Did you know that Label Street and the surrounding area was a significant manufacturing neighborhood of Montclair in the 19th century?  Originally fueled by the waterpower of Toney’s Brook, then steam power, combined with the transportation opportunities afforded by the railroad, one of the largest American label manufacturers became the center of this highly successful and diverse manufacturing area. It started with the Samuel Crump Label Company in 1876  and continued to 1961 when the Oiljak Manufacturing Company, Inc. divested its holdings in Montclair and moved its operation to Pennsylvania. Two of the buildings extant on these sites are original to the United States Printing Company, associated with the Samuel Crump Label manufacturing business.  Over time, subsequent paper companies and other small manufacturing businesses were established in the area. The talk will detail the history of this light manufacturing quarter and the unique role it played in the development of the Township. Today, the study area for the Label Street Manufacturing District is a vital portion of the potential historic district known as the Walnut Street Business Area as identified in the Historic Preservation Element of the Township Master Plan, prepared by Building Conservation Associates in 2016. According to the Master Plan, the Walnut Street Area “demonstrates a unique architectural identity, and is known for its historic association with the development of the railroad and .….industrial development”. Kathleen Bennett, chairperson of the Montclair Historic Preservation Commission will share her research for this presentation.

This event will take place on Zoom, register here.