Tova Navarra’s new visual history of Howell and Farmingdale presents a wealth of vintage images and carefully researched information on the area’s past. The book’s focus on the social and cultural aspects of Howell’s history is particularly appropriate, given the remarkable ethnic diversity of the region. Howell is a vibrant and unique New Jersey community whose character and heritage are lovingly conveyed by this resident author. At once rural and suburban, contemplative and yet very active, Howell is today an intriguing mixture of old and new. Age-old churches and Buddhist temples stand near a dualized highway and large department stores, and an experimental theater company flourishes in the midst of horse, chicken, and sheep farms. The development of Howell’s numerous cultural, social, commercial,
and religious institutions is documented here in an
interesting and informative manner.