Seniors Discover Another Fine Springfield

Seems like there are many cities called Springfield. According to the U.S. Geological Survey there are currently 34 populated places in 25 states named Springfield. Here is one for seniors to enjoy called Springfield Township in Union County, New Jersey. This one is not large, population 16,000+.

New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked Springfield in the Top 100 best places to live in New Jersey in its 2010 rankings of the “Best Places to Live.”  In June 2010, Newsweek named Springfield’s Jonathan Dayton High School as one of the best high schools in the county – only 6% of all public schools in the U.S. made the list.

Springfield was incorporated as one of New Jersey’s first 104 townships by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798. Springfield is celebrated as the site of the extremely critical Battle of Springfield between the American Continental Army and British forces on June 23, 1780.

 Seniors Find Landmarks from Revolutionary War

Senior visitors will find several historical landmarks from the Revolution still standing. The Cannon Ball House built in 1741, served as a farmhouse when the British used it as a hospital. Today it is a museum.

Springfield’s First Presbyterian Church, which had been burned by the British, was rebuilt, using much of the original structure. It stands at 210 Morris Avenue. The statue of a Continental Soldier stands in the smallest state park in New Jersey.

The Rahway Valley Railroad passed through the community, and during the early 20th Century offered both freight and passenger service.  A trolley line called the Morris County Traction Company, ran trolley service through Springfield to/from Newark and Morris County, in the early part of the 20th Century.

 Seniors Golfers Enjoy Classic Golf Course

Springfield New Jersey is the home of the Baltusrol Golf Club and this is probably where I discovered Springfield on the tube. Baltusrol was the host to the 2005 PGA Championship. Golfweek magazine ranked Baltusrol as the 36th best in its 2010 rankings of the “Best Classic Courses” in the country. Senior golfers, toss in your clubs and play a round or two.

Springfield has a new Vision Plan for rehabbing the downtown. A big hit in Springfield is called Screaming Parties. Yes, it’s for kids, so bring your grandkids along and watch them have a screaming great time.

They say that living in Springfield Township comes complete in the spring with a “cricket serenade.”  Seniors, stop in Springfield and hear those crickets for yourself. Enjoy your stay and the many amenities that the township has to offer visitors of all ages. -jeb