Clinton Township Newsletter

Hunterdon County Memorial Drive H u n t e r d o n C o u n t y C u l t u r a l & H e r i ta g e C o m m i s s i o n by Frank Curcio Fifty years ago this month I sat in a traffic jam on Route 22 where highway crews were widening the road and installing median dividers. To pass the time sitting there, I read the small fading sign that explained Blue Star Highways. My 50–year younger self could not know I would have a future role with Blue Star. The Blue Star Memorial Highway idea was born in 1943 when the Union County Garden Club had the idea to beautify Route 22 to welcome home the troops from World War 2. The intent was to plant one Dogwood tree — the white flowering Dogwood is native to New Jersey — for every New Jersey man and woman who served. It was to be a living memorial. The Blue Star is the symbol of military service. a local Pearl Harbor survivor. Also in attendance were two women who, as young girls, had attended the original dedication in 1946. That sign now sits in its original location—the small rest area on the westbound lanes of Route 22 in front of the Ryland Inn. That Blue Star sign is attended by a County historical marker declaring that the sign itself is historic! Three years later I received another phone call — a second Blue Star sign had been found by maintenance workers at Rutgers, The idea was rapidly adopted by the Garden Clubs in Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren counties who began plantings along Route 22 from the Holland Tunnel to the Delaware River. The next year the State Garden Club Council adopted the idea, and it soon spread nationwide. The State officially declared Route 22 to be Blue Star Drive in 1945 and the idea was given Federal recognition in 1948 and signage to mark the route was designed and authorized. Well, Hunterdon jumped the signage gun by posting ours in 1946. The cast iron signs were locally forged at the Foran Foundry & Iron Works in Flemington (now Liberty Village Outlet Center). Over the years the Blue Star idea has developed and evolved. For example, New Jersey now has several Blue Star Highways, so there is one in every section of theState. In our area, the Blue Star designation was transferred to Route 78 and, soon after that, the original signs were lost and forgotten. Then, in 2002, I received a call asking my help as a authority on New Jersey roads about a sign found half buried in the County Road Department main yard. It was one of the original Blue Star signs. On December 7, 2002, the restored sign was re-dedicated in a ceremony held at the American Legion Post 284 in Whitehouse, which was attended by State and National Garden Club officials, and numerous WW2 veterans including an honor guard and clearing out the basement of a damaged frat house — fancy that! Restored, it, too, was re-dedicated at a ceremony held this time in the Flemington National Guard Armory on May 16, 2005. When asked where it should be displayed, I didn't hesitate. In Annandale, where eastbound Route 22 stops piggy–backing on Route 78, and becomes the Route 22 of 1946 again. The sign stands sentinel near the Annandale U–turn for all to see and remember. More Next Time, Frank Curcio HC YMCA P r e - S c h o o l P r e v i e w The Clinton YMCA Preschool of the Hunterdon County YMCA is inviting children ages 3 to 5 years of age to preview our preschool program during the month of June at our More Fun at Preschool weeks. More Fun at Preschool provides an extended two weeks of fun for our currently enrolled children and invites non-member children to join the fun and preview our program prior to next year's enrollment. This year, More Fun at Preschool will take a dive into the ocean and the deep blue seas through crafts, games, water play and outdoor experiences to learn about the creatures and world found under the sea. More Fun at Preschool runs Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. Sign-up for one or two weeks: June 10 through 14 or June 17 through 21. Clinton YMCA Preschool is located at 2 Race St, Pittstown in the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church. For further information and to register your child call the preschool at 908.735.8057 or visit online at www.hcymca.com. " S u mm e r I W ork for YOU! I work hard to provide my clients with the most positive real estate experience possible. I provide my clients with state-of-the art web tools and marketing–just one of the many things that has made me one of the most respected real estate agents in the neighborhoods I work! Real Estate Solutions: In today's real estate market, you need to work with a real estate professional you can trust. I'm dedicated to providing the absolute finest service and expertise possible for my clients. Whether you're buying or selling your primary residence, a second home, or relocating to a new neighborhood, I can help make your home ownership dreams come true. My website offers a wealth of information to help you. Vincent J. Costa III, Broker/Salesperson RE/MAX Competitive Edge 908.730.8282 office • 908.242.6782 mobile www.vincentcosta.com • email: vincent@vincentcosta.com a ft e r n o o n , s u mm e r a ft e r n o o n ; t o m e t h o s e h av e a l way s b e e n t h e t w o m o st b e a u t i f u l w o r ds i n t h e English l a n g uag e . " –Henry James J u n e 2 0 1 3 21

• Cover