A Missing Image of Mickey Mantle in River Edge is Found
Journeys into River Edge
It was about year ago at this time that we first set out to find a picture of Mickey Mantle in River Edge during the 1950’s with a special local connection. At the time, we were assembling an exhibit about Baseball and River Edge, and a featured component was the fact that so many Yankees called River Edge their summer home in the 1950’s and 60’s.
The exhibit was staged last fall at the River Edge Cultural Center. I was well received but it was without the above mentioned image.
Now, as we prepare a new and different River Edge exhibit for this fall, we stumbled upon the elusive image from last year.
So, though a little late, here is that Mickey Mantle image and the story behind.
First, we found it in a book celebrating 50 years of St. Peter the Apostle Parish (Book entitled “Forward in Faith, The History of the Parish of St. Peter the Apostle Church”; 2001; Fort Productions, Inc.; Mary H. Donohue and Jerry Donohue Editors with the Parishioners of St. Peter the Apostle Church).
It is a wonderful publication telling the story of the parish and the community in rich detail.
On page 62, there was the missing picture, and an accompanying narrative entitled “Mickey Mantle – Yankee hero”.
It explained the image “Mickey Mantle and his son, at their rented home on greeting and giving his autograph to a 6-year old admirer, Steve Donohue from Fifth Avenue. This photo was taken in July, 1957 and appeared in Look Magazine, a popular weekly magazine of the time. In 1957, Mickey Mantle was named the American League’s Most Valuable Player, and he led the New York Yankees to a World Series victory over the Milwaukee Braves. Mickey Mantle also rented homes on Valley Road and Summit Avenue during several baseball seasons”
We thank the Donohue family for their efforts last year to find the Look Magazine (unsuccessful). It is ironic and just that this image was found in the St. Peter the Apostle Parish 50th anniversary book that was loaned to us by Mary Donohue. Thanks again to all involved. Though late, I am glad it could be found and shared with you.