Bill Text: NJ SCR132 | 2026-2027 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates May 24th, 2026 as "Watchung Centennial Jubilee Day" commemorating 100th anniversary of Borough of Watchung.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)
Status: (Introduced) 2026-05-11 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee [SCR132 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2026-SCR132-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator JON M. BRAMNICK
District 21 (Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union)
SYNOPSIS
Designates May 24th, 2026 as "Watchung Centennial Jubilee Day" commemorating 100th anniversary of Borough of Watchung.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A concurrent Resolution designating May 24th, 2026 as "Watchung Centennial Jubilee Day" to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Borough of Watchung.
Whereas, The Borough of Watchung, located in Somerset County, was established in 1926 and formally incorporated that same year by an act of the New Jersey Legislature; and
Whereas, The first Borough Council convened on May 24, 1926, marking the beginning of local self-governance and civic leadership within the community; and
Whereas, The population of Watchung has continued to steadily grow, increasing from 3,312 residents in 1960 to 6,449 residents in 2020; and
Whereas, The borough is situated within the scenic Watchung Mountains, whose natural beauty has long defined the character and landscape of the community; and
Whereas, Watchung is home to two beautiful and cherished lakes - Watchung Lake and Best Lake - that serve as important recreational, environmental, and historical assets for residents and visitors alike; and
Whereas, The name "Watchung" is derived from the Lenni Lenape Native American language, meaning "high hills," reflecting the borough's geography and deep indigenous roots; and
Whereas, The area that is now Watchung was settled in the early 18th century and played a role in the American Revolution, including serving as a vantage point for George Washington to observe British troop movements in 1777 and formerly known as "Washingtonville" in the late 18th century; and
Whereas, Watchung is distinguished by its strong tradition of volunteerism, with residents who have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to civic engagement, public service, and community improvement; and
Whereas, Over the past century, Watchung has evolved into a vibrant municipality known for its natural beauty, strong civic institutions, and engaged residents; and
Whereas, The borough has preserved its heritage through landmarks, such as the Texier House Museum, which showcases artifacts and photos from Watchung history, and through the strong efforts of the Watchung Historical Committee; and
Whereas, The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Borough of Watchung's establishment, representing a century of growth, resilience, and community spirit; and
Whereas, It is fitting and proper for the State of New Jersey to recognize this important milestone and honor the legacy of the Borough of Watchung and its residents; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):
1. The New Jersey Legislature formally designates May 24th, 2026 as "Watchung Centennial Jubilee Day" to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Borough of Watchung.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted to the Mayor and Borough Council of Watchung, New Jersey
3. This concurrent resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This concurrent resolution designates May 24th, 2026 as "Watchung Centennial Jubilee Day" to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Borough of Watchung.
The Borough of Watchung, located in Somerset County, was established in 1926 and formally incorporated that same year by an act of the New Jersey Legislature. The first Borough Council convened on May 24, 1926, marking the beginning of local self-governance and civic leadership within the community. The population of Watchung has continued to steadily grow, increasing from 3,312 residents in 1960 to 6,449 residents in 2020.
The borough is situated within the scenic Watchung Mountains, whose natural beauty has long defined the character and landscape of the community. Watchung is home to two beautiful and cherished lakes - Watchung Lake and Best Lake - that serve as important recreational, environmental, and historical assets for residents and visitors alike. The name "Watchung" is derived from the Lenni Lenape Native American language, meaning "high hills," reflecting the borough's geography and deep indigenous roots. The area that is now Watchung was settled in the early 18th century and played a role in the American Revolution, including serving as a vantage point for George Washington to observe British troop movements in 1777 and formerly known as "Washingtonville" in the late 18th century.
Watchung is distinguished by its strong tradition of volunteerism, with residents who have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to civic engagement, public service, and community improvement. Over the past century, Watchung has evolved into a vibrant municipality known for its natural beauty, strong civic institutions, and engaged residents. The borough has preserved its heritage through landmarks, such as the Texier House Museum, which showcases artifacts and photos from Watchung history, and through the strong efforts of the Watchung Historical Committee.
The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Borough of Watchung's establishment, representing a century of growth, resilience, and community spirit. It is fitting and proper for the State of New Jersey to recognize this important milestone and honor the legacy of the Borough of Watchung and its residents.
