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  • Home
  • PRESERVE
    • Ecology
    • Invasive Species
    • Ponds
    • Clean Ups
    • Trails
  • ENJOY
    • halloween-22
    • Photos
    • Birding >
      • greenHeron
    • Trail Maps
    • Calendar
  • B W Kids
    • Nature Detectives - the latest news
  • History
  • Who We Are
    • Chuan-Chu Chou Blog
    • Perspectives on the Park
    • MemberInfo
    • presidentReport-1Q-21
  • Shop
  • JOIN
  • biancaTemp
  • loisTemp
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Lulu & Oliver Burton

168 Netherwood Avenue

Born in South Carolina, Oliver moved to NJ sometime after 1910.
168 NETHERWOOD AVENUE
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168 Netherwood Avenue
Oliver Burton was born in Ida County, South Carolina in 1882.

He travelled to New Jersey sometime after 1910. He first appeared locally in the 1912 Polk Street Directory living on Quimby Street and working as a Laborer.

In 1917, Oliver married Lula Stirewalt in Manhattan  and they move to Plainfield Avenue in Scotch Plains. In 1920, they rented a home at Randolph Place and Netherwood Avenue.

In 1930, they purchase land on Netherwood Avenue, across the street from their rental home, so their daughter Edna and husband Garfield Roach can build house for themselves and their two children. 

In 1936, Edna died and her husband moved to Plainfield with his two children. As a result, Lula and Oliver moved into their daughter’s home. 

Oliver was a deacon at Metropolitan Baptist Church,. Oliver died in 1957 at the age of 74.  In 1965, after the Town of Westfield had commenced acquisition of all the properties for the Park, Lula sold their home to Allen McPhaul, a neighbor who lived at 176 Liberty Street.

Location

Brightwood Park is on the North end of Prospect Street.  Go past Franklin School and look for the entrance on the left.

What Our Members Are Saying

"I love the work you are doing at Brightwood.  Your efforts have shone a light on the essential elements of the park that we all cherish: its natural beauty and tranquility."

"I have a deep fondness for Brightwood park and would like to see it restored, remain natural and continue to be a site of passive recreation."

"I loved growing up in Brightwood Park !"


"I found Brightwood a few years ago and it's a great place to find wildlife, fish, and enjoy nature. Nice and quiet; good place to un wind and relax. Love it!!!"

​"As a resident for almost thirty years in the Brightwood area of Westfield, I am thrilled to see what is happening to improve and preserve Brightwood park for today and future generations. "


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