Have you ever noticed that there are many towns in the tri-state area with the same name? I have… and it can sometimes cause major pandemonium.
Union Beach or Union?
I was at home in Union, NJ one afternoon after finishing a 12-hour morning shift when my mobile phone rang.
“Stovall, do you live in Union?” the dispatcher asked.
“Yes” I replied.
“We need you to pick up a passenger in Union, where you live, because the chauffeur originally assigned to this ride is now at Union Beach!”
“No problem,” I answered.
I picked up the passenger five minutes from me and I drove her safely to Newark Airport. I was glad I could help amid the confusion.
After giving it some thought, and wondering how this could possibly happen, it occurred to me that many towns in New Jersey and New York have the same (or very similar) names. For example, there’s the Township of Union (where I live, 8.5 miles from Newark Airport) and Union Township in western NJ, near Clinton. Union City, NJ, which is by the Lincoln Tunnel, can add to the confusion.
Also: In New Jersey, there is Springfield Township (about 9 miles from Newark Airport) and the Township of Springfield, which is in southern New Jersey.
Presidential Towns
Do you know how many Washington Townships there are in New Jersey? How about the number of Hamilton or Jefferson townships? Although he was not a president, Ben Franklin lends his name to many NJ towns and counties as well! Out of 565 municipalities in New Jersey, 6 are named for Ben Franklin.
I heard that every U.S. state has at least one municipality or town named after George Washington. There are six towns scattered all over NJ, named after our first President.
The following is from a Feb. 22, 2023 article titled, Positively New Jersey: “It felt like a ridiculous idea. And yet, it felt like one that had to be done – visit all six New Jersey towns named after George Washington on Presidents Day.”
The author, Brian Donohue, took a 13-hour drive across 13 counties to visit all six Washingtons. Along the way he met Washingtonians from Bergen to Burlington and delved into why NJ has so many towns named after America’s first president.
Avoiding Confusion
The best way to avoid arriving at the wrong address for a pick-up is to not assume. There’s an old saying: When you ASSUME, you can make as ASS out of U and ME!
Check the pick-up address and make sure you know exactly where it is, how to get there and how long the trip will take, so you can plan effectively and not arrive late. Apple Maps, Google Maps and or Waze can help you confirm directions. Hint: Always make sure to type in the ZIP Code to confirm the accuracy of an address.
The moral of this Street Story is: No matter where you pick or drop off a passenger, don’t assume… double check the map before you start to drive, or someone’s ASS could be on the line.
