Someone posted in their blog today that he often posts to loclism for an area other than his own that he has visited or otherwise become familar with. I thought that was a great suggestion and decided to follow up in this blog.
Circa 1953 Halloween Gayle as a skeleton
I was born in Newark New Jersey and raised in Monmouth Coutny and lived there until 1987. I have gone back frequently for visits. I thought that perhps I coulod lend some background information that others might find interesting as my roots were there and I watched the area evolve.
Feeding my little dog Brownie in kitchen of Union house. 1954
Our first house was in Union NJ which at the time was a small city that one might consider a suburb of Newark. Surrounding towns were Millburn, Nutley, Springfield. I remember walking from our house into town on a regular basis with my mother to do our grocery shopping at the local A&P. My mother had not learned to drive yet. There was a nice playground park behind our house that I went to on just about a daily basis. Things were different then and it was safer for children to play outside without adult presence constantly. I remember the local deli and toy shop in town that we went to often. My brother and I were notorious for snatching fresh baked hard rolls off of the counter and taking a bite when my mother wsn't looking. I also looked forward to a pickle from the pickle barrel and a giant gumball from the machine. We had an aunt and a cousin that lived in Springfield as well as relatives in Newark, Montclair, Millburn, Clifton and Nutley. It seemed as if someone was always dropping in. Christmas was a great time then and we often drove through neighboring towns and looked at the lights. It was always fun on Christmas day going from house to house and visiting friends and relatives. Of course there were goodies and a present at every stop so what was not to like for a 4 year old.
Gayle hnging stocking Christmas Eve in Union house 1953
We made all the outings to all the local attractions. Palisades Park was one of my favorite. Here is a picture of me in the spring at Branch Brook Park in Newark.
Gayle smelling cherry blossoms in Branch Brook Park Newark NJ
Well, gang that is a beginning of my history with New Jersey. I promise to come back and add chapters to this post. For now it is starting to get too nostalgic for me. I always miss my mother this time of year. Until later...
Comments(4)