Another Honor for a Newark Favorite Son

Novelist Philip Roth, a Weequahic native whose novels were often set or centered in the neighborhood when it was a Jewish enclave decades ago, received the key to the city March 27 during a ceremony at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Nj.com reported.

“I have one question. Where is the lock? Where do I put it?” said Roth, who turned 80 March 19. His birthday was celebrated here with a party at the Newark Museum and the debut of a photo exhibit of his life at the main branch of the Newark Public Library on Washington Street.

About 280 people, including Mayor Cory Booker and former Gov. Brendan Byrne, attended the event.