Cranbury Retrospective

10 Years Ago
    • The Cranbury School basketball teams opened their regular Tri-County season with the girls team scoring an impressive 32-19 home victory over Pond Road, while the boys played well in defeat losing a 36-19 decision at Pond Road. The girls were led by Sadie Abuhoff, Laura Burke and Laura Golubieski. The boys played strong defense and only trailed 9-6 at the halftime, but a tough shooting day caught up with them.
   • Close to 60 dolls make up “Popular Dolls from the Mid-19th Century to the Mid-20th Century,” which will be on display at the Cranbury Museum until May 1. Sitting alongside the dolls are related items, including books, tea sets and pictures. Among the oldest and most historic are those loaned to the museum by people from Cranbury. China-headed dolls, donated by Amy Chambers, sit close to those donated by co-curator Don Jo Swanagan and his wife Ginny.
25 Years Ago
    • William “Bill” Eller of Cranbury Neck Road will play the role of King George II at the historic re-enactment celebrating the 250th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury. In 1750, King George granted a declaration of incorporation, which chartered the Cranbury church. This is the first monthly event this year to commemorate the anniversary. Mr. Eller’s wife Rose will direct the performance.
   • Anthony Swale, now at Lafayette College, is keeping up the winning streak he’s had for years on high school and other swimming teams. He was a member of the team that recently were winners in the freestyle relay in the meet against Franklin and Marshall.
50 Years Ago
    • Two flights of stairs were constructed by the Lions Club for use by ice skaters on Brainerd Lake. Two sections of iron railing were removed for the steps to lead from the sidewalk to the ice level. With improved lighting and the music furnished by the firemen, the lake is one of the finest places to ice skate and is enjoyed by enthusiasts from miles around.
   • The 75th annual meeting of the First National Bank of Cranbury was held in its banking house. Arthur C. Romweber was appointed chairman; Arthur E. Perrine, secretary; and William C. Hoffman and Alfred Lowe, tellers. Directors re-elected were: J. Forster Abeel, Albert C. Barclay, E. Stanley Barclay, Isaiah D. Barclay, John H. Barclay, Arthur L. Burroughs, Clendon Danser, David C. Lewis, Leslie W. Perrine, Clifford A. Stults and Matthew R. Whelan. Isaiah Barclay was elected president.
75 Years Ago
    • Cranbury relief representatives met at the home of Mrs. E.S. Barclay to make apportionments for free lunches for school children of needy families this winter. It may be of interest to the various organizations and individuals who contributed toward this very humane and worthy cause that a group of twenty-five children have been or are taken care of at noon.
   • Elmer Cottrell, manager of the local American store, is confined to his home on account of illness.
   • Cranbury School Fifth Grade reports that the class is studying the South Atlantic States in geography. Every day that we are good, Miss Hagamen reads “Huckleberry Finn” to us just before we go home. We like this story very much.
100 Years Ago
    • The Progressive Raccoon Club, an organization with headquarters on the Dey Road, were given a banquet by their president, H.W. Hagens, at his home. Included on the menu was Roast Raccoon with Celery. The guests retired to the parlor where they enjoyed games and a smoke until nearly midnight, when they returned to their homes.
Compiled from back issues of The Cranbury Press by Peggy S. and Frank J. Brennan Jr.