Garwood

History

Garwood was incorporated as a borough on March 19, 1903, from portions of Cranford and Westfield Town. Garwood developed in the late 19th century as an industrial and residential community between Cranford and Westfield. Its growth was closely tied to the Jersey Central Railroad and local manufacturers including Hall Signal Company, Hercules Tube Works, and the Aeolian Company. The borough was named for Samuel Garwood, president of a railroad-affiliated land company. Dissatisfaction with municipal services provided by Cranford and Westfield led residents to seek local self-government. Disputes over roads, fire protection, policing, and schools fueled the movement. In 1903, it became an independent borough after approval by the New Jersey Legislature despite opposition from Cranford. Following incorporation, the borough established its own institutions, including Jefferson School and its first municipal building, completed in 1915. The Westwood event venue opened in the early 1900s as Britz's Garwood Hotel, and was later known as Scandia Hall.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 0.65 square miles (1.68 km2), all of which was land.

Race & ethnicity