RESOURCES FOR SEARCHING NUTLEY HISTORY
Nutley Newspaper and Nutley History Archives
Digitized, accessible on-site only
What’s Included
Newspapers
Digitized City Directories
(The print version of the City Directories is available for use in the library.)
Full Text Books
(The print version of each book is available for use in the library.)
Nutley Vertical Files ~ Biographies
(The complete vertical file collection is available for use in the library.)
There is a small selection of local history-specific print books not available digitally that are shelved in the Reference Department, including the Township of Nutley Municipal Data Sheet, the Essex County Budget, and Nutley High School yearbooks (not all years available).
Kingsland Manor Documents
Coming soon.
THE ARTHUR HOEBER MEMORIAL BOOKCASE
ARTHUR HOEBER
1854 AUTHOR CRITIC PAINTER 1915
Arthur Hoeber was an artist, author, and critic who in his later years lived on The Enclosure, Nutley’s artists’ and writers’ colony active in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. He was an artist in the luminist tradition, which is characterized by effects of light in landscapes. Hoeber’s painting The Early Moon, a picture “of infinite beauty suggesting as it does the perfect repose of the hour” hangs in the library above his memorial bookcase.
Hoeber was born in New York City on July 23, 1854. He studied under J. Carroll Beckwith at the Art Students League in New York and later attended the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris where he studied under J. L. Gerome. Hoeber first exhibited at the Salon in Paris in 1882, and was known as a prominent contributor to most of the American exhibitions.
In 1891 Hoeber settled in The Enclosure. He was an art critic for The New York Times, The New York Evening Globe, and The New York Journal. His series on the great painters of history had been carried by all of the major U. S. newspapers. Hoeber also authored several books on 19th century painting. His final book, The Barbizon Painters: being the story of the Men of Thirty, paid tribute to “the art influences and impulses that had most deeply stirred him from his student days in France.” He died April 29, 1915.
After his death, “The Hoeber Memorial” at the public library was considered a fitting tribute by the Nutley Arts Club in recognition of Hoeber’s contributions to art. Local artists contributed artworks to be sold at auction, and the proceeds dedicated to the creation of this memorial: a specially designed bookcase that was to hold art books from Arthur Hoeber’s own collection, and the purchase of Hoeber’s The Early Moon that was to hang above this book shelf.
The bookcase was to be designed by architect William Armstrong who died before completion of the memorial. In 1941 the remaining members of the Nutley Arts Club brought the project once again before the Library Board of Trustees. The completed memorial bookcase has Mr. Hoeber’s name and accomplishments as an author, critic, and painter engraved upon it, and lettered on its sides are the names of Nutley artists and authors. In addition to Arthur Hoeber’s art books, the bookcase is also reserved for books written by Nutley authors. In 2014 as part of the Nutley Public Library’s Centennial Celebration Arthur Hoeber’s art books and many of the Nutley author books were rebound. The memorial bookcase is located in the reference hallway with The Early Moon hanging above it.
Sources consulted:
Cook, A. (1988, July 7). Michael Lenson discovers the Enclosure. The Nutley Sun, pp. 1, 3.
Funeral of Mr. Hoeber today. (1915, May 1). The Nutley Sun. p. 1.
Hoeber memorial will be shelf of volumes on art for library. (1915, May 22). The Nutley Sun. p. 1.
Perry, H. (1944, November 3). [Letter to the editor]. The Nutley Sun, p. B2.
The Summer Exhibition of American Paintings at the Albright Art Gallery. (1914). Academy Notes, 9 (3), 97.
LOST AND FOUND: BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS THAT ONCE GRACED NUTLEY
“Lost and Found: Beautiful Buildings that Once Graced Nutley” was curated by Art Director Barry Lenson of the Nutley Historical Society. It was on view at the library July-September 2014 as part of the Nutley Public Library Centennial Celebration.
FRANK R. STOCKTON AND THE STOCKTON ROOM
The Stockton Room of the Nutley Public Library is named in honor of Frank R. Stockton (1834-1902), a writer who lived in Nutley during much of his adult life.
Stockton wrote realism and fantasy, science fiction and detective stories, children’s literature, and adult romances. He was one of the most popular writers in nineteenth century America, and his books were respected by critics, librarians and reviewers. His principal works include: Rudder Grange; The Late Mrs. Null; The Casting Away of Mrs. Lecks and Mrs. Aleshine; The Dusantes; The Hundredth Man; Personally Conducted; The Merry Chanter; The Squirrel Inn; The Watchman’s Wife; and Pomona’s Travels.
One of his best known works is the short story “The Lady, or the Tiger?”. Click on the link to read the story and experience the conundrum of whether the lady or the tiger came out of the chosen door.
The Stockton Room opened in 1942, part of the first expansion of the Carnegie building. Originally designated as an intermediate department for students in seventh and eighth grade, it became the library’s meeting room upon completion of the 1989 library expansion. A mural, painted by Ivan Stoppe of New York City, portrays the rolling countryside and winding river of Stockton’s story Rudder Grange with the two principal characters of the story in the foreground.
Photos of the Stockton Room circa 1943, and March, 1985.
PRESENTATIONS AT NUTLEY LIBRARY AND ONLINE VIA ZOOM
March 18, 2025 – The History of Yanticaw Park
Town Historian and Author John Demmer, along with Historian and Author David Wilson, presented a history of Yanticaw Park at the Nutley Public Library. Learn about the residents who lobbied for the funding and creation of the park, the Olmsted Brothers’ design, and the development of Alligator Island. Discover the history behind the bandstand and explore 110 years of improvements to this beloved park. Historical photographs from the Essex County Archives were featured.
October 4, 2023 – The Life and Time of Nutley Luminary, Dr. George B. Philhower – Presented by Historian David Wilson – Recorded at the Philhower Chapel at Vincent Methodist Church Adjacent to the Nutley Public Library
Many folks helped to form and grow early Franklin Township, now Nutley Township, but few had the vision and energy of Dr. George Philhower. His first involvement in 1886 as a “country doctor” started a long and most complete pursuit of improving the quality of life in Nutley. He was in leadership positions at Vincent Methodist Church, Nutley Public Library, Nutley School Board, Parks Commission, Medical Societies, Health Commission, Nutley Memorial Parkway, and Social Clubs. He was a family man and an avid baseball fan, both locally, and at the NY Polo Grounds Dr. Philhower’s story is a template for community involvement that will inspire folks to join in to help their town grow and prosper through volunteer days, partnerships, donations, and cultural participation. Join us to learn how this gifted man contributed to the town we all love. David Wilson is an author, historian, and promoter of all things Nutley.
September 12, 2023 at 7 pm – The History of Kingsland Park
Nutley Town Historian, John Demmer and Park Historian, David Wilson presented a one hour illustrated history show exploring the beloved, Kingsland Park. This presentation covered the creation of the park, recreation areas, the quarry, the Third River, waterfalls area, United Nations Garden, WPA projects, celebrations, and the Kingsland ManThe video was recorded and edited by Lou Raffaelli of Lou Raffaelli Visuals.
September 23, 2021 – The Franklin Theatre
On Thursday, September 23, Town Historian John Demmer and Life Long Nutley Resident David Wilson, along with projectionist, Don Lee presented a fascinating program on The Franklin Theatre. This program was many years in the making. Pictures, stories, advertisements, and news accounts of this beloved epicenter of Nutley’s recreational life were featured. In addition, photos from a private collection, featured during this program, are the only known interior views found to date. Enjoy this presentation as we travel down memory lane as you recall the smell of popcorn and the many good times you had at the Franklin. The video was recorded by Sal Scarpelli and edited by Andy Conte.
August 3, 2021
“The film was made in 1942 and used locally and nationally as a preparedness training movie. It demonstrated and celebrated the efforts of a small town committed to keeping its citizens safe during war times. The original was lost for many years and found its way back to the Fire Department in the late 1980s from out West. Robert E Lee (Bob) of the Essex Film Club made some VHS copies and positives of the film. Preservation chemicals were added to the film. Years passed again and a DVD copy was shown at the town’s 2002 100-year anniversary. The original was lost again until 2019 and found in a Nutley film studio awaiting preservation. Don Lee, Bob’s son, was able to take VHS sections, original footage and some of his Dad’s positives to make a viewable copy for 2019. The original film canister and film still exists, but has degraded over time and is not useable at this time. We thank Bob & Don Lee for their efforts to preserve this important film.” John Demmer, Town Historian David Wilson, Historian
Introduction by Historian, David Wilson & Township Historian, John Demmer, Moderated by Senior Librarian, Nick Van Dorn
April 10, 2021
On March 27, 1894, a unique fundraiser was held in Franklin Township, New Jersey, to start a local Red Cross chapter. The Nutley Amateur Circus was staged in an old training pavilion on horseman Eaton Stone’s 40-acre farm just outside town. The circus became the social event of the year, and the whole town was involved in its preparation. Artists created hand-decorated programs; local businesses donated materials and labor to spruce up the pavilion, even stringing electric lights; white banners with red crosses were strung across porches throughout town; and the Erie Railroad was persuaded to run special trains for the event. The fundraiser showcased local talent—amateurs—including businessmen who trained as tumblers and equestrians showing off their riding skills. Wall Street brokers became ushers, and lawyers acted as clowns. And Molly, a local delivery horse, performed flawlessly as “Little Surefoot” while Nutley resident Annie Oakley unveiled a new act.
Relive this exciting event with an online presentation by John Simko, a Nutley historian and the Director of the Nutley Museum.
Saturday, March 27. 2021
Learn the true and inspiring story of centenarian Agnes Joan Negra. During World War II, using her shortwave radio from her home in Nutley, NJ, Agnes listened to Radio Berlin each night and notated the names of U.S. Prisoners of War as they were announced. Agnes then went on to send personal letters to each family to inform them that their loved ones were still alive.
Author, Nutley native, and Son of Agnes, Ronald along with his Wife Valerie, discussed the creation of this book and this inspiring story of his Mother.
February 13, 2021
Discover the beauty, the challenges, and the meaning of murals—with an emphasis on Nutley’s own—with Nutley Museum director John Simko.
John spotlighted murals in buildings throughout town such as Nutley’s Library and Post Office, schools such as Lincoln and John Walker Schools, and churches such as Grace Episcopal Church. He also highlighted Nutley Muralists who have painted works outside of Nutley in buildings such as New York’s Customs House, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, and Newark’s City Hall.
December 5, 2020
Nutley Museum Director, John Simko gave a virtual tour of the Nutley Museum and highlighted neat projects the Nutley Historical Society is working on. Learn more about Nutley’s history here!
September 19, 2020
NJ Author and Nutley Resident Anthony Buccino, discussed his book, Nutley Snapshots in Plain View, via Zoom, in Celebration of Library Card Signup Month.
Test your Nutley geography, and see how many places you recognize through Anthony’s photographs!
Nutley Trolley History: November 2018
Nutley Trolley history was presented by Nutley historians David Wilson & John Demmer in November of 2019. A narrated tour of pictures will take you on a ride from the period 1896 through the final days of streetcars in 1937. Discussion on the founders, construction, routes, types of street cars, township development and politics of the day are included.
April 2019
Nutley historians David Wilson and Eric Faeder presented at the Nutley Public Library on Thursday, April 11, 2019 on The La Monte Safety Paper Factory from its beginnings in 1871 through the final days at the plant in 1969.
September 2019
Town Historian John Demmer along with local author and historian David Wilson presented an hour of history on the North West section of Nutley. The “today and yesterday” format lets you place yourself in twenty historical locations. William Lambert, architect and developer, was highlighted for his contributions to the development of Nutley (formerly Franklin). Early industrial development in Nutley was also discussed including the first electric power plant, quarry, hat factory and more. This film was edited by Andy Conte.
Essex Film Club 80th Anniversary Celebration: October 2019
Town Historian, John Demmer gave a slide show history of Bob Lee, Essex Film Club, and the history of its renovation. This film was edited by Andy Conte.
