[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 145 (Monday, September 18, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOROUGH OF EAST NEWARK

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                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 1995

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Borough of 
East Newark, which is this year celebrating its 100th anniversary. 
Although East Newark is small in size, the residents are known for 
their big hearts.
  Once a part of Kearny, East Newark broke away in the spring of 1895 
to become an independent borough. The vote was cast for incorporation 
on July 2, 1895, and the new borough, just 64 acres in area, became the 
smallest community in the State of New Jersey.
  Two of the early industries in East Newark were the Clark Thread Co., 
and the Clark Mile End Spool Cotton Co., the largest thread mills in 
the United States at that time. The companies became Englehard 
Industries in the early 1930's, but since then, the area has been 
converted to the East Newark Industrial Center, which now houses over 
80 corporations in the garment industry.
  With its industries in place, East Newark began to build its 
community. The East Newark Volunteer Fire Department was organized in 
October 1895, and the East Newark Police Department was established 1 
month later. Today, both are still in place, 100 years after they were 
first established to provide for the protection of life and property. 
East Newark's first public school was built in 1896, and still serves 
children from kindergarten through the eighth grade.
  A bronze tablet located in front of borough hall proudly displays the 
names of the 175 brave men of East Newark who gave their lives to the 
American cause in World War I. The Albert Ettlin American Legion Post 
No. 36 was so named in honor of Mr. Ettlin, the first East Newark 
soldier killed in action at the Battle of Chateau Thierry. East Newark 
resident William F. Sawelson is said to have been hit by a sniper's 
bullet while carrying water to a wounded buddy in World War I and 
posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Honor.
  The first church established in the borough was St. Anthony's Roman 
Catholic Church, the congregation originally founded in 1901 by 
Italians who moved from West Hoboken. While the original church was 
destroyed by fire in 1935, it was soon rebuilt and still serves the 
community today at the same site on Second Street.
  In many ways, East Newark's history continues to influence the 
present. Current mayor, Joseph R. Smith, is a descendant of John C. 
Smith, one of the original petitioners in the effort to establish the 
borough. I would like to salute Mayor Smith, Council President Walter 
Roman, Councilman Hans Peter Lucas, Councilman William Lupkovich, 
Councilman Frank Madalena, Councilman Robert Rowe, and Councilman 
Charles Tighe for continuing a tradition of excellence in community 
service.
  While the past century has seen monumental changes in the face of the 
community, East Newark remains an example of small-town pride and big-
spirited determination. With a population of only 2,200, East Newark 
proves that you do not have to be big in size to make a big 
contribution. Please join me today in celebrating the 100th anniversary 
of this little metropolis, which continues to forge its own path on the 
road to a new century.

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