As part of the Westfield Historical Society’s First Wednesday Luncheon series, The Historical Society will be presenting a talk on September 4, 2019. The speaker will be Historian and Author, Linda Barth. The event will begin at 11:45 AM at the Echo Lake Country Club, located at 515 Springfield Avenue, Westfield.author of “New Jersey Originals: Technological Originals, Odd Inventions, Trailblazing Characters and More” will talk about her new book on September 4, 2019. The event will begin with check-in at 11:45 am at the Echo Lake Country Club, located at 515 Springfield Avenue, Westfield.
Mrs. Barth will talk about what makes New Jersey so special. In addition to culture, wonderful suburban towns, a high standard of living, strong public schools, a mild climate, mountains and beaches, we must add one more: innovation.
In addition to the creations of Bell Labs and Thomas Edison, New Jersey has innovators and inventors galore.
Before and during World War I, the soldiers at Fort Monmouth and Camp Evans produced many innovations—including radar and night vision goggles—that helped the United States win the war. Cook College at Rutgers has produced important, often disease-resistant, vegetables and flowers. Among the edible inventions are pork roll, M&M’s, and the famous Campbell’s green bean casserole. Quirky firsts include Lucy the Elephant and the Francis life car. And just for fun, she’ll discuss some famous and not-so-famous New Jerseyans.
Linda Barth has been a fan of New Jersey for a long time. A lifelong resident of the Garden State, Linda has written two books on the D&R Canal and three children’s picture books, Bridgetender’s Boy, Hidden New Jersey, and Alice Paul: Champion of Women’s Rights. She has also authored A History of Inventing in New Jersey: From Thomas Edison to the Ice Cream Cone and New Jersey Originals. With her husband, she has published The Millstone Valley Through Time and Somerville Through Time. She has also contributed to the Encyclopedia of New Jersey.
Linda Barth spent 45 years in the Bridgewater-Raritan School District, teaching fourth grade and then substituting after retirement. She is the executive director of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey and president of the D&R Canal Watch, a friends organization of the D&R Canal State Park.
Those wishing to attend the luncheon may make a reservation by calling or emailing Carol at 908-654-1794; westfieldhistoricalsociety@gmail.com. Reservations and payment must be received before Friday, August 30, 2019. Please indicate if there are special dietary instructions. The luncheon fee of $35 (WHS members) or $40 (non-members) includes a three-course meal, coffee/tea, and gratuity. The luncheon fee may be mailed to Westfield Historical Society, P.O. Box 613, Westfield, NJ 07091; online by clicking on “Reservations” in the banner above this page; or go to: www.westfieldhistoricalsociety.org/registration. Westfield Historical Society memberships will also be available at the luncheon.
Echo Lake Country Club is at 515 Springfield Ave, Westfield, NJ. For Echo Lake County Club dress code information, visit: http://www.echolakecc.org/club.
The Westfield Historical Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Since 1968, the 501(c)(3) non-profit Westfield Historical Society has worked to preserve, interpret and encourage interest in history, Westfield, and its residents through educational efforts and community outreach programs.
For further information on the Westfield Historical Society and its activities, or to volunteer, call (908)654-1794 or visit www.westfieldhistoricalsociety.org; and like us on facebook!
