Many people are familiar with Thomas Edison’s “invention factory” in Menlo Park, where he patented the phonograph, the light bulb and many more inventions. 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 started in New Jersey. Life would be a lot harder without the vacuum cleaner, plastic, air-conditioning, and many other important advances in medicine and surgery that were developed here.

The Historical society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood wants you to come to our first 2025 meeting on Tuesday evening February 25th at 7:30 PM at the Historic Shady Rest Country Club and join author Linda Barth as she explores groundbreaking, useful, fun, and even silly inventions and their New Jersey roots.

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 the book about inventing listed above 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.

The Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood is thrilled to have Linda Barth as the speaker for the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood at our upcoming meeting on Tuesday February 25th. Come to this free, open to the public, meeting and learn more about Where Ideas Grow in The Garden State.The meeting begins at 7:30 PM and is held at the historic Shady Rest Golf & Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. Refreshments and fellowship follow the presentation. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.

Spencer Martin (in tricorn hat) with other Historical Society Volunteers on the side porch of the Osborn Cannonball House Museum.

Spencer Martin, a junior at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School (SPFHS), has been recognized as the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood (Historical Society) Student Volunteer of the Year. As the founder and co-president of the SPFHS History Club, Spencer has forged a vital connection between local students and the Historical Society since the Fall of 2023. Prior to his involvement, student volunteers were rare. There now exists a meaningful bridge between the SPFHS History Club and the Historical Society linking our towns past with its present.

Spencer has organized volunteers to help out at the Osborn Cannonball House Museum, one of Scotch Plains’ Revolutionary War-era sites, by managing students who volunteer for two of the museum’s biggest events. Alongside Historical Society members, students serve as docents giving tours of the museum and aiding children with crafts and games. Visitors to the museum have remarked how encouraging it is to see students involved in the preservation of their local history.

In addition to volunteering his time to the museum, in May of this year, Spencer spearheaded a fundraiser on the museum’s behalf. Over $1,000 was raised to help support the preservation of the museum building. His passion and commitment to local history also earned him a seat on the Historical Society’s Board of Directors, where he serves as its first student and youngest member.

Spencer’s drive, dedication and leadership skills make him an ideal candidate for this award. His outstanding academic record and his involvement in other activities and community organizations outside the Historical Society only highlight his achievements.

The collaboration between the SPFHS History Club and the Historical Society is an inspiring example of how different generations can come together to support a common cause. Both organizations are optimistic that this partnership will remain strong. The Historical Society looks forward to continuing working with Spencer and future History Club students who will follow in Spencer’s footsteps. Together, we will keep history alive across all generations.