Meet the Author "Charles P. Caldes"

     Those b’n’b – born ‘n’ bred – in Jersey City, or those who have worked or lived here during the heyday of Journal Square, will absolutely LOVE Jersey City’s JOURNAL SQUARE with McGinley & Bergen Squares, a self-published paean by Charles P. Caldes, whose Greek heritage plays mightily in Journal Square of lore. It was Charles Caldes’ grandfather who owned a restaurant right on the spot where the Five Corners Bakery eventually was established. And it was from those early memories from family and self that spawned this book.

     The Jersey City Free Public Library proudly presented the program, Meet the Author: Charles P. Caldes that was held in the New Jersey Room at the Main Library on the evening of Wednesday, December 5, 2007.
Jersey City’s JOURNAL SQUARE is an affectionate stroll down memory lane, beginning with the actual architectural drawings of the soon-to-be transportation hub, chock-full of B&W photos depicting the decades, advancing from 1910 to the present, with many color post cards (and two rare color photographs of Journal Square) that were reproduced.

     In the interest of full disclosure, most of the images were obtained through the New Jersey Room of the Jersey City Free Public Library, with Jersey City-native and former resident Cynthia Harris, manager of the New Jersey Room, writing the History of Journal Square, the chapter that begins this book.

     What makes Jersey City’s JOURNAL SQUARE unique is not its factual and pictorial presentation, but its inclusion of reminiscences of people whose affiliation with Journal Square was actually a lifelong love affair. As with most self-published books there are some flaws, yet the Jersey City-warmth of the writing and reminiscing comes through, loud and clear.

“I invited the public to hear from Charles Caldes, about the Jersey City of old, and of the three squares that run along the continuum of Bergen Avenue – Bergen Square, McGinley Square, and of course, Journal Square – because, believe me, I knew this would be quite a ride!” said New Jersey Room Manager Cynthia Harris. “Please enjoy the photos from this event.”

A Short Biography of Charles P. Caldes:
Charles P. Caldes was born in Jersey City at mid-century to Greek-American parents, both long-time residents. He spent his first six years on Linden Avenue before moving to Ridgefield. The visits to Jersey City would be numerous as many relatives chose to remain in the old neighborhoods. A sense of belonging was established. After high school he attended Jersey City State College for two years, then transferred to Ramapo College. He would eventually move to South Jersey. Over the years he was involved in many businesses and wrote books about the railroads of South Jersey in his free time. In 2001 he returned to North Jersey, taking a position with the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. His writing moved north with him and he published half dozen books on North Jersey railroading. Jersey City's Journal Square is his first non-railroad book.

SHOW AND TELL – Author Charles P. Caldes holds up his book for the audience to see at the 12/5/07 program held in the New Jersey Room at the Main Library.

THE ENLIGHTENMENT – The engaged look in Charles Caldes’ eyes illuminates the type of wonderful, enlightened exchange he had with his audience about his book, Jersey City’s Journal Square, with McGinley & Bergen Squares.

OH! WHAT A NIGHT! – A packed, rapt audience that participated in a lively Q&A portion after the author reading certainly made Charles Caldes’ day…er…night!