Uploaded February 2019 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
After attending Rutgers and then Brooklyn Law School, Thomas Kelso settled in New Brunswick and married a New Brunswick native. In 1978, Kelso got involved in Democratic politics in the city and managed the successful mayoral campaign of John Lynch. At that point, Kelso’s law firm became general counsel to the Development Corporation of New Brunswick (Devco), handling the closings for the Hiram Market and the land that would become the Hyatt Hotel. In his capacity as secretary of Devco, Kelso offers insight into the key figures in urban renewal and the relationship between Devco and New Brunswick Tomorrow (NBT). In 1982, when the Cultural Center Board was formed, Kelso held one of the five seats, and he discusses the State Theater’s transformation. He also explores the role of Rutgers in downtown New Brunswick and public education.
The Rutgers Oral History Archives is part of the Department of History at Rutgers University. Learn more at https://oralhistory.rutgers.edu/new-brunswick-redevelopment-oral-histories
After attending Rutgers and then Brooklyn Law School, Thomas Kelso settled in New Brunswick and married a New Brunswick native. In 1978, Kelso got involved in Democratic politics in the city and managed the successful mayoral campaign of John Lynch. At that point, Kelso’s law firm became general counsel to the Development Corporation of New Brunswick (Devco), handling the closings for the Hiram Market and the land that would become the Hyatt Hotel. In his capacity as secretary of Devco, Kelso offers insight into the key figures in urban renewal and the relationship between Devco and New Brunswick Tomorrow (NBT). In 1982, when the Cultural Center Board was formed, Kelso held one of the five seats, and he discusses the State Theater’s transformation. He also explores the role of Rutgers in downtown New Brunswick and public education.
The Rutgers Oral History Archives is part of the Department of History at Rutgers University. Learn more at https://oralhistory.rutgers.edu/new-brunswick-redevelopment-oral-histories
