Mayor's Message: Our New Cultural Arts and Heritage Committee
Now with 2021 full stride, I am excited to launch our new Cultural Arts and Heritage Committee. The mission of this committee is to promote the scope of the humanities (art, history, science, dance, music, sculpture, local diverse cultural experiences, etc.) with our residents to make our town a true destination stop. I have placed this committee in the capable hands of Council J. Carnes. He is himself an artist with the innate ability to develop this multi-faceted committee.
One important aspect of this project will be on an historical reflection at our history, much of which has side-stepped into obscurity. Much our our history has been unfortunately lost. Researching our past should yield much grist for the mill for preservation and documentation.
Some important historical experiences come to mind here. Yes, many of us are familiar with a seven foot thirteen inch structure located at the old railroad plaza. The Lincoln Statue is a significant iconic landmark which was the brain child of Alphonse Pelzer. He helped develop the technique similar to that of the Statue of Liberty and not a bad investment for $700. In fact, this portion of Middlesex is still known by this eponymous designation.
The Boat house at Victor Crowell Park (Creighton Lake) was built around 1937. That structure as well as Park itself was a part of F.D.R.’s Work Progress Administration (W.P.A.). These projects were part of his New Deal program which provided employment to millions of people who were out of work. Does anyone know who Victor Crowell was? He was a borough resident who graduated from West Point and was killed during World War 11.
Our very first Fire Department was organized by men of the Lincoln section of Middlesex in 1905 which became The Lincoln Hose Co.
The Knickerbocker Toy Co, makers of Raggedy Ann and Andy, a motion picture studio, nurseries, greenhouses, the site of a Manhattan Bomb Project, The Margaret Bourke house, The Pierce School, the Sebring Family Burial Ground (the end of Raphel Ave.) and many more sites are waiting to be finally recognized.
I cannot think of a better time to put Middlesex Borough on the Cultural and Heritage map.
Thank you and please stay safe.
Mayor John L. Madden