In this park, named, Peace Pilgrim Park, you will find all things related to and in support of world peace. There is a wonderful serpentine waterway, a peace pole, a butterfly garden, a gazebo, picnic benches, memorial plaque/stone, and a few acres of grass to wonder around and explore. This park is maintained by the Friends of Peace Pilgrim in her memory. Born Mildred Lisette Norman in Egg Harbor City, this site promotes the ideals of a remarkable woman. The park is located across the street from the Roundhouse museum.
"The year 2003 mark(ed) the 50th anniversary of the first of seven cross-country walks for peace undertaken by Mildred Lisette Norman Ryder, between January 1, 1953 and July 7, 1981. At the age of 44, after a spiritual journey of 15 years in which she transformed herself completely, she embarked on her "calling" to be a pilgrim for peace. For the next 28 years she walked over 25,000 miles, travelling penniless and without any organization, fearlessly calling for international as well as personal disarmament. She walked until given shelter and fasted until given nourishment. Her message was a simple one: overcome evil with good, hatred with love and falsehood with truth. To do this, she said, various stages of maturity must be reached, starting with the self: inner peace first, then peace will be attainable among individuals, the community, the nation and the world.
While she lived, those who only heard about her legendary pilgrimages, wondered if she was a little crazy. Those who met and observed her, however, knew that she was one of the most practical, clear thinking people they had ever known. The only startling-even disconcerting- thing about her was her willingness to live exactly what she preached and to walk her talk. To put her teachings to the test today would only sustain, not settle, the question of who she was. Was she a 20th century anomaly, or one of this century's truest prophets for peace? Did she have a new - even unique - message to share, or was it the visible enactment of an old, well-known religious script practiced en route, over 25,000 miles, that was her genius? Should she be left in obscurity, or should her spiritual legacy be examined for what it may have to say to us today?
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There is another great site which tells the story of the statue and the park dedication. That can be found here: --> (
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Personal Note:
I came to see the park originally to find a cache owned by my good friend, Melcrim. I enjoyed the butterfly garden, appreciated the historic significance of the flowing cedar waters in the serpentine creek and the beautiful and colorful multi-tiled floor beneath the statue of Mildred Lisette Norman.
I rested in the gazebo and reflected on the efforts of the park's namesake, staring at the peace pole all the while. I wondered if I could find that sort of enlightenment and realized perhaps I already have. I suppose we are all looking for peace, some within ourselves and others for the world. I would imagine the later results in the former.
Across the street is the historic Round House which is the headquarters for the Egg Harbor City Historical Society. Such an interestingly constructed architectural wonder for its time. No wonder it is on the National Register of Historic Places. There is a pretty nice fountain off to its right. In the rear and to the right is the Ernie Day Rotary Park which is a nice place for the kids to get a little crazy.
All in all I spent about 45 minutes at this site, snapping pictures, taking notes and musing about all the fantastic waymarks I would be creating so that others might enjoy this place as well. Thanks Mellie