In early 2005, Princeton Borough’s late mayor, Joseph O’Neill, asked the Princeton Parks Alliance to help him in an effort to rehabilitate and enhance the single most significant work of public art in Princeton – the Princeton Battle Monument. The monument, designed by architect Thomas Hastings, with sculpture by Frederick MacMonnies, was unveiled in 1922 by President Warren Harding. It depicts General Washington on horseback, refusing defeat at the battle of Princeton and inspiring his troops to victory. But years of exposure to weather and pollution has stained its limestone surfaces, and a longtime goal of the community, permanently illuminating the monument, had not yet been accomplished.
Through his diligent efforts, Mayor O’Neill succeeded in convincing the State of New Jersey to clean the monument. The Mayor also approached Charles Stone, Princeton resident and partner in the world-renowned architectural lighting firm of Fisher Marantz Stone; Mr. Stone agreed to take on the task of illuminating the Battle Monument. Permanently lighting the monument will cost nearly $125,000, and the Princeton Parks Alliance was asked by Mayor O’Neill to spearhead a drive to fund the work.
The Alliance was successful in attracting donors to raise the entire $125,000. Princeton University was a significant contributor, giving $25,000. And Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Princeton Borough) succeeded in securing a grant from the State of New Jersey for $50,000. The remaining $50,000 was raised through private contributions from individuals, where the Alliance received significant assistance from local philanthropists, Herbert W. Hobler and former Princeton Borough Councilman Arthur Morgan.
The project is well into its planning stage, and the clean-up of the Monument has begun. The Alliance looks forward to accomplishing a goal that will brighten the community, and establish a lasting legacy to the leadership and vision of Mayor Joseph O’Neill.