Sister town hand-delivers condolences
Middletown, Ohio,
visitors present sympathy card to committee
By elaine van develde
Staff Writer

MIDDLETOWN — Miles and Middletowns apart, the sister towns found a kinship they never knew existed until the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

It all started when in Middletown, Ohio, people watched intently as a 48 Hours television special described a community in mourning — Middletown, N.J. That was when officials in Middletown, Ohio, did a little digging, extended their hearts and support and actually ended up making a trip 650 miles to what they now refer to as their sister city.

Three officials from Ohio arrived in time for a quick visit and a Township Committee meeting on Nov. 19 to bring their sentiments to the grieving town struck with the loss of 34 residents. They also brought a giant card and intentions for a new relationship between the towns.

Township Committee, Councilman Daniel J. Sack, from the Ohio Middletown, explained that the history of the two towns’ names dates back to 1791 when "a fellow from Middletown, N.J., came to what is now Middletown, Ohio, and liked the New Jersey town so much he decided to see to it that the Ohio area, which is halfway between Cincinnati and Dayton, would be named Middletown," he said.

The town was registered as Middletown, Ohio, in 1802. About to celebrate its bicentennial, the officials invited Middletown, N.J., officials to that celebration, slated for next summer.

Sacks also cited similarities in the towns, such as configuration and size. Middletown, Ohio, has about 57,000 residents. He then, along with two Chamber of Commerce representatives, presented a 3-by-5-foot posterboard card which read on the front: "From the families of Middletown, Ohio … To the families of Middletown, N.J." Inside it said, "Our hearts are with you during this difficult time." The card was completely filled with residents’ and officials’ signatures.

"Sept. 11 affected our entire country," said Sacks. "You can see that, 650 miles away, those people felt the pain just like you did and they felt it for you."

"Middletown is more than just another city in this great country," said Mid-Miami Chamber of Commerce Director David Dougherty.

Also in attendance from Middletown, Ohio, was Mid-Miami Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman Gerald T. Banks.

The three visiting officials gave Township Committee members souvenirs from Ohio and, in turn, they received proclamations from Mayor Joan Smith.

"We thank you," said Smith. "Mostly, we want you to take our thoughts and thanks back to your citizens."

With that, more trinkets were exchanged along with words of support. The Ohio contingent stayed to see a bit of a Middletown, N.J., meeting and then headed back to their town 10 1¼2 hours away, leaving a few reminders and a newfound kinship.