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Elizabeth, NJ
Elizabeth at 250: A Historical Timeline of Our City2025-06-10T12:29:24-04:00

Elizabeth at 250: The Timeline That Shaped America

Elizabeth, NJ has played a crucial role in America’s story for over 250 years. From its founding days to the American Revolution, through industrial growth, immigration waves, and modern transformation, our city’s history is a testament to resilience and progress. Explore this interactive timeline to uncover key moments that defined Elizabeth and helped shape the nation.

1664

Founding & Colonial Era

1680

The Ogden Family Home

1700

Fairs and Market Days

1775

Revolutionary War Headquarters in Elizabethtown (1775-1783)

1780

James & Hannah Caldwell: Elizabeth’s Revolutionary Legacy

1861

The Pingry School

1895

The Dix Building

1966

Rev. Joseph Garlic

1998

Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

1999

Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

2025

Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

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2025 Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Honors City Legends

In a powerful celebration of athletic achievement and community legacy, the 2025 Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Dinner honored eight extraordinary individuals and one legendary team. Hosted by Stan Neron, Director of Recreation and proud EAHOF Board Member, the event was filled with heartfelt tributes, emotional speeches, and unforgettable moments.

  • Alcides Catanho – NFL athlete and two-sport Elizabeth standout

  • Khaseem Greene – NFL linebacker and founder of youth mentorship programs

  • Ibrahim “EB” Halsey – All-State athlete turned educator and head coach

  • Malik Jackson – Multi-sport state champion and city leader

  • Alyssa Tiffany Lewis – Record-setting gymnast and community mentor

  • Ishmael Medley – Football and wrestling powerhouse turned coach and counselor

  • Quinton Spotwood – Four-sport star, NFL player, and youth coach

  • 1990 Elizabeth High School Boys Basketball Team – TOC Champions, state legends

The event highlighted not only athletic excellence but also the enduring spirit of giving back to Elizabeth. Each inductee’s journey reflected resilience, leadership, and pride in their hometown.

To learn more about the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Association click here:  ElizabethAthleticHOF.org

View Full Ceremony below

Rev. James & Hannah Caldwell: Elizabeth’s Patriots

🗓️ 1780 – Martyrdom Sparks a Movement

In the heart of Union County stands a solemn tribute to two of Elizabeth’s most revered Revolutionary-era figures: Rev. James Caldwell and his wife Hannah Caldwell. Their sacrifice, service, and tragedy etched them into the collective memory of New Jersey and made Elizabethtown a sacred ground in the fight for American independence.

📖 Who Were the Caldwells?

Rev. James Caldwell, the minister of Elizabethtown’s First Presbyterian Church, was known as the “Fighting Parson.” A chaplain to the New Jersey militia, he was a powerful voice for liberty, preaching against tyranny in both sermons and strategy meetings. With unshakable patriotism, he became a symbol of spiritual and civic resistance.

His wife, Hannah Caldwell, stood with him through constant wartime uncertainty—managing their home and raising nine children while British troops advanced ever closer.

🔥 The Martyrdom of Hannah Caldwell

On June 7, 1780, during the Battle of Connecticut Farms, British and Loyalist troops raided the region. That day, Hannah Caldwell was fatally shot in her home, an act believed by many to be deliberate. She became an instant martyr, and her death electrified patriot support across the state.

“Remember Hannah Caldwell” became a rallying cry for the American cause.

🪦 The Monument and Its Rededication

In 1845, the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth raised a monument to Rev. James and Hannah Caldwell. Today, that monument is more than stone—it is a public vow never to forget.

In 2025, the Union County Historical Society invites the public to a rededication ceremony, reaffirming the Caldwells’ central role in our local and national story.

📅 Attend the Caldwell Monument Rededication Ceremony

Location: 42 Broad St. • Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

Time: 11am

Hosted by: Union County Historical Society

Rev. James & Hannah Caldwell: Elizabeth’s Patriots

🗓️ 1780 – Martyrdom Sparks a Movement

In the heart of Union County stands a solemn tribute to two of Elizabeth’s most revered Revolutionary-era figures: Rev. James Caldwell and his wife Hannah Caldwell. Their sacrifice, service, and tragedy etched them into the collective memory of New Jersey and made Elizabethtown a sacred ground in the fight for American independence.

📖 Who Were the Caldwells?

Rev. James Caldwell, the minister of Elizabethtown’s First Presbyterian Church, was known as the “Fighting Parson.” A chaplain to the New Jersey militia, he was a powerful voice for liberty, preaching against tyranny in both sermons and strategy meetings. With unshakable patriotism, he became a symbol of spiritual and civic resistance.

His wife, Hannah Caldwell, stood with him through constant wartime uncertainty—managing their home and raising nine children while British troops advanced ever closer.

🔥 The Martyrdom of Hannah Caldwell

On June 7, 1780, during the Battle of Connecticut Farms, British and Loyalist troops raided the region. That day, Hannah Caldwell was fatally shot in her home, an act believed by many to be deliberate. She became an instant martyr, and her death electrified patriot support across the state.

“Remember Hannah Caldwell” became a rallying cry for the American cause.

🪦 The Monument and Its Rededication

In 1845, the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth raised a monument to Rev. James and Hannah Caldwell. Today, that monument is more than stone—it is a public vow never to forget.

In 2025, the Union County Historical Society invites the public to a rededication ceremony, reaffirming the Caldwells’ central role in our local and national story.

📅 Attend the Caldwell Monument Rededication Ceremony

Location: 42 Broad St. • Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

Time: 11am

Hosted by: Union County Historical Society

The Dix Building: A Commercial Pillar of Broad Street

1895 – The Dix Building: A Commercial Pillar of Broad Street

Tucked along one of Elizabeth’s most storied corridors, the Dix Building at 208–210 Broad Street stands as a quiet witness to the city’s vibrant commercial past. Though now only three stories tall, its history once soared to six—mirroring the energy and ambition of late 19th-century Elizabeth.

The first known reference to the Dix Building appears in city directories from 1895, a time when Broad Street buzzed with industrial and retail expansion. Early photographs and architectural records suggest the building was a six-story structure with a stone façade, arched windows, and intricate moldings—hallmarks of the period’s commercial architecture.

🧑‍🏫 A Center for Commerce & Education

In its early years, the building hosted Elizabeth Clothiers, a retail store owned by William B. Daland. The upper floors became home to professional offices and even the Union Business College, reflecting the building’s multi-use function during an era of rapid economic and population growth.

By 1904, Leo H. Schwed, a prominent local clothier, relocated his business to the site. Eventually, he purchased the building outright and renamed it the Schwed Building—a name that may still ring familiar for longtime residents. These transitions reflect the dynamic nature of Elizabeth’s business district and the immigrant families who helped shape it.

🕰️ Then & Now

One of the enduring mysteries surrounding the Dix Building is its transformation from six stories to three. Though the exact date is unknown, it’s believed to have occurred sometime between the 1920s and 1940s, perhaps as a result of structural changes or modernization efforts. Today, the building is home to two ground-floor storefronts and five residential units across its remaining three stories.

The Dix Building 208-210 Broad Street Elizabeth, NJ

📚 Preserved in Memory

Our knowledge of the Dix Building’s evolution is thanks in part to Arnold Christian Samuelsen, a lifelong Elizabeth resident and local historian. Samuelsen documented its significance in his research, noting the building’s first appearance in local directories and its role in the city’s retail history.

Though altered in height, the Dix Building remains an architectural and historical landmark—a physical link between the Elizabeth of today and the bustling, industrious city it was becoming in the late 1800s.

Rev. Joseph Garlic: Champion of Elizabethport’s Renewal

Early Arrival and Community Outreach

In 1966, Rev. Joseph Garlic arrived at the newly formed Elizabethport Presbyterian Center to tackle poverty, juvenile unrest and racial tension along the industrial waterfront. A New Jersey native, Garlic set out to meet residents on their own streets—believing ministry must be rooted in real community needs rather than distant platitudes.

The Adult Walkers Initiative

During the late‑1960s urban unrest, Garlic organized “Adult Walkers”—volunteer neighbors who patrolled Elizabethport streets, day and night. By simply talking one‑on‑one with youth and residents, they defused tensions and built trust. Though sometimes met with skepticism, this continuous presence fostered civic pride and opened dialogue with leaders like Stephen Sampson, Graville Nesbit and Nida Thomas.

Founding Brand New Day and Housing Revitalization

By 1985, Garlic codified these efforts into Brand New Day (BND), securing federal HOPE VI grants to transform derelict buildings into quality rentals and affordable townhouses. Partnering with local banks and former Singer Sewing Machine executives, BND also launched the Joseph Garlic Child Care Center—providing after‑school programs, adult literacy classes and a true community hub driven by residents themselves.

A National Stage: Town Hall with Governor Bush

In July 2000, Garlic hosted one of Governor George W. Bush’s first town‑hall meetings at the Center, famously grilling the candidate with the question, “What do you think of the NAACP?” His unflinching style ensured Elizabethport’s voices were heard well beyond New Jersey’s borders.

Garlic’s Lasting Legacy in Elizabethport

Decades later, Rev. Joseph Garlic’s mantra—“neighbors know best”—continues to guide Elizabethport’s multiethnic coalition of clergy, activists and public servants. His blend of pastoral care and practical action laid a blueprint for community‑driven renewal still evident in every block of the Port.

Rev. James & Hannah Caldwell: Elizabeth’s Patriots

🗓️ 1780 – Martyrdom Sparks a Movement

In the heart of Union County stands a solemn tribute to two of Elizabeth’s most revered Revolutionary-era figures: Rev. James Caldwell and his wife Hannah Caldwell. Their sacrifice, service, and tragedy etched them into the collective memory of New Jersey and made Elizabethtown a sacred ground in the fight for American independence.

📖 Who Were the Caldwells?

Rev. James Caldwell, the minister of Elizabethtown’s First Presbyterian Church, was known as the “Fighting Parson.” A chaplain to the New Jersey militia, he was a powerful voice for liberty, preaching against tyranny in both sermons and strategy meetings. With unshakable patriotism, he became a symbol of spiritual and civic resistance.

His wife, Hannah Caldwell, stood with him through constant wartime uncertainty—managing their home and raising nine children while British troops advanced ever closer.

🔥 The Martyrdom of Hannah Caldwell

On June 7, 1780, during the Battle of Connecticut Farms, British and Loyalist troops raided the region. That day, Hannah Caldwell was fatally shot in her home, an act believed by many to be deliberate. She became an instant martyr, and her death electrified patriot support across the state.

“Remember Hannah Caldwell” became a rallying cry for the American cause.

🪦 The Monument and Its Rededication

In 1845, the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth raised a monument to Rev. James and Hannah Caldwell. Today, that monument is more than stone—it is a public vow never to forget.

In 2025, the Union County Historical Society invites the public to a rededication ceremony, reaffirming the Caldwells’ central role in our local and national story.

📅 Attend the Caldwell Monument Rededication Ceremony

Location: 42 Broad St. • Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

Time: 11am

Hosted by: Union County Historical Society

Fairs and Market Days: Commerce Meets Community

In colonial Elizabethtown, fairs and market days were more than economic necessities—they were vibrant social rituals. By the late 1600s, Broad Street had become the town’s central artery for trade, where farmers, artisans, and merchants converged to sell livestock, produce, and goods ranging from handmade tools to imported wares. These open-air markets, often set up near the courthouse or churches, played a crucial role in the town’s development as a commercial hub, especially given its proximity to key port routes.

Beyond trade, these gatherings offered rare moments of leisure and community connection. Residents used market days to exchange news, enjoy food vendors, watch performances, and participate in contests or civic announcements. According to Theodore Thayer in As We Were, the fairs often coincided with religious holidays or harvest celebrations, blending the practical with the festive.

Elizabethtown’s early market days laid the foundation for the public gatherings, festivals, and street parades that would define community life for centuries. They reflect the city’s early identity: industrious, communal, and joyfully spirited.

From Westminster Ave. to the World: The Pingry School’s Elizabeth Roots

Founded amid the turbulence of the Civil War in 1861, The Pingry School began not as the prestigious preparatory school many know today, but as a modest boys’ school in a house on Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Its founder, Dr. John F. Pingry, believed in combining rigorous academics with strong moral character—an ideal that would shape generations of students.

A Legacy Grows

As demand for quality education grew, Pingry moved from its first humble location to a newly constructed campus on Union Avenue near Parker Road in 1894. This grand building served as an academic home for decades and became an anchor in the educational life of Elizabeth.

By 1953, modernization pushed the school to build again—this time a newer structure on North Avenue, still within Elizabeth’s borders. But Elizabeth was evolving, and so was Pingry. The school eventually became co-educational, with its first female graduates walking the stage in 1976—a milestone reflecting changing times.

Moving On, Remembering Home

In 1983, the Pingry School made a bold move out of Elizabeth, settling in Martinsville, and later expanding to campuses in Short Hills and Basking Ridge, where it continues to thrive.

Still, Elizabeth holds an indelible place in Pingry’s history:

  • The Union Avenue building is now home to Nicholas M. Butler School 23.

  • The North Avenue campus lives on as part of Kean University, continuing to serve future generations in a new capacity.

Why It Matters

Pingry’s story is a perfect reflection of Elizabeth’s spirit: innovative, evolving, and committed to excellence. As we reflect on 250 years of Elizabeth’s contributions to the American story, the Pingry School stands as a testament to the city’s long legacy of education, leadership, and growth.

To learn more about The Pingry School click here

The Class of ’99: Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame’s Second Induction

In 1999, the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame hosted its second annual induction dinner, continuing its mission to honor the men and women whose athletic achievements and civic contributions helped shape the spirit of Elizabeth, New Jersey. This year’s honorees reflected the city’s diversity—not only of sports, but of backgrounds, eras, and impact.

The inductees of 1999 embodied more than personal success—they represented what’s possible when opportunity meets determination in a city that has always been a proving ground for greatness.

From Olympic glory to grassroots leagues, this class included:

  • Arthur W. Brinkmann, a soccer star who represented the U.S. in the 1952 Olympics and went on to excel in college and community leadership, including service as Urban League Director and Deputy Attorney General of NJ.

  • Leonard N. Green, who turned his passion for baseball and radio into a lifelong contribution to local athletics, co-founding multiple leagues and managing the Elizabeth Colonials Club for 25 years.

  • Milton A. Feller, who left his mark as a semi-pro baseball player, coach, councilman, judge, and educator. Feller’s legacy lives on not only in law and sports but also in the classrooms of Seton Hall.

  • Anthony “Tony” Mack, who battled early setbacks to become one of the Union County League’s most consistent and respected players and managers. His story is one of quiet tenacity.

  • Daniel F. O’Brien, a behind-the-scenes legend in Major League Baseball administration. The Elizabeth native rose through the ranks to oversee USA Baseball and serve as GM of multiple pro teams.

  • Chester Paterek, a WWII veteran and Elizabeth police officer, who coached the P.A.L. Packers to four championships and mentored young athletes like Gil Chapman and Richard Wood toward college and pro careers.

  • Shirlynn Shirley, the first woman inducted into the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame, who shattered scoring records at Elizabeth High School and Union County College. Her story stands as a landmark for women’s sports in the city.

  • Thomas V. Quinn, a decorated runner, Olympian, and longtime coach whose influence stretched from Eastern Michigan to Madison Square Garden. He devoted over 50 years to youth and pro athletics.

  • Frank O’Rourke, who debuted for the Boston Braves at age 18, spent two decades in Major League Baseball, and later scouted for the Yankees into his 90s—helping build dynasties and inspire new generations.

This class reflects a fundamental truth: Elizabeth’s story isn’t just told through buildings or politics—it lives in the people who laced up cleats, mentored youth, coached on sidelines, and used sports to open doors that would have otherwise remained shut.

As we look toward America’s 250th birthday, the stories of these individuals remind us that our city has never just watched history—it has made it. The Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame, in honoring its own, gives future generations something to aim for—and someone to thank.

Take a look at the Journal below.

To learn more about the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame and how you can support click this link elizabethathletichof.org

EAHOF 1999

Honoring Champions: The 1998 Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Class

As Elizabeth, NJ moves toward its 250th anniversary, we continue to highlight the local legacies that have shaped our city’s story. One of the more spirited reflections of our community’s pride can be found in the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame—a celebration of athletes, coaches, and contributors who brought distinction to our city on courts, fields, and tracks across the country.

In 1998, the Hall of Fame welcomed a remarkable class of inductees. Each name echoed through the streets of Elizabeth, not just for athletic greatness but for the values they instilled: dedication, perseverance, and hometown pride.

Among those honored:

  • Rick Barry: A basketball legend and NBA Hall of Famer, Barry grew up in Elizabeth and went on to become one of the greatest shooters in the history of the game. Known for his unorthodox underhand free throws and fierce competitive spirit, Barry reminded the nation that greatness can rise from humble beginnings.

  • Don Newcombe: Before Jackie Robinson broke barriers in Major League Baseball, Don Newcombe was paving his own path. Born in Madison, New Jersey, and raised in Elizabeth, Newcombe became a star pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers, winning the first-ever Cy Young Award and MVP in the same season.

  • Chris Gatling: A product of Elizabeth High School, Gatling brought his talents to the NBA, playing for multiple teams during a long career. His hustle, rebounding, and scoring off the bench made him a fan favorite.

  • Hubie Brown: A highly respected coach and broadcaster, Brown started his life in Elizabeth before influencing the game of basketball as both a strategist and commentator.

  • Edward L. Beach Jr., Gordon Joseph Coletti Sr., Edward “Buzzy” Fox, Ron Freeman, John Shumate, and Edward Williams Madjeski were also part of this distinguished class, each with stories deeply rooted in the city’s sports culture—whether on the track, in a pool, or as mentors to younger generations.

The 1998 journal chronicling these inductees serves as more than a yearbook. It’s a time capsule that shows how athletics have been a powerful force in building identity and community in Elizabeth. It reminds us that while our city has long served as a hub for commerce, immigration, and culture—it has also been a proving ground for champions.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of Elizabeth, we honor these athletes not only for what they accomplished in their sports but for how they represented our city with pride. Their names are etched not just in plaques, but in the collective memory of Elizabethans who believe in showing up, turning out, and giving their all.

Take a look at the Journal below.

To learn more about the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame and how you can support click this link elizabethathletichof.org

EAHOF 1998

1680: The Origins of the Belcher-Ogden Mansion

A Historic Landmark in Elizabeth, NJ

Standing as one of the most historically significant homes in New Jersey, the Belcher-Ogden Mansion has witnessed centuries of change, from the colonial era through the founding of the United States. Its story begins in 1680, when John Ogden Sr. (1609–1682) and his son, John Ogden Jr. (1638–1702), constructed the oldest portion of what would later become this celebrated estate.

Their contributions to the development of Elizabeth, NJ, as some of its earliest settlers, laid the foundation for a home that would eventually be associated with governors, Revolutionary War figures, and a rich architectural legacy.

The Ogden Family – From England to Elizabeth

The Ogdens were among the earliest English colonists to arrive in North America. Originally from Bradley Plain, Hampshire, England, John Ogden Sr. and his family migrated to the American colonies around 1641. Their journey took them to Connecticut and Long Island, where they engaged in early colonial trade and governance.

In 1664, they became founding settlers of Elizabeth, one of the first English communities in New Jersey. With land newly acquired from the Lenape people, the Ogdens saw an opportunity to establish a lasting presence in the colony.

Constructing the Family Home (1680)

By 1680, the Ogden family had constructed the earliest section of their home, a modest yet enduring structure that reflected the architectural trends of the time. Built primarily with local materials, the home featured hand-hewn timber beams, brick masonry, and a simple, symmetrical design—characteristics that would later evolve into the grandeur of the Georgian style.

The home remained within the Ogden family for decades, expanding in both size and historical significance as Elizabeth grew into a thriving colonial settlement.

1664: The Founding of Elizabethtown, New Jersey’s First City

Introduction: A New Chapter in Colonial America

In 1664, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded as Elizabethtown was formally established, becoming the first permanent English settlement in what would become New Jersey. This event marked a significant shift in power, as the English took control from the Dutch following the capture of New Amsterdam (present-day New York City). Elizabethtown’s founding laid the groundwork for commerce, governance, and cultural transformation.

The Dutch Influence & English Takeover

Before the English arrived, the region was part of New Netherland, a Dutch colony primarily focused on trade. The Dutch had established a network of settlements and trading posts across the area, engaging in commerce with the indigenous Lenape people.

However, in August 1664, England, under King Charles II, sought to expand its colonial footprint. Without a battle, English warships seized New Amsterdam, forcing Governor Peter Stuyvesant to surrender. This transfer of power granted England control over New Netherland, which was rebranded as New York.

As part of this transition, Charles II granted a vast land charter to his brother, the Duke of York, who then awarded a portion to two loyal supporters: Sir George Carteret and Lord John Berkeley. This land would become known as New Jersey.

The Founding of Elizabethtown

In October 1664, a group of English settlers from Long Island, known as the Elizabethtown Associates, arrived in the region. Seeking opportunity and religious freedom, they purchased land from the local Lenape sachem, Mattano. This transaction marked the formal beginning of Elizabethtown, making it the first English community in the new colony of New Jersey.

Early settlers, including notable figures like John Ogden, Robert Treat, and Philip Carteret, quickly established homes, a governing structure, and trading operations. The settlement was strategically located along waterways, fostering trade and communication with neighboring colonies.

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