Maplewood Dad Goes From Docent To Historian, Releasing Book

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Maplewood dad Dan Kaslow ventured into a local historic spot with his children in the 1980s, and a love for the town's history was born.

Besides becoming a volunteer docent at the old house, he began researching more than 300 years of the town's history.

What arose was the recently published "Maplewood Compendium: Notable People, Places & Events 1680-2022" — which Kaslow says is the first new book written specifically about Maplewood in almost 25 years.

In addition to profiles of current and former residents, the book provides historic lists, such as population statistics since 1880, all Maplewood mayors, and 50 historic homes. The book offers brief histories of old businesses and religious institutions.

Kaslow lived near the historic Durand-Hedden House but hadn't paid it much thought until he took his kids inside one day in the 1980s. He later became a volunteer docent, educating kids about it. Along the way, he learned about other town history.

He said he undertook years of research to write the book.

"Many residents helped create, through their civic engagement or business operations in the
community, Maplewood’s long and proud heritage from its earliest days of settlement around 1680," Kaslow said. "Others gained recognition through their efforts within the broader realm of American society, with successes in the arts, music, literature, journalism, law, education, politics, medicine, science, technology, sports and real estate."

Kaslow added that some are "unknown by most unless they’re a serious local history buff ... Without this book, the vast majority of these people will likely be soon forgotten entirely without getting the recognition they deserve.”

Kaslow said he decided to sell the book exclusively to the local Words Bookstore "because of [my] support and commitment to local businesses." The book is also available at the Maplewood Memorial Library and has been sent to libraries in Springfield and Newark.

The publication date of the book was designed to coincide with the 100th Anniversary of the
official incorporation of the Township of Maplewood in 1922, Kaslow said.

"This is not a history book," he said, "although it contains much history. Rather, it is a compendium, which is defined as ‘a collection of concise but detailed information about a particular subject,’ and that’s exactly what this book set out to do. I have tried to create a book for Maplewood locals former and current, that is fun, and informative, to read and enjoy."

He added, "But I also hope that I provided a useful service and valuable resource for the community. Maplewood is a town that takes prides in its history."

Find out more about the book at the Words Book Store site here.