Union County’s Reign of Terror
The Union County Historical Society is pleased to host Dr. Walter E. Boright for a program entitled “Union County’s Reign of Terror” on Sunday, October 2 at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue, Cranford. As seating is limited, an advance reservation is suggested by emailing the society with the number attending at uncohissoc1@gmail.com.
The presentation centers on a Union County man who earned infamy as one of the most notorious killers in the state of New Jersey. His rampage in the 1950s into the 1970s began with grave desecration and arson, and escalated to rape, murder, and cop killing. He was not linked to some of his crimes until decades after they were committed. This serial killer eventually was convicted of murder and imprisoned for life where he later died of natural causes.
Union County Historical Society President Joanne Rajoppi said, “We are excited to have Dr. Boright, a noted author and historian, review the history of these crimes for the Society’s program. Dr. Boright is a respected, well-known author of six local history books and nearly 200 published articles about local, county, and New Jersey State history,” she added.
Dr. Boright earned a bachelor’s degree as a history major from Kean University in Union where he also taught New Jersey history. He taught history in Clark schools and became a New Jersey superintendent of schools. He earned master’s and doctoral degrees at Seton Hall University. He served as a Kenilworth councilman and was elected five times to the UnionCounty Board of Chosen Freeholders (now the Board of Commissioners). Dr. Boright has presented many programs to schools and organizations about local, regional, and New Jersey history.
The program is open to the public without charge. Parking at the Cranford Community Center is adjacent to the center and library with free off-street parking.
Courtesy photo
