Kramer Manor Celebrates 100 Years --And You are Invited!
An American Success Story, Kramer Manor turns 100 this summer.
You may have driven by Kramer Manor hundreds of times as you traverse Martine Avenue from Trenton Avenue to Cliffwood Street. Maybe you visit Kramer Manor Park, drop your children off at McGinn School or are a member of Willow Grove Swim Club or Congregation Beth Israel. You might even live in Kramer Manor! But…
HAVE YOU HEARD THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF KRAMER MANOR?
Generations of children have grown and thrived amidst its pleasant homes and green lawns, but Kramer Manor is much more than a typical suburban neighborhood.
Established in 1924 to become “an ideal colored development” for Black families looking to purchase land to build their homes in a segregated America, Kramer Manor takes its name from the two immigrant brothers, Harry and Hyman Kramer, real estate developers who bought the land for this purpose.
Due to restrictive government policies at every level, home ownership and the provision of services such as paved roads and indoor plumbing presented huge obstacles for the buyers and the developers of Kramer Manor into the 1960’s. Persevering against all odds, neighbors worked together to build their homes and houses of worship.
In the 1960’s community members joined with the Jerseyland community of Scotch Plains to successfully resist urban renewal plans designed to displace them, and to receive municipal services long denied. The neighborhood grew and prospered into the 21st century.
Today, Kramer Manor is home to a mix of long standing residents and newer arrivals. As we look to the second century of Kramer Manor’s existence in 2024, let us not forget the vision of the entrepreneurial Kramer brothers and the energy and stubborn determination of the descendants of enslaved Africans who together made this historical neighborhood possible.
Will you join us to celebrate the 100th year of the Kramer Manor Success Story by attending this event and if able, making a donation today? You can donate on the SJM home page — just specify you are donating to Kramer Manor 100, or give at