MARSHAL - CLIFFSIDE PARK

Here is "another" marshal badge that I have acquired. I have it in my New Jersey Marshal Collection which is growing nicely.

Marshals were authorized with the creation of legislation allowing Boroughs to be created as a form of government for NJ municipalities. Before that the title existed but was  used in larger populated areas and in some cases were appointed by the Governor.

Under the new legislation small communities could have "police" protection with Mayor/Council making appointments. It was mostly the  "borough" community that made the decision to hire "Marshals." In some cases the marshal was phased out and a police department would be established. The target of my collection is the "marshal badge" from the small community issued before the creation of a police force.

I have not been able to figure out how many community's had marshals, but I know there would be at least thirty or more. I have twenty-five. The one above is a standard New York style badge with recessed letters. The State Seal is at the center and the number (113) is beneath it.

The badge is estimated to be around 75-100 years old. It is silver tone and in good condition. There is some wear around outer perimeter.

The Community of Cliffside Park was created as a Borough in 1895. Its name comes from it location on the Palisades mountains or Cliffs overlooking New York City and the Hudson River. There is a population (after the work day is complete) of 23,000 people. They should be pleased that I have given this rare old badge, from their community, the proper care that it needs,  and display it proudly under glass in my den. I'd like to think of this room is my museum. It certainly has many antiques that give me pleasant memories from another life not so long ago.