Cranford Canoe Club
The late 19th century Cranford saw the formation of many informal boating/hockey clubs by its young men.
According to an 1886 New York Times article, the carnival's decorations illuminated the night: "nearly a hundred boats will be gaily decorated with sky lanterns, the river banks will be illuminated with colored lights, the bridges will be lit up, there will be bands of music and a display of fireworks."
Novelist Robert Ferro described these carnivals in his 1983 novel The Family of Max Desir, centered on a fictionalized version of the river.
[6] In the early 20th century there was a concerted effort by Americans to expand their recreation activity and spend more time outdoors.
[7] In 1911, after the carnival, a "black tie" event was held at the nearby Cranford Casino Country Club.
Events included Women's winner Miss Bessie Merriam who won a canoe back rest.
Men's winner Alfred Clark, president of the Skeeter Canoe Club of Cranford won a paddle.
[11] In the spring of 1908, the Ulhigh Canoe Club building at 250 Springfield Avenue was erected and completed around May 15, 1908.
A club pennant was presented; a brown and white flag with the initial "U" inscribed in an embroidered triangle.
Prizes for the July 4 event, including the trophies and a bathing suit were put on display at Reay's Drug Store.
In 1909, at the Hudson Fulton Regatta hosted by the Yonkers Canoe Club, both the Cranford C.C.
The Canoe Club at the current location (250 Springfield Avenue) is the one that is stated as being the older (on Cranford maps[14] going back to 1908).
[15] Cranford Historical Society curator Robert Fredlington stated in an article[16] that "there were as many as 18 canoe clubs along the Rahway River going as far back as 1889".
On November 8, 1934, the Cranford Canoe Club began renting their club house to the Cranford Girl Scout Council which renamed it the Neva Sykes Girl Scout House.
[19] In 1939, C. J. Collins of 10 Balmiere Parkway in Cranford, owned the Ulhigh Canoe Club at Springfield and Orange avenues.
Members held races against the now defunct “Cranford Canoe Club” which at the time had been located across Springfield Avenue in what is known today as "Girl Scout Park".
[20] The property and facility across the street later changed names to the Neva Sykes Girl Scout House.
