The Sussex Fire Department in a 1909 parade. (Photo courtesy of Bill Truran) Sussex County History Today: Main Street, Sussex, Part II The guest historian this week is my friend from Sussex Borough, Mario Poggi, president of the Sussex-Wantage Historical Society.... Columns 15 Aug 2025 | 10:23
Main Street in Sussex. (Photo courtesy of Mary Case) Sussex County History Today: Main Street, Sussex Borough This column is by a guest historian, my friend from Sussex Borough, Mario Poggi, who is president of the Sussex-Wantage Historical... Columns 10 Aug 2025 | 09:05
The Decker-Munson property will receive a historical marker. From left are Sussex County historian Bill Truran, Paul and Regina Downs, and county Commissioners Jack DeGroot and Bill Hayden. (Photos provided) Sussex County History Today: History awards at the fair A highlight of my service as the Sussex County historian is to recognize those action-oriented historians of our county.... Columns 03 Aug 2025 | 09:09
‘Fishing at Lake Grinnell’ along the railroad tracks with the ice house in front. (Photo courtesy of Bill Truran) Sussex County History Today: Meet me at the fair July is coming to a close and August is ready to burst upon us. August brings the annual fair that many of us look forward... Columns 25 Jul 2025 | 10:58
Painting called ‘The Battle of Bunker Hill.’ (Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress) Sussex County History Today: Battle of Bunker Hill As this column focuses on history and history related to Sussex County, we will dwell frequently on the 250th anniversary... Columns 21 Jul 2025 | 10:50
Decorated caps of members of the Vernon Township High School Class of 2025 at graduation June 19. (Photo by Cody Williams) Where we’ll go from here Here are excerpts from speeches given by local valedictorians and salutatorians at recent graduation ceremonies. Skylar Sandage,... Columns 18 Jul 2025 | 10:57
PW1 World War II veteran Mike Parchomcik in his uniform before the fighting began. (Photo courtesy of Bill Parchomcik) Sussex County History Today: Bataan Death March Part II Before Memorial Day, I wrote about three Franklin lads who joined the Army before World War II and were shipped off to the... Columns 12 Jul 2025 | 06:57
Fight federal spending cuts in science, medicine Federal funding for science and medicine has been cut by 30 percent to 80 percent - to the lowest level in decades - and... Letters to the Editor 12 Jul 2025 | 10:32
Sussex County History Today: Basketball dynasties In this column, the usual roles are reversed, and I answer questions about my new book, “Franklin High School: Two Basketball... Columns 03 Jul 2025 | 02:01
A Fourth of July parade in Sparta in the 1960s. When the parade passes by My Lake Mohawk experience began in the summer of 1963 when my parents bought our home on East Shore Trail. The house was... Columns 28 Jun 2025 | 10:33
The State We’re In: Saving the Palisades This year, we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, a pioneering model of environmental... Columns 14 Jun 2025 | 11:05
The Monroe one-room schoolhouse in Hardyston. (Photo courtesy of Bill Truran) Sussex County History Today: Raising the flag An American tradition is to honor our country on Flag Day, June 14. This year, the holiday falls on a Saturday. Flag Day commemorates... Columns 06 Jun 2025 | 10:50
A general store is recreated for the Back in Time Yuletide Stroll last December in Stillwater. (File photo by Maria Kovic) Sussex County History Today: Stillwater’s bicentennial Stillwater is celebrating the 200th anniversary of its incorporation. The township has a beautiful country landscape in Sussex... Columns 03 Jun 2025 | 01:22
Interior of a Morris County iron mine, 1859. (Photo courtesy of Ron Dupont) Sussex County History Today: Route 80 blues This week, this column was written by my friend Vernon historian Ron Dupont. Sinkholes on Route 80 in Wharton have caused... Columns 24 May 2025 | 11:19
Three friends from Franklin - Mike Parchomcik, Mike Concoy and Joe Auche - joined the Army in 1940 and shipped off to the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of Bill Parchomcik) Sussex County History Today: Bataan Death March Memorial Day weekend is upon us. Enjoy your picnics and parades. Speaking of parades, let’s talk about the Bataan Death March... Columns 16 May 2025 | 10:57