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76-543: The tower marks the location of Edison's Menlo Park laboratory, the world's first organized research and development site. He came to Menlo Park in 1876. The area was then known as Raritan Township, and later changed (in 1954) to Edison Township. Menlo Park is known as the Birthplace of Recorded Sound (November 1877), and the site of the world's first practical incandescent lamp-light bulb (October 1879). Edison and his staff would create 400 of his most important inventions here. It

152-571: A 2004 Weird NJ magazine could be heard from a distance of two miles. The American concrete pioneer John Joseph Earley was involved in its construction. The Tower, which rises 131 feet above the Terrace, is topped by a 13' 8" foot high Bulb made of Pyrex segments by the Corning Corporation. The tower is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, and is now being restored,

228-448: A city. Almost immediately, Orange began fragmenting into smaller communities, primarily because of local disputes about the costs of establishing paid police, fire and street departments. South Orange was organized on April 1, 1861, Fairmount Township (an independent municipality for less than one year that was later to become part of West Orange) on March 11, 1862, and East Orange on March 4, 1863. West Orange (including what had been

304-559: A four-year term. Each member of the council is elected to a four-year term of on a staggered basis, with either three council seats or two seats and the mayoral seat up for election in even-numbered years. Township elections are nonpartisan , with all seats chosen on an at-large basis. In December 2013, the Township Council approved an ordinance that shifted municipal elections from May to the November general election, citing savings from

380-416: A one-year term. Partisan elections are allowed under this law. Voters may initiate a referendum to change the membership to consist of either 3 or 5 members. While many township committees directly supervise the operation of their municipality, the revised act allows the committee to delegate all or a portion of its responsibilities to an appointed municipal administrator. A number of municipalities changed to

456-500: A project managed by The State of New Jersey. The museum showcases many of Thomas Edison's creations including the phonograph and many of his light bulbs , as well as memorabilia relating to Edison and his inventions. The museum also showcases many images taken of Edison's property, inventions, and family. The remainder of Edison's 36-acre (15 ha) estate is now the Edison State Park . The Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park

532-423: A re-dedication ceremony was held on October 24, 2015. The ceremony showed off the newly refurbished tower, media system which played music from the tower's construction until the 50s, grounds, and concluded with the relighting of the large light bulb at the top of the tower. The sphere atop the tower had been called the "world's largest light bulb", however, in 2021, a larger light bulb, 17’ tall and 10’ in diameter,

608-411: A township, as townships are equivalent to all other forms of local municipalities. Municipalities in New Jersey may be classified into one of five types , of which townships are one. Townships may retain the township form of government, or adopt one of the modern forms of government, which are not restricted to a particular type of municipality. In New Jersey, a municipality's name (such as X Township)

684-634: A traditional town, and is formed around the western termini of two major east–west arteries of the Newark street grid: Central Avenue and Park Avenue. Downtown West Orange has the most urban character of the township's neighborhoods, while the Valley is home to a growing arts district, the West Orange Arts Center, Luna Stage and a sizable African American community. West of Downtown, the neighborhoods of West Orange become increasingly suburban as one ascends

760-401: A turnout of 35.8%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Democrat Jon Corzine received 59.3% of the vote (8,168 ballots cast), ahead of Republican Chris Christie with 32.9% (4,530 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 6.2% (858 votes) and other candidates with 0.7% (100 votes), among the 13,773 ballots cast by the township's 29,898 registered voters, yielding a 46.1% turnout. West Orange

836-613: A walkable business district in this part of the township, includes a number of restaurants, office buildings, stores, and houses of worship. Pleasantdale is also home to a sizable Orthodox Jewish community. Finally, the westernmost section of West Orange lies along the eastern face of the Second Watchung Mountain , and includes large portions of the South Mountain Reservation . The housing stock in this neighborhood resembles that of Pleasantdale, as well as those of

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912-600: Is also located on the First Mountain, having been created in 1853 as a site for country homes for the wealthy from New York City. Many blocks on the First Mountain have sweeping views of the Newark and New York City skylines. Beyond the high ridge traced by Prospect Avenue, West Orange becomes a patchwork of post-World War II suburban neighborhoods, interspersed with pockets of older Victorian homes, as well as golf courses, professional campuses, and shopping centers. Pleasantdale,

988-632: Is an outdoor mall with stores that include ShopRite, restaurants and an AMC Theatres Fork and Screen dine-in movie theater. The 350,000-square-foot (33,000 m ) mall, the largest of its type in Essex County, was purchased in 2016 by Clarion Partners . The Jersey Rockhoppers hockey team of the Eastern Professional Hockey League , formed for the 2008–09 season, played home games at the Richard J. Codey Arena . The arena also used to be

1064-478: Is currently home to Kessler Institute, where actor Christopher Reeve rehabilitated, and Daughters of Israel. It is also home to many Jewish synagogues and Korean churches. According to the United States Census Bureau , the township had a total area of 12.13 square miles (31.41 km ), including 12.00 square miles (31.09 km ) of land and 0.12 square miles (0.32 km ) of water (1.01%). It

1140-645: Is derived from the city of Orange. The Eagle Rock Reservation covers 400 acres (160 ha) in West Orange, Montclair and Verona . It was home to many eagles. It currently is the trail head for the Lenni Lenape Trail. Rock Spring is located at the bottom of the Turtle Back Rocks—currently at the corner of Northfield Avenue and Walker Road, West Orange. The water from the spring was considered to have healing powers since Native American times. By

1216-636: Is governed by a directly elected county executive , with legislative functions performed by the Board of County Commissioners . As of 2024 , the County Executive is Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. ( D , Roseland ), whose four-year term of office ends December 31, 2026. The county's Board of County Commissioners is composed of nine members, five of whom are elected from districts and four of whom are elected on an at-large basis. They are elected for three-year concurrent terms and may be re-elected to successive terms at

1292-667: Is jointly administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Parks and Forestry, the Township of Edison, and the non-profit Edison Memorial Tower Corporation. The Edison Memorial Tower Corporation, a 501(c)3, has been instrumental in having the current museum renovated. The renovated museum reopened on June 9, 2012, with old and newly acquired artifacts. The new professional interpretative exhibits were designed by Daniel Schnur. The tower underwent restoration from 2011-2015. Concrete samples were taken off

1368-685: Is located approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) west of downtown Newark and 12 miles (19 km) west of New York City . West Orange is in the New York metropolitan area . The West Branch of the Rahway River originates at Crystal Lake and passes through the township in South Mountain Reservation . West Orange borders the Essex County communities of Essex Fells , Livingston , Millburn , Maplewood , Montclair , Orange , Roseland , South Orange and Verona . Unincorporated communities , localities and place names located partially or completely within

1444-445: Is located within West Orange, and was designed by entrepreneur Llewellyn Haskell and architect Alexander Jackson Davis in 1857. Llewellyn Park is considered among the best examples of the "Romantic Landscape" movement of that period. Thomas Edison was one of the many residents. Thomas Edison's Laboratory , currently a National Historical Park , was where he developed the inventions that earned more than 1,000 patents, including

1520-466: Is not necessarily an indication of its form of government. In New Jersey, the township form of government consists of a three to five-member township committee usually elected at-large in partisan elections. At its organization meeting, held after an election, the committee selects one of its elected members to serve as mayor and preside at meetings. The other members of the township committee serve as commissioners of various township departments, overseeing

1596-530: Is set off by two large parks: the South Mountain Reservation along its southwestern borders with Maplewood , Millburn and South Orange , and the Eagle Rock Reservation along its northeastern borders with Montclair and Verona . The township straddles the transition between the low-lying Newark Bay basin and the high terrain of the Watchung Mountains . Fishing and kayaking is available on

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1672-533: Is split between the 10th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 27th state legislative district. Prior to the 2010 Census, West Orange had been split between the 8th Congressional District and the 10th Congressional District, a change made by the New Jersey Redistricting Commission that took effect in January 2013, based on the results of the November 2012 general elections. In

1748-552: Is used by 27% of New Jersey municipalities; however, slightly over 50% of the state's population resides within them. Townships in New Jersey differ from townships elsewhere in the United States. In many states, townships can be an intermediate form of government, between county government and municipalities that are subordinate parts of the township, with different government responsibilities allocated at each level. In New Jersey, there are no subordinate municipalities located within

1824-560: The 2000 United States census there were 44,943 people, 16,480 households, and 11,684 families residing in the township. The population density was 3,708.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,431.9/km ). There were 16,901 housing units at an average density of 1,394.7 per square mile (538.5/km ). The racial makeup of the township was 67.6% White , 17.5% African American , 0.14% Native American , 8.09% Asian , 0.04% Pacific Islander , 3.52% from other races , and 3.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race were 10.04% of

1900-409: The 2012 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 71.3% of the vote (15,214 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 27.9% (5,950 votes), and other candidates with 0.8% (177 votes), among the 21,491 ballots cast by the township's 32,061 registered voters (150 ballots were spoiled ), for a turnout of 67.0%. In the 2008 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 67.8% of

1976-519: The Algonquin language family, and known as "Delaware Indians" by the 18th century. They identified themselves with the totem of the Turtle. They were hunter-gatherers, matrilineal, and had cultural traditions such as wedding ceremonies. Northfield Avenue and Old Indian Road in West Orange, remain as original Hackensack trails. Their main settlement was where the city of Hackensack is today. They would travel to

2052-515: The Rahway River . West Orange is governed by Plan B of the Mayor-Council system of municipal government pursuant to the Faulkner Act , as implemented on July 1, 1962, by direct petition. The township is one of 71 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government. The governing body is comprised of a mayor and a five-member township council. The mayor is directly elected to

2128-729: The United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker ( Newark , term ends 2027) and George Helmy ( Mountain Lakes , term ends 2024). For the 2024-2025 session , the 27th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by John F. McKeon ( D , West Orange ) and in the General Assembly by Rosy Bagolie (D, Livingston ) and Alixon Collazos-Gill (D, Montclair ). Essex County

2204-634: The "Elizabethtown Purchase." In 1666, Puritan Captain Robert Treat moved south to New Jersey from Connecticut and purchased a tract of land from Governor Carteret , west of the Passaic River and 8 miles (13 km) east of what is currently West Orange. However, the Hackensack tribe disputed this purchase, and said it was not included in the Elizabethtown Purchase. On July 11, 1667, Treat settled

2280-540: The 19th century, visitors from New York City would come to West Orange to drink the water from this spring for its supposed curative powers. West Orange became a resort or country retreat—with boating, fishing, and an Amusement Park at Crystal Lake near Eagle Rock Reservation. In 1901, the first uphill automobile test took place called the Eagle Rock Hill Climb. Llewellyn Park , the first planned community in America,

2356-420: The 20,933 ballots cast by the township's 28,418 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 73.7. In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Democrat Barbara Buono received 56.0% of the vote (6,350 cast), ahead of Republican Chris Christie with 42.9% (4,863 votes), and other candidates with 1.1% (125 votes), among the 11,580 ballots cast by the township's 32,390 registered voters (242 ballots were spoiled), for

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2432-516: The British Army in 1777, and never returned. Meanwhile, Nathaniel's wife Mary Williams stayed on the farm with her younger children. Her farm house had been built in 1720. She gave freely to Washington's revolutionary troops. James finally returned to the farm decades later, to reunite with his mother Mary. Nathaniel and Amos never returned. Nathaniel died of smallpox in New York. A plaque to Mary Williams

2508-797: The East Jersey territory. By the 1700s West Orange was known as part of the Newark Mountains. During the American Revolution, the valleys were populated by farms and mills. The area on Main Street now known as "Tory Corner" was called Williamstown, after two brothers Nathaniel and Benjamin Williams. Nathaniel and his two eldest sons were Loyalists to the British crown, and gathered other Loyalists for meetings. Nathaniel took his eldest sons James and Amos to join

2584-720: The Native Americans and European settlers, most European settlers stayed East of the Hudson River. In 1664, the English took possession of Dutch New Netherland . On October 28, 1664, The English purchased 780 square miles (2,000 km ) of land from the Hackensack, from Staten Island to the Passaic River on the North to the Raritan River on the South, for about 154 English pounds. This is known as

2660-528: The Orange Quarry Company was located in West Orange, where bluestone was mined. Post-World War II, there was a real estate development boom in West Orange. In the 1960s, " white flight " from the 1967 Newark riots and Civil Rights Era led to further settlement of West Orange. The 1970 opening of Interstate 280 made West Orange a popular "bedroom community" suburb for commuters to New York City. This coincided with changes to immigration laws re-opening

2736-583: The Sarah Jordan Boarding House which once inhabited the site, and was moved in 1929 to Henry Ford's Greenfield Village in Dearborn, MI. In addition to the sign, the project also added a stone brick outline of the house's foundation. West Orange, New Jersey West Orange is a suburban township in Essex County , in the U.S. state of New Jersey . As of the 2020 United States census ,

2812-504: The Township type, or the Township form of government, between 1979 and 1982. A federal law, The State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 provided funding to the states to be divided between state and municipal governments. In 1981, states were removed from the program and the law was amended to provide direct grants to the most popular form of local government in the United States - townships. In Essex County alone, 11 municipal governments changed their form or name to take advantage of

2888-658: The adjacent suburban townships of Millburn and Livingston . The 2010 United States census counted 46,207 people, 16,790 households, and 11,753 families in the township. The population density was 3,836.0 per square mile (1,481.1/km ). There were 17,612 housing units at an average density of 1,462.1 per square mile (564.5/km ). The racial makeup was 57.15% (26,406) White , 26.58% (12,284) Black or African American , 0.38% (174) Native American , 7.96% (3,680) Asian , 0.02% (10) Pacific Islander , 4.82% (2,227) from other races , and 3.09% (1,426) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race were 16.20% (7,487) of

2964-1339: The annual election in November. Essex County's Commissioners are: Robert Mercado (D, District 1 – Newark 's North and East Wards, parts of Central and West Wards; Newark, 2026), A'Dorian Murray-Thomas (D, District 2 – Irvington , Maplewood and parts of Newark's South and West Wards; Newark, 2026), Vice President Tyshammie L. Cooper (D, District 3 - Newark: West and Central Wards; East Orange , Orange and South Orange ; East Orange, 2026), Leonard M. Luciano (D, District 4 – Caldwell , Cedar Grove , Essex Fells , Fairfield , Livingston , Millburn , North Caldwell , Roseland , Verona , West Caldwell and West Orange ; West Caldwell, 2026), President Carlos M. Pomares (D, District 5 – Belleville , Bloomfield , Glen Ridge , Montclair and Nutley ; Bloomfield, 2026), Brendan W. Gill (D, at large; Montclair, 2026), Romaine Graham (D, at large; Irvington, 2026), Wayne Richardson (D, at large; Newark, 2026), Patricia Sebold (D, at-large ; Livingston, 2026). Constitutional officers elected countywide are: Clerk Christopher J. Durkin (D, West Caldwell, 2025), Register of Deeds Juan M. Rivera Jr. (D, Newark, 2025), Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura (D, Fairfield, 2024), and Surrogate Alturrick Kenney (D, Newark, 2028). Township (New Jersey) A township , in

3040-417: The borders were not clearly defined, and few if any maps remain. In 1678, Anthony Olive became the first European to settle in what is now West Orange. He was of Dutch origin. He started a farm at the base of the mountains—in what is now Llewellyn Park. It was still untouched wilderness. In 1702, New Jersey became a royal colony of England. By 1706 what is now West Orange—was considered part of Essex County in

3116-460: The briefly independent municipality of Fairmount) was incorporated as a township on April 10, 1863, and was reformed as a town on February 28, 1900. In 1980, West Orange again became a township to take advantage of federal revenue sharing policies that allocated a greater share of government aid to municipalities classified as townships. The township derives its name from William III of England or William IV, Prince of Orange , which in turn

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3192-510: The buildings had either collapsed or burned, and the only two remaining buildings were later moved to Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. The Thomas A. Edison Memorial Tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 30, 1979 as an important architectural and commemorative landmark. The tower's pinnacle is meant to represent an incandescent light bulb and originally included an audio system that according to

3268-468: The combined elections estimated as much as $ 100,000 per cycle. As of 2023 , the Mayor of West Orange is Susan McCartney, whose term of office ends December 31, 2026. Members of the Township Council are Michelle Casalino (2024), Asmeret Ghebremicael (2026), H. William Rutherford (2024), Susan Scarpa (2026) and Tammy Williams (2024). In September 2015, the Township Council selected Michelle Casalino to fill

3344-504: The context of New Jersey local government , refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government . As a political entity, a township in New Jersey is a full-fledged municipality, on par with any town , city , borough , or village . They collect property taxes and provide services such as maintaining roads, garbage collection, water, sewer, schools, police and fire protection. The Township form of local government

3420-403: The country to Asian immigration in 1965, and 1980s desegregation of American suburbs. By the 1990s, West Orange had become a "melting pot", home to a diverse and international community. Many of the industries that had made West Orange grow, left the area by the 1960s. This left some urban blight and abandoned warehouses in the Valley, in contrast to wealthy communities on top of the mountains. It

3496-608: The demands by the Edison Trust for royalties from studios, independent studios located in the Fort Lee area started to relocate to what is now Hollywood, California , where they could operate in good weather year-round, out of reach of Edison and his trust. In the late 1800s, the Valley region of West Orange was home to 34 hat factories, known as the hat making capital of the country. It is currently under redevelopment as 'Hat City' or 'The Valley Arts District'. Until its closure in 1983,

3572-465: The facade and sent to a laboratory where they were tested for their specific makeup. This is so the recreated panels could match the old ones that do not need replacing. The Centennial Plaque, which was stolen a number of years ago, was also replaced during the restoration. The lower part of the plaque was sent to a Metallurgist in order to match the color. The restoration was completed in October 2015, and

3648-562: The light bulb, stock ticker and recorded sound. The laboratory grounds also include the Black Maria —America's first movie studio, the birthplace of Hollywood. The whole idea of a movie industry was first born in West Orange. The town's movie industry rapidly began to spreading to surrounding areas. Eventually the industry spread to Fort Lee, New Jersey , in 1907, which offered inexpensive land for movie production studios that could be located in close proximity to New York City . In response to

3724-472: The mayor's office each year, while others elect the same mayor for 2–3 consecutive years. Out of the 240 townships in the state, the township form of government is used by 140. On road signs, township is often abbreviated TWP or Twp . Some official documents abbreviate it as "Twsp." Historically, a variety of legislation has been passed by the state legislature that has defined and refined the township form of municipal government: The Township Act of 1798

3800-496: The museum. This sign contains information about the Electric Railroad Edison built in that spot. - In 2013, a project added informational sign directly next to the museum. The sign contains information about the museum, the website, and hours of operation. - In 2016, a project added an educational sign diagonally across from the museum site at the intersection of Christie Street and Tower Road. This sign sheds light on

3876-480: The ocean or mountains to hunt for food. The Passaic River runs in an upside-down V shape—8 miles (13 km) west and east, and 13 miles (21 km) north of West Orange. In the centuries prior to industrial development, the Passaic River and Watchung Mountains were major geographic landmarks amidst the untouched wilderness. West Orange is located at the peak of the Watchung Mountains. This vantage point over

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3952-432: The population were under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 27.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 88.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 83.2 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income

4028-399: The population. There were 16,480 households, out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.0% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% were non-families. 24.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size

4104-420: The population. Of the 16,790 households, 33.4% had children under the age of 18; 53.1% were married couples living together; 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present and 30.0% were non-families. Of all households, 25.5% were made up of individuals and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.28. 23.7% of

4180-706: The practice facility for the New Jersey Devils from 1986 to 2007. The New Jersey Daredevils, a special needs hockey team formed in 2002 that plays in the SHI (Special Hockey International League), uses the arena for home games and practices. Annually in October, the Daredevils host a Halloween themed tournament for Special Hockey International teams (including the Daredevils themselves) called Frankenfest. Frankenfest has been going on every October since 2009. The New Jersey Devils Youth Hockey team also plays here as well. The township

4256-651: The purchase through Samuel Efsal, a Lenni Lenape interpreter. He then founded "New Ark" or Newark , establishing it as a Puritan theocracy, as had been done in Milford, CT. The Newark territory kept extending West as the English overthrew the Dutch and claimed or purchased more Hackensack territory. This expansion was effected primarily by individual property owners, who would purchase tracts of land bit by bit. Sometimes they would name it after themselves or where they were from in Europe. Often

4332-399: The redistricting that took effect in 2013, 18,122 residents in the eastern third of the township were placed in the 10th district, while 28,085 residents in the western portion of the township were placed in the 11th District. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 10th congressional district is represented by LaMonica McIver ( D , Newark ). New Jersey is represented in

4408-580: The seat expiring in December 2016 that had been held by Patty Spango until her resignation from office. On November 8, 2016, Councilwoman Casalino was elected to a four-year term. Officers of the municipal court as of 2014 were: As of March 2011, there were a total of 30,561 registered voters in West Orange, of which 14,166 (46.4%) were registered as Democrats , 3,273 (10.7%) were registered as Republicans and 13,108 (42.9%) were registered as Unaffiliated . There were no voters registered to other parties. In

4484-467: The steep hill of the First Watchung Mountain along Northfield, Mount Pleasant, or Eagle Rock Avenue. The housing stock in the neighborhoods of Hutton Park and Gregory is a mixture of Victorian, Jazz Age , and Tudor-style houses; large estates; garden apartments; and post-World War II modern houses. The Victorian enclave of Llewellyn Park , one of America's first planned residential communities,

4560-413: The term "municipality" and recognized five types of government: borough , township, city , town , and village and granted each equal legal standing. The Township Act of 1989 simplified the much-amended Act of 1899. It retains a three or five member township committee serving staggered terms, whose members are generally elected at-large. The committee elects a mayor from among its members to serve

4636-399: The town was $ 69,254, and the median income for a family was $ 83,375. Males had a median income of $ 52,029 versus $ 39,484 for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 34,412. About 4.6% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 6.0% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over. Developed by Sol Atlas , Essex Green Shopping Center

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4712-581: The township for a rent of at least five dollars a year. A group of five freeholders was elected to one-year terms on the Township Committee, which was responsible to oversee the expenditure of revenue in between town meetings. The Township Act of 1899 abolished the town meeting and strengthened the role of the Township Committee, which was initially set at three and amended to allow for expansion to five members. Members were elected for staggered three-year terms. The Home Rule Act of 1917 legally defined

4788-409: The township include Crestmont, Crystal Lake, Llewellyn Park , Pleasantdale , and Saint Cloud. The township has an eclectic mix of neighborhoods and housing types, which roughly correspond to the township's geographic features. Generally, the township has four distinct neighborhoods: The oldest and most densely populated part of the township is Downtown West Orange, which lies in the low basin along

4864-482: The township's eastern border with the city of Orange and Montclair . Main Street, in this section, is home to the Thomas Edison National Historical Park , as well as the municipal building, police headquarters, and a branch post office. The West Orange Public Library is located on Mount Pleasant Avenue in this section, just west of Main Street. Downtown West Orange is laid out in the pattern of

4940-416: The township's population was 48,843, an increase of 2,636 (+5.7%) from the 2010 census count of 46,207, which in turn reflected an increase of 1,264 (+2.8%) from the 44,943 counted in the 2000 census . West Orange is both an inner-ring suburb of New Jersey's largest city, Newark , and a commuter suburb of New York City ; it is approximately 12 miles (19 km) west of Manhattan . West Orange

5016-693: The valleys east to Manhattan had a strategic value for Lenni Lenape warriors, and later George Washington's troops during the American Revolution. The wooded South Mountain Reservation has rocks shaped like the backs of large turtles. The area is now known as "Turtle Back Rock Picnic Area" and gives its name to the Turtle Back Zoo . The Turtle Back Rocks were considered sacred to the Native Americans. The Native Americans were hunter-gatherer tribes who would overlap territories and occasionally had tribal wars, but did not "own" land. They believed in taking only what

5092-448: The vote (15,423 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain with 29.3% (6,667 votes) and other candidates with 0.7% (154 votes), among the 22,740 ballots cast by the township's 30,260 registered voters, for a turnout of 75.1%. In the 2004 presidential election , Democrat John Kerry received 64.7% of the vote (13,535 ballots cast), outpolling Republican George W. Bush with 34.0% (7,118 votes) and other candidates with 0.7% (186 votes), among

5168-439: The work of those areas along with overall legislative issues. Some mayors in this form of government also oversee specific departments. The mayor in this form of government is primarily ceremonial and has the same power as other township committee members. The mayor does hold the powers vested in all mayors under state law One township committee member is elected deputy mayor each year. Some towns with this form of government rotate

5244-425: Was $ 88,917 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 4,480) and the median family income was $ 106,742 (+/− $ 5,256). Males had a median income of $ 65,854 (+/− $ 4,548) versus $ 43,223 (+/− $ 2,769) for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 43,368 (+/− $ 2,021). About 4.9% of families and 7.1% of the population were below the poverty line , including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over. As of

5320-410: Was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.19. In the township the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.0 males. The median income for a household in

5396-470: Was erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1922. West Orange was initially a part of Newark township, and remained so until November 27, 1806, when the territory now encompassing all of The Oranges was detached to form Orange Township . On April 13, 1807, the first government was elected. On January 31, 1860, Orange was incorporated as a town , and on April 3, 1872, it was reincorporated as

5472-657: Was home to the inventor Thomas Edison , who also maintained a laboratory and workshop in town. West Orange was originally part of the Native American Hackensack clan 's territory, for over 10,000 years. The Hackensack were a phratry of the Unami tribe of the Lenni Lenape . In their language, "Leni Lenape" means, "the original people." The Acquackanonk sub-tribe were located along the Passaic River . They were part of

5548-450: Was immediately necessary from nature, and considering the needs of the next seven generations. This hospitality at first benefited the European settlers, who struggled in the wilderness after reaching North America's shores. In the 1500s and 1600s, the territory was disputed and transferred many times between the Hackensack, Dutch, Scottish, Swedes, and English colonists. Due to the wars between

5624-635: Was installed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on the plaza in front of the Cox Business Convention Center. Another famous sphere , the Union Watersphere , long-known as the "world's tallest water sphere" is located in nearby Union . The museum encourages local Boy Scout Eagle Projects and Girl Scout Gold Award projects on its grounds. Some of the projects are as follows: - In 2009, one project added an educational sign directly across Christie Street from

5700-454: Was the first state legislation to incorporate municipalities. The government defined was a form of direct democracy , similar to the New England town meeting , in which the vote was available to all white males, at least 21 years old, who were citizens of New Jersey, and residents of the township for at least six months; and who paid taxes in the township, or who owned land, or rented a home in

5776-518: Was this site that Edison would fondly nickname his 'Invention Factory'. Edison and his staff were working in New York City, building the world's first central distribution site for electricity, when his wife Mary Stilwell Edison died at their Menlo Park home. He would later relocate to West Orange, New Jersey in 1884 to what is now the Thomas Edison National Historical Park . The original Menlo Park buildings began to deteriorate, and by 1926 most of

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