Mary Szaro *file photo
By Joseph L. Kuchie
SOUTH AMBOY – Mary Szaro, the President of the South Amboy Historical Society, spoke to the city’s council members last Wednesday about the future of the organization.
Szaro spoke of the city’s rich historical history and the steps the organization has taken since being founded in 2011. She now believes that they are ready to take the next steps that will benefit South Amboy moving forward.
“We are now in a solid and steady position to propose a major historical initiative that will benefit our community for generations to come,” Szaro said.
According to Szaro, the initiative would include three interlinking objectives:
1. Incorporating a historical preservation element into the city’s new Master Plan.
2. Establish a historical preservation commission via a city ordinance.
3. Acquire a designed location for a Historical Society of South Amboy History Center.
“We are all caretakers of the historic future of this city,” Szaro said. “We can’t regain what was already lost but we can take action to ensure we will leave a legacy and a promise to all citizens past present and future that the history of South Amboy is a priority.
“This initiative is long overdue for the city of South Amboy and it’s our historic responsibility to finally make it happen before it’s too late,” she added. “We won’t get a second chance to preserve our history if we don’t protect the few things we have left right now.”
Mayor Fred Henry and the council all praised Szaro’s work as President of the Historical Society, and gave her their full support in doing their best to make this initiative a reality.
“A lot of other communities are looking at us as an example of what can be accomplished,” Henry said. “As a former history teacher, it’s great to see these things going on.”
“Believe me, I would love to have a home for a Historical Society museum type of thing…we all know these things cost money,” he continued. “If you don’t ask you don’t know. I got in touch with [Middlesex County] Freeholder
Director [Ronald] Rios and he said to put together proposals and this is what we are in the process of doing.”
“These are just great things for the city of South Amboy and it’s been a great accomplishment over the years and I thank you for your part in that,” he added.
Business Administrator Camille Tooker also noted that she received Szaro’s request for a historical preservation commission, and it will be put on the agenda to discuss at a business meeting in February.
The council also congratulated Mayor Henry for being named the Grand Marshall for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Amboy on March 19th.
“Mayor Henry has dedicated his life to the city of South Amboy whether it’s as a teacher or as an elected official…it’s a well-deserved honor,” Council President Mickey Gross said.
“I want to thank the parade organization for the honor of being Grand Marshall this year,” Henry said. “It’s something I did not expect but greatly welcome.”
All council members were in attendance.
