You can learn a lot about a place by visiting the local cemetery. The expansive Rosedale/Rosehill Cemeteries are a case in point. Waves of immigrants have been buried there since Rosedale opened in the mid-19th Century.

Beginning around the Civil War, waspy names appear on the headstones, along with a separate (Catholic?) area where Eastern European and Italian names are prevalent. Most recently, a section for Asian families is being filled. Many of the new graves have Hispanic surnames, as well.

The Grounds

As older sections filled, Rosedale opened new ones. Older sections have names like “Good Shepherd”, “Elmwood” and “Otis”. The graves and monuments range from simple markers to elaborate mausoleums.

Some are over-the-top memorials like that of Ray Tse, who has a monument in the shape of a Mercedes limousine. His monument has become a local landmark. That Ray Tse must have been a unique individual…. maybe with a little too much money to burn?

Since Rosehill Cemetery opened, much has changed in Linden. It sits on both sides of East Edgar Rd (Route One), which was once a rural lane and now carries three lanes of traffic in each direction.

Nearby Bayway Refinery

The Bayway Refinery has a storied history that dates back to 1907. At that time industrial giants like John D. Rockefeller were expanding their empires across the United States. Rockefeller, seeing the potential in the burgeoning oil industry, acquired land along Morse Creek from the Morse family.

This strategic purchase was for Standard Oil, a company that would come to define the oil industry in America. The refinery would grow over the decades, becoming a critical piece of industrial infrastructure. Countless barrels of oil refined there fueled the growing needs of a nation on the move.

Fast forward to today, and the refinery is now under the ownership of Phillips 66. It plays a pivotal role in the American oil industry, as the northernmost refinery in the United States. Bayway is a testament to its enduring importance and resilience through changing economic landscapes.

The transition from Standard Oil to Phillips 66 marks a significant chapter in the refinery’s history, showcasing its adaptability and the ongoing relevance of its operations in meeting the country’s energy demands. Despite the shifts in ownership and the evolution of the industry, the Bayway Refinery remains a cornerstone of American industrial prowess, powering lives and industries with its output.

Environmental Violations

Bayway has the largest catalytic cracker in the world. Beginning in the 1970’s, the refinery ran afoul of state regulators. It has caused serious oil spills in the Arthur Kill. Bayway also fouled the air, and could be smelled by drivers on Route 1 and the NJ Turnpike.

It has beencited about 200 times in the last 15 years for violations of environmental regulations. Elizabeth, NJ borders the refinery to the North has had one of the worst cancer rates in the nation.

Commercial jets fly overhead on their way to and from busy Newark Liberty Airport. Little did the 19th Century customers imagine how their place of eternal rest could be so frenetic and noisy.

Rosehill Cemetery at792 E Edgar Road is open from 8 am to 5 pm daily.

On the West side of Route 1, use the entrance at 750 E Linden Avenue; open at 8:30 am and closed at 6pm daily.