Archives: This week in Chester History
This Week in Chester History
On May 11, 1996, Chester resident Lois “Tommie” Barker of the Grand Rapids Chicks marched in a parade celebrating the dedication of the a baseball field to Abner Doubleday in Mendham Borough. Art Shamsky and Ed Kranepool of the 1969 World Series Championship New York Mets were also present as guests of honor.
Source: Observer-Tribune
This Week in Chester History
In 1994, Chester Garden Club held its annual Arbor Day ceremony where a bicentennial red oak tree planted in 1976 on the front lawn of Borough Hall was moved to an area near the rear entrance. The ceremony was full of community involvement from Boy and Girl Scouts, local officeholders, and most importantly Tree Tech company. The tree was dedicated by Councilwoman Maria Jackson as Mayor Ted Eible was unable to attend.
This Week in Chester History
In 1996, the Observer-Tribune profiled Chester resident Ted Buyinski, who appeared on the TV show “Jeopardy” and won a vacation to Jamaica and local fame. When asked by Alex Trebek where he was from, he responded “Chester Township.” Buyinski was edged out of the championship by $2.
This Week in Chester History
In 1975, Chester resident Kenneth Packie won first place for a black and white print in the natural landscapes division, second place for a black and white print of native plants, and a second place for a print of native animals in a photography contest sponsored by the Morris County Parks Commission. Source: Observer-Tribune
This Week in Chester History
In 1993, the Observer-Tribune featured the Roost, a new restaurant located at 44 Main Street, and its proprietor Daniel Gaffney. With fair prices and freshly prepared dishes, the newspaper lauded the Roost and its cheerful, capable staff. The Gaffney family also owns and operates Sally Lunn’s English Tea Room and Antiques which is still on Perry Street in Downtown Chester.
This Week in Chester History
In 1994, Michael Marelli was named Chester Borough’s “Citizen of the Year.” From 1983 to 1993, Marelli served as a councilman. Ever the dedicated community member, he concurrently served on the Police Committee, the Personnel Committee, the Sewer and Water Committee, and was chairman of the Streets and Roads Committee. Mayor Ted Eible gave a short speech about his appreciation for Marelli.
This Week in Chester History
In 1966, the Observer-Tribune reported that fourth grader Jill Stein won first prize in the recent Chester Township School Science Fair. Jill’s exhibit was entitled “Photographing Microscopic Animal Life.” Second prize went to seventh grader Paula Tea for “Embryo Development” and third prize to eigth grader Janet Gausz for “Shells.”
This Week in Chester History
In 1979, former Township Clerk Margaret Thomson made history as the first woman appointed to the Chester Township police department as a regular police officer. The council voted unanimously on the appointment. Thomson had been an employee of the township for nine years as a part-time secretary and township clerk.
This Week in Chester History
In 1979, the Observer-Tribune reported on a small earthquake that affected parts of Morris, Somerset, and Hunterdon counties. The earthquake registered a 3.1 on the Nuttli scale, a seismic scale used to measure earthquakes that occur in the eastern and central United States. Earthquake analyst Mary Golisano from Columbia University reassured the normalcy of the event and encouraged affected residents to write her their detailed observations.
This Week in Chester History
Former Chester Borough Mayor Charles Williamson died at his home on March 4, 1969 due to a heart attack. He was 73. Mr. Williamson was the first president and charter member of the Chester Rotary club, a veteran of WWI, and a former fire chief amongst other titles and accolades. Source: Observer-Tribune
