John Marlow Plaza: A Dedicatory Sign Will Honor a Great Man

Amid general heaviness – the disappointment of a Town-County liaison meeting being cancelled, analysis of excess water volume and a potential power purchase, weighing the merits of alley vacation and tying up loose ends from the Jennifer McDonald chapter of the EDA’s history – the Town Council took a moment at their work session of Monday, July 14 to receive a draft from Tourism Director Lizi Lewis for a dedicatory sign in honor of former mayor John Marlow, a draft that she hoped to submit to the Board of Architectural Review in time for a deadline the next day. The sign would be established within the section of downtown Front Royal formerly referred to as “the Gazebo,” but now known as the John Marlow Plaza, following the recent redesignation by the council.

The Town Council begins a work session on the evening of Monday, July 14. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh.

The story is told best in the language of a message drafted for the sign. “In the late 1980s, Front Royal, Virginia, like many small towns, faced the challenge of maintaining the vibrancy of its historic downtown. The heart of the community, once a bustling hub, needed a renewed sense of purpose and beauty. It was during this pivotal time that Mayor John Marlow, a true pillar of the community, spearheaded a revitalization project that would forever change the face of downtown Front Royal.

(Above) Former mayor John Marlow to be honored with a dedicatory sign at the John Marlow Plaza, formerly known as “the Gazebo” in downtown Front Royal. (Below) Tourism Director Lizi Lewis presents a draft of the sign to the council, pointing to a similar sign that it will resemble.

John Marlow, who served as mayor from 1982 to 1990, possessed a deep love for his town and a clear vision for its future. He understood that a thriving downtown was essential for the spirit and economic health of Front Royal. With determination and community support, he championed initiatives to breathe new life into Main Street.

Among the most notable achievements of this revitalization era was the transformation of the former train station into what is now the welcoming visitor’s center. This project not only preserved a piece of Front Royal’s history but also created a central point for visitors and residents alike.

However, perhaps the most iconic symbol of this period’s success, and a testament to Marlow’s foresight, was the installation of the gazebo in the downtown area. This elegant structure quickly became a focal point, a gathering place for community events, concerts, and leisurely afternoons. It provided a charming and inviting space that truly enhanced the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the downtown commons.

Marlow’s leadership and the collective efforts of the town during this period did not go unnoticed. For these significant achievements in community development, Mayor Marlow and the Town of Front Royal were honored with the Virginia Municipal League’s Achievement Award in September 1990.

Even after his tenure as mayor, John Marlow remained deeply involved in the community, continuing to contribute to its well-being as a Rotarian, community leader, and business owner. His legacy is etched into the very fabric of downtown Front Royal, particularly in the enduring presence of the gazebo area, a place that continues to serve as a vibrant heart for the town he so dearly loved. After his passing in 2024, the Town Council voted to rename the area John Marlow Plaza in honor of his legacy.”

To somebody who loves history, this sign and the life of service it honors can only be appreciated in the larger framework of world events at that time. The decade in which Marlow served was a potboiler as Cold War tensions reached a climax. As he was investing in Front Royal, the Falkland Islands were secured against the advance of communism, the Soviets were driven out of Afghanistan, the Berlin Wall came down, all of this while pop artist Madonna was cutting a lighthearted libertarian caper on the musical charts. This context is a reminder relevant today as multiple global theaters witness a very hot war that local government is important.

It is not hard to frame John Marlow with Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher and the conservative revolution they represent. The values are the same.

Click here to watch the Front Royal Town Council Work Session of July 14, 2025.