First history of Bayonne, New Jersey
I take great
pleasure in complying with the request of the author that I
write a few words of introduction to his History of Bayonne. So
far as I am informed, it is the first attempt on the part of any
one to collect and record, in permanent form, matters of
historic interest relating to this locality. It is true that one
or more histories of this county have been written, but none of
them have paid much, if any, attention to this particular
community. The task of the author has, therefore, been that of a
pioneer, and for that reason we are the more indebted to him. If
the contents of the book record accurately the events which lead
to the settlement of this part of Bergen Neck, and the trying
experiences of its early inhabitants, the story will be worth
reading; and if we fully appreciate the advantages that we have,
as compared with them, we should be easily persuaded that the
future history of our city depends very largely upon ourselves.
If we are true to our opportunities, our children may be able to
say, "We are citizens of no mean city." While it may be true
that it is two hundred and fifty years since the first settlers
located here, it is also true that the history of Bayonne, from
a commercial standpoint, begins at a much later date. Prior to
the establishment of the oil refineries at Constable's Hook,
Bayonne was unknown outside of Port Johnson, except as a fishing
village and summer resort. Since then its desirability for
commercial purposes has attracted the attention of manufacturers
and men engaged in large business enterprises. Its prospects now
seem fair to become one of the principal manufacturing centers
of the State.
Bayonne, like many suburbs under the
shadow of a great city, has suffered by reason of those who
would otherwise have been its most influential citizens, being
absorbed in the affairs of the metropolis. With men of force
residing within our borders, who are also identified with
business interests here, there is a strong probability of a
greater local interest being developed. I believe that in this
respect, the present is the beginning of a new epoch. With the
natural advantages of a large water front, and the facilities
afforded by the railroads entering our city, there is every
reason to believe that in the near future great changes will be
worked in our midst. It is, therefore, fortunate that one of our
citizens has undertaken to perpetuate the memory of the past
before all the old residents have departed, and the ancient
landmarks disappeared. Such a book as the History of Bayonne
should tend to foster civic pride, without which no city can
succeed. I have been awaiting with much interest the appearance
of the book, and feel quite confident that it will serve a very
useful purpose in the community.
Thomas Brady,
Mayor's Office
November 1, 1904
Source: First history of Bayonne, New
Jersey, by Royden Page Whitcomb, Published by R. P. Whitcomb, 24
East 37TH Street, Bayonne, N. J., 1904.
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