Woodbridge Volume II - Photographic History of Woodbridge Township

In this review of Woodbridge Volume II the reviewer finds a focused, archival collection for readers interested in local history and vintage photography. Compiled by Virginia Bergen Troeger, Robert J McEwen, and Robert J McEvwan, the book assembles over two hundred vintage images with informative captions to chronicle the evolution of New Jersey's oldest township. The bottom line: this volume is best for local historians, genealogists, and residents seeking a visual record of Woodbridge and its communities, offering context and memorable photographs rather than contemporary analysis.

Key Features

• Extensive vintage photography: More than two hundred historical images give readers a broad visual survey of Woodbridge and its neighborhoods over time.
• Informative captions: Concise, factual captions provide context that helps identify locations, events, and people in the images.
• Coverage of major events: Includes documentation of significant local incidents, such as the 1951 Pennsylvania Railroad train wreck, to preserve important community history.
• Community scope: Presents photographs from Avenel, Colonia, Fords, Hopelawn, Iselin, Keasbey, Port Reading, Sewaren, and Woodbridge to represent the whole township.
• Historical continuity: Continues and expands earlier work to show developments from colonial settlement through modern mid-20th century life.

Who It's For

Woodbridge Volume II is ideal for residents of Woodbridge Township, regional history readers, and genealogists who want primary visual sources to supplement research. The emphasis on photographs and captions makes it a practical reference for educators or local museums assembling exhibits on New Jersey towns.

Those looking for a scholarly monograph with extensive analysis, modern demographic data, or recent photography should look elsewhere; this book is centered on archival images and historical narrative rather than contemporary reporting or statistical study.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rich collection of vintage images that bring local history to life for readers and descendants.
• Clear, informative captions that contextualize photos and identify events and places.
• Broad geographic coverage that includes all named Woodbridge communities for a comprehensive township perspective.

Cons

• Focus on archival images means limited contemporary content or modern analysis for readers seeking current context.

Specifications

Title	Woodbridge Volume II
Authors	Virginia Bergen Troeger, Robert J McEwen, Robert J McEvwan
Content	Over two hundred vintage images with captions
Subject	History of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey
Coverage	Avenel; Colonia; Fords; Hopelawn; Iselin; Keasbey; Port Reading; Sewaren; Woodbridge
Notable event included	1951 Pennsylvania Railroad train wreck

Our Verdict

Woodbridge Volume II is a well-curated photo history that delivers strong value for anyone connected to Woodbridge or interested in New Jersey local history. Its archival focus and helpful captions make it an accessible visual reference, and while it is not a contemporary survey, it succeeds as a documentary companion for community archives and personal research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include photographs from all areas of the township?
Yes, the book covers images from the named communities that together make up Woodbridge Township.

Are the images accompanied by contextual information?
Each image is paired with captions that identify events, places, and people when known, providing historical context.

Is this a contemporary history with recent data?
No, the focus is archival images and historical documentation rather than modern demographic or contemporary analysis.