Union City Dedicates Playground In Memory Of 2 Children Killed 5 Decades Ago

A new playground and spray park was dedicated next to the Edison School in Union City on Thursday in memory of a young brother and sister who were tragically killed walking to school five decades ago.

Eslie and Robert Hall Fortun were just 11 and 6 years old respectively when their lives were cut short way too soon.

On Thursday afternoon, members of the family, including the late children’s 98-year old mother gathered on West Street, the location of the new playground, for the emotional ceremony.  Siblings and extended family members traveled from all parts of the country to attend the event.

Mayor Brian Stack remembered being a young boy when the tragedy happened.  He said he could not imagine what the family went through during that horrific time.

The family thanked Mayor Stack, the Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education for remembering them all these years later.  They expressed gratitude for the creation of the playground and spray park, which is located on the north side of the Edison School.

The Mayor also announced during the ceremony that several blocks of West Street will be named for Eslie and Robert once the city repaves the street.

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