WPA MURALS HIGH SCHOOL OF FASHION INDUSTRIES (c) By Polly Guerin



How did artists survive in the Great Depression-era? Such iconic artists as Jackson Pollock for one were supported by The Federal Art Project (FAP) the visual arts arm of the Great Depression-era New Deal, Works Progress Administration (WPA),  the Federal One program in the United States. Reputed to have created more than 200,000 separate works FAP artists created a wealth of posters, murals and paintings. Some works like the murals at the High School of Fashion Industries stand among the most-significant pieces of public art in the country. PICTURED ABOVE THE MURAL "VICTORY OF LIGHT OVER DARKNESS."

THE HIGH SCHOOL’S LEGACY A hidden treasure interested individuals can view the murals by appointment only. The school, founded in 1921, was originally known as the Needles and Trade School which served a wide sweep of immigrant children who would later work in New York City’s thriving garment industry. When the building was completed in 1941 it would be known as the Central High School of Needle Trades and today it is called The High School of Fashion Industries. The school is located at 225 West 24th Street, where it still serves to educate and produce creative talent for the fashion and related industries. The school's motto, "We Design the Future."

THE FAMOUS MURALS The FAP’s primary goals were to employ out of work artists and to provide art for non-federal buildings, schools, hospitals, libraries, etc. The murals that sweep around the school’s auditorium were painted between 1939 and 1940 by Ernest Fiene and have historical value of the depression era works of art that glorify an industry and have landmark status. They portray in dramatic and moving fashion the long generation of hope and despair, and the high standard of social and industrial accomplishment in the needle trades.

VICTORY OF LIGHT OVER DARKNESS The first breathtaking panel (PICTURED ABOVE) symbolizes disorganized society being channeled by enlightenment with a background that shows old Castle Garden, and immigrants entering from there into New York City after fleeing the racial and oppressions of Europe. The central background shows the old New York skyline where now the Custom House stands, and in the farther distance appears a rosy light of a future skyline. In the foreground from right to left are seen sweat shops, home work and child labor conditions. Sinisterly hovering over this group is a great green figure symbolizing ‘Greed.’ A large figure to the left, representing enlightenment points with his right hand to a group representing the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, a terrible event which seemed the culmination and summing up of all the injustices and incredibly poor conditions in which workers at that time suffered.

THE FIVE NEEDLE TRADES In the second panel (on the opposite wall) the five needled trades are shown working harmoniously together and a at lower center portrays personalities instrumental in raising the standards of the industry. They represented government, education, management and unions. The figures too many to record here, include President Roosevelt, Mayor LaGuardia, David Dubinsky, president ILGWU, Senator Robert M. Wagner; Max Meyer, chairman, Needlecraft Educational Commission, among many others. The insert at the right of the panel shows workers at play, the scene on the stage “Sunday in the Park” from the ILGWU revue, “Pins and Needles.” The end sections illustrate present and future accomplishment and stretch across the entire panel are words taken from “The Song of the Broad Axe,” by Walt Whitman.

'WE DESIGN THE FUTURE' A fitting tribute to its needle trades history THE HIGH SCHOOL OF FASHION INDUSTRIES continues its commitment to inspire and educate the future leaders in fashion and related industries in New York City.
To view the murals, by appointment, email: graschi@schools.nyc-gov.  Phone: 212.255.1236.

NEW JERSEY EASTERN STAR, A Visit with Dianne Ely Beach (c) By Polly Guerin

I was asked by a friend, “What did you do on your vacation?” And like a schoolgirl I answered, “I visited Dianne, at the New Jersey Eastern Star Home.” My friend looked perplexed, “Eastern Star!” she exclaimed. “Whatever do you mean, the name sounds so exotic?” So what else could I do but explain as follows: “The New Jersey Eastern Star Home was founded in 1958 by the Order of the Eastern Star of New Jersey as a retirement residence for its members.” She was quite insistent on making further inquiry saying, “So how did Dianne become a resident, you know even her husband wasn’t a Mason.” I assured her that it was perfectly fine with Dianne’s residency because the New Jersey Eastern Star has been open to the public, as well as members for quite some time.

SOME HISTORICAL FACTS Being the writer that I am I just love research and let my friend know that the New Jersey Eastern Star home was founded in 1958 by the Order of the Eastern Star of New Jersey. However, it was Dr. Robert Morris, the Poet Laureate of Masonry, who founded the order on October 20, 1870, using beautiful and inspiring biblical examples of heroic conduct and moral values; namely fidelity, constancy, purity, faith and charity. The organization is truly dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness and the present administration is a testament to that philosophy.

BACK TO DIANNE Dianne was ecstatic about my visit and although she is in her 90s, like a child she was Dee-lighted to see me, and the warm welcome of the administrative staff assured me that Dianne was in a secure and very caring environment. It was said that Dianne was one of their favorite residents and that Dianne on occasion was full of gaiety and repartee. No wonder, Dianne had led quite a charmed life: a debutant hobnobbing in the Hampton's and Newport, supporting actress, political activist and campaigner, social secretary and bon vivant. She was a member of some of the most interesting clubs in New York City, particularly Twelfth Night and the Amateur Comedy Club, both theatrical-specific organizations and I was so pleased to be included in her circle of club activities. In her heyday Dianne was the Belle of New York. One resident stopped me as I passed in the hall and asked, “I saw you speaking to that lady. Is it true that she was an actress on Broadway?” What else could I say but, “If she says so, it is true!”

COMMEMORATIVE GARDEN After the usual hugs and kisses and when the excitement of my arrival calmed down Dianne suggested, “I would like to show you the garden.” Indeed I was duly impressed with the award-winning garden with colorful perennials that attract the birds and butterflies and the  paved walkways, the gorgeous greenery and the soothing sound of the fountains, the shady patio and gazebo that invite contemplative reverie. It was a pleasant place where several other guests had found respite after luncheon, which was served in a dining room with soft, piped in melodies, and I might add a nutritious lunch. Some residents like Dianne had specific dietary meals and she was one of them being urged to eat so that she could enjoy an ice cream sunday, which she loved.

SENTIMENTAL CONVERSATION After lunch we retired to her suite where we sat at her bedside and reviewed people and places we knew and she opened her ancient photo album of vintage family photos. On the wall hangs a photo replica of a painting that once hung in her home in New York City. It shows Dianne as a luscious, beautiful young woman with a halo of fruit in her hair, no doubt painted by some inspired artist who captured Dianne's beauty in her glory days. Alas it was time to leave and so I had fulfilled my promise to visit Dianne and to thank her for being such a wonderful friend and inspiration during the heyday of our friendship.

THE NEW JERSEY EASTERN STAR IS A NON-PROFIT, NON-DENOMINATIONAL RETIREMENT RESIDENCES WITH ROOTS IN THE MASONIC TRADITION AND WELCOMES ALL at 111 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT www.njeasternstarhome.com. For information on tours, sort visits or becoming a resident call 908.722.4140. Expansion plans for 2014 include a long term care nursing wing, a wing for short term stays, a therapy gymnasium, an expanded main dining room, garden, parking and visitor spaces, plus a private dining room for resident and family gatherings.