Chatham - Hardcoverby John T. Cunningham (Author) Chatham and the Passaic River have been inextricably linked for nearly 275 years, since the town's founding under the informal name of Day's Bridge. That name honored John Day, builder of the first span across the river, which forms the eastern edge of the town. The nature of generations of the town's residents is reflected in the area's permanent name, selected by villagers in 1773. Chatham is named for Great Britain's