This week, the Tribune presents its bi-annual “Celebrate Livingston’s History” section. It is one of our most popular features, in part because it speaks to our township’s sense of community; no matter who we are, we live here, together, in Livingston, and we all share that common thread.Not too many towns have a sense of pride and stability that lend to multiple history-focused issues each year. It’s a fun and informative way to learn about our town, whether you are new to Livingston, or your family has been here for generations! From our Fire Department, which is over 100 years old and hosting a centennial celebration this fall, to businesses that have been around for half a century and endure to this day, it is always a treat to open these pages and see what once was and what continues to thrive.Livingston is an old town with a rich history, one whose roots date back to the Revolutionary War and our country’s very beginnings. We have sent soldiers to fight in every major conflict in which this nation has been involved, and our town and our residents played a role in the war for independence that birthed this nation. Livingston survived the turmoil of the Civil War, the hardships of the Great Depression, and the deprivations of the Second World War. Since then, our township has grown from a quiet rural hamlet to a booming suburban center, with a population exceeding the 30,000 mark. As the population has increased, it has become increasingly diverse.It is from that history that much of this sense of community is born. We have families who have lived here for many generations, some for centuries. For example, the Meeker family, who fought in the Revolutionary War, has descendants still living here. Founding families – such as the Collinses, Elys, Squiers, Burnets, and Ashbys – stayed in town until well into the 20th (and even 21st!) century, playing continued roles in its development.That same spirit continues today. Many other Livingston families, although you won’t see their names on street signs, have lived here for many decades. Our popular “40 Years Ago” section is proof of that. You will often see the same names in that column that you see today, as different generations of the same families settle here to continue their participation in community life.Even when locals move out of Livingston, an amazing number of ...
