When I grew up in
Short Hills in the 1960s and 1970s, it was a village of very good looking, athletic, clean-
cut and privileged
people: 1/3 Episcopalian, 1/3 Irish Catholic and 1/3 Jewish. Honestly, it was idyllic for a
kid.
However, there was a lot of anti-Semitism from the Christians, and a lot of very nouveau riche behavior from the Jews. The Irish Catholics generally had lots of kids and tons of
money. The three groups did not mix, except that some Aristo-Irish hung around with the High WASPs.
The Short Hills
Club was predominantly Episcopalian, and no Jews were allowed as members or guests in any private clubs. If you were Italian or Polish or Black (there were no Blacks) forget it.
Like the rest of America, it has changed for the better and, also, the worst.
"You are not a member of the
Short Hills Club? What is wrong with you?"
"Only Christians can go to dancing school."
"If you are not in Pack 1, forget it."
"Mrs. Smith ran off with Mr. Jones, and all their children are very sad."
"Let's drive around on Christmas
Eve and see how Jewish the town is becoming."
"Do you live within the chimes of Christ
Church?"