Cultural & Historic Committee Receives Grant for Photo Preservation

Edgewater’s Cultural & Historic Committee and the Borough of Edgewater recently received a grant towards the cost of renewal, restoration, and preservation of a large panorama photograph taken from Edgewater of the Hudson-Fulton Celebration Parade of Naval Vessels, (the Operation Sail of its day), Saturday, September 25, 1909.

The photograph hung for many years in Edgewater’s Free Public Library. Over the years, the image has dimmed and the adhesives originally used are destroying the print. Experts tell the Committee that if they do not preserve this historic picture–soon–in ten years, the image will be gone. The Committee and the Governing body of the Borough voted to take steps to prevent this.

The photograph, 9½ x 47 inches, in addition to displaying the Naval Parade, shows the citizens of Edgewater at reviewing stands along the Hudson’s shore. It also exhibits landmarks of both New York and Edgewater that are identifiable, i.e. Edgewater’s historic cemetery and the Presbyterian Church that at one time stood in the cemetery, a ferryboat, piers, school belfry, flora, homes, and hotels of the Borough. Across the river can be seen Riverside Drive, Grant’s Tomb, Columbia University’s Law Library, and Riverside Church (before the tower was built).

The Hudson-Fulton Celebration, held from September 25, through October 9, 1909, commemorated the 300th Anniversary of the discovery of the Hudson River by Henry Hudson, sailing the Dutch ship, Half Moon, in 1609; and the 100th Anniversary of the inauguration of steam navigation on the river by Robert Fulton, piloting the Clermont in 1807. Replicas of these vessels took part in the Naval Parade. Attendant functions held in the area were parades, air shows, river sports, carnival, music festivals, children’s events, receptions, religious services, lectures and artistic and historical exhibits.

Hudson-Fulton Committees on both sides of the Hudson dedicated monuments, memorial tablets, and other historic plaques to memorialize the festival. Edgewater’s remembrance of their involvement is a handsome bronze tablet that is now located in the entrance hall to Edgewater’s Recreation Center. This restored bronze shows in bas-relief the two historic vessels and names of members of the Borough’s Hudson-Fulton Committee and the governing body. Furthermore, Edgewater’s official seal has always borne a replica of the Half Moon, as befits a river city.

Funding for the grant the Committee received has been made possible in part by the Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs and the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State, through grant funds administered by the Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs. Edgewater’s Cultural & Historical Committee will need additional funds to complete the preservation of this vintage photograph, to frame it, display it, and publish an informational pamphlet. The Committee asks that all citizens of this Borough assist us in their mission to acquire, protect, preserve, and display Edgewater’s historic treasures.

From Cultural & Historical Society Press Release 4/1/02

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