Every time our researchers come up with a Jersey history topic, it can come from a very simple premise. This is one of those stories. After hearing about the Cherry Blossom festival in Newark and all places, we raised our own questions. Why Branch Brook Park? There you go, and we’re off to the races. What’s the history? Who did it? Why did they do it? What are the historical ties to the area? This is one of those great tales of our collective Jersey history. So read the story, then schedule a trip. But hurry, it’s an early April thing!
Did you know Branch Brook Park in Newark, New Jersey boasts the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States, with over 5,300 trees of 18 different varieties? TRUE. Washington DC has 3,800 cherry trees. Most of the cherry blossom trees were a gift to Newark in 1927, from Caroline Bamberger Fuld, who donated 2,000 cherry blossom trees to the park in memory of her late sister, Mrs. Felix Fuld. The following year, an additional 1,600 trees were donated by the Bamberger family, bringing the total number of cherry blossom trees at the time to over 3,600.
Bamberger’s was founded by Louis Bamberger in 1893 as L. Bamberger & Company. The store quickly became known for its high-quality merchandise and excellent customer service. In addition to its 11 stories of retail offerings, Bamberger’s was also known for its community involvement and philanthropic efforts in Newark. My grandmother was a Bamberger’s hairdresser and often did Connie Francis’ hair (another story for another time).
In 1929, Bamberger’s was acquired by R.H. Macy & Co., which later became Macy’s, Inc. Under Macy’s ownership, the Bamberger’s stores were gradually rebranded as Macy’s, and the Bamberger’s name eventually disappeared from the retail landscape but the name stuck at the Newark location. With its distinctive clock tower, the Bamberger’s building in downtown Newark still stands today as a historic landmark. The building has been repurposed for various uses over the years, including office space and residential apartments.
Branch Brook Park
Branch Brook Park is one of the oldest county parks in the United States and holds significant historical importance. It was opened in 1895, making it the first county park for public use in the United States. The park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, a landscape architectural firm founded by the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, known as the father of American landscape architecture and who designed many iconic landscaped areas, including Central Park in New York City.
Here in Somerset County, New Jersey, the Olmstead Brothers firm was responsible for several landscaping gems, including the James B. Duke estate in Hillsborough, Percy Pynes’ “Upton Pyne” (Bernardsville), Clarence Mitchell’s “Pennbrook” estate (Far Hills), and Walter P Bliss’s Mendham estate, “Wendover.” Here’s a quick video about the life of this gifted landscape architect, Frederick Olmstead.
Branch Brook Park was created in the late 19th century as part of the City Beautiful movement, a reform philosophy of urban planning that sought to beautify cities and improve the quality of life for residents. The park was established in 1895 and officially opened to the public in 1899.
The park was developed on land formerly used for industrial purposes and consisted of marshes and swamps. The Olmsted Brothers transformed the landscape into a picturesque park featuring meandering waterways, rolling hills, and scenic vistas. The park’s centerpiece is the Branch Brook, a tributary of the Passaic River, which flows through the park and lends its name to the park itself.
When to Go See the Cherry Blossoms
Branch Brook Park has become a popular destination for visitors during the cherry blossom season, which typically occurs in early April. The park hosts the annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, which includes cultural demonstrations, family activities, and live performances.
The cherry blossoms in Branch Brook Park are beautiful and attract thousands of visitors yearly. The park’s rich history and vibrant displays of cherry blossoms make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
Branch Brook Park remains a beloved green space in Newark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its creation marked a significant milestone in developing public parks in the United States and continues to be a treasured resource for the local community.
When you go – just take it in like we did. But now you’ll know the history of this Jersey gem. We call this 30 seconds of serenity….. and it’s in Newark 🙂
Check out the 3 LIVE Webcam views of Branch Brook Park
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