How many of us growing up thought it was odd to see Hopelawn streets named May, Loretta, Juliette and Clyde to mention a few? Turns out, Hopelawn was the homestead and farm of Luther M. Hope in the 19th century. After its incorporation, the original streets were named after Luther Hope's children (Juliette, Loretta, May, Luther, Lee, Warren, James, Howard, Clyde, John, Ellen, Charles, Herbert, Erin, Emmitt, William)...yes, you're correct; sixteen kids. Originally called Hope's Lawn, it was later shortened to Hopelawn.
(click on the group photo for a larger view)
It's also home to many of our friends and classmates.
Back in the late fifties then Massachusetts Senator John Kennedy visited Hopelawn's Majestic Lanes. Although the picture quality is poor, I wonder if any of our Hopelawn parents are captured in this photo.
Uhh, Hopelawn's FIRST NAME was called ELLENDALE TERRACE, it comprised the section from New Brunswicjk Ave, Fla Grove rd, May Street, and to a stream on the west (Penns AVE)?????? The Library of Woodbridge has alot of stuff on it in it's newspaper archives, you ought to do a story on that!!!! And no mention of Misss FEE? SHAME on YOU!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather Laurence Clement, Sr who formally headed the Township's Department of Public Works in the 1950's is seated center on the floor.
ReplyDeleteI remember Miss Fee with great fondness up until her retirement in 1969 she was a driving force in Hopelawn for over fifty-years and was responsible for the construction of the first Hopelawn playground and park back in the 1940's.