Weequahic, Newark facts for kids
Weequahic (pronounced wee-KWAY-ik) is a neighborhood in the city of Newark, New Jersey. It is part of the South Ward. Weequahic is known for its well-kept homes and streets. A part of the neighborhood is even a historic district. Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is a big hospital located here.
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Discovering Weequahic's Past
The name "Weequahic" comes from the Lenni-Lenape language. It means "head of the cove." This area was once farmland. In the late 1800s, it grew into a neighborhood. It became a middle-class area with single-family homes. These homes were built around Weequahic Park.
Jewish Community in Weequahic
For many years, Weequahic was home to a large Jewish community. There were many synagogues, Jewish schools (called yeshivas), and restaurants. The Newark Beth Israel Medical Center was built with help from the Jewish community.
Famous Author Philip Roth's Connection
Author Philip Roth grew up in Weequahic. He went to Weequahic High School. Many of his books, like American Pastoral, are set in this neighborhood. Weequahic High School was known as a mostly Jewish school when he attended. A movie called Heart of Stone talks about the school's history. It shows how the school changed over time. In the 1950s, many students from Weequahic High went on to earn PhDs.
Changes in the Neighborhood
After World War II, many people moved to the suburbs. Also, many African Americans moved to Newark. These changes affected Weequahic. Some unfair housing practices and the building of a highway also played a role. The civil unrest in 1967 also had a big impact on the area.
Exploring Weequahic Park
Weequahic Park is a beautiful part of the neighborhood. It was designed by the famous Olmsted Brothers. The park is about 311 acres (1.26 square kilometers) big. It has a 2.2-mile (3.5-kilometer) path for jogging around its 80-acre (0.32 square kilometer) lake.
Golfing at Weequahic Golf Course
Inside the park is the Weequahic Golf Course. This is the oldest public golf course in the United States. The park is listed on important historical registers.
Tall Buildings on Elizabeth Avenue
Several tall apartment buildings were built in the 1960s. They are located along Elizabeth Avenue, across from Weequahic Park. These buildings are among the tallest in Newark.
Notable High-Rise Buildings
- 440 Elizabeth Avenue: This building, once called Carmel Towers, opened in 1970. It is 25 stories tall. It was empty for some time but is now being fixed up.
- Zion Towers: Located at 515 Elizabeth Avenue, Zion Towers opened in 1972. It is 29 stories tall and has many apartments. It was sold in 2018, and there are plans to make it even better.
- Other Buildings: Elizabeth Towers (22 stories) and Heritage Estates (24 stories) are also on Elizabeth Avenue.
Education in Weequahic
The Newark Public Schools system runs the public schools here. Weequahic High School serves students in the neighborhood. The old building of the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art is also in Weequahic. It was built in 1931.
Weequahic Branch Library
The Weequahic Branch Library is part of the Newark Public Library. It opened in 1929. In 1992, the library was updated. It got air conditioning, computers, an elevator, and a special area for children's stories.
See also
In Spanish: Weequahic para niños
