South Orange in Essex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Baird Community Center

Photographed by Bryn Douds, March 8, 2021

1. Baird Community Center Marker

Inscription.
In 1889, a group of citizens formed the Meadow Land Society and acquired three large parcels of land to protect them from encroaching industrialization, including what is now Meadowlands Park. The Society purchased a barn and 23 acres from Edwin Henry Mead to use for sporting activities. Mead's barn became the first clubhouse for the South Orange Field Club. In 1895, the barn burned to the ground and a new clubhouse was built soon thereafter. By 1929 the private club became a public community center. In 1930, the clubhouse was renamed "The Baird Community Center" in honor of local resident William T. Baird, the first president of Meadow Land Society and president of U.S. Rubber Co.

( photo caption )
— South Orange Field Club c. 1910

Erected by The Township of South Orange Village.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.

Location. 40° 45.052′ N, 74° 15.539′ W. Marker is in South Orange, New Jersey, in Essex County. It can be reached from Mead Street east of Meadowbrook Lane, on the left when traveling east. Located at far corner of Baird Center parking area, on the bike path between tennis courts and baseball fields. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: South Orange NJ 07079, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey,

in Greater Newark,

and in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Flood's Hill and Lone Oaks Golf Course (within shouting distance of this marker); Connor Swimming Pool Complex (within shouting distance of this marker); Swamp Line Trolley (within shouting distance of this marker); Meadowland Park Lake (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cameron Field (about 400 feet away); Tau / Tony Smith (about 600 feet away); South Orange Memorial Rock - Viet Nam War (approx. 0.2 miles away); South Orange Memorial Rock - Operation Iraqi Freedom (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Orange.

More about this marker. The Rahway River map marker is on the back of the marker.

Regarding Baird Community Center. The Field Club, shown in the photo on the marker, included a bowling alley and three kitchens. Fourteen rooms were added in 1930. It was further enlarged during substantial renovations in 2020-2023, including the addition of a gym.

Baird Community Center Marker Surroundings image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bryn Douds, October 31, 2023

2. Baird Community Center Marker Surroundings

The Rahway River image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bryn Douds, March 3, 2019

3. The Rahway River

Map of the Rahway River and its tributaries.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2023, by Bryn Douds of South Orange, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 784 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 27, 2023, by Bryn Douds of South Orange, New Jersey. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.