Chester Township’s Bicentennial
Parade Line Up
1. Coach & Four
The Coach & Four were supplied by Doug Kemmerrer. Riding in the Coach & Four were the Town Crier, Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen, and Assemblyman Guy Gregg.
2. Town Crier
William I. Joseph and Mrs. Joseph. At that time, Bill was one of 3 Town Criers in New Jersey and one of 14 in the entire nation. Bill was from Mt. Arlington.
[The Town Crier stopped at the Reviewing Stand to read a cry declaring the parade celebration. He then introduced Congressman Frelinghuysen, who read a Proclamation from Governor Christine Todd Whitman. Assemblyman Gregg then read a Resolution. Following their presentations, Representative Frelinghuysen and Congressman Gregg moved to an open car in the #3 position in the parade.]
3. Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen & Assemblyman Guy Gregg
Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen represented the 11th Congressional District. Congressman Frelinghuysen served three terms on the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders and served in the New Jersey Assembly for 11 years. He served his third term in the House. Mr. Frelinghuysen is a Viet Nam veteran.
Assemblyman Guy Gregg has represented Chester (Legislative District 24) in the State Assembly since 1994, and has been elected Majority Whip. He served in the U. S. Marines from 1972-75. He is the proprietor of the historic Publick House.
3A. Maxwell Touring Car bearing Frelinghuysen & Gregg
The car that carried Representative Frelinghuysen and Assemblyman Gregg was a 1913 Maxwell Touring Car driven by owner Dave Lounsbury
3B. Morris County Park Police Mounted Unit
Bearing the colors for the parade was the Morris County Park Police Mounted Unit. The mission of the Park Police is to provide protection and safety to the public utilizing Morris County Park Commission facilities. Each horse is equipped with first aid and emergency equipment.
4. Police of Chester Township and Chester Borough
Police Chief Gary Janes of Chester Borough and Chief Jeff Smith of Chester Township.
5. Parade Grand Marshals
We were honored to have representatives from some of the "founding families" as parade marshals. In the first car were Ann Apgar, Margaret Ardin and Charlotte Hoffman
6. Parade Grand Marshals
In the second car were parade marshals Reuben Thompson, Al O'Brien and Martin Winkler.
7. Trophy truck
All Parade trophies were donated by Reissmann Plumbing & Heating, Inc. and Alpha One Construction
Trophies were be awarded for Best Fire Company, Best First Aid Squad, Most Original, Best Historical, Most Humorous, Best Neighborhood Entry, Best Church, Best Float by Youth, Best Marching Youth Group, Judges' Trophy, Music Award, Crowd Pleaser, Most Original Bike/Wagon, Most Patriotic.
8. Mayor Ben Spinelli of Chester Township and Mayor Hugh Newman of Chester Boro
9. Former Mayors
Frank Adessa and Pat Warlick of Chester Township and Ted Eible of Chester Boro.
9A. Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders
The Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders joined the parade in two cars. They were Frank J. Druetzler, Director; Douglas R. Cabana, Deputy Director; Cecilia G. Laureys, John J. Murphy, Joe Pennacchio, and Jack J. Schrier. Freeholder John Eckert was not able to participate.
10. American Weldery Band
The American Weldery Band was sponsored by the Chester Volunteer Fire Company.
11. Chester Volunteer Fire Company
Formed in 1921 by a few men dedicated to serving the community, the Chester Volunteer Fire Company had 75 members in 1999, and a Ladies Auxiliary. Two brand new vehicles were in the parade. The new brush/utility truck was built in-house by the members. The new 4,500 gallon tanker was delivered the day before the parade!
11A.Chester Fire Company Kids Float
This float was built by future members of the Chester Fire Company.
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11B. Chester Volunteer First Aid Squad
The Chester Volunteer First Aid Squad was originally part of the Fire Company and is now separately incorporated.
13. Reissmann Plumbing & Heating, Inc. and Alpha One Construction
14. Lindsey Edwins & Michelle Mensing
Youth bike/wagon
15. Dean Conklin & Jeremy Conover
Youth bike/wagon
16. Chase Devin & Cooper Matthijsen
Youth bike/wagon
17. Lauren & Andrew Ellis
Youth bike/wagon
18. Elizabeth & Stephanie Reale
Youth bike/wagon
20. Art of Dance
The Chester Art of Dance has been in Chester for the last 16 years. Owned by Florence Lambros and Valerie Harman, dance is taught to children from the age of 2 1/2 to adult. There are currently 4 adult tap dance classes - fun and great exercise! The tap dancers today are dancing to "Dancin' Fool." You will see another group from the Art of Dance later in the parade.
22. Model A's Restorers Club
The cars are owned and driven by Tom Peterson and the members of the Model A's Restorers Club of Watchung Valley. These cars are vintage 1928-1931.
23. Wielkopolski Family
The Wielkopolski Family float depicts a little bit of Chester history
24. Lamb's Company Artillery
The members of Lamb's Company Artillery portray the lives of soldiers during the War for Independence. They keep the history of the 18th Century alive and educate us about military drills and the camp life style.
25. Cooper Grist Mill
Ivins Smith, miller, is dressed in an authentic 1880 costume. Chester's Cooper Mill is a restored water-powered grist mill operated by the Morris County Parks Commission. The present mill was built in 1826. It originally had two water wheels, each driving two sets of stones. Today the sets of stones are powered by a metal Fitz water wheel.
26. Colonial Musketeers
The Colonial Musketeers are the current Northeast Champions and State Champions for both New Jersey and New York. The ages of the musketeers range from 8 to 18. The uniforms are replicas of the Marine uniforms worn during the American Revolution.
27. Mendham Fire Company
27A. Michael Schilp & Friend
27B. Steven Weippert
28. Alstede Farms
Alstede Farms, a true family farm, is one of the few remaining active farms in Chester. Farming over 1,000 acres, they grow an array of fruits, vegetables, and other crops, all available directly to Chester residents. Through farmland preservation efforts, Alstede Farms will be farming in Chester for many years to come. In the parade are a combine and a tractor pulling a baler and haywagon.
29. Church of the Hills
The Church of the Hills is located just 4 miles south of Chester on Route 206. A family-oriented church, it is committed to meeting the needs of surrounding communities. Its thriving children and youth ministry constructed the float. Children are considered the church's greatest treasure. The Church of the Hills is a place where kids can be kids and have fun doing it. The children's ministry incorporates state of the art puppetry, drama, a live band, fun and games. The church is led by the Reverend Robert Sharpe.
30-31. Cardinals Mascot
Claudia is the mascot of the New Jersey Cardinals Baseball Team located at the Skylands in Sussex. The car is a 1971 Chevelle Malibu Super Sport driven by Charlie Juliano.
32. Chester Little League
32. Chester Little League
In its 46th year, the Chester Little League was formed in 1953 by Austin Thompson. Chester Little League has grown from one team, consisting of 12 boys and one coach, to its present enrollment of 29 teams, consisting of 381 boys and girls and 81 coaches. Little League gives boys and girls ages 5 to 15 a chance to compete in the world of baseball. Club President John Brey and Vice-president Diana Brey, with a group of volunteers, keep our playing fields in order, our kids in uniform, our equipment up to date, our coaches educated, an umpire at every game, and plays coordinated and on the diamond.
33. Tommie Barker
Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on November 5, 1988, Tommie Barker grew up in Chester and loved playing baseball. She tried out for the All American Girls Professional Baseball League and was selected to play for the Grand Rapids Michigan Chicks. The story of the young women who played professional baseball during war time was depicted in the movie "A League of Their Own."
33A. Chester Diamond Back All-Star Softball Team
The girls on this team are 6th graders.
34. Bernays Apgar American Legion Post #342 and their Auxiliary
34. Bernays Apgar American Legion Post #342 and their Auxiliary
The American Legion presents a replica of the World War II Honor Roll that stood in Chester's Memorial Park. The Honor Roll is a white colonial sign with the names of 110 boys and girls that were in the service from the Borough and the Township. There are 9 names with gold stars next to them and that signifies the ones that died during the War. The original Honor Roll was thought up by John Steinberg and unveiled by Mrs. Austin Thompson and Mrs. Joseph Bragg. It was replaced by the stone monument that now stands in Memorial Park.
35. Tin Can Sailors
Tin Can Sailors is a nationwide organization of sailors that served on destroyer type warships such as destroyers, destroyer escorts, or destroyer mine sweepers. These men include veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War. Many are survivors of ships that were sunk or damaged in action.
36. Mrs. New Jersey 1999/Globe
The 1999 Globe Mrs. New Jersey is Noreita Stethanos. She is the state representative for W.I.N. and a spokesperson against domestic abuse.
36A. Rory O'Moore Pipes and Drums
The Rory O'Moore Pipes & Drums is a non-profit bagpipe band based in Morris County. Established in 1995, it is a growing, family-oriented band. Membership is currently 55 memers with approximately half the group consisting of women and children.
37. Long Valley Fire Company
38. Fairmount Fire Company
39. Schooley's Mountain Fire Company
40. Chester Township Recreation Committee
The Chester Township Recreation Committee sets up recreation and trips for the residents of Chester. Canoe trips, road rallies, Broadway plays, the Township picnic, ice skating and a summer day camp are typical of the activities sponsored by the Committee.
41. West Morris Mendham High School Color Guard
Members of the West Morris Mendham High School Color Guard are entertaining us with a musical march routine to the soundtrack of the Lion King.
42. Lead East Oldies Weekends
Terry Cook has brought various hotrods, convertibles and classics for our enjoyment today. At the Parsippany Hilton on Labor Day, there will be an Oldies Weekend featuring 36 bands and 1,700 cars of the 50’s and 60’s.
43. Peapack Fire Company
43A. Northwest New Jersey Parade People
Northwest NJ Parade People is made up of approximately 20 students, many of them are very young. All of these people have played professionally, and most of these students live in Chester. Most of the instruments are brass. All these students know music and they don't usually practice for an event. Today they are performing American marches.
44. Cub Pack 139
45. Cub Pack 316
46. Boy Scout Troop 9
Troop #9 Chester Boy Scouts, was organized in 1917 and remains active at their Scout cabin on Main Street. A young member of that same troop, Mel Blaufuss, went on to become Scoutmaster in 1928, and holds that position to this day. He has diligently kept the campfires burning, promoting discipline, advancement and the values of scouting.
47. Boy Scout Troop 139
48. Chester Neighborhood Girl Scouts
Chester Neighborhood Girl Scouts is celebrating 75 years of Girl Scouting in Morris County. The first Girl Scout troop in Morris County was started in Chester in 1917 and is represented here with 30 troops, approximately 300 girls, consisting of Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadets, and Seniors.
50. 33rd Regiment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry
The 33rd Regiment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry is a Civil War Living History and Reenacting group dedicated to perpetuating the memory and honoring all those who fought to save the Union and end slavery.
51. 50+ ("Fifty Plus") Club of Chester
The 50+ Club of Chester is a social club for adults 55 and over, single or married. It has been in existence for over 25 years. They have 130 members and approximately 80 are actively involved on a monthly basis. They meet twice a month with various activities such as trips to Atlantic City, plays, and concerts. They have parties and dances throughout the year and have speakers at their meetings who discuss various topics. Their annual trip in 1999 will be to Vermont. They are actively involved with other 50+ clubs throughout Morris County. One of their members, Carmen Smith, is also an active member of the Chester Historical Society, and has just been selected as a "Living Treasure of Morris County" for 1999. This is a high honor voted by all the 50+ clubs in Morris. The float has a replica of an old "still" - a popular and plentiful sight around Chester in bygone years.
52. St. Lawrence the Martyr Roman Catholic Church
St. Lawrence the Martyr Church was established in 1950 by the Catholic Community of Chester. It celebrates its 50th year together with the Bicentennial celebrations of Chester. From its humble beginnings of 19 families, the parish has today grown to about 1,000 families. Under the present pastorate of Reverend Monsignor Kevin Flanagan, the ministry of St. Lawrence welcomes people to worship, to grow together in faith and understanding, and to reach out in service to the needs of our community. It is our prayer, hope and sincere wish that the Bicentennial Celebrations in Chester will bring about a greater sense of unity and harmony, a deeper faith in God and in each other, a sense of our common purpose and dedication to build our town under the principles of equality and justice, as one free people under one loving God.
53. Camaro Club of Northwest Jersey
54. Ira Alpert
Ira Alpert is driving his 1968 Plymouth Fury III convertible
55. Bill Kay
Bill Kay is driving is 1929 2-door Packard with a rumble seat.
56. Jim Frey
Jim Frey is driving his 1966 Pontiac GTO convertible.
57. Smokey Bear
Smokey Bear has a big job caring for over 700 million acres of forest in the United States. Smokey works for the United States Forest Service. Smokey was rescued from a forest fire when only a cub in the 1950's and is our National symbol of forest fire prevention. Remember, "Only you can prevent forest fires."
With Smokey are trucks from New Jersey Forest Fire Service District 7, which covers from Route 80 to the Raritan -- over 540,000 acres. The trucks here today are used in the suppression of forest fires.
58. Chester Historical Society
Since 1967, the Chester Historical Society has worked to preserve the history and traditional architecture of the community and to instill pride in its heritage. Five buildings are on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The Historical Society's float depicts their publication "Chester, New Jersey: a scrapbook of history" by Frances Greenidge.
59. Grist Mill Weavers
Grist Mill Weavers are a junior group in the Chester Historical Society. They have been taught to spin and weave by Carmen Smith. The girls have demonstrated their skills at Bragg School and Stroudsburg University and at Fosterfields Living Farm, and will be demonstrating at Cooper Mill on July 17 and 18.
60. Village Supermarkets
Village Super Market, founded in 1937 by Nicholas and Perry Sumas, continues to be principally owned and operated by the Sumas family. Chester ShopRite is one of Village’s flagship stores and features Bistro Street home meals solution department. The "Big Cart" is 13’ 2" tall, 8’ 6" wide, 15’ long and weights 2,500 pounds. It holds 360 bags of groceries. It is driven from the baby seat and top speed is unknown.
The characters come to us courtesy of Chester ShopRite and include our own Alan Webb.
62. Company E 11th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry
Company E is the modern day embodiment of an actual Civil War infantry company from New Jersey's courageous 11th Regiment. This regiment fought with The Army of the Potomac, taking part in 29 engagements from August 1862 until it was mustered out on June 5th, 1865, after the close of the war. Today's Company E is made up of living history reenactors from several of New Jersey's northwestern counties as well as from eastern Pennsylvania. The group also represents the civilian experience of the time. Company E's focus since its inception in 1991 has been education and historical preservation, including the fight to save our nation's Civil War Battlefields from the ever present danger of modern encroachment and development. Uniformed, equipped and armed with authentic reproductions of the Civil War era, these men proudly carry the standards of the 11th Regiment, representing our great State and Nation.
63 & 64 Chester Lions Club & The Adler Band
The Chester Lions Club has been meeting the needs of the community for over 30 years and its motto is "We Serve." The members pay tribute to the German immigrants who settled in Morris County's German Valley with their float which is advertising their upcoming October Fest. It has on it the German Omp-pa-pa band named "The Adler Band" who will be playing at their October Festival which will be held at Chubb Park here in Chester on September 25th and 26th. Also riding in the car is their mascot "Leo the Lion." The car, a 1960 MG Model 1600 Roadster, is driven by Phil Savill.
65. Parker Road Neighborhood
"Celebrate Your Neighborhood" is the theme of this float, the work of the neighbors on Parker Road and Schoolhouse Lane. Local artist Bernice Price painted the postcard pictures. Research was done to find the dates of the featured houses on the streets. They feel they have a "cool" neighborhood and want to celebrate that fact. The trees and shrubs are courtesy of Country Nursery, and the trailer is from Bill Harrington, a Parker Road resident and owner of Valley Supply Center.
66. Welcome Wagon Club of the Chesters
The Welcome Wagon Club of the Chesters has been a club for more than 25 years. Today it has 115 members. The purpose of the club is to welcome new people to the area and to help them become acquainted with their new neighbors by involving them in club activities. Activities include coffees, Mom's and Kids Club, Babysitting Co-Op, Day and evening bridge, book groups, golf, and gourmet dining. Riding in the convertible are the first and last representatives who used to deliver the baskets from the area merchants.
67. Twin Boro Cheerleading
Twin Boro Cheerleading is sponsored by the Chester Township Police Athletic Association. The program consists of seven squads of girls in grades 1 through 8. There are over 100 participants and 20 coaches. The squads currently cheer for all Twin Boro football games, but hope to expand to other sports, as well as to America's fastest growing sport -- "Competition Cheerleading."
68. Ironia Fire Company
69. Chester Township D.A.R.E.
D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Awareness Resistance Education. Sponsored by the Chester Township Police under the guidance of Detective Martini, the DARE Program has been in the Chester school system over 10 years and has over 1,000 graduates.
71. Chester-Long Valley Rotary Club
The Chester-Long Valley Rotary Club has been a part of the history of the Chesters for more than 50 years. Recognized worldwide, Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build good will and peace. The main objective of Rotary is service -- in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotarians, members of more than 29,000 Rotary Clubs in 160 countries.
72. Westmont Montessori School
Established in 1964, Westmont is the second oldest Montessori school in New Jersey. The school serves children ages 2 through 6 with a complete program of toddler, preschool, kindergarten and enrichment classes. "Our goal," reports Enid Lattner, Head of School, "is to enter into a partnership with our parents so that we can all work together to offer unlimited opportunities for each child to reach her potential."
73. Observer-Tribune Newspaper
The Observer Tribune has been serving the area with local news for 65 years. The Observer Tribune has stepped back in time to the 1900's with Newsies dressed in the style of the turn of the last century and hawking the day's headlines.
74. Pottersville Fire Company
75. Bob Horton
A direct descendent of one of the oldest families in Chester, Bob Horton is driving his 1924 Model T truck.
76. Nick Matdaga
Nick Matdaga is driving his 1967 Camaro.
77. Rick Benthien
Rick Benthien is driving his 1937 Chevrolet.
78. Rick Adey
Rick Adey is driving his 1953 MGTD 2-seater sports car.
79. Lioness Club of Chester
The Lioness Club of Chester provides an opportunity for women to become actively involved in humanitarian service in the community and to promote high ethical standards. Their float spotlights women of history.
81. Ralston Fire Company
82. Brookside Fire Company
83. Mendham Township First Aid Squad
84. Starbrook School
The Starbrook School is an early childhood development center serving children from infants to pre-school. Starbrook School believes that all children are gifted. Their mission is to provide an environment where minds can explore, hearts can expand, creativity can be expressed, and special gifts will emerge. The children at Starbrook School wish a Happy Birthday to Chester.
85. Shriners' Motor Corps
The Shriners' Motor Corps of Salaam Temple presents their special motor Corps for your enjoyment and delight. The Shriners raise money to support 18 orthpaedic and 3 burn hospitals for children under 18. Their 600,000 members
86. Friends of the Chester Library
"Alice in Wonderland" is sponsored by the Friends of the Chester Library. For 88 years the Chester Library has been a wonderland for the citizens of the Chesters. The Friends of the Chester Library raises funds for the "extras" for the Library. The Friends group sponsors the special entertainers who perform for the kids during school holidays. They also provide seed money for new library collections and projects. Funds are raised through semiannual book sales, the sale of tote bags and note paper, and through an annual membership drive. The trailer is courtesy of Scott Kirk of Earth, Turf & Blooms Landscape.
87. Educational Foundation of the Chesters
The Educational Foundation of the Chesters raises monies for the Chester Schools to expand and enrich curriculum.
88. Community Presbyterian Church
Community Presbyterian Church has been sering the residents of the greater Chester area since 1752. The original church was located at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. In 1852 the congregation moved when a "town church" was completed at the current site on Main Street. The float depicts the church's Peach Festival held annual on the first Saturday in August. The proceeds help to fund the various mission projects also represented on the float.
89. Wild West City
Celebrating its 43rd year, Wild West City brings the Old West to life featuring live action shows throughout the day. These shows dramatize Western adventure, recreate legendary events, and demonstrate traditional cowboy skills. Wild West City also features train, stagecoach and pony rides.
90. Chester Township School Administrators
91. Chester Garden Club
The Chester Garden Club's 45 members are responsible for many beautiful plantings around Chester including the Gazebo, Memorial Park, Grove Street Park, Chester Area Seniors Housing, Kessler Welkind Hospital, and the tubs which line Main Street. In addition, the club sponsors workshops for the residents of the Senior Housing and for a youth gardening club. They also sponsor the annual Community Tree Lighting and monthly exhibits on gardening and environment at the Chester Library. Chester Residents are invited to the Chester Garden Club's Bicentennial Garden Tour of some spectacular private gardens in Chester and Willowwood Arboretum, where the Club will hold an exhibition of horticulture in Chester's history. The equipment is courtesy of Alstede Farms.
92. Chester Karate Academy
The Chester Karate Academy, located in the Chester Mall, has been teaching an Okinawan style of karate for almost 20 years. The Academy is run as a traditional dojo and offers a wide assortment of classes for children, teens and adults. The head instructor for the Academy is Mr. George Calvert. The Academy is part of the American Budo Kai Association with schools throughout northern New Jersey.
93. First Congregational Church & Mustard Seed Child Care Center
Led by Pastor Scott Hoffman and Center Director Carol Payer-Cooper, the Church and Mustard Seed families are all wearing t-shirts with the Child Care Center's logo "the next best place to home" The equipment is courtesy of Alstede Farms and the float was designed by Mark Steele.
94. Cora Lane Crowd
"Country Meets City" is the theme of this float from the neighbors on Cora Lane.
96. Denville String Band
The Denville String Band performs throughout northern New Jersey at approximately 30 events per year. Each year brings a different costume. The 1999 theme is "Knights." The musical arrangements are in the Philadelphia mummer tradition.
97. Flanders Fire Company
98. Knights of Columbus
The Chester Chapter of the Knights of Columbus, Blessed Mother Ann Seton, was formed 40 years ago. The Knights of Columbus is a world-wide family and charity oriented organization with 700,000 members.
99. Gary Janes
Chief Gary Janes’ son is driving the Chief’s 1955 Ford pickup classic hotrod.
100. Bill Harm
Bill Harm is driving is 1949 Packard Coupe.
101. John Hamann
John Hamann is driving his 1927 Dodge Business Coupe.
103. Roxbury Fire Company
106. West Morris Mendham High School Swing Band
107. Art of Dance Teen Swing Dance Class
108. Antique Tractors
These antique tractors are driven by Bill Parks, Rick Scarlett, Seymour Rosenfarb, Pete Hunkele and Bob Barkman.
109. Sue Rusak & Pat Salvatoriello on horseback
Sue Rusak is riding Promise, her paint quarter horse. Pat Salvatoriello is riding King, also a quarter horse. King is a Pinto.
110. Dave Hoffman and his Belgian Draft Horses
Bess and Bill are pulling a hitch wagon. The horses weigh approximately 1,800 pounds each and are 18 hands tall.
111. Rich Ireland
Rich Ireland driving a one horse carriage.
115. "The Leftover Parade Committee
This 1922 Model T Ford is carrying some Chester Firemen too tired to walk?
116. Sweeper
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