| Author | Message | ||
     Algebra2 |
Hey, I don't even know where Maplecrest is. Last summer SO held a "Taste of So. Orange" -- why not "Taste of Springfield Ave." or "Taste of Maplewood". I agree with "if you feed them, they will come." Why does there have to be such hatred from those on the east to those on the west -- seems odd. Personally, I'll admit that I never ever shop on Springfield Ave -- for me it is just not convenient. I started driving when I moved to the suburbs and am a little intimidated driving on a big busy road. I commute via train into the city, pick up my son at the "Y", shop in the village. I really don't have the time or the need to drive over to Springfield Ave -- what's wrong with that. | ||
| Townie |
Njjoseph, Grasmere Park is on the grounds of the Durand-Hedden House, which is opposite the Jefferson School on Ridgewood Road. It is very small, but has a lovely formal herb garden. There are lots of activities at the house and the herb garden all year. Grasmere Park was named for the former mayor of Maplewood, Richard Grasmere. Next question: Who is Asher B. Durand? kathleen | ||
| Mtierney |
Make that "Robert" Grasmere. Ah, how quickly we forget! | ||
| Njjoseph |
Townie, maybe you could start a thread of Maplewood History. Long-timers could post more to this. I did know who Grasmere is, but don't know who Durand is. I do know who Boyden is. I'm learning, but there aren't enough hours in the day to get it all. | ||
| Njjoseph |
Algebra2, Maplecrest Park is on Springfield Ave. Just take Tuscan up from Valley and pass Prospect, and right before Tuscan ends, you'll see the park on the left. | ||
| Algebra2 |
See, I am such a ding-dong that I don't even know where Tuscan is (I think I generally have a clue -- albeit a small one). Thanks NJjoseph. Anyway, I really like my "Tast of Maplewood" idea. | ||
| Njjoseph |
Tuscan starts on Valley, across from the country club. You should find out, because maybe your son will one day go to Tuscan? | ||
| Townie |
Thanks Mtierney for the correction. Wasn't a question of forgetting -- it was before my time! Here's a link to the biography of Asher B. Durand, so nobody has to rely on my spotty absorption of history. http://digimuse.usc.edu/landscapes/Durand.htm | ||
| Townie |
Algebra2, I seem to recall there being a "Taste of the Town" in Maplewood at the Women's Club -- but maybe it was only once for a special benefit. | ||
| Mtierney |
Ouch, that hurt! | ||
| Nakaille |
Slight correction to Octofoil's directions to DeHart Park: DeHart is about two fairly short blocks on the opposite side of Springfield from Maplecrest. When traveling east (toward Irvington) on Springfield, take a RIGHT at the light by Wyman Ford and go straight ahead and you can't miss the park. Bacata | ||
| Algebra2 |
Townie -- Oh yeah, I missed that one. | ||
| Townie |
Oh sorry, Mteirney! For all I know, I'm older than you. I only meant 'before my time in Maplewood.' I should have been more complete. Anyway, I apparently forgot it from whenever I heard it most recently -- which tells you something about the state of my memory for names. kathleen | ||
| Willfalaise1 |
What about a strawberry festival? Wasn't Hilton famous for strawberries? I thought there was even a special Hilton strawberry grown here. I guess they went the way of the farmland when the development started (anyone know?), but sounds fun to tie a "taste of" style celebration to local history. | ||
| Mwood |
Taste of Springfield??? What capicolli, auto parts and hair products? | ||
| Thetruth07040 |
Townie, I take some exception to your interpretation of what's in my head. My family and friends have been trying to figure that out for years with little success. I do, however appreciate what I believe is your sincere openmindedness. I'm afraid that if I invited all of the folks from the West side with your attitude to my cookout, that perhaps I'd even have to spread into my neighbor's yard. There just aren't enough to make a difference. Regarding the 4th Celebration suggestion: my problem is with the fact that the objections of most here were based upon anticipated "inconvenience" or perceived "risks" before anything was really researched. The immediate reaction was negative..albeit sprinkled with an attempted positive spin using alternative proposals. I'll agree that there are logistic issues to be considered..yes, there may be some inconvenience to some and yet added convenience for others..yes, there may be reduced attendance, but there is also the possibility of increased attendance...and yes, there is tradition to be considered. But it seems there is such resistance to change. Djun's posting say a lot: "it will be a sad day when the fireworks are not held in Memorial". Some here in town like things just the way they are and have been. Why rock the boat. Why? because sometimes change is necessary for the long term benefit of all. No pain, no gain. If I try, I can think of a number of reasons why the celebration should NOT be held entirely in Memorial..or why Dickens Village should NOT be in the center..all from MY perspective. Face it, the west side of town has anchors..attractions. The Movie Theater, The Cultural Center, The Train. The Village, The Women's Club, The Main Library, The Country Club, The 4th of July Celebration. The east side has virtually none. Oh yes, we have the pool..and occasionally someone from the west will be forced to bring their child to a t-ball or soccer game in Dehart but beyond that, what? My suggestion was for change. For something which was a town wide, town attended event. Not a turtle race or a kite flying day. Those are all wonderful supplemental suggestions but that are not of the magnitude to make a difference. I believe that our Mayor is doing the best he can. He is however working within the political system that appointed him. I trust that he will examine this issue reasonably but the pressures on him must be enormous. I want this town to be a place where people want to live. The whole town. I want the east side to be a place where families want to move to not just because the houses are cheaper (less costly would be better). I finish by saying this: On a nice summer or spring day, my wife and I sometimes like to walk from our humble home, down to the village. We get a cup or coffee, maybe a pastry and sit on a bench and people watch. I'd like there to be a day when some husband and wife from Hickory or Ridgewood or Kendall take a walk UP the hill to this side to do the same. Am I asking too much? Also, to Goodoldays. I think you were wrong to get so upset about the person not knowing where Dehart was..though I empathize with your reaction. Hell, I've been here since the earth cooled and there are lots of places I can't find! | ||
| Nakaille |
Now that's the attitude we're looking for, Mwood. I suppose you don't ever use any of those products yourself or know anyone else who does. Heavens! (Where's Betsy now?) Let's see you start a business and keep it running on Springfield Ave. I'm sure you have some great ideas but would you be willing to put in the work it takes? If not, why trash the business owners who do? I think folks who are championing a food-oriented event are on the right track. That is an easy draw for most of us (fortunately or unfortunately!) My guess is that "even" the village businesses (and South Orange ones, too) would be willing to participate. But I would pair it with some other event(s) that keeps people around for a while and showcase local talents. Like the crafts fair ideas, etc. Or an outdoor folk festival or.....? Bacata | ||
| Thetruth07040 |
Mwood: I'm going to avoid telling you how I really feel about your comment. The French restaurant on Springfied is one of the best in the state. The best Sloppy Joe I ever had was from MapleCheck, The Carribian restaurant is wonderful. By the way, there was a Taste-of-Maplewood and it was held a few years ago at the Women's Club. The area near Van Ness Terr was part of the Van Ness farm which I understand large strawberry farm. As a kid, I used to pick wild blackberries and strawberries in the woods around Dehart. (at least when I wasn't playing cards!) | ||
| Algebra2 |
Maybe having it be more inclusive than just food is the right idea. A Maplewood Summer Fair with local artists displaying and selling work, Jamaican Beef patties, ice cream, maybe some kind of ride or petting zoo -- that would attract me. | ||
| Townie |
thetruth, You're right to chastise me for trying to figure out what's going on in your head, but I still think you're wrong about the attitudes of people in my neighborhood. But here's the real issue, and I'll just quote back to you from your post: "Face it, the west side of town has anchors..attractions. The Movie Theater, The Cultural Center, The Train. The Village, The Women's Club, The Main Library, The Country Club, The 4th of July Celebration. The east side has virtually none. Oh yes, we have the pool..and occasionally someone from the west will be forced to bring their child to a t-ball or soccer game in Dehart but beyond that, what? My suggestion was for change. For something which was a town wide, town attended event. Not a turtle race or a kite flying day. Those are all wonderful supplemental suggestions but that are not of the magnitude to make a difference." To my mind, moving a famous one day event that is a long standing tradition in Maplewood is not the answer, especially if the goal is for people to learn to enjoy all of Maplewood. You are setting up a test that isn't fair. You seem to think parents feel "forced" to bring their child to sports events at DeHart. I feel like you really ought to spend more time in my neighborhood to get to know the people here! You're making unwarranted assumptions. My friends around Maplecrest Park and Ivy Hill feel that Maplewood is a whole town where people want to live. People choose where they live for a variety of reasons (I wanted to live near the reservation). Reading your posts, you seem to be saying some huge split needs to be fixed, but I find your presentation in itself divisive. If we don't buy your idea, there's something wrong with us? |
