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.

HAT BADGE COLLECTION TOPPED OFF WITH NUMBER 2

This is a great way to start a new year. I have assembled a display of eleven Newark Police Hat Badges. All of these vintage "Ovals" are in great shape.

Over the past (close to) 50 years I have been picking up one badge after another. The Newark items come to me, sadly, at a much slower pace. The Oval was not really a major target in the collection, but they are vintage and a nice addition to any Newark Collection.

I have used these badges as a corner piece surrounding some major pieces of the collection. I have now accumulated Eleven of these Ovals and decided to put them all together. The badge on the top is Oval # 2. Man I wish it was number one, but can't complain too much. It is a good catch, and definitely a keeper.

It is on display in a nice case under glass that hangs on my wall. There are two columns of four badges on each side. The numbers run from Oval # 93 to Oval #700. The picture below shows the complete collection.

Certainly if anyone wants to donate another one of these fine items to me, I'll be willing to start another identical display on my other wall. That would give balance !  At my age balance is important. 

WHO WAS BEATRICE ALLISTON?

WANTED, 

DEAD OR ALIVE

Have you heard of Beatrice Alliston? 

I just got the name. And now I am on the hunt for this felon. If you know her whereabouts let me know. She was last seen in the Newark area, up in Jersey.

I'll  keep you posted on my progress finding her. Multiple stores want to talk with her about, some items being lifted from their shelves.

This is not a big deal case, but for a retired Dude from Jersey its' a Major Crime Assignment. It also means I got something to share, but for now I am just trying to make you curious.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

TO MY FRIENDS IN BLUE

MAY YOU HAVE

A HAPPY NEW YEAR

IN

2016

REMEMBERING FRIENDS

Another year has come, and gone. It's time to give a moment or two to remember friends and famly who have passed on. The above picture is of the "opening" of the N.P.D. Police Academy on 18th Ave. in Newark. It too has gone its way. It still holds many memories, so I thought I would share it here.


My first post remembering was in regard to the loss of a friend who was retired from Newark. Frank Donaghy was a badge collector too. He helped me with my collection, and other collectors as well.

Frank's grand-daughter drew the picture below. It makes a very nice memory. 

A couple of months ago I displayed a "Command Citation" awarded Frank for disarming a terrorist bomb attributed to the Puerto Rican Group known as "FALN." They made the newspapers along the Washington DC- Boston corridor way back in the 1970's. They just weren't called "Terrorists" back then, but they certainly do qualify. Frank told me the story of how He disarmed the pipe bomb. Glad he didn't run.

While I remember Frank, and my Dad, Herman Beyer, Det. NPD, I know there are many more names to note here. 2015 was a very bad year for those who carry a badge. I can only ask for a prayer and offer thanks.

KEN TOLER OFFERS NICE WEB SITE FOR COLLECTORS

I've been doing this "Blog Thing" for eight years now. I do it mostly for myself. I find it a neat way to chronicle the badges I have collected and put them into some sort of context.

As I look at each badge I found that they generated a memory for me. That turns out to be the greatest reason to continue. Some of these memories I share with PC News. You might want to check that paper out and perhaps my column: ""Collecting Memories."

I have also found that there are quite a few collectors out there that check this site on a regular basis. I can't tell you how good I feel when someone writes back to ask a question or two. Some even answer one of my questions.

One of the better calls I received was from some Sheriff in Oklahoma asking for some help identifying an old badge that was found in his County. Sure enough I recognized it in a nano-second. He was thrilled. He kept his badge, but sent me a patch. That's a good deal, and now it is a good memory.

Anyway, one of you recently wrote and, under no duress, acknowledged that he read and enjoyed this blog. Ken Toler, a fellow collector,  also shared his website, which you might find interesting. In turn I share it with you. The address and link are below.

sandiegobadge.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR

At the tick of the clock we bring in another year. From here we wish all a great, and safe 2016

*****