A Celebration of West Orange’s ‘Partridge Family’ Teen Idol David Cassidy

Emmy & Grammy nominated star of “The Partridge Family,” David Cassidy – a West Orange native – is being celebrated with a two-day event.

The centerpiece of the activities will be the installation of a historical marker in Cassidy’s honor at Colgate Park, where he played Little League baseball as a young child.

In addition, the township will co-name Elm Street, where David resided with his grandparents, “David Cassidy Way.” The dedication will take place at 10 am on Wednesday, July 30 at Colgate Park, Cherry Street and Franklin Avenue. The public is invited to attend.

Special guests in attendance at the dedication will be David Cassidy’s daughter, Katie Cassidy, star of “Gossip Girl” and “Supernatural,” and his son, songwriter Beau Cassidy.

In addition to the dedication ceremonies, there are several other events being held throughout this two-day celebration that pay tribute to Cassidy, as well as the music scene of the late 1960s and early 1970s:

David Cassidy Gala
Wednesday, July 30
5:30-10:30 pm
The Highlawn, 1 Crest Dr., West Orange
Guests will gather to share memories of their favorite teen idol and see special video messages from celebrities and other significant people in Cassidy’s life. In addition, pop culture historian Johnny Ray Miller will give an in-depth discussion and analysis of the Partridge Family and their music.
Tickets are $150 and can be reserved by emailing davidcassidytributewalk@gmail.com.

Q&A with Legendary Music Photographer Henry Diltz
Thursday, July 31
1:15 pm
West Orange Elks Club, 424 Main St., West Orange
Legendary photographer Henry Diltz will give a slideshow and Q&A about his storied career capturing rock legends like Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson, and Jerry Garcia, as well as shooting album covers like The Doors’ “Morrison Hotel.” The official photographer of Woodstock and the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, Diltz will share his famous images and experiences documenting David Cassidy and some of the most iconic moments in musical history. He will also offer exclusive discounts on several prints from his vast archive.
Tickets are $15, or free for West Orange Public Library cardholders.
Tickets must be reserved in advance by emailing davidcassidytributewalk@gmail.com.

David Cassidy “I’m on My Way Back Home” Bus Tour
Thursday, July 31
Starting at 8:30 am
Participants will be taken on a tour of sites significant to David’s childhood in West Orange. Additionally, the tour will also include a private, personalized tour of the Thomas Edison Museum.
Tickets are $23 and must be reserved in advance by emailing davidcassidytributewalk@gmail.com.

Downtown Thursdays David Cassidy Historical Marker 70s Dance Party
Thursday, July 31
5-8 pm
Franklin Street (in front of Washington Elementary School, 289 Main Street, West Orange
The Downtown West Orange Alliance invites you to dress in your retro best and go back in time for a block party that celebrates all things ’70s. We’ll be dancing in the streets with a DJ, beer and wine garden, food trucks, vendors, and more. Photographer Henry Diltz will be in attendance for a meet and greet, as well as offering exclusive discounts on prints from his archive. Pop culture historian Johnny Ray Miller will be on hand to autograph his books, and the “I Think I Love You Animal Foundation,” set up in David Cassidy’s memory, will have a fundraising booth set up.
This event is free and open to all.