Woodside, Newark facts for kids
Woodside is a small neighborhood in the northern part of Newark, New Jersey. It's located right next to the Passaic River, where New Jersey Route 21 also runs. To the south, you'll find Mount Pleasant Cemetery, and to the west is the Forest Hill area. The town of Belleville is just north of Woodside, across the Second River.
Contents
A Brief History of Woodside
Woodside: A Short-Lived Township
Did you know that Woodside was once its own small town? It was called Woodside Township and it existed in Essex County, New Jersey. This township was created on March 24, 1869. It was formed from parts of Belleville Township.
However, Woodside Township didn't last very long. Just two years later, on April 5, 1871, it was dissolved. Its land became part of Belleville and Newark.
Cockloft Hall: A Writers' Hangout
In the early 1800s, a famous American writer named Washington Irving spent time in Woodside. He was known for stories like "Rip Van Winkle." Irving and his friends formed a group called the "Lads of Kilkenny." They were young writers who enjoyed having fun.
They often met at an old family mansion in Woodside. This mansion was located right by the Passaic River. They called their special meeting place "Cockloft Hall." For a short time, this group even created their own magazine called Salmagundi.
Woodside's Old Train Stations
Woodside used to have its own train station. It was called Woodside Station. This station was located near Grafton Avenue and Oraton Street. It was a stop on the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad's Newark Branch.
The station had a small green area, a snack bar, and a place to buy tickets. Passenger trains stopped running here in 1966. However, freight trains continued to use the tracks for some time.
Another station, the North Newark station, was also in the area. It was on Broadway. This station was served by the Erie Railroad. Today, the old train tracks are planned to become a state park. It will be called the Essex–Hudson Greenway.
Archbishop Walsh Homes: A Community's Change
The Archbishop Walsh Homes were a large housing project in Woodside. They were named after Thomas Joseph Walsh. He was an important leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Newark. He served as archbishop from 1937 until 1952.
The project was built after his death. It included nine tall, 8-story buildings. Starting in 1997, these buildings were taken down. In their place, new "town homes" were built. A recreation center called the Waterfront was also added for the community.
