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New Providence
1720 was the year the first settlers arrived in the area now known as New Providence. With creeks, ponds, and a river for water, the relatively flat ground was good for farmland. The abundance of large flocks of wild turkeys led to the initial name for the area of "Turkey". By 1737, the Presbyterian Church was formed and was the center of life in the small settlement. In 1759, a crowded church balcony collapsed. It was considered a miracle that no one was seriously injured in the disaster. The miracle was soon referred to as a divine act of "providence", and the small town thereafter became known as "New Providence".
| | During the Revolutionary war, in an act to prevent the British from taking the town's supply of salt (which was very important in those days to preserve meat for an army on the move), the townsfolk dumped the salt supply into the brook. That brook is still known today as the "Salt Brook".
In 1793, a regional government was formed. It encompassed the area from present-day Springfield, Summit, New Providence, and Berkeley Heights, and was called Springfield Township. Growth continued in the area, and by 1809, Springfield Township divided into Springfield Township and New Providence Township. New Providence Township included Summit, New Providence, and Berkeley Heights. Sixty years later, in 1869, Summit seceded from New Providence Township. The railroad had brought tremendous growth to Summit, and disputes of town management led to the separation.
In the late 1800's and early 1900's, New Providence was famous for its large greenhouses specializing in roses and gardenias. Coal was used to heat the enormous greenhouses, and the trains brought many coal cars to the area near Murray Hill station to supply the greenhouses.
1899 was a significant year for much of the area. The Borough of New Providence incorporated on March 14 of that year. Many of the townships and regional areas in New Jersey were separating into small, locally governed communities at that time due to acts of the New Jersey legislature that made it economically advantageous for the communities to due so.
Today residents of the Boro enjoy the rural life, yet are close to a variety of services. There are community tennis courts swimming pools, parks and a fitness trail. Residents also enjoy access to neighboring Summit's community chorus, symphony orchestra, state arts center and YMCA and YWCA.
Health facilities include Overlook hospital, affiliated with Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York.
Transportation to NYC in less than one hour is easily accessible with scheduled buses and two train stations to downtown and mid-town New York . Newark International Airport is a 15 minute drive and the Morristown/Basking Ridge areas take approximately 10-15 minutes. Interstates 78, 24 and 287 criss cross the area.
Shopping includes local shops with quality merchandize, personal service and competitive pricing. Short Hills Mall in Millburn is 10 minutes and Livingston Mall the same. Bridgewater Mall, one of New Jersey's largest malls, is located west on I-78.
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