Cranford’s World War I Town Flagpole was the center of attention Saturday, March 11 at a program hosted by the Crane’s Ford Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) who presented the organization’s National DAR Historic Preservation Recognition National Award to “The Cranford WWI Town Flagpole Restoration Committee.” The ceremony also highlighted the 100th Anniversary of America’s entry into WWI on April 6, 1917 and Cranford residents’ contributions and participation in “The Great War” as it was called. The National DAR Award is designed “to recognize worthy local individuals and groups for outstanding achievement in all areas of historic preservation. The recipients are expected to have contributed to their community in an outstanding volunteer manner.”
In the ceremony at the Cranford Township Municipal Building, award recipients in the “Cranford WWI Town Flagpole Restoration Committee of 2008” included: Paul LaCorte, chairman; Martha Garcia, Township Commissioner; Rich Brightman, Cranford Knights of Columbus; Rosanne Barone, Cranford Historic Preservation Advisory Board; Frank D’Antonio, VFW Post 335 Men’s Auxilary; James D’Arcy, VFW Post 335; Barbara Krause, Crane’s Ford DAR; Rita LaBrutto, Resident; Mark Mayer, Cranford Jaycees; Jean Pascarella, owner of Dovetails; Joni Valerio, Cranford Junior Women’s Club.
The volunteer committee was formed through resolution of the 2008 Township Committee by former Mayor Robert Puhak. It was tasked with raising funds estimated at $50,000 to restore and reinstall the flagpole in its original location at Postoffice Plaza. The flagpole was designed to replicate U.S. Navy ship masts of the era and had been dedicated on April 6, 1918 to honor the 320 Cranford residents who served in active military duty during WWI, 15 of those making the supreme sacrifice, some at sea. It also marked the successful completion of Cranford’s Liberty Loan Drive raising three times their quota to support the war effort, the most in Union County.
The 65 foot flagpole was removed in 2003 from Postoffice Plaza to make way for renovations there. The appearance and removal of the aging pole became a subject of town controversy for disregarding the pole’s historical significance. The Restoration Committee was initially advised the flagpole was beyond repair but within five months the committee raised the required funds from local businesses and families and had arranged for contractors to restore and reinstall the historical flagpole. The Committee proudly arranged for rededication on November 8, 2008.
Guest speakers included former Mayor Robert Puhak 2008; Martha Garcia, Township Commissioner liaison 2008; Paul LaCorte; Tom Connolly, Cranford Historic Preservation Advisory Board; Christine Glazer, Cranford Historical Society, who quoted WWI letters and stories telling of the impact of the war on local families. Crane’s Ford DAR Historian Barbara Krause initiated the award nomination submitted to the National DAR with necessary researched historical documentation and also served as program chairperson. Chapter Regent Mary Leonard assisted in the preparation and presentation of the program.
(above l-r) Crane’s Ford DAR Regent Mary Leonard; Cranford WWI Town Flagpole Restoration Committee: Jean Pascarella, Rita LaBrutto, Frank D’Antonio, Martha Garcia, Rosanne Barone, Paul LaCorte, and Barbara Krause.
