Frank Sinatra did not leave Hoboken, New Jersey until he was in his early 20s. One might assume based on the fact that Ol'Blue Eyes is one of the most iconic performers in the history of music, the city might dedicate an entire ward to him. That isn't the case, so maybe the city left Sinatra behind when he left, too.
Sure, there is a random plague on the site where Sinatra grew up at 415 Monroe Street, and one can walk around the very walkable city of Hoboken and see buildings where Sinatra once went, or at least where some of the buildings used to be, but if one did not already know Sinatra was from Hoboken, one might only accidentally stumble on that fact if you are staying in the city.
To be sure, Hoboken is a nice place. Washington Street has a number of local and national establishments. There are enough nice restaurants and bars for you to have a good time. Just don't expect much of a Sinatra feel.
Frank Sinatra seemingly forgot Hoboken and Hoboken has mostly forgotten Ol' Blue Eyes
The town did name a riverwalk amphitheater after him, and there is a small park with Sinatra's name as well, but the amphitheater is simply a row of steps so it simply looks like a walkway to the river. There is a statue of Sintra too. He is leaning against a lamppost. It is by far the best of the few items put somewhere by the city to honor their most famous son.
Let's be real here. There is only one easy way to walk to the statue, but it is not anywhere close to a main thoroughfare or easily found. You have to do an urban hike to see it, almost as if the city said, "OK, we cannot not say something about Frank Sinatra, but let's not make a big deal out of it."
The Frank Sinatra statue is standing nice and tall in Hoboken, New Jersey 👏🏻 If you happen to be around, snap a picture using #PhotosWithFrank 📸 pic.twitter.com/cEZRAnRDHj
— Frank Sinatra (@franksinatra) January 4, 2022
Why? Maybe it's simply the way of life. Hoboken, like many cities, remakes itself somewhat often, and the past is (sometimes literally) paved over and mostly forgotten. Sinatra might not have retired back to the city, but he certainly made his bones there. The city owes him something more than a random statue and a small part of the Hoboken Historical Museum.
Or maybe it doesn't. Sinatra was more Las Vegas and New York City than Hoboken. He just happened to be accidentally born in New Jersey. He wouldn't have chosen it. And, in return, the city has chosen to mostly leave Frank Sinatra out of their business.