The Edges of the Oranges

Local History Day Trip: A Diary of Independence

Area resident Jemima Cundict's diary gives a local view of the American Revolution. She is buried in Orange.

All history is local history, especially in a town as old as South Orange. When I read of memorable events in the American past, I wonder how they looked from here. I have some sense of how the American Revolution looked from the home front because of a diary held by the New Jersey Historical Society.  Before the Oranges were divided—or even called Orange with any consistency—a young woman named Jemima Cundict lived “over the Mountain, at the corner of Swinefield Road and the Second Valley Road,” according to the editor of History of the Oranges. She used her math textbook, entitled A Lesson in Broken Numbers not for its intended purpose, but for keeping a journal. Her accounts begin in April 1772, just before she turned 18 years old. …

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Down the Shore: Where to Catch a Fireworks Show

Headed south for the 4th of July weekend? Check out where to find fireworks down the shore.

Fireworks are normally scheduled for after dusk, which is around 9 - 9:30 p.m. Hazlet Township, July 1, rain date July 8.  The Annual Independence Day Fireworks is back  on, through private donations. From Veteran’s Memorial Park. 1766 Union Avenue, Hazlet, NJ.  Atlantic Highlands, July 1, rain date July 2: Independence Day Fireworks at the harbor and Fireman's Fair. At the harbor. Colts Neck, July 1: Colts Neck Country Fair and Fireworks, at the park on Bucks Mill Road, Colts Neck. Fair runs 4 - 11 p.m. Free parking with $4 per person entry fee.  (732) 462-8500. Keansburg Amusement Park, July 3 and July 4,  Free. (Does not include attractions.) 300 Beachway Avenue, Keansburg. (732) 495-1400. Red Bank Fireworks on the Navesink, July 3, …

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