Display Showcased As 1st Step For Yardley Mayor Memorial

The Gather Place is seeking donations for the Mayor Edward E. Robinson Memorial Pavilion Signage and Interpretive Education Project.

By Dino Ciliberti, Patch Staff

Oct 29, 2026 2:27 PM EDT

David Appelbaum, President of Yardley Borough Council; Shirley Corsey, Executive Director of The Gather Place; and Martha Howlett, Yardley Borough Councilwoman, stand beside the newly installed educational display honoring Mayor Edward Robinson. (David Appelbaum)

YARDLEY BOROUGH, PA — Borough officials took their first step toward honoring the first African American mayor of Pennsylvania.

Yardley Borough Council President David Appelbaum and Councilwoman Martha Howlett joined Gather Place Executive Director Shirley Lee Corsey to honor former Mayor Edward Robinson.

Robinson was a lifelong Yardley resident, World War II veteran, dedicated public servant, and the first African American mayor of Yardley Borough and Pennsylvania.

Elected in 1977, he served the borough as mayor for 12 years.

On Wednesday night — as hundreds of people strolled along the Delaware Canal celebrating Yardley's annual Canal-O-Ween festivities — a small group gathered to showcase a new display.

The temporary educational display features photographs, historical information, and a QR code linking visitors to additional resources about Robinson's life and public service.

It's the first step in an effort that began after Yardley Borough Council passed a resolution in September dedicating the Buttonwood Park pavilion in recognition of Robinson's enduring contributions to the community.

Installed beside the pavilion that will bear his name, the display represents the first phase of a permanent memorial planned for official dedication next year, Appelbaum said.

"While modest in appearance, the display serves as a powerful tribute to former Mayor Edward E. Robinson," Appelbaum said. "It reflects his legacy of leadership, dedication, and service, ensuring that his lasting impact on Yardley will continue to educate, inspire, and be remembered for generations to come."

Corsey is seeking donations to support the Mayor Edward E. Robinson Memorial Pavilion Signage and Interpretive Education Project at Buttonwood Park.

Donations and sponsorships for the pavilion can be made at: https://gatherplacemuseum.org/mayor-robinson-donate

Checks may be made payable to Gather Place and mailed to: Gather Place, 188 South Canal Street, Yardley, PA 19067, call 215-595-2722 or info@gatherplace.org.