This Week in Chester History…

In 1955, fires ravaged more than 500 acres of the area from Hacklebarney State Park to Mendham Township. Fires began along State Park Road and burned quickly due to strong winds and dry grass. Fourteen fire companies responded to the calls for help as the blazes grew beyond the control of area fire fighters. No full-time homes were damaged thanks to the strategy of stationing fire crews at each house or barn in the fires’ line. Only the Kay estate’s summer log cabin was burned. Source: The Mendham-Chester Tribune