Area residents who have read newspapers are familiar with the name Brandt. Mickey Brandt, a lifelong Vinelander, will present his family’s story at the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society Museum on Wednesday, February 12 at 1 p.m. The session will focus on the life and career of his father, Del Brandt, which spanned from 1930 to 2004. The public is invited to attend this free event.
Mickey worked as a teacher for the Vineland School system for 30 years. His secondary career, right here at SNJ Today, was inspired by his father, the late Del Brandt, who had a 74-year career with newspapers. Del began working for the Bridgeton Evening News, at the age of 15, but he is best known for the “Round Our Town” column in the Vineland Times Journal. It was a column which kept everyone up to date on the events and the spirit of Vineland. Del’s brother, Ralph, wrote “The Scribbler,” a daily column in the Bridgeton Evening News for 50 years. Del’s wife Hannah, worked as a legal secretary, for many years, at a time when most wives did not work outside of the home.
Mickey’s brother, the late Randy Brandt, worked for the Atlantic City Press for many years before working out west. Randy and Del received the Golden Quill Award from the NJ Press Association.
His sister Deborah, a Guggenheim Fellow, worked as a teacher, lecturer and author of books on literacy in America. Sister Jane Brandt worked in education and in developing grants for area historic buildings, including Vineland’s High School Building, now the Board of Education offices.
The museum is located at 108 South Seventh St., in Vineland. Registration is suggested by visiting discovervinelandhistory.org or by calling 856-691-1111.
