Ocean’s Heritage, Spring 2016
Ocean’s Heritage, Spring 2016
Ocean’s
1 to 4, Sunday, June 26 Exhibit Opening
Heritage
Presidents at the Shore
Richmond Gallery, Eden Woolley House The Eden Woolley House
The Eden Woolley House
The Township of Ocean Historical Museum
Home of the Township of Ocean Historical Museum
Vol. 32, No. 2, Spring 2016
New exhibit opens Sunday, June 26
Presidents at the Monmouth County Shore 703 Deal Road • Ocean, NJ 07712
(Mailing address: P.O. Box 516 • Oakhurst, NJ 07755) 732-531-2136 • oceanmuseum.org
Museum Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 1 to 4 Thursday evening: 7 to 9 (April to November) 1st and 2nd Sundays of the month: 1 to 4 ‘The Twp. of Ocean Historical Museum received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.’
The Township of Ocean Historical Museum
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Mrs. Lincoln got the ball rolling
There’s a case to be made that it all started with Mary Todd Lincoln. Mrs. Lincoln travelled to Long Branch in the summer of 1861, probably at the invitation of William Newell, family friend and then supervisor of the life-saving services in New Jersey. Long Branch was already a popular resort, and national coverage of the First Lady’s visit added immeasurably to its fame and appeal. That fame and appeal continued to draw the wealthy and influential—including the seven presidents who vaca-
The Asbury Park Press carried this caricature in its front-page coverage of the ceremony in W. Long Branch, Sept. 2, 1916, where Woodrow Wilson officially accepted the nomination of his party for a secondterm run for President. tioned in the popular resort city, starting with Ulysses Grant.
Seven Presidents in Long Branch
In 1870, a group of wealthy businessmen who summered in the Elberon section of Long
Branch presented President Grant with an oceanfront cottage where he vacationed for the next 15 years. When Grant died in 1885, city officials feared the resort might lose its cachet. They needn’t have worried. Six of the next ten Presidents--Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Harrison, McKinley, and Wilson--chose to spend time in Long Branch. The most tragic of these Presidential visits was James Garfield’s last. Mrs. Garfield was in Long Branch recuperating from illness, when, on July 2, 1881, Garfield was shot by an assassin in the Washington train station. He was taken to the White House, where his condition worsened. In hope that the sea air might help, Garfield was taken to Elberon. Famously, locals worked through the night to build the spur to carry the President’s railroad car from Elberon Station to the oceanside cottage. He died there 12 days later, September 19.
Beyond Long Branch
Long Branch was not the only Monmouth County destination of Presidents. Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, and Richard Nixon visited our area, if only, in some cases, for a political rally. And then, of course, there’s Warren Harding, whose local connection was a bit less public and a good deal more scandalous. Join us June 26 to learn the full story. The new exhibit is on view through June 2017.
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One hundred years ago this September, 25,000 people gathered on the grounds of what is today Monmouth University—then a private estate called Shadow Lawn—to see Woodrow Wilson officially accept the nomination of the Democratic Party for a second Presidential run. Wilson was following a popular tradition among American Presidents to retreat to our slice of the Jersey Shore to escape the heat and hubbub of Washington. On Sunday, June 26, a major exhibit opens at the Eden Woolley House. It tells the wide-ranging stories of eleven Presidents who spent time here, at the Monmouth County shore.
Cash ____________________
Opening
Presidents at the Shore 1 to 4, Sunday, June 26, 2016
The RIchmond Gallery of the Eden Woolley House
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“Local Stories of the Civil War” draws students of all ages
Underground Railroad, continued from page 2 House in Shrewsbury. There is a long-standing local legend that a home on Grant Avenue in Oakhurst was a “station” on the Underground Railroad. Referred to in early publications as the “Gardner House,” the nineteenth century farmhouse had a large open fireplace for heating and cooking, a hidden staircase to the second floor next to the fireplace, and a tunnel in its basement. Previous owners of the home speculate that runaways could have hidden in the house, and traveling in the dark of night, made their way along
Left: Ken Blondek of Wayside studies the detail of the slideshow at the March 6 opening of “Local Stories of the Civil War.” Center and right: March 15, Dan Lynch, descendent of a Union soldier, shares his ancestor’s war stories with visiting sixth graders in the Richmond Gallery while next door in the Our Town gallery, Peggy Dellinger brings the “local stories” to life for others in the class.
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he Civil War’s been well-remembered by the Museum in recent months. The miniexhibit “Local Stories of the Civil War” opened the first Sunday in March to a steady flow of visitors, many with long-standing interest in the period. Military scholar Arthur Green (whose generosity in sharing items from his collection helped make the exhibit possible) spoke March 8 at the Oakhurst School auditorium on “The Life of a Confederate Soldier“ to a full house of history buffs. And four bus loads of Ocean Township Intermediate School sixth graders studying the Civil War visited the Woolley House in March and early April to see the exhibit and hear from Dan Lynch and Arthur Green, both descendants of Civil War veterans. It’s a real challenge to take on a subject as well-documented and studied as the Civil War and come up with something new,” explained Exhibit Director Peggy Dellinger.
Arthur Green meets with guests following his talk, March 8, on “The Life of a Confederate Solder.
“In telling the local stories of the war, we hoped to offer a few surprises.” Judging from the feedback, we did. “I didn’t know that more than 2,000 Confederate soldiers are buried in a mass grave in New Jersey,”
Did the Underground Railroad pass through Ocean Township?
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or the first half of 19th century, the “Underground Railroad” provided a route for runaway slaves to escape the South and gain freedom in the North or in Canada. Men, women and children fled, usually traveling in the dark of night and hiding during the daylight in the homes and barns of sympathetic Americans who wanted to abolish slavery. Their stops along the path to freedom were called “stations.” The acknowledged route in New Jersey was generally in communities along the Delaware River and on into New York and Canada. From the 1700’s there had been laws against assisting runaway slaves, but the
one sixth grader told us. “I didn’t know that Lincoln’s great-grandfather lived for a time in Monmouth County,” another offered. The exhibit is up through November. Come see for yourself the surprises it holds.
According to local lore, this Oakhurst house was a station on the Underground Railroad Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 increased the risks for the runaways and the families hiding them. Slave owners offered a “bounty” or reward for slaves who were caught and returned. Families assisting runaways were threatened with fines and imprisonment. “Bounty Hunters” relentlessly tracked down runaway slaves to collect their reward. It was a perilous time. The Quakers were among those actively opposing slavery. The Woolleys and other families here in Ocean Township were practicing Quakers, worshiping in the Quaker Meeting continued on page 7
the banks of Poplar Brook on the farm’s northern border to the beach in Deal where they could be picked up by boat and taken north. As a state, New Jersey was ambivalent on the issue of slavery. But with the influence of the Quakers, the legislature passed a bill in 1804 abolishing slavery. Could sympathetic local families have bravely assisted runaway slaves? Could our community have been a “station” on the Underground Railroad? It remains an unverified chapter in our history.
The story of Joe Palaia Park on “Hometown Histories”
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he latest episode of “Hometown Histories,” tion covers the site’s history. But most fascinatour oral history TV program and webcast, ing are their recollections of the visionaries who taps the memories worked to win the hearts of three people who of the public, overcome were there in the resistance, secure match1970s when Deal ing state funds, and creTest Site (today’s ate Ocean’s own “Central Joe Palaia Park) was Park.” See it on Ocean TV saved from develop(channel 77 on Cableviment and set aside sion and 22 on Verizon permanently as open Environmental Commissioner Ken Lutz and FiOS) and our website, space. Host Dallas Deal Test Site development planner Ray HodGrove, herself a for- nett at the videotaping of “Hometown Histories” oceanmuseum.org. (We’d like to do a folmer Environmental Commissioner active in the campaign for the low-up show on “Summer Showcase,” the open-air park, interviews long-time commissioner Ken theater at Deal Test Site in the late 1970s. Please Lutz and landscape architect and local business contact the Museum (732-2136 or oceanmuseum@ CEO Ray Hodnett. Their on-camera conversa- yahoo.com) if you have information or memorabilia.
In memory
Ocean’s Heritage, Spring 2016
Mark your calendar
Coming Events General Meeting and Speaker Event
“Vintage Baseball”
Tuesday, June 7, 7:15—Oakhurst School Auditorium. A talk on old-time baseball as it was played here in Monmouth County. Exhibit opening
Presidents at the Shore
Sunday, June 26—The Richmond Gallery of the Eden Woolley House. An exploration of the U.S. Presidents who visited Monmouth County.
American Doll Tea
Sunday, July 10 (Rain date July 17)— The Woolley House and grounds. Tickets ($30 for one child and her favorite adult) go on sale June 1.
Flag-Raising: Civil War Veterans
Saturday, July 30, 6:30—The Woolley House and grounds. A ceremony and exhibit to remember those who served in the country’s bloodiest war. Movie screening
Return of Dracula
Tuesday, October 18, 7:15—Oakhurst School Auditorium. Oakhurst native Norma Eberhardt’s cult classic plus an exclusive taped interview and video overview of her career.
We mourn the passing in recent months of four Museum members.
Dinner
Judy Huss, 79, died March 19. She was an Asbury Park High School graduate and
Sunday, November 13, 4 to 8—The English Manor, Ocean. The Museum recreates the glamor of Wanamassa’s legendary nightclub.
long-time resident of Ocean Township. With her husband John, Judy was a loyal and generous supporter of the Museum to the end.
Florence Danielson, 90, died March 29. She graduated from Oakhurst School and Asbury Park High. Florence retired at age 76 from a 45-year career serving as secretary to principals of the Oakhurst, and later the Wayside, Schools.
Florence Vogel, died April 21. Her career as an educator spanned 47 years. Flor-
ence was the first woman to teach at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft and retired from Long Branch High School as the Supervisor of the English Department.
Ralph Jeffers, 96, died May 1. He was among the last of the survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Ralph was one of the ten veterans featured in the 2012 Museum exhibit, “Loved Ones Go to War: Local Stories of WWII.”
“An Evening at Ross Fenton Farm”
Holiday Weekend and “Ross-Fenton” Mini-Exhibit Opening
Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4-Eden Woolley House. Handmade gifts, homemade goodies, quilt raffle. Bus trip
New York Botanical Gardens
Thursday, December 8. A convenient way to visit the famous Holiday Train Show. $75 includes $15 lunch voucher.
Ocean’s Heritage, Spring 2016
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Ocean’s Heritage, Spring 2016
Next in the Speakers’ Series
June speaker combines a love of history and baseball
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Left: Guests Dr. Jane Neuman, Ritra Hukkinen, and Laine Neuman. Center: Spring Tea Chairperson Brenda Wityk with volunteers Cheryl Miller and Diane Gentile. Right: Congressman Frank Pallone (who stopped by to shop for handmade quilts) with Marge Edelson and Heather McDonald.
The 12th annual Spring Tea hits the spot
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he 75 guests at the 12th annual Spring Tea, April 23, raised more than $3,000 for the Museum. But the best measure of success is the satisfaction of our guests. Brenda Wityk, Museum Vice President of Events, put it this way: “It’s such a reward to see the smiles. Like all our events, the Spring Tea is a lot of work. Three dozen volunteers invest scores of hours to carry it off—gathering gift donations, quilting items, baking and making sandwiches, serving our guests, and more. Hearing the compliments makes it all worthwhile.”
Behind the scenes, volunteers spend hours preparing tea sandwiches for the occasion. Left to right: Joal Leone, Gerry Applegate, Lois Landis, Sergie Conklin, Marge Edelson, Ginny Richmond, Marion Vogel, Nancy Emmons, and Jane Ribson.
Thank you to these contributing businesses All Seasons Diner 176 Wyckoff Rd., Eatontown
Funtime America 269 Rte. 35., Eatontown
SeaGrass Restaurant 68 Main Ave., Ocean Grove
AMC Theatres Monmouth Mall, Eatontown
Houlihans 308 Rte. 35 S., Eatontown
Shore Cake Supply 3209 Sunset Ave., Ocean
Antonio’s Gourmet Salumeria 2201 Sunset Ave., Ocean
The Jewelry Broker 115 Monmouth Rd., W. Long Branch
Shore Lanes Bowling 701 Rte. 35, Neptune
Blue Swan Diner Rte. 35, Oakhurst
Langosta Lounge Restaurant 1000 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park
The ShowRoom Cinema 707 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park
Broad Street Dough Company 2005 Rte. 35, Oakhurst
Monmouth Bottle Shop 201 Monmouth Rd., Oakhurst
Silverball Museum Boardwalk, Asbury Park
Christine Craney Levy Floral Artist Allenhurst
Monster Mini-Golf 749 Hope Rd., Eatontown
The Coaster 1011 Main St., Asbury Park
Moonstruck Restaurant 517 Lake Ave., Asbury Park
Smith Group Restaurants Brickwall, Porta, and Pascal & Sabine Asbury Park
The Count Basie Theater 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank
The Natural Pharmacy 851 W. Park Ave., Ocean
The Caramel Shop 1215 Rte. 35, Ocean
Nino’s Coal Fired Pizza Restaurant 2105 Rte. 35, Oakhurst
Casa Comida Mexican Restaurant 336 Branchport Ave., Long Branch
The Pet Concierge joanneballack@optonline.net
The Charleston Shops 217 Morris Ave., Spring Lake
Posillipo’s Restaurant 1801 Rte. 35, Ocean
Colonial Terrace Golf Course 1003 Wickapecko Dr., Wanamassa
The Prince and the Pawper 889 W. Park Ave., Ocean
Cravings 310 Main St., Allenhurst
Richard’s Deli 155 Brighton Ave., West End
Estella Nails 64 Broad St., Shrewsbury
Rizzo’s Pizza Middlebrook Shopping Ctr., Ocean
December Bus Trip to NY Botanical Gardens
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oin us Thursday, December 8 to see the legendary holiday display at the NY Botanical Gardens. Model trains zip through a display of 150 landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials. The bus leaves from the Library/Museum parking lot at 9:30. $75 includes transportation, admission, trams, and a $15 lunch voucher. Reserve your place: 732-531-2136 or oceanmuseum.org.
uss McIver, vintage baseball player, will the region playing exhibition games with “take us out to the ball game,” 7:15, June other clubs whose mission is to keep base7, at the Oakhurst School (Board of Educa- ball alive as it was played during its fortion) auditorium. Russ will mative years in the 19th “pitch” his love for old-time century. baseball, the kind played in Russ is a history buff the late 1800s. No masks. No as well as a baseball aficiogloves, and a different set of nado. If you think Abner rules. Doubleday is the father of Vintage baseball has a baseball, think again. Russ loyal following across the will give us the real skinny country and New Jersey is no on the myths, legends, and exception. Fitting, since the heroes of his beloved sport. first competitive game was It’s spring. It’s baseplayed right here at Elysian ball season. How can you Fields in Hoboken in 1846. resist learning more about Allenhurst resident and vintage Russ played in high baseball enthusiast Russ McIver a sport that bears the label school and never lost his “Made in the USA”? love for the game. His vintage club, the Join us in the bleachers at 7:15, TuesMonmouth Furnace, is based in Allaire day, June 7, when Russ steps up to home State Park. The team travels throughout plate in period uniform to share stories of
July 30 Flag-Raising
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Taylor Hardware 914 Main St., Belmar Tea4U 45 Monmouth Rd., Oakhurst The Studio 409 Spier Ave., Allenhurst Twp. of Ocean Community Pool W. Park Ave., Ocean
Wegman’s Rte. 35, Ocean
Civil War remembered
Ancestor of local CIvil War scholar, Arthur Green
lease join us at 6:30, July 30, on the grounds of the Eden Woolley House to raise the flag in memory of the men and women who served in the American Civil War (1861-1865). Call the Museum (732-531-2136) or visit oceanmuseum.org to have an ancestor or a favorite member of the Union or Confederate effort included on the list of honored veterans.
Sunset Florist 2100 Sunset Ave., Ocean
The Turning Point Restaurant Pier Village, Long Branch
19th century baseball as it was played here in Monmouth County. The speaker event is open to the public, free of charge. (Bring your non-perishable donations for the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.)
Young guests hear the story of the Woolley sisters at last year’s tea
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The American Doll Tea is set for July 10
irls, their dolls and favorite adults gather 1 to 3:30, Sunday, July 10, (rain date July 17) for the eighth American Doll Tea under the trees and tents on the grounds of the Eden Woolley House. The girls again learn about the Woolley sisters and what it was like to live in the 1800s. Living history interpreters demonstrate skills of the past. Doll and teddy bear collections are on display. Outside, the girls participate in a fashion show featuring their dolls and
their stories. They create a craft and enjoy a tea party with kid-friendly treats. A fully stocked Doll Shop offers handmade doll clothes and accessories. Tickets are just $30 for an adult and one child (5 years and older). Additional children are $10 each; additional adults, $25. Tickets go on sale June 1st. Seating is limited and reservations are a must. Call 732-531-6040 or the Museum at 732-531-2136 to save your spot.
Sunday, November 13, 4 to 8
Save the date
Picture yourself at the height of the Roaring Twenties, dining on fine food and dancing to hot jazz at the most popular speakeasy around. Sound inviting? Then mark your calendar for the Museum’s “An Evening at Ross Fenton Farm,” Sunday, November 13. We are hosting a dinner at the English Manor in Ocean that recaptures the allure of the legendary Wanamassa nightclub that stood on the shores of Deal Lake from 1899 until it burned to the ground in 1950.
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Discovering a local treasure
Jim Foley caught the bug early and has spent a lifetime studying and helping to preserve the history of coastal Monmouth County. Since 1998, he has been the Deal Historian. In 2015 he became president of the Long Branch Historical Museum Association, the organization chartered to restore and maintain the Church of the Presidents in Elberon. Jim grew up in Deal and lives with his family in Oakhurst.
Camp Oakhurst: Hidden in plain sight
E Message from the Museum
President
To preserve the past is to save the future Nanette L Avery
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museum is more than a place. It is an idea shared by many that history is a vital part of who we are and preserving and sharing that history is a worthy mission. We are grateful for the generosity of our members and the commitment of our volunteers who have helped us bring history to life for our guests for the last eight years in the Eden Woolley House. As remarked by a first time visitor, ”The Eden Woolley Museum is a remarkable gem for this community. It has been a witness to all the events of this nation since 1750. What a story it can tell.” Our gallery of changing exhibits has brought to life: “Local Stories of World War II,” “The Interlaken Air Show”, “Life Saving along the Shore”, “The History of Asbury Park” and currently “Local Stories of the Civil War.” And the house itself reflects the changing times of Monmouth County. We are open 50 hours a month. Come by and see what a treasured landmark we have in our town. Bring a friend. The admission is free and more than half the residents of Ocean Township have not been to the Museum. Help us spread the word. Paul Edelson
ven old-timers who’ve spent a lifetime in the area are surprised to learn what’s been going on at Camp Oakhurst. It is a nearby treasure with an impressive and locally untold history. For 110 years, the facility on the corner of Monmouth Rd. and Lincoln Ave. has been welcoming campers with special needs. It opened in 1906 as a summer retreat for students from a free private school for handicapped children of immigrant families on Manhattan’s east side. In the beginning, the city children were picked up by horse and buggy at Elberon Station and taken to what was then a simple old farmhouse in the site, modified to accommodate wheelchairs. In the 1930s, the Manhattan school closed, but its summer camp continued, expanded to its current 15 acres. The original farmhouse was razed in 1971, and over the years, buildings and facilities have been added and winterized. Today Camp Oakhurst is a yearround resource with live-in staff, serving 1,400 children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities from New Jersey and the five boroughs each year. It is run by the New York Service for the Handicapped (NYSH).
Museum President, Paul Edelson Newsletter Editor, Peggy Dellinger
Recently, Museum president Paul Edelson and Ocean mayor Chris Siciliano toured Camp Oakhurst and explored ideas for collaboration--perhaps an open house for campers at the Museum this summer. Stay tuned. More to come.
Left to right: Museum president Paul Edelson, NYSH Development Director Michelle Spears, and Mayor Chris Siciliano
By the Numbers >100,000 5 30
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I Remember . . .
A life-long fascination with the Church of the Presidents
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ccording to family lore, my fascination with the Church of the Presidents is nearly as old as I am. My mother told the story of me as a four-year-old somehow opening the door to our house and finding my way, on my own, to the nearby historic landmark where seven American Presidents had worshipped. The police found me, but I refused to get into the patrol car, insisting, “I’m not allowed to ride with strangers.” I walked the hundred yards or so home. The police car followed. And so it began.
For me, it was Grant and Garfield
Presidents at the Shore
~2,000 Ocean’s Heritage is published quarterly by the Township of Ocean Historical Museum
Camp Oakhurst in the 1950s
Turnout for Presidential candidate Franklin Roosevelt in Sea Girt, Aug. 27, 1932--a turnout delivered by Jersey City Mayor and political boss Frank Hague who promised “the biggest rally in history” Anti-war protesters arrested, Oct. 17, 1970, when Richard Nixon spoke at the Ocean Grove Auditorium in support of local Republican Congressional candidates Year-age-gap between Warren Harding and his mistress Nan Britton who gave birth to his daughter in Asbury Park, Oct. 22, 1919 Local men who, on Sept. 5, 1881, worked through the night to build the spur that would carry wounded President Garfield’s railroad car from the Elberon Station to the Francklyn Cottage President (Woodrow Wilson) with a PhD. Presidential elections (1824, 1876, 1888, 2000) where popular vote winner was defeated. Two of the victors (Rutherford Hayes, 1876; Benjamin Harrison, 1888) were “Presidents at the Shore.”
Ocean’s Heritage, Spring 2016
Even as a small boy at St. Mary’s School, I was intrigued by the Presidents of the United States who had vacationed here--almost in my backyard. (What can I say? For some kids it’s Batman or dinosaurs. For me, it was Grant and Garfield!) The old church called to me. I could see it from the lot where I played with my brothers. One summer day, I noticed an older man working on the grounds. I walked over and asked to go inside. “Museum’s closed,” he said. I persisted, “If I weed the pathway to the church, will you show me inside?” The deal was struck. I weeded, he gave me a tour.
beron founder and developer Lewis B. Brown, who donated the land. According to Edgar’s research, the old deed stipulated that if the church were ever de-consecrated, the property was to revert to its original owners. He formed the Long Branch Historical Museum (LBHMA), tracked down the descendants of the four men, and convinced them to pass their property rights to the new organization. In 1955, the former St. James Chapel was re-dedicated as The Long Branch Historical Museum. In 1976 it was named to the state and national Registries of Historic Places.
A daunting challenge
Saving the church proved a daunting challenge. Twentieth century fund-raising and restoration efforts fell short. In 1999, the building was declared unsafe and closed to the public. But work continued. In recent years, the LBHMA has focused on stabilizing the building. Turns out, the structure was erected without a foundation, directly on the ground. With the help of generous donors, we’ve installed a concrete foundation reinforced with steel girders, and stabilized the building. Who was that man? With attention to historical accuracy, It turns out that older man was Edwe’ve painted the exterior, replaced the gar Dinkelspeil, from 1954 to his death in 1997, the driving force behind efforts The St. James Chapel (known now as the Church roof, and reinstalled the stained glass to save the historical building. When the of the Presidents), 1260 Ocean Ave., Elberon, windows in the church tower. If all opened in 1879 and closed for worship in 1953. goes as planned, we will open at least Church was de-consecrated in 1953, EdFor more than 60 years, dedicated volunteers have gar stepped in to save it from the wreck- worked to save this historic building where Presi- part of the interior to the public within ing ball. His research revealed a path to dents Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Harrison, the next 18 months. its salvation. The Church is the sole surviving McKinley, and Wilson worshipped. The Church of the Presidents, as structure associated with the seven it is now known, was built in 1879 as a branch of St. James Presidents who vacationed in Long Branch. My fascination Episcopal Church on Broadway in Long Branch. It was a with it may have started early, but it is shared by many. For closer, more convenient chapel for the rich and famous who over half a century, countless volunteers have raised money, summered in Elberon. Among them were publisher George advocated, and worked to save this treasure. If its history calls Childs, financier Anthony Drexel, and industrialist George to you, too, consider joining the effort. Visit churchofthepresiPullman who funded the building of the new church, and Eldents.org to learn how. Jim Foley