Historical Society accepts donations for 2018

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BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The Historical Society of Bloomfield made five notable additions to its museum collection during 2018. Adhering to her policy of never saying no to a donation, HSB President Jean Kuras said a doll house from a Nutley resident, Carol Mraz, was accepted. Mraz had received it from an elderly neighbor.

A collection of wooden jigsaw puzzles also came to the museum. These toys were contributed by Mark Emerson, a Bloomfield resident. Two are in their original boxes which advertise them as part of a weekly series. The puzzles were apparently meant to be worked on at the same time by more than one person: Each box top says the puzzle has 300 pieces and can be completed in three hours.

Bloomfield VFW Post 711 member and Bloomfield resident Joe Ellmer, who is responsible for putting together the Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances in town, donated a World War II victory flag. He had received it from a niece in New Hampshire who is in the real estate business and came across it when cleaning out a house. Another item from Post 711, but on loan to the museum, is the World War I uniform of Russell Sims. The outfit was previously displayed at the Civic Center.

Antique items from a longtime Broad Street pharmacy, Burgess Chemist, located at 56 Broad St., were donated by Mindy Booth. Booth is the granddaughter of Sidney Schneider who owned the business from 1942 until 1970. According to Booth, an apothecary was established at the location in 1875.

It was purchased by Nicholas G. Burgess in 1933 who owned it until his death in 1942, at which time her grandfather purchased it.

Also in 2018, the Women’s Club of Bloomfield dedicated its showcase which displays club memorabilia. The showcase has been in a place for some time, but in December club representatives affixed a small plaque to it which recognizes the donation. The Historical Society of Bloomfield is located at 90 Broad St. It is open Wednesday, 2 to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m to 12:30 p.m. or by appointment. Telephone: 973-743-8844

— Photos by Daniel Jackovino