Kramer Manor Celebrates 100 Years

Come celebrate with us - 100th year of the Kramer Manor

Kramer Manor turns 100 this summer. Join us in food, fellowship and fun as we celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Kramer Manor.

July 20th 12-7 pm

Kramer Manor Park (1050 Evelyn Street; Scotch Plains, NJ)

Kramer Manor - An American Success Story 

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.

SUPPORT THIS CELEBRATION by Making a donation

You can support this celebration by mailing a check to “SJM - Kramer Manor 100 ; P.O. Box 535, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076”. Address the check to “Social Justice Matters” and indicate in the comment line that it is to support the “Kramer Manor 100” year celebration.

You can also make a donation by credit card on the SJM home page or by clicking the button below. Please specify you are donating to “KRAMER MANOR 100” under “ADDITIONAL INFORMATION” on the donation page.

You are invited! Join us in the celebration of 100 years of Kramer manor

Today, our neighborhood of about 100 homes is a rainbow of shades and cultures. Our blocks are filled with a mix of longstanding residents and newer arrivals who are getting acquainted with the rich history of the neighborhood. Our neighbors continue the Kramer Manor tradition of nurturing strong relationships and lasting bonds.

Social Justice Matters