Categorized | Editorial

EDITORIAL: Marketing Perth Amboy’s Rich History

Some of the Most Significant Moments in American History Began in Perth Amboy

Perth Amboy has a lot of history and is truly a City of Firsts. It’s embarrassing that the City of Perth Amboy hasn’t had a significant commemoration to Thomas Mundy Peterson after all these years. It was very disheartening when Councilman Fernando Gonzalez stated that he’s heard about Thomas Mundy Peterson and he wants a committee to be formed to raise funds to build a statue or some other significant maker to honor Peterson as they did with the Duarte Monument.

Thomas Mundy Peterson

Here’s the big difference: Thomas Mundy Peterson’s Vote in the Historic City of Perth Amboy was a major stepping-stone in America, because it was the first time Blacks were given the right to vote. This happened in the same City Council Chambers in use today. The money for this monument should have been put in the City’s budget. Even if a monument costs the City $80,000, the return will be a thousand-fold. To say that we need a committee to raise funds is preposterous. The City should pay for this monument. There is so much confusion as to who own the piece of property where Peterson lived, if it is owned by Kushner, the plea that you made to him about establishing a decent tribute on this plot of land is very weak. Tell Kushner he can get a tax write-off and save a little face by doing so.

Instead of paying for a lawsuit against the Council and the Council using taxpayer’s money to have their own lawyer, why not combine all that money and put up a monument? We’re missing a golden opportunity. Ex-Councilman Ken Balut said that the Controller should have been involved in the case against  Pelissier.

James Lawrence Kearny

We also noticed in South Amboy when they were digging for roads going to the new Ferry, historical artifacts were found. That delayed the project until those artifacts could be properly identified. We have lost so much history with the destruction of the Innis House (the last remaining building of Eagleswood).

As we have mentioned many times, Perth Amboy is one of the 10 most historical cities in the United States. Not only that, when they talk about naming schools or parks besides the Thomas Mundy Peterson School, we should pay homage to Marcus and Rebecca Spring. It was James Lawrence Kearny (Son of Lawrence Kearny of the famous Kearny Family of which the Kearny Cottage is named) and Marcus Spring who encouraged Thomas Mundy Peterson to vote. In case you’re asking, Marcus and Rebecca Spring founded the Raritan Bay Union and its famous school, Eagleswood founded in Perth Amboy in 1853. It was here that both girls and boys of all races were taught. Every student was encouraged to think and have opinions on all matters including politics.

Rebecca Spring

We agree with City Historian Anton Massopust that one of the new schools should be the Rebecca and Marcus Spring School.

This can be the start of a beautiful movement for Perth Amboy that has been a long time coming. There should be monuments all over town for such historical figures as the Springs, Kearnys and Solomon Andrews. Make a reason for people to come and enjoy Perth Amboy.

Why not reach out to the Freeholders, the County and our State Representatives to secure funds?”

At the Council Meetings, people talk about crime not being reported and the quality of life not being what it should be, illegal housing and bad road conditions. These are all legitimate complaints, but we need to put a positive spin on Perth Amboy. Emphasize what is positive about the town. When you have outsiders coming into Perth Amboy to spend money to see what you have to offer historically and otherwise, it can only help your economy.

That’s the bottom line.

C.M. & K.M.

The thoughts in this editorial are my own and are not representing the views of the Perth Amboy Historic Preservation Commission. K.M.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Browse Current Issue - Click Here

Safety Announcement

We are taking safety precautions in the City of Perth Amboy, and emphasize that it is important: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!!
Report Suspicious Activity – Be Vigilant – STAY ALERT! Do not think that any call or report is too small. Don’t allow the actions of a few dictate your quality of life.
FOR ALL EMERGENCIES, DIAL: 9-1-1
FOR ALL NON-EMERGENCIES, DIAL: 732-442-4400