The above case is the complete group of eight old issue badges from Union Township, NJ. As one can see I display them behind glass in a locking case.
The above shield was made for a "Special" Police Office and is numbered 548.
Detective, and numbered - 6.
On the left is a Sergeant badge.
Below in a little better condition is a Captain's shield.
To the right is another Detective Badge that is numbered - 682
Below are two Patrolman Badges that I manged to collect over the years. One is in rough shape and has a number 5 at the center of the number box, while the one in better shape is numbered 100.
Wow all these pictures took up a lot of space. I almost forgot to write my mandatory bit about the community.
Union Township is next to Newark. It is not the same place as Union City. As its' name suggests it is a Township. It is probably best know as a residential community.
There are three major highways that make this a very busy community. They are Route 22, Interstate 78, and the Garden State Parkway. Only 50,000 people exit these roads to join there families at night.
In Revolutionary Times this was the third settlement in New Jersey. Then it was called Connecticut Farms. There is a school with that same name, as well as a Church. They are located on one of the local roads dissecting the community. It is Stuyvesant Ave. I lived on that street, just beyond Union's border, some 45 years ago.
In the same area, but closer to Route 22, is a bowling alley. I used to go there when I was a tad younger. I recall some "singing group" tried to get a gig in the bar at this bowling alley and failed. Sitting in the parking lot, they decided a name change might help change their career. They took the name of the bowling alley - The Four Seasons.
As I check my display on the daily basis I am reminded of many memories including my wedding reception in Union Township exactly 46 years ago. Maybe these badges help with that, but none the less I am pleased to have them in my collection of memories.
