Morris County - Madison - “New Jersey Originals: Technology Marvels, Odd Inventions, Trailblazing Characters & More”

Tuesday, April 16 – Morris County

    On April 16, Linda Barth will speak on “New Jersey Originals: Technology Marvels, Odd Inventions, Trailblazing Characters & More,” which is also the title of her new book. Always a popular speaker, this will be a return visit to the Madison Historical Society for Linda.    

    What makes New Jersey so special? In addition to culture, wonderful suburban towns, a high standard of living, strong public schools, a mild climate, mountains, and beaches, we must add one more: innovation. In addition to the creations of Bell Labs and Thomas Edison, New Jersey has innovators and inventors galore.

   Before and during World War II, the soldiers at Fort Monmouth and Camp Evans produced many innovations—including radar and night vision goggles—that helped the United States win the war. Cook College at Rutgers has produced important, often disease-resistant, vegetables and flowers. Among the edible inventions are pork roll, M&M’s, and the famous Campbell’s green bean casserole. Quirky firsts include Lucy the Elephant and the Francis life car. And just for fun, I’ve added some famous and not-so-famous New Jerseyans.

   A lifelong resident of the Garden State, Linda Barth has written two books on the D&R Canal and three children’s picture books, Bridgetender’s Boy, Hidden New Jersey, and Alice Paul: Champion of Women’s Rights. She has also authored A History of Inventing in New Jersey: From Thomas Edison to the Ice Cream Cone and New Jersey Originals. With her husband, she has published The Millstone Valley Through Time and Somerville Through Time. She has also contributed to the Encyclopedia of New Jersey.

    The meeting will be held in the Chase Room at the Madison Public Library, Keep Street, on April 16 at 7:00 p.m.