Designates May 24th, 2026 as "Watchung Centennial Jubilee Day" commemorating 100th anniversary of Borough of Watchung.

ACR145

ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 145

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

�

INTRODUCED MAY 7, 2026

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman� VINCENT M. "VINNIE" KEARNEY

District 21 (Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union)

Assemblyman� ANDREW MACURDY

District 21 (Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union)

Co-Sponsored by:

Assemblyman Karabinchak

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 General Assembly of the State
of New Jersey (the Senate 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.