For the Westfield Historical Society’s First Wednesday Luncheon series in September, guests are welcome to the luncheon at Echo Lake Country Club on Wednesday September 4th, 2024 beginning with check-in at 11:45am. Popular presenter, Linda Barth, Author and Executive Director of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey will present a program entitled “The History of Inventing in New Jersey: From Thomas Edison to the Ice Cream Cone”.
Many people are familiar with Edison’s “invention factory” in Menlo Park, where he patented the phonograph, the light bulb, and many more innovations. Yet many other ideas have grown in the Garden State, too—New Jerseyans brought sound and music to movies and built the very first drive-in theater. In addition to the first cultivated blueberry, tasty treats like ice cream cones and M&M’s® are also Jersey natives. Iconic aspects of American life, like Bubble Wrap®, the boardwalk, the Band-Aid®, and even professional baseball itself started in New Jersey.
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. She spent 45 years in the Bridgewater-Raritan School District, teaching fourth. 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 email to westfieldhistoricalsociety@gmail.com; or, by calling 908-654-1794, before Thursday, August 28th. Please advise if there are special dietary needs. The luncheon fee of $40 (WHS members) or $45 (non-members) includes a three-course meal, coffee/tea, and gratuity. The luncheon fee should be paid in advance (check payable to Westfield Historical Society) by mailing to Westfield Historical Society, P.O. Box 613, Westfield, NJ 07091; by Venmo to @Westfield-HistoricalSociety; or, here at the Registration tab at the top of this page. Registration and payments should be received by Thursday prior to the luncheon. Attendees should check the club’s dress code and guest policies at: echolakecc.org/guest-info
