/■\ :•• /-\ ' ' .*^% --.tip:'- /%"■ .: .*^-" ' ■' %j. A^ ♦jH^, ■..■/■■ '^ ^^p d> \ -i °(?;.. ^o 4 o ^ ^xj- % .-i o. ■^J^ :^V t %.^ Mi^:^ X/ c°^.^;^^-o /'■y;;;^^"\"' /\^%-^°o A^'\^^;^y\ c°".';.^>"°o '^O^ V . A^-"^ VI > ".^ .s o. ...ncvpton, n^w jerecv... ILLUSTRATED BY \ n c; 1393 E. E_ BIGS WITH An Historical Sketch by Judce Menky Huston. -Nbi^-=*"- NKWTON, N J. .. 1897... COPYRIGHT, 1897, BY E. E. BiCE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 1102 The West-Johnson Companu, + F. A. Ringler Corripany, + C. J. DOrtiCUS, EASTON. PA. 26-28 Park Place, New York. Newton. N. J. Printers. + Hhoto-EngVavers. + Photographer. .^-.^ r ERHAPS the first impression which a stranger gets of Newton is the general air of comfort and prosperity that seems to pervade the town. It has been said tliat every great city has an in- dividuality of its own, and the same may be said of the smaller cities and towns. Newtox, while possess- ing many beautiful homes, yet un- like many pretentious residence owns, has no dilapidated rows of tenements. The town presents a clean, wholesome appearance, rhe average of comfort and of intelligence is high. Few towns have so many advantages in 'egard to healthfulness of location ; situated about eight hundred feet above sea level it is exempt "rom pulmonary diseases; the drainage is perfect, and the water supply is admitted to be the best n the State. As a place for summer residence it has many advantages over more widely known ■esorts. It is easily reached from New York, being but two hours ride on the Delaware, Lacka- ,v.\nna and Western Railroad. The scenery in the surrounding country is superb, rivaling that )f the famous Berkshire Hills in Massachusetts. Within easy driving distance are dozens of large Hid small lakes ; among which are Morris Lake, the source of Newton's water supply, views of vhich are given on other pages ; Hopatcong, Swartswood, Culver's, and Grinnell. These lakes are picturesque and delightful, being well stocked with gamy fish and affording excellent boating. '\mong other points of interest are the famous Franklin mines, the largest zinc mines in the world ; uid the immense ore separating works at Edison. Newton is an old town, having many interesting Main Stkeet. Rhsidkn-ce ok H, \V, Mkrriam, Main Street, H\i.i, — Rrsidknck of H. \V. JIkrriam. listorical associations. It does not resemble the " boom " towns of the West, since its growth has leen uniformly in keeping with its business resources. However, during the past seven or ight years the town has changed greatly. A public water system and an electric light plant lave been established ; many new residences and business buildings have been erected, and other mprovements have been made. The principal industry of Newton is the manufacture of shoes. Hiree shoe factories are located here, one of which is the largest in the state. These form an uduring basis of the town's prosperity. There is also a silk mill, a box manufactory, and machine hops. The various stores are excellent, being far above the average of the usual local store, ilsewhere in the book are found notices of the leading business firms. In addition to the manu- acturing interests, the town is the centre of trade for a wide section of conutrv. It is safe to say hat in no town of 4,000 inhabitants is a greater volume of business done. The business men, IS a class, are enterprising and progressive. An active Board of Trade looks after the general )usiness interests of the town. Two national banks, one of which has been in existence eighty fears, transact the financial business of the community. Five hotels afford ample accommodations or all visitors. Two weekly newspapers, which are among the oldest in the state, give the local lews. Both are well conducted and have been important factors in the development of Newton. riie social side of life is not neglected. The leading social organization is the Newton Club, vhich has large and handsome rooms on S])riug street. The leading fraternal societies are repre- iCnted by local lodges. In educational facilities the town ranks high. The public school system s excellent and is well managed, the methods used conforming to the best pedagogical practice, riie Newton Collegiate Institute holds high rank among secondary schools, and has long been at the lead of the educational institutions of the place. The other schools are the English and Classical school, recently opened, a business school, and a kindergarten. Five churches nourish the religious ife of the town. The Dennis Library offers a large collection of books to its patrons. Amusement Pari.ors—Kf.sidhncr of H. W. Merriam. M o en w Pi I t/5 RESrDENCE OF Mrl.TON N. ARMSTRONG, M. D., LiNWOOD AVENUK. is provided for by the Opera House in the Library Building. A new and much larger Opera House will soon be ready for use. A brief glance around the town may be of some interest. In entering the town from the railroad station we come up Spring street, the principal business thoroughfare. Here are found the majority of the business houses, the banks, and the leading hotels Turning the corner by the Sussex Bank we enter Main street. On the lower part of the street are various stores, the different newspaper offices, and the Dennis Library. Across the street from the Library is the Park Block, the largest business building Further up the street rises the hand.some Gothic structure of the Episcopalians. The upper part of Main street is the leading residence portion of the town. Here are found many beautiful homes with large, fine lawns, and long lines of shade trees stretching along the street. Traversing a side street to the right we next go to Linwood avenue, a new residence street having a most pleasant location, and commanding a fine view of the town. Many of the most attractive residences built recently are located here. Pa.ssiug through Liberty street we see many more pleasant homes as we go out to High street. We next come to the large and finely-located property of the Presbyterian congregation. Further on are some law offices and at the end of the street the Court House, full of memories of the legal strifes of by- gone days. The building, in its early history, was the first home of several religious denomina- tions, and the associations of both religion and law cling about it. Thus we might go on and dilate upon the attractive features of the town. Yet if the reader will visit Newton he will find it better than anv description. We believe that the following pages contain the information which an in- terested reader would like to know concerning the advantages, both as a residence and a business place, which Newton offers. But we cordially invite a personal inspection, knowing that it will not suffer by comparison. Residence of David R. Hui.i., Main Street. r. K < > f- y. ^ X c H p X f O ^ s /5 W a to u »5 ,Sl'RIM, STREET^COVRT HOUSE AT END OV STREET, AN HISTORICAL 5KETCH BY JUDGE HENRY HUSTON. HAT are now known as Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, were taken from Morris county- in 1753. Warren conntj' was taken out of Sussex county in 1824. Morris county was taken from Hunterdon county in 173S, and Hunterdon county was created by Act of the General Assembly in T714. The first settlements within the present boundaries of Sus- sex county were made along the Delaware vallej- about 1675, b\' Hollanders, who came from the lowlands of Ulster county, New York. By 1750, the settlements had become so numer- ous that the people petitioned the Provincial Assembly to divide the then County of Morris and allow them " the liberty of building a court house and goal," to relieve them from the inconvenience of going to Morristown to attend to public business. The request was granted, and as a result Sussex county was created in 1753. During the French and Indian war, which began in 1 755 and continued for several years, the people of the county were greatly harassed by the Indians and suffered many hard- ships. In the war of the Revolution the men of .Sussex whose ex- perience in savage warfare had made them hardy and brave, and whose homes had been earned -in I maintained bv cease- less vigilance and heroic exertion, heartily joined with the men of 1 776 in the struggle for liberty, and their descendants have just cause to be proud of the brave part which they sustained in the founding of our great nation. I" 1753. Su.ssex county had less inhabitants than any county in the State ; in 1 790 she had forged ahead of all the counties except Hunterdon. In that year Sussex county (with Warren) contained 19,500 people ; Hunterdon, 20,133, while Essex had only 17,785. The development of the county during the first fifty years was retarded liy the fact that many large tracts of land were owned by non-residents. As soon as the tillers of the soil became the owners, the county began to pro.sper, vmtil it became one of the best agricultural sections of New Jersey. The population of Sus- sex county is now about 24,' 00. Since the opening up of the grain fields of the great West, the farmers of Sussex have devoted their attention largely to the production of milk fcr the city markets, and within the last twenty j'ears many of the land owners have begun the cultivation of peaches and other fruits. The soil seems to be peculiarly well adapted for these productions, and within a short time Sussex county will be one of the greatest fruit raising districts in the Uaited States. Views Around Morkis Lake. :-,:. j >,0 V.X \V. H. Hawk Linwood Avenue, W. F. Howell, Libertv Street. Mrs Theressa Woodruff, High Street. Mrs. Thomas G. Bunnell, High Street. RKSIUKN'CK OH MRS. S. P. ADAMS. Views at Morris Lake. Physically, Sussex county presents a bold and picturesque outline, the highlands beinfj; capped by the Blue Mountains which pass through the county from the northeast to the southwest. Along the western slope of these mountains the Flatbrook runs parallel with the Delaware river from the northern to the southern extremity of the county. The principal streams east of the Blue Mountains are the Paulins- kill, which flows into the Delaware river, and the Wallkill and Papakating, which running northeasterly, empty their Vaters into the Hudson river. East of the Blue Mountains, while presenting many con- siderable elevations, the country shows a large valle)', over a hundred miles in length and from fifteen to twenty-five miles in width. The finest portion of this valley is comprised within the boundaries of Sussex county. It was called by the In- dians the Kittatinny Valley. The valley is bounded on the east by a range of mountains known as the Sparta or Wa- Wayanda Mountains. Within the boundaries of these two ranges of mountains lie the " Hills of Old Sussex." Nowhere in this country can there be seen a finer landscape than is spread out before the delighted vision as you climb the Wawaj-anda or the Blue Mountains. Here are hill and dale, green with trees and grass, orchards loaded with fruits and fields rich with waiving grain, lakes and streams of pure water, and scattered among them are cottages, hamlets and villages, all combining to make a beautiful picture with which the ej'e never tires. Following along the Blue Mountain you come to High Point, the loftiest elevation in the county, iSoo feet above the sea, from which an expan.se of country wide as the eye can reach surrounds you on every side. Here, within fifty miles of New York City, is a country of mountain, hill and dale, that offers recreation, rest and health to the tired and weary soul. Here are loftj' hills and rich valleys, running brooks filled with trout and other THE RPI.SCOP.tr. CHURCH. choice fish, beautiful lakes surrounded with cool groves. Here is an atmosphere ever pure. The elevation insures cool bieeze.s, which mean health and vigor. Here are good hard ]'RESBVTERI.\X CHTRCH .\ND CH.^PEL. roads of slate and limestone, affording an endless succession of drives with an ever-changing scenery. The county of Sussex has more fresh water lakes than all the other counties of the State combined. The principal lakes are Hopatcong, Swartswood, Culver's, Owa.ssa, Stru- ble's. Reservoir Grenelle, White Panther, Sand, Rutherford and Mo-'ris. These lakes, with very many of lesser note, are stocked with black bass, pickerel, and other game fish. Near the centre of the beautiful Kittatinny valley, and sur- rounded by this lake country, lies the town of Newton, the capital of Sussex county. The first house built within the limits of the town of New- ton was erected by one Henry Hairlocker, about 1750. Other settlers must have soon followed him for in 1764, Jonathan Hampton, who lived in Essex county, but owned large tracts of land in Sussex county, conveyed to the board of chosen Freeholders of the county of Sussex, land in the town of Newton, for a Court House lot and a public square. In 1 765, courts were opened in the building erected upon this land. The Court House was enlarged and improved in 1844, and was destroyed by fire in 1847. Immediately following this a new building was erected upon the same site, and this is the present Temple of Justice. The public square was then a grove of trees. Upon this square the original County Clerk's and Surrogate's office was built in 1802 and was torn down in 1859, when the present building was erected. In 1820 there were six stores in the town. At that time and for many years afterwards the business part of the town extended from above the public square as far as Liberty street. The growth of Newton w-as very gradual until about I'Sys. since which time the population has nearly doubled. The present population is nearly five thousand. The town is along the vSussex Railroad, a branch of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, and is distant from New- York City, by rail, about sixty miles. There are six trains to and from New York daih*. and while the present service is fair, a competing line would be of inestimable benefit and insure a more rapid development of the town. Newton is located upon several hills and is surrounded by hills and valleys. Its average elevation above the level of the sea is about 650 feet. It is picturesquely situated and from its highest points the expanse of hill and dale, of mountain and valley, is a treat to the eye. The town is one of the most healthful in the Eastern States. Its elevation above the sea insures pure air and fine breezes and an atmosphere free from all miasmatic influences. From Newton, in all directions diverge good, hard natural roads, offering elegant drives to the traveler, with a variety of scenery unsurpassed within hundreds of miles. The lakes afford an opportunity for unlimited pleasure to the weary angler. Sufficient of the original forests remain throughout the county to entice the lover of hunting to their shades. The opinion of the traveling public is unanimous that New- ton is not only up to date, but for its size has no superior in enterprise and commercial activity The stores are all well built, well kept, and nearh- all owned by the proprietors, and are evidences of the old saying that " competition is the life of trade." The manufacturing interests are in good hands and are largely the life of the town. The residences show thrift and enterprise, are well cared for, and many of them are surrounded bv beautiful lawns. METHODIST CHIIRCH. And what shall we say of the people who make the town what it is ? Newton is a hive of workers, with few drones. Nearly all the people are at work and are daily laborers in the various walks of life. They are honest, industrious and sociable. There is no spirit of aristocracy nor is there any clique. Any young man coming into the town, whether rich or poor, is made welcome, provided he be honest, industri- ous and well behaved. And the kindly relations existing be- tween the people, unmarred by political differences or those of creed, make Newton a delightful place of residence. And with the advantages offered by this real city in the country, its population is yearly increased by many who are seeking a location for plea.sant homes. The BUSINE.SS OK THK TowN — Newton has many stores and shops and all show signs of thrift and progressiveness. The merchants and the Ijusiiiess men are wide-awake and welcome all industrial enterprises which will add to the welfare of the town. Let us look at some of the advantages of Newton as a place of residence or location for business. And fir.st to the churches. There are five religious societies of different denondnations, namely: Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist Episcopal, Baptist and Roman Catholic, and each society has has its own temple of worship. The parish of Christ Church, Newton, was organized as early as the year 1769. The church building, now standing, was dedicated in 1S69, and is a fine structure of Gothic architecture, built of blue limestone. Near the church is a well-built and handsome rectory. The society is prosperous The earliest record of the Presbyterian church of Newton, bears dates 1786. The society is large, progressive and vigor- ous. The present church building was dedicated in iS7r. It is a fine specimen of architecture of the Ionic order, and while plain and substantial, is an elegant building. In size it is 64 x 98 feet, with a spire projecting to a height of 17S feet, and the seating capacity is about 1,000. A few vears ago the society erected a splendid chapel which is located upon the church grounds. The Methodist Episcopal Church, as a society', resulted from the establishment of a class in this town in 181 1. The congregation met in different buildings until 1834, when it took possession of the structure built on Division street. In 1861 a new edifice was erected facing the public square, and this has been the home of the Methodists since that time. A few )-ears ago the church was materially enlarged and the seats arranged in amphitheatre .stj'le. The society is strong and shows a health}- spiritual and financial condi- tion. The Baptist Church was organized in 1S35, and the society worships in its own building, located on Main street. The membership is not large, but they have retained their organi- zation under adverse circumstances and show a commenda- ble spirit of progress. The first resident pastor of the Catholic Church located in Newton in 1S54, and under his administration the first Catholic Church in the town was erected. 1S71 the hand- some brick church of St. Joseph, situated on Halsted street, was dedicated and is now the spiritual home of that society. A fine rectory is located upon the church land. The church is strong and prosperous. Schools — The Public School District of Newton is conter- minous with the limits of the town, and the school is recog- nized as one of its most beneficent institutions. It has shown vigorous growth, both in numbers and efficiency, for many years, and now ranks well with any public school in any town of the State, of like population. The school is thoroughU" graded into Kindergarten, Primary and Grammar departments and there is also a high school course of instruc- tion. The people of Newton have always manifested great pride in their public schools and always hold up the hands of its managers. Here, every child is afforded an opportunity for a good English education. The school is of such high character that many people throughout the county move to Newton in order to obtain the advantages of a good educa- tion for their children. There is also the Newton Collegiate Institute, located upon Institute Hill, which commands a fine view of the town and surrounding country. The Institute is a preparatory school, designed to fit young men and women for college, and it also affords a special course of instruction. It can accommo- date fifty boarding pupils. There is also a Classical School which began this year under very promising conditions, and bids fair to become one of the permanent institutions of the town. It is de- signed to prepare the joung for college and affords excellent opportunity for higher English education. A Business College was organized in Newton in the spring of 1H97, and is meeting with well merited success. It is well patronized and furnishes a thorough course of instruction in Bookkeeping, Penmanship, Stenography, Typewriting, and other branches necessary to make up a good business educa- tion. Newton also possesses a school exclusiveh' devoted to the Kindergarten methods, which is appreciated by the people of the town. THE B.\PTrST CHURCH. The Dennis Library — One of the best institutions of Newton is the Dennis Library, estabhshed 1872, by Mr. Alfred L. Dennis, of Newark, a former citizen of Newton. The building contains a fine library, a lecture hall, the post office and a printing office, and is under the management of the Newton Library Association. The library now contains about 8,000 volumes, and in the reading room are found the best magazines and periodicals of the day. The library is a blessing to the town. The H. W. Merriam Shoe Company — In 1S73, Mr. H. W. Merriam began the manufacture of shoes in Newton. His business increased to such an extent that in 1882 it was organized as a stock company under the name of the H. W. Merriam Shoe Company. In 1873 Mr. Merriam employed about fifty hands, while now an average of three hundred and twenty-five are given employment. The company is admirably managed by men of brains and enterprise, and it is one of the institutions of the town whose value to the community can hardly be estimated. The Sussex Shoe Company— The Sussex Shoe Company was incorporated in 1886. In June, 1S90, the company was reorganized. They make a specialty of boys' and girls' school shoes. The business of this factory has grown year by year. The factory has been enlarged and now affords em- ployment to about two hundred and fifty hands. The mana- gers of the company are men of well-known ability who contribute largely to the welfare and prosperity of the town. The Sterling Silk Company — About two years ago the Sterling Silk Company, of Paterson, erected in the town of Newton a large silk mill which now gives employment to a number of hands. The business is growing constantly and is a great benefit to the town. Its managers are men of experience in the business. The Newton Shoe Company — During the year 1897 a new shoe factorv was erected in the town under the manaj e- ment of the Newton Shoe Company. They already employ one hundred hands. The company is managed by some of the best business men of Newton, and promises to become an increasing advantage to the town. Banks — Newton has two National Banks, of which the town has just reason to be proud. They are well managed and prosperous. They have never passed a dividend and each possesses a fine surplus. The officers are recognized as first class business men, and their success speaks well for the commercial enterprise of the people of the county. Each bank owns a fine banking house, which is only the out- ward sign of inward thrift. The Sussex N.\Tional Bank — The Sussex National Bank, formerly known as the Sussex Bank, began business in 1818, and was incorporated as a National Bank in 1865. It has a capital stock of |200,ooo, with a surplus of more than f 100,000. The Merchants' National Bank — The Merchants' National Bank was organized in 1865. It has a capital stock of |ioo,ooo, with a surplus of more than |5o,ooo. Hotels— For many years the traveling public have given Newton the reputation of possessing good hotels. The hotels have grown up with the town and all furnish good ac- commodations. Newspapers — The Sitsscx Register was first published July 5, 1813. in a building in the rear of the court house. From a small beginning the Register has grown until it is now recognized as one of the best weekly papers in the State. The .\'e2t< Jersey Herald was established in 1829, and like the Register, enjoys the reputation of a good weekly news- paper. Both of these papers devote a great deal of attention to local news, and in that field are excelled by few in the State. Their active reporters are alert in gathering up items of interest in the town and throughout the county, and they present the information in a manner interesting and attrac- tive. A third paper claims recognition at the hands of the public by the name of the Sussex Record. It was started last year, and the managers are exhibiting considerable energy in their efforts to procure a share of patronage. It is also a weekly paper. Water Supply — In September, 1895, was completed a gravity system of water works for the town. The source of supply is Morris Lake, situated upon the Sparta mountains, about ten miles from Newton. Morris Lake is one of the most beautiful sheets of water that can anywhere be found. The water is clear, pure and soft. It is brought to Newton in a ten-inch main and the supply is abundant for long years to come. The pressure is ample ; the average pressure be- ing over 100 pounds, and is sufficient to throw strong streams over the tallest buildings. With pardonable pride the peo- ple of Newton claim that they have one of the finest water systems in the country. Pure water, ample supply for do- mestic use and fire purposes, strong pressure available for any emergency, with hydrants accessible to every building in the town, make the water system of Newton at once a convenience, a luxury and a protection. Fire Department— The Fire Department of Newton consists of three hose companies and a fire patrol. The companies are strong by training and experience. They are made up of the active men of the town. The department is entirely a volunteer service and enjoys a reputation second to none. The town of Newton has always taken a just pride in her firemen. Thej' are always ready, always on the alert, always energetic and always successful. With the numer- ous fire hydrants thoroughly distributed throughout the town, and with the fire department, whose every member is efficient, it would appear to be almost impossible that any fire can make successful headway. Societies — Newton would seem to have its full share of societies, which appear to be prosperous. Among them are the Harmony Lodge and Baldwin Chapter of Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the American Legion of Honor, the Improved Order of Red Men, the United American Mechanics, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and the Royal Arcanum. Among other societies we have the Young Men's Literary Association, The Newton Club, the Newton Driving Club, the Young Men's Christian Association, the Y'oung People's Society of Christian En- deavors and the Epworth League. Of business societies, especial attention may be called to the H. W. Merriam Shoe Company Building and Loan Association, which has con- ferred many benefits upon its members. It has been in ex- istence several years, is well managed and is upon a sound business basis. During the year 1S97 the business men of the town have organized a Board of Trade for the purpose of promoting the business interests of the town and to encourage the estab- lishment of new enterprises. This is a passing view of Newton, a town which is grow- ing rapidly and will continue to grow ; a town whose people desire to further every enterprise which will work for its welfare and prosperitj'. For a place of resideuce, for a place to do business, the town of Newton has many exceptional advantages. The visitor comes only to admire ; he lingers only to be gratified, and he becomes one of us only to be entirely satisfied. BIRD.S-EVR VIKW OF NEWTON FROM BINKKR HII.I.. Board of Trade. Much of the prosperity of Newton has ever been due to the exceptional spirit of haruion\' and co-operation among the business men of the community. Whenever any ques- tion affecting the material welfare of the town has arisen, it has always been practicable to unite the business men in sympathy and effort, and to secure from them liberal contributions of time, labor or money to advance any matter that commended itself to their judgement as worthy of sup- port and as contributing to the progress of the town. For a number of years the business men were organized nrder the Merchants' Protective Association in correspon- dence with similar bodies in other cities and towns of the State. In 1S96, this form of organization was deemed too limited in its scope of local membership, and it was aban- doned for the time being. In the following spring there arose a need for united action, of those iuteresed in the prosperity of the town, and a call was issued for the organ- ization of a Board of Trade. This call wis responded to by about sixty business and professional men who completed an organization, secured legal incorporation under the laws of the State and elected the following officers; President, Wm. Savacool, Vice-President, A. J. VauBlarcom, Secretary, Chas. J. Majory, Treasurer, John C. Howell, and the follow- ing Trustees : Wm. W. Woodward, Chairman; M. P. Tully, F. M. Hough, N. H. Hart, S. R. Jenson, Lewis J. Martin, Ira C. Moore. The organization of the Board of Trade includes the follow- ing Permanent Committees ; ou Finance, on Rail Roads and Transportation, on Industral Enterprises and ou Town Affairs. To each of the committees is assigned a specific field of interest and effort as indicated in the several titles. The inmiediate occasion of the Board of Trade in the spring of 1897, was in connection with the securing for Newton of a Shoe Manufacturing company that was desirous of moving from Lynn, Mass. Through the work of the Board and of committees appoint- ed prior to its formal organization, this new factory was added to the industries of the town as the Newton Shoe Co. Other enterprises have been investigated by Committees of the Board of Trade, and it is evident that this body will be in the future a most efficient agency in guarding the interests, and advancing the welfare of the community. Public School System. The town of Newton has been ever mindful of the school interestsof its children and has provided from time to time, facilities in keeping with the progress of educational work throughout the State. About 1870, an eight-room brick school building was erected on one of the most desirable plots of ground in the town, and a fully graded school with primary, grammar and high school departments was established. Continuously since that date, the school work has been well supported by the town, and there are to-day few, if any, towns in New Jersey, with a population not above five or THE DENNIS LIBRARY AND THE PUBLIC SCHOOL. six thousand that have a better equipped or more thorough- ly administered school system. The present principal took charge of the school iu Sep- tember of 1892. During his administration, Kindergarten work has been introduced as preparatory to the regular primary grades of the school. The grammar grade work has been organized upon the departmental plan, whereby each teacher becomes to a great extent a specialist in one or two subjects of instruction, and the high school course has been extended and improved in thoroughness. During these six 3'ears also, the building has been enlarged by a four- room addition. A complete system of heating and ventilat- ing has been introduced, sanitary closets have been intro- duced, and many other improvements have been made in the building and its appliances, and in the methods of disci- pline and instruction. The growth of the town during these years is well in- dicated iu the growth of the school enrollment. During the school year ]89!-'92 the total enrollment in the school was 450 pupils. For several years prior, the enrollment had not varied much from that number. Since 1892, however, there has been an annual increase in enrollment of from forty to fifty pupils. The enrollment for the year iS96-'97, included 650 pupils and for the current year will apparently exceed 700. This growth in enrollment has, of course, necessitated an increased teaching force, and a new teacher has been added each year so that there are now thirteen class teachers emplo)ed. It is probable that during the next year an ad- dition to the present building will be provided and the teach- ing force be still further increased. The minimum standard of qualification, established by the Board of Education for the selection of teachers, requires that High School teachers shall be college graduates and that the grammar grade and Primary teachers shall be grad- uates of a State Normal School. In consequence of the improved facilities and increased efficiency in the school the pupils have come to continue a year or more longer in school so as to complete its course of study. The upper Grammar grades and the High School department therefore now include a larger proportion of the entire enrollment of the school than formerly, and the grad- uating classes have notably increased in numbers. One of the manifestations of public interest iu the higher work of the school is the crowding of the large school Assembly Hall, at the High School graduation exercises each June, by the best citizens of the town. The present Board of Education includes prominent pro- fessional and business men, as follows: Chas. M. Woodruff, President, Wm. H. Hall, District Clerk, Wm. E Dutcher, H. O. Ryerson, VV. M. Clark, M. N. Armstrong, W. F. Howell, Wm. Savacool and James Roof The Newton Collegiate Institute. The location of a school is highly important, both from the standpoint of health and from the influence of surround- ings. This school is highly favored in both respects. Sus- sex County, iu which Newton is situated, is, according to a late report of the Stale Board of Health, the most healthful The Newton Collegiate Institite— J. C. Tla, Principal. county in New Jersey. The school is over eight hundred feet above sea level. The scenery for miles around is mag- nificent. The school stands upon a hill above Newton, only a short distance from it, and yet completely separated from the town. For forty-two years, the school was under Presbyterian control, but two years ago it became an Episcopal school when Prof. J. C. Pla took charge. Prof. Pla has had exceptional success with his boys, and has never had a failure in college preparations. Only natives are employed to teach the living languages, and the vocal and instrumental music departments are in the charge of a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Stuttgart, Germany. Throughout the school, the pupil, and not the class, is con- sidered the unit, so that equal advantages are offered to the bright and the slow, the forward and the backward boy. The equipment of the school is good. For exercise, there is a campus of fifteen acres, while in bad weather, the boys can find recreation in the gymnasium or in the bowling allev. Both the dwelling house and the school building are steam heated, and each division of the house furnished with bath rooms. Nothing that can promote health and comfort has been neglected. The aim of the school is to give to each boy an honest and thorough education. English and Classical School. An important addition to the educational facilities of Newton has been made this year. A private school for boys and girls, designed to give them a thorough English or Classical education, has been opened in the new Park Block. The opening week of the school was highly successful, both in the large enrollment and in the excellent class of pupils received. The school has a prosperous future before it. The principals. Miss Pierce and MissRosenkrans, are college graduates and are thoroughly qualified for their work. Churches. CHRIST CHURCH. The Church of England in the Colonies was establish- ed in Newton in 1769. In 1770 the first rector. Rev. Uzal Ogden, Jr., went to England for Ordination by the Bishop of London, there being no Bishops of this Church in the colonies at that time. In the same year the parish of Christ Church received from Jonathan Hampton a grant of laud, the income of which was the main dependence of the parish for nearly one hundred years. The charter of the Church was granted by George III in 1774. The Rev. Mr. Og^, 0' V- .0^ e ^^n^ '« o ^b V ^°-n^. - ^iZ;/-^> /" ;/i§& \,^ .^^ 'bV" *bv" ,-^'=.. ^°--<^. ,0v ^^ ,0- ^ %/ §.\F/ ^v .V °^ •"- A° V. "■' 0^ o V .^ -x-. A"^^ iv A-^' f^rS ^°-v-. -•.^*i: A" N, MANCHESTER INDIANA .^^^^V /% ^^""^