To: Honorable Wilda Diaz, Mayor City of Perth Amboy
In July of 2013, due to health reasons, I had to retire from public life. Since that time MOPA has had no meetings or activities such as fund raising or planning activities. I was contacted recently about dissolving MOPA so I called a meeting of the group for January 30th.. Among those who attended the meeting and those I spoke to by phone it was unanimously agreed that MOPA should disband.
At this time I cleared the bank account by paying a required debt, but left a $3.00 balance so that I could fulfill the requirements of our by- laws and share any leftover funds with the three historical groups in the City. The Proprietary House – In Exile; the Kearny Cottage and the Ferry Slip Museum each received $1.00.
The following day, with the help of Annie Hindenlang, we accessed the computer website of the State of New Jersey to officially dissolve the organization. I also visited Investor’s Savings to close out our account. Mildred will receive the final statement as soon as the checks clear.
MOPA was able to do many fine things during its short life. Upgrade and publish the “Old Amboy Walking Tour”; help withthe“9-11Monument”and construct the “Founder’s Monument” (The Scottish Cairn at Caledonia Park); sponsor the Dinner/Dance Gala at the Armory for the July 3rd fireworks display; give grant monies to the other three museums and most of all to help the Ferry Slip Museum recover from the damage of Super Storm Sandy.
We also helped the Mayor revive the Fourth of July ceremonies to include the ringing of the ‘Liberty Bell’. As president of the Proprietary House I made the House available to the public on the 4th as a place to gather, have refreshments and organize a march over to City Hall for the main activities.
If you’ll remember that on July 4, 2012 the 250th Anniversary of the Proprietary House, the re-enactors called to say the House was empty with a scrap of paper on the door saying, “Closed for July 4th.” A call to Cheesequake State Park and Superintendent David Donnelly sent a park ranger with duplicate keys to open up. The ranger encountered some illegal padlocks on some doors, went to his truck, and used a bolt-cutter to gain access.
The re-enactors changed into their costumes, the catered food was delivered and the public and dignitaries were able to visit the House on this most important historical day. Channel 12 news came to video the House and interview some of the visitors. The Hispanic version of Channel 12 news was able to interview our Council President. All in all it turned out to be a great event. At 1:00 p.m. we organized and marched over to City Hall to complete activities.
In December the State of New Jersey changed the locks on the Proprietary House Museum effectively putting that organization on the street. Let’s all hope that with a change of leadership in the PHA will again become a vital part of our as well as the State’s community.
Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.
Thomas P. Ward
Past President MOPA
