Alice Gibson Tribute

        Tribute from Dave Cowell

Alice Gibson at the Inaugural Ball for the Grover Cleveland Birthplace. Photo by Janet Markman

One of our brightest lights has gone out.

Development and Program Chairperson Alice Gibson died yesterday from the Covid-19 virus. Alice chaired all the fundraising events for the Grover Cleveland Birthplace, raised all the money we needed to fund our agreement with the State to build the Visitor Center and staged the major historic reenactments–the wedding, the inauguration, the ground breaking–and annual meetings, plays, scripts, even parades.
Her commitment to the project was also her joy. She was the first to respond to the notice that the bidding process was renewed a week ago saying simply, “I want to be in Trenton when the bids are opened.”
We are not alone in all the groups mourning her loss. The Montclair Symphony Orchestra, the cultural arts communities, the Junior Women’s Clubs,the UWWE, the NJPAC, and Councils on the Arts. She participated, donated, led and she spoke for them all.
Alice loved projects with vision perhaps because she had vision. She made life more interesting
and richer for us all. Her enthusiasm was infectious and inspiring to us all.
Gordon has been taken home by their son.
Our condolences to Gordon, Donna, Gordon Jr., and their families.
Best, stay well and safe yourselves. Dave Cowell, President

Tribute from Sharon Farrell

The U.S. flag at the front of the house, and the entrance door to the Birthplace have been draped in mourning colors to honor Alice. Photo by Janet Markman
The U.S. flag at the front of the house, and the entrance door to the Birthplace have been
draped in mourning colors to honor Alice. This is such a strange time when we cannot gather
together to grieve, to express respect, to chat back and forth about what we loved about Alice.
The staff at the house, as well as those Alice knew and worked with through the NJ State Park
Service will miss her unbounded optimism. At this unprecedented time of the Covid-19
pandemic, the mourning colors are a small way we can express our loss and the loss of the
community, share in the grief of the Gibson family, as well as being a symbol of great regard
and respect for Alice, our ‘Champion.’
Sharon Farrell, Caretaker
Grover Cleveland Birthplace New Jersey State Historic Site

Listen to NJ Gov. Phil Murhpy’s tribute to Alice GibsonClick Here

Watch Brian Brodeur’s TAPinto TV tribute to Alice GibsonClick Here

 Watch CBS Weatherman John Elliott’s tribute to Alice Gibson –  Click Here

To make a donation in Alice Gibson’s honor – please note in “Add Special Instructions to Seller” space  – “For Alice Gibson”




 

 

 

1 thought on “Alice Gibson Tribute”

  1. Thomas B. Robertson

    It was with shock and great sadness that we learned about Alice’s passing last month. I will never forget her warmth and kindness as she welcomed us Cleveland family members and friends as we participated in the wedding and 2nd inauguration reenactments in past years. I have a picture of her and me at that first event that Janet Markman took and that was part of the DVD made of those festivities, and I will always cherish it. Just as Alice made us feel part of that wonderful Grover Cleveland Birthplace Museum family, so she will always remain an honored member of our family. Thank you, Gibson family, for letting us all share her over the years. She has made an impact on all of us. And the Museum is better for all her contributions.

Comments are closed.