the weirdness of it all

You know you live in an unique state when there is a magazine called Weird NJ devoted to the, um, unique features of your home state.



From Wikipedia:

Weird NJ began in 1989 as a personal newsletter sent to friends by Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman. Gradually it evolved from a fanzine into a public magazine published twice a year in May and October. Abandoned places, creepy experiences, unique people, and strange landmarks were and still are common subjects for the magazine. Past issues have covered everything from the Jersey Devil and UFO sightings to abandoned Nike missile silos, the legend of the "Hookerman" Lights and the life of Zip the Pinhead.

In 2003 a Weird NJ book, made up of content from earlier issues, was published. The next year saw the follow-up Weird US, covering sites and stories across the country. That led to a series of Weird guides for other states and areas, including Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Texas, California and New England, and a TV series, Weird U.S., on the History Channel.

I love this magazine so much that in addition to still subscribing to it despite not living in NJ for 7 years, I have the iPhone app.



New Jersey is a state full of characters. Depending on where you are in terms of geography determines the characters you will encounter. In northern NJ, near the Rockland County border are the Jackson Whites, which are formerly known as the Ramapough Mountain Indians. Growing up, we were told, somewhat erroneously, that they were not Native Americans but instead were the descendents of Tories and runaway slaves. Geneological origins notwithstanding, they do not like outsiders frequenting their neighborhoods and were known as recently as 10 years ago to chase “visitors” away with a shotgun.



In terms of historical preservation, there is a movement galvanizing strength to preserve the buildings of Greystone Mental Hospital. The imposing building was designed by Dr. Thomas Kirkbride as part of an effort to standardize behavioral health treatment in the 1870’s. The facility was designed as a peaceful, personalized facility for 600 patients. However by the 1950’s (prior to de-institutionalizing the mentally ill) it held over 7000 patients, and would be equivilent to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Woody Guthrie spent his final years at Greystone, as he suffered the effects of Huntington’s Disease. The facility closed to patients in 2007, and almost immediately a preservation task force has been lobbying for its renovation.



A little south, near Annie’s Grave in Totowa, allegedly is Midgetville. I never stopped to measure these folks, as they were not very friendly to visitors. In all fairness, they lived down the road from Annie’s Grave and got car loads of teenagers looking for a fright every weekend. I am sure they were fed up and done with giving directions, etc.



Even further south, at Quakerbridge Mall, there are two well known characters who frequent the mall, and apparently have for well over 20 years. One is an Asian man, who wears large headphones and wanders aimlessly. He seems harmless, and is there all hours of the day (or evening) and in different spots throughout it. Then there is metal haired guy. I’ve heard from friends my age that they recall seeing him when they were teenagers 25 years ago, and he really hasn’t changed much since then. He too, just hangs out there, mostly in the food court. I would love to know their back stories-why do they hang out at the mall of all places.



Then there are the Pineys. I can’t tell you too much about them except that they live in the Pine Barrens, which is coincidentally, home to the Jersey Devil. They seem to be the equivilent of the holler type folks in Appalachia-tight knit clans, living deep in the woods, and basically being the NJ version of rednecks. The area is so remote that one of the most beloved episodes of the Sopranos used the Pine Barrens as a back drop.



Speaking of the Sopranos (and the Real Housewives, to a lesser extent); there seems to be a misconception that all Italian Americans from NJ are:

1. either in the mob or know someone who is

2. woman all chew gum like cud

3. like to decorate with a lot of mirrors and glass

4. women like to wear animal prints

5. velour sweat suits are a fashion statement

6. big hair still rules

I can assure you that none of these stereotypes are true, and a complete fabrication of tv writers and producers.



If you’d like to explore Weird NJ, check out their website at www.weirdnj.com