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Health & Fitness

Chatham Historical Society Hosts Annual Dinner

Historical Society discusses 'Along the Tracks: How a Railroad Changed a Town.'

On May 6, the Chatham Historical Society hosted it’s annual Member Dinner and presented the newly researched program, Along the Tracks: How a Railroad Changed a Town.  This program was a wonderful look back at how Chatham changed and developed once the train came chugging into the Chatham's station.

The program, researched and written by Society vice-president Helen Ann Rosenfeld was presented by Society president Susan Allen and highlighted Chatham, with never before seen photos and interesting anecdotes, growing from a summer vacation retreat complete with "salubrious" air for wealthy Newark and New York City residents, into a viable commuter town.  Society members learned of Teddy Roosevelt's unscheduled train stop in Chatham just long enough for him to wave and bow to the school children and shake a few hands before continuing his journey to Morristown.

A wonderful dinner was served to all attendees by Chatham Presbyterian Church volunteers.  The evening was also made special by having Gerry Geisler, Chatham’s local train aficionado and collector, share many of his train artifacts and items. This look back at the train and the growth of the town of Chatham, flows perfectly into the Chatham Historical Societies next big activity: attempting to break a Guinness World Record!

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On June 14, during Chatham’s annual Fishawack Day, the Chatham Historical Society, along with the Chatham Borough Centennial Committee, will be celebrating Chatham train station’s 100th  anniversary.

Many events are planned for June 14th, with the most exciting being the attempt to break a world record with wooden train whistles!  Young and old are encouraged to register and gather on the field next to the train station for the 11:15 am world record attempt.  Every whistle blower must be registered to participate and to make history!

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For more information about the Chatham Historical Society, how to register and participate in the Guinness World Record Attempt, or to become a member, please visit our website: www.ChathamNJHistoricalSociety.org

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