Back in 2010 during renovations at the Bronx County Courthouse, several historical murals depicting Jonas Bronck and local Lenape Native Americans were severely water damaged.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr complained to the city on numerous occasions but the years went by and the decay worsened.
Now the city finally has done right by the Bronx and the murals and work will begin to restore the historical works of art.
In the story reported today by the Daily News, “The murals have been languishing since the courthouse renovation; at one point, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. accused the city of turning its back on the historic pieces. But on Monday, Diaz said he was “thrilled” that the city was moving forward with the repairs.”
Steve Nallen, founder of Jonas Bronck’s Beer Co. was very happy when we shared the news with him. In response to the decaying murals, Nallen started a petition last year urging the city to save and restore the murals.
“This is great news for The Bronx and its rich history,” said Nallen. He went on to say, “This is a priceless piece of Bronx history celebrating the Borough’s founder Jonas Bronck and I can’t think of a better time this year 2014, the 375th anniversary of Jonas’ arrival to have this restored to its original glory.”
As I say all the time, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Thanks to Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr, Steve Nallen and all who made noise to get these murals the proper attention they deserve.
The Bronx’s History is just as important as that of any other part of the city.
