Wayne Township Division of Water

Wayne Township Division of Water Municipal Water Report Info

The documented history of Wayne Township began in 1947 during its centennial celebration, which took place at the Casey House on Hamburg Turnpike on April 12, 1847. The centennial organizing committee uncovered so much local historical documentation that the Township Committee established a Historical Committee. Original members included Dorothy Stults, Helen Zachariasen, S. Hobart Lockett, Rev. Edgar Rohrbach, and Ronald Gall.

This committee operated until the mid-1960s when Wayne Township adopted the Mayor-Council government structure. The Historical Committee evolved into a Commission under the Department of Parks and Recreation. Their key responsibilities include discovering and preserving community historical materials, working with township officials to conserve records and archives, and maintaining historic structures and markers.

In 1966, the Historical Commission became aware of planned Route 23 realignment near Fairfield Road that would eliminate several historic buildings, including the Mead-Van Duyne House, reportedly used by Colonial messengers during the American Revolution. The Commission spent nine years saving this landmark by first securing its place on the National and State Register of Historic Places for its significance as New Jersey Dutch colonial architecture. Later, they arranged for its relocation to its current site. An archaeological excavation at the original location revealed numerous artifacts now displayed in the Archaeological Laboratory on the museum grounds.

Wayne Township purchased the Schuyler-Colfax House on Hamburg Turnpike in 1993. The primary section of this structure was built by Arent Schuyler around 1696, and his descendants continuously occupied it for 297 years. After extensive restoration, it now operates as a museum showcasing colonial-era artifacts and furnishings.

Several officials have authored books available at the museums, including William Berce's "Under The Sign Of The Eagle," Edward Lenik's "Archeology Of Wayne Township" and "Weekends In The Soil," and Charles Jackson's works on local landmarks and industries. The Historical Commission actively pursues research projects on local and family history, encouraging commissioners to undertake specific investigations and public presentations on topics ranging from headstone imagery to Wayne's industrial heritage.

The Commission continuously seeks historical information, photographs, documents, and artifacts that residents might share to support their mission. Their mission statement was adopted in February 2003.

The Wayne Historical Commission meets at Town Hall, 475 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm, except during July, August, and December. The public is welcome to attend meetings and events. For more information, email or call 973-694-7192.