We also learned that Hope House was a school, but I forgot what was the Hope House? Thank you, Tatiana Dear Mr. Schoonmaker, I appreciate you coming to our school. You are very nice. I felt fantastic. My favorite was when you told us about the canal. Had fun at the presentation. Thank you, Joseph Dear Mr. Schoonmaker, Thanks for coming to our school. It was fun looking at pictures when you were a little boy and all the pictures of long ago. Thank you, Kevin