Finding Frank Sinatra: Ol’ Blue Eyes hidden away by the city where he was born

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As a gamer with a soft spot for history and music, I must say my feelings towards Hoboken’s treatment of Frank Sinatra are a bit like when a game developer releases a much-anticipated sequel but skimps on the details that made the original so beloved.

Frank Sinatra did not leave Hoboken, New Jersey until he was in his early 20s. One might assume based on the fact that Ol’Blue Eyes is one of the most iconic performers in the history of music, the city might dedicate an entire ward to him. That isn’t the case, so maybe the city left Sinatra behind when he left, too.

One interesting tidbit about Hoboken is that it’s where the legendary singer Frank Sinatra spent his childhood at 415 Monroe Street. If you explore this walkable city, you may come across buildings that were part of Sinatra’s past or remnants thereof. However, unless one already knows that Sinatra hails from Hoboken, it is quite possible to visit the city without accidentally discovering this connection, especially if you happen to be a temporary resident staying in the city.

Without a doubt, Hoboken is an agreeable town. Washington Street boasts a variety of locally-owned and chain businesses. You’ll find plenty of enjoyable eateries and watering holes to keep you entertained. However, it doesn’t have the same Frank Sinatra ambiance as one might expect.

Frank Sinatra seemingly forgot Hoboken and Hoboken has mostly forgotten Ol’ Blue Eyes

The town honored him by naming a riverwalk amphitheater and a small park after him, but the amphitheater resembles more like a walkway leading to the river due to its simple design as just a row of steps. There’s also a statue of Sinatra positioned against a lamppost in this park. Among the few tributes set up by the city for their renowned native, this one is undoubtedly the most impressive.

Let’s be real here. There is only one easy way to walk to the statue, but it is not anywhere close to a main thoroughfare or easily found. You have to do an urban hike to see it, almost as if the city said, “OK, we cannot not say something about Frank Sinatra, but let’s not make a big deal out of it.”

I can’t help but wonder, perhaps it’s just the essence of living in this dynamic place. Much like many other cities, Hoboken undergoes frequent transformations, often erasing its past and leaving it forgotten beneath the new pavement. Yet, Sinatra didn’t merely return here to retire; he made his mark here. The city should offer him more than just a casual statue and a corner in the Historical Museum.

Perhaps it’s not surprising that Sinatra wasn’t deeply connected to Hoboken, given his strong associations with Las Vegas and New York City. It just so happened that he was born in New Jersey, but if he had a choice, he likely wouldn’t have picked it. In the same vein, Hoboken seems to have chosen not to emphasize Frank Sinatra in its history or culture.

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2024-11-20 17:00