SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Approximately 350 guests turned out Oct. 1 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the South Orange Train Station, raising $15,000 for a new beautification fund for the historic location. South Orange and NJ Transit hosted the centennial celebration. Built in 1916 by architect Frank J. Nies, the South Orange Train Station was designed in the Renaissance revival style and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Today, it is the busiest stop on the Morris & Essex Line with more than 4,000 boarders a day.
The 1920s-themed party, at which attendees were encouraged to wear period attire, enjoy classic cocktails and complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and dance along to live jazz, included a brief formal ceremony, with remarks on the history and importance of the South Orange Station by village leaders, NJ Transit executives, state and county elected officials, and others. Residents from South Orange and neighboring communities came together to celebrate the heart and lifeblood of South Orange for the last century: its architectural gem of a train station and the rail service that changed this town and region forever.
“NJ TRANSIT is pleased to join the Village of South Orange in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the South Orange train station,” NJ Transit interim Executive Director Dennis Martin said in a press release. “Since the station opened in 1916, it has experienced significant growth, complementing the vibrancy and attractiveness of the community it serves.”
“The South Orange Train Station truly is the heart and hub of our community,” village President Sheena Collum said in the release. “By providing quick access to New York City, the station is one of the village’s greatest assets and is responsible for attracting so many people to move to our special community. Plus, this occasion gave us another reason to have a party — something our town loves to do.”
Photos Courtesy of Matt Peyton