Distinguished historian and author Walter E. Boright, Ed.D., will highlight the history of Kenilworth’s oldest houses, both those still standing and those that no longer exist, during a celebration of local history being hosted by the Kenilworth Historical Society on Thurs., November 17. All are welcome to attend the event, which will begin at 7 p.m. at the Oswald J. Nitschke House (49 South 21 Street). Admission is free, but interested attendees should register in advance by calling 908-709-0434, as seating is limited. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is available in front of the Nitschke House and in the municipal parking lot across the street from the Kenilworth Veterans Center.
The featured presentation will trace the history of Kenilworth’s oldest homes, some of which are of the Revolutionary War time period and no longer exist, through old maps, sketches and photos. “We will also examine the few homes that were here when New Orange (the area now known as Kenilworth) was created in 1894,” says Boright, adding, “Many of the homes that will be highlighted have interesting stories and occupants.”
Attendees will have an opportunity during the program to ask questions. They also will be able to view a newly installed exhibition, “James Arthur: The Story of 100 Houses in 100 Days,” which includes some never-before-shown historic photographs, brochures and artifacts portraying the colorful story of acclaimed builder James Arthur (1866-1931) who, together with other tradesmen, came to the Kenilworth area (then known as New Orange) in the late 1800s during a major local building boom.
Boright, a native of Kenilworth who now resides elsewhere in New Jersey, has authored five popular books about Kenilworth history: A History of Kenilworth as Told Through its Streets and Street Signs; Kenilworth: Houses, People, Pictures, and Stories; Women of Kenilworth; A History of the Kenilworth Free Public Library and Kenilworth Memories: A History of Kenilworth in Story and Pictures. He also has written a series of articles about Kenilworth history for the former Cranford Chronicle.
Boright is a retired superintendent of schools and a retired director of Kean University. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Kean, and master’s and doctoral degrees at Seton Hall University. He has taught New Jersey and American history. Additionally, he has held elected office as a councilman and as a member of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. His father, Walter, Sr., was a Kenilworth mayor in the 1950s and 1960s.
The Kenilworth Historical Society is an independent, volunteer-based, non-profit, taxexempt, 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to the research, preservation and interpretation of the Oswald J. Nitschke House, local history and culture.
(above) David Crane House
