Town wants to know who's been here longest
BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer

SPOTSWOOD - In preparation for the borough's centennial celebration, the Cultural and Heritage Commission is looking for two people who may be able to share stories of the town's past better than anyone.

The commission is in fact running a contest in search of those two people - the oldest living borough resident, and the resident who has been in Spotswood the longest.

"We just thought it would be nice to honor someone who has lived here for awhile," said Jack Eichenlaub, who cochair the commission with Bruce Eckman.

The commission has already received phone calls from residents regarding the contest.

"We will acknowledge them as they come in," Eichenlaub said. "Come December, we will determine the oldest living resident and the person who has been here the longest."

The borough, he noted, has a large number of senior citizens and thus a lot of people who know the town's story well.

"Our town is 100 years old, so these people carry a lot of history," Eichenlaub said.

The two winners will each receive a $100 gift certificate and probably a plaque as well, he said. The commission is still looking for businesses to donate the certificates.

To nominate a resident for the oldestliving resident or resident for the longest time contest, contact the mayor's office at (732) 251-0700. Winners will be acknowledged at the borough's tree-lighting ceremony in December.

Eichenlaub and Eckman, along with resident Roy Dey Jr., know plenty about Spotswood's history themselves, having co-written the book "Images of America: Spotswood," which was released in 2003 and sold over 1,500 copies. Since the book is now hard to find, there is talk of another printing, Eichenlaub said.

The 11-member Cultural and Heritage Commission, which meets the third Monday of each month, is now holding fundraisers to help pay for the town's 100th anniversary celebration, which will be marked with events from this December through July 2008.

The celebration kicks off with a Christmas tree lighting, followed in January by a postmark dedication. February will feature a bingo night at the Polish American Club. A St. Patrick's Day dance will be held in March, followed by the 5K Centennial Run and brick walkway dedication in April.

A monument and plaque dedication, as well as an outdoor movie night, will highlight May, while historic tours and other events are being planned for June. Events are slated to wrap up with a celebration gala at Greek's Playland in July.

For more information or to purchase hats and T-shirts, visit the Web site at www.spotswoodboro.com/anniversary.