Did you know that the Fourth of July may not be only the birth of the USA, but, in some ways, the birth of Cranford, as well?  Or, at least, its name.

According to a pamphlet entitled “300 Years At Crane’s Ford,” legend has it that in 1849, on the Fourth of July, some children were having a Sunday School picnic at Josiah Crane’s farm. There was good food, games, and very likely fireworks in the evening, as they were, even then, a tradition for the celebration of Independence Day.  They had such a good time that,  in child-like thanks to him, they jokingly chalked “Craneville” in large letters on the side of one of the  buildings on the farm. It was a source of amusement for all, and kind of “stuck.”  Later, the name was mis-spelled as “Cranville” in the Crane farm deed, when it was sold for real estate. This mistake may have helped in the choice of “Cranford, ” which is clearly easier to pronounce than “Crane’s Ford. ”

So when you wear your red, white, and blue this Independence Day to honor your country, be sure to wear a little blue and gold to honor Cranford, as well!  Happy Fourth!!