Grace Auer’s memory
honored in dedication
of garden at Town Hall
BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer
Grace Auer
EAST BRUNSWICK — A new reading garden in her name will ensure that people always remember the late resident and volunteer Grace Auer.
In a ceremony Tuesday evening, the garden at the municipal complex was dedicated to the memory of Auer, who made her mark in East Brunswick through decades of volunteer involvement in a variety of township, civic and political groups.
Located across from the municipal complex, the garden will be named the Grace Smith Auer Reading Garden. It was paid for through private and civic group donations, and was designed by the township’s landscape architect, Steve Gottlieb.
The oval-shaped garden, which features a stone in Auer’s honor, has a concrete interior with park benches surrounded by shrubbery and flowers.
Though it opened last year, the garden was dedicated this week at a ceremony attended by more than 100 people, including many of Auer’s family members and friends.
Mayor William Neary opened the ceremony by describing some of the changes East Brunswick went through during its first 144 years, including the switch from a rural, agrarian community with only a few thousand residents to a suburban town of about 48,000 people.
Auer, who died in 2001 at the age of 90, saw more of those changes than perhaps anyone.
"Almost the entire change came during Grace’s life," Neary said. "And she would not sit back and not be involved in the change."
Auer’s involvement seemed like that of someone who lived 900 years, not just 90.
She was known as "The First Lady of East Brunswick" because of her years in public and private service and her credits are voluminous: She helped found the Middlesex County Fair and served as a trustee for more than 40 years; she was a charter member of the township’s Woman’s Club; a member of the Local Assistance Board; chairwoman of the East Brunswick Bicentennial Celebration; and president of the town Historical Society.
"She loved and nurtured the many organizations she was involved with," said Gloria Meyer, one of Auer’s closest friends.
"I think what she did for the Garden Club was special," Rosemary Freese said.
Auer, who lived on Cranbury Road, served as president of the Garden Club. She was also a charter member of the East Brunswick Museum Corp., a gold star member of the Grange No. 51, a charter member of the Friends of the Library, and president of the local Democratic Club.
But speakers at the ceremony remembered Auer, the person, not just the activist.
"She was loving, kind and always a pleasure to be with," said her sister, Edna. The two sisters married brothers, she noted.
"She was just a special, special person, and we all love Grace," said Ann Ripish.
Neary’s assistant, Jacqueline Eaker, said the trees planted around the garden are weeping cherry trees, Auer’s favorite.
"When Grace died, the council and mayor said we should do something," Eaker said.
Groups including the Garden Club, Friends of the Library and the Woman’s Club thought a garden in her name would be the best tribute, she said.
Neary said the garden has already seen significant use, especially from youngsters.