Mayor Frank J. Calandriello

Deputy Mayor Joseph Delaney

Click Below for the Official Site for the City of Garfield

The City of Garfield

GARFIELD

City of Garfield Chamber of Commerce Publication - Local Business Directory

THE BEGINNINGS:

Circa 1000 BC to 1650 AD, the Hackensack Clan of the Lenni Lenape or Delaware tribe of the Algonquin Nation of Indians lived along the Passaic river area that is now called Garfield. The land was purchased from the Lenni Leanpe in 1679. In March of 1716 the Township of Saddle River was created and Garfield, which was part of the Township, became famous for the wonderful produce that was raised as a result of the flooding of the river and the rich soil it deposited. Orchards produced some of the best fruit in the area and melons, peaches, apples as well as other produce were shipped to Newark and New York from Peck Hook Landing (Midland Avenue). The area was also known as Cadmus Mellon Patch.

The founder of Garfield said, "tell everyone...don’t speak of East Passaic anymore, call it "Garfield" after the man who will lead this great country to prosperity." Unfortunately, seven months later President Garfield was assassinated but his name would live on in this great city. Gilbert Bogart built over 300 houses in Garfield at this time, as housing was needed for the expanding population. In 1881, the first tracks of the Bergen County Railroad, later to become known as the Erie Lackawanna, Conrail and New Jersey Transit Railroad were installed. It was at this time that the first school was built on River Road near Belmont Avenue and in 1882 Garfield received her first post office. By 1882 the population had expanded and there was a need for another school. It was a two room building on Commerce Street between Palisade and Cambridge Avenues. It took one year to build and Ellsworth Shafto became its first un-official Superintendent of the "school system" which included two schools. By 1921 five schools were added and these were called the "schools of the world" having students from Russia* Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and Italy among others.

BUILDING A CITY:

In 1850 August Hasbrouck had a house built at 23 Orchard Street. It still sits there today and is called the Octagon House. Some 29 years later it was sold including 273 Acres and the new "estate" was named "Belmont." As steam power grew in importance and the Industrial Revolution was in its infancy the society and landscape were changing. The Dundee Dam became the needed waterpower for Garfield to become home to the textile industry. The woolen mills such as Forstmann Woolen Co., Garfield Worsted Mills and Samuel Hird Co., built sprawling factories that were assured an ample water supply as well as a constant influx of immigrant workers from Eastern and Southern Europe. From a few farms and houses the need to house these immigrant families to supply the labor for these factories became a growing concern. This is how Garfield developed as a "family town." Developers built houses for families who would live here for generation after generation. Garfield has very few apartment complexes and most of the housing was single or two family dwellings.

On July 17, 1893 a group of citizens gathered at Hollingshead Hall on Washington Place and formed the first Fire Department. It is still called "Old Reliable" today. Fire Company No. 1 used the bell at the First Presbyterian Church as the companies’ fire alarm. In 1905 Fire Company No. 1 sold its building t the borough which became the town’s municipal building. On December 9, 1900, Fire Company No. 2 was born, Fire Company No. 3 on December 16, 1903, Fire Company No. 4 on April 24, 1906, and Fire Company No. 5 on march 26, 1906. The Police Department was formed in 1898 using Marshall’s appointed by the Mayor. From 1898 to date the Garfield Police Department has had only six Chiefs’ of Police.

One could always find work in Garfield and it was a great place to start a business and raise a family. From a farming community, East Passaic became the City of Garfield. The places that supported the families that lived within this city were started as the population expanded, Samuel Hird, 1898, Forstmann Woolen Mills, 1904, Garfield Worsted Mills, 1904 and New Jersey Spinning Company, 1905. The local churches due to the numerous faiths and heritages of those who came to Garfield to seek a new and better way of life numbered 15 during this time, showing the ethnic background of her residents, some of the churches (all still in existence) are First Presbyterian, Holy Trinity, Our Lady of Mt. Virgin, Three Saints Russian Orthodox, Jewish Center, St. Stanislaus and Our Lady of Sorrows. Today, Garfield is still a "family community" where people set down roots and continue to work and live among families and friends.

 *Editors Note: Those of Ruthenian and Ukrainian heritages were classified by the school system of that era as "Russian."

Historical Images 

Stephan Muller's Cafe/Hotel

Stephan's business was located at 40 Outwater Lane and the corner of Elm Street in Garfield. The building was sold and torn down after the Muller's passed away. The building may have been sold to Spencer Savings Bank. The photograph may have been taken in the mid 1900's. According to census records Stephan and his wife Elisabeth emigrated from the former Austro-Hungary Empire between 1894-1898.

Thank you to Marie Shaw (great granddaughter of Stephan and Elisabeth Muller) for sharing her photographs.

Elisabeth Muller tending bar.

"My great-grandmother would make and sell homemade soups and sandwiches daily out of the cafe to feed the surrounding factory men. I remember as a child, the ice man bringing in big blocks of ice to the cafe to keep the bottled beer cold." Marie Shaw

Stephan Muller behind the bar tending to a local customer.

As this historical document indicates Stephan and Elisabeth's daughter Mary attended the Holy Trinity School on Hope Avenue in Passaic.

Elisabeth Mikk and Stephan Muller married on January,22, 1898 at St Boniface Church in Paterson, New Jersey

 

The Founders of the Garfield Passaic Transit Company

Leon F. Holeves (Center) Mr. Holeves passed away in 1986 in Clifton, NJ

Thank you to Mr. Holeves granddaughter Mary Lou Holeves for contributing the photograph.

If you can identify anyone else in the photo please contact us at editors@tccweb.org

 

Image 1 - Belmont/Garfield Bus Line, Circa 1925 Courtesy of Mark S. Auerbach

Image 2 - Garfield/Passaic Bus Line, 1920 Courtesy of Mark S. Auerbach

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3. Borough Hall, 1908; 4. The Meltzer Building, 1914; 5. School No. 2, 1915; 6. Belmont Park Hotel, 1908.

3 4

5 6

Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church

Garfield, New Jersey

Holy Trinity Slovak Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized on August 10, 1892. The church began with fifteen Slovak Lutherans who wished to have their own house of worship. Started in Passaic, New Jersey, at first services were conducted at the Presbyterian church located on Monroe and Third Streets. In time, membership grew with the influx of new immigrants who were Slovak Lutheran from the former Austro-Hungarian Empire regions. During the first two years the spiritual needs of these pious individuals were served by a theology student, Mr. K. Molnar. As time progressed, the members wished to build a church in Garfield and the first house of worship was completed on April 20, 1902 at a cost of $2,447.00. During the beginning years, it was very difficult to find a pastor to tend this flock. Various pastors such as the Rev. L.A. Engler of New York City and the Rev. Daniel Bella of Port Chester, New York tended to the Slovak Lutherans needs. Holy Trinity still remained firm and looked for the day when they could have a full time pastor. Obtaining a Slovak speaking Evangelical pastor from Slovakia was difficult during the period of 1880 through 1900. Only a few, but not many, Slovak Evangelical pastors came here but most stayed in the New York City areas. The first full time pastor, the Rev. John Murcek, was installed in 1908 and remained for a period of four years. During his tenure, a rectory was constructed on Summit Avenue and a bell purchased for the church. In 1913 the Rev. Joseph Kucharik was installed as pastor and served until 1920. During these years, more and more immigrants who were Slovak Lutheran were arriving in Passaic and also moving to the City of Garfield. The church membership grew very swiftly due to this. Some of the names who were members of this church during this period were Simcak, Kmetz, Gazdik, Molitoris, Lukac, Velebir, Harbac, Chovan, Socha, Moravus, Bvelebir, Sabo, Bross, Gmetz, Ritoch.

The original church was constructed of wood and as time moved on, a need was seen to improve the church building. A vast undertaking was implemented to construct a new church of stone in gothic style which stands to this day. The beginning estimates of cost were approximately $110,000. This was a large amount for the membership as many were of limited financial means. Finally, after much sacrifice the church was completed and dedicated on September 5, 1926. This church was a monument to the devotion and dedication of the Slovak Lutherans of Garfield and surrounding communities. It is to their credit that this magnificent structure stands today. During 1934 the church undertook the founding of a Christian Day School and had as an original enrollment of approximately 55 pupils. Mr. Andrew Socha directed this school and he was also the organist and choir master for the church. A wonderful addition to the church was the installation of a magnificent pipe organ in 1934 which cost approximately $5,000.00. The fact that these projects were undertaken during the Great Depression which had plunged many in America into financial chaos is a testament to their faith. As time continued the church expanded and the officers of the church cared for the needs of the membership. During 1941 officers were President, John Kmetz, Vice President, John Chovan, Secretary, John Molitoris, Treasurer, John Gazdik and Trustees, Michael Velebir Jr., Michael Lukac and Stephen Velebir. Holy Trinity also had many organizations and societies some of which were the Ladies Aid Society, Ladies Sewing Circle, a Senior and Junior Young Peoples Society, Girls Guild and various choral groups. From the beginning services were conducted in Slovak and English every Sunday morning. As of the year 1942, records note that there were 800 members of Holy Trinity, 369 weddings, 753 baptisms and 55 children in the Christian School.

Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church recently celebrated their 100 year anniversary. While Slovak is no longer utilized in services and the make-up of the congregation has changed, the church still holds dear the Slovak roots of this church. Without the devoted Slovak immigrants who came and tirelessly worked hard, Holy Trinity would never have existed. The church is graceful and is located at the top of a large hill on Palisade Avenue in Garfield. This brick gothic structure can be seen for a long distance. A familiar site to all area residents is the tall brown spire capped with a simple cross. The church also has chimes which play at various times and grace the atmosphere of the City of Garfield. While membership for the church has dropped in recent times, Holy Trinity is a resilient congregation. The church will continue to grow just as the original Slovak founders found ways to expand their beloved house of worship at a time when no one thought it possible.

John Adema, Ciro Barcellona, Frank Benda, Frank Cuoco, James A. Hepworth, Michael J. Hornick, Edward Kalf, John Noack, Rosario Trentacosta, Joseph Oliva, John Prosinski, John Roehrich, Pasquale Versace.

WORLD WAR II

August Albano, John Alfieri, Gennaro Amoruso, Anthony Bigica, Bennie Ballone, Andrew Barroco, Philip Benati, Ely Berenson, Joseph Biss, Samuel Boback, Andrew Bobela, Joseph Bobela, Joseph Bocchio, Thomas Bongiorno, Michael Botcho, Henry Bruning, Edward M. Buczek, Clarence Bush, John Cahayla, Thomas Calandro, Vincent De Gregorio, Matthew Daniel, Benjamin De Peri, John De Peri, Charles De Salvo, Peter J. De Wolff, Tadeus Doviak, Bruno Drozd, Thomas Dutton, John Duva, Joseph Eifried, John Elcisak, Howard Fackinier, John Fatuova, Michael Fedush, Jr., John P. Ferrara, Henry Ferrario, Charles J. Foelding, Walter Fornalik, Walter Furtak, William Galletly, Walter Gancrz, John Gasko, Walter Gemski, Michael Grega, John Grembowitz, Ralph Gutches, Michael Haschak, Andrew Hornik, Joseph Hilt, Edward C. Jancsak, Chester Janda, Joseph F. Jarosz, Henry J. Kasica, Mitchell J. Kasica, Frank Kayser, Arthur Kinner, Louis Klos, John Knapp, Paul Korn, Hans, K. Kohler, Demethius Koske, Stephen Kozsukany, Jr., Edward C. Krudys, Mitchell Krumas, John M. Kula, Edward L, Kwasnik, Anthony Lampariello, Anthony Lo Guidice, Louis Lombardo, Matthew Macy, Valentine J. Maciag, Frank Marut, Erasma N. Matera, John Mocilekko, Lewis J. Moore, Stanley Myles, John Nakonechny, Jr., Michael Natalie, Alexander J. Norcia, Anthony Nykyforczyn, Edward Pavick, Frank Pilliteri, Burno Pordon, Carl Raia, Walter Reiss, Milton H. Rozek, Francis Russell, Anthony Sachon, Edmund M. Sadloch, Stanley Saganiec, Salvatore Santora, James A Sasser, Joseph Serbeck, Frank Sedita, Raymond W. Seifert, Andrew Serkanics, Anthony Simone, Andrew J. Siwiec, Stanley Skiba, Stanley Sobala, Peter Spalluta, Michael J. Spero, Chester A. Staron, Alfred Staudt, Stephen Stepancsek, Melvin Stoddard, Zolton G. Tapp, Oldrich Tauer, Joseph Tempio, Joseph G. Tengi, Joseph J. Vagoun, Albert Verbinski, Peter Uram, Edward J. Vagoun, Albert Verbinski, Peter Yacyniak, Edward Zalewski, William Zurynetz, Milton Zwiazek.

KOREAN CONFLICT

Paul Brunda, Robert Szayway, Frank Galimi.

John Barsch, Craig J. De Vore, Tyrone Hill, Joseph S. Lo Faso, Anthony Manganello, Jr., Joseph Morriggi, William Sipos, Kenneth F. Schorndorf, Mark I. Stephanac, Vincent Weedo, Jr., Anthony J. Tencza.

St. Peters Greek Catholic Cemetery

by Joy E. Kovalycsik

Cross & Chapel at St. Peter's Cemetery

Photos by Joy E. Kovalycsik

In response to the constant influx of Rusyn and other Slavs to the areas of Passaic and Garfield the need was desperate to have a proper place of burial for Rusyn Greek Catholics. The only cemetery in the area at the time was St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Cemetery and they refused to recognize a Greek Rite priest, let alone permit any other burial rite than that of the Roman Catholic church. In answer to this prejudice a committee was formed in 1895 to purchase land for a cemetery so that Rusyns could be buried according to their own rites and traditions. Wanting to make sure this property would stay in Rusyn hands on March 24, 1897 St. Peters Greek Catholic Cemetery Association was formed by the following Rusyns: Officers: George Kmetz, J.Wilchovsky and P. Gladis, Directors of the Association were A. Zoscsak, J. Timko, M. Dudascsik, A. Gyucyak, G. Pircis and M. Mancyak (taken from stone tablets at entrance to Cemetery). This cemetery to this day is still in private hands and was for the most part exclusively Rusyn but due to changes in the times and a wish to sell off remaining graves the cemetery has been "opened" to any denomination wishing to purchase graves. It is the hope of the remaining owners to finally "close" the cemetery to further burial once all the ground is sold and will only remain open for those who hold title to be buried.

The cemetery is still in use by Greek Catholic and Orthodox members and one of the few cemeteries in New Jersey that cannot be accessed via car, you must walk from the main road in front of the main gates. The cemetery is still utilized every Memorial Day when priests from the Greek Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches hold a pannihida service for their members buried there. It is the only time the chapel is functioning now but years ago it was used most often. A interesting historical note for this cemetery is that years ago immigrants who could not obtain loans for banks or did not have a lump sum in cash to purchase cemetery plots could put a "lien" on their home properties until the purchase price was paid in full. One must give credit to the owners of this cemetery as this was no money making venture, some immigrants took years to pay off the entire purchase price and no Rusyn went without burial according to his own beliefs.

This cemetery cannot be overlooked for its historical aspects, all Rusyns who came to Passaic have at least one family member buried there and since many, many Rusyns first stop was Passaic after immigration the chances of vast amounts of people having a family member buried there is high. The cemetery still will do a search of surnames that you provide (for a modest fee) and will send photocopies of all that they may have in their old burial records. For anyone searching for their ancestors, the fee for this is nominal compared to the wealth of information to be obtained. St. Peters is a jewel not to be overlooked in anyone's search for their Rusyn heritage.

Some of the unique statuary found at St. Peter's

Photos by Steven M. Osifchin

Three Saints Russian Orthodox Church

Garfield, New Jersey

Shortly prior to 1900 a small group of immigrants held a meeting at Peter Kovalycsik’s hall on Second (now renamed Market) Street in the City of Passaic to discuss building a church. During this time frame, there was no Orthodox church in Garfield nor in the adjacent city of Passaic for immigrants to worship in. Those of the Russian Orthodox faith could only travel to New York City for divine services. Some names of immigrants who met to discuss building a new church in Garfield were John Kuchta, John Krayniak, Michael Timochko, Joseph Chiginick, Thomas Hatala and John Sirak. There were only approximately 24 families who were Russian Orthodox and wished to build their own church. This was no small task given the lack of financial resources of the immigrants. These individuals were devoted to the idea of having a house of worship according to their own faith. After many meetings and great financial sacrifices, a parcel of land was purchased on the corner of Cambridge Avenue and Commerce Street in Garfield. The total cost for this land in 1901 was $475.00. The cornerstone was placed on July 3, 1901 with the Right Reverend Z. Raphael who was an Assyrian priest and later became the first Orthodox Assyrian Bishop in the United States. After great contemplation the name for the church was decided as "Three Saints" after the memory of the early church fathers. The church was placed under the jurisdiction of Archbishop Tikon who later would become Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox church. During the early years of Three Saints, Reverend Fathers Alexander Hotovitsky and Elias Zotikoff of New York City oversaw the spiritual needs of the membership. When the church building was finally completed, Reverend Anthony Doroschuk was assigned to Three Saints. The first church was made entirely of wood and was a very beautiful church. One main cupola was surrounded by three smaller ones and the interior murals were imported from Russia. The membership continued to grow due to the constant influx of immigrants from many parts of Eastern Europe and Russia. It was not long before the church was totally self-supporting. From 1903 to 1905 the church saw two priests, Fathers Kelko and Olchevsky. In 1905, the Reverend Peter Popoff was assigned to Three Saints and the church expanded rapidly.

Father Popoff organized a Parochial school and also the church choir. By the time of his departure in 1908 the size of the congregation had doubled. By 1911 the need for a permanent rectory was desperately needed and the priest of this period, Father Michael Chervinsky completed this addition to Three Saints. In 1913 the debts which had been incurred were reduced dramatically and during this same year, the church was consecrated by Metropolitan Platon. Many priests served Three Saints during the period of 1913 though 1915 and many additions and upgrades were undertaken. One sad note was during August 14, 1915 a tragic fire destroyed the entire church. After so much hard work and fifteen long years of struggle, the membership of Three Saints would have to begin all over again. Reverend Alexander Alekhin worked tirelessly to keep the membership together and worked hard to to rebuild all that had been lost. With renewed hope, the congregation purchased more land which was next to the church property and set their minds to build an even bigger and more beautiful church. While rebuilding the church a new school and also, a church auditorium were also added. These massive construction undertakings were amazing given the times and the limited financial resources available to those who had immigrated to America. In the late fall of 1916 the church building was almost finished and the number of families attached to Three Saints had grown and numbered over 300 families.

On March 16, 1918 Reverend John N. Telep was assigned to Three Saints. The church was heavily in debt due to the construction of these new buildings all within the short span of two years. While the exterior of the church was finally finished, the interior was very limited due to a lack of funds for furnishings. During the five year period of Reverend Telep’s tenure, it is to his and the congregations credit that the church debt was reduced which, afforded the means to redecorate the interior in full. During 1924 through 1925, the interior murals were painted by an artist from Russia, Photius Bodasiuk, with a total cost of $4,500.00. More renovations and construction were added such as the addition of a cellar to the church and the installation of heating and lighting which totaled $5,500.00. Another $1,500.00 was utilized to purchased oak pews which were not part of the original church. In 1934 a beautiful crystal chandelier was purchased from the former country of Czechoslovakia which cost approximately $1,200.00. Three Saints continued to grow and gained many members from the surrounding cities and towns. There were many organizations which the church sponsored such as The Russian Orthodox Society of Three Saints, Saint Mary’s Sisterhood, Three Saints Choir Club, Mothers Club of Three Saints Church, Russian American Citizens Club and Fraternal Order of "Roova", Branch No. 38. Three Saints Parochial School was a fully functioning school and taught the congregations children reading and writing in Russian, Prayers, Music (Choir), Bible History and Catechism among other subjects. Classes during the 1942 period were held daily Monday to Friday afternoons from 4:30 p.m. until 6:15 p.m.

As of 1942, the Board and Officers of the Church Committee were: The Very Reverend John N. Telep, Rector, Professor Simeon Evdokimovich Andreyeff, Choir Director, President Theodore Telischak, Vice President, Stephen Elias Wolchko, Treasurer, Joseph Chiko, Assistant Treasurer, Andrew Tarasewich, Secretary, Michael Billy and Assistant Secretary, John Lisack. The Trustees for Three Saints Russian Orthodox church were John Shirak, Senior, Lester Palubniak, Stephen Yuhas, Michael Shack, Stephen E. Wolchko, Ivan Gursky, Ephim Chorney, Alexander Nosal, Theodore Rohatinsky, Theodore Telischak, Andrew Tarasewich, Stephen Kruge and Peter Volchko. As time continued Three Saints became a highly recognized addition to the City of Garfield’s skyline. The church was a small sized structure but, was graceful. The brick exterior along with the lovely cupolas could be seen for a long distance. The interior of this church was very warm and friendly. The icon screen which divided the altar area was a beautiful masterpiece and combined with the graceful murals and icons which adorned the walls and ceiling, Three Saints was a work of art totally within its own right . As time progressed the church would finally leave their original home on Cambridge Avenue. This move was made to a large tract of land that held the church Cultural Center which has been utilized by many in the City of Garfield for numerous functions. A magnificent church was finally constructed on the Outwater Lane property and the old church was eventually sold. Three Saints is a magnificent church which can be seen for miles. Its golden domes are a sight not to be missed while traveling though Garfield and, the church itself is breath-taking to view. The new interior of the church is also glorious. The dark wood based icon screen is a work of art and the floor is made of marble. New stained glass windows have been added during recent years which add to the glory of this beautiful house of worship. From a limited discussion by a few individuals to build their own church in Garfield, Three Saints has come very far since 1900. This church is still expanding today and, is gaining new members which are filling this church from Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe. The hard work and total devotion of this congregation is to be admired. Three Saints has come very far in 100 years and their church which all admire on Outwater Lane is truly a monument to the Russian Orthodox faith.

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