Hello! My name is Wyatt Foster and I am a Life Scout from Troop 13 in Montclair, New Jersey. I’m currently working on my Eagle Scout Service Project.

I have researched, written, and designed an information board that will be installed in Watchung Plaza early in the fall. It covers the history of the Watchung Plaza Historic District. Currently, it’s difficult to learn about the past of this local area (even online). My project will allow pedestrians to discover the past of our beloved community space.

Watchung Plaza has a rich history, but few Montclair residents are aware of it. The train station (on the National Register of Historic Places), two neighboring parks, and shopping district have witnessed over a century of change and development. My board will cover the arrival of the rail line in 1868, up through present day, with the development of the Judy Weston Garden. I’m including information about Clifford C. Wendehack, the golf clubhouse architect who brought the distinct Tudor Revival style to local storefronts, the 1995 post office tragedy, and other important details. The board will include photos of the early plaza and the original plans for its renovation.

This project is personal to me—I live only a short walk away from the plaza and have grown up spending mornings at Watchung Booksellers or walking to the Watchung Deli for a sandwich. Until recently, I haven't gotten to learn about the past of the space; almost nobody does. I'm excited to change that.

Unfortunately, this type of project can be expensive. The physical board is manufactured in Pennsylvania. It costs $1,270. I also need to pay for concrete, a proof print, and some plants to freshen up the surrounding area. The estimated total cost is $1,600. Any excess funds will be donated to the Recreation and Special Events Fund of the Township of Montclair—an outlet selected by the town, who is the beneficiary of this project.

Anything you can give would make a huge difference! (For perspective, $10 is about 17 miles of shipping from Pennsylvania). Thank you for supporting my project and scouting in Montclair.

- Wyatt Foster

Cover Image: Mockup of installed board (location in plaza + plantings are tentative)