"The Boss" Frank Hague

 Jersey City Mayor Frank Hague, "The Boss"



Before there was Bruce Springsteen, people throughout New Jersey as well as the United States knew Jersey City Mayor Frank Hague as “The Boss”. Born in 1876, Hague became a household celebrity whose name quickly rose to reverence. Even today, sixty-four years after his resignation as Mayor of Jersey City, Frank Hague is a man whose is revered by many. In the same token, “The Boss” was also the center of a universe of controversy and what many consider corruption.

Hague was a practitioner of patronage, an act of ensuring jobs and contracts for people in return for political support. At the young age of fourteen, after being expelled from school, Hague found himself an actor in a political play, doing various favors for local politicians. He was very successful in ensuring victory for a local man running for constable and caught the attention of the then Democratic Boss Little Bob Davis. From that moment on, Frank Hague become increasingly involved in the Democratic machine of Jersey City and climbed the ladder of political success.

In 1913, Hague participated in an election for the Police Commissioner of Jersey City and achieved victory. In this capacity, Hague cracked down on various crimes such as prostitution which, in turn, gained him friends in the religious arena. Despite this apparent moral clean-up, it has been said that Hague simply moved these criminal operations off the street and into local buildings. He often received a cut of the income in order to allow these criminals to continue their dealings.

After proving himself to be a reputable and efficient Policed Commissioner, Hague ran for reelection on a ticket with various political allies. All five of his friends won the election and, even though another man was intended to be appointed Mayor of Jersey City, Frank Hague was chosen in 1917. From 1917, Hague ran arguably one of the most successful and powerful political machine, not only in New Jersey, but also the nation. Like most political bosses of and before his time, Hague maintained power by showing compassion to his constituents and taking care of their needs.

Three groups of people found Mayor Hague one of the most appealing politicians they came across: Reformers against Robber Barons, Catholic immigrants who resented the contemporary Protestant status quo, and staunch Anti-Communists. First, Hague was and still is often referred to as a friend of the working man. He made every effort to ensure the average working individual was taken care of and not taken advantage of by the “big money” Barons. Second, Hague was an Irish-American Catholic who came from humble beginnings as the son of Irish immigrants. While Mayor Hague was sure to meet the needs of all his constituents, he held a special place for Catholics and was often known to have the clergy in his pocket amongst other people. Third, “The Boss” was an avid opponent of Communism and fought valiantly to keep all traces of it out of his city.

As one of the major industrial areas in New Jersey of the time, many companies often considered Jersey City when looking for a home. In most cases, the choice of where to settle certain companies fell between Paterson and Jersey City. One fact, however, put Jersey City over the top: Hague was sure to not let labor strikes break out on his watch. A breeding ground for radical labor movements, Paterson, New Jersey was the setting for many strikes. Thus, various Communists of the time looked to Paterson as a haven. Regardless of relatively high taxes, Jersey City was very appealing to people because “The Boss” essentially guaranteed that there would be no labor strikes and was very particular to the types of Unions he would allow to operate within the city limits.

As his years of mayor pressed on, Hague found himself as a President maker. In spite of originally supporter an opponent of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Al Smith, Hague eventually came to back FDR for President in 1932. Frank Hague made FDR a simple proposition: Start his campaign in New Jersey and Hague would ensure a large crowd at the event as well as possible votes in November. Roosevelt took Hague up on this offer and started his Presidential campaign in Sea Girt, New Jersey. “The Boss” once again made good on his promise and over 120,000 people were in attendance, a feat which undoubtedly impressed FDR. As all good political bosses do, Hague was sure to secure himself a favor in exchange for helping FDR. Accordingly, he was rewarded with funding for a new medical center in Jersey City that included a maternity ward, named after Hague’s mother Margaret (ironically, my father was born in this building, the Margaret Hague maternity ward).

In addition to his having a part in FDR becoming President, Hague also stretched his political tentacles to Congress. During 1921, Frank Hague urged his friend Mary Norton to run for Hudson County Freeholder. She accepts and wins. Two years later, Norton, again at the urging of her “mentor” Hague, runs and wins a seat in the United States House of Representatives. One of the first women in Congress, Norton was essentially Hague’s personal representative and voice in Congress until 1949 (which is a mere two years after Hague resigns from his position as Mayor of Jersey City).

During FDR’s New Deal, Hague was sure to see Jersey City thrive and receive as much assistance as it could. After creating the WPA, the Works Progress (later Projects) Administration, FDR named William Ely, an acquaintance of Hague, to head the program. Under Ely’s leadership of the WPA, Jersey City saw an influx of jobs and projects. About 97,000 jobs were set up, most of which went to Jersey City residents. Projects such as the Roosevelt Stadium, aptly named after FDR, and additions to the Medical Center were funded under the WPA. During this time, the Jersey City Medical Center offered free medical care to all Jersey City residents.

Hague throwing the first pitch at Roosevelt Stadium

Through many of his actions, regardless of how he accomplished them, Frank Hague won the hearts and love of Jersey City residents and Democrats across New Jersey. The result of the Jersey City Mayoral Election of 1937 proves this: Hague received 110,743 votes while his opponent received just 6,798. Despite this overwhelming support, as time went on, people grew increasingly impatient with “The Boss”. While he was ensuring the happiness of his fellow Jersey City residents, Hague was becoming more and more absent to his supporters. At his peak of power during the 1940’s, Hague owned various residencies (14 room apt in Jersey City; Shore house in NJ worth $124,000; Town house in NYC; Florida house) and often vacationed in Europe with his wife.

Since his supporters began to get bored with him, his “advisors” warned he may actually lose an election for the first time in his mayoral career. Heeding this warning, Frank Hague resigns mid-term in 1947. However, instead of simply waiting out his term and not seek reelection, the powerful boss decided to resign because he would be obligated to appoint a successor, thus maintaining some type of control in Jersey City. Hague then appoints his nephew Frank Eggers to replace him as Mayor of Jersey City. Regardless, two years later in 1949, Eggers loses his reelection to the man Hague feared would seek to replace him, John Kenney, the “New Boss”.

Even with his highest salary as mayor being $7500 a year, Mayor Frank Hague died in 1956 a millionaire. Through real estate speculation and cunning business practices, Hague was able to amass a huge fortune. This, coupled with his “charity” work as Mayor of Jersey City, earned him the support of countless Jersey City residents. “The Boss” rose from humble beginnings to one of the most powerful political bosses in the nation. Although a staunch and dominating Democrat, Hague found support and allies across party as well as state lines. Regardless of his possibly questionable practices, “The Boss” Mayor Frank Hague remains a revered New Jersey politician to many people and left a lasting mark on the history of, not just New Jersey, but the nation as a whole.

Frank Hague on Kennedy Blvd. in Jersey City (Photo courtesy of NJCU.edu).

For more information on Frank Hague visit:

http://www.njcu.edu/programs/jchistory/Pages/H_Pages/Hague_Frank.htm

Barnegat Lighthouse, Barnegat Light, New Jersey

Barnegat Lighthouse, Barnegat Light, New Jersey

            Barnegat Lighthouse, also known as "Old Barney", is a landmark that holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially those who love the shore. Old Barney, the second tallest lighthouse in the United States, is located in the borough of Barnegat Light, New Jersey on the northern end of Long Beach Island. First built in 1835, the original lighthouse was commissioned with a $6,000 appropriation by the United States Congress. Twenty years later, in 1855, Lt. George Meade (famed Union General of the American Civil War) was assigned to design a new tower because of his previous work with the Absecon Light. After completing his plans for construction in 1855, the tower began construction one year later. The original tower, however, was threatened by dangerous and severe currents from the ocean and inlet. It later fell to the sea in late 1857. Lt. Meade's new tower would be about four times as big as the original and would cost close to $40,000 to complete. Finished and standing firm on the shores of New Jersey, the lighthouse was commissioned January 1, 1859. The tower, lit for the first time, became a crucial part of maritime navigation off the coast of the Garden State.

Barnegat Lighthouse c.1920

With its light about 165 feet above sea level, the Barnegat Lighthouse led ships to safety from the sea until August of 1927 when a lightship was anchored 8 miles off the coast. While the tower remained, its light was reduced immensely, almost by 80%. Finally, the light of Old Barney was deactivated in January of 1944. Immediately after its deactivation, the lighthouse was given to the state of New Jersey so that the public could enjoy its pure beauty. The original lens was brought back to the township and is on display at the museum. In 1957, the land surrounding the lighthouse was declared a state park and dedicated to the history of such an amazing landmark. Fourteen years later, the Barnegat Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2008, efforts to raise money in order to reactivate the light began. Around October of that year, enough money had been raised and a new light (one significantly smaller than the original light) was installed. On the 150th anniversary of its activation, the lighthouse was lit once again for the first time since 1944. The light now shines every night from dusk until dawn, serving as a warm reminder of the times when Old Barney once safely guided ships to port.



View from the top of Old Barney

Today Barnegat Lighthouse stands at the northern end of Long Beach Island and at the south side of Barnegat Inlet. The current tower stands at 172 feet. To climb the steep lighthouse to the top, one must endure 217 steps. Once at the top, one can see for miles. To the south, the view of Long Beach Island spans the horizon. Barnegat Peninsula (Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park, Seaside Heights, Ortley Beach, etc.) is visible from the north side of the tower, to the east the Atlantic Ocean, and to the west Barnegat Bay as well as the mainland.



One of the many landings on the way up to the top of Old Barney



Barnegat Lighthouse is one of the many wonders that grace the shores of New Jersey. The Jersey shore is my favorite place in the Garden State so I think it would be safe to expect a great deal of posts that focus on the shore and the great history that can be found here. Until next time...



Ringwood Manor, Ringwood, New Jersey

         Nestled in the scenic state park located in Ringwood, New Jersey the Manor House at Ringwood is one of the most historic and important locations on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1739, Ringwood Manor has a long history that helped shape the course of the Revolutionary War.The historic manor at Ringwood now sits on 582 acres of its original 38,000 acres that served many purposes throughout its existence. The property’s various functions included: the center of an iron mining empire, a strategic location during the American Revolution, extravagant summer home, and finally a historic state park. The land that makes up what is known as Ringwood Manor gives extensive insight into how the steep cultural, political, and industrial history has evolved over the many decades.

         Years before settlers came to the Ringwood area in hopes of a new, prosperous life, the land was home to the Native American people. According to artifacts that were found in the area, tribes occupied the area dating back to the Archaic and Woodlands period. Lenape tribes lived near the head of the Ringwood River Valley in their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle. To the many Native Americans, this area was considered sacred due to what they felt was earth’s “special forces”. By 1740, however, colonial settlers also found the land an interesting prospect. Attracted by the rich iron ore, a man by the name of Cornelius Board settled near the site in the year 1739. Board was the first to utilize the area for mining the iron ore. Following in Board’s footsteps, the Ogden family established the Ringwood Company and built the very first blast furnace in 1742. Although early in its history, Ringwood was already on the map as an iron ore paradise. In 1765, a German immigrant Peter Hasenclever bought the property from the Ogden’s and established the American Iron Company. By this time Hasenclever’s company owned 150,000 acres in New Jersey, New York, as well as Nova Scotia. Eventually Robert Erskine became the ironmaster and was sent from England in 1771 to take control of the area. Erskine would go on to serve and manage the company during the American Revolution. He would prove to be a powerful and successful ally of General George Washington and the Continental Army.

       For nine years during the Revolutionary War, Robert Erskine managed three iron plantations from his headquarters at Ringwood. The iron that was mined at these plantations was used to help supply the Continental Army. Components of the chain system used to defend the Hudson River from the British Army, domestic tools, and hardware were all things that were created using iron from Ringwood. In addition, the military supply route from Morristown, NJ to West Point, NY passed through the site. As an ally of the Patriot cause, Erskine was a principle player in the war for American Independence. While residing as ironmaster, Erskine served General Washington as his personal map drawer as well as using his engineering skills to help the Continental Army. Erskine thus became the army’s first geographer and Surveyor-General and produced more than two-hundred highly accurate maps. General George Washington made frequent (about five) visits to the Colonial Manor House. In fact, General Washington was at Ringwood on April 19, 1783 when a cessation of hostilities between the Patriots and the British was declared. In 1780 Erskine died at the age of 45 and is buried in the old cemetery on the grounds at Ringwood Manor. Buried alongside Erskine are 150 pioneers, iron workers, and soldiers who died marching through the area. When Erskine passed away, his wife remarried and took control of the property.

        The current manor house was a project started by Martin J. Ryerson around 1807. The Ryerson family controlled the iron mines and forges on the property as well as at four other locations in the general area. For almost fifty years, the Ryerson’s called their 10-room Federal style home. At one point during their residence and operations at Ringwood, the Ryerson’s made ammunition for the American army during the War of 1812. In fact, the Ryerson Steel Company is still in operation today.

          By 1853, the Ryerson House and property were purchased by two business partners Peter Cooper and Abram S. Hewitt, Cooper’s son-in-law. The Cooper-Hewitt family purchased the 22,000 acre ironworks for a sum of $100,000 and decided to make the site their summer home, renaming it The Forges and Manor of Ringwood. Throughout their years of ownership, they built on the Ryerson house with major renovations in 1864, 1875, 1900, and 1910. Eventually they completed the house and made it what it is today: A 51-room house that is 226.5 feet long and has 28 bedrooms, 24 fireplaces, 13 bathrooms, and more than 50 windows that was built in a typical Victorian period style. By 1900, Hewitt had changed the exterior appearance to the present adding neo-classical portico and columns on the front porch and putting white stucco on the exterior walls. The gardens that surround the Manor House were developed by Mrs. Hewitt and her daughter Eleanor in 1900.

           The Cooper-Hewitt family was one of prominence and fame. Peter Cooper rose to fame through his successful time as a businessman, philanthropist, and politician. He is often credited with building the “Tom Thumb” locomotive as well as being the oldest person to run for President of the United States. Cooper’s son-in-law Abram S. Hewitt first met Peter’s son Edward at Columbia University who introduced him to Peter. He eventually married Edward’s sister Sarah Amelia and became a prominent politician being elected Mayor of New York City in 1887 as well as a New York Congressman. Abram and Sarah had six children who all called Ringwood home. However, in 1936 the new generation of the Hewitt family became disinterested in the iron industry and found little use for such a large estate and gave the state of New Jersey Ringwood Manor. Thankfully enough the state did not decide to develop the land and instead turned it into a historic landmark as well as an ideal hiking area. Quite often, new previously undiscovered roads and pathways are found that hold great historic significance. These roads run past 18^th century mines, 19^th century home foundations, prehistoric Native.

The historic Manor property at Ringwood is an important site historically but it is also important to me personally. The property itself is so very peaceful and serene. I can imagine that this feeling of serenity was nearly the same throughout the history of the property. Since the land is protected by the state, it cannot be developed. Since that is the case, the Ringwood Manor and its property is virtually the same aside from the different owners renovating/building on to the original home. The Manor House helps add to the sense of peace felt when walking the grounds. Its architecture also gives the home a feeling of nobility and upper-class society. In my opinion these royal leanings are given off by the sheer size and breath-taking beauty of the home. When standing on the front porch of the home, you can see a large pond and rolling hills of grass. You can often see swans swimming on the pond. In the rear, the gardens grace visitors with their stunning array of colorful flowers and plants. Past the gardens is a path that leads to both the old cemetery and various hiking trails. While walking to the cemetery, there is a small bridge over a flowing brook that leads into the pond. As you approach the old cemetery you are greeted by a lone gate that quite literally leads to no where. Through the gate there are countless grave markers and a few readable headstones. Further down in the cemetery you will find two tombs, one of which belongs to Robert Erskine. There are also three tombs over looking the pond with three members of the Hewitt family buried there.

Inside the manor, the furnishings and the architecture is just as flawless as the outside. Hundreds of paintings and pictures hang throughout the house, including original maps drawn by Robert Erskine. The Great Hall, used as an entrance during the Hewitt years, is built entirely from dark, rich wood. In Great Hall, the walls are filled with hunting trophies and rifles from various periods in American history. The dining room was also made famous in the Hewitt years, where Abram Hewitt entertained numerous dignitaries. It was because of this that Ringwood Manor earned the nickname the “Little White House”.

As a state park and historic site, Ringwood Manor is a crucial part in brining the community of New Jersey together. In every season, the Manor hosts various events that range from arts and crafts to an annual Victorian Christmas celebration. Free tours of the Manor House are offered year-round Wednesdays to Sundays. Another event that is important for the Manor as well as the community is Independence Day at Ringwood Manor. Every year on July 4^th, the Declaration of Independence is read and people come together to relive the greatest day in American History. They offer colonial games for the children, food, militia drill, and so many other patriotic themed events.

Events like these at Ringwood Manor help to show the community how important it is to preserve and save sites such as Ringwood. Not enough people realize how crucial places like these were and still are to American society. Ringwood Manor symbolizes so many different aspects of American culture. Through its history of iron mining it represents the entrepreneurial, capitalist spirit that America is founded on. By serving as a base for supplying the Continental Army in the American Revolution it symbolizes the struggle and success in achieving our independence from Great Britain. Most importantly, however, Ringwood Manor has survived and continues to serve as a focal point of American history and place where people from all over can come to appreciate the beauty and magnificence of culture, and society in the greatest nation on the planet. 

                    
***This post was created through various sources and the information was collected through various means on this subject.

For more information on Ringwood Manor

Garden State History

Welcome to Garden State History! The Garden State is one of the original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britian and is rich with history. From its early Dutch founders, New Jersey has played a major role in the shaping of the United States of America. My goal is to update this blog weekly with new stories about past events that have helped cultivate New Jersey and inspire readers to not only take a greater interest in history but also enjoy the vast past and culture of one of the oldest states in the greatest nation on Earth. From High Point to Cape May, the Garden State is full of colorful stories and people who have contributed to the immense history of such an amazing place.

I will post my first story tomorrow, which will focus on the historic Ringwood Manor in Ringwood, New Jersey. This historic manor, first built in the 1700's, sits nestled in the northern Jersey county of Passaic on the border of New York State. This area and manor was crucial in our war for independence and was the center of an iron mining empire....