Read on cbsnews.comDave the Rave: The Heart of Clinton, New Jersey
Clinton, New Jersey, is celebrated for its historic grist mill and charming downtown, but its true heart beats with a local legend named Dave Robbins. Known affectionately as "Dave the Rave," Robbins has been a beloved fixture at community sporting events for over half a century. Born with an intellectual disability in an era when such individuals were often marginalized, Dave's story is a powerful testament to a small town's enduring capacity for inclusion, acceptance, and genuine community spirit. This article explores how one man's unwavering support for local teams forged an unbreakable bond with an entire town.
Nestled in Hunterdon County, the town of Clinton, New Jersey, boasts picturesque postcard features: a historic grist mill, a quaint downtown, and a serene river. Yet, beyond these physical landmarks lies the community's most cherished asset—its people. For more than five decades, one resident has personified the town's spirit, becoming a living symbol of its warmth and inclusivity. Dave Robbins, universally known as "Dave the Rave," is not just a resident; he is, as many describe, the very essence of Clinton.
The Making of a Local Legend
Dave Robbins was born with an intellectual disability. Growing up in the 1960s, a time when children with special needs were frequently isolated or even institutionalized, Dave's path could have been one of exclusion. However, his innate passion for school spirit charted a different course. Struggling with academics, he found his calling in unwavering support for local sports teams. Starting in the 1960s, he became a constant, enthusiastic presence at football and basketball games, his energetic cheers earning him the enduring nickname "Dave the Rave."
This moniker is one he wears with immense pride, often adorned with his trademark "Dave the Rave" cape. For over 50 years, his commitment has never wavered. "He's at every single football game," one resident noted. "He's at every basketball game. Win, lose, he's there." This remarkable consistency transformed him from a familiar face into a foundational pillar of the community.
A Community's Embrace
The story of Dave the Rave is as much about the man as it is about the town that embraced him. In an era predating widespread inclusion initiatives, Clinton quietly and consistently welcomed Dave as a full member of its community. Residents didn't just tolerate his presence; they celebrated it, ensuring he was always looked after and included.
His brother and caretaker, Gene Robbins, humorously highlights this universal affection: "It's somewhat annoying to go to the supermarket with Dave, and everybody says hello to Dave, and nobody says hello to you." This lighthearted jealousy underscores a deeper truth: Dave is deeply woven into the town's social fabric. Gene's gratitude for the community's care is profound, noting that no matter where Dave goes in Clinton, someone is always watching out for him, offering a ride home or simply engaging in friendly conversation.
The Legacy of Inclusion
Dave Robbins recently celebrated his 80th birthday, an event the whole town commemorated, as it does with all milestones in his life. This ongoing celebration is a powerful symbol. While inclusion and support for individuals with disabilities are now more formalized concepts across the United States, Clinton's story demonstrates that genuine acceptance often begins at the grassroots level, within the hearts of a community.
The town's long-standing embrace of Dave the Rave serves as a poignant reminder that true inclusion is built on consistent, everyday actions—a friendly hello, a watchful eye, a seat at the game. It's a model of organic community support that began long before it became a national conversation. As one resident perfectly captured, in Clinton, acceptance was, and still is, "all the rave." Dave Robbins' life stands as a heartening testament to the power of community to uplift every one of its members.
