Franklin, Hamburg, Ogdensburg, and Hardyston

Franklin, Hamburg, Ogdensburg, and Hardyston chronicles the settlement and life of the Wallkill Valley area of northern New Jersey. In rare photographs, the book reveals the history of the people and places in the communities of Franklin, Hamburg, Ogdensburg, and Hardyston. Beginning entirely as Hardyston Township, the area developed into four communities, each with distinctive qualities. Franklin is the “Fluorescent Mineral Capital of the World,” as known around the world, with its zinc mines, and also known as the Model Mining Town of the East” over the years of its mining operations. Hamburg from early times was a crossroads and business district. Ogdensburg possessed both iron mines and a zinc mine; and the famous Thomas Edison developed long-valued ore concentrating methods and a mining village here. Hardyston, with its mountain ranges and lakes for summer visitors, and still-thriving farmland, retains the beauty of its natural surroundings.

Author William R. Truran was born and raised in the Wallkill Valley, in Sussex County. A college professor, engineer, and avid student of local history, he has researched and compiled some two hundred images from museum archives and private collections and has woven together the fascinating story of these four communities.

The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title present the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.