Nestled in between “The Brunswicks” is the small town I have called home for a majority of my life. Though most people have never heard of Milltown, New Jersey, those who have really fall in love with the 1-square-mile town.

Small-town life doesn’t get better than Milltown. Just imagine the “American Dream” of white picket fences in a town where everyone knows each other, and there you have Milltown. We even have the classic Main Street U.S.A. feeling, with mom-and-pop shops running up our actual Main St.

Officially founded in 1889, Milltown was known for it grist mill, and soon became home to other factories, including Russel Playing Card Co. and the Michelin Tire Factory. The factory culture of late 1800s and early 1900s really helped Milltown become a bustling town. Though these factories didn’t last long, what they left behind is truly spectacular, the people who make up Milltown. The people are truly the heart and soul of this town.

Now we may be one of the smaller towns in the area, but we can boast that our Fourth of July is one of the biggest and best in the entire state. From our fishing derby in the wee hours of the morning, to our firework spectacular at night, Milltown normally sees about 10,000-plus people turn out for the festivities throughout the day. The day really does shout America, with an apple pie contest, a parade and activities at the Gloria Bradford Park.

I think the most important part of Milltown is how much this small New Jersey town is truly a community. I mean, the saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is true in Milltown. All the kids in my grade knew each other, and our families all knew each other, too. I can remember my bike getting a flat on the other side of town when I was 10, and one of my classmates parents saw me and gave me a ride home in their truck. As an adult, I’ve noticed that many of our residents are lifelong. I was talking to a man whose family had owned a local bar for three generations, and he is in his 70s now. He never lived outside of Milltown. This town is his home, and it will be until he dies. Our VFW really has helped that feeling of community as well. It has worked tirelessly on everything from working at Fourth of July to creating backpacks for the children of active duty soldiers. The Milltown VFW is just one of many groups in town that has helped build up the community.

So maybe you hadn’t heard of the town I call home, but now that you have, if you’re ever in Middlesex County, stop in. Grab a pork roll sandwich down at Mike’s Country Market, head on down to Mill Pond for some fishing, and maybe catch a Little

League game down at Gloria Bradford Park. No wonder Milltown's motto is “The greatest little town in the land.”