Edward Balch

Edward Crawford Balch (July 17, 1858 – February 8, 1934) was a builder and businessman. He built 175 houses in Maplewood, New Jersey and became known as the Father of Maplewood. He also owned a women's clothing business; Orange Screen Company, a manufacturing business; and John O'Rourke, a lumber and coal business. He married Kate McKinney on March 20, 1879. They had three sons (Edward Jr., Harry, Everett) and two daughters (Ida, Florence).^[1][2][3]

The Maplewood Country Club was formed at a meeting, held inside his home on Ridgewood Road in 1903.^[4]