USA > New Jersey > Union County > History of Union County, New Jersey > Part 61
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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
The First Baptist church has shown equal prosperity with her sister churches. This society was organized March 17, 1876, and worshiped in a building on Springfield ave- nue, West Summit, which had formerly been used by the Presbyterians for occasional ser- vices. Their membership here increased slowly but steadily. The present church build-
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ing, on Morris and New England avenues, was dedicated May 27, 1888, and the parsonage was erected one year later. The former pastors have been Rev. A. B. Woodworth, Rev. William Lawrence, and Rev. G. G. Noe. Rev. George E. Horr was the first pastor of the new church, and after three years' service he was succeeded by the Rev. N. B. Randall, under whose pastorate the churchi has increased in membership and influence until it has nearly ontgrowu its present quarters. The membership is one hundred and thirty, and the average attendance two hundred. About one thousand dollars was spent for improvements in 1892, and, when it is found necessary to enlarge, the congregation will probably select a new site and erect a handsome structure. They have a flourishing Sunday school, numbering one hundred and twenty-five members.
There is also an organization of the Scandinavian Lutheran mission, that meets on Sunday in the Presbyterian chapel and during the week at the Y. M. C. A. building. They number abont thirty Swedes, Danes and Scandinavians, and have already estab- lished a fund for the erection of a chapel. Our colored friends also hold occasional ser- vices here in Green's hall.
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
When first organized they rented a small house on Park avenue. This was in 1886, and was to be a test as to whether there was need for au institution of this kind iu Summit. Time proved that there was such a need,-that a place where our young men could spend their evenings, surrounded by pure, wholesome influences, was really wanted.
The rooms soon became a centre of activity among the young men, and the work grew apace, so much so that iu a short time it became necessary to consider more com- modious quarters. A building of their own was suggested, and very soon a canvass for that end was begun, with the result that a lot was purchased on Railroad avenne and a frame building erected, free from debt, and on January 1, 188 , the new rooms were formally opened. Here an excellent work was done,-old members still recall with pleasure mauy profitable and jolly times spent in these quarters. But as our town grew and the membership of the association increased, it became evident that this building would not long meet the requirements of its growing ueeds. So, in 1892, another build- ing canvass took place, resulting in the purchase of this present site; and in November of that year the erection of the new building was begun. November of the following year saw their present roomy, well equipped and thoroughly up-to-date quarters opened, the same having cost in the neighborhood of twenty-four thousand dollars, of which sum five thousand dollars was paid for the lot.
The building is a two-storied one. On the ground floor are two rented stores. The main entrance is on Springfield aveune, and leads directly into the reception room, in which is the general secretary's office. To the left is the handsomely furnished parlor, and on the right is the reading room. In the rear is a finely equipped gymnasium, the floor of which can be taken up in the summer time, when it is turned into a natatorium. The upper floor contains the lecture hall, seating three hundred, and the janitor's quarters. In the basement are two fine bowling alleys, lockers and dressing rooms, shower and tub baths.
The present officers aud board of directors are as follows : J. William Johnson, president ; William C. Renwick, vice-president ; J. Frank Haas, recording secretary ; John Kissock, treasurer ; William Jessop, general secretary ; William Halls, Jr., J. F. Chamberlain, Charles S. Day, Francis L. White, Charles B. Grant, D. A. Youngs, Arthur A. Ahern. The property is invested in a board of trustees composed of the following well known gentlemen : Charles B. Grant, president ; Francis S. Phraner, secretary ; E. G. Potter, treasurer ; E. C. Jewett, A. F. Dohrman, Charles S. Day, George H. Williams, William Halls, Jr.
Another factor in this work which must not be omitted is the Ladies' Auxiliary, but for whom the work could never have accomplished what it has. To them thie asso- ciation is indebted for the cheerful appearance of the rooms inside and for the comfort- able furnishings. They number about thirty. The officers are: Mrs. W. T. Day, presi-
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deut ; Mrs. W. C. Renwick, vice-president ; Miss Louise Ahl, secretary ; Miss Julia Littell, treasurer.
REAL ESTATE.
Those familiar with the growth of Summit do not need a setting forth of facts and figures to convince them of the rapid progress of our village to a place among the first of suburban towns in the state, but it may possibly he a surprise to the outside world to learn a few of the facts in reference to Summit's new buildings during the past few months.
In the business portion of the town we have the new store buildings of the Summit shoe store, Walters' building, the building occupied by Dudgeon and Ely & Henry, Charles B. Grant's, H. M. Osmun's, W. Z. Larned's office and banking building, and the Summit Bank, recently commenced. The cost of these buildings will be in the neighbor- hood of ninety thousand dollars.
During the past six months at least twenty-five residences have been erected in Summit, at a cost of about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and the land that has changed hands during the same period will foot up to one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars, which is an evidence of the demand for property in this place. In addition to this our property-holders have spent over ten thousand dollars for opening up new streets, putting in sewers and macadamizing.
CHARITIES.
The pride of Summit's philanthropic citizens is the Fresh Air and Convalescent Home, with its commodious building and record of the good work done since its founda- tiou in 1888. The original efforts of the institution were to give a brief breathing spell to those living in the crowded tenements of the city. Later it was found that by taking convalescent children as they were discharged from the city hospitals, its usefulness could be greatly increased. As their stay was only temporary, the good accomplished was usually counteracted by the return to the unhealthy surroundings of their city homes. Hence, this year, the policy was inaugurated of keeping the children until their health was fully restored. During the summer eighty-nine children were thus cared for. At present there are thirty-four at the home. Nine convalescent beds and four fresh-air beds have been endowed, and there are also five memorial beds. The board of managers numbers forty-four ladies of Summit, and the officers are : President, Mrs. Henry L. Pierson ; vice-president, Mrs. George J. Geer; corresponding and recording secretary, Miss Sarah B. Mathews ; treasurer, Mrs. Theodore C. Dunn.
The Arthur's Home for destitute boys was established in 1882, and since that time has cared for many hundred boys, finding homes for them with families when possible. The institution was incorporated iu 1889, and in 1891 a farm of twenty-three acres, at New Providence, was presented by Colonel E. H. Ropes, one of the directors, and since then the home has occupied that place. At the last annual meeting the reports showed that one hundred and twenty-five children had been cared for during the year. The preseut officers of the home are : President, Mrs. Thomas B. Adams ; vice-president, Mrs. Joseph C. Clayton; treasurer, Mrs. John N. Cady; corresponding secretary, Mrs. R. D. Richard; recording secretary, Miss Emma C. Clark.
NEWSPAPERS.
The first newspaper published iu Summit was issued March 1, 1876, by Newton Woodruff, and was called the Triumph, but was discontinued one year later. Lorenzo H. Abby, of Madison, first established the Summit Herald, in July, 1881, printing it at Madison, in the office of the Madison Journal. After a few issues its publication was stopped for lack of patrouage.
The Summit Record was established, January 6, 1883, by Newton Woodruff, and passed into the hands of D. M. Smythe in 1885. Thomas F. Lane came into control of the paper by purchasing a chattel mortgage on the plant, in September, 1889. D. M. Smythe re-established the Summit Herald in October, 1889, and successfully conducted it until his death in February, 1896. Edward Gray purchased the paper from the
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administratrix in May, and sold it to J. W. Clift, in July, 1896, under whose management the paper has improved in character and influence and is at present the leading paper of the town.
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
Township Committee,-George Wilcox, chairman; William H. Lawrence, treas- urer; Parker W. Page; Robert J. Muldowney, clerk; William H. Swaiu, freeholder; William H. Risk, township physician; S. R. Mullen, collector; John A. Hicks, assessor; William McMane, Sr., health inspector; W. B. Coggeshall, sewer inspector; William Stewart, captain of police.
THE FLORISTS OF SUMMIT.
A large amount of capital is invested by Summit men in the growing of rose and other flowering plants. The nurseries of John N. May and the Kent Place Nurseries are the largest and have many acres covered with glass. Ferns are the principal plants cultivated at the last named nursery. Other florists are William Kent, Charles S. Hagert, R. M. McDonald, James Leslie, Gales Brothers, G. W. Beinstead, Lagger & Hurrell. About fifty boxes of roses are shipped to New York daily from Summit.
SUMMIT FIRE DEPARTMENT.
To go into a detailed account of our fire department would occupy more space than can be allowed in this sketch. It is sufficient to know that Summit possesses an organ- ization second to none for the size of the town. Its membership is composed of repre- sentative citizens, generous-hearted, energetic, painstaking fellows, ever willing and always ready to respond when duty calls. The chief engineer is John H. Pheasant; assistant chief, Henry Ruck.
The first attempt to organize a fire company in Summit was in 1891, upon the completion of the Commonwealth water system, which was after the town had been visited by two very destructive fires. Summit Hose and Truck Company was formed in the spring of 1891. The township committee purchased the hose, two jumpers, and hook-and-ladder truck. The company worked together under one set of officers until December, 1894, when they separated and formed two separate companies. The officers of Hose Company No. I are: President, J. W. Hughes; vice-president, David F. O'Rourke; treasurer, J. H. Pheasant; foreman, John J. Lane; assistant foreman, Joseph F. Campbell. The officers of Hook and Ladder No. I are: President, Thomas F. Rooney; vice-president, J. F. McGeehan; secretary, J. V. Murphy; treasurer, W. H. Coffey; foreman, W. H. Swain; assistant foreman, J. V. Murphy. Hose Company, No. 2, was formed at East Summit, September, 19, 1891; they used a two-wheel jumper for carrying their hose until April, 1892, when the town committee bought their present carriage. This company numbers thirty members and owns its own hose house, at East Summit. The officers are: President, Elber E. Dean; foreman, W. H. Coggeshall; assistant, Walter Shapter; clerk, C. E. Lacy.
The Board of Fire Wardens was organized June 15, 1893. They are handsomely uniformed and well drilled, and in case of fire they act as police in protecting property, preserving order and assisting their fellow firemen in the performance of their duties. President, George H. Hodenpyl; foreman, George V. Muchmore; assistants, J. B. Stewart, E. J. Muldowney; clerk, J. C. Bonnel.
The Firemen's Relief Association was organized July 15, 1891. The object of this association is to maintain a fund for the relief, support and burial of indigent and exempt firemen and their families. President, George H. Hodenpyl; secretary, J. J. Lane; treasurer, J. H. Pheasant.
The department is equipped with the Gamewell fire-alarm system1, which was put in in 1893, with twelve fire-alarm boxes located in various parts of the town. The fire tower, with alarm bell, was erected a year later; previous to this time the bell in St. Teresa's church was used.
SUMMIT HIGH SCHOOL.
The rapid growth of the town and the character of its inhabitants is in no way better shown than in the increased facilities required to accommodate the many scholars
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who have applied for admission. The original part of the Summit high school building was built in 1878, at a cost of twelve thousand dollars, and two teachers were then sufficient. Free text-books were first furnished in 1880. In 1894 the size of the school building was more than doubled, by an addition costing fifteen thousand dollars. Thirteen teachers are employed, including the three special instructors, and the school is graded as high as any in Union county. The number of new pupils in attendance at the school this year is one hundred and fifteen, and the average enrollment is three hundred and sixteen. The superior school advantages of which Summit boasts have been the means of inducing many people to settle here.
THE FREE LIBRARY.
The Free Library occupies a stone building owned by the Free Library Association, and its size and interior arrangement are such as to provide ample accommodation for many thousand books. The library is open from three to five o'clock on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, aud the average weekly circulation of books is fifty. The leading periodicals may be found on the table in the reading room, and upon the shelves there are two thousand volumes. The officers of the association are: President, A. F. Libby; vice-president, E. D. North; and Robert G. Hann, secretary and treasurer.
THE SUMMIT BANK.
The Summit Bank was organized in June, 1891. W. Z. Larued was the first president. The following gentlemen compose the board of directors: John N. May, president; John N. Peet, A. W. Newell, Norman Schultz, George Wilcox and William C. Renwick. J. F. Haas is the cashier.
The last financial statement of this institution showed surplus and undivided profits of $21,699. 17, with individual deposits amounting to $198,690.68.
SUMMIT'S EARLY HISTORY.
The following sketch of the early history of this prosperous town was read by Miss Julia Littell at a meeting of the Summit Chapter, Daughters of the Revolution, held at the residence of the regent, Mrs. Charles A. Robbins, on February 20, 1896 :
It may perhaps be interesting to the chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution in Summit to hear something of the early history of our town and of its marvelous growth from four houses to the present number, and from about twenty inhabitants to about five thousand in less than sixty years, though this rapid growth really began forty years ago. Que of these original four houses stood where the Beechwood entrance now is, on the site of the stone house occupied by Mr. Doane, which, with two hundred acres of ground, was owned by Mr. Jotham Potter, later by Mr. J. C. Bonnel. Another, an old shingled house, stood opposite where Baldwin's bakery is and what is now the Park. Still another, where Dr. Risk's house stands, which the older residents remember as a. story-and- a-half shingled red building with its old well-sweep in front and oaken bucket swinging in the air. Tradition says that Washington on his way to Morristown passed a night in this house. Perhaps this occurred after the great Priuceton battle. The last of the original four houses is still standing, though hardly so recognized as such, because of its remodeled appearance, at the entrance of the Overlook road, and was formerly occupied by Mr. Brooks Sayre and his forefathers.
Some outstanding houses, such as the Blackburn house and Mr. Kissock's, were remodeled later. The Grogan house, which stood where the entrance of Mr. Cranstoun's residence now is, was occupied in 1837 by a Mr. Philemon Elmer. The Burnett Osborn house, owned later by Mr. Van Blarcom, was burned some years ago. Mr. Willian Littell moved to Summit in 1837, and for a time, while his own house was being built, lived in that one of the four houses first described. This house-that is, the main part of it-was afterwards moved to Union avenue, opposite Furnald street. The house standing
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directly opposite the Littell building was put up during this year and was occupied by the Littell family for fifty-two years.
About this time the Morris & Essex Railroad was completed as far as Morristown, and Mrs. William Littell well remembers looking at the first train that went through Summit, in 1838. A wonderful sight, indeed, in those days, to see the steam engine trying to climb the hill, which it was unable to do until Mr. Littell sent his oxen to help pull up the train, which finally passed on to Madison. Mr. J. C. Bonnel (Mrs. William Littell's father) bought np much of the land along the railroad so as to secure the course of the railroad through and over "The Summit," as it was called for many years. He also built the well which, until recently, was used at the station to water the iron horse, to ensure the stopping of trains, though it was a steep climb up the hill. Mr. Bonnel foresaw that Summit, with its natural advantages of high land and pure air, with its short distance from the great metropolis, was destined to become a resort for many city people seeking country homes, and in buying the land of the neighborhood he succeeded in quieting the fears of the farmers, who thought the railroad would be a means of injury to their broad acres. This Morris & Essex Railroad was one of the first roads in New Jersey. The engines in taking water were brought opposite the tank, the driving wheels resting on the wheels in the track, and the engine being chained fast while they pumped the water.
The Littell business began in a store which stood at the corner of the lot adjoining the homestead, where the railroad crossed the highway, and a platform was built against this store for Mr. Littell's accommodation in rolling off freight, and which for some years served also for the passengers' convenience in stepping on and off the cars. The post office was opened in this store, also the telegraph, with Mr. Theodore F. Littell as operator for many years, and both continued to hold their places in this store for some time after its removal to the brick building on the opposite side of the street, put up in 1866. the post office for forty-five years. Mr. Littell's store and platform were used some time after the small building was put up for a depot where the freight house now stands.
Between Mr. Littell's house and store he built his well, convenient to all,-the house, the store and the wayside travelers. Many an engineer and fireman has slaked his thirst at this well. Some times the trains were obliged to wait while either workman or traveler were taking a dranght of water.
The Rev. Theodore Cnyler, in a lecture delivered in the Presbyterian church a few years ago, spoke of Summit as a " watering place," allnding to this well, now covered over. Summit was destined to grow, and several houses were soon built, including that still standing on the northwest corner of Maple street and Railroad avenue, which was placed there by a retired sea captain, because, as he said, he was still able from the high piazza to get a view of New York bay, and keep his "life on the ocean wave " fresh in his mind.
Chancellor Kent's house, where the Kent place school is now, was built in 1838, and was then considered a very handsome place. Chancellor Kent sold this place to Mr. W. D. C. Moller, and he later, as we know, to Mr. DeForest.
The Beechwood stands where Dr. Parinly, a prosperous dentist from New York, built a fine summer residence at the top of the hill, with beautiful, well-kept lawns stretching down to the road. This afterwards passed into the hands of Mr. Jonathan Edgar, and was known as the Edgar place.
Dr. Parmly also built the house now occupied by Dr. Burling, corner of Summit and Springfield avennes, known later as the Daggett Hunt place. He also built the brick house owned and occupied by the late Mr. George H. LeHuray, on Springfield avenue.
About this time Mr. Oliver Hayes built the house on Springfield avenue near where the entrance to Mr. Amsinck's property now is, and he owned all the land en- closed with a black picket fence, some of which may still be seen. In this house his family lived for some years, but as the older members have died and the younger ones have moved away, no improvements have been made on this entailed property until lately.
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The Episcopal church was built in 1852, a little brown wooden building accommo- dating about seventy-five persons, which stood where Baldwin's bakery now is. This, the first church in Summit, was built by the Rev. Thomas Cook, who also built the house now owned by Mr. Raymond and occupied by Mr. King, which was a very pretty home, surrounded by fine trees, with a lake on one side. Later he built the house opposite, now owned and occupied by Mrs. D. A. Youngs, where he had a boarding school in 1857. Summit has for many years furnished good boarding schools, and in these early days its educational advantages brought the young people and their parents from the city to en- joy the healthy air of the hills.
In 1858 the late J. C. Bonnel built the Summit House where the Presbyterian church now stands. This was a good, commodious hotel, built of brick and mastic. It was well fitted up, furnished, and rented to a hotel-keeper, and very soon the house was too small, so that wings were added on either end. Soon this became too small, and the annex was built opposite the Presbyterian parsonage. This hotel was located just far enough away from the cars to enable one to read " Summit House " easily, and, with its pleasant shade trees in front, was one of the most noticeable buildings along the railroad. The design of its builder was to attract people to Summit, and so to build up the place, and this it did, bringing here some of our best and most intelligent men, who later built for themselves homes.
Among those who came first to this house were the late Mr. George Manley, Messrs. Hicks, Mr. Willson, father of Mrs. John Hicks, Mr. Boughton, Mr. A. Gracie and Mr. Jayme Riera. The latter gentleman originated and gave the name to the park. The Summit House was burned in 1867, having well served the purposes of its erection, which the owner saw some time before his death. The proprietors were Captain Baker, Mr. Pierson and Mr. Knaufft, whose wife was a sister of Bret Harte.
The late Mr. George Manley built and lived for many years in the house now occupied by Mr. Naylor, head master of Saint George's Hall. Mr. Jayme Riera planned and graded the park and built the cottages there, and later the Park House. The late Mr. William C. Hicks lived in one of these cottages until he afterwards built his commo- dious house on Norwood avenue, in 1868.
In 1859 the Highland House was put up by Mr. Stoughton for a boys' boarding school, which flourished there for some years. This same school was started by Mr. Sleight and Mr. Stoughton, in one of the old original houses (that one which stood where the entrance of the Beechwood now is), and later in the old Episcopal church.
The Mansion House, the Record office until of late, was also built in 1859, by Rev. Thomas Cook, and Mr. Riley, at the time rector of the Episcopal church, opened there a girls' school which afterwards came under the care successively of Mr. Iver, Dr. Rose and others. The Catholic church was built in 1863. The old Methodist church, which stood on the corner of Summit and Morris avenues, was erected in 1868 or about that time, and a new one in 1890, on the Boulevard. The Presbyterian church was built in 1872. The society organized and worshiped for some time previous in Littell's hall, with Rev. James De Hart Bruen as pastor. Rev. J. Hall McIlvaine succeeded him, and Rev. Theodore F. White followed Dr. McIlvaine. A Presbyterian Sunday school was held in a small building used as a depot about 1846, and later in a concrete house below the Oliver Hayes place, and, later still, in the house now occupied by Dr. Lawrence. The building spoken of as the depot was built in the time of the famine in Ireland for storing grain, to be shipped on the cars for the port of New York.
The first stone Episcopal church was put up about 1872, and burned Sunday morning, January 8, 1893. The Baptist church was put up in 1887. For some years previous the Baptist society worshiped in the church in West Summit. The Baptist and Methodist congregations worshiped in Littell's hall Sunday evenings, for a time, while their churches were being built.
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