Historical Society
Historical Society
Location: 10 Zurbrugg Way Riverside, NJ 08075
Hours: Open the last Tuesday and Saturday of each month, 10am-2pm and by appointment!
Riverside, New Jersey has a rich and interesting history. Samuel Bechtold founded Riverside, first called “Progress,” in 1851 as a resort town. People came here to enjoy our forests, meadows, streams and ponds. In the summertime, Philadelphia became quite oppressive and so it was a breath of fresh air to vacation in Riverside’s country atmosphere.
Riverside once housed the world’s largest watch case manufacturer, doing business around the globe from the Philadelphia Watch Case Company Building. It was in an era when everyone carried a pocket watch. The building’s clock tower has since become a Riverside landmark and the watchcase factory as well as hosiery mills in town helped war efforts during WWI.
Riverside also is known for The BOOST! Company. In 1913, pharmacist Benjamin Faunce invented “Tak-A-Boost,” and served it to customers at his Bridgeboro Street pharmacy to help the medicine go down easier. BOOST!, a syrup/concentrate combining a blend of citrus flavors, remains a popular thirst quencher today
Officers
- Alice Smith, President 856-764-1420
- Brittany Rae, Vice President
- Karen Anderson, Secretary
- Joan Serio, Treasurer
- Bob Knoll, Past President
- Vincent Malecki, Trustee
- Peter Chaiccio, Trustee
- Bud Maurer, Trustee
- Herman Maurer, Trustee
- Joe Palombi, Trustee
- Joe Peditto, Trustee
- Dave Speegle, Trustee
Meetings
Our Historical Society meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month, at 7:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post #136. All are welcome!