About Roseland

Our History

The Borough of Roseland was originally known as the Centreville section of Livingston. In 1873, one of Centreville's prominent residents, Judge Rufus Harrison, led an effort to get the community it's own post office. Since a Centreville post office already existed in Hunterdon County, a meeting was called in the schoolhouse to choose a new name for the section. Roselyn was suggested by Sarah Condit Harrison. Whether through misspelling or design, Roselyn became Roseland, and the post office became a reality on April 14, 1874.

By the early 1900's, Roseland, still part of Livingston Township, was growing in population. At a school district meeting in Livingston Township in 1907, a large delegation from Roseland was outvoted when they requested that a new school be built for their area. Following this meeting, a resident named Bill Teed led a drive to petition for the establishment of a new borough. The petition was circulated and presented to the State Legislature, and on April 10, 1908, the Borough of Roseland came into existence.

On April 29, 1908, the first election of the newly incorporated borough was held in Willard "Gus" Osborne's general store, located at the south side of Eagle Rock Avenue facing Roseland Avenue. The election resulted in George F. DeCamp as mayor and Henry C. Becker, Willard A. Osborn, Joseph C. Conover, Charles Braunworth, Ezra A. Williams, and Clarence Harrison as councilmen.

You can't really talk about the development of Roseland without talking about the Becker Farm, which operated from 1880 -1964 and whose legacy still has a major impact on the borough. At it's peak, the Becker Farm encompassed 1,000 to 1,200 acres, almost half the town. Today, most of the land upon which the Becker Farm rested is now the center of several large corporate office complexes. 

Until the late 1950's Roseland remained a small rural town. Presently, the town has a resident population of approximately 6,000. It boasts an elementary school, a public works building, a library, the latest firefighting equipment, and a popular recreation center with 3 baseball fields, tennis, volley ball, and basketball courts and an ice skating rink.

Mission Statement

The Borough of Roseland is committed to maintaining  a vibrant atmosphere within our community. Under the direction of our Mayor and Council we are dedicated to providing a full range of municipal services to our community. We maintain and follow current ordinances and policies that support our goal.

Through responsible fiscal management and strong ethical values, we provide services and programming to meet the needs of our community with a focus on the health and safety of our residents. We strive to maintain the traditions of our community while staying current as a 2 1st century Borough.

We stress pride in our infrastructure and emphasize the need for a clean and safe community. Fiscal prudence, cultural and recreation programs, conservation, climate protection and sustainability are of great importance to the Borough of Roseland.

Our dedication to effective communication and strong leadership will continue supporting our efforts and commitment to deliver services, preserve, protect and enhance the quality of life for the residents.

Quick Facts

• Country: United States
• State: New Jersey
• County: Essex
• Incorporated: March 10, 1908
• Government: Mayor-Council
• Total Population Estimate (As of July 2021): 6,219
  • Persons under 5 years old, percent: 7.4%
  • Persons under 18 years old, percent: 21.2%
  • Persons 65+, percent: 23.0%
• Total Households (As of 2020): 2,237
• Median Household Income (in 2020 dollars): $142,776