High school teacher's work on display

A photographic essay by West Milford High School photography teacher John Jordan titled, “A Day In the Life of a Firefighter In the South Bronx,” is on display at The American Labor Museum/Botto House through January 31, 2007. The museum is located at 83 Norwood St. in Haledon, N.J. A ribbon cutting ceremony, exhibit tour and reception will take place on Friday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m.. All are welcome. Originally began in 1992, Jordan’s intent was to document the work these men do on the job in the flames and smoke of burning buildings. “As I settled in, I realized a strong bond existed within the firehouse and extended outward to the community the firefighters served. There is a sense of company pride in each house as the men maintain it and its equipment much like a homeowner performs daily domestic tasks. A genuine concern for the safety, well-being and quality of life for the public also became very apparent.” Jordan continued, “In the south Bronx, firefighters are often the first to be called in response to any arising need of the public. From medical emergencies such as administering CPR and the birthing of infants to after hour maintenance problems including flooded apartments, gas leaks, and stuck elevators, firefighters have an unselfish generosity for helping others.” Firehouses focusing on the particular community in which they serve is a tradition that dates back to the 1800’s. They act as mentors to the neighborhood’s children and prepare Christmas dinners for the senior citizens. The exhibit includes 57, 11” x 14” matted and framed archival black and white photographs. Jordan has taught photography at West Milford High School in New Jersey for almost 30 years. His work has appeared in books, magazines and periodicals and has been shown in galleries and museums. A past recipient of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation artist/educator grant, John has also written articles for Ilford Photo’s Photo Instructor Magazine which is internationally published. His Web site can be visited at www.photojordan.com. The Botto House is the headquarters of the American Labor Museum. This home was the meeting place for over 20,000 silk mill workers during the 1913 Paterson Silk Strike. The museum offers tours of restored period rooms and changing exhibits, educational programs and monthly cultural events. Visiting hours are Wednesday through Saturday 1 - 4 p.m. or by appointment. It can be contacted at 973-595-7953 or visited at www.labormuseum.org. This project is funded, in part, by the Passaic County Cultural and Heritage Council at Passaic County Community College, through a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of the State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.