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The Eden Woolley House
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Ocean’s Heritage, Summer 2014
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Mini-exhibit opens at the Woolley House, Sunday, September 7
The Morro Castle tragedy remembered 80 years later
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n Saturday, September 8, 1934, the burning hulk of the disabled luxury liner Morro Castle broke free of its towline and drifted dangerously near Convention Hall to run aground just yards off the Asbury Park beachfront. The tragedy (at the time the worst in U.S. merchant marine history) made national headlines. It turned local lifesavers into heroes and Asbury into a sightseeing mecca for the next six months. Eighty years later (almost to the day), the Museum opens a mini-exhibit remembering the Morro Castle. The highlight of the September 7 opening is Cheryl and Bob Miller’s tional Morro Castle survivor Ellen Van Brunt. Imagining a WCAP (“City of Asbury Park�) broadcast from Convention Hall, the Millers’ performance, scheduled for 1:30 and repeated at 3:00, brings events to life.
85 people--80 of whom were crew members! Panicked passenagers, who had received no lifesaving instruction, jumped into the sea. Nearby ships sped to pick up survivors.
Local heroes
tional characters radio reporter Bob Norbertson and Morro Castle disaster survivor Ellen Van Brunt for Museum guests in 2009. In performances at 1:30 and 3:00, they reprise their roles for the exhibit opening. Photo by Stevie Spector-Shutman
tain delayed signaling for help, thinking
Bad weather, bad behavior, bad design to tragedy for the Morro Castle. The liner was on its 174th return trip from Havana to New York when its captain died mysteriorigin broke out on board. The acting cap-
By 3 a.m. the ship--whose design and maablaze. They were six miles off Sea Girt. Launch of the lifeboats was hampered by
ments (including Ocean Township’s) rushed to the scene. Local lifeguards pulled corpses and survivors from the water. toll, 412 were saved, 137 died.
Rescue of a different sort By early afternoon, the Coast Guard cutter Tampa had begun towing the Morro Castle to towline snapped, leaving the ship adrift and headed for shore. Its dramatic landing brought see the wreck, which sat off the beach for six months. Merchants dealing with Depression Era downturns and a city burdened by debt realized an economic boon. The story of the maritime history, became the stuff of local lore. Join us September 7 to learn the full story. The exhibit will be up through the end of November.
Opening “Remembering the Sunday, September 7 1 to 4 Our Town Gallery The Eden Woolley House
Ocean’s Heritage, Summer 2014
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American Doll Tea moments, left to right: Junior docent Sara Handerhan helps Janie Marcus and her mom Shani make a lavender sachet; the girls gather under the trees for a group photo; Isabella and Aliya Ross pose with their mom, artist Laura Tuzio-Ross, Mary Hill, and sister Gianna Ross.
The skies cleared just in time for a perfect American Doll Tea The forecast was iffy, and the day threatened showers. But the skies cleared on Sun-
Woolley Sisters (who lived in the Woolley House 170 years ago), enjoyed a tasty tea party.
arrived at the Eden Woolley House to celebrate dolls. Inside the Museum, displays of dolls Fashion show emcee zelrigg, Mary Hill, Suzi Mathis, and MariBrenda Wityk in- on Vogler. Professional dollmaker Laura terviews 3-year-old Tuzio-Ross of Philadelphia came and disPippa Hlatky. played the lifelike works of art she sculpts for collectors around the world. Our own Heather MacDonald, aka “Phoebe Woolley,” played tunes on a dulcimer, an early stringed instrument. Outside under the tents, the children made lavender sachets, took part in a doll fashion show, listened to a story about the
At the heart of all events at the Museum are the loyal volunteers who make it possible. The Tea Committee, under the direction of Marge Edelson, included Ginny Richmond, Eleanor MilBrenda Wityk, and Heather MacDonald. Assisting on site and in the kitchen were Gerri Applegate, Penny Gabriel, Phyllis Fyfe, Lois Landis, Fran Wolak, Tammi Richmond, and Mary Ann McKean. served the food for the party. They included: Sarah and Emily
An opportunity to preserve and honor memories
Family Stories Oral History Project
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t was saving a set of oral history tapes that sparked the idea for our Museum 30 years ago. What better way to honor our anniversary than a new oral history project, one that captures the stories that make up our family lore and maybe even enrich our understanding of Township history? The idea is to video Township residents being interviewed by a family member--a grandchild asking a grandparent to recall times gone by, perhaps. We’ve recruited a professional to help--Museum member Dallas Grove, host for more than a decade of the television interview program “Meet the Leaders.” Dallas is compiling a list of starter questions and will work with participants to coach them to produce an engaging interview, or even participate in the interview, if requested. The interviews will take place by appointment in the Museum. The resulting DVDs go to the family--and with their permission --to the Museum archives. To cover our costs, we are suggesting a $25 donation. We’d like to know if you are interested. Contact us to learn oceanmuseum.org.
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10 for his talk on local architecture, featuring some of the area’s most interesting houses. His interaction with the standing-room-only audience produced fascinating stories of unusal homes. We’re looking for the gentleman who shared his story of moving a house in story in an upcoming newsletter. Let us know if you know him!
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Ocean’s Heritage, Summer 2014
Make your reservations now for Sunday, October 19
The History Ghost Walk to bring the Museum’s latest exhibit to life
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t’s become a Halloween season highlight: the Museum’s History Ghost Walk. And on Sunday, October 19, once again spirits from the Township’s past “return”
ghosts tell tales of some of the Township’s most interesting residences and bring the Museum’s newest exhibit (“The History of Houses”) to life. The actors portraying our ghosts include talented amateurs (many students) and a few professionals. They have studied the history they “channel” and deliver performances that both delight and inform. Some are stationed along the outside walk; others perform at a party inside.
Outside walk Outside, guests are guided along the path east of the Woolley House to meet year’s spirits. Here’s a sample: The young Woolley sisters, Eden’s daughters, “come back” to tell of growing up in the Woolley House in 19th century Ocean Township. Thomas Potter, one of the Township’s founding fathers, materializes to talk into a stream bed in the 17th century!
Hal Wallis, famed Hollywood producer, was a family friend and frequent guest. Our party features a fantasy sequence with two of his most memorable stars --the charismatic Dean Martin and the very young Elvis! The fun ends with a nostalgic look back on life at Stucile Farm--and tasty refreshments for all. Come shop the Museum Store, enjoy free refreshments, and spend a fun and interesting Sunday afternoon. The Ghost Walk is known to sell out. Call the Museum to make your reservation. Young Rosemary Ryan returns to her Victorian Playhouse on the Museum grounds to join the spirits in this year’s Ghost Walk.
Inside party Inside, Ghost Walk guests join a party in the former Haupt family mansion (now the Library’s Terner Gallery). Here they get a glimpse of the glamorous lives of the of the 40-plus-acre Stucile Farm where the Museum, Township Library, and Human Resources building stand today. The Haupts entertained the rich and famous of their day. Our ghosts bring imagined highlights of their parties to life.
HISTORY GHOST WALK 5:30, Sunday, October 19
The Eden Woolley House grounds Terner Gallery, Ocean Library
$7, adults, $5, children (Reservations encouraged. Call the Museum 732-531-2136)
Speakers’ Series Event, October 7
Historian to speak on Monmouth County, past and present
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ome join a pictorial tour of Monmouth County, 7:15 pm, Tuesday, October 7 at the Oakhurst School auditorium (now the Board of Education Road. Our guide is Randall “Randy” Gabrielan, Monmouth County Historian, 13-year Executive Director and now member of the Monmouth County Historical Commission, author of forty books on searcher, and lecturer. For this, the next event in the Museum’s Speakers’ Series, Randy
taps images and research from his latest book, Monmouth County Past and Present, to trace the evolution of the county from the early 20th century to today--and to explore the forces behind the changes. In keeping with the Museum’s “History of Houses” exhibit, his talk highlights notable Monmouth County historic tion between renovation/remodeling and restoration/preservation. Monmouth County, Past and Present and other of Randy’s books will be available for sale at the presentation.
Randy Gabrielan The talk is open to the public, free of charge. Donations are appreciated. Refreshments are served. (We collect and welcome non-perishable items for the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.)
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Ocean’s Heritage, Summer 2014
Message from the Museum
President
cant anniversaries for our state (350 years) and our Museum (30 years). But this year is also a milestone worth noting for the Township, incorporated lature divided Shrewsbury Township, creating the Township of Ocean from its eastern portion. The new municipality stretched along the coast from Sea Bright to Shark River and west to include Neptune, parts of Tinton Falls, Eatontown and Oceanport. Over the years, one by one, many of the communities it once encompassed seceded --the last Loch Arbour, in 1957. The 11.1 square miles that make up Ocean Township today started out as farmland. From the beginning the Township had three distinct sections --Oakhurst, Wanamassa, and Wayside. In the 20th century, neighborhoods sprang up in Colonial Terrace, West Allenhurst, West Deal, Elberon Park and Shadow Lawn. The migration of families from the cities after World War II completed our transformation from farmland to suburb. Ocean, we thank the citizens who insisted on the purchase in 1972 of the 208acre Deal Test Site and the addition of the 80-acre Library and Museum complex. These open spaces link to school grounds and the community pool to create a “green belt” across our Township. History of Houses and the Things that Make Them Home,” we honor our that make our town a community. Paul Edelson
“History of Houses” now in Richmond Gallery
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he Museum’s new major exhibit, “The History of Houses and the Things
one put it, “I’ve lived in houses all my life. I guess that would make me something of an expert. But I learned things here that will change how I see my own home and neigborhood.” And that is precisely the point. “This exhibit invites us to rethink the familiar,” exhibit director Peggy Dellinger explained. “It probes ‘why.’ Why do our houses look like they look on the inside and the outside? What was going on--politically, culturally, and technoThe exhibit answers these questions and more. Its collection of house models, vintage household tools and gadgets, and historic documents opens our eyes to what’s been before them all along. Stop in and see for yourself. The exhibit is in place through May 2015. Museum Member Joyce Barrett and her granddaughters Catherine and Caroline Moore on opening day.
Museum receives grant for exterior painting
This old house
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he Eden Woolley House is in many ways our own version of the PBS perennial “This Old House.” We have our own set of challenges and surprises that come with care of a wonderful, classy--and very old--building. As any passerby will notice, the Woolley House is in need of painting. And it dealing with lead paint. Here’s the good news. The Museum has received a $9, 500 grant from the 1772 Foundation to help pay for the project. The Foundation is a Connecticut-based trust that awards funds for exterior maintenance and restoration of historic sites. Our House is tentatively scheduled to begin September 22. Regulations prohibit using electric sanders. All prep work must be done by hand. Even at that, the exterior of the house must be wrapped in plastic while work takes place. During this phase of the project, the Museum will be closed. As we go to press, we expect that to be the two weeks between September 22 and October 3. Please check the website oceanmuseum.org for updates.
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Ocean’s Heritage, Summer 2014
Kathleen Hanlon and Sally Welch (the Carr sisters) grew up in Oakhurst with their brother Jim in one of the nearly 100,000 houses nationwide built from kits sold by Sears between 1916 and 1933. The kits, delivered by railroad box car, came complete with needed to construct and equip a house.
I Remember . . .
Growing up in a Sears house-kit home
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e always knew that the house where we grew up--in the Elberon Park section of Oakhurst--was special. Ours was the house where everyone gathered. Where our mom held taffy pulls and each year hosted a maypole dance.
only soap!”) Where Christmas was a magical season full-beyond-imagining of generous acts, family traditions, and celebration. Where at midnight every New Year’s Eve, we’d grab our accordions and kitchen pots to parade down the street greeting neighbors. But it was just ten years ago that we learned that our house was special in yet another way. The much-loved Dutch Colonial of our childhood was built from a Sears and Roebuck house kit!
kitchen with built-in benches and a china cabinet that held dishes used only for New Year’s Eve dinner! Upstairs were three bedrooms and a “sleeping porch,” a room we used as a bedroom, but (with its many windows) served the previous owner as an artist’s studio. Elegant details were everywhere: a built in bookcase with leaded-glass doors, handsome sconces on either loween), pocket doors into the dining room, and so much more.
Bygone rituals Life in the house had an annual rhythm. In spring, our dad and
windows off their hinges and installed wood-framed screens. Our This photo of Sally Carr Welch and her friend Sandy mother replaced the drapes with Sacks shows other Sears homes on the street. Neighbors summer sheers and the living room included Oakhurst School teachers Jean Mohn and Em- carpet with a grass rug. Slipcovers Great design, charming detail Our family lived in our Sears house ily Parker and the legendary prinicpal, Miss Voorhees. went on the furniture. At summer’s from 1942 to 1971. As we’ve learned end, the ritual was reversed. Every since, it was built in the late 1920s from a kit that included holiday has its own annual cycle of traditions--always includpre-cut and numbered lumber, every piece of hardware and ing friends, family, and decorations. Early on, we had an ice box--conveniently tucked in a tures, and the plumbing and heating plant--all ordered from nook by the back door, making it easy for the ice man to make a catalog and delivered by train. We hadn’t a clue! his delivery. And even after the refrigerator replaced the ice box, the back door took deliveries. Deavers, the “traveling the house gave no hint of their “pre-fab” origin. The living grocery store” pulled up weekly. If our mother was out, she’d room was separated leave her list and money on the table. When she returned, the from the music room by an arched opening, Saying good-bye complete with columns. Our father, who owned the Townley Hardware Store in The music room, in turn, led through windowhouse for six more years. On the day they moved out, our mom requested that her rocking chair be left in the sun porch. into a year-round sun We watched her walk inside and sit alone rocking--saying her porch. We had a full, forThe Carr’s Sears house on Lawrence Ave. mal dining room--and a in the Elberon Park section of Oakhurst breakfast nook in the Kathy Hanlon and Sally Welch
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Ocean’s Heritage, Summer 2014
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Vietnam War. The names of the honored were those submitted by friends, families, and veteran’s organizations.
by the names of 50 veterans submitted to the Museum. Scout Troop #71 of Oakhurst Kane, a 2014 graduate of Ocean High was raised. Following the ceremony, guests were invited into the Museum to view a display and video on the Vietnam War.
Standing, right to left: Vietnam War veterans Herbert Tomer, Michael P. Quilty, Tom Milmoe, Jim Frick, Allen McKean, Jim Petillo, Phil Parratt, Arthur Schenck, Jr., Hank Heinz, Bob Hopkins, Chester Gregory. Seated, right to left: Joseph Renzella, Joseph Kenny, Joseph Williams, Peter Murphy, Jim Mack, John Kritsky Museum President Paul Edelson opened the program. Folnah Berenberg, an Ocean High School student sang “God Bless the MIA/POW Remembrance ceremony. The names of 59 Shore Area veterans who had been killed in action were read, followed
This year’s ceremony to honor Vietnam veterans follows ceremonies in 2012 recognizing World War II vet- Member Joe Carey, himself erans and in 2013 for Korean veterans. a veteran, chaired the event The names of the Vietnam veterans and led a moving cermony remembering the Vietman War Prisioners of War and Missing in Action. next visit, to pay your respects.
Museum celebrates 30 years in style
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ore than 90 friends and supporters gathered at the Deal Golf and Country Club, Sunday, August 17, to celebrate the Museum’s 30th anniversary. Founders Peggy Dellinger and Marge Edelson started things off remembering the Museum’s humble beginnings. Dignitaries from state, county, and local government were there to offer congratulations and present celebratory declarations. See more photos on our website at oceanmuseum.org.
Jim Frick (left) and Jim Petillo Hoa Air Base in Vietnam where together before Frick’s deployment with the 173rd Airborne at Dak To. They hadn’t met or spoken since--until Frick recognized Petillo, the speaker at the
County recognizes Museum’s achievement
Left to right: Event chairs Joan Brezansky and Marge Edelson enjoy the day with silent auction chair Brenda Wityk.
une 2, the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders and the Historical Commission honored the Museum with a special award. At the Commission’s annual ceremony at the Hall of Records in Freehold, it singled the Museum out for having not only restored the Eden Woolley House, but that continues to attract visitors. As Commissioner Randy Gabrelain put it, “Local history museums have a challenge: how to keep people coming back. The Ocean Museum’s full calendar of events and regularly changing exhibits has solved this problem.”
Museum president Paul Edelson who holds the
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Ocean’s Heritage, Summer 2014
Mark your calendar
Ocean Township Historical Museum president Paul Edelson joined panelists at a state historical conference June 5 to tell the story of the move and rehabilitation of the Eden Woolley House.
Museum president speaks at state conference
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ervation Conference, held at Brookdale iar face. Our Museum president, Paul Edelson, shared with the audience the story of how an all-volunteer organization managed to rehabilitate and equip the 250-year-old (in its oldest part) Eden Woolley House and open it as an award-winning, three-gallery Museum in just four years.
The Conference, whose theme “Past Present and Future” celebrated fered 20 educational sessions. Paul joined Richard Geffken and Dr. Gerard Scharfenberger in a panel discussion of “Monmouth County’s Rich History.” The three panelists spoke on local efforts to preserve historic structures and answered audience questions.
Membership to vote on recommended changes October 7
It’s about time: Updating our bylaws
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t comes as no surprise that the bylaws we drafted three decades ago and revised incrementally over the years needed a serious review. Since our incoporation in 1984,
Ocean Township Historical Museum is now reponsible for operating and maintaining the Eden Woolley House--a million dollar asset. President Paul Edelson asked member Marianne Wilensky to chair a commitPeggy Dellinger) to address the gap. Our current bylaws make no mention of the Woolley House. Their references to Our memberships have always applied to the make-up and authority of the Executive operational responsibilites were very different. The team looked at these and other mismatches. They benchmarked the charters and bylaws of historical museums across the country. They analyzed our documents, studied today’s challenges, and adopted the best practices they found.
The team has drafted a proposed set of bylaws for member review. In general, the changes address:
Mini-Exhibit opening
“Remembering the Morro Castle” Sunday, September 7, 1 to 4, Dramatizations at 1:30 and 3—Woolley House General Meeting and Speaker Event
Monmouth County, Past and Present Tuesday, October 7, 7:15--Oakhurst SchoolDistinguished historian and author Randall Gabrielan shares images from his personal collection to illustrate how Monmouth County has evolved.
History Ghost Walk Sunday, October 19--Woolley House Grounds; Terner Gallery Characters from local history come “back” to tell their stories and entertain our guests.
Holiday Weekend and Oakhurst School Mini-Exhibit Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7-Eden Woolley House For two days, the Museum is transformed for the holidays. Handmade
The mission of the Historical Museum emphasizing the caretaker role in preserving the Eden Woolley House. membership meetings. The categories of honorary member and honorary trustee. The make-up and authority of the Executive Board, including provisions for standing and ad hoc committee chairs. The frequency and governance of Exeutive Board meetings. election and installation.
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he general membership will vote on the recommended changes at the October 7 general meeting and Speaker’s Event. The draft bylaws are available for review after September 1 on the Museum website oceanmuseum. org and at the Museum Welcome Desk.
Send us your memory of Oakhurst School
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he mini-exhibit that opens at this year’s Holiday Weekend (December highlights the history of the Oakhurst School. The fall issue of the Museum newsletter will feature memories from those who studied, worked or volunteered there. We are also looking for the school’s oldest living graduate. Send your candidate for most senior alum and/or your two-to-three line personal memory to peggydellinger@
Ocean’s Heritage, Summer 2014
Sunday, September 7
Mini-Exhibit Opening: “Remembering the Morro Castle� The Eden Woolley House
The Eden Woolley House
Home of the Township of Ocean Historical Museum
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The Township of Ocean Historical Museum
2014 Household Membership Application/Renewal (Please check) New________
Renewal_______
Date_______________________________ Name(s) as you would like it (them) to appear on your membership card and correspondence.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Number of people in your household (your membership includes them all) ___________________ Street ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Town_______________________________________ State________________________ Zip________________________________ Phone________________________ Email (used only to send notice of Museum events )_____________________________________________ Please check your level of support ___ Friend of the Museum $5000+ ___ Silver Member $250 ___ Supporter $25+
___ Platinum Member $1000+ ___ Benefactor $100+ ___ Basic Member $15+
Please check the volunteer opportunities that interest you ___Historical research ___ Grant preparation
___ Gold Member $500+ ___ Patron $50+
___Collections/Acquisitions
___ 3rd Grade program
___ Membership ___ Quilting/Crafts
___Fund-raising ___ Restoration
___ Oral histories ___ Tour guide/Docent
___Gardening ___ Other ____________________
Detach and mail to Township of Ocean Historical Museum, P.O. Box 516, Oakhurst, NJ 07755