This complex, established in 1940, was named for writer, Stephen Crane. Born in Newark 1871, Crane was an outstanding author and although he lived a short life, he went on to become legend after his death. At the age of 21, he wrote the “The Red Badge of Courage”, a depiction of the civil war, which is still considered to be a literary masterpiece.

Crane’s experience of being shipwrecked off the Florida Coast while en route to Cuba inspired him to write “The Open Boat.” Determined to write a book about the Bowery and the people who live there, he spent time hanging around saloons and street corners in order to get the flavor of the environment and its people. By 1891, he wrote the book that was the result of this research and entitled it “Maggie, A Girl of the Streets.” Being very daring for its time, the book shocked the publishers, who at first refused to even print it. It later was published and eventually gained more recognition wit the onset of the success of his other works. These works include: “The Third Violet,” “The Little Regiment,” “War is Kind” and other much renowed books and short stories.

Having always suffered from a genetic frailty, he contracted a number of illnesses while serving in Guantanamo. However, many memorable short stories emerged from that experience. His health slowly began to fail him during this period, however, and Stephen Crane died in Baden Weiter, Germany, on June 5, 1900 at the tender age of 29.

Pennington Court, which was established in 1940, was named for a prominent family in Newark’s early history. William Pennington, son of Governor William Stanford Pennington, was born in Newark May 4, 1796. He held the positions of Chancellor and Governor from 1837 to 1843.

Alexander C. M. Pennington was born in Newark in 1810. His father was Samuel Pennington, a brother of above-mentioned Governor William Stanford Pennington. Alexander Pennington was a member of the House of Representatives and served as Brigadier-General, in which he commanded the Essex Brigade.

Samuel Pennington was born in Newark in 1806. In addition to his schooling, he studied medicine with his uncle and later succeeded to his practice in 1839. Besides being a prominent physician, he made significant contributions to the field of medical education with his numerous writings. After 17 years as a prominent member of the public school baord, he was elected president and remained so for 7 years.

                 Kretchmer Townhomes, built in 2005.

The original Kretchmer Homes complex, established in 1953, was named for Otto Kretchmer, a well-known citizen of Newark. Kretchmer was a member of the Newark Housing Authority and also President of Peerless Imperial Company. He began work with Imperial as a secretary in 1914, at which time they were called “Imperial Manufacturing Company.” After reorganization, Kretchmer became President. The plant manufactured typewriter ribbons and carbon paper and did an international business.

Kretchmer was a member of the National Association of Manufacturers, Chamber of Commerce, Masons, Elks, and other organizations. Otto Kretchmer died in 1950.

                Seth Boyden High-rise Community Room

This community opened on November 1, 1946 and is located on Riverview Court in the Ironbound Section of Newark. It was originally named for Franklin D. Roosevelt, but it later took the name of one of its tenants, Milliard E. Terrell, an exceptional man who committed his life toward community efforts. Until the time of his death (February 27, 1986), Terrell proved himself to be an outstanding civic leader.

Being one of the first tenants to move into the housing development (he moved in on November 5, 1946 – five days after it opened), Terrell became progressively active throughout the years. He not only helped to organize a tenant league, but in 1973, ex – Mayor Kenneth Gibson appointed him to the N.H.A. Board of Commissioners.

At a rededication ceremony on June 6, 1986 (at which time the site was named after him), he was praised by several government and city officials. Terrell was closely associated with former Newark Housing Authority Director, Milton A. Buck, who had much regard for his input on community matters.

Unavoidably committed to improving the quality of life for his fellow tenants, Terrell developed several programs in the areas of education, health and recreation. He also implemented various social functions and gatherings for senior citizens, as well as sports activities for youngsters.

Terrell had the distinction of not only being the first tenant to have a housing community named after him, but also the first tenant commissioner to be awarded the honor of serving on the NHA’s Board of Commissioners.

Named for John Wesley Hyatt, this housing community opened in 1942. Hyatt made a significant contribution to Newark’s early history. His invention of celluloid and roller bearers led to the development of two major companies, Hyatt Roller Bearing Company and the Celluloid Corporation. The first automobile had Hyatt’s roller bearings built into them. The Hyatt Roller Bearing Company went on to provide nearly all motorcars and trucks with bearings.

Hyatt’s Celluloid Manufacturing Company was established in 1872. It was found that Hyatt’s plastic could be made into tubes of various colors, sheets, rods, etc. The company moved from Albany to Newark in 1873 and later branched out in 1937 with the main office on Ferry Street. Because of the growth of his firms and his patents for roller bearings and celluloid, John Wesley Hyatt was long remembered after his death in 1920.