Movie Nights Feature Old-Time Plainfield

Plaque in Green Brook Park marking the site of the
Revolutionary War Blue Hills Fort and Camp.

The Drake House Museum is offering a movie series featuring “Plainfield and Its Neighbors,” the production of Fanwood's Channel 35.

The Tuesday series begins tomorrow and runs through March 20. The films are presented as part of the Elizabeth Keating Education Program.

Featuring rare photos and postcards (many from the collection of the Plainfield Public Library), film footage, and other archival material, is a must-see for all those interested in the history of the area.

The screenings are free and open to the public, and visitors are allowed to bring in snacks. All screenings begin at 6:30 p.m. sharp in the 2nd Floor Gallery of the Drake House, 602 West Front Street at the foot of Plainfield Avenue.

February 20 - Part One

Part One focuses on the early history of the Plainfield area, beginning in the 1740s, and features segments on the early settlements and the militia camp set up by Washington’s troops during the Revolutionary War, the arrival of the railroad in 1839, and the history of Plainfield’s businesses, including its hotels, movie theaters, drug stores, and banks.

February 27 - Part Two

Part Two tells the story of Tier’s Pond and early parades and celebrations in Plainfield. Part Two also features segments on millionaire Samuel Rushmore, who placed a coffin on his roof as an act of political protest, the “Tinfoil Lady,” the true story of Moldenke’s Castle, and the death of “Negro Bill.”

March 6 - Part Three

Part Three focuses on the magnificent old mansions and private estates as they appeared in the 1920s. Viewers will learn the hidden secret of old Plainfield High School, and take a tour of old-time Route 29, the precursor of today’s Route 22, which ran from Somerville to Newark Airport.

March 13 - Part Four

Part Four shows the private “Plainfield” railroad club car that took commuters into Jersey City. Also shown is the construction of the Plainfield Post Office and the Madison-Park Renewal block that was demolished in 1965.

March 20 - Part Five

Part Five includes a tour of old-time Washington Rock, where George Washington viewed the movement of British troops during the Battle of the Short Hills. Also shown is the elegant, world-class Netherwood Hotel, which was visited by European royalty, and the ceremony honoring Civil War heroes who are buried at Hillside Cemetery, which featured many Civil War re-enactors.


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