Roseville, Newark facts for kids
Roseville is a neighborhood located in the city of Newark, in Essex County, New Jersey. It shares borders with the towns of Bloomfield and East Orange. To its east, you'll find the Newark City Subway and Branch Brook Park. Roseville is divided into two main parts: Upper Roseville, which is north of 3rd Avenue, and Lower Roseville, which is south of 3rd Avenue.
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A Look at Roseville's Past
Roseville was first known as "Rowesville." During the American Civil War (1861-1865), this area was mostly farmland. However, it was used as a training and camping ground for the Union Army during the war.
The very first part of Roseville to be settled was Lower Roseville. This small area was located between 7th Avenue, Central Avenue, West Market Street, and 1st Street. The land was originally part of Cyrus Peck’s farm. There was even a large park called Roseville Park before the land was divided into smaller plots. Many of the homes built here in the mid-1800s are beautiful Victorian-style brownstones and row-homes. Some even look like mini-mansions from that time!
How Roseville Grew
Roseville started to grow a lot when Newark's first streetcar line was built in 1862. This made it easier for people to travel. The neighborhood continued to expand quickly in the 1880s. The Delaware, Lackawanna, & Western Railroad also helped Roseville grow by having a train station there for many years. This station closed in 1982.
For a long time, people from other crowded parts of Newark, like the Ironbound neighborhood, moved to Roseville when they became more successful. They were looking for more spacious homes and a quieter place to live.
People and Cultures
Around the year 1900, the northern part of Roseville was home to many Irish-American families. However, the rest of the neighborhood was a mix of different groups. Most residents were Catholic, and St. Rose of Lima Church was a very important part of community life.
In the 1950s and 1960s, more African American residents moved into the area. Since the 1980s, many Hispanic families have also made Roseville their home. These families often come from places like Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and other Latin American countries.
Newark Academy's Old Home
From 1929 to 1964, a school called Newark Academy was located in Roseville. It had a large campus on First Street. The school building was taken down in 1965. In its place, two tall apartment buildings called Garden Spires were built.
Community Spirit
Roseville has a long history of people working together to improve their neighborhood. In 1930, the citizens of Roseville created the Roseville Community Council. This was the first group in Newark started by local people to make their neighborhood better.
After the Newark civil unrest in 1967, Monsignor William J. Linder, the pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church, started the New Community Corporation. This is a non-profit organization that helps people by offering job training, housing, and medical care.
Important Places in Roseville
One major landmark in Roseville is Newark Schools Stadium. It's located at the corner of Roseville Avenue and Bloomfield Avenue. You can also find many delicious Italian restaurants along Bloomfield Avenue.
Getting Around
Roseville is served by the Newark City Subway. You can catch the subway at the Orange Street, Park Avenue, and Bloomfield Avenue Stations.
Schools in the Neighborhood
Roseville has several schools, including:
- First Avenue Elementary School
- Dr. William H. Horton School
- Alma Flagg Elementary School
- Abington Avenue School
- Sussex Avenue School
- Roseville Avenue School (former)
- Newark Preschool
- St. Rose of Lima School
- St. Frances Xavier School
Some of the oldest schools in Newark are Sussex Avenue School, Abington Avenue School, and the former Roseville Avenue School.
Historic Churches
The historic Roseville Presbyterian Church was started in 1854. It is located on Roseville Avenue between I-280 and Sussex Avenue. The land for this church was given by Cyrus Peck, who owned the farmland in the area. Cyrus Peck’s house was later given to the church but was taken down in 1973.
Across the street from Roseville Presbyterian Church is the old St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church. This church was first started by middle-class residents from nearby East Orange. Today, it is mostly attended by African American members. Cyrus Peck and his wife gave the land for this church in 1853.
Local Libraries
Roseville has two public library branches that are part of the Newark Public Library:
- The Roseville branch serves Lower Roseville. It is located at 99 N. 5th Street.
- The First Avenue branch serves Upper Roseville.
Notable People from Roseville
- Moe Berg (1902-1972): He was a professional baseball player in Major League Baseball and also worked as a spy!
- Eddie Osborne: A Council Member for the City of Newark.
