History:
Cranford is a residential town largely developed from the 1880’s to 1930’s as a suburban community along the Central Railroad of New Jersey. It is influenced and distinguished by the Rahway River, which has played a role in the development of the township for almost three hundred years.
In the 18th century, John Crane settled along the Rahway River and built a saw mill and grist mill on its banks. The area became known as "Cranes Ford”, and the name Cranford was adopted when the township was formed in 1871.
Many turn of the century homes were built along the river, and from 1880 to 1926 "river carnivals” played a major part in the social life of Cranford. The township became known as the “Venice of New Jersey.” The river snakes through 330 acres of parkland for a distance of five miles. There has been intensive development along the river to create flood control, restoring beauty and safety for summer canoeing and winter ice skating.
The most important of the many historic buildings is the 1740 Williams-Droescher Mill. Now used as an office building, it is the oldest continuously operated commercial building in New Jersey. Cranford is also home to the oldest community theater in New Jersey, the 77 year old Cranford Dramatic Club.
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