New Providence, New Jersey

History

The history of New Providence can be first traced back to 1664 when James, Duke of York and brother to King Charles II, purchased the land from Native Americans. Its first settlers were a Puritan colony that came to the area in 1720. The abundance of large flocks of wild turkeys led to the initial name for the area of “Turkey”. By 1737, the Presbyterian Church was formed and was the center of life in the small settlement. In 1759, a crowded church balcony collapsed. It was considered a miracle that no one was seriously injured in the disaster. The miracle was soon referred to as a divine act of “providence.” The small town thereafter became known as “New Providence” and included present-day Summit and Berkeley Heights.

In 1869 Summit seceded from New Providence Township over disagreement with town management as well as its rapid increase in population and businesses due to its railroad facilities. New Providence Borough was formed in 1899 and present-day Berkeley Heights retained the name New Providence Township until 1952.

Location and Transportation

Nestled in the Watchung Mountains, New Providence is home to 12,000 residents and covers 3.6 square miles in northwestern Union County connecting Summit to Berkeley Heights. The borough is roughly 15 miles southwest of Newark and approximately 28 miles west of New York City. Traveling is made simple with two easily accessible train stations within the town as well as its close proximity to I-78, the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike and Newark International Airport.

Corporate/Residential Community

New Providence is mostly a residential community consisting of owner occupied, single- family dwellings, with garden apartments and condominiums. A majority of New Providence’s residents hold professional, managerial or other executive positions in their business or industry with an above average salary.

Corporate businesses include companies with worldwide reputations in their field. New Providence hosts corporate and executive offices of C.R. Bard (leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of health care products), Reed International (one of the world’s top publishing and information companies), BOC Group (worldwide industrial gases, vacuum technologies and distribution services company), Aromat Corporation (subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Works Ltd.), and Lucent Technologies.

Recreation

The New Providence Recreation Department, which provides a wide variety of programs for children and adults, is run by a seven-person commission, who are appointed by the mayor for five year terms. New Providence owns three playgrounds, an ice-skating rink, eight ball fields, and eight public tennis courts. Two pools, which are approximately Olympic size, are also available through the New Providence Community Pool Corporation.

Education

There are two public K-6 schools, as well as one parochial elementary school. The middle school is adjacent to the high school, and consists of grades 7-8. New Providence High School has approximately 550 students enrolled and was recently ranked 7th overall of schools in New Jersey. Students in the New Providence School District are known for their academic achievements and excellence in athletics.

Library

The New Providence Memorial Library was opened in 1921 and has greatly expanded over the years. The Memorial Library is home to over 70,000 volumes of books and reference material in addition to over 120 different periodicals.

New Providence is home to 12,000 residents within 3.6 square miles in northwestern Union County. Known for our beautiful residential neighborhoods, excellent school system, and wonderful recreation facilities, we are home to several Fortune 500 companies.

New Providence is conveniently located roughly 15 miles west of Newark and approximately 28 miles west of New York City. Traveling is simple and convenient with two easily accessible train stations within New Providence, as well as our close proximity to I-78, the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike and Newark International Airport.