The Borough of Metuchen
The Borough of Metuchen is 2.7 square miles and the 2000 Census shows the population to be 12,840. In1900, Metuchen was incorporated as a borough from portions of Raritan Township, which is now known as Edison Township, by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature. Metuchen is completely surrounded by Edison Township. Metuchen is sometimes known as the doughnut hole or the nucleus of Edison. In order to navigate from one side of Edison to the other, you must go through Metuchen!
Metuchen was part of Woodbridge Township until 1870. Because the people living in this section were so far removed from the village of Woodbridge, they developed a separate identity and their town was now to be Metuchen. The name Metuchen is derived from an Indian Chief spelled either Chief Matouchin or Chief Metuching. By 1705, Main Street in Metuchen was laid out. Roads were continually built, linking Metuchen to Woodbridge. In 1836, the New Jersey Railroad to New Brunswick was completed and Main Street in Metuchen had its own train station. Since Metuchen had its own train station, eventually a lot of literary figures, artists, educators and noted intellectuals settled here to work and enjoy the quiet of the suburbs while being able to take the train to the city to turn in their work. Because of all of the notable figures making their home in Metuchen, the town was eventually given the name the “Brainy Boro”, with one of the two post offices in Metuchen also called the Brainy Boro station. The population growth in Metuchen really took shape after the railroad era came about.
Today Metuchen has 4 public schools: Moss School: Kindergarten, Campbell Elementary School: grades 1-4, Edgar Middle School: grades 5-8 and Metuchen High School: grades 9-12. There are a few private schools as well in the boro. There are also numerous after school sports programs available.
Metuchen has 8 playgrounds, 3 parks, 9 ball fields, tennis courts, and a municipal swimming pool. The Metuchen-Edison-Woodbridge YMCA is also located in Metuchen. It offers daycare, day camp, children’s programs, adult programs, indoor swimming, a fitness center and so much more.
For a small town, there are so many activities and programs going on all year long. The township sponsors 2 Town-Wide Garage Sales each year (in April and September). CNN featured a story on their news station on May 24th, 2008. To watch it online click HERE. In the spring is the Arts & Crafts Festival, in the fall is the Country Fair. There is also the Memorial Day parade, the holiday parade in November/December and so much more. People come from all over to enjoy these festivities
Metuchen was part of Woodbridge Township until 1870. Because the people living in this section were so far removed from the village of Woodbridge, they developed a separate identity and their town was now to be Metuchen. The name Metuchen is derived from an Indian Chief spelled either Chief Matouchin or Chief Metuching. By 1705, Main Street in Metuchen was laid out. Roads were continually built, linking Metuchen to Woodbridge. In 1836, the New Jersey Railroad to New Brunswick was completed and Main Street in Metuchen had its own train station. Since Metuchen had its own train station, eventually a lot of literary figures, artists, educators and noted intellectuals settled here to work and enjoy the quiet of the suburbs while being able to take the train to the city to turn in their work. Because of all of the notable figures making their home in Metuchen, the town was eventually given the name the “Brainy Boro”, with one of the two post offices in Metuchen also called the Brainy Boro station. The population growth in Metuchen really took shape after the railroad era came about.
Today Metuchen has 4 public schools: Moss School: Kindergarten, Campbell Elementary School: grades 1-4, Edgar Middle School: grades 5-8 and Metuchen High School: grades 9-12. There are a few private schools as well in the boro. There are also numerous after school sports programs available.
Metuchen has 8 playgrounds, 3 parks, 9 ball fields, tennis courts, and a municipal swimming pool. The Metuchen-Edison-Woodbridge YMCA is also located in Metuchen. It offers daycare, day camp, children’s programs, adult programs, indoor swimming, a fitness center and so much more.
For a small town, there are so many activities and programs going on all year long. The township sponsors 2 Town-Wide Garage Sales each year (in April and September). CNN featured a story on their news station on May 24th, 2008. To watch it online click HERE. In the spring is the Arts & Crafts Festival, in the fall is the Country Fair. There is also the Memorial Day parade, the holiday parade in November/December and so much more. People come from all over to enjoy these festivities
