RAISE THE FLAG

History of the Flagpole

• 1918 to 2003
• 2003 to 2008
• 2008 and onward

  1918 to 2003
  

  The story of the origin of the WWI flagpole was graciously provided by the Cranford Historical Society. Read on to learn of the sacrifices made by, and pride shared amongst Cranford residents in 1918 in realizing their goal.

  

  Photo of 1918 Dedication Ceremony

  

  Photo courtesy of Cranford Historical Society

  The flagpole stood proudly in Post Office Plaza as a Cranford landmark until 2003.

  

  Photo courtesy of Michael Madden

  2003 to 2008
  

  The pride of the flagpole ebbed and in 2003, the Cranford landmark was dismantled and removed, with the best intentions to restore it and then erect it in a renewed and revitalized Post Office Plaza. After some time in storage at the Cranford Round House, the flagpole was moved to the Conservation Center, where it now lays amongst the dirt and weeds, beginning to show signs of deterioration and rust.

  

  Photo courtesy of Cranford VFW Post 335

  2008 and onward
  

  In 2008, a concerned group of citizens representing various community service organizations throughout the township formed the Cranford Flagpole Committee to raise funds to restore and re-erect the WWI Flagpole in its rightful home at Post Office Plaza.

  The first step was to determine the costs for the project. Bids for sandblasting, repairing, re-painting, and re-installing the flagpole were solicited.

  • Due to the age of the flagpole, the experts determined that lead paint was likely used for some, if not all of the coats of paint. The lead in the paint requires specially-certified contractors trained in lead abatement procedures to execute the work.
  • The height of the flagpole (well over 50 feet) and the intricate lattice work base make the restoration more intensive.
  • New construction regulations for the flagpole foundation design and installation since the 1918 dedication are more stringent and extensive, involving additional work.

  All of these special requirements escalate the cost for refurbishment which led to estimates of $50,000 from the few specially-certified contractors. Options to decrease the cost, such as breaking out the work to several contractors, are being considered. But for now, the committee expects the need for $50,000 to complete this project.

  With the Township Committee's support, Post Office Plaza will be prepared to receive the refurbished flagpole. With the Post Office Plaza refurbishment portion of this project awarded, the demolition of the existing landscaping will soon begin. Follow the progress of this project under the Construction Updates page of this website.

  P.S. - The timeline for this project is very short, with a re-dedication ceremony planned for November 8th, 2008 (the Saturday prior to Veteran's Day). The Flagpole Fundraising Committee requests your support, please donate generously and soon!

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