October 2023

As one drives on Route 23, coming west from New York City, one finds a lot of vacant land. This area is a large wild area that was bought up by the city of Newark around the turn of the 19th Century, It was used for the creation of the Newark Watershed to give the city the priceless supply of water for human consumption, The area included within the many acres had,
surprisingly, contained many homes, places of commercial business and other activities that made for the livelihood and dwelling of many people. In this article I will point out two places that I get questions on. One is the Willistine Cemetery.

Willistine Cemetery is located just south of Route 23 between the pizza place and liquor store and before getting to Lake Tamarack. You can walk in on a dirt road about 300 yards going west and on the left will be a cemetery with graves dating back to the Revolutionary War.

Another place to look for would be the remains of a one room wooden schoolhouse. This reputedly was at one time a chapel also, but at this time the log building is gone without much of a trace. A photo is attached of the Willistine School.

This is a great short hike where you may find the solace and quietude of a walk in the woods, a view of an ancient cemetery and time to think. You may also want to help when there by cleaning up some and perhaps reporting back any noticeable disturbance.