Artifacts Spotlight

The Association has a huge collection of objects and artifacts that tell the story of Woodbridge Township. On this page, we will be periodically featuring some of our treasures. Please stop by from time to time to see what's new!

Someone recently donated this vintage display case to the museum. We are using it as an opportunity to display our collection of historical documents. The first document to be featured is a 1792 land indenture. The case is on display in our activity room - stop by to see if you can read the hand-written script.

This is an antique humidor, and its purpose is to keep cigars fresh for extended periods of time. This one is copper lined. Copper is non-reactive and has antimicrobial properties to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. There is a small tray inside which would have held a moistened sponge to help maintain the humidity level inside the humidor. Cigars would have been stored inside. There is wood carving on the front, possibly of cattails. It is estimated that this is from the 1920s or 1930s.

The humidor is on display at the museum.

This probably looks like an ordinary old nail file to you. We thought the same when we pulled it out of one of the many boxes that we brought in from storage when we were opening the museum. But it turns out this little nail file has a big story to tell!

Engraved on side it reads, “The Square Deal Drug Store.” At first we thought that was the name of the business, but it was actually the slogan used by William M. Fink’s drug store, and the file was evidently used as a promotion for his business. The store was located on the corner of School and Main Steet, and was home to the very first telephone and telephone switchboard in Woodbridge back in 1895! Kate Therklson was the first switchboard operator. The location later became Jackson’s Drug Store, which some residents may still fondly remember. We did not know about the importance of the shop to Township history until we researched this object, proving that even the smallest artifact can reveal bigger stories!

Our museum is fortunate to have received the donation or loan of several historical garments. These antique clothes are susceptible to damage from light, temperature fluctuations, and handling. Good preservation practice says that these garments should be on display for around six months or less.

Four garments were recently replaced which had been on display since the museum’s opening. It is quite a task to properly remove the existing garments from display and pack them in archival boxes and then fit the new garments onto the mannequins. There are now two new uniforms from World War II, a fireman’s jacket, and a “beer” jacket on display. (If you don’t know what a “beer” jacket is, you will need to visit the museum to find out!)

Patrick W. Murphy was born in Woodbridge in 1867 and joined the town’s police force in 1896. Along with Patrick Cullinane, the only other policeman, they became known as the Two Paddys. Murphy became the first Chief of Police in 1911 and pictured here is his hat. It is one of the oldest indoor items on display in the museum. Capt. Murphy’s badge, whistle, and other items are also on display. Woodbridge History Museum is grateful to his great-niece, Mary Boccuzzi, for this donation.

Woodbridge sits on a rich clay belt which runs from Raritan Bay to Trenton. Very early on, the clay mining industry became the main economic engine for the township and Woodbridge became world famous for brick and clay products during the 19th century. By the 1860s, it was said that Woodbridge was producing nearly 80 million fire bricks per year! The museum has a nice selection of these bricks with much more information about the clay industry.

Amanda (Amy) Breckenridge (1875-1945) was a lifelong resident of Woodbridge and member of the Janet Gage Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) serving as Chapter Regent and Chapter Chairman of Historical Research. HAWT was excited to receive the donation of her Ex-Regent DAR pin and insignia for display in the museum. An attractive framing in Amy's honor has been sponsored by HAWT members John and Karen Keithler. Be sure to view the Breckenridge wall display and read more about Amy's life of service in Woodbridge Township when you visit the museum.

Left: Association member Karen Keithler at the Breckenridge framing. Karen is a member of the Matochshoning-Rebecca Cornell Chapter NSDAR in Metuchen where she also serves as Chaplain.