NORWOOD MARSHALL

Norwood is a small community in Southern Bergen County in NJ. I never heard of it, although I lived relatively close to it most of my adult life. I learned of it by collecting these NJ Marshal badges. 

This doesn't look all that impressive. The major issue is the enamel in the recessed letters. That condition gives a hint as to age, and I am leaving it in its present state.

The design is a little different than what I am use to seeing when hearing "Eagle on Top." This one is very nice with a good "lift" in the wings. That "lift" creates an open space just underneath the full wing. The bird sits on a circle that has a nice ornate touch on outside perimeter.

At the bottom there is a nice appendage that floats a small oval panel. This one carries number 21. There is a larger panel on top of the circle that reads "MARSHAL"

The circle carries the name "Norwood" and my State spelled out in full. At dead center is the Jersey State Seal. That makes it authentic, official, and old.

Having never heard of the town I did some checking on line and learned that it was very close to the George Washington Bridge, and Manhattan in N.Y.  The Bridge has been popular of late, but there seems to be no news from Norwood. It also is near the Palisades where the old amusement park was located. Now that is a place I remember. Riding the Wild Mouse, and looking at the Hudson River is still a vivid memory. 

Yes this fine looking badge does resurrect some fine memories.

TITUSVILLE - EAST COAST SHOW

I wrote "East Coast" because I drove nearly six hours from the lower West Coast just to get to Titusville!  In my younger days I would have made the trip in four flat. If not I would have lied about it. Lucky for me, Steve Bridges did not require a passport. He just wanted a few pictures from the Show. and I was happy to deliver. The guys with Steve are all winners. I think they can forgive me as I didn't get the categories written down. Anyway they look real happy and deserve a salute for a fine display. Here they are:            

Now I left my wife with my collection from Newark with strict instructions not to sell anything. She knows better. Before telling you about the rest of the show I must (want) to show a couple of my pieces. Check them out.







































Okay for the rest of the Show. The picture below is of Marcel Jojola.

What a shirt. It almost lists the towns where he has served as "Police Chief." Marcel told me that during his career he was the Chief in five different communities.

Of course these jobs were not all at once, but at the end of his lengthy career in law enforcement.

Marcel was quite proud of his "record" and his display of articles from his career in the Show at Titusville.  Now if I didn't make a mistake these are from his collection.

As I walked around the floor I was quite pleased to run into Officer Peter Hernandez of the Windemere, Fl Police Dept. Peter is founder of a new organization called "The Wounded Officer's Initiative." He hopes support can come from all fifty states to benefit officers who are hurt while protecting others.

This young Lady shows off her patch collection, and also lets it be known that woman are part of our hobby too.

A variety of exhibitors filled the room to capacity. I settled on getting a few pictures of items that you might enjoy looking at as did I. Here are a few.

Above is one huge display. Take a close look at the three main exhibits. They take up the whole table top. This was really impressive.


As for the guy below I am not sure about him. I saw no tables with displays. I noted he had a camera and took more pictures then me. Someone told me he was a news media icon. Immediately I thought of Randolph Hearst, but that was wrong. This is Mr. Mike Bonderanko, Publisher of PC News. He had a good time too at Titusville 2016.

PAST DUE ELECTRIC BILL

What a way to start a new year. In the mail was an electric bill and I am thinking it has not been paid. This is a serious matter.

I got my glasses, and put my wallet under a cushion. I was all set to let them have a blistering complaint with both barrels. But it was quick and easy to see this bill was not from FPL (Florida Power and Light). Staring me in the face I can see this is not a bill, but an Official Order to Pay: "Newark Electric Light and Power Co."

Golly, I never heard of that company, and I grew up in Newark. The wife never heard of it either.

The amount due was  $93.95.

Using a vintage pen and black ink a full description of the bill appears in the center of this document. At the very top is written the date - June 2nd, 1890. That is a long time ago.

My eyes are starting to open wide now. I can see this is a vintage document, an order to pay a vendor (Newark Electric) for specific service. At the bottom is the signature of Henry Hopper, Chief of Police.

The rear of this order is signed by a couple people, but the name that stands out the clearest is Dudley Farraud, Clerk. What neat hand writing this man has. I wonder if he placed the stamp near the bottom right that reads "PAID" June 20, 1890. That is rather quick payment. Try today getting a bill paid within the same month. Amazing.

What is more amazing is the fact that this document, with minimal protection is in excellent condition. There are no folds, tares, or stains. The corners are crisp and sharp. 

I think this is a neat old document, in great condition, and truly a link to the Newark Police Dept. It is very much (tell my wife) worth keeping and displaying. She has been good about that, ever since I bought her (me) a new house. 

So now we are all happy and powered up for another great year.