Weequahic Collection

Jewish Historical Society of MetroWest Archives

Prepared by Jill Hershorin – Jan. 2012

Record Group: 4

Collection Number: 9-10

Creator:

Jewish Historical Society of MetroWest

Inclusive Dates:

1916-2011

Extent: 12 cf

Abstract:

This collection contains assorted documents and ephemera from the Weequahic neighborhood of Newark, NJ.

Acquisition information:

The collection was created by records which were donated by a number of people as well as those owned by the Jewish Historical Society of MetroWest

Preferred Citation:

Weequahic Collection, Jewish Historical Society of MetroWest

Access restrictions:

The collections of the Society shall be available for examination and study by any member of the public under the normal security procedures and other special procedures established for the protection of the specific collections.

Copyright:

For information about permission to reproduce or publish materials, please contact Jill Hershorin, Archivist, Jewish Historical Society of MetroWest.

History:

Once a primarily agricultural area of the city of Newark, Weequahic continued to be used as farmland until the late 19th century, when it developed into a middle-class residential neighborhood whose biggest asset was the park. It was inhabited primarily by a middle- class Jewish population and was home to a number of synagogues, yeshivas and Jewish restaurants.

Located in the heart of the Weequahic neighborhood is the landmark institution, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, which remains the city’s major hospital boasting a number of statewide and national firsts.

Considered the finest public school in New Jersey, Weequahic High School established a reputation for classroom excellence and was well known for its fine sports programs (the basketball team won its first state championship in 1962.) The mural inside of the school, “The Enlightenment of Man”was painted by Michael Lenson, who was the director for the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration.

The growth of nearby suburbs and the riots of 1967 contributed to the relocation of the majority of citizens of Weequahic and other Newark neighborhoods.

Scope and Content:

This collection was created after the Jewish Historical Society amassed a large number of donations for their 2009 exhibit "Weequahic Memories.” This collection contains: newspaper articles; photographs; yearbooks; special events programs; Weequahic High School ephemera; sports related materials; postcards and other materials. The collection's strengths are found in the public school materials.

This collection is comprised of paper, photographs, and ephemera whichare divided into eight series as follows:

  1. Artifacts & Ephemera
  2. Businesses
  3. Events
  4. General Community
  5. Multimedia
  6. Personal Collections
  7. Press
  8. Publications

VIII. Photographs

Conservation Notes:

n/a

Removals:

None

Organization:

The materials are organized alphabetically, then chronologically within the series.