I remember it well! Once you accepted the distinctive "aroma" of the Monkey House at Cadwalader Park, it was really fun to watch and interact with those cute little monkeys as they swung around in their cage. I will never understand why they didn't build a separate facility instead of putting that monstrosity on an historic mansion. However, that is the position of many of us who are pro-historic preservation. Cadwalader was and is one of Trenton's un-polished jewels. At one time there were Sunday afternoon and evening concerts with many famous names performing under an outdoor band shell. Recent news reports indicate a renewed effort to place more emphasis on improving that beautiful park.
I remember it well! Once you accepted the distinctive "aroma" of the Monkey House at Cadwalader Park, it was really fun to watch and interact with those cute little monkeys as they swung around in their cage. I will never understand why they didn't build a separate facility instead of putting that monstrosity on an historic mansion. However, that is the position of many of us who are pro-historic preservation. Cadwalader was and is one of Trenton's un-polished jewels. At one time there were Sunday afternoon and evening concerts with many famous names performing under an outdoor band shell. Recent news reports indicate a renewed effort to place more emphasis on improving that beautiful park.
Sally Logan Gilman said...
Hi Tom: Oh, that monkey house. Once you adjusted to the smell, it was a fun place to visit. We lived just a few blocks from Cadwalader and I went there often. There were fireplaces and a covered place to eat out of the weather, if need be. My mother and father took me to the fireworks and my father always made sure I got a good start at the Easter Egg Hunt. The smaller kids got at the front of the line before they opened the main entance. Friends say there is an art gallery there now so I hope the true Trenton gem is being preserved. Regards.
ReplyDeleteTom - The former "monkey house" is now the beautifully restored Ellerslie Mansion, as you know. I recently attended an exhibit of Trenton made porcelain, china and art pieces in this mansion. How fabulous to see! I now can appreciate that Trenton was truly the "pottery capital of the world" in its heyday. Cadwalader Park was designed by the notable landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, the designer of Central Park in NYC. A month or so ago there was a special on PBS Channel 13 about Olmstead and his involvement with creating the park in New York. Here's hoping the powers that be will continue to realize the jewel that they have. Lakeside Girl
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