Touch of New York in Illinois on Aldeen Dam Walls

No matter if you agree or disagree with the art, or if you think it's allowed or not allowed, the tradition of expression on the walls of Aldeen Dam has been occurring for over 40 decades. Have you seen it lately?

The walls have personal messages of love, of faith, of hate, of school pride and profound thought. Even ownership according to some of the sayings. One thing is for sure, the walls of Aldeen Dam, in Aldeen Park on North Alpine Road, have seen it all.

Consider it a touch of Harlem, New York, Chicago and more in Rockford.

The paint is thick and peels off at times. The paint covers every inch of the concrete and even the hand rails. The base of the dam is soft and slippery due to the build up of paint thru the years.

The art work has changed thru the years from gallons of paint to spray cans. Regardless, it is a conversation piece. The Aldeen Dam is a place to read and think, to reflect and remember friends and classmates, and good times.

Do yourself a favor. No matter if you have lived here your whole life, or if you are new to our city, you need to spend some time checking it out. It's like a diary of our city for all to read.

The saying 'If walls could talk' comes to mind. Boy, the stories that would be told... Again, art and beauty is the eyes of the beholder..