If you ever want to know how much the Fourth of July matters to Maplewood, head to the Township Municipal Building. Near the head of the main meeting room is a tribute to America’s birthday; a tall mural depicting a historical Fourth of July celebration.

The mural was painted by the Hungarian-born artist, Stephen Juharos, who was commissioned by the Township to create a series of scenes depicting Maplewood in history. According to The Maplewood Historical Murals Book, printed in 1961 and available as a PDF on the Maplewood Web site, the mural captures more than a moment in time; it captures several.

"The scene of the mural is a montage, a blending together of the principal events of the day. The artist has condensed the fourth dimension, time, so that the entire day is visible on one plane. In the foreground in the morning sunlight are the athletic contests. To the right, the afternoon circus is under way and on the left is the evening concert. High above the Municipal Building explode several of the rockets of the night’s spectacular display."

Gotta love the business about the fourth dimension. Happy Fourth of July, everybody!