Barbara Sandford, Arbor Day 2009
Word has come that Barbara Sandford, Plainfield's foremost advocate of beautification, has passed away at her New Hampshire home.
A Plainfield Garden Club member since 1950, Barbara shared her knowledge and talents with the community at large, not only advising officials on beautification but taking a hands-on role in doing the work. I first saw Barbara about 30 years ago, up on the embankment by the main train station, pulling weeds. Her patrician looks contrasted with a practicality and purpose that was an example for anybody who loved the city. She applied both charm and persuasiveness to getting what she needed from Public Works, whether it was watering plants with a tanker truck or helping with the heaviest work.
Barbara was one of the original members of the Shade Tree Commission and had much advice to give. She also shared memories of her anti-litter work, recalling parades where she dressed as "Auntie Litter" to advocate for a clean city.
She abhorred roadside billboards and became president of Scenic New Jersey to fight their proliferation. In 2000, she protested the removal of trees from the Blue Star Memorial Highway Drive to make way for development.
Barbara was a strong supporter of the electoral process and a longtime member of the League of Women Voters of Plainfield.
For all these efforts and more, she will be remembered by Plainfielders.
Her family has announced a memorial service to be held in Plainfield on Saturday, November 16 to celebrate her 95th birthday (November 14th). at 1 p.m. in Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception in the Guild Room.
The City should plant the new disease resistant Elm tress in her honor. She'll be missed. Nice words Bernice.
ReplyDeleteBarbara was a wonderful person who contributed so much to our city--more than can be counted. Rob is absolutely right!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kindness and the warm words about Barbara. My Grandmother's absence will be felt in many hearts and homes, and it is comforting to see her dedication to Plainfield recognized. Thank you for honoring her memory.
ReplyDeleteLaura Miller
Please visit www.plainfieldgardenclub.org where we are uploading 63 years of memorabilia to honor Barbara's legacy to us all.
ReplyDeletePlainfield Symphony mourns the recent death of Barbara Sandford, one of the Grand Dames of Plainfield, a long time musician and volunteer with Plainfield Symphony Society. Barbara volunteered for PSO for more than 50 years, beginning in 1940 as a violin player in the orchestra. She was an Honorary Co-Chair of PSO’s 90th Anniversary Gala Reception in October 2009. PSO extends sympathy to the family and many friends of this very special woman. As a memorial, following are the biographical notes about Barbara that appeared in the event program for the Gala Reception in 2009.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Webster Sandford (Barbara Sandford) has been a Plainfield resident for more than 50 years. Barbara plays the violin and joined PSO in 1940. She played with the PSO for many years, under conductors Louis Bostelmann and Samuel Carmell. In addition, Barbara joined the Plainfield Symphony Auxiliary when it was formed to help to sell tickets. She served as second President of the Auxiliary and remained involved for many years. Barbara was previously honored by PSO, when the Principal Second Chair was designated as the Barbara Sandford Chair. Among her many other volunteer activities, Barbara is a lifetime member of the Junior League, which she joined at age 17. She served on the Landscape Committee of the Historical Society of Plainfield and as a member of the Plainfield Garden Club. She served as Chair of the City of Plainfield Beautification Committee for many years. In 1994, Barbara’s home was the site of the PSO 75th Anniversary Supper.
Submitted by Mary Burgwinkle for the Plainfield Symphony Board
Re: previous comments
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your concern for this issue. However, if it needs further attention please discuss it elsewhere. this particular article is a place to honor an incredible woman who spent decades beautifying Plainfield.
Thank you for your understanding,
The Family
I lived across the street from Barbara all of my childhood, high school and college life. She is my adopted AUNT Barbara. With her love, support and generous input she made my Wedding Reception happen in her lovely home. She has always watched over me and my family. I was so very happy I was able to visit with her in November 2009 in her home with Tracy, Kate and Harry.
ReplyDeleteAll My Love - Amy
How I will miss Mommy Sandford. She was a find and great lady. Loving, kind, committed, dependable, whimsical, intuitive, courageous. I will always be grateful for the privilege of being one of her "other children" and for the blessings of her love. All my love to the Sandfords - Tiffy-Wiffy Spake Petty
ReplyDelete