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Zone 17
No. 13 Vol. 9
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Montville Celebrates 150 Years Of History, Offers Poster Contest To Youngsters
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By Anya Bochman n Tues., April 11, Montville Township celebrated the 150th anniversary of its charter signing in the Township’s Municipal Building. In attendance were current and former mayors, state sena-
tors, committee members as well as students and clergy. The ceremony opened with a presentation of colors by Kenny Ferris and Francesca Gonzalez of Saint Pius X School, followed by a student-led Pledge of Allegiance. The Rev. Domi-
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nick Bakowski of Saint Pius gave the opening prayer while Amanda Rosado, of Montville Township High School’s School of Rock, sang the National Anthem. Mayor Jim Sandham followed with an introduction of local dignitaries in attendance, including former Mayor John Rosselini and former Committee Members Dan Grant and Jean Bader. Also present were Superintendent of Schools René Rovtar, Board President Matthew Kayne and Board Member Charles Grau. After the introductions, Jason Jones of the Historic Preservation Review Commission read a brief history of Montville Township. Jones stated that the Leni Lenape had lived in the area for many thousands of years and were the “original people” of present-day Montville; their legacy lives on in many town names. In 1694, Dutch colonists - including Hendrick and David Mandeville - purchased the land from the Lenape and British land owners. Over time, the family name morphed into “Montville.” According to Jones, some sources credit the name to Montville, Conn. or to the area’s mountainous region – but the most credible ones attribute it to the Mandeville family. “Aside from its historic attractions, Montville also
Members of the St. Pius X School Choir ring in Montville’s 150 years with song.
boasts some historic citizens,” Jones said, going on to name David Young, editor and founder of the “Farmer’s Almanac,” and Marietta Huntoon Crane Woodruff, the first woman to practice medicine in Morris County. Committee Member Deb Nielson then read a letter from Senator Cory Booker, who could not be present, congratulating the town on the event. “Through the dedicated service of municipal employees, elected leaders, and local volunteers, the Township of Montville has grown and prospered over the past century and a half,” his letter read. “As you gather to celebrate the history and
people that have shaped your community, I wish you a memorable event.” State Senator Joseph Pennacchio, who has lived in the township for 30 years, explained the importance of the Township of Montville to his identity. “I’ve managed to raise a family here, my kids went to school here…but Montville will always hold a very special place in my heart,” Pennacchio stated. Committee Woman Deb Nielson, contacted after the event, stated that the commencement of the 150th anniversary took place on Jan. 1, and thanked all the municipal officials and employees for all the positive changes in the Montville
municipality. She also spoke of the poster contest for the occasion, the themes of which include “What I like best about Montville,” “My favorite place in Montville” and “Growing up in Montville.” The contest is geared towards grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and high school, with awards for each category. The contest began April 11 and runs through May 16. Winners will be announced in early June and will be invited to participate in the July Fourth parade on June 24. “We hope to get a big response,” Nielson stated. “I’m very excited to see how kids perceive Montville.”