The Official Web Site of the Borough of Garwood

Garwood evolved as a neighborhood of the larger communities of Cranford and Westfield who tended to treat it like a stepchild. By the turn of the century Garwood was gaining its own identity, primarily through its attractiveness to manufacturing industries, and decided it could get more value for the taxes it was paying by managing itself.

Secession took courage. The 400 citizens were creating one of the state’s smallest municipalities, only seventh tenths of a square mile, and Cranford especially resisted the move, right up to the legislature.

Garwood grew up with the Jersey Central and was named after Samuel Garwood, the president of a land company organized by the railroad. The first modern settlers lived in 75 homes and most worked for the Hall Signal Co., the first factory, and the Hercules Tube works, famous for bicycle tubing, which was built by John R. Maxwell, onetime Jersey Central President.

Cranford and Westfield were supposed to be supplying services. But they argued over who was responsible. At one point they negotiated at length before agreeing on paving three blocks of Center Street. Both sent marshals out but only occasionally. Fire protection was so uncertain that the Aeolian Company organized its own department.

The infant school symbolized the problem. Cranford ran it, buy youngsters on the other side of Center Street had to go all the way to Westfield. Parents agitated and Cranford reluctantly agreed to let “Westfield children” in if Westfield paid pro-rata tuition. It was not surprising that the first public building in Garwood was Jefferson School, built two years after autonomy.

For all its troubles, citizens were paying taxes to its neighboring towns. Frank Morse, who was to become the first mayor, summarized the sentiment: “Taxation without representation is revolution!”

Garwood opted to go its own route. Maxwell’s land company, with Morse as resident agent, and citizens pushed for autonomy. Assembly Bill No. 232 proposed the borough. Westfield seemed indifferent but Cranford reacted angrily. The Chronicle editorialized that the “secession movement, if successful, would rob Cranford of its richest and most promising section.”

Attempts to stop the legislation and annex Garwood proved fruitless. Many residents of Cranford, which itself has split off from several other towns including Westfield in 1871, sympathized with Garwood. Autonomous government was acquired on March 19, 1903. Independence was greeted by the Aeolian band playing on the steps of the schoolhouse, lit buildings, bonfires and fireworks.

Battles over tax apportionment continued and animosity over such matters as fire service lingered. That was resolved by the time the first municipal facility was completed in 1915.

FROM 1983 BOROUGH HALL DEDICATION
Cranford Chronicle

In 1898 the Votey Organ Company was purchased by
the Aeolian Company, and a new purpose-built factory
was soon constructed for it in Garwood, New Jersey,
manufacture being transferred there from around August 1900.
The factory was built on a site adjacent to North Avenue,
Garwood, with the Central Railroad of New Jersey tracks
at the rear. In August 1903, a new holding company was
set up, known as the Aeolian, Weber Piano and Pianola Co.

c. 1925 Construction of a large Aeolian Pipe Organ at Garwood

c. 1900 Garwood Factory from the Railroad Tracks

c. 1920 Center Street facing South

The Aeolian Factory was no longer in operation in 2003 when this picture
was taken, however the building still stands and was last a
paper mill known as Garwood Paperboard, which is also closed.
The building is currently vacant and for sale.

The Fire Department was organized in 1903 as the Garwood Volunteer Fire Department under the direction of George Rockcliffe, acting as Chief. There were 20 men, one horse cart, and 500 feet of hose. The first fire alarm consisted of the rim of a locomotive wheel suspended on the rear of the firehouse and rung by banging it with a sledgehammer. Due to the misbehaving of some youngsters, difficulty in locating the hammer was occasionally the cause of some delay in sounding this "alarm". The fire apparatus was stored in a lean-to that had been erected alongside the building then used as Borough Hall. It was a very crude affair and very far removed from the present Fire Company we know today. In spite of these disadvantages, the Company did good work, with members who served without pay. The Department was reorganized and incorporated as Liberty Hose Company No. 1, with Fred Dushanek as Chief in 1905.

At present, there are approximately 50 men and women who protect the Borough and perform various other tasks and duties, including lending mutual aid to the surrounding municipalities. The F.D. is professionally trained in fire suppression, fire prevention, hazardous materials, rescue and more. The members of the Garwood Fire Department use sophisticated equipment to protect and serve the public. They also volunteer their time to educate children, host community functions, and maintain the firehouse and its equipment. They are always ready to serve, no matter what the call of duty.

FD members commonly serve for many years, some as long as 50+ years. The original men who came together to provide fire protection for the Borough would be honored and proud of the accomplishments of the Department today.

During the events of 9/11, the Garwood Fire Department was called to duty by mutual aid to assist the Staten Island Fire Department, who was called to to duty at ground zero. The members worked countless hours, taking time from their lives to assist throughout the crisis. The dedication of the FD is significantly impressive.

Over the last century, the men and women of the Fire Department have earned the respect and admiration that they receive today. They are professionals dedicated to serving and protecting the community and its people.