Noted historian Clifford W. Zink to discuss Roebling history
Trenton’s greatest asset is not pork roll.
In fact, if people in charge of the city’s future would listen for one potentially shining city moment then they would understand that Trenton history remains a game-changer for success.
When one understands the power of this capital city’s history as an educational and economic mother lode then our past will vault toward the top of the list regarding real revitalization. How do we turn around this city with certainty? History baby, from the banks of the Delaware River to the Battle Monument and along the Assunpink Creek, this city’s history holds ultimate importance in U.S. history.
No one knows City of Trenton and Mercer County history better than Clifford W. Zink. Segue? Roebling Gallery will exhibit Roebling and Trenton-related drawings, posters and other ephemera from the collection of Zink on Friday, October 5 from 5:30-8 PM, at Roebling Lofts, 71 Clark Street, Trenton NJ 08611.
The First Friday event offers a thorough insight by Zink, a preeminent authority on the Roebling family whose resume includes a fascinating publication “The Roebling Legacy” which gained the Princeton-based author the N.J. Studies Academic Alliance’s award for Popular Non-Fiction.
Zink, will give a talk about Charles at 7 p.m. The talk is being co-sponsored by the Trenton Historical Society. A complete vetting offers an admission of personal ownership of an autographed copy of “The Roebling Legacy” signed by Zink on April, 4, 2012.
Zink has written seven books and numerous articles on architectural, industrial, engineering and landscape history. He has received a number of awards for his books and preservation projects, including the 2011 John A. Roebling Award given by the Society for Industrial Archaeology’s Roebling Chapter for his “outstanding contributions to documenting or preserving the industrial heritage of the greater New York-New Jersey area.
“Charles Roebling was continuously innovating and building”, said Zink. “When he joined the company at age 21, J.A.R.’s Sons employed about 100 men and boys. When he died on October 5, 1918, it employed about 8,000. It’s a unique opportunity to display some items I’ve collected and to speak on the anniversary of Charles’ death in one of his finest buildings now restored and again occupied.”
In addition to the exhibit and talk, attendees will be able to visit a number of public and private spaces in the building, which is now Roebling Lofts.
“Roebling history has always been an important consideration in both the design and marketing of the Lofts,” said David Henderson, a Principal with HHG, developer of Roebling Lofts, and a key sponsor of Roebling Gallery.
“Charles set out to design an ultra-modern factory building in 1917, replete with massive windows, high ceilings, and fire-resistant design. We’ve preserved this legacy in every loft apartment, and are excited to share it with our residents.”
After the opening, the works will be available for purchase in person at the gallery, and online at http://roeblinggallery.org. It will remain on display throughout the month of October. Viewing hours coincide with leasing-office-hours, M-F, 9 AM to 5 PM, and Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM.
“Roebling Lofts is an exceptionally fine historic renovation, preserving and celebrating an important aspect of Trenton’s history,” said Damon Tvaryanas, President of the Trenton Historical Society. “Our membership is excited to attend this event, celebrating Charles’ critical role in the growth of our city, both past and future.”
For more information about Roebling Gallery or Roebling Lofts, please call Michael Goldstein at (609) 638-3250 or email michael@hhgdev.com.