This is the fourth badge in sequence in my Municipal Collection. It is "B" for Butler.
This small Borough is in Morris County. It has a decent sized population of 7500 (plus or minus, depending on whether it is a weekend or not). The place is only a short (20+/- miles) distance to N.Y.C.
As a kid I was well acquainted with towns like Lincoln Park, Wayne, Mountainview and of course Butler. The common denominator was the Passaic River as well as the Pequannock River (Yes it is spelled correctly).
At one point these rivers merge. The location was called Two Bridges for obvious reasons. They water was great for swimming, and using a small boat. I had tons of fun in this area fifty years ago.
After outgrowing the small boat at age 17 and, learning I could go further in a car, I discovered Butler. It was a small town back then. It hasn't grown much.
I recall a family friend knew someone who had a waterfront cabin on nearby Glen Wild Lake. This was a private community (but they let me in anyway). One of the better memories was cruising that lake on a small paddle-wheel boat. It too was privately owned, and used only for pleasure. Again that was fifty years ago.
The badge that I have has been in my collection for at least 25 years. It no longer is the design in use, but looks mighty good to my old eyes. I like it more then the current oval style used by the fine officers of modern Butler, NJ.
This badge is a full size shield with black recessed letters. It simply reads "Butler" on the top panel, and "Police" on the lower panel. In the center are the numbers "11".
My collection of New Jersey municipal police badges is certainly enhanced with this fine old badge from decades ago. Naturally it is displayed in an oak and glass case where it helps bring back some fine old memories.
