I worked at Atlantic Mutual Ins. Co., a
branch office, at 744 Broad St. from 1964 through 1968.
Around that time, many of the insurance companies in Newark, relocated
to East Orange, Atlantic Mutual being one of many. Old Victorian
homes were torn down to make room for the influx of businesses leaving
Newark. The buildings were modern and nicely constructed but could
never measure up to buildings like 744 Broad Street. I missed the
hustle and bustle of Newark and all the familiar stores.
And I remember Huyler's Restaurant. We would use the lobby entrance
to enter Huyler’s for our morning breaks. Lots of Irish and
Scottish waitresses there and all with a sense of humor. We would
either sit to the back at a table or at the counter to the front.
There were also coffee carts with danish/pastries that would appear
on each floor at morning break. I remember there was a regular stream
of young men that arrived regularly at Huyler’s, from the
local recruitment office, to have their morning breakfast before
departing for probably Fort Dix.
I remember the mezzanine where I would cash my paychecks and I
remember the elevator operators (all male) who were dressed in full
uniform. Do you remember the tobacco shop in the lobby at the Academy
St. entrance? It’s listed that there are only eighteen tenants
for the entire building ?? Could that be?
Several years ago, I needed to drive into Newark. We parked the
car in the Bamberger’s underground lot and then walked past
the Raymond Commerce Building which, at the time, was being renovated
for condos.
744 Broad was a great place to work and I bet just about every
one that worked there has left with lots of fond memories. I enjoyed
the photo .. the mezzanine is magnificent. I'm supposing that the
bank is long gone?
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