Allendale Unveils New Community Mural, Blending History with Local Art
photo courtesy of the Allendale Chamber of Commerce
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Allendale NJ, the borough of Allendale, New Jersey, officially unveiled its new Centennial Mural on September 20, marking the culmination of a multi-year, community-wide effort to honor its history. The vibrant new mural, located at 89 West Allendale Avenue, replaces a beloved 1994 mural that had faded over time.
Mayor Amy Wilczynski initiated the project’s revival in February 2024, emphasizing its goal to “honor the spirit of the original mural.” The new design, a collaborative effort led by sculptor Simon Rigg and the borough’s children, showcases Allendale’s most iconic landmarks in a beautiful and unique work of art.
A Community Effort from Start to Finish
The mural is more than just a painting; it’s a testament to community collaboration. Local students, from Hillside School third graders to Northern Highlands students, contributed to the project by creating three-dimensional clay elements. These pieces, including molds of native wildlife from the Celery Farm Nature Preserve and historic buildings like the John Fell House and the Allendale Train Station, were later fired, enameled, and installed on the mural.
According to Rigg, this approach makes the new mural more weatherproof and allows for the removal and preservation of these elements if the building requires future repair.
The new mural, which came in “under budget” at $120,000, was financed primarily through community donations and creative fundraisers like the sale of holiday ornaments and business tiles that were incorporated into the design.
More than Just a Mural: The Landmarks Featured
The mural features a number of beloved local landmarks, including:
- The Mayor Curley Shaw Clock Tower
- The Allendale Train Station
- The Highlands Presbyterian Church
- The Allendale Bar & Grill, a local institution once frequented by Babe Ruth
- Grand Stand Field, the site of historic semi-pro baseball games
- The Celery Farm, a 107-acre nature preserve
- The Veteran’s Memorial
- Brookside School, Allendale’s oldest school building
With the new mural officially unveiled, the borough is now planning a competition to design a new pocket park at its base, a project that will further enhance this unique community space.
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How old is that that 20 years ago?