Chatham Township Historical Society Erects 11th Historic Marker

The Historical Society of Chatham Township has erected its eleventh marker in partnership with the Township government. The marker celebrates the local greenhouse industry circa 1880-1991 when over 90 greenhouses and a million rose plants grew within a five mile radius. It is located on the grounds of the former Behre and later Rose Farms Corp. range on Southern Blvd. The 1991 Andean Trade Preference Act was devastating to the flower industry. Heyl Roses, the last of the local rose houses closed in 1999.

Historical markers have been erected at Noe Pond, The Colony Association, Beys Boxing Camp, The Noe Farmstead, Elias Boudinot House, the Johnson Farmstead, the Price-Baldwin House, the Cockrem Farm and the Green at Green Village.

The markers are part of an ongoing effort by the Society to raise the level of awareness of the areas historical richness.

Contributions to continue the project are welcome. To donate: mail checks to the Historical Society of Chatham Township Attn: Kenneth Hetrick, Treasurer P.O. Box 262 Chatham, N.J. 07928; Or visit our website for donation information - www.chathamtownshiphistoricalsociety.org

Attached picture: Left to right back row: Art Heyl, Kenneth Hetrick, Mayor Kevin Sullivan, Martha and Pat Wells Society Co-Presidents Front row: Val Heyl and Caroline Knott.