STILL DREAMING

This Post was first printed way back in 2008. PC News also published it. Shortly after they did I received a letter from an old retired Newark Officer who wrote He answered many a call at the Senior Citizen 

Location and surrounding area. It didn't take long and we became friends and shared discussions about Newark. I visited him in NJ on a couple of occasions, and drooled at the sight of his Newark Police Collection. I "gifted" the DREAMLAND Badge to him.

When Det. Donaghy needed his knee replaced I figured out where the surgery was going to be completed, as Frank wasn't telling people. I got my daughter, a nurse on his floor, to give him a surprise "Get Well Cake". He was blown away at the cake which also had his Badge Number "1588" in blue letters on the top.

Shortly after this,  Frank got another surprise. It was Stage IV. He called me to his home to discuss what he wanted to be his  "legacy story." And He wanted me to write it, which I did with his help.

Now the years have gone by, and guess what. The badge that I once "gifted" to him has returned to my collection. Below is the original Post regarding this badge written in 2008. Enjoy the story one more time.

- - - - -

How is it possible that the word "Dreamland" is associated with Newark, NJ and my interest in badges?

First of all, you almost have to be a world class spelling champ to properly explain "Dreamland." It has origins going back to the 1920's in the days of dance and jazz. The Weequahic Park section of Newark was its home. The actual address was located at 985 Frelinghusen Ave.

Billed as the "America's Newest and Largest Roller Skating Rink," it opened in Oct. 1941. I am happy to say that was before my time. I may have seen 985 Frelinghuysen Ave, but I never saw Dreamland. I do recall Weequahic Park, its lake, and the Trotter races.

Somewhere after WW II Dreamland became a memory. It was soon followed by the "gray patrol" or the Senior Citizens. I am not sure exactly what they built, but apparently they did need security and a badge. The one pictured above is around sixty years of age.

SURF CITY, A NEW ADDITION TO NJ "CITY" COLLECTION

"LETS GO SURFING - SURF CITY, N.J.

                         By Dennis Beyer

OK, breakout my old Surfboard and let's go surfing again. Maybe even call the Beach Boys to bring their Old Woody down to the beach to join us in a grand old party. I know a great spot, and it's not in California. It's in New Jersey.

I'm talking about Surf City. This is a mega metropolis, at least between Memorial Day and Labor Day ! It is located on Long Beach Island, or to the local folk "LBI."  At its' Northern tip is Barnegat Light House marking the Barnegat Inlet,  which opens to the Atlantic Ocean. On the West is Manahawkin Bay. You have to be from New Jersey to understand these names.

There are about 1200 full time residents, one Yacht Club, and one Police Dept. Including the Chief, there are eleven officers staffing this Department. Head Quarters is located in the Municipal Building, where they share offices with other employees.

Today the Officers where oval badges marked with the word "Patrolman". The badge pictured here is "of the day" - maybe 1930-1940. It was stamped POLICE, and at the bottom of the center circle SURF CITY.

At the center of this 1.75" tall, gold toned shield is the N.J. State Seal. It is a little smaller then a dime. The back features a pin with locking clasp, that are functional.

 

 

Underneath the pin, on the backside of this badge is an old hallmark. It is from C. G. Braxmar. When they made this badge they were located at 242 W. 55th St in N.Y.

 

 

DISPERSE THE CROWD

The piece below is a reprint from a couple years ago. I am posting it again as it seems appropriate with all the riots and acts of destruction in our country the last few days. It seems to fit with what is needed as Our Society deals with unacceptable Radical Behavior. Enjoy the read. 

In the old days if a gang was causing trouble a few cops on horseback dispersed the gang. They ran in all different directions, and the Cops would stop - CASE CLOSED.

Twenty-five years later if there is a gang causing trouble at the usual corner, police cars were sent. The Boys were taken downtown for a shower, a meal, had their picture taken and released - THAT USUALLY MEANT CASE CLOSED.

Twenty-five Days ago, "Anywhere USA", the Boys are back at it. Hold on, not so quick. They're not Boys anymore. Next did you   see that someone in City Hall actually gave them  a permit. The permit says this is their corner up to 11:00 PM. 

However "That Permit" does not give the Gang the right to be belligerent trouble seekers. If they go to far, the Police can be called. The Permit does not authorize Homicide, Arson or just simple Rioting. Those that have "The Permit" need to understand that it is a "privilege", and that there are rules (some of us refer to them as "LAWS) that must be obeyed.

When the Crowd, with the permit, goes to far with their "demonstration," it's time for the "Boys in Blue" to respond. 
When appropriate the Police can apply force to those that don't know how to act like human beings.  

It is sad when this becomes a bad scene. This is because our 'Young Urban Permit Holders' can't read the rules, and if they could, simply wouldn't care. Yeah, plenty of potential for some real harm in these situations, except someone, with brains,  gave the order to DISPERSE THE CROWD.  

Enough said: DISPERSE THE CROWD

N.P.D.  1919

*****