This site is a collection of images of Newark that I have compiled over the past few years, primarily from vintage postcards. I have donated about 50 of the postcards to the Newark-Arcadia Historical Society. I still remember with fondness the old Capitol Theater, the clock tower of Noah's Ark (which was once a bank), Woolworths, the wonderful Home Dairy, the "Harvard Club's" spaghetti dinners, Pete's Barbershop, and even Lena Hoffmeyer's Foundation Shop with the bizarre light-up girdle display in the front window! We would ride our decorated bikes in the annual Kiddie Parade, sell lemonade to the Jackson & Perkins visitors who parked in the empty lots near our house, cheer on the Newark Co-Pilots, and sled down the Sarah Coventry Hill during the long winters.

The site is a tribute to my family members who have lived and who currently reside in Newark, New York.

First and foremost, the site is dedicated to Elaine Strobridge Forbes. She was born in Newark to Earl and Marie Strobridge, lived on Wilson Street, was a cheerleader at Newark High School (then on MIller Street), brought her new family with husband Robert Wheeler Forbes to Charlotte Street, and then lived for over 45 years on the house they built on Grace Avenue. She was the heart and talent of the Forbes family business Arcadia Florists during the 1970's and 1980's on Main Street, provided unflagging dedication as the Executive Director of the Wayne County chapter of the American Cancer Society, and volunteered countless hours to the residents of the DeMay Living Center.

Robert Wheeler Forbes was first employed by Emmons, when it was one of many nursery businesses managed by C.H. Stuart, then housed at the old Reed Manufacturing Co. building. He was retained by the company when Emmons and sister company Sarah Coventry went into the costume jewelry business. He was a coach of the Tigers Little League baseball team; as owner and proprieter of Arcadia Florists, he became a leader of the Newark Chamber of Commerce; he was an active lay leader of the United Methodist Church; and he was a driving force behind securing the Newark Co-Pilots minor league baseball team.

Linda Forbes Bridgeman has worked directly for the Village of Newark for over thirty years to bring public service, efficiency, economic well-being, and a level of grace and beauty to the Village. Her husband Jim Bridgeman, as Village Operations Manager, literally strengthens the foundation of the Village by managing the Department of Public Works -- on call 24 hours a day  and 7 days a week.

Maurice Strobridge has lived all his life in Newark, except while at college and law school, and has ably served its citzens as lawyer, District Attorney, and County Judge. He currently serves on the Board of the Newark-Arcadia Historical Society. Wife Jeanne Strobridge has been actively involved with a number of civic activities, including service as a member of the Newark School Board and more recently as an active volunteer with the Home Meal Service and at DeMay Living Center.

I salute these family members for helping to keep small town life in America thriving.

- Barry Robert (Bart) Forbes
  Son, brother, nephew, webmaster.