Author and reporter Jacob Schaad, Jr. will highlight the history of Upsala College, which from 1898-1924 was located in Kenilworth (then known as New Orange), during a program being presented by the Kenilworth Public Library and the Kenilworth Historical Society, in coordination with Kenilworth historian Walter E. Boright, Ed.D., on Monday, June 21, 2021 at 7 p.m.
All are invited to attend the event, which will be held at the Kenilworth Seniors Center (526 Boulevard). Admission is free, but interested attendees should register in advance by calling the library at 908-276-2451or e-mailing “[email protected].” Attendees will be required to wear masks or face coverings to be in compliance with the Borough of Kenilworth’s mask mandate.
During the program, 99-year-old Schaad, who spent 12 years at Upsala College as its news editor, will share his personal recollections and research as well as the thoughts of others who studied at the college. Such information is included in Schaad’s recently published book, “Swedes and Deeds — The Ups and Downs of Upsala College,” which will be available for purchase and signing by the author on June 21.
Historic photographs and other Upsala College artifacts from the collection of the Kenilworth Historical Society/Oswald J. Nitschke House living history museum and cultural arts center will be on display during the event.
Upsala College was founded in 1893 in Brooklyn by a group of Swedish immigrants. It moved to New Orange in 1898, then to East Orange in 1924. Once regarded as the third best college in New Jersey, Upsala came upon hard times and was forced to close in 1995 after 102 years of existence. Schaad’s book explores the causes and effects of the closure.
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