CLOSTER, N.J. -- What do a 14-ton prehistoric mammal and a lifetime and a 20-time major-league baseball All-Star have in common? Soon, both Mickey Mantle and a North American mastodon will share a wall at Closter's New Hall of Fame.
Located within the public library, Hall of Fame emerged from an idea raised more than a year ago.
"One of our society members talked about doing a town hall of fame, and I eventually asked if I could help" Closter Historical Society Curator Susan McTigue said.
"With Closter being largely a bedroom community, we thought it would be a great to shine a spotlight on all the fascinating people that have called Closer home at some point," she said.
Of the 38 inductees, several are sports stars, scientists, musicians, and actors.
"Inductees must have lived in town at some point, whose success and influence far exceeded the boundaries of Closer," McTigue said.
"No politicians," she said, adding that they could open a can of worms.
Mickey Mantle called Closter home for two summers, as did Richard Hunt, one of the co-founders of Jim Henson's Muppets.
Other inductees include martial arts master Tiger Kim, jazz pianist Bill Evans, climatologist Wallace Broecker and sports illustrator Charlie McGill.
Housed in the Closter Public Library at 280 High Street, the site includes framed photos of each member, an identifying label with their birth and/or death dates, and area of expertise or fame. In addition, notebooks with a one-page biography for each member are located near the wall display.
A dedication ceremony will be held Sunday afternoon on Sep. 27 from 2-4 p.m. in the Closter Public Library with a concert by the Joel Zelnik Trio featuring vocalist Francine Evans at 2:45 p.m. in the Community Room.
All are welcome to attend the free event.
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