Holiday Open House
The Union County Historical Society will host a Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 12th at the Hanson House in Cranford from 2 to 4 pm. Society members and the public interested in the history of the County are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served and pictorial displays of Elizabeth history will be exhibited.
Society President Joanne Rajoppi stated, “This will be a wonderful opportunity to renew friendships, network and share information after the long isolating months of the pandemic. We look forward to welcoming you.” A brief Board of Trustees meeting will be held at 1:30 pm that day.
New Board of Trustee Member Appointed
The Society is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonny Rosser of Vauxhall to the Union County Historical Society Board of Trustees for a two-year term. Jonny is a founding member of the Vauxhall Historical Society, which initiated a Veterans Day Program and a Black History Essay Contest for Union Township fifth graders.
A Vauxhall resident for more than sixty years and member of the Concerned Citizens of Vauxhall and Vicinity Civic Association, Mr. Rosser said, “I look forward to the opportunity of working on various topics including minority participation related to Union County history.” President Joanne Rajoppi noted that Mr. Rosser brings valuable and experienced perspectives that will enhance understanding of local culture and heritage.
Roselle’s Tribute to Bill Frolich
The Mayor and Council of the Borough of Roselle honored William “Bill” Frolich, UCHS’s longtime Treasurer who passed away on September 30th at the age of 101, with a street naming ceremony on November 11th. The block of East 4th Avenue between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street was honorarily designated “Bill Frolich Way” in recognition of his contributions chronicling the history of Roselle and inspiring future generations to value local history.
Bill’s family, dignitaries, and members of the Roselle Historical Society and UCHS attended the ceremony.
Thoughts About the Last 100 Years by Bill Frolich (Continued)
Most days of the week had specific household duties. Monday was always wash day, when clothes were gathered up and taken to the laundry tubs, often in the basement. The old Thor washing machine worked hard, revolving soapy laundry before feeding it through the wringer into rinse water. After rinsing, clothes were hung on backyard clotheslines to dry unless rain required indoor drying.
Saturday was shopping day when weekly supplies were purchased downtown. On Morris Avenue, groceries came from the A&P store, meat from the butcher, and fish from the seafood shop. Clerks pulled needed items from high shelves with special poles, wrapped orders in brown paper, and tied them with string. These bundles were labeled for pickup and often taken home by a small wagon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UCHS Holiday Open House?
A Holiday Open House at Hanson House in Cranford offering refreshments and historic displays for the community.
Who is Jonny Rosser?
Jonny Rosser is a new UCHS Board Trustee and founding member of the Vauxhall Historical Society, bringing a focus on inclusive local history.
What was the Bill Frolich Way dedication?
A street naming ceremony in Roselle honoring Bill Frolich’s decades of service to historical preservation.
Related Newsletters
Issue 162 highlights a Liberty Hall lecture, honors Bill Frolich, and preserves firsthand memories of life in early twentieth-century Elizabeth.
An outdoor UCHS meeting at Liberty Hall, rare historical artifacts, and the fascinating history of Elizabeth’s Crane House.
Our longtime friend and Society Treasurer, Bill Frolich, sadly passed away on September 30th 2021. He was 101 years old, a 45-year member of UCHS, and the writer/editor of our Newsletter. Bill and his extraordinary knowledge of Union County history will be greatly missed.