Historical Society of
Bloomfield
Township of Bloomfield, New Jersey, founded in 1812
 

UPCOMING EVENTS


The Morris Canal, Then and Now, from Belleville through Bloomfield to Clifton

Tuesday, March 26, 7:30 PM, Bloomfield Civic Center, 84 Broad Street

by Michael Helbing

Michael Helbing is a lifelong hiker and Founder of Metrotrails, a weekly hiking excursion throughout New Jersey and the Metro area. He organizes weekly hikes now going into its 27th year. The focus is often on historic transportation corridors. He has a continuing series on Facebook entitled “Then and Now,” which features historic photos juxtaposed with what the location looks like today.

Having grown up in a canal boat captain’s house, The Morris Canal has always been close to his heart and his presentation will take us on a virtual walking tour across Bloomfield and neighboring towns.

This presentation is free and open to the public.
Parking is available in the Public Library lot behind the Library on State Street.

Postcard photo of the footbridge over the Morris Canal at Canal Street, early 1900s
Postcard photo of the footbridge over the Morris Canal at Canal Street, early 1900s
Maple Street footbridge over JFK Drive, 2010
Maple Street footbridge over JFK Drive, 2010

 


Morris Canal Greenway in Bloomfield Walking Tour

Saturday, May 4, 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM (raindate Saturday, May 11)

On this three-mile tour, we'll explore the path of the Morris Canal through Bloomfield, then take a bus ride to the newly reclaimed section of the Greenway at Oak Tree Lane. Space is limited. Eventbrite registration, ticket and waiver are required. A $10.00 fee for ticket is to cover the cost of the bus and a 20-page booklet with historical photos and colored maps of the canal.

The tour will be conducted by long-time Canal Society of New Jersey member and Morris Canal enthusiast, Ron Rice and Bloomfield Councilman, Rich Rockwell.

If you have any questions, email MorrisCanal@gmail.com.

Details will be provided upon registration.

To sign up: Register for Morris Walking Tour.

Sponsored by the Bloomfield Morris Canal Greenway Committee, Historical Society of Bloomfield, and the Bloomfield Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department.

From Wrights Field looking north towards the Berkeley Avenue Bridge over the Morris Canal and Second River (to the right).

Morris Canal Aqueduct over Second River near Newark Avenue and the Walnut Street footbridge.

Erie Railroad Bridge over the Morris Canal near GSP southbound Exit 149 near Beach Street on JFK Drive.

 


Bloomfield Green Historic District Walking Tours

Wednesday, March 13, 1:30 PM
Saturday, March 16, 9:30 AM

Self-Guided Walking Tour photo

We conduct walking tours of the Bloomfield Green Historic District twice a month on the second Wednesday and third Saturday. Walks begin at Oakeside Cultural Center at 240 Belleville Ave. Parking is available there. The walk is on paved sidewalks and is approximately 3 miles and 2 hours long.

Advance registration is required. Go to Bloomfield Green Historic District Walking Tour or email MorrisCanal@gmail.com to register.

We also have a self-guided version of the walking tour available for free download: Self Guided Walking Tour of the Bloomfield Green Historic District.

 


NEW ADDITIONS to Our Web Site


1865 Map of Bloomfield and Belleville

This map shows Bloomfield before Montclair and Glen Ridge split off and Belleville before Nutley split off. The map includes pictures of prominent buildings at the time. Each of the house pictures have been digitally repaired and enhanced and are featured in our photo gallery: Bloomfield and Belleville, 1865

We are grateful to Adriana O'Toole for donating this mape to the Historical Society's collections.

Warren Baldwin's home and store on Broad Street. This is where Gencarelli's Bakery is today. This was James Bartholomew's estate on Blomfield Avenue. Berkley Heights Park is in this location today. Residenced of Augustus T. Morris, Morris Place and Bay Avenue.

 


Charles Warren Eaton's Photos of Bloomfield

Photos by Charles Warren Eaton taken between approximately 1905 to 1915 of scenes in Bloomfield including photos of Eaton, his home and garden, Mills and mill ponds in Bloomfield (Diamond Paper Mill, Davey's Pond and Davey's Mill, and Oakes Pond and Oakes Mill), scenes along Third River and newly improved photos of the Morris Canal in Bloomfield.

Charles Warren Eaton Garden in Eaton backyard Oakes Pond and Oakes Mill

 


Rev. Phraner's Photos of Palestine Mission Trip

In the early 1900s, Rev. Wilson Phraner took a Mission trip to Palestine. These are photos he took and made into Magic Lantern Slides that he used in his ministry at the Montgomery Mission Chapel in the Soho neighborhood in Belleville. These photos have been added to our Photo Gallery.

We also have collections of his photos from trips to Switzerland and Germany, Cuba and Alaska and, of course, his collection of photos of Bloomfield.

Damascus Gate Dragomen (Interpreters/Guides) Mary's Well

 



Camp Pinelock

An Anecdotal History, Candid Observations, and Memories of Camp Pinelock, Once a Unique Bloomfield Girl Scout Camp in Knowlton Township, Warren County, NJ (1946- 1961), by S. David Phraner

Camp Pinelock Entrance Postcard Lake at Camp Pinelock Postcard Remaining Camp Pinelock building, 2021

90 Broad Street
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
973-743-8844
info@hsob.org

Museum Hours
Saturday: 10:00am - 12:30pm
and by appointment


Soldier and Sailors Monument
on the Historic Green

Historical Society of Bloomfield Collection

Graphic Design by Traci Churchill
Web Design by Rich Rockwell

2024