Roosevelt Fireplace Dedication Ceremony This Saturday

The historic Roosevelt Fireplace has a new home: the Cranford Community Center. On Saturday, a dedication of the fireplace form the Roosevelt School will be held at the center from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. followed by refreshments.

Prior to the demolition of the Roosevelt/Solomon Schecther Day School on Orange Avenue in 2010, the historic Roosevelt Fireplace was removed. It has been the goal of the CHPAB to make the fireplace available for the people of Cranford, according to Maureen Strazdon of CHPAB.

Strazdon said the CHPAB is really glad its back where it belongs.

“We've heard from many people who went to the Roosevelt School and the Schechter School who have fond memories of story hours in front of the fireplace in the kindergarten room,” she said.  “We're glad they will be able to enjoy it again in a public place where the entire community can appreciate it.”

The fireplace is officially installed in the lobby of the community center. Have you checked it out?

Siano Brothers donated all of their time and materials for the installation of the base, Strazdon said.

“The Roosevelt Elementary School was opened in Cranford on September 10, 1928, with 14 classrooms, including a special kindergarten room with a tile fireplace,” according to the CHPAB. “The fireplace, measuring about 8 feet wide by 6 feet high, was created by the Flint Faience Company and features a scene made up of 10 tiles, 6 inch by 6 inch each, portraying a duck and two hens in a barnyard.  It is featured in Flint's 1926 company catalog.”

At the end of the summer, the CHPAB hosted a “Treasure Hunt and Sweets Galore” event in Downtown Cranford, but only raised $550 at the event and additional funds through donations. The CHPAB is still $800 short of their goal. Those interested in donating can send a donation to Cranford Historic Preservation Advisory Board, 38 Springfield Ave, Cranford, NJ  07016.