February Meeting

The February meeting of the Society was held on the eighth of that month, having been rescheduled from its original date of the 1st. After all of the necessary society business had been conducted, a program of the music of the Civil War was presented by Dean Poulsen, an educator, musician and performer. He discussed and sang the songs that were popular during the period of the 1860s such as “Dixie” and “Tramp, Tramp, Tramp”. Many of these songs were familiar to the oldest members of the society, but quite new to the younger ones. This program was very appropriate to the present time, as we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of that four-year war and its final end at Appomattox Courthouse in April of 1865.

Related photo gallery: Dean Poulsen Civil War Music Presentation

Winter Storms

The well-advertised storm of January 26 did not quite live up to the predictions of a huge blizzard with three feet of snow, but we did get enough to keep the office staff from coming in for work. Fortunately there was not much that had to be done, and that little was postponed until the following week. There was mail to be checked and records to be up-dated, but nothing that needed our immediate attention.

War of 1812

Another celebration which is winding down is the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, that ended in 1815. Although never receiving the attention of the Civil War, the earlier war produced many heroes and famous ships, such as Oliver Hazard Perry and the Battle of Lake Erie, and the sailing frigate Constitution, that got its nickname “Old Ironsides” when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off of her undamaged wooden sides. Our nation’s National Anthem was born during that war during the defense of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. Oddly enough, one of the most decisive American victories occurred in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, but after peace treaties had been signed in France. It was weeks before that news came to the United States.

Dr. Robert J. Fridlington

It is with deep regret that we must report that Robert J. Fridlington, whom most of us knew as “Bob”, passed away on January 24, 2015, after a long illness. Our sympathies go to his wife Joan and to his children. Bob was a member and a former president of the Society, as well as a longtime member of the Board of Trustees. His presence will be missed.

Pictures From Our Files

There was a time back around the 1940s when drive-in movies were new and popular, but the idea of movies outdoor was not that new. There were movies out of doors before 1920 set up in Simpson Field, Roselle’s high school athletic field. A substantial projection booth was set up on supports that held the projector about fifteen feet above the heads of the spectators. Diagonal braces prevented any motion as the operator moved within it and a steady image appeared on the screen.

The films shown in this outdoor theater were the usual ones shown everywhere including the Roselle Borough Hall in the evenings during inclement weather and winter. The films included Vanity Fair with Mrs. Fiske, The Flaming Sword with Lionel Barrymore and Jane Grey, and other films produced by D. W. Griffith and starring Lillian Gish, Mae Marsh, Mabel Norman, and Henry Walthall.

Harrison Gardiner was the projectionist for this operation as he was for the Borough Hall Movies. He was a Civil War veteran and lived on Chestnut Street, conveniently located between the field and the Borough Hall. He was married to Charity Ogden Mulford, the seventh so-named in her family. A large wooden screen was set up about fifty feet away from the booth, on poles sunk into the ground and well-braced from behind for support against any motion. There was no seating, and apparently the audience either brought their own chairs or stood around or lay on the ground while watching the show.

Questions and Answers

There are times, now and then, when the Society is asked for information about a person or an event. We can sometimes provide it, such as where General Grant’s sisters are buried (in Evergreen Cemetery), but there are times when we must ask for help.

One such question is: “Where was the Roselle Park Faitoute Station of the Lehigh Valley Railroad located, and does anyone have a picture?” We know the approximate spot but would like an exact location.

Also, does anyone remember the mysterious footprints of perhaps a sea-monster that were found on the New Jersey beaches in the 1950s? From time to time these large, claw-toed prints were seen emerging from the ocean and wandering on the sand for some distance before disappearing back into the breakers off the Atlantic Ocean.

Yet another question is: “Aside from the well-known Durant Building, were there any other automobile makers in Elizabeth?” The question is about fully assembled autos, not just part makers. We are well aware of the many showrooms and sales offices, where cars such as the Franklin (some of them were even air-cooled), the Willys-Knight, and also the Rickenbacker were sold. The last-mentioned was the product of the famous air-man of the World War, a former race-car driver who became an auto maker in the peace time after the war.

Annual Dinner

The annual dinner and get-together of the Society will take place on Sunday, the twelfth of April at 2 pm in the Garden Restaurant on Magie Avenue in Elizabeth, near the Union town line. A reservation has been made and we are expected to have at least 30 persons to attend. The price is $25, and must be paid in advance. An order blank and envelope is enclosed for convenience. An interesting program has been arranged for after the meal has been served, with Walter Boright as our guest speaker.

Over the Back Fence

Ed Leonard has been doing a great job of research for us on any subject by means of his electronic friend in that little hand-held gadjet he uses—-and Audrey Morgan in Roselle Park is tracing the history of the Williams family there, which once was known as Williams’ Farms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Dr. Robert J. Fridlington?

Dr. Robert J. Fridlington (“Bob”) was a longtime member of the Union County Historical Society, a former president, and a longtime trustee who passed away on January 24, 2015.

What was featured at the February 2015 UCHS meeting?

The program featured Civil War-era music presented by educator and performer Dean Poulsen, including popular songs from the 1860s.

Where were outdoor movies shown in Roselle before drive-ins became popular?

Outdoor movies were shown at Simpson Field (Roselle’s high school athletic field) before 1920, using an elevated projection booth and a large outdoor screen.