History on the Avenue: First Outdoor Historical Photo Exhibit in Caldwell

The history of Caldwell’s business district comes to Bloomfield Avenue in a fascinating outdoor historical photo exhibit from Sat, April 25- Sun, May 10.  The public is invited to stroll the Avenue and view 72 photos of how downtown Caldwell appeared over the last 125 years. Enlarged photos will be on display in store windows with accompanying descriptions. A self guided tour brochure will be available at shops along the Avenue beginning April 25.

The historical photos from the 1890s through 2000 show the evolution of the Caldwell business district. Bloomfield Avenue, known historically as the “Big Road” came into existence in the early years of the 19th century. Included in the exhibit are photos of large beautiful homes and hotels that reflect an era when Caldwell as known as ‘the Denver of the East” for its clean country air and water. Likewise are photos after the Big Fire of 1897, of Memorial Day parades in the early years of the 20th century, of the trolley that ran east to Newark until 1952 and many more.

Sponsored by the Caldwell Merchants Association, the ssociation is very thankful to many in the community for use of photos and research help including John J. Collins, Richard Gibbs, Ryan Dorchak, Bunny Jenkins, Estate of Eugene Straub, Sam Kent, Tom Gartland, David Cowell, Beverly Crifasi, Janet and Bob Markman, Donna Filkin and the Historical Society of West Caldwell.