Mr. Doug Abell lived in Montclair for 55 years, moving here from East Orange with his parents and two older siblings when he was just 3 weeks old. He has been married to Mary Schmitt Abell for 47 years, raising three children. He talks extensively about his family, Mary’s large family, and participation and fondness for Montclair sports, particularly lacrosse. Although Doug never played lacrosse, many of his in-laws and his children did; two of his in-laws are in the New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Doug says, “I lived in Montclair for 55 years, but I was probably best known for marrying her…she was one of nine and everyone in town knew the [Schmitt] family.” Doug and Mary have been married 46 years as of the time of the interview.

Doug helped found, with his brothers-in-law, the annual Homer Robertson Day, a popular alumni lacrosse event held in Anderson Park named for a beloved coach.

He has always considered Montclair a special place to live, in part because of the renowned sports programs, and found that those he met from other towns also regarded it as such.

As a youth, Doug was not cognizant of how segregated the township was, but he realizes now that he had no classmates of color at Watchung Elementary School, a neighborhood school, nor among his Upper Montclair neighbors.

Doug is a long-time and active member of the Presbyterian Church of Upper Montclair, having lived right across the street from the church at one point in his childhood. He talks at length about the athletic idols that went through Montclair High School, and how accessible and friendly they were to other younger kids in town, mentioning Richie and Robert Haines, in particular.

Upon graduating from Montclair High School, he attended a junior college and then spent most of his career as a Wall Street trader. His wife Mary had recently retired from her role as a guidance counselor with Montclair High School.

Mr. Abell touches heavily on the social life within Montclair growing up. He considers himself “blessed” to have grown up here. There were many playmates, they had the run of the town (until the streetlights came on!), and it was very safe. He details the commercial district of Watchung Plaza, which had “…a little bit of everything.” He mentions the popularity of Bond’s (on Valley Road in Upper Montclair), calling it “a great hangout.” He touches heavily on how growing up in Montclair he felt that “everybody knew everybody” and greatly discusses the community within the town.

Mr. Abell talks about his membership in the Commonwealth Club, which he describes as the oldest men’s social club in New Jersey, joking that it was the “best kept secret in Montclair.” The long-lasting connection his 1965 Class of Montclair High School continues to maintain is also very special to him.

Mr. Keith Ali was born in 1955 and grew up in Montclair’s South End, recalling “open doors with dogs running around…everybody knew one another.” As a child he was not immediately aware of the racism impacting the town, which he would come to understand as he grew up. He talks of his childhood schooling and recreational activity, including involvement as a drummer with the Soul Stompers. He notes the impact that news coverage of current events involving treatment of Blacks in the United States--and even cartoons depicting Black characters—had on him as a young child, creating fear and unease, and how the strength and stability of the church and local community countered that.

The interview shares details on his exposure to and involvement with powerful cultural and political figures at the local, regional and global level – from his own grandfather to Reverend Buster Soaries to boxer Muhammad Ali and many others. He shares his deep involvement and commitment to Black empowerment and political initiatives.

From a very young age, Keith Ali’s work ethic was impressive as he worked in many capacities at the same time, from security positions to owning the Sterington House in Montclair, to corrections – including a 34-year career with the Essex County Corrections Department.

Joseph R. Attamante, an Italian American, shares recollection of his childhood. First the diverse neighborhood of the former Cherry Street, Pine Street, Bloomfield Avenue, and Mission Street and later his family’s home on Midland Avenue.  Childhood memories include many adventures on his bicycle and the diversity of the town. He has special memories of the traditional Italian Christmas Eve traditions, and he mentions three men who were positive influences in his life, including his uncle and Montclair Council member Ralph D’Andrea, Midland Avenue neighbor Bill Balch, and Montclair Public School teacher Joseph Belisle.

He discusses his time as a Marine stationed state-side during the Vietnam War, where his English degree from Montclair State landed him a position as a writer. He mentions what things were like during the Newark riots.  After the war, he was a high school English teacher. In retirement, he is active with veterans and peace organizations. 

Due to technical difficulties, only a portion of the audio from Joseph’s first interview was captured (“Joseph Attamante Audio Recording Part 1”). Former MHC Executive Director Jane Eliasof sat down with Joseph a second time to try and capture what was missed in the first interview (“Joseph Attamante Audio Recording Part 2”). The transcripts for both interviews are below, with the more recent interview transcript  listed first.

Dr. Renee Baskerville is a pediatrician and, at the time of the interview, was the Councilwoman representing Montclair’s Fourth Ward. The Baskerville family has resided in Montclair since the 1800s and has established a tradition of achievement and leadership, particularly in the area of civil rights. Born in the mid-1950s, she had a front row seat, at her parents’ kitchen table at their home in the South End, to the meetings where her family members and many others of all backgrounds came together to advocate and work toward fair housing, equity in education, and other civil rights issues. Indeed, her family brought the Rice v. Board of Education lawsuit which led to the integration of the Montclair Public Schools, which she discusses at length.

Dr. Baskerville recalls growing up in the Township of Montclair’s South End near today’s Canterbury Park, which was built during her childhood. She recalls various stores and shops her family went to, primarily in the South End. In talking about the close-knit community, she says “everyone knew each other, and that is why [I] raised my son in [Montclair] as well.” She also attended the Unitarian Church and had a diverse group of friends.

Dr. Baskerville discusses the various forms of racism she experienced personally growing up in Montclair, and her thoughts on racism today. She also expresses her concern about increased residential developments in Montclair, delving into the importance of making certain that people are not being displaced in town due to economic increase, and how it is our responsibility as a community to make sure that this does not happen.

Joanne Bello-Stivale’s maternal grandparents and mother immigrating from Lacedonia, Italy in the province of Avellino in 1911, settling in Binghamton, New York, and moving to Montclair in 1920. Her maternal grandfather Flammia came to America to perform with the John Sousa Band and later sent for the rest of the family to join him in America. She explains that the family’s last name was changed from Flammia to Fleming to better integrate into American society. Her father was adopted into the Bello family and arrived in the U.S. in approximately 1908; later the family discovers that her father’s family name is Ruggierio, and his half-brother lives in Staten Island. Ms. Bello-Stivale has memories of summer visits.

Her Bellow relatives were many and well-known in Montclair. Her parents were very active in organizations in town. Her father established the Montclair Drum and Bugle Corps. She shares fond memories of a safe childhood neighborhood on “Upper Pine Street” and recalls specific stores where her family shopped.

In her early years growing up in Montclair, she remembers visits from the Iceman and Milkman making their daily deliveries. She recalls the 10 cent trolley rides, working for Ma Bell during high school, the Newark Riots, and owning her first car, a 1939 stick-shift Plymouth. She recalls the Depression as well as World War II years, and many memories of the schools she attended. She also explains why her own children were not educated in Montclair Public Schools.

Growing up in Montclair, many celebrations were centered around church holidays and the tight-knit Italian community.

She considers Montclair “home” and recognizes the need for change but feels that recent

construction and developments are undermining the original feeling of Montclair.

Alonzo “Lonnie” Brandon, Jr. was born in Montclair, New Jersey in 1950 and lived here until 2018. He had a 33-year career with the Township of Montclair, starting in his early 20s as the Pool Manager at Nishuane Pool and ultimately serving as the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. He is known to many in town, not only because of his large extended family, but because of his leadership of many township programs in which so many people throughout town participated. His involvement in the 1990 establishment of the African American Heritage Parade is described in some detail.

Lonnie talks about his paternal and maternal families hailing from Virginia, and the many relatives who reside in Montclair. He describes his childhood growing up in the Fourth Ward, and the importance of the Washington Street YMCA. He also speaks to the tumultuous times of the 1960s civil unrest, his civil rights advocacy while at Wagner College, and how he embraced his Black heritage. (Although his father was not too fond of his afro!) He also recalls the toll of Vietnam on his friends and classmates.

While he has reservations about changes he sees in Montclair, he cherishes the friendships and memories of Montclair.

Naomi Booker Brandon was born in Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, New Jersey in 1927 and attended Montclair public schools. She recalls what it was like growing up in Montclair South End; she was aware of prejudice, but she did not personally have any problems. Naomi recalls the businesses that the family frequented.

Naomi’s mother had moved to Montclair from Virginia in 1925, for more work opportunities than were available in their small farming community; her mother worked as a domestic. Her mother’s family was large.

Naomi worked a variety of jobs through the years, including for two catering businesses owned by her extended family, Remco Toy Factory, and MGM record manufacturing plant in Bloomfield.

Along with her work experience, she mentions her participation with the YMCA and the YWCA, and her active and long-time involvement in her church, the Union Baptist Church in Bloomfield. She was also a founding member of Montclair’s African American Heritage Foundation and continues to be actively involved in the annual festival and parade.

Naomi also discusses her children and their families, noting their long-time involvement in the Township of Montclair in various capacities.

Adelle Dean Buck and her daughter Carolyn Buck both grew up here in Montclair. Her great grandfather, George Penrice Farmer, is included in a list of influential residents in Whittemore’s 1894 History of Montclair Township. The family owned a large piece of land on Orange Road near Draper Terrace and Madison Avenue in Montclair’s South End, which is now part of Immaculate Conception’s Codey Field and was later developed into residential properties. Adelle recalls growing up and playing in the South End on the large property, with her first home at 10 Draper Terrace, the schools she attended; the home deliveries via horse-drawn carriage of milk, butter and eggs; and the family’s move to Clarewill Avenue in Upper Montclair when she was in 8th grade. 

Adelle grew up in the years following the Great Depression. She remembers Pearl Harbor, as well as the other activities going on in the town during the war, with her family hosting a British mother and daughter that were evacuated from the London bombings. Her family also hosted British airmen who were training for service, inviting them for dinner on the weekends. 

Adelle and her daughter Carolyn both recall going to school in the town, with Carolyn Buck talking being bussed when the integration of the Montclair Public Schools became mandated in the 1970s, about the racial tension she experienced at Montclair High School being very volatile her freshman year but that tension diminishing by the time she graduated in 1974.

Adelle and her husband raised their family first in a home on Beverly Road and then in Erwin Park. Like her parents, she was active in the Central Presbyterian Church and many other activities. Carolyn considers Montclair “a lovely place to be” although she also expressed concern over the “big high rises going up.”

Anthony P. Caggiano, Jr. grew up in Montclair, following in his father’s footsteps to become a physician with a Montclair practice. His father was a family doctor; Dr. Caggiano specialized in obstetrics. Dr. Caggiano, Jr. later taught at UMDNJ/now Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

His grandparents arrived in Montclair from Italy in 1905. He shares a harrowing story of his grandmother, Anna, collecting coal in her apron on the nearby railroad tracks near Bay Street, as was the custom of the Italian women in the neighborhood. She was struck by a train and lost a leg; nonetheless, with a wooden leg, she raised a family of seven children.

Dr. Caggiano speaks with great respect for the “Great Generation” -- his parents’ generation – and all that they endured and achieved.

He speaks of the Italian immigrant and Italian American community in Montclair, its traditions, the important role of the church and family. He notes several times how close he remains with the large group of cousins with whom he grew up. And he notes towns in Italy from which many of Montclair residents’ ancestors hail—Cerami, Sicily and Lacedonia.

The Caggiano name is well known in Montclair and graces the name of multiple businesses including a funeral home. He jokes, “in Montclair, for two generations, we've had them covered 'From the womb to the tomb.”

Dr. Noal Cohen and his wife family moved into Montclair in 1967 after living briefly in Illinois for graduate school and California for a post-doctoral fellowship; he had been raised in Rochester, New York and worked there as well. He moved to Montclair for a job at Hoffman- LaRoche in Nutley, where he worked in research and development. They raised two girls in Montclair; the children attended Montclair public schools.

While he was not very involved in Montclair organizations, his wife Ann owned a popular toy store, Toys in the Attic, on Church Street until 2005 and was active in the Montclair Economic Development Organization and the Montclair Business Improvement District (BID). Dr. Cohen helped her in the store after he retired from Hoffman-LaRoche. He expresses concern for the difficulty mom and pop stores like hers had with rising rents and high-end chain stores coming into town and feels that some charm from those small businesses has been lost to the town.

Dr. Cohen talks at length about his interest in music, particularly jazz, and his experiences playing in Rochester, NY and in New Jersey. He shares links to several websites that he maintains and some online publishing that he was involved with.

Living in Montclair, his family moved several times including an apartment complex at 77 Orange Road, their home on Euclid Street, and the condominium he and his wife moved into in the former Baldwin Street School on Glenridge Avenue.

His wife Ann was Baptist, and he is Jewish. While he never felt discrimination when they lived in California or here in Montclair, he describes several incidents in Illinois, when he was attending graduate school at Northwestern.

Dr. Cohen speaks at length and lovingly about his wife Ann, who had passed away in 2017 approximately one year prior to the oral history interview, and her store.

Born in 1921, Samuel Debnam moved to Montclair from Bloomfield before World War I.  His father is from North Carolina and his mother from Virginia.  They moved to New Jersey in 1935.  Samuel is the middle child, with four sisters. Mr. Debnam graduated high school in 1939 and in 1942 he joined the Army Air Force.  During the war, he served stateside at military bases in Utah, Texas and Florida.  While there, he saw the effects of segregation, and was even threatened by a group of white Southerners. He met his wife, Maurice Smith Debnam, before the war, but they did not marry until 1945.  Their two children, Steven and Ronald, attended Montclair High School.  Both boys continued their education at the Hampton Institute in Virginia. After the war, Mr. Debnam worked as a watchmaker at a clock shop owned by Higgamen at a salary of 50 cents a day.  In addition to the 27 years working as a watchmaker, he opened a catering business with his wife, Triangle Caterers and later Debnam Caterers. He worked until his retirement at age 90.

In his lifetime, Mr. Debnam witnessed the changes that the Civil Rights Movement had on Montclair, from busing students to the magnet schools, to the integration of the police and fire departments. He was the first Black member of the Montclair Kiwanis Club and subsequently served as its first Black president.  He also helped to integrate the YMCA and served on its Board of Directors. Today, he describes Montclair as a world renowned, very rich town, with low crime rates and a good fire department, and as a very good place to live. 

Donato DiGeronimo comes from a large extended family, particularly on the DiGeronimo side. He grew up in close proximity to many of his relatives in Montclair’s South End – including homes on Willowdale Avenue and Orange Road -- in a diverse neighborhood with African Americans. Donato talks at length about the diversity of Montclair, or lack of it in certain areas, and his appreciation for the diversity and its positive impact on his life.

He attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School from kindergarten through sophomore year in high school, when he switched to Montclair High School so he could play football, because Immaculate had temporarily ceased its football program. As a youngster, he spent a lot of time exploring Bloomfield Center, because after school he would go to the bank on Bloomfield Avenue where his mom worked to complete his homework and then stroll around until his father picked them both up. He fondly remembers summer fun at the town and school playgrounds when young kids were so independent at an early age.

He went on to get a bachelor’s degree from Montclair State and a Master’s degree in Public Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Professionally, Donato started working in construction before joining the fire department in 1978 where he ultimately rose to the rank of Battalion Chief. He was also president of the Firefighters Union. He has long been very active in town politics, economic development and community initiatives, many of which implemented lasting positive changes in Montclair. (This includes the Montclair Business Improvement District / BID which he helped found in 2002-2003; co-author of Montclair’s 125th Anniversary Book; long-time organizer of Montclair’s 4th of July Parade; and Trustee of the Montclair History Center, among many other things.)

He has been a big promoter of local history, integral to many exhibits and sites that collect and share history including that of Italian Americans and African Americans in Montclair.

He also shares details of his family’s heritage and many others of Italian descent in Montclair, whose relatives were originally from Lacedonia, Italy.

Dr. Elaine Douglas shares the legacy of her paternal family’s long-time presence in Montclair, the racial prejudice her family overcame, and the many “firsts” they achieved academically and professionally.

Her father, Frederick Douglas, was raised in Montclair, and graduated from Montclair High School. Overcoming racial hurdles and with much persistence, he became the first Black physician to become a full “attending” at Montclair’s three hospitals: Mountainside, St. Vincent’s, and Montclair Community. Her mother, Daisy Douglas (who was raised in Washington, D.C.), was one of the first Black teachers in Montclair and would become the head of the Home Economics Department at Montclair High School. Dr. Douglas recalls her parents fondly, as “pretty remarkable people.” She notes that she, along with along with classmate Sharron Miller [Sharron Miller Dance/Academy for the Arts in Montclair] who was one year ahead of her in school, were the first Blacks to be inducted into the National Honor Society of Montclair High School – a milestone likely made possible by advocacy of her active parents and other active Black parents who explored the racial inequity that had existed within the program.

She lived in Montclair from the age of six weeks until she graduated from high school in 1964, and then returned to reside here full time in 1986, joining her father’s medical practice. She offers recollections of growing up in the South End, neighborhood schools, racial awareness of what was “off limits” to her as a young Black person in town. She speaks several times about an organization called “Jack and Jill,” a family-oriented social/activity group formed by Black women and their families, in which her family was very active, and which had a very positive influence on her growing years.

Dr. Douglas describes her own career path from teacher to physician, inspired greatly by her father’s love of the profession. She would become the first Black female attending physician affiliated with Mountainside Hospital and ultimately join him in the family practice when she returned to Montclair. She relishes the time when four generations of her family lived together in the home in which she grew up, and that her daughter and her family still reside in the family home with her – including her grandson who may become the fourth generation Montclair High School graduate!

Dr. Douglas comments very positively on several significant changes that she realized had occurred in Montclair by the time she’d returned in 1986: the magnet school system, a more Democratic-leaning political scene, and acceptance of inter-racial couples.

Constance (Connie) Ritchie DuHamel was born in 1929 and grew up in Montclair on the Montclair/Verona border south of Bloomfield Avenue and primarily attended private school here. She shares many memories of playing in her neighborhood, and particularly the winter fun of sledding down the steep lawns in the neighborhood and on the nearby Montclair Golf Club property. Connie recalls many of the establishments that she and her friends visited in downtown Montclair, including Wittrock’s Candies, the Clairidge Theater, Ms. Sawyer’s Dance Studio, Perdue Music Store, and more. Connie was active in the Junior League. She worked at House Beautiful magazine for several years. When she and her husband Young Duhamel married in 1954, they raised their six daughters in the Erwin Park area. Her children had originally attended Edgemont School, but then were bussed to Nishuane School, and Connie recounts how her children greatly appreciate the diversity they grew up among.

Connie recalls stories of her grandparents, who were originally drawn to Montclair in 1904 at the recommendation of Mr. Hinck, a colleague of her grandfather’s in the textile business and the developer of Montclair’s Hinck Building and residential homes; they lived in several different homes on and near South Mountain Avenue.

Montclair is special because it is like one big family. Everyone knows each other, and they are all of different backgrounds.

James Eason was born in 1942. His mother was a housekeeper and his father was a plumber. He grew up with a younger sister and a twin sister. H went to Glenfield School followed by Montclair High School and participated in various organizations and sports such as the Debate Club, the Glee Club, and the YMCA, where he met Jackie Robinson. He graduated from Arizona Western College with a history degree. After working as a teacher for two years, he had the opportunity through Affirmative Action to take a higher paying position for IBM. Both of his sisters were teachers. 

During the 1960s, he was drafted into Vietnam where he served as a helicopter pilot. He speaks about his experiences and impressions there and his return to the US. Coming back, he arrived in Montclair during the Civil Rights Movement. Previously, Montclair was not nearly as diverse but sports still brought everyone together. He got married around that time, and was faced with discrimination when trying to purchase an apartment. He speaks about discrimination several times during the interview. 

He feels that diversity had made Montclair a great place, but today’s affluence and high taxes has changed the population and the town. He is upset at these changes, and also feels that the town is not welcoming to seniors who can now no longer afford to stay in the town.

Description Barbara Eberhardt, born in 1924, lived in Montclair until she was eight years old (in 1932), when her family moved to Lincoln Park; they returned to Montclair in 1942. Other than several years for college in Pennsylvania and an interior decorating job in Princeton, Barbara resided the rest of her life in Montclair.

Barbara shares detailed memories of both the Gates Avenue neighborhood in which she lived as a young child, the North Fullerton Avenue/Bloomfield Center neighborhood where her family resided as a young adult, and her later Walnut Street neighborhood: stores, shopping, churches, the many organizations, and businesses in which Barbara was involved as a career (she was an interior decorator and then a realty broker), socially, and politically including the Dramatic Club, the Young Republicans Club, several women’s clubs, and different churches.

Barbara shares memories of the Depression, which changed her family’s finances very dramatically; of World War II, including rations; and very detailed information on how grocery stores in town changed from small markets to true “super” markets, recalling specific food and other stores she frequented.

Her active lifestyle and detailed recollections provide many, many interesting details.

Sisters Gail Garrubbo and Maria Albergato reflect on their father’s business, Armando’s Coiffure Designers, and share memories of Church Street and Bloomfield Avenue in the 1950s and 60s. 

Their father, Armando Garrubbo, immigrated from Sicily to Newark at the age of 13 and was trained extensively in hair design. Gail and Maria express that Armando’s meticulous manner of conducting business seemed inspired by his immigrant background. Armando’s Coiffure Designers was highly successful and drew in many wealthy and famous women. Gail and Maria note that Yogi Berra’s wife and Mrs. Van Vleck were among his patrons. They also identify Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, Betty Grable, and Esther Williams as customers. 

Gail and Maria remember the names and owners of many prosperous Montclair businesses which have since closed. They attribute the changes they observed to the Church Street and Bloomfield Avenue area in the 1970s to the emergence of mall culture in America. They also highlight the positive impact of a “social revolution” in the 60s and 70s, agreeing that “Montclair was reflective of that.”

Thomas Giblin, born in 1947, traces his ancestry back 100 years to Ireland. His father, John J. Giblin, was one of 10 children and left Ireland in 1927/1928 to join some older siblings and look for opportunities in the United States. Mr. Giblin has many cousins on his father’s side, which accounts for the name “Giblin” being a familiar one in town.

Raised in Newark, Thomas Giblin attended Seton Hall Prep and Seton Hall University. At 19, he joined the New Jersey Air National Guard, serving for 6 years attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He later obtained a bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University.

He and his wife moved to Montclair in 1979 and they raised their 5 children here. He was attracted by the character and atmosphere of Montclair, the excellent education system, the numerous retail establishments, the attractive neighborhoods.

Mr. Giblin has been active in public service for most of his life. In 2005, he was elected Assemblyman for New Jersey’s 34th Legislative District which represents the towns of East Orange, Montclair, Orange, and Clifton. He is also involved in the labor movement and is the business manager of Local 68 International Union of Operating Engineers. He has also been involved in many civic organizations and served on the board of multiple organizations.

He expresses concern about some of Montclair’s families being priced out of town as property values increase, particularly in the 4th Ward. He cites the town’s reputation as an artsy/cultural place, the schools, the good public safety, the train system, the attractive homes and tree-lined streets, the restaurants, and especially the diversity as attributes that attract people to Montclair.

Peter Giuffra was born at Mountainside Hospital in 1942 and grew up with four siblings at 161 Park Street. His mother had come to Montclair from Maine, his father came from Brooklyn. His parents met taking summer courses at Middlebury College, and in 1929 his mother then moved to Montclair to teach Latin and French at Montclair High School while his father finished medical school. His parents were married in 1934.

He remembers his Park Street neighborhood as primarily white, but that he often played with other kids from North Fullerton Avenue, behind his house, where his father had purchased an additional vacant lot. The lot attracted a more diverse group and Giuffra recalls a fun childhood filled with outdoor play in all seasons. He is not sure why his parents didn’t enroll him in the public schools; he attended Lacordaire and Immaculate Conception schools. He recalls the strict nuns and also remembers the nuclear bomb drills of the 1950s. He recalls favorite stores and also how different aspects of the town (such as food shopping and access to restaurants) has changed. He recounts some of the benefits of being an altar boy while in grammar school, including excused absences from school during the week if there was mass! He also recalls the traveling circus that he enjoyed very much when it visited town each year.

Today, Mr. Giuffra is known around town for his role as Elvis in the Fourth of July Parade. He explains how that tradition came to be and how special it is to him. His love for Montclair has also translated into dedicated involvement in beautification of the town – annually planting tulips at the high school – and more than 25 years as a chaperone in Montclair High School’s Project Graduation event. He does it all as a way to thank the town. He notes that many things have changed in town and the progressive changes are for the better, including more diversity.

He speaks somberly of the horrific shooting that took place in the Montclair post office in Watchung Plaza in 1995.

The interview closes on a more positive and grateful note, with Giuffra stating that his favorite thing about Montclair is the people and that he could not imagine leaving the town.

Barbara Grieco was born in Montclair.  Her parents emigrated from Italy and met and married through an arrangement orchestrated by her father’s brother Angelo, in New York City. The marriage produced 10 children of which Ms. Grieco is the sole survivor. She describes growing up in Montclair. She details ethnic prejudices, but emphasizes a happy family life and enjoying her younger years. She also describes the physical changes occurring in Montclair over the years.

A history teacher for 39 years, she had been retired for 21 years at the time of the oral history interview. She graduated from Montclair High in 1948. While they valued education, her parents believed that it was more important for her two younger brothers to receive a college education. Initially, Ms. Grieco started working nights for Westinghouse, since the night shift paid more. Not happy with this job, she sought advice from Ms. Wheeler, head of the Montclair Recreation Department, who encouraged her to get into teaching. She was initially denied admission to Montclair State. Dr. Ferguson, her high school principal, intervened and she was accepted.

Ms. Grieco talks at length about her sister Rose and their involvement in theatre. Together with her brothers, John and Michael, and sisters, Grace and Rose, a group was formed. They incorporated singing, dancing, acting and musical instruments into their performances. They performed at Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. In 1988, she and Rose danced for President Reagan when he visited the West Orange Arena.

Ms. Grieco also describes her travels to Russia, Greece, and Italy (describing, in detail, a five-week trip she took with her sister Rose to Italy that included a trip to her family’s hometown).

Stuart’s grandparents immigrated to the United States in the 1920’s and, on the boat, his grandfather changed his name from Kuchen to Keil. They were fairly successful owners of a liquor store in Delaware. Stuart’s parents moved to Montclair in 1932 and purchased a pharmacy in Upper Montclair. Born just before World War II, Stuart and his twin sister saw the effect rationing had on a small business. However, his father’s good nature and rapport with his suppliers resulted in the wholesalers helping him as much as possible with supplies. He talked about this period being a time of change in the pharmacies, when pharmacists moved from compounding drugs to selling commercially-made drugs. Stuart worked in the family store from an early age and eventually worked with his wife (whose family also owned a retail establishment, a five and dime store in Caldwell) and one of his two sons in their own store. 

He remembers the town before it became the diverse, multicultural place that it is today. Growing up, Montclair’s citizenry was predominantly of white Protestants. Everyone knew that he was Jewish, but it was not brought up and he worked at fitting in. He describes it as “a time of omission, you did not reveal the things that made you different.” As a Jew, he realized that his father had limited options for employment, leading his father and eventually himself to pharmaceuticals. During this time, he recalled that there were only a few golf courses that admitted Jews. He witnessed a change in Montclair when the “separate but equal” ruling led to the creation of the high quality magnet school system, leading Montclair to becoming a very liberal community. 

Following his father, Stuart became active in the Rotary Club and remained a member for 33 years. He speaks about the work they do as an organization. He is proud to have been an active, contributing member of Montclair and thinks it’s a fine town.

Harry D. Mayo, III was born in Brooklyn and moved to Montclair when he was 4 years old. His parents were divorced and he lived with his mother, although his father remained a part of his life. Mr. Mayo attended Nishuane School, Hillside School and Montclair High School. After graduating from high school in 1957, he commuted to Pace College and majored in accounting. He lived in Montclair until he got married at moved elsewhere at age 28.

His maternal grandmother’s catering business figured prominently into his memories. As a very young child he helped spread butter on the Parker House rolls and as a young adult, as his grandmother was winding down her catering business, he even considered taking it on.

He recalls Montclair in the 1950s and always appreciated the differences and the benefits of having grown up in Montclair. “…to be from Montclair was a big thing… it is held in higher regard than surrounding communities.”

Although he did not directly experience discrimination extensively, the few times he was subject to it were impactful and he recalls them vividly.

He provides interesting details about his involvement as an escort in 60-70 glamorous cotillions, or debutante balls. His skill as a dancer certainly contributed, and most likely also his polished manners. He notes how attention to details such as manners and proper behavior were prioritized in his family and very important to him personally in business and personal settings.

He also shares information about his success in business and the love of luxury travel he shares with his wife, Joan.

He end the interview by noting, “There is just something special about Montclair. I can’t really define it.”

Christina “Christie” Mayer’s parents, Carl and Annemarie, met on the ship as they emigrated from different towns in Germany in 1924. They were each sponsored and therefore did not go through Ellis Island. Her mother was sponsored by a wealthy family from Glen Ridge and her father to a pharmaceutical-related company. They married in 1930 and moved to Montclair in 1940 where they built their home across from the Northeast School. She notes that the family downplayed their German roots, being less likely to speak their native German, during World War II,

Christie has two older siblings and shares the details of discovering the adoptive history for her older brother. She recalls how her responsibilities changed when her father passed away, when she was 15 years old, and how her now husband, Kevin Cooney, has been a part of her life since she was 16 years old.

Christie recounts her memories of some of the major national and world events as she grew up including the civil rights movement, Kent State killings, and Vietnam War.

She has been involved at the Montclair Historical Society, now Montclair History Center, which led to a time spent on Montclair Township’s Historic Preservation Commission. She is a long-time member of the Victorian Society. Christie has long had a love of Montclair’s older homes, the diversity of architectural styles, and the diversity of Montclair’s residents.

William McElroy shares many details about being born and raised in Montclair and about his long and accomplished careers in town including as a local bank manager and as the General Manager of the Mt. Hebron Cemetery.

He provides many details of his youth, growing up first on Walnut Street in the 1940s-1950s in a family of very modest means and then Columbus Avenue. Many local families and businesses in the area are mentioned, with heartwarming stories of some of the most positive influences in his life including his mother, his sister Emily, and the mom of one of his boyhood friends. The Walnut Street train station, the John Blondel coal yard, Toney’s Brook, the Walnut Street fire house, and other local businesses figure prominently into his memories – as well as one very mischievous prank involving Christmas trees…..

Bill considers Montclair "a special place and it's the people that I have seen and that  I've interacted with that have made it special.”

Kyra Peralte is the founder of a project called Traveling Diary: A Sisterhood of Stories. Women from around the world can register to write in the diary. It arrives as a physical notebook filled with the stories of other women. After three days, it’s mailed to the next participant.

 Kyra retells the story of how the Traveling Diary idea came to her. She had previously been the leader of a start-up real estate company, which closed in 2020. Soon after, while reflecting on the loneliness she was experiencing during the Covid-19 lockdown, Kyra found herself wanting to write in a diary and then send it to a stranger who would complete it, writing about her own experience of the pandemic. 

Kyra explains how the project took off and tells about how her story took off in the news. The Traveling Diary was reported on by the Washington Post in 2021 and in 2024, Kyra gave a Ted Talk about her experience. Reflecting on her thoughts and emotions at the onset of the project, Kyra recalls being amazed when the number of women registered was 20. Now, the traveling diary has grown into a global community. Kyra reports that 2,200 women from more than 30 countries have contributed, as of 2023.

Anne Von Hoffman and Robert Perdue were siblings who, along with Ms. Von Hoffman’s twin sister, grew up on Upper Mountain Avenue in [Upper] Montclair. Mr. Perdue and Ms. Von Hoffman primarily talk about their early childhood through their early adult years, centered around the Great Depression and World War Two. 

She remembers the effects of the Depression very well, as she was born in 1928. During that period, she would sneak into the abandoned homes in Upper Montclair to check them out with her friends. She remembers Pearl Harbor. Mr. Perdue served in the Air Force. Their  father was a warden during the war, and he would enforce blackout time and make sure everyone had their shades pulled down. They also had a family business in radio, owning several stores over the years. Her mother worked in the British Club, where she would roll bandages.

She moves on to talk about college, and the years after. She was married quickly after graduating college and raised five children in Montclair. Ms. Von Hoffman talks about raising her children, as well as her family and what they do today. She recalls a number of stores that her family would go to, including Bond’s, Keil's Pharmacy, Angelbeck’s, the Valley Diner and going to the various movie theaters in Montclair. Besides stores, her mother would send her to Highgate Hall [café above the Bellevue Theater on Bellevue Avenue] with her friend for lunch and a show. They also went to Hahne’s, the Wedgewood Cafeteria, and the Meadowbrook for the big bands. She recalls a club of her friends called “the Lunch Bunch.” 

Some other things discussed include watching TV the day Pearl Harbor was bombed, coloring margarine to make it look like butter, her friend’s Uncle Abbott who was a producer and gave them beautiful costumes, falling out of trees, jumping off the porch, and her neighbors that she referred to as “Grandma” and “Grandpa.” Grandma would honk the horn from Bellevue Avenue to the driveway and then the butler would come out and carry the packages in.

Shirley Saunders Lovejoy was born in 1928 and grew up very near the Upper Montclair commercial district where her family owned a business, Saunders Hardware. Her parents were well known in town through their ownership of the hardware store they bought in 1927. Shirley’s story about growing up in Montclair gives a clear look into what activities and events people enjoyed at the time. She attended the Montclair Public Schools and was involved in many organizations like the Girl Scouts, the Sea Scouts, the Half Hour Club, the 200 Club, the Evening Club, the Girl’s Club and the Woman’s Club of Upper Montclair, and she continues to be very active in multipole organizations. She recalls her local shops that her family frequented in Montclair and nearby. She recalls the Great Depression, what it was like in town during World War II, memories from her school years, and what it was like to raise her three sons in town.

She has lived for many years now in the old Tuers farmhouse, built circ 1790s, on Alexander Avenue.

Vincent Tango was born in 1944 at Mountainside Hospital. His first family home was in an apartment on Pine Street; when he was five, the family bought their first home on Cedar Avenue; they later moved to Columbus. Despite his family being poor, he enjoyed a happy childhood, with the recreation programs in the parks during the summer and ice skating in the winter.

He attended Montclair public schools. From a very young age, he was very interested in Montclair High School football during its glory years. He remembers trying to play football under Coach Clary Anderson, but his sister was concerned he was “too skinny.” He fondly remembers Coach Clary Anderson’s encouragement and concern for him. Coach Anderson suggested he go out for track instead.

Mr. Tango moved to Los Angeles, CA in 1983, but returned home often and had very fond memories of Montclair as his hometown. While living in California, he earned a living in advertising as a graphic artist. He subsequently started painting scenes of Montclair and has exhibited and sold his painting. He also produced greeting cards and postcards of his paintings.

While he loved the character of Montclair and the name recognition and familiarity he found here, he feels that the township is becoming too commercialized.

He was very involved in gathering historic films and videos of Montclair High School football games and making them more readily available. He has many recollections of stores and restaurants and hangouts in Montclair.

Roger Terry and Sandra Terry Darben are siblings who were born and raised in Montclair, and both have worked to give back to the community. Roger became a police officer, and his 35-year career culminated in his role as Deputy Chief; he later served on the Montclair Town Council. Sandra worked in early childhood education programs to help teach young children. 

Their grandparents had moved to Montclair in the Great Migration, to find better opportunities and better lives than available in the South. They discuss their family’s early involvement in St. Mark’s Methodist Church and the Montclair NAACP. Their father was a milkman for Rudd’s Dairy and then a mailman. Their mother was one of Montclair’s first meter maids. They recall growing up on North Fullerton Avenue and the neighborhood around Rand Park.

They share stories of their aunt, Althea Gibson, a professional tennis player who helped break racial barriers in the sport, but was still subject to much prejudice. She had married their mother’s youngest brother, William Darben. They remember playing football and other sports with the family and that Aunt Althea and their Aunt Rosemary were good at all of them. 

They also talk about the fine education they received, both in Montclair and in college, and the other advantages of growing up in a town as diverse as Montclair. Roger and Sandra discuss the introduction and impacts of the magnet school system. They also describe the important role that neighborhood parks played in the community, bringing everyone together especially in the summer.

Lorena Tyson was born in 1933 in her family’s home – making an entrance nearly one month earlier than expected. Woven throughout the myriad topics covered in her interview she recounts discrimination and racism that she and/or her family experienced.

Her mother had come up from Mississippi; although she’d been a teacher there, she was not allowed to teach in Montclair and became a nanny; her dad was from Nevis, British West Indies and Bermuda and became a business manager at Rudd’s Dairy and other businesses. Lorena provides insight into the origins of several of the Roman Catholic churches in Montclair, including Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church founded by those of Italian descent and St. Peter Claver Church which was founded by the Black community.

Her father bought a home at 15 Montague Place, where Lorena still resides. She attended Immaculate Conception School through high school, one of only two Black students; she continues to feel wronged for not being recognized at her high school graduation as the salutatorian for which her academic achievements made her eligible. She details the stores and other establishments where Blacks were not welcome, as well as the segregation on public transportation. She recalls the Washington Street YMCA and the Glenridge Avenue YWCA, which she frequented as a youngster.

Lorena had a long and accomplished teaching career, which spanned multiple schools and included receiving the Princeton Award for teaching chemistry. She retired from Montclair High School in 1997 after teaching there for 27 years.

Dr. Carole (Layne) Willis, of Trinidadian and Barbadian descent, was born in Montclair. She lived in town until she was nine, and then her family moved to Arizona to accommodate the health needs of one of her sisters. Dr. Willis returned to Montclair as an adult to teach at Kean University, after teaching in England and obtaining post-graduate degrees at the University of Wisconsin. The family still owns the home she was raised in on Elmwood Avenue.

She shares the history of her maternal and paternal grandparents’ arrival to the U.S. and Montclair, including displaying her grandfather’s passport from 1918 which he used when he entered at Ellis Island.

Dr. Willis recounts her childhood in Montclair, her school years, church involvement, and play activities. Her family had attended St. Mark’s Church and as an adult she attended St. Peter Claver.

Dr. Willis earned her degree in Curriculum Development and taught at Kean University for 32 years before retiring. She recounts her active involvement in the development of the Montclair Public Schools’ magnet school system, as a member of the Montclair Board of Education, in response to the court order to integrate the district. She details the focus on innovative curriculum which helped make the magnet system a success. She weighs in on the importance of grant funding to keep the magnet system fresh and relevant.

She also discusses the racial differences she saw in England, where she lived and taught 1963-1968, and the U.S. as well as the different approaches to teaching between the two countries. While teaching in England, she noted that race did not play a factor in the classroom. The environment was completely different. She learned a lot there and applied her learning to her approach to teaching back in the United States.

The interview concludes with her thoughts and quotes on what makes Montclair special to her.

Alice Young is the founder of Alice Young Advisory LLC that advises on Asia business strategies and potential resources. Ms. Young was in the first class of women at Yale College, a recipient of the 2020 Yale Medal, and one of the first Asian American women to graduate from Harvard Law School. Alice's parents were both born in China, meeting during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Alice’s father was offered a posiiton as Secretary of the Embassy after the war eventually leading them to Washington D.C. Working for the government, Alice’s family called many places home including Maryland, Virginia, and Hawaii.

After completing her studies, Alice’s law career took her to numerous places including New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, China, Korea, and other Asian countries befroing landing in California. In time, the law firm Alice was working for opened a New York office where Alice was the youngest partner to found and head a New York branch law office. Alice and her husband Tom eventually chose to move into the suburbs discovering the charm of Montclair and its welcoming atmosphere for multi-racial and multicultural families. Alice and her family have called Montclair home for over 35 years with two children graduating from both Montclair High School and Montclair Kimberley Academy. Alice recalls her efforts to incorporate Chinese culture and appreciation into the school system and amongst her children’s friends in the 1990s when Montclair’s Asian population was still releatively new and growing.