Wow, this is a biggie. It is "R" for Roselle. This is number 31 in alphabetical order by municipality.
The "R" means I have finally completed those "P's". I started on them in February, but it seems like longer then that. Maybe time is catching up on me.
This community of 20,000 +/- has a "Borough" form of government. It is located in Union County reasonably close to the Newark area. Its' incorporation dates back to 1894.
It was the first community in the United States to have overhead electric wiring and lighting. This was done by Thomas Edison as a demonstration project to push his lighting business. His work was a success.
Like most NJ communities Roselle has a police department. Its' roots can be traced back to the early 1900's. The area that they have to patrol is relatively small at just under 3 square miles.
The beautiful badge from this community is old for sure. It is from the 1940's plus or minus a decade. It is a great New York style and was made for the police auxiliary "Director."
It is in good condition, has a locking clasp, and an old style State Seal which is about the size of a dime. It is on the small side, but authentic.
This badge has been in my hands for close to 25 years. Only after retiring did I find a nice spot for it in my "Municipal Collection." That is the spot where I put non-cities which continues to be my primary interest.
It sits under glass in a huge display case where I view it daily and admire the reverse blue letters that mark it: Roselle Auxiliary, Police and the title - Director.
This Badge is a keeper. It reminds me of the area surrounding Roselle and the friends who lived there a Century ago.
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