Wow, what a nice tribute. Also FYI, Joan Moore is the same Joan Moore from Cultural Affairs. It's a shame so many do not know some of the amazing folks who have done amazing things for my first stomping ground in JC.
For all of the past and present and future do-gooders, it's not always about getting praise when we do good; it's the silent, unselfish acts, so generous like in this case still being remembered 24 years later!, and also to Hugh Harrison Thank you too, for being such a wonderful neighbor!

The following is a reprinted Letter to the Editor from Hugh Harrison, which appeared recently in the Jersey City Reporter.

=======================================
Dear Editor:

Now that we are entering the Christmas season, many of us remember the people who in the past helped establish The Hamilton Park Neighborhood Association in the 1970s. Many young people now living in the area are unaware of the original roots and events which are now taken for granted.

As someone who arrived in 1980 when the area was changing from an older to a newer type of community, I appreciate the efforts of many who helped improve Hamilton Park and keep an eye on safety, developments and historic integrity.

Jack Swallow was one of those people. He moved to the neighborhood in the 1970s and immediately became an enthusiastic supporter of Hamilton Park and the surrounding community. After his cruel murder in the early '80s, the HPNA and his friends planted the evergreen conifer at the corner of 8th Street and West Hamilton Place.

There are several trees planted in the park to memorialize members of the community, but this one was the first. For more than 24 years, the tree has stood as both a memoriam and a gift to the community. However, many of us have always considered it "Jack's tree" and not just a Christmas tree. To us it represents and always will represent the very best of the good will and neighborhood unity that helped revitalize a neighborhood in its early days.

The tree was lit annually at Christmas through the generosity of Audrey Snitken and Joan Moore (until family health problems prevented them from continuing the tradition) and with the help of the late Arthur Pugh. As the lights are turned on again for Christmas 2006, we, as neighbors and as friends should take a moment to reflect on the enduring beauty of its symbolism.

Sincerely,

Hugh Harrison