Walk of Fame Highlights New Rochelle History

The New Rochelle Walk of Fame—the newest addition to the history of the Queen City—was unveiled during the freak October snowstorm. But take advantage of Monday's milder weather to go to Library Green and learn about luminaries who have lived in New Rochelle.

Located in Ossie Davis Park at Library Green in downtown, the Walk of Fame is a unique tribute to notable individuals with distinct ties to New Rochelle. 

The 20-inch-by-14-inch signs tell each inductee's story in words and graphics. The signs are located in the gardens lining the Library Green pathway and were created and funded by former resident and historian Roderick Kennedy Jr., working in partnership with the City of New Rochelle and the Downtown Business Improvement District.

"This Walk of Fame is a vivid snapshot of New Rochelle’s rich history and prominent residents, to be enjoyed by everyone in our premier urban park named after one of the luminaries," said Recreation Commissioner William Zimmermann, referring to Ossie Davis.

City Historian Barbara Davis said the Walk of Fame was an exciting addition to the city. 

"Rod Kennedy’s vision to go beyond the traditional walk of fame by creating these wonderful interpretive signs, gives so much depth to the project," she said. "New Rochelleans of all ages will gain a richer understanding of New Rochelle and its great residents—for many, many years to come."

Nominations will be accepted for the next round of inductions, planned for 2013. For further information, contact Barbara Davis at bdavis@nrpl.org or 914-632-8324.

2011 New Rochelle Walk of Fame Inductees

Madame Beatrice Alexander
Teresa Brewer
Joseph Campbell
Irene Castle
Carrie Chapman Catt
Ellabelle Davis
Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee
Eddie Foy
Lou Gehrig
Don Hewitt
Adrian Iselin
Elia Kazan
Walter Lantz
Joseph Leyendecker
Robert Merrill
Thomas Paine
Jan Peerce
Pearl Primus
Alex Raymond
Frederic Remington
Norman Rockwell
Elizabeth Seton
John Stephenson
Buffalo Bob Smith
Whitney M. Young, Jr.