In the summer of 1879, residents of the sleepy suburb of Montclair were shocked to learn of a deadly altercation on Orange Road, when John Armstrong, an Irish immigrant coachman, was fatally shot by his employer Joseph Blair. Was John Armstrong a violent and drunken “desperado” or “a poor Irish boy” killed by his arrogant and bullying “parvenu employer.” What did it mean to be Irish in Montclair in the latter half of the nineteenth century? Why was Blair acquitted of the murder?  Join us at this History at Home to find out!

Former Trustee Mary Catherine Moran shares this home-grown crime story on this History at Home.

This program is the noon matinee. See the website for the 7 pm performance.

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Photo Credit: MHC Collection