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.