CROSSROADS

Crossroads is the newsletter of the Historical Association of Woodbridge Township, issued three times a year in January, May, and September. The name comes from how the Township has long been considered the crossroads of New Jersey, from colonial times to the rise of interstate highways.

By clicking on the "Read Now" button, the issue will open in a new window as a PDF.

September 2025

Congratulations to Debbie Coccaro, our 2025 Member of the Year! We were honored in June to welcome at our museum Sarah Williams, the widow of Patrolman Alvin P. Williams, who died in September 1979 attempting to rescue two children from a raging stream. The summer season saw fundraisers, donations and much more!

January 2026

The Association kicked off the latest program season with three great programs on a variety of topics. Congratulations to Tara Dubay, who received the 2025 Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Award. The Association marked the one year anniversary of opening the Woodbridge History Museum by unveiling the new interpretive sign for its outdoor exhibits. Remembering Otto Hirner’s Barbershop in a wonderful vintage photo and more!

May 2026

The Association remembered the 75th anniversary of the February 6, 1951 Woodbridge train wreck with a wreath-laying ceremony at the site. It remains New Jersey's deadliest wreck, taking the loves of 85 people and injuring hundreds more. The Township later unveiled a new mural by Dan Koval in honor of the area residents who volunteered to help the victims. The Woodbridge History Museum debuted two new exhibits, one about the wreck and the other honoring two women from Woodbridge who served in World War II.

The frequency of the newsletter has changed to three issues per year, January, May, and September.

Spring 2025

The Association enjoyed the March program, “A W.A.S.P. Takes Wing: Women Air Force Service Pilots of World War II” by living history presenter Carol Simon Levin. We honor the memory of Board Member Irv Hyatt, take a peek behind the scenes as we swap out garments displays at our museum, and mark a visit from Robert Mascenik School in Iselin.

Spring 2024

The Association enjoyed interesting and entertaining programs by John Kerry Dyke about artist F. Luis Mora, Bonnie L. Goldman, Esq. portraying Clara
Barton, and Melissa Ziobro on The Gilded Age. We've reached the milestone of 200 members, are making progress with the new museum, had a successful spaghetti dinner and Tricky Tray fundraiser, and more!

Summer 2024

Ulysses Grant Dietz, great-
great-grandson of President Ulysses S. Grant, presented “Ulysses and Julia Grant: Dancing on the Edge of the
Gilded Age” at the May meeting. In June, the Woodbridge
Township Historic Preservation Commission
(WTHPC) presented “Leisure Activities in
Woodbridge: 1850 – 1950.”

Autumn 2024

The Woodbridge History Museum is officially open! Mark Nonestied gave a talk about Rev. Colombino Galassi’s battle in 1913 for better living and working conditions at the Port Reading Coal Docks. Marquis de Lafayette's 1824 visit to Woodbridge was recreated to commemorate the 200th anniversary of his Farewell Tour of America. The memory of Patrolman Alvin Williams was honored on the 45th anniversary of his passing. And more!

Winter 2025

The Association enjoyed several fascinating and well-attended events over the holiday season. Congratulations to Laura Bradshaw, one of the recipients of the Mayor’s 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Awards. Bob Moore, of Canada shared information about his Woodbridge ancestor, Samuel Moore and "Artifact Spotlight" featured the hat on display worn by the first Township Chief of Police, Patrick W. Murphy.

Spring 2023

The Association welcomed Spring with a talk on the Olmsted-Beil house by Patricia M. Salmon, a successful Annual Awards Dinner and Spaghetti Dinner Tricky Tray! And, part two of Gordon Bond's article about James Parker's print shop debunks some myths.

Summer 2023

The Association wrapped up a successful 2022-2023 season of programs and events throughout the Township, Rosemarie Masters received the Special Recognition Award, tending the grounds of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument, and an update on the house museum at 86 Green Street!

Autumn 2023

The Association participated in the annual St. James Street Fair; Kathleen Carlucci, Museum Director of Thomas Edison Center at
Menlo Park entertained members with facts about Thomas Edison; Dr. Dolores Capraro Gioffre received a Key to Woodbridge Township; and more!

Winter 2024

The Association continues to host fascinating programs, including "Paterson, New Jersey in the Victorian Age," “Thomas Nast’s Iconic Christmas Images,” and "The Maritime Legacy of Middlesex County." Over 300 attended the world debut of the documentary, "Wreck of The Broker."

Winter 2022

Read how Capt. Carlsen captured the world's attention with his harrowing tale of heroism and celebrating Black History Month with the history of the Independent Club of Colonia.

Spring 2022

The services of members Charles K. Paul II, the late Kathleen Jost-Keating, Carole Matyi, and Marcia D’Arcy were recognized at the Annual Dinner; a brief history of Iselin, and our new Recording Secretary and Treasurer.

Autumn 2022

After two years of limited activity due to the pandemic, 2022 turned into a busy year for the Association! Read some "blasts from the past" with articles from the Association's previous newsletter, "The Brickyard"!

Winter 2023

The Association saw out 2022 and saw in 2023 with interesting programs, holiday treats, and a successful year-end fundraiser! Historian and author Gordon Bond explores where James Parker's print shop was and debunks some of the myths.

Winter 2020

From paths to parkways, find out why Woodbridge is considered the "Crossroads of New Jersey"!

Spring 2021

Remembering the 1951 train wreck and how the railroad shaped the township!

Summer 2021

Tour Boynton Beach, Sewaren's summer crown jewel. Read about the amusements of a bygone era that only exists through pictures. Once the getaway for the well-to-do now sits a massive oil storage facility.

Autumn 2021

Catch up on Historical Association news and updates.