THE FIRST BALL FIELD IN FRANKLIN LAKES

THE FIRST BALL FIELD IN FRANKLIN LAKES

BY

JACK GOUDSWARD

As we reflect back on our “Field of Dreams” we look at our town sports fields. Most of us know of “Fireman’s Field”. Most believe it was the first field built in town. But that is far from the truth. The first field was built on Old Mill Road on what is now Lawlins Road and Old mill road. It was built on land owned by Alice Yeomans who let the Fire Company build a field. This field was known as “Oval Field”. The land was cleared and construction started in 1935. The fire Company laid out the field, build stands and a back stop. Many a great game was played here.

As the land was sold off and it was developed the fire company had to look to elsewhere for a field. The place the chose will be known as “Fireman’s Field.” They started construction in 1946. Today nothing remains of the first field. To mark the place is the corner of Lawlins Road and Old Mill road.

I would like to thank Chester Kowalski and Jack Weller for their help in this research