MUNICIPALS "P" IS FOR PISCATAWAY

Another "P."  This one is for Piscataway. This is a "Township" so it is a fit in my Municipal Collection.

The place is real, and the name seems to have some roots going back to early settlers in the 1700's. To my knowledge George Washington did not sleep here.

Today, believe it or not, there are over 50,000 inhabitants in Town. Many of them work here. When I worked I had an office in the community.  

While there is a major interstate nearby it seems to be bringing people here to jobs, rather then they other way around. The area has many research labs as well as a major Hospital that provide work.

Rutgers University, my Alma mater,  has its' major campus here and neighboring New Brunswick.  I had an office in New Brunswick too.  When I worked I was very much aware of Rutgers and its' football program. The thing is I just can't tell any stories about those memories. They do, however, bring a smile to my face when I think back to another day.

I also smile when I obtain a badge as nice as this for my collection. I consider it a Jersey major for sure, and I do like this old design.

It is a simple traditional shield with twin panels at the top. It is a generic item until the letters are stamped into. This one reads Piscataway and Police.  At the bottom is the number box where # 87 was put in place before plating.

The Jersey State Seal was part of the generic package and is perfectly  placed at center point. Over all the condition is very good to excellent. Certainly it is a keeper.

MUNICIPALS "P" IS FOR PASSAIC TOWNSHIP

This old badge comes from Passaic Township in New Jersey. It is another "P" in the Municipal Collection that I have been writing about for what seems, to me, forever. Following my alphabetical layout it is the 29th community in the display.

It might sound familiar to you, but you are probably thinking of the City of Passaic. The "Township" is definitely not the same place. It is the Same State, but a world apart. In reality only 25 miles, but still a different time zone.

The two Passaic's do have something in common. They are on, near or sometimes under the Passaic River. That is the connection.

Near the source of the river is this "Township."  It is a rural area with just over eight thousand people living in it. The horses and rabbits enjoy a larger population. 

On the map there are communities such as Gillette, Millington, Meyersville, and Sterling. They are all part of this Morris County community. 

Around twenty years ago the voters changed the Townships' name to Long Hill Twp. The reason was to offer distinction from that other Passaic located down stream.

When the name changed the badge pictured above became extinct. Somehow I caught hold of it, and have been taking care of it ever since.

It is a simple oval that merges with eagles wings. It is silver tone in color and has four panels. They are stamped with black recessed letters that read: PASSAIC,  TOWNSHIP,  POLICE,  and last N.J. In the center is a plated N.J. State Seal.