[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 35 (Tuesday, March 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE BICENTENNIAL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BLOOMFIELD

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 12, 2013

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Township of 
Bloomfield, located in Essex County, New Jersey, which is celebrating 
its Bicentennial Anniversary.
  Bloomfield has a rich history that dates back to pre-revolutionary 
days. The land that would become Bloomfield was bought by English 
settlers from the Yantecaw Indians, a tribe of the Lenni Lenape, in the 
1600s. In 1812, the town which was part of Newark, broke off and was 
incorporated as the Township of Bloomfield, taking its name from the 
historic Presbyterian parish in town named for Joseph Bloomfield. At 
that time it covered a vast 20.52 square miles, though many of the 
outlying towns soon would become their own municipalities. That same 
year, a Justice of the Peace and four constables were elected, as well 
as a Township Committee formed. By 1816, Bloomfield had opened a post 
office. In the following years the township government became further 
formalized.
  As Bloomfield developed, so did its system of education; a 
characteristic that it takes great pride in today. The first school was 
set up in 1758, and more followed. In addition to this, by 1810, a 
notable private school named Bloomfield Academy was established. Later, 
in 1868, the building was taken over by the German Theological School 
of Newark, the forerunner of Bloomfield College. A special school law 
was passed for the Township of Bloomfield in 1849, establishing the 
public school system. Though rejected by social circles for its 
``proletarian atmosphere'' at first, the school system grew in 
popularity and educational facilities. Today it comprises 11 schools, 
including Bloomfield High School, with over 6,000 students.
  A very important facet of Bloomfield's history is the congregation of 
Old First Church. Formed in 1796, it was named to honor the 
Revolutionary War general Joseph Bloomfield. This building is still 
standing, now called the Bloomfield Presbyterian Church on the Green, 
and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. 
Another aspect of Bloomfield's history is the first newspaper, the 
Bloomfield Gazette, published in 1872. Later, in 1883, this became the 
Independent Press, which is still published in Bloomfield to this day.
  By the 19th Century, many changes had taken place. The Newark and 
Pompton Turnpike (now Bloomfield Ave), allowed Bloomfield to become a 
commercial center, housing many industrious mills and factories. 
Additionally, with the opening of the Morris Canal in 1831, commerce 
increased and provided recreation for the inhabitants. By the end of 
the century, many other amenities had reached Bloomfield; a railroad, 
streetcars, banks, telephone service, mail service, and lastly, 
electricity and sewage lines.
  The industrious town of Bloomfield played a part in American history, 
most notably during the Civil War, as well as World War I and II, 
providing many vital materials and aid. Set up in 1830, the Oakes Mills 
provided the town with yarn and cloth, but after being rebuilt due to a 
fire, the mill then specialized in flannels. During a period of 
financial crisis, the people of Bloomfield kept the Mill alive, and in 
turn, the Oakes Mills again flourished, producing tweeds and wools. 
During the Civil War, Oakes Mills provided a great deal of the indigo 
blue cloth for the Union uniforms. Later, they provided most of the 
material used in making fire and police uniforms. In addition to the 
contributions of the Oakes Mills, during the World Wars, the Township 
of Bloomfield held many drives to collect essential materials needed by 
the troops, such as metals, bandage linens, and other commodities. 
Despite its closure in 1945, the Oakes Mills remain an important facet 
of Bloomfield's history.
  Today, Bloomfield boosts a rich history, alongside its diverse 
population and culture. Its close-knit community atmosphere is a 
defining feature of the town, as has been maintained since the early 
years. Bloomfield is home to a middle and working class population, and 
also boasts many organizations, such as those in the cultural arts, and 
civic and neighborhood associations, with which many residents are 
involved. The Township of Bloomfield is proud to celebrate its history 
and looks forward to its future.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Township of Bloomfield and its residents as they celebrate their 
Bicentennial Anniversary.

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