Newark's 300th Anniversary Collection

The Newark 300th Anniversary Corporation was established in September of 1965 to create and co-ordinate events commemorating Newark's anniversary on Founders' Day (May 18th), and throughout the year of 1966. The Corporation included President Frederick H. Groel, a retired vice-president of the Prudential Insurance Company; Administrator John N. Pannullo, a Newark native, and an associate of the public relations firm William G. Hetherington and Co.; and honorary co-chairmen Mayor Hugh J. Addonizio, President of the City Council Ralph A. Villani, and Milford A. Vieser, president of the Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce, among others. Events included a parade attended by a quarter of a million spectators, exhibits, concerts, fairs, and other programs.

NOTE: An interesting project associated with the 300th anniversary is, "Newark 300: A Students' Topical Review," edited by Nicholas G. LaRocca (privately printed, Newark: Essex Catholic High School, 300 Broadway, February 1966). The illustrated volume, which is available at the Newark Public Library (call no. 974.932 N4228) and other Newark libraries, consists of a series of short essays including overviews of Newark history, city departments, individual industries and businesses, religions, cultural institutions, and personalities.

Box 1: contains five copies of "Founders Day, Newark, May 18, 1966," signed by Frederick H. Groel; 3 flags commemorating the anniversary; photocopies of correspondence of city officials and of the 300th Anniversary Corporation regarding the planning of programs and events (1964-1965); and an accordion file of photocopied clippings relating to anniversary events, arranged chronologically (1965-1966) Paige Box 1 also includes a folder Newark Tercentary 1966 including brochuere, tentative calendar, and "Newark's 300th News"

Box 2: contains 3 folders entitled "Illustrations," with photographs of floats, bands, historic vehicles, organizations, and aerial views of the anniversary parade; of Veronica Tyler, a soprano, who was the Founder's Day soloist at Symphony Hall and at a dinner at Robert Treat Hotel; of a health fair held at Lincoln Park; of an exhibit sponsored by the PTA; and of a variety of unidentified speakers, award recipients, and attendees at parties and banquets. The bulk of the photographs are black and white 8" x 10"images, taken by professional photographers.

Box 2 also contains 2 folders of programs of events commemorating the anniversary including Founder's Day and the inaugural season of the Metropolitan Opera National Company performances at Symphony Hall; a folder labeled "Events-Schedules," with lists of events held in May 1966 and throughout the year; a folder labeled "Summary Descendants Activities," with a report of the Descendants of the Founders Committee, material related to the rededication of the Old Settlers Monument at Fairmount Cemetery, ephemera, and a list (incomplete) of the descendants with addresses; multiple copies of a map of the parade route, mementoes such as buttons, flags, coasters, paper hats, etc.; and material relating to landscaping lighting plans.

Loose printed material in Box 2 includes: "Pride in Newark; an Exhibition of Watercolors by Henry Gasser," "Welcome to Webster Junior High School," " Newark Commerce," "Picture Story of Transit Progress," "Newark City Hospital Yesterday (1886) & Today (1966)," "Women's Auxiliary of Columbus Hospital Presents the Tricentennial Ball," "Nojex; Stamp Club Exhibition and Convention," "Leaguers Inc.; Annual Graduation Cotillion and Debutante Presentation," "Newark Jaycees Present the Fifth Annual Miss Essex County Pageant," "Newark 300 Years of Progress," "Know Your City Government Newark"; commemorative issues of "New Jersey Bell," "Newark Commerce," and "Via Port of New York"; a visitor's map of Newark, published by PSE&G; and a few brochures.