Ever wonder how Sherman Avenue, off the Boulevard in Pompton Plains, got its name? It was one of several roads built during the township’s expansion that began in the 1870s thanks to the new railroad. This photo is from about 1915 when the street was fairly new, unpaved, and not yet cluttered with houses.

The street was named for a real estate agent, George W. Sherman, who created a subdivision about 1910 on both sides of Sherman and the south side of Hopper Ave. He billed himself as “the largest real estate dealer in North Jersey.”

Then as now, there was plenty to like about Pompton Plains. A closer look at the ad, below, boasts that “The land is all level, high and dry; no malaria; no damp sea air; the healthiest location in North Jersey.” But wait, there was more: “Sunshine and fresh air [and] pure, sparkling water.”

Buyers would also enjoy “Gorgeous Mountain Scenery, fine churches, schools, stores, etc.” and it was all “Only five minutes’ walk to the station”.

Anyone have photos of their homes on Sherman, or elsewhere in Pequannock Township, from back in the day? Leave a comment!

Thanks to Jay Wanczyk for contributing to this entry.

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