1-25-2026 7:44pm

Preserving Somerville History: Tour of Somerville Scrapbooks Begin Digitization

Donnella Tilery Editor

Congratulations to Ron Czajkowski, HACs representative from the Somerville Fire Museum, and Rich O’Neil for taking an important first step in preserving one of Somerville’s most unique contributions to American sports history.

Two historic scrapbooks documenting the Tour of Somerville from the 1940s through the 1980s are now being digitized by technology specialists at the Somerset County Library System.

These fragile volumes contain hundreds of pages of newspaper clippings, photographs, race memorabilia, entry lists, results, and personal correspondence compiled by the race’s founder, Fred “Pop” Kugler.

Ron—who also serves as a longtime race volunteer and historian—has spent more than a year carefully organizing and preparing the materials for scanning. His dedication ensures that these irreplaceable records will be preserved and accessible for future generations.

Special thanks go to Teresa Bayles, Senior Technical Director for the Somerset County Library System and Somerville resident, and County Reference Librarian Ken Kaufman for supporting this effort. Appreciation is also extended to Rich O’Neill and the Somerville Fire Museum for providing space and assistance throughout the project.