LOW TECH RADIO

This item is from the N.P.D. It is an early low tech "radio." It carries the number 75 on its wood stock.

I think it is kinda cool as my Dad was one of the first real radio operators in the Newark Police Dept. He had a license to operate radios, but He probably never saw this type. It was used long before he was born.

In reality this item is really a signal Rattle. It was used in the 1800's. It was definitely made and used before Marconi, broadcasting at 77.7 clickohertz.

It has no electric cords. It has no batteries. It has no "On" or "Off" switch, or volume control. The Darn thing is made of wood, and now that wood is very old and dry. It requires a lot of TLC when handling.

The Rattle is roughly 8 inches top to bottom. It has some weight to it. So it might have had a "secondary use" which could explain some of the scratches and little dents here and there. I guess that makes it a "fun" tool too.

When the man in Blue was patrolling the streets of Newark, and had a need to communicate he would make the rattle emit a click. That sound could be heard by other officers in the same area. The sound could be received a block away. A response message could also be sent out by another officer using his Rattle.

This was an important tool back in the 1800's. The "clicks" were actually real time status reports. These sounds could alert other officers when help was needed. To this collector this early form of communication is very interesting. It is the roots of modern day communication.

Rattle #75 is now a nice supplement to my badge collection. It is proudly displayed along side of other treasures that have retired to Florida.

NEWARK'S "DREAMLAND BADGE" RETURNS HOME

This badge by itself is far from impressive. It is not a City "Police" item, but a "GUARD" badge for a Senior Citizens facility.

This writer thought he saw the last of it when he gave away to another collector, who lived some 1588 miles from sunny Naples, Fl. That man knew and loved Newark a little more than this writer.

Things change with time. After this badge had enough cold it found a way to return to its' original home down in the "glades.". It is back under glass, but this time it is with some unique badges from The City Of Newark. They are not all from the N.P.D. They are however issued by the City. That collection will get its' coverage here when time permits.

Dreamland, which is spelled out on the top of this badge, was the original name of a Dance Hall in Newark. It later became a roller skating arena. Twin Cities, also a Roller Skating Spot was located nearby in Elizabeth NJ. It was a magnet for the youth of my day.

In the 1940's Dreamland was considered "World Class" as far as skating. In the late 40's and earl 50's time did its' thing and changed the area. The skating arena disappeared. Senior Citizens took over the area. They soon learned that they needed some backup help for their "Gray Patrol." Unfortunately there simply was not enough help to hold crime down.

I learned from my friend in New Jersey that this location was a favorite for Newark Police Calls. Officers responded so much to this area that thought should have been given to establishing an outpost here.

Drugs and other crime ruined the area, but the memories have actually grown, and "DREAMLAND #1" has just become more valuable to this collector.

CITY COLLECTION: P IS FOR PASSAIC

P IS FOR PASSAIC. At one time there were two Passaic's in New Jersey. They are quite different communities.

One was a summer retreat area in and around the Passaic Valley. Over the years some of that large land area found new identities. The original area became part of what is now known as Long Hill, N.J. It should have been called Green Acres, as that is what the area was like when all this name changing took place.

The fine badge above is not from Green Acres or Long Hill. It is from the City of Passaic. The spelling is the same, and the river, with the same name meanders by both communities. That is where the similarity ends.

The City of Passaic has about 67,000 residents. Tracing its' roots one will see that this community was closely associated with textiles and manufacturing. Television can make a claim that its' origins have a strong link to this City. Network TV was born there circa 1940. I guess that means we should all thank Passaic when we watch "Law and Order."

I no longer recall how I obtained this very nice traditional badge. It was an early entry in my "City Collection." As the picture shows it is a beauty. The finish is silver tone, with black recessed letters. The top spells out: "City of Passaic, Police." At the bottom the letters "N.J." are moulded into the shield as is the State Seal.

A fine addition to any collection ! I am very glad to have it.