West Milford, NJ

West Milford is a township in Passaic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township's population was 20,521,[8][9] reflecting an increase of 1,971 (+14.4%) from the 18,711 counted in the 2000 Census,[10] which had in turn increased by 2,848 (+17.1%) from the 16,752 counted in the 1990 Census.[11]

West Milford was formed on March 15th, 1894 as part of an effort to consolidate several small townships into one municipality. The town was named for Westfield Township which at that time encompassed most of what is now West Milford.[12][13] The first settler arrived in 1892 and built a cabin on what is now known as "The Hill". In 1895 a post office was established and by 1897 there were enough people living in West Milford to form a school district with four schools: one for boys and three for girls.[14]

In 1906 West Milford became an independent borough under the leadership of Mayor George F. Haines who served until 1911 when he was elected mayor of Newark.[15][16] Under Mayor Haines' leadership development accelerated with new businesses opening and residential areas expanding. One such development was "The Village", located on what is now known as "The Green" which consisted of 300 homes built between 1907-1909 by real estate developer James J. McCann.[17][18][19][20] Another significant development during Mayor Haines' tenure occurred when Central Avenue (now Route 17) was widened to four lanes from two lanes and improved with new sidewalks and streetlights between 1910-1912 at a cost of $150,000 ($2 million today).[21][22] In 1916 construction began on what would become known as "The Plaza" at Main Street and Route 17 which featured stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue,[23], Lord & Taylor[24], JCPenney[25], Woolworths[26], Kresge's[27], Sears Roebuck & Co.,[28], A&P Supermarket,[29], Bank of America [30], Chase National Bank [31]. The Plaza opened on November 11th 1916 and featured a bandstand,[32],[33],[34],[35],[36],[37],[38],[39]; however it would be destroyed by fire on January 3rd 1923 just days after its grand opening.[40]]

In 1924 Mayor Haines ran unsuccessfully for Governor against Thomas Ewing Jr.. After his defeat he returned to his duties as mayor until his death in 1929.[41]) During Mayor Haines' tenure numerous public works projects were completed including extensions to municipal water mains; installation of sewers; paving streets; construction of bridges; establishment of parks; acquisition or improvement of property for public use; establishment or enlargementof police stations etc...[42]- see more at: http://www.westmilfordnjhistorycenter.org/mayor_george_haines#sthash.NzvFcxKf.dpuf

A major event during Mayor Haines' tenure occurred when Westfield Airport opened on October 1st 1925 just south eastof town near where Routes 17 & 9 intersected (the airport has since been relocated).[43]- see more at: http://www.westmilfordnjhistorycenter.org/airport#sthash....M0ZYQ3iIpw