A Historical Look at Cranford, NJ

Enjoy the following history on the community brought to you by the workers' comp attorneys in Cranford, NJ, at Garden State Justice Group.

Cranford

The township of Cranford is situated in the center of Union County in the state of New Jersey. This 3,116.8-acre town is just south of Kenilworth and north of Winfield. North Avenue runs across the center of the town east and west as the Rahway River cuts through, flowing north and south. The main roadways in the town are the Garden State Parkway, South Avenue, South Avenue, and Lincoln Avenue. 

History

The area was founded by Josiah Crane, son of John Crane, in 1715. It was incorporated into a township in 1871. Crane built his house near the Rahway River in 1840, and it is known as the Little House on the Rahway or the Crane-Phillips House. Crane sold the house to Henry and Cecelia Phillips in 1867. The Victorian cottage-style house is currently home to the Cranford Historical Society, which was founded in 1927. 

Neighborhood

The area is home to several parks located throughout the community, such as:

• Adams Park - located on Lambert Street
• Rahway River Parkway - located on Hawthorne Street
• Josiah Crane Park - located on Springfield Avenue
• Girl Scout Park - located on Springfield Avenue
• Johnson Park - located on Johnson Avenue
• Lincoln Park - located on Lincoln Avenue
• Nomahegan Park - located on Riverside Drive

The area hosts the Cranford Canoe Club, which is one of the oldest in the country. The town's nickname Venice of New Jersey, stems from the canoeing that happens along the Rahway River. The club was once privately owned and dated back as far as 1886 but is now owned by the township. Other canoe clubs have come and gone over the years, such as:

• Lobster House 
• Skeeter Canoe Club
• Cranford Canoe Club
• Ulhigh Canoe Club

Also found throughout the neighborhood are several churches that were established as far back as 1850. Some of these include:

• 1917 - Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim
• 1872 - Trinity Episcopal Church
• 1850 - First Presbyterian Church
• 1887 - The First Baptist Church
• 1872 - St. Michael's Church

Demographics

In 2010 the township had a population of 22,625, which included 8,583 households and 6,154 families. This was a decrease of 0.2% from 2000. The racial makeup of the residents was the following:

• 91.85% white 
• 2.62% African American
• 6.51% Hispanic or Latino
• 0.08% Native American
• 2.84% Asian
• 0.02% Pacific Islander
• 1.03% other races
• 1.56% two or more races

The median income per household in the area was $107,052, according to the 2010 census. This was an increase from $76,338 in 2000. The breakdown of occupations held by the working townspeople was the following:

• 15.35% management and executive occupations
• 12.19% teaching and educational positions
• 11.47% office and administrative support roles

To learn more about the neighboring communities: An Overview of Newark Liberty International Airport, NJ

Our Local Office

If you have been hurt while at work, you may be entitled to compensation. Let our experienced Cranford, NJ, workers' comp attorneys at Garden State Justice Group help you get to know your legal rights. Call today for your free case review.

Garden State Justice Group
1114 Elizabeth Ave #6
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
(908) 442-8395