Matawan High School - Pillar Yearbook (Matawan, NJ)

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Table of Contents Student Life Seniors.....................PS 1 Underclassmen...............pg 5 Faculty....................pg 10 Sports.....................pg 12 Clubs Organizations. . . . pg 16 Ads.........................pg 20 Getting it Together

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MATAWAN DORO TRICENTENNIAL If you vc ever wondered how Mata wan originated, you can find the answer when you look back 300 years to England. It all started when King James II wished to become an absolute ruler and suppress the English Protestants. They fought back and initiated a revolt. The revolt was sedated after the beheading of the Duke of Monmouth. The Protestants did not give up. In 1683, a fifty ton ship, carrying about 200 men and women, left England. The passengers suffered through a devastating voyage in search of freedom, finally, they landed at what is now Perth Amboy, and purchased some land. Their potential village was given the name, 'tew Aberdeen. The village grew from a small farm community, to a major shipping port, renamed Middletown Point. War broke out with England and began our fight for freedom and independence. Middle- town Point was raided many times, and such men as Philip Freneau, the Poet of the Revolution and Major John Uurrowes rallied the patriots. following the revolution. Middletown Point retained a reputation as a peaceful and productive community. In 1863. the name Matawan was designated to Middletown Point. Matawan was derived from a group of Indians in Karitan of the same name. Our town exhibited its spirit in the Tricentenial celebration of 1986. Various events were Scheduled: a Colonial Ball. A fireman's Memorial Service. Skirmish reenactment and the annual Memorial Day Parade. On the lighter Side: a beard growing contest and the crown- ing of Miss Tricentenial. The title went to Terri Tomascllo (a sophmorc. at Matawan Regional High School) On September twenty-first, the most extensive parade In Matawan s history, was held and it seemed that everyone was there. The parade was a most memorable celebration. Let s hope that Matawans next 300 years are as full of advancement as the first. J. Straley 4