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Article IndexPrior to Exit 13A opening in 1982, there used to be a service area on the northbound side where Exit 13A is located. The service area usage did overlap the existence of Exit 13-A (northbound drivers who took Exit 13-A missed the service area, and vice versa) but is no longer in existence. Today, one can notice it when exiting at 13A from the northbound car lanes since there's a 'temporary' concrete barrier that's blocking an open asphalt lot. The plaza was named for Admiral William Halsey (October 30, 1882-August 16, 1959). Called "Bill Halsey" and sometimes "Bull" Halsey, he was a U.S. Naval officer and the commander of the U.S. third Fleet during part of the Pacific War against Japan in World War II. He was portrayed by James Cagney in the 1960 bio-pic The Gallant Hours; by James Whitmore in the 1970 film, Tora! Tora! Tora!; and by Robert Mitchum in the 1976 film, Midway. He may also be the "Admiral Halsey" mentioned in the Paul and Linda McCartney song "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey". His connection to New Jersey? He was born in Elizabeth.
Also, two service plazas were located on the Newark Bay Extension (one eastbound and one westbound) located west of Exit 14B. These were closed in the early 1970s. The eastbound plaza was named for John Stevens (c.1715 - May 10, 1792), owner of mercantile vessels and a prominent politician who served New Jersey as a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1783. The westbound plaza was named for Peter Stuyvesant, (c. 1612 - August 1672), best known as a major figure in the early history of New York, but who as the last Dutch Director-General of the colony of New Netherland (New York) from 1647 until it was ceded provisionally to the English in 1664, presided over New Jersey as well as New York .
Not too long ago, as part of the talk surrounding the possible privatization of the Turnpike, there was also some mention about jettisoning these service area names in favor of corporate names (as has been the trend at many sports venue and the PNC Arts Center, formerly the Garden State Arts Center).
Such a step (at present unlikely) would stop any discussion about refreshing those honored. For example, among the modern-era names bantered about have been the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Jack Nicholson, Joe Piscopo and the cast of "Jersey Boys." And how about a Turnpike remember for Frank Sinatra or Paterson's own Lou Costello?
It has been reported that some contemporary New Jersey writers such as Calvin Trillin and Phillip Roth and have ruefully commented that they hope they do not get a rest stop named after them once they die.
And even when one leaves the Turnpike, there's a naming story to be told on the parallel I-295. There was once a rest area (just bathroom facilities) named after Howard Stern in Springfield (the one in South Jersey). It was christened in 1995 by Governor Christie Todd Whitman. This gesture — a "thanks" for Stern's support in the November 1993 election — drew both criticism and thieves. A plaque featuring Stern in an outhouse was stolen. Former Governor Jim McGreevey closed the rest stop in a 2003 cost-cutting measure.
What does it all mean? We'll leave others to make sense of it. In the meantime, at least it might give you something to ponder as you sit in traffic between Exits 7 and 8 or perhaps as obscure talk for the in-laws at a future Thanksgiving table to redirect the conversation from some unwanted topic.
Either way, we wish you safe and happy motoring over the holiday weekend. By the way, watch out for filling up on too much leftovers.
Eric Model explores the "offbeat, off the beaten path overlooked and forgotten" on SIRIUS-XM Radio and at www.journeysinto.com.
ALSO BY ERIC MODEL
Giving thanks for the Garden State ... and how New Jersey got its nickname
The many ghost towns of New Jersey have something to tell us
Perfect Fall getaway: Uncovering N.J.'s covered bridges
Origin of Manhattan Transfer is part of N.J. history
Labor Day is special in Paterson — home to the American Labor Museum
The story behind New Jersey's original Blue Star Drive
