Picnic Meeting

Our annual picnic meeting was held on September 8 in the backyard of the Hanson House, with about thirty guests and members of the Society in attendance. The weather was beautiful, marked by blue skies and just a few clouds. The earlier concerns surrounding Storm Dorian did not materialize, despite the wind and rain experienced in the days prior. As this was also the Society’s September meeting, brief business was conducted, including the presentation of the slate of officers for the coming year, with the annual election scheduled for the October meeting.

Members were also reminded that the next meeting would be held at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum, a change from the originally posted schedule and location. The Society extends sincere thanks to Barbara Sokol, Bette Hulighan, and Charles Shallcross for their exceptional work in organizing the picnic. Their efforts in setting up and cleaning up made the event a true success.

Roselle Station History

Shown here is the first station named “Roselle” on the Central Railroad of New Jersey, dating to about 1875. Built in 1866, it replaced an earlier station known as Mulford near the Linden Road grade crossing and was located on the north side of the tracks at Chestnut Street in what is now Roselle Park. The station was identical to those in Cranford and Elizabethport, though the Elizabethport station featured longer canopies at each end.

The railroad itself was organized in 1831 as the Elizabethtown and Somerville Railroad, later renamed the Central Railroad of New Jersey in 1849. By 1875, it had prospered through the Civil War era and expanded to four main-line tracks, supporting at least forty trains daily between Jersey City and the Manhattan ferries. The Roselle area included a turntable, roundhouse, and repair shop, making it a major operational hub.

In the photograph, a gang of workers—known as “gandy dancers”—can be seen adjusting the gravel ballast while a work train waits nearby. Also visible is the elevated pedestrian crossover, a safety measure that remained in use until an underground passageway was constructed around 1895.

Reeves-Reed Arboretum

The October meeting at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum was a pleasant experience, highlighted by fall foliage throughout the grounds. However, the location presented logistical challenges, including the need to rent and set up chairs, as none were provided. Photography restrictions inside the building and permit requirements for posed outdoor photos meant that no images could be included from this meeting.

Over the Back Fence

Danny, now residing in Florida and formerly a printer, shared that the phrase “Mind your p’s and q’s” originates from typesetters’ advice to be careful and attentive in one’s work.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the UCHS 2019 annual picnic held?

The annual picnic took place on September 8, 2019, in the backyard of the Hanson House.

What is the historical significance of Roselle Station?

Roselle Station was a key hub on the Central Railroad of New Jersey, supporting heavy rail traffic and infrastructure growth in Union County during the 19th century.