107 Years Later: How Mendham's Pastime Club Brings Community Together

MENDHAM, NJ — Mendham is full of long-standing community traditions and celebrations aimed at bringing all residents together, with the annual Labor Day carnival being one of the most fondly remembered.

The carnival is one of the most anticipated events of Mendham's Pastime Club, with rides, games, and food for all to enjoy. The carnival takes place the weekend before Labor Day and is followed by the Mendham Labor Day Parade, which marches up Main Street and ends at Borough Field.

Mendham's non-profit Pastime Club was founded in 1915, with the founding members believing that athletics could teach some of the most important life lessons and adopting the motto "Progress in Sports."

The club's mission is to promote youth athletics by supporting teams and leagues in the Mendhams and purchasing field equipment. They also support local veterans organizations and are the proud charterer of Boy Scout Troop 1, along with providing scholarships to local student-athletes.

The annual Labor Day celebration began in 1943 as a way to help fund community youth athletics and has continued to this day.

Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Glassner fondly remembers the carnival as a staple of her childhood, citing its importance to the community.

"One really significant tradition in Mendham Borough that really stands out is our Labor Day Parade and the Pastime Club carnival that goes on all weekend. These events have taken place for decades and are really cherished by the community. I remember marching in the parade as a very young girl, and now I get to do it again as Mayor," Glassner said.

The Pastime Club holds a 50/50 raffle at each year's carnival, often raising more than $50,000, which is split with the winner. The proceeds from the raffle go toward scholarships for local student-athletes as well as their youth initiatives.

Last year's winner, Jamie Straub, won $35,515, making him the largest prize winner in the club's history.

Although there were setbacks for the club between May 1931 and April 1938, the Club was immediately reorganized after the Great Depression, and its modern era started in the summer of 1938. During WWII, club members restored 3 Hilltop Road, which served as the Pastime Club's residence for more than 75 years.