Newark City Subway

Not many people realize Newark has its own subway system. Built in the 1930's, at its peak there were several lines running across the city. The main line serves the North Ward, running along Branch Brook Park. Likely it survived because it served a part of the city that didn't experience urban decay to the extent of other parts of Newark.

The line underwent a major upgrade in August 2001. The original President's Conference Committee Cars were replaced with sleek new modern cars, similar to those used on the nearby Hudson Bergen Light Rail. Two new stations were opened, pushing the modernized "Newark Light Rail" into Belleville and Bloomfield.

NJ Transit celebrated the transition with a party. A swing band performed, city officials made appearances,  and train aficionados were offered free rides on the outgoing PCC cars. These photos are from that last night. 

 Band performing in Newark Penn Station

 Statue of subway rider and vintage ticket booth in Newark Penn Station

Standing outside a vintage Presidents' Committee Conference Car

Subway conductor

Interior of PCC car

Mural at the Washington Street Station

The New Jersey Botanical Garden

What better way to initiate a photo blog of the Garden State than shots from the New Jersey Botanical Garden? The NJBG is located off the beat and path, covering over 96 acres in Ringwood. The property also includes the Skylands Manor, a Tudor revival mansion built in the 1920's.

The Garden is not the show stopper of other nearby gardens like the New York Botanical Gardens and Wave Hill Estate, both in the urban wasteland of the Bronx. New Jersey's Botanical garden receives no funding from the state, as the state budget is otherwise burdened with obligations to pay unused sick days and pensions for the public sector, versus supporting cultural and historical facilities. The gift shop is underwhelming, and a lost opportunity. Certainly there are residents willing to support such a shop if only there was something worth buying.

You will find the Garden peaceful however, and still worth your visit.

The Carriage House

Statue in the Annual Garden

 The Skylands Manor

 

 Crab Apple Allée