Centennial Project - Lighting the Facade of the Grover Cleveland Birthplace in Caldwell, NJ

On the evening of Tuesday, September 4 th, the Rotary Club of The Caldwells hosted a reception at the Grover Cleveland Birthplace to mark the completion of the club’s “Centennial Project.” The project of lighting the façade of the Birthplace took more than three years to implement due to strict state permit requirements for state parks and historic sites.

Caldwell Mayor Susan Gartland and North Caldwell Mayor Mel Levine joined local residents, Grover Cleveland Birthplace Memorial Association members, state representatives and Rotarians for champagne and cookies to celebrate the momentous occasion.

In 2004, Rotary International asked all thirty-two thousand Rotary Clubs world-wide to implement a special local project to celebrate the 100 th anniversary of Rotary and every club’s commitment to community service. After researching several ideas, the Rotary Club of The Caldwells chose the proposed lighting project. Having the only presidential birthplace in the state of New Jersey is a source of pride for the community and many believed lighting the house at night would bring the historical site more exposure to the many passers by on Bloomfield Avenue.

The Finished Product

In the Planning Stages back in 2004

From left to right: Robin Stancampiano from the State Historic Preservation Office, Sharon Farrell, caretaker for the birthplace, Helen Maurella, Superintedent of Parks and Rotarian Christine Coleman.

Centennial Project Committee getting ready for the project back in 2004

Looking for any significant buried artifacts while sifting through the soil from the electircal trenches for the lights with the state archaeologist . . .

Left to right: Rotarian Betsy Mathisen, Rotarian Christine Coleman, Rotarian Kevin Hersh, Rotarian's son Fred Jenkins Jr and State Archaeologist Mike Timpinaro

The Dedication Event on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at The Birthplace

From Left to right: Patty Krug from Krug Eletric, Helen Maurella, Superintendent of Parks, Jerry Smith, President of The Rotary Club of The Caldwells, Rotarian Chrisitne Coleman, Mel Levine, Mayor of North Caldwell, John Krug of Krug Electric, Sharon Farrell, Birthplace Caretaker and Susan Gartland, Mayor of Caldwell

From left to right: Standing in front of 1 of 3 new lights are Rotarians Jon Wohlgemuth, Club Secretary, Chrisitne Coleman, Past Club President and Project Chairperson and Jerry Smith, Club President.

Rotarians smiling in front of the Birthplace

Some of the more than 75 visitors sitting down and getting ready for the ceremony

Rotarians and friends standing behind one of the 3 lights

Rotarians having a laugh

Visitors gather and enjoy cookies and champagne


The Rotary Club of The Caldwells PO Box 98 Caldwell, NJ 07006		Phone: 973 226-3111 Fax: 973 226-5992 Willing Hearts: 973 226-7488
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