Discussion: Most of NNJ today has reached the ~75F mark. Much of CNJ/SNJ (away from the ocean) has reached the 80F mark. Immediate ECNJ/SENJ coastal areas are hanging in the 55-65F range due to marine influence (the ocean is still in the 40s). The spike to near-80 across the SEPA/SWNJ/WCNJ areas indicate the best areas of diurnal instability and will likely feature the strongest thunderstorms tonight. Some initial cells are pushing into NNJ from the W however the main event is still anticipated for later this evening. NWNJ will see it first (between now and about 8pm). The stormfront should then parallel and reach the I-95 corridor by 10pm and push through the SENJ coast by ~midnight with rain tapering off fully by 2am. Downpours and breeze are a given. Thunderstorms are a good bet. Small but non-zero chances for hail and/or isolated tornadoes exist. A cold front then moves through behind the stormfront and sets up a cooler and dryer Tuesday-Wednesday ahead of a warmer and unsettled Thursday into the weekend. We can thank a stubborn Bermuda high and SE Canadian low for creating a boundary of convergence over the Mid-Atlantic US for the unsettled conditions expected this weekend.
Forecast
Tuesday (April 1) high temperatures should reach the mid-50s for most NJ locations. Skies should be mixed with more sun than clouds. Watch out for saturated ground and ponding from the heavy rain overnight. It will clear by sunrise but should be a solid dumping leading to wet grounds for at least the first half of the day. Winds should be breezy, sometimes gusty, out of the NW. Overnight lows should range from upper-20s to near-40 NNJ to SNJ.
Wednesday (April 2)high temperatures should reach a few degrees on either side of 50 for most NJ locations. Skies should be mixed with more clouds than sun. Winds should be breezy out of the E/SE. Overnight lows should fall into the 40s with a few showers possible.
Thursday (April 3) high temperatures should reach the mid-70s for most NJ locations. Immediate ECNJ/SENJ coastal areas should hang in the mid-60s. NNJ looks more unsettled than SNJ meaning showers and thunderstorms are possible. SNJ might escape this. Expect elevated humidity with the warmer temps. Winds should be light-to-breezy out of the S/SW. Overnight lows should stay above 50 statewide with more showers and thunderstorms possible also favoring NNJ over SNJ.
Friday (April 4) high temperatures should reach the low-to-mid 60s for most NJ locations. Skies should be mixed with sun and clouds with isolated showers and thunderstorms possible, not a statewide washout. Will have to play the radar. Winds should be light-to-breezy out of the W/NW. Overnight lows should fall back to the 40-50 range NNJ to SNJ.
An early look at the weekend (April 5-6) indicates 45-55 and unsettled for Saturday then 55-65 and unsettled for Sunday. An unsettled weekend in general meaning periods of rain are likely but not so much thunderstorms given the cooler conditions…more of an early spring rain feel. Everyone have a great rest of your week and please be safe, especially with tonight’s stormfront. JC
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David Chase’s Not Fade Away, originally known for its vibrant color presentation, is now receiving a fresh perspective with the release of a new black-and-white version. The director, best known for his work on The Sopranos, has reimagined his 2012 film in a monochromatic format, offering audiences a chance to experience the story in a whole new light.
The film, which centers around a group of young musicians navigating their way through the 1960s music scene, has long been admired for its nostalgic look at the era. However, this new black-and-white edition adds a layer of artistry and intensity, stripping away the distractions of color to focus on the nuances of the characters’ emotions and the period’s atmosphere.
Chase’s decision to release Not Fade Away in black and white provides an opportunity for both new viewers and long-time fans of the film to re-examine the story through a different lens. By removing the colors, Chase allows the rawness of the performances, the depth of the era’s social struggles, and the music’s power to shine even brighter.
This move highlights Chase’s constant desire to experiment with the medium, pushing boundaries while still maintaining the authentic feel of the original. Whether you’re revisiting the film or seeing it for the first time, this black-and-white version promises a unique and compelling experience.
As New Jersey gears up for the 2025 gubernatorial election, two of the three leading Republican candidates, Jack Ciattarelli and radio host and media personality Phil Spadea, have made their positions on the Second Amendment clear, sparking debate within the state.
Jack Ciattarelli, a seasoned politician with a strong track record, has been vocal about his support for upholding the rights enshrined in the Second Amendment. Ciattarelli has emphasized the importance of ensuring responsible gun ownership while respecting the constitutional right to bear arms. He believes that lawful gun ownership is a key part of personal freedom and public safety, and he has advocated for measures that balance gun rights with the need to address gun violence.
On the other hand, Phil Spadea, known for his outspoken views and media presence, has also expressed firm support for the Second Amendment, often advocating for fewer restrictions on gun ownership. Spadea has called for a more permissive approach to gun laws in New Jersey, arguing that citizens should have the ability to protect themselves and that the state’s regulations on firearms may be overly restrictive.
With both candidates positioning themselves as strong defenders of Second Amendment rights, their stances are sure to play a prominent role in the upcoming campaign as they seek to appeal to voters who prioritize gun rights. The debate over firearms continues to be a significant issue in New Jersey, and how these candidates handle it may shape the direction of the race.
If you’re looking for a fast, delicious meal that rivals takeout, look no further than this Homemade Mushroom Fried Rice. Full of tender mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and perfectly seasoned rice, this vegetarian dish offers a rich umami flavor in every bite. It’s the ideal choice for hectic weeknights, a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers, and best of all, it comes together in no time.
This easy recipe from Jersey Girl Cooks brings together simple ingredients for a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. The earthy mushrooms add depth, while the garlic enhances the flavors, making it a meal that’s sure to please. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or need to clear out your fridge, this fried rice is a convenient and tasty option that’s as good as any takeout!
Quick Mushroom Fried Rice Recipe by Jersey Girl Cooks
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, day-old rice works best)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare Rice: If using leftover rice, break up any clumps so the grains are loose. If using freshly cooked rice, let it cool to avoid sogginess.
Cook Vegetables: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender and have released their moisture.
Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and diced onion, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Scramble Eggs: Push the cooked vegetables to the side of the pan. Add the beaten eggs to the other side and scramble until fully cooked, about 2 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cold rice to the skillet and toss everything together. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots (if using), soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ground black pepper. Stir-fry everything for another 3-4 minutes, ensuring the rice is heated through and well-coated with the sauces.
Finish the Dish: Drizzle with sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor (optional). Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more soy sauce or pepper if desired.
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot. Enjoy your quick and flavorful Mushroom Fried Rice!
This dish is versatile, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your preferences.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms right here in New Jersey at one of the region’s most anticipated spring events. The 2025 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, held at Newark’s Branch Brook Park from Saturday, April 5 to Sunday, April 13, invites visitors to immerse themselves in stunning rows of cherry blossoms. No need to travel to Washington D.C. for an awe-inspiring floral display—New Jersey has it all!
This year’s festival includes two exciting events within the larger celebration: Essex County Family Day and Bloomfest. Both events promise a fun-filled day for families, featuring a range of activities such as live performances, bounce houses, a playground, live music, and cultural exhibitions that highlight Japanese traditions. These events take place amidst the park’s magnificent cherry blossoms, which make up the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the country, creating a fragrant and picturesque backdrop.
Branch Brook Park, renowned for its 5,000 cherry trees, is a perfect destination for spring outings with the whole family. Whether you’re a seasoned cherry blossom enthusiast or new to the festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, be sure to check out our Guide to Spring Activities in New Jersey for more seasonal events to make the most of the beautiful spring weather.
Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of nature, culture, and community this spring!
The Newark dining scene has just welcomed an exciting new addition with the opening of Newark Standard Bar & Kitchen, a speakeasy-style restaurant that blends classic charm with modern flair. This new spot brings a touch of nostalgia to the city’s vibrant hospitality landscape, offering both a unique ambiance and a carefully crafted menu that is sure to attract food lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
With its vintage-inspired decor and intimate atmosphere, Newark Standard Bar & Kitchen promises a one-of-a-kind experience, harkening back to the era of hidden bars and prohibition-style gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying a hand-crafted cocktail or indulging in the thoughtfully curated dishes, the venue provides a perfect setting for a memorable night out.
As the latest in Newark’s evolving culinary scene, Newark Standard Bar & Kitchen is set to become a go-to destination for those seeking a mix of timeless sophistication and contemporary taste.
Fraser Minten celebrates a goal against the New Jersey Devils. | Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Devils failed to grab the point needed to clinch a playoff spot and got run out of The Rock by the Bruins. Let’s take a look at what went wrong in this game recap.
The New Jersey Devils entered Tuesday night’s game against the Boston Bruins needing just one point to clinch a playoff spot thanks to the Rangers’ loss yesterday. They were also looking to win four straight games for the first time this season. Did anybody tell them?
First Period
Unfortunately, the Devils did not play with the fire of a team hunting for a playoff berth. Within the first few minutes, there were a few instances of miscommunication, leading to poor pass attempts and turnovers. Sloppy breakout passing and turnovers were themes throughout the first frame and complete game. Timo Meier had one of the few scoring chances from the high slot within the first two minutes, but his shot stung Dawson Mercer on the way to the net and deflected away.
At 13:36, Seamus Casey took the time to settle the puck in the defensive zone and skate up ice, drawing a hooking penalty on Boston’s Jakub Lauko. The first power play unit could not get anything going despite winning the ensuing faceoff. With about 30 seconds remaining with the man advantage, the second power-play unit of Daniel Sprong, Ondrej Palat, and Stefan Noesen got some the best looks. Their closest scoring opportunity was on a scramble for a rebound after Luke Hughes’ shot from the point, where Sprong and Noesen had some dangerous shot attempts. The Devils did not convert on the power play and paid for it.
About a minute later, pressure from the Bruins forecheck forced some sloppy passing between Luke Hughes and Jesper Bratt. Bratt hurriedly tried to force a pass through the center of the ice. The pass was intercepted by David Pastrnak, who walked in on Jacob Markstom and sniped a shot by Markstrom’s left pad. 1-0 Bruins.
The Devils continued to have trouble breaking the puck out of their defensive end when under pressure from the Bruins’ forecheckers. New Jersey was constantly chasing the puck as Boston whipped it around the Devils’ zone. Sprong’s line with Cody Glass and Paul Cotter was one of the few exceptions. The line had another good shift around the six minute mark, creating some scoring opportunities, but nothing beat Swayman.
In the period’s final two minutes, the Bruins were all over the Devils, forcing turnovers, intercepting passes, and hemming New Jersey up in their defensive end. The aggressive forecheck paid dividends for the Bruins with 35.3 seconds left. After some crisp passing within the offensive zone, Michael Callahan sent a wrister past Markstrom on the short side from the top of the left circle. 2-0 Bruins at the end of period number one. Ugh.
Second Period
The second period started on a similarly ugly note. 30 seconds in, Jesper Bratt took a hooking penalty on David Pastrnak. Fortunately, the Devils penalty kill stepped up and did not allow a single shot while the Bruins held the man advantage. About a minute after the penalty kill ended, the puck took an awkward bounce past Luke Hughes at the point, who appeared to lose his balance and was recovered by Jakub Lauko, who had raced by Hughes. Lauko took the puck into the Devils’ zone on a two-on-one and put a perfectly placed shot over Markstrom’s blocker-side shoulder. 3-0 Bruins…
About three minutes after the goal, the Devils’ Dawson Mercer was penalized for another hook on Pastrnak. Again, one of the bright spots in this game was New Jersey’s penalty kill, which stepped up again, not allowing a goal and holding Boston to one shot. Following the penalty, the Devils tried to get some offense going. Nico Hischier tried to set up Brian Dumoulin on the doorstep for a tap-in, but the play was broken up. Paul Cotter tried to stuff one home on Swayman at the side of the net, but Boston’s goalie made the save.
The only offense the Devils exhibited in the remainder of this game took place within 19 seconds, starting with just over six minutes remaining in the second period. With a delayed penalty call on Boston coming, New Jersey was able to capitalize on the six-on-five advantage. Hischier passed down to Sprong at the left side of the net. Sprong made an excellent no-look, backhand pass to Noesen in front of the net for an easy tap in goal. 3-1 Bruins.
The Devils got the puck deep into the Bruins zone off the following faceoff. After a Boston turnover, Erik Haula took a spin-around shot that deflected off Timo Meier up and over Jeremy Swayman and into the Bruins’ net. 3-2 Bruins.
The Devils briefly looked like they could build momentum following the two goals. With just under five minutes remaining, Hischier had a strong shot blocked. Mercer hammered a one-timer from the right circle, but nothing else beat Swayman. With less than three minutes remaining, Markstrom made a big save on a shot from Vinni Lettieri, which, at the time, looked like it could be a game-saver. That was not the case.
For the second time in this game, New Jersey allowed a goal with less than a minute remaining in the period. Casey Mittelstadt fired a turn-around wrister from the point that deflected off of Seamus Casey’s stick. Markstrom could not locate the deflection as it sailed over him and into the net. 4-2 Bruins, and that is how the period ended.
Third Period
Things really got ugly in the final frame. New Jersey had a few offensive chances early on, but it was more of the same. Boston won the races to the loose pucks. Boston won puck battles along the boards and for rebounds. New Jersey could not get the puck cleanly out of their own zone. Early on, Mercer had a backhand swipe at a puck in front of the net, and Sprong sent a shot through traffic a couple minutes later, but that is where the offense stopped.
With five minutes elapsed in the third, the Bruins were buzzing all over the Devils’ zone. Following a shot from the point, Pastrnak made a ridiculous spin-around pass from the sideboards that went through Elias Lindholm and directly to a wide-open Morgan Geekie standing at the side of the net. Geekie, standing alone in front of the net, swatted it past Markstrom. It was Pastrnak’s 100th point of the season and Geekie’s 30th goal of the year. 5-2 Boston.
The fifth goal appeared to take any remaining air out of the Devils’ sails, who played dejected hockey for the remainder of the game. Two minutes after Geekie’s goal, an errant breakout pass by the Devils led to a shot from the point on Markstrom. Fraser Minten beat all Devils to the rebound, spun around, and fired a shot over Markstrom into the net. 6-2 Bruins.
The night’s final and most embarrassing goal came off the stick of Cole Koepke nearing the midway point of the final frame. The Bruins banked a puck out of their defensive zone and off the boards in the neutral zone. Koepke outbattled Luke Hughes, who couldn’t recover the puck off of the boards, and Brett Pesce to take the puck in on Markstrom. Koepke managed to fend off both Devils’ defenders to chip the puck through Markstrom somehow. That play summed up the night for New Jersey. 7-2 Bruins.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe pulled Markstrom and sent Jake Allen into the game following the seventh goal, but the damage was done. The Devils put two shots on the net in the game’s final nine minutes. They played as if this contest could not end soon enough, which is how they played for most of the third period. When the final horn sounded, Boston waltzed out New Jersey with an easy 7-2 victory.
By the Numbers
According to Natural Stat Trick, New Jersey recorded five shots in the third period. Other than Mercer’s backhand early and Sprong’s shot through traffic, I cannot remember any others. New Jersey allowed five high-danger scoring chances in the third period, which matches what everyone watched – if you lasted that long. In another example of how statistics do not necessarily match what is happening on the ice, the Devils actually led in high-danger scoring chances through the first two periods, nine to four. The Devils also only trailed the Bruins by three total shots when all was said and done. Those stats do not embody what really happened in this game. The Devils came out flat, discombobulated and played that way to the final whistle, even when they were one goal shy of tying the game with less than six minutes to go in the second period.
Urgency might not be the right word, but with the playoffs within reach, the Devils came out flat. Boston has been eliminated from playoffs and has been losing a lot lately. That said, they beat Carolina recently, as John mentioned in his preview. I don’t know what New Jersey expected to face, but Boston wanted to block those playoff aspirations. I expected to see a Devils team hungry to get that one point and take control of their future, but that was not the case. The team could not have looked less hungry, which was highly disappointing.
Breakouts Need Work
At least two goals tonight resulted from bad breakouts that led to turnovers. The first goal by Pastrnak was the result of pressure from the Bruins, forcing a weak pass from Hughes to Bratt and Bratt’s hurried pass attempt through the center of the ice, which was ultimately picked off. Minten’s goal stemmed from a turnover off of a Pesce pass into no-man’s land. Despite shutting out the Rangers, New Jersey had similar issues in the second period when New York started to forecheck more aggressively. They obviously had a much better outcome in that game, but the cracks were visible. We have seen the Devils struggle with turnovers and breakout passing throughout this season against teams that pressure aggressively on the forecheck. The Devils will experience that pressure from whomever they face in the playoffs, so it needs to be sorted out now. Hoping they get injured defensemen back in the lineup is not the solution.
Rough Game For A Good Pairing
Luke Hughes has made considerable strides in his game this year, especially defensively. Brett Pesce has mostly played the way the Devils expected after signing him in the offseason. Tonight may have been the worst game of the year for the duo. Hughes was on the ice for four of the seven goals by Boston, and Pesce was on the ice for three. Hughes had the puck hop by him on Lauko’s goal. Pesce had the wayward pass leading to Minten’s goal, and both got burned on the seventh goal. Everybody has an off-game, so let’s hope the pairing can shake this one off quickly.
Lone Positives: Daniel Sprong & the Penalty Kill
One player that stood out while this game was competitive was Daniel Sprong. Aside from the beautiful assist, Sprong was among the few players getting dangerous shots on net. According to Natural Stat Trick, Sprong was tied for second on the team with ten shots while allowing only three during his 12:36 of ice time. Sprong’s line with Cody Glass and Paul Cotter was easily the best line for New Jersey, with a Corsi For percentage (CF%) of 73.33 at five-on-five, which actually matches what was observed on the ice. Sprong led the team with a CF% of 74.07, and Cotter wasn’t far behind at 70.00. I think many people wanted to see Sprong continue to get opportunities in the lineup down the final stretch, and he showed why that was the case tonight.
The penalty kill had another efficient night, allowing only one shot during Boston’s two power plays.
Playoff Implications
As of the conclusion of the Devils’ game, to clinch a playoff spot, the Devils still need a point, OR the Rangers and Islanders each need to lose a game. The Islanders lost in overtime to the Predators tonight. The Rangers will face the Flyers on Wednesday and then the Islanders on Thursday.
Up Next
The Devils will face the Penguins at home on Friday at 7:00 PM ET.
Your Thoughts
What did you make of this blowout? Do you chalk it up as a bad night and move on? How do the Devils clean up play in the defensive end? Let us know in the comments section below. Thank you for reading, and GO DEVILS!
Justin Crawford had three hits, scored twice and drove in two runs to help the Lehigh Valley IronPigs extend their winning streak to six games with a 7-2 victory Tuesday night over the Syracuse Mets in front of an announced crowd of 4,252 fans at Coca-Cola Park.
Crawford’s two-run single capped a four-run eighth inning to give the IronPigs breathing room.
Otto Kemp’s two-run home run in the fifth gave Lehigh Valley (8-2) the lead for good.
Syracuse took a 2-1 lead on Jon Singleton’s solo homer in the top of the fifth.
Game time temperature was 42 degrees with a steady breeze.
Roster moves
INF Erick Brito was reinstated from the Development List. Outfielder Matt Kroon placed on the 7-day IL (retroactive to 4/7) with a right oblique strain. Kroon slashed .375/.444/.500 in his first five games this season. Brito has not appeared in a game this season.
INF Christian Arroyo is day to day with a mild hamstring strain.
How they scored
Top 3: Jose Azocar doubled off the base of the right-field wall and scored on Billy McKinney’s single. Mets 1-0.
Bottom 3: Justin Crawford singled. Otto Kemp and Buddy Kennedy walked to load the bases. Garrett Stubbs walked to score Crawford. Tied 1-1.
Top 5: Jon Singleton, a former Phillies farmhand, homered with two outs. Mets 2-1.
Bottom 5: Crawford singled to lead off and scored on Kemp’s home run to left field. IronPigs 3-2.
Bottom 8: Garrett Stubbs bunted for a hit to lead off. Oscar Mercado and Cal Stevenson walked to load the bases. With one out, Rafael Lantigua’s grounder was thrown away at the plate. Stubbs and Mercado scored on the play. Crawford’s third single of the game scored Stevenson and Lantigua. IronPigs 7-2.
Up next
RHP Alan Rangel (0-0, 4.15 ERA) faces Syracuse RHP Blade Tidwell (0-1, 5.40) in Wednesday’s 6:45 p.m. start from Coca-Cola Park. Rangel allowed a run on six hits and a walk in 4 2/3 innings last Thursday at Rochester.
Morning Call senior writer Tom Housenick can be reached at thousenick@mcall.com
Lynne Calamia is director of the Roebling Museum in the former company town of Roebling. Photo: Matt Zugale
The red diaries showed up on eBay a couple of years ago. They were jammed into a cardboard tomato box and offered for sale by a junkman.
Handwritten on thin paper in the ad-packed diaries once offered annually by the Wanamaker department store, they chronicled 44 years in the daily life of a housewife in the company town of Roebling, New Jersey.
To Lynne Calamia, they were a once-in-a-lifetime find, the sort of treasure of which historians dream.
Calamia is executive director of the Roebling Museum, a small nonprofit that preserves and tells the story of the family of John A. Roebling, best known as the builder of the Brooklyn Bridge—and of the wire rope that made those iconic spans possible—and of the company town where the wire was produced.
Calamia calls herself a public historian. Since joining the museum in 2020, she has expanded its focus to include the lives of the men and women who worked at the mill and raised families in the town. She brings that history to as wide an audience as possible, not only through museum exhibits, but through walking tours, special programs, and the ongoing restoration of a worker’s home and garden.
Her work joins efforts by other historians in recent decades to uncover and bring to public attention previously unrecognized stories about the contributions of immigrants, Black people, women and other marginalized groups in American history.
The diaries fit that mission perfectly. Calamia jumped at the chance to buy them for the museum.
“We want to tell the story beyond the steel mill—of the community, what it would be like to live here, the life cycle of the workers,” she says. “These are not people who would have had biographies written about them.”
The story of the Roebling steel mill and town—of industry and immigration, decline and adaptation—in many ways echoes the story of New Jersey.
Patriarch John A. Roebling invented the process for manufacturing wire rope to tow canal boats in Pennsylvania, where he had immigrated from Prussia. He soon recognized its potential use in suspension bridges, which he designed and built. His plans for the Brooklyn Bridge, implemented by his son and daughter-in-law, Washington and Emily Roebling, after his untimely death, were a highlight of The Gilded Age’s second season on HBO.
When the family company, headquartered in Trenton, needed a place to produce its own steel in 1905, it built a mill and a town to house its workers a few miles south along the Delaware.
Giant spools of wire rope from the mill served as suspension cables on San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, submarine nets in World War I, and elevator cables in the Empire State Building. Its jobs provided a launchpad to the middle class for generations of immigrants from Europe, as well as Black people who had joined the Great Migration. “Once you had a job at Roebling, you were set for life,” was the workers’ refrain.
The town offered 750 well-built houses with reasonable rents and a convenient walk to the mill. Its streets reflected the hierarchy of the factory: executives lived in spacious homes along the river; recent immigrants in narrow row houses closest to the mill yard’s clanging metal; and skilled American workers in between.
But steel production moved overseas after World War II. The mill was sold in 1953, shuttered in 1973, and demolished in 1975. It soon became a U.S. Superfund site, now mostly cleaned up. All that remains is its gateway and administration building, which houses the museum, and the mill yard, which holds a craneway, a flywheel, and a few huge pieces of industrial equipment.
The surroundings have escaped the fate of many once-thriving factory towns. Nearly all of the town’s original buildings—including houses and a handsome brick commercial block—remain intact.
The unincorporated community in Florence Township, Burlington County, today is home to about 4,000 people.
After the mill closed, a group of local residents banded together to preserve Roebling’s history. With help from descendants of John A. Roebling’s sons, the museum opened in 2010.
Many significant items in the museum’s collection come from the attics and garages of those museum founders. Their photo albums, scrapbooks and memories—recorded in oral histories—have helped to recreate what life was like in the factory town.
One of the greatest treasures came from Lou Borbi, an avid historian and retired school teacher whose grandfather, father, uncles and brother worked at the mill, as he did during summer vacations.
When the mill was demolished, he rescued the employment records of more than 13,000 Roebling employees. The 5-by-8-inch cards date from 1910 to 1950, with ID photos and notes about hirings and firings, languages spoken, skills learned, disciplinary records and injuries.
Each card “gives a name and a face to the people who worked here,” says Calamia. Like puzzle pieces, they can be grouped to produce different pictures, such as of the ethnic groups that comprised the workforce, the family connections that linked employees, and the injuries they suffered.
Their details might make today’s HR managers blush.
One notes that a laborer, hired at 17, should not be rehired: “Insubordination (the boy is no good),” it reads, later noting that he was “always late for work.”
The young man’s tardiness was startling, says Calamia, given his address—directly across the street from the mill entrance.
The museum recently purchased that row house, with plans to eventually offer tours. Descendants have provided a trove of photographs, some of which have been enlarged to life size and are on display in its living room. Calamia is perusing vintage Sears Roebuck catalogs to identify the right furnishings.
“I love the treasure hunt of history,” she says.
One day, she hopes, the row house will be the factory town’s equivalent of New York’s Tenement Museum—and the village of Roebling will be industrial America’s Colonial Williamsburg.
Roebling Museum is open Thursday-Saturday, March to December; 609-499-7200.
Lindy Washburn, a longtime reporter for The Record/northjersey.com, was twice named the New Jersey Press Association’s Journalist of the Year.
[RELATED: Ultimate Guide to NJ’s Under-the-Radar Museums]
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