Bond Force Memorial Park

History

Anna (also known as Annie) Britannia Force, who was born in The Bond Force House at 88 Eagle Rock Ave, lived there for 95 years, and died in that house, made a bequest to the Borough of Roseland which was read at a proclamation ceremony in 1964. Her bequest was used to purchase the land that now represents Bond Force Park. The park consists of the area with the firehouse and first aid squad to the west and Fernwood Ave at its eastern boundary. Behind it you will find both the Lynn and Louis DeBell Field and Fernwood Field, which are technically still part of Bond Force Park. 

Despite the fact that Annie’s father abandoned her as a child, taking with him most of the family fortune, and despite the fact that she lived into her mid-nineties with little income, and despite the fact that Irene White Force managed to milk Frank and Annie out of more than $15,000, Annie built a sizeable estate. She used this money to make a bequest to the town so the town could build a park or playground. At a presentation to the Borough of Roseland by Judge Fred Stickel on October 13, 1964, he explained Anna’s generosity to the community.

Related Pages

The Mayor Louis & Lynn DeBell Field and Fernwood Field are located within Bond Force Park.