Tuxedo Park Marks a Century

South Orange’s Tuxedo Park neighborhood turns 100 this year. The area, which is situation near Seton Hall University, and on the eastern border of South Orange, was formally organized  in 1913.  Far from being a monument to the past, the area is thriving, with a lively neighborhood association. The neighborhood boasts a variety of home styles and wide, tree-lined streets. 

Orange’s Thomas D. Kilburn first owned the entire swath of land that became Tuxedo Park.  The first houses were built in 1911, with formal organization two years later, and slow but steady growth thereafter.   Into the 1930’s, locals included “Tuxedo Park” as part of mailing addresses and other identification. The New York Times social notes frequently omitted “South Orange,” noting “the bride’s family resides in Tuxedo Park, New Jersey.”

The origin of the name is unknown, though it’s possible that it was borrowed from nearby Tuxedo Park, NY. No one seems to know for certain. 

 Patch asks: what’s your theory about the naming of Tuxedo Park? Why do you think that name was chosen?