It’s the perfect ending to a Memorial Day parade.  This year, at the finish of the parade on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27^th, the Cranford Historical Society will be honoring Cranford’s Civil War veterans by dedicating a new monument in Memorial Park, on Springfield Avenue in Cranford.   The dedication coincides with the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, an observance which began in 2011 and runs until 2015.

On October 27, 2009, the Cranford Historical Society was designated as the lead organization for commemorating that defining period of American history. Founded in 1927, the Cranford Historical Society’s mission is to preserve and perpetuate the history of Cranford. The Society has been sponsoring programs throughout the war’s anniversary to broaden public awareness of the transformative events leading to the conclusion of that great struggle. The Civil War monument’s installation, and the availability of the accompanying dedication pamphlet, are the culmination of over ten years of research and fundraising by the Cranford Historical Society’s Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee.  It was supported by a Union County History Grant from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Steven D. Glazer, Chairperson of the Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee of the Cranford Historical Society, has worked tirelessly for the past decade, studying and writing about Cranford’s place in the Civil War. He is the author of Discover Your Community’s Civil War Heritage, and a key contributor to New Jersey Goes to War and New Jersey’s Civil War Odyssey, official publications of the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association’s Sesquicentennial Committee.

The Historical Society’s created this new memorial stone to stand as a reminder to continuing Cranford generations of the contributions, sacrifices, and history-shaping actions made by town residents of the past. About eighty people who fought during the Civil War lived in the area prior to, or immediately after, the Civil War. Many Civil War veterans also held key positions in early Cranford, including the role of mayor, township committee members, and town justice. Many Civil War veterans developed or farmed the land in Cranford, while others established churches in the community. Quite a few Cranford residents took part in major battles during the Civil War, and some are even reported to have had direct connections with President Abraham Lincoln, for whom Cranford’s Lincoln Avenue was named, including two residents who were reported to be present in Ford’s Theatre the night the president was fatally shot. Another Cranfordian reportedly assisted in thwarting the first assassination plot against President-elect Lincoln as he made his way to his first inauguration in Washington. More fascinating information is available if you contact the Historical Society’s office at 908-276-0082 or cranfordhistoricalsociety@verizon.net,  or visit the website at www.cranfordhistoricalsociety.com

If you plan to be at the Memorial Day parade, before you head home to fire up the grill for those burgers and dogs, take a few moments to enjoy this dedication.  And to think about what our Cranford ancestors did to help maintain this country.  And to remember why we celebrate the day in the first place.  And to admire the Civil War monument, think a bit, and say a quiet thank you to those who allowed you to be here.

It’s probably one of every homeowner’s greatest fears.  It can rob you, not only of your belongings, but of your peace of mind, as well.  It is a personal invasion as well as a property invasion.  It is burglary, and it is something every homeowner wants to protect against.

Probably the first thing that comes to mind for most in terms of burglary protection is some type of alarm system.  There is a huge variety to choose from, with a huge variety of pricetags.  The cheapest of systems provide noise alone, to deter would-be trespassers, and awaken residents and neighbors to phone emergency services.  The more expensive ones will hook directly up TO a service, which will then contact emergency services for you.  There are even those that can be controlled remotely, from your computer or your phone, whether you are home or not.  These usually offer a lot more than just burglary protection . . . . possibly even allowing you to control your lights, thermostat, and video feeds from home.  It pays to research before having an alarm system installed, to make sure it is the right one to suit your needs, and your wallet.

If an alarm service is not realistic for you, then don’t despair.  There are a great many things, most of which are extremely simple, that homeowners can do to protect themselves from thieves and break-ins.  A little thought and care can actually go a long, long way towards protecting your home and your family.

Burglary is a crime of opportunity, and nobody window shops better than a burglar.  Don’t allow your home to be a storefront of opportunity and marketing.  Don’t, for example, draw undue attention to your home by discarding empty boxes at the curb with your trash.  Lining up empty boxes from TV’s, gaming systems, or appliances after Christmas or a birthday is like displaying a menu of available items in your home.   Break those boxes down and hide them amongst your recyclables.  Use shades, drapes and other window treatments to keep indoor household items that may be tempting out of view and out of temptation.  Essentially, make window shopping at your home impossible.
No burglar wants to walk the red carpet of conspicuousness into your home.  Trim back bushes, shrubs, and trees so that all doors, windows, and porches are visible from the street and sidewalk.  A dark or poorly lit property area makes it easier for a burglar to go about unseen.  Motion-sensored lighting is often a perfect solution, as it prevents the need to have lights on ALL the time.  It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to install.  Using timers is another excellent way to thwart burglary, especially if you are not going to be home for any extended period of time, such as leaving for a vacation.  Timers that are hooked up to indoor lights, as well as radios or televisions, are a great idea. They can run from about $5 – $40, depending on their sophistication, but even a basic plug-in unit can turn a light on and off once or twice a day. A more expensively wired digital outlet switch can switch lights on at any number of set or random times.
The majority of all burglaries take place at ground floor doors and windows, All entry doors should be solid wood or steel-wrapped wood-core doors, because, despite the care you may take to use a variety of locks,  hollow-core doors or old wood-panel doors can be kicked in easily from their frames, and don’t offer much protection. For doors with imbedded windows, installing a protective barrier of quarter-inch Plexiglas over any existing glass can offer added protection, and can prevent burglars from breaking the window and either opening the door’s lock from the inside or getting into the house through the opening itself.

Deadbolt locks should be installed in every outdoor entry door.   Insurance companies and locksmiths usually recommend Grade 1 or Grade 2 American National Standards Institute deadbolt locks on exterior entryways. There are two main types of deadbolts – single cylinder and double cylinder locks. A single cylinder deadbolt has a keyed opening on one side, and a knob or latch that can be turned by hand on the other side. A double cylinder deadbolt lock, which may be slightly more expensive, is keyed on BOTH sides.  Each offers plusses and minuses.  A double cylinder lock might be a better choice on doors with an imbedded window, or one near a window, as it prevents a burglar from breaking the glass, reaching in, and opening a latch…… he would need a key to open it from the inside, as well.  But, keep in mind, this means that it would also be more difficult for residents to open, and they can impede a speedy exit from a home in case of fire. Leaving the key IN the inside lock would completely defeat the purpose.

It seems almost silly to say, but, honestly, the best protection you can offer your home is a little common sense.   Insure all of your more expensive household belongings, and keep a list of them.  It is also a very good idea to keep photographs of things (including jewelry and more personal items), as well as all insurance information, in a folder that you can refer to.  Lock all your doors and windows whenever you leave your home.  Be aware of your surroundings or strangers lurking about.  Make friends with your neighbors, tell them when you won’t be home for any length of time, and have them take in your mail.  Look out for each other and for each others’ homes.  In the end, a tight-knit community is the very best protection against burglary.  Being neighborly, and being smart, can offer you the greatest protection of all.

You’ve got to love New Jersey.  What other state in the union would have a building shaped like and elephant and a ship made out of concrete?  Brilliant.

On Wednesday, May 22, at 7:30 PM at the Cranford Community Center at 220 Walnut Avenue, The Friends of the Cranford Library will host regional historian and photographer Kevin Woyce.  There is no charge for attendance, and attendees are sure to learn some fun facts about the jersey shore – just in time for summer and visits to our local beaches!

Woyce will offer a colorful tour, complete with original photography and vintage maps, of the interesting and unique history of the jersey shore.  Learn about things of historical significance, such as storms, pirates, and shipwrecks.  See points of interest and learn their stories, such as lighthouses, boardwalks, hotels, resorts, and amusement parks.  You can even find out how various seaside communities got their names.  Many things which very well may have been a regular part of your summer beach experience may have stories behind them you weren’t aware of.

Why not check it out and be entertained?  You might already know all of the interesting stories about the Jersey coast, but come anyway, just to be “shore.”

On Sunday, May 19th, from 2:00- 4:00 PM at the Crane-Phillips House Museum at 124 North Union Avenue in Cranford, The Cranford Historical Society will host an afternoon of their “Meet the Local Author” program. Present will be local author and Cranford resident John Shubeck, who will present a discussion of his recently published work, Sour Cream, Blueberries, and You:  A Memoir, and offer book signings.  Author, photographer, and local existentialist,  John Shubeck has compiled more than one hundred short stories, poems, observations, and photographs recording everyday happenings. Shubeck uses experiences gleaned from his everyday life with family, business, society, and nature, and he explores how each change in life brings with it new experiences and new doors to open.  He will also discuss his experiences through the entire process of actually publishing his book.

Amazon.com posts the following description of his latest book – “Sour Cream, Blueberries, and You”  offers a new look at life and how we live as described by author and photographer John Shubeck through more than one hundred short stories, poems, observations, and photographs recording everyday happenings. What you now see as mundane can be revealed with hidden opportunities and humor, providing new insights through his observations. An occasional bit of reality presents food for thought and opens doors to what could be. From the emotion of “A Woman in Love” to the vicarious sadness expressed in “Today I Saw a Friend,” Shubeck’s writing considers friendship or love in a new light. He uses the experiences he has gleaned from his family, business, and society; even nature is exposed and seen differently. By opening wonderful new worlds, new experiences have come his way with each life change. He has not only become more aware of the world around him, but he also revels in the new and exciting relationships that have come with each new start in his life.”

In the Introduction of his book, Shubeck himself writes, “I hope my curiosity gave some insights that I will use to tickle your fancy and have you saying, ‘Yes, I never thought of that, but now I see.’  While recuperating from a heart attack in 2004, I walked the streets of Cranford, New Jersey, and as a resident photographer, I recorded it’s lifegiving beauty and atmosphere.”

Admission to this event is free, and everyone is welcome to attend. Perhaps we could all use a bit of a spotlight on Cranford’s “lifegiving beauty and atmosphere,” and the chance to appreciate what has been all around us all along.  A visit with John Shubert may offer just the feel-good perspective we need.

Cranford NJ’s Crane-Phillips House Museum

There’s something truly special about finding an antique or vintage gem.  It holds a story.  It boasts a history, even if it is a silent or secret one.  It gains new life, while adding a unique new flavor, to your home or in your possession.  It’s something only YOU will have, because it’s not something readily available off of a current day assembly line.  It is a prize at the end of a hunt.

On Saturday, May 18^th, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, head out to the Cranford United Methodist Church parking lot, at 201 Lincoln Avenue East (at the corner of Walnut), to find some timeless gems at the annual Cranford Antique Show and Sale.

Dealers will be set up, ready to show, talk about, and sell their fine antiques and vintage treasures.  Virtually all varieties of antiques will be available . . . . including dolls, postcards, tools, books, linens, textiles, pottery, porcelain,  jewelry, toys, decorative items, and period furniture.  Truly, something for every type of collector or interest holder.

At the very least, it promises to be a fun and enlightening stroll through time.  And you may  just walk out with an item whose story you are destined to continue.