GHPCC - are we really The Garden State?
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Many people believe that “The Garden State” is our official state nickname, but they are wrong. While this phrase appears on our license plates, it has never officially been adopted. Here are a list of New Jerseys nicknames:
The Garden State
This nickname seems to have originated at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia on Jersey Day, August 24, 1876. Alfred M. Heston states in his 1926 work, Jersey Waggon Jaunts, that "The Garden State" was used by Abraham Browning, of Camden. "In his address Mr. Browning compared New Jersey to an immense barrel, filled with good things to eat and open at both ends, with Pennsylvanians grabbing from one end and the New Yorkers from the other. He called New Jersey the Garden State, and the name has clung to it ever since."
In later years, the explanation has evolved to reference New Jersey truck farms that provide floral and agricultural produce to cities in the area instead of an "immense barrel." These farms have catered, particularly, to the New York and Philadelphia metropolitan areas. Some support the nickname with stories of the Revolutionary War and the food provided to soldiers by the small farms of New Jersey.
Probably the most intense promotion of this nickname for New Jersey began when the legislature voted to add the legend "Garden State" to New Jersey license plates in 1954, in spite of the Governor's refusal to sign the bill, in part because "New Jersey is noted for its great strides in manufacturing, mining, commerce, construction, power, transportation, shipping, merchandising, fishing and recreation, as well as in agriculture. I do not believe that the average citizen of New Jersey regards his state as more peculiarly identifiable with gardening for farming than any of its other industries or occupations."
The Clam State
This nickname refers to the clams taken off the coast and in the Delaware Bay. New Jersey is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east.
The Camden & Amboy State
"The State of Camden and Amboy" is a reference to the old Camden and Amboy railroad and highlights the powerful influence of this railroad in the state.
The Jersey Blue State
This historical nickname recalls the blue uniforms of the New Jersey Revolutionary War soldiers.
The Pathway of Revolution
Another nickname recalling the Revolutionary War period, "The Pathway of Revolution" is a reference to the battles fought on New Jersey soil during the war.
The Switzerland of America
New Jersey, like other states with mountainous areas, has been referred to as "The Switzerland of America." This reference, made by early settlers, was to the western part of the state and the Kittatinny range and to the Watchung, Sourland and Pickle mountains in the southeast. Perhaps the most famous are the Palisades along the Hudson River.
The Mosquito State
New Jersey has sometimes been referred to as "The Mosquito State" obviously in reference to the irritating, bloodthirsty little insects. New Jersey really does not have more of these insects than other states, and it is not clear how this appellation originated.
New Spain
or "The State of Spain" came about when Joseph Bonaparte, the King of Spain, fled to New Jersey around 1812. He bought about 1,400 acres of land in the state and built a "palatial mansion" where he entertained foreign dignitaries until 1822. It's rumored that Philadelphians were jealous of New Jersey's good fortune to have such an illustrious resident and they referred to New Jersey, humorously, as "New Spain" or "The State of Spain."
The Foreigner State
In the same vein as "New Spain," this nickname evolved from the humorous gibe to New Jersey, that it was a foreign land filled with foreigners under the social influence of the previous King of Spain. New Jersey was sometimes referred to as "The Foreign State."
Which nickname do you like best?
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Onfr bs gerr