The Great Fair & a Surprising Champ

Today in New Jersey history:

June 13, 1864: The US Sanitary Commission, a charitable organization dedicated to assisting hospitalized Union soldiers, opened its “Great Central Fair” in Philadelphia. Many state organizations had displays relating to the war, history, technology and other attractions, including food booths, with all proceeds to go to the Sanitary Commission’s charitable work. The New Jersey chapter operated a “cosy [sic] little room fitted up for the convenience of smokers” called the “Turkish Divan.” It was equipped with ‘lounges covered with red damask” where, for ten cents, one could stretch out and enjoy a “fragrant Havana.” It apparently did a considerable amount of business.

June 13, 1935: Thirty- year-old New York City–born James “Cinderella Man” Braddock, an Irish-American boxer from West New York, defeated Max Baer at Madison Square Garden for the Heavyweight Championship. Joe Louis, who defeated Braddock for the title the following year, proclaimed him the bravest man he ever fought. Retiring after the loss to Louis, Braddock went on to serve in World War II and worked as a marine equipment salesman. He died in 1974 in North Bergen and is buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Tenafly. The James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park in North Bergen is named in his honor. Braddock was the subject of the well-received biographical film “Cinderella Man” in 2005.