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.
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