Fanwood is a tribute to a town of strong leaders, proud homeowners, committed volunteers, and successful businesspeople. With some two hundred select photographs dating from the 1770s to the 1990s, it illustrates the community's desire to grow yet maintain a consistency of appearance and character. Fanwood developed because the Jersey Central Railroad brought city dwellers to this vacation spot to escape the heat of the city and enjoy the shade and quiet. Among the town's notables are George Kyte, known as the father of Fanwood; Patricia Kuran, the first woman mayor of Fanwood; and the Boucher family, founders of the Homestead, a popular hotel.