Politics & Government

Historians Honor 'The People of Cranford' For Post-Irene Efforts

The Cranford Historical Society and Historic Preservation Advisory Board paid tribute to the residents who restored their homes in the wake of the flood.

On March 25, members of the and the gathered at the Hanson House to present the Cranford Preservation Commendation Award. This year’s award was given to the people of Cranford for the energy and dedication they have put into restoring their homes and preserving the town’s shared heritage after the floods of Hurricane Irene in August, 2011.

Presenting the award on behalf of both organizations, Maureen Strazdon of the Cranford Historic Preservation Advisory Board, noted that the award has traditionally gone to individuals who have worked hard on preserving one building in Cranford. But this year the award was going to many people for their work on many buildings.

She cited the citizens of Cranford who are rebuilding and conserving our town after the natural disaster. Their work shows that there is value in retaining and restoring the historic fabric and that the citizens of Cranford are proud of the character of Cranford.

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Strazdon also commended the Cranford Township administration who have issued, without fees, construction and restoration permits relating to the storm and flood damage. 

In accepting the award on behalf of the townspeople, former Mayor Dan Aschenbach acknowledged the work and dedication of the residents of Cranford and their efforts to save their properties.

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"People are rebuilding and staying in Cranford, and we are stronger for it," he said. Aschenbach also commented on the dedication and long hours the township employees spent in getting the town back in order. 

Pat Pavlak of the Cranford Historical Society also presented an award of recognition and appreciation to the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers Company D Civil War Reenactors of Woodbridge. The many appearances in Cranford during the Civil War Sesquicentennial events during the past year were noted by Margaret Gerlach, Cranford Historical Society president.

Founded in 1927, the Cranford Historical Society’s mission is to preserve and perpetuate the history of Cranford. For more information, visit the historical society's website at www.cranfordhistoricalsociety.com. 

The Cranford Historic Preservation Advisory Board was established in 1993 by the Township of Cranford.  HPAB’s mission is to aid in the preservation of Cranford's architectural heritage through documentation of significant structures, education of the public as to the value of preservation, and advice to the Township on laws and activities impacting preservation. You can find more information on HPAB at www.preservecranford.com.

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