Hidden History of New Jersey

Hidden History

by Joseph G. Bilby, James M. Madden, Harry Ziegler

There are many familiar moments in New Jersey's history, but what about the Garden State s lesser-known stories--the unsung heroes and forgotten tales? Many of these are collected here by New Jersey natives Joseph G. Bilby, James M. Madden and Harry Ziegler. Uncover the meaning of "Jersey Blues," celebrate some of the state's bravest Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers and investigate Jersey City's most infamous ghost. From the inferno that engulfed Asbury Park to the benevolent side of Frank Hague and the equestrienne who plunged forty feet into a pool of water on horseback in Atlantic City, rediscover these and many other events from New Jersey's hidden history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2011

About the author

Joseph G. Bilby is Assistant Curator of the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey. A graduate of Seton Hall University, he served as a lieutenant in the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam. He has received the Jane Clayton Award for contributions to Monmouth County (New Jersey) history and an Award of Merit from the New Jersey Historical Commission for his contributions to the state's military history.

Reviews

[Laura Cobrinik · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a native New Jerseyan, I found Joseph Bilby's book, "Hidden History of New Jersey" on the library shelves at the Morris County Library in Whippany, NJ.
I was inspired to look for this book when I did a search in the library's catalogue for "Moe Berg," after recently seeing the 2019 movie, "The Spy Behind Home Plate," since this obscure baseball player, foreign language fanatic, lawyer, and possible spy, was born and grew up in the Roseville section of Newark. So this chapter I was ready for.
I was shocked to read about the "Swastikas" over Sussex, since the Sussex county that I know is very rural, with few people and a lot of land and also houses many lakes.
Of course I knew about the soldiers from the Revolutionary War, but Bilby introduced me to more war hero's from this war than I remember learning about. Of course there were the Schuylers and the Fords. And of course if the Revolutionary War was fought for in the beautiful Garden State, then of course New Jersey was also a place where people fought in the Civil War.
Bilby shows that the United States of America needs and needed the great state of New Jersey! I'm proud to be from New Jersey after reading this book!
"Thank you" Mr. Joseph Biby for writing this book....I feel that all of the school districts in New Jersey should make this book a "requirement for graduating from high school."
Coming from Boonton Township, NJ I wonder if those movies that Moe Berg took in the 1930's in Tokyo, when he should have been with his baseball team helped Jimmy Doolittle with his "30 Minutes Over Tokyo" which ended the lives of many of the guys from "The Greatest Generation," and whether Jimmy Doolittle would have done his heroic act if Moe Berg's movies of Tokyo were not made?
Laura Cobrinik,
Boonton Township, NJ

[Steve Howdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little known and very interesting stories about New Jersey History. The book is a series of short stories from all around the Garden State. At first I thought I would read on stories but quickly I had gotten into about a quarter of the book as there are some page turning stories. I enjoyed this book and would recommend this book for people who love New Jersey as well high school children. It is a great school history book.Hidden History of New Jersey

[J.J. Lair · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have the military history in New Jersey before there was an America. Devil Dixon, that was a story! There were things you’d never think like a KKK presence that is later mocked and eliminated. There is a pro-German Bund movement that is later mocked and eliminated. Moe Berg is a fascinating story that should told more. A lot of New Jersey militia in American History.

[Ollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty solid book on some of the lesser known historical stories of New Jersey. They are all very short (a few pages each) and easily digestible— and they are definitely interesting, too.

The book in its entirety is short and could probably be read in one sitting. It doesn't go into excruciating detail, but just enough, while also covering a wide array of varying historical events.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book trying to save yesterday's newspaper headlines from fading into oblivion. Interesting.

[JoAnn Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful about my home state but it ended with a train crash that was never mentioned to me. Come to find out it was overshadowed by war. Overall a vey good book full of facts

[Kurt Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fabulous volume, well written and not just rambling. I even learned quite a bit from it