Masonry Magazine September 1972 Page. 28
Ex-mayor Designs Building in N.J.
In these days of environmental consciousness, a former Ridgewood (N.J.) mayor is beaming with hometown pride over a new masonry building which he designed. George W. Clark, AIA, who was mayor of Ridgewood from 1963 to 1967, points to the suburban contemporary style of the National Community Bank which opened in Ridgewood recently as an example of environmental awareness. Clark said he designed the building to blend into the residential character of the area. A member of the Architects League of Northern New Jersey, Clark said the challenge was to "capture the spirit of the village." Clark paid high tribute to the skill of the bricklayers who, he said, produced one of the finest masonry projects in the area. "It has the look of a fine cashmere jacket," he said. Pictured with Clark is Henry J. Massaro of Paterson, business agent for local 44 (Ridge wood), BM & PIU.
Plan to attend the 23rd MCAA Annual Convention, Marriott Hotel, Atlanta, Feb. 23-28.
Splendid Bell Tower for Canton
Family sentiment, the celebration of an anniversary, a gift to the people of the community, and a method of displaying the esthetic and structural elements of a new product were combined in an impressive civic ceremony last June 21. On that day the city of Canton (Ohio) was presented with a bell tower and chimes in honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of Hazel and John Stewart. The gift was made by the Stewarts children and their families -Shirley and Jack Stewart; Dorothy and Fred Blosser, and Barbara and Dick Tillet.
John Stewart, treasurer and former general manager of Stark Ceramics, Inc., is well-known for his past industry activities. He is a former president of the Structural Clay Products Institute (now the Brick Industry of America) and a member of its executive board, as well as being a board member of the Structural Clay Products Research Foundation and president of the Facing Tile Institute.
The bell tower stands on the grounds of the beautiful Garden Center in Canton where it can be seen and enjoyed by thousands for years to come. The tower was designed and constructed in the form of a cross to represent the deep religious commitment of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart. It was built with the new Stark 8" through-the-wall units which were reinforced to withstand wind pressures in excess of 120 mph. The units, stained a dark brown with a distinct texture ingrained on them, blend into the surroundings of flowers, shrubs and trees, and combine to create a continually changing panorama of color.
The bells, which chime on the quarter-hour and play musical selections, were manufactured by the world-famous Verdin Company.
The relatives rushed to hear the reading of the will of an eccentric millionaire. Stephen, the youngest, laziest and worst spendthrift, had a smirk on his face as if he knew something the others didn't. Finally the lawyer began to read. Sure enough, Stephen was the first to be mentioned: "To my nephew Stephen, whom I promised to remember -Hi, there, Stephen!"