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A look back at notable events from the past five, 10, 25, 50, and 100 years in Central Jersey

Mar. 23, 2026 at 8:52am

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This week in Central Jersey history saw a range of notable events, from the hatching of eaglets at Duke Farms, to a fire in Sayreville, to a surge in attacks against the Asian American community. The article also covers topics like COVID-19 vaccine distribution, high school wrestling, and Bruce Springsteen's podcast appearance.

Why it matters

This roundup of historical events in Central Jersey provides insight into the region's evolving social, political, and cultural landscape over the past century. It highlights significant milestones, challenges, and community stories that have shaped the area.

The details

The article covers a variety of news from Central Jersey over the past 100 years. Key details include the hatching of eaglets at Duke Farms, a fire in Sayreville that displaced four families, Gov. Phil Murphy's response to attacks against the Asian American community, COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Hunterdon County, a high school wrestling match in South Plainfield, and Bruce Springsteen's podcast appearance discussing the 1980s.

  • On March 26, 2016, two eaglets hatched at Duke Farms in Hillsborough.
  • On March 23, 2021, four families were rescued from a fire in Sayreville.
  • On March 23, 2021, Gov. Phil Murphy hosted a Facebook Live event to discuss attacks against the Asian American community.
  • As of March 24, 2021, 9,150 COVID-19 vaccine doses had been administered at a clinic in Raritan Township.
  • On March 26, 2021, the South Plainfield High School wrestling team beat Monroe.

The players

Phil Murphy

The governor of New Jersey who hosted a Facebook Live event to discuss attacks against the Asian American community and signed a bill requiring parents to be notified if their children were caught with marijuana or alcohol.

Matt Farrell

A Bridgewater native and Point Pleasant Beach High School graduate who helped Notre Dame beat Wisconsin in men's college basketball in 2016.

Judy Blume

An author who wrote her first adult novel while living in Plainfield and agreed to a raffle where the winner's name would become a character in one of her children's books.

Jim McGreevey

The mayor of Woodbridge who was elected governor of New Jersey at a large Democratic fundraiser event in 2001.

Marcel Marceau

The famed French pantomimist who performed at the State Theatre in New Brunswick in 1976 as part of the Bicentennial Theatre Series.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This roundup of Central Jersey history highlights the region's resilience, community spirit, and evolving social and cultural landscape over the past century. From natural disasters to political milestones, the events chronicled reflect the diverse tapestry of this vibrant area.