Newark's 300th Anniversary Scrapbook Collection

Collection

Identifier: MG NWK 300th Scrap-(Main)

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of four scrapbooks compiled for Newark Public Library in 1966 and 1967 by Gertrude Cahalan, a Senior Librarian of what was then its New Jersey Division (now the Charles F. Cummings New Jersey Information Center). The scrapbooks contain clippings from newspaper coverage of Newark’s 300th anniversary, primarily from the Newark Evening News issue “A View of Newark at 300 Years: Its Past, Present and Future” (May 16, 1966) and from its “Newark Anniversary Story” special Sunday magazine issue (May 15, 1966).

Volumes one and two of the scrapbooks contain some articles covering events that were part of the anniversary celebrations, but most articles highlight particular aspects of life in Newark from early Colonial settlement in the 17th century to the post-World War II period. Volume one consists of 45 pages and volume two contains 38 pages, with clippings of illustrations including photographs and sketches. They address a wide range of topics including historical events that impacted the city, the development of businesses, city institutions and neighborhoods over time, and the stories of different local communities. Noteworthy articles on historical topics address relations with Indigenous people, Newark during the American Revolution and 20th century immigration.

A significant number of articles in volumes one and two describe the origins of business sectors that were important to the city, especially its long association with the insurance industry including the establishment of Prudential Insurance Company in 1873 and the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company. Other articles discuss landmark local manufacturers that were still operating by the 1960s; major department stores such as Hahne's and Bamberger’s; restaurants; and the history of theatre in Newark including vaudeville houses, movie palaces and concert halls.

Another series of stories chronicle Newark communities and neighborhoods, such as the Four Corners, from Colonial days until the beginning of federal urban renewal and public housing projects after the 1950s. Especially notable is a feature about the Black community in Newark, mostly focusing on the development of institutions like schools and congregations including the founding of the first Black congregation in 1822 (the forerunner of today’s St. John's/Clinton Memorial A. M. E. Zion Methodist Church). Others discuss cultural institutions including the Newark Public Library, and medicine in Newark including early hospitals, social work organizations, orphanages and prominent doctors. Volumes 3 and 4 of the scrapbooks each contain 30 pages of advertisements clipped from the anniversary publications from a range of local institutions including businesses, schools, religious congregations, unions and hospitals.

Dates

1966
Majority of material found in 1966 - 1966

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers wishing to publish, reproduce, or reprint materials from this collection must obtain permission.

Biographical / Historical

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.

Creator Biography:

Gertrude Cahalan (1903-1986) was a librarian at Newark Public Library for nearly 40 years, most notably as a Senior Librarian of what was then its New Jersey Division (now the Charles F. Cummings New Jersey Information Center). Born in Kansas, Ms. Cahalan was the daughter of William James Cahalan, an executive of the E. I. du Pont de Nemours Company, and Gertrude Fox Cahalan. She attended the University of Iowa, obtaining a BA in 1927 and an MA in 1928, and earned a BS in Library Service from Columbia University in 1941. In her long career at Newark Public Library, she held various roles including as a librarian at the Branch Brook and Clifton Avenue branches before joining the New Jersey Division by the late 1950s, where she was a colleague of Miriam Studley, the first director of the Division. Ms. Cahalan collaborated on numerous research projects about Newark history, such as “Black Firsts in New Jersey” (1972), an inventory of first achievements by nearly 150 Black New Jerseyans. She retired from the Library in 1976 and died in New Mexico in 1986.

Extent

3.89 Linear Feet (4 Flat Oversized Boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection consists of four scrapbooks compiled for Newark Public Library in 1966 and 1967 by librarian Gertrude Cahalan. The scrapbooks contain clippings from newspaper coverage of Newark’s 300th anniversary.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The exact provenance of these scrapbooks is unknown, however Gertrude Cahalan worked in the NJ Room at the time the scrapbooks were created. It is probable that the scrapbooks were created as additions for the NJ Room collections.