Remembering Somerville, New Jersey

With meticulous research and an obvious love of her subject, Jessie has written about such diverse subjects as mayors, mosquitoes, mail, marbles and Main Street.

-Somerville History Advisory Committee

In 1909, Somerville, New Jersey, celebrated its new status as a borough independent from Bridgewater with music and fireworks. Centuries before, however, Somerville was home to individuals whose foresight and dedication transformed it from a sleepy backwater to a thriving county seat, industrial center and commuter suburb. From dogwoods to doughboys, county fairs to the coming of the railroad, this collection of Jessie Havens's "Hindsight" columns is a patchwork quilt of historical vignettes that provides detailed insight into the local color that gives life to a town.