(above) This specially created logo was made for the 125th anniversary of Mountainside, which will be celebrated throughout 2020.
Mountainside Borough’s Quasquicentennial
Submitted by Rachel Pater
The Borough of Mountainside, founded in 1895, will celebrate its 125th anniversary, the Quasquicentennial, throughout 2020.
A variety of events have been planned as part of a year-long, community-wide celebration. All of the events and activities will highlight Mountainside’s history and achievements.
Committees have been established to organize events and volunteers have been working diligently to plan the events. A special 125 logo was designed and will be incorporated into various activities, apparel and merchandise.
“Commemorating this milestone in the coming year is something all of our residents can look forward to,” said Mayor Paul Mirabelli. “The hard work and dedication of the volunteers working to make Mountainside’s celebration a success is what makes Mountainside a special place. It will surely be a grand celebration.”
Anniversary events will kick off February 21 with the “Cheers to 125 Years Adult Cocktail Party,” coordinated by Jeanie Ruban. This adult-only cocktail party is from 7-11 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn on Route 22. The cost is $75 per person. In June, “Arts Inside Mountainside” will convene at Constitution Plaza. Residents will have the opportunity to showcase their artistic ability. The official date is to be announced, and is being coordinated by Kristen Ciccimarra and Andi Hoy. Finally, on Saturday, September 12 the “Mountainside 125th End of Summer Celebration” will be held on the grounds of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Residents will enjoy live music, children’s rides, games, food trucks and much more and is being coordinated by Gary Whyte.
For those interested in Mountainside’s rich history, The Mountainside Restoration Committee, established in 1985 to preserve the Borough’s links to the past, provided some tidbits on the history of Mountainside to include:
- In 1895, a group of concerned citizens living in the northeastern hills area of Westfield Township, decided to break off from Westfield because their taxes paid to Westfield were not benefiting the area. The Borough of Mountainside was formed as a result.
- During the early 20th Century, Mountainside was home to three Children’s Homes: The Children’s Country Home, located at the corner of Mountain Ave. & New Providence Rd. (now the Levi Cory House, since moved to Constitution Plaza), The Coles Memorial Home located on what is now Route 22 at the site of Brighton Gardens and The Highland Home once located at the intersection of Coles Ave. and New Providence Rd.
- Echo Lake Park and the Watchung Reservation (both located in Mountainside) are two parks in a chain of Union County Parks (all linked by a system of trails) designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers in 1921.
The co-chairs of Mountainside’s 125 Anniversary are Councilwoman Deanna Andre and Councilwoman Rachel Pater.
