The Historical Society of East Orange, Inc. held its Annual Community Awards Program this evening (10/17/08) at Cicely Tyson School for the Performing and Fine Arts. The MCs for the evening were Everett Jennings, Vice President of the Society, and Goldie Burbage, President of the Society. Together they presented an informative and entertaining awards presentation, with help from a lot of others.

Music for the occasion was provided by an all male High School Ensemble of Harpists under the leadership of Robbin Gordon-Cartier. I'm not sure I can identify them from the photo, but the group included Lamar Walker, Nicholas Moore, Don Moraud, Dukens Dieujuste, and David Friday. They played a wide variety of pieces from classical to jazz.

Mayor Robert L. Bowser (along with many members of the Bowser family) was present for the occasion and opened the program with a few remarks on the importance of East Orange and keeping its history alive. Earlier in the evening, the Mayor had enjoyed looking at some of the historical objects we had on display.

Bobby Scales, proprietor of the Fresh As a Daisy Cleaners and in the Dry Cleaning business since 1971.

East Orange General Hospital, which came to East Orange in 1926. The award was accepted for the hospital by Tonya Hall who filled in for Kevin Slavin.

Melvin Randall, of Love & Randall, Esquires, accepted the award for his law firm. Lucius Bowser reminded us that the building for the Law Firm of Love & Randall at 57 Washington Street in East Orange dates back to 1894, but not its present occupants.

An award was also presented to John R. Harris of the Sportsman Barber Shop, 190 William Street, but he was unable to attend the program to accept.

Also, mention was made of the citation presented to Jodene's Beauty Salon in April, but the owner, John McNally was also unable to attend.

A surprise Mayoral Proclamation was made by Mayor Robert L. Bowser to his brother Lucius Bowser, the Secretary Treasurer of our Society. He was proclaimed President Emeritus of the Historical Society and a long list of his accomplishments was read, which we will try to obtain to share them with you at a future time.

Catering for the dinner and dessert was done by Jason Riddick of Sweet Cakes. There was plenty of food and drinks and two kinds of delicious cheese cakes for dessert.

Our Society Chaplain, Rev. Lancie Marchan, provided both the invocation at the beginning of the program and the benediction at the end.