2014-11 - Township of Ocean Historical Museum Newsletter

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The Eden Woolley House

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Ocean’s Heritage, Fall 2014

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Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7

Oakhurst School exhibit premieres on Holiday Weekend a “Holiday Hunt.� Children and adults alike enjoy the model trains. And it’s the perfect

If museums had hearts, there’d be a soft spot in ours for the Oakhurst School (today’s Board of Education of.

It was our home for 25 years. And many

rich source of locally crafted, unique gifts.

The weekend is also the last chance to take a chance on the Museum quilt; the winning ticket is drawn at 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

Museum by their memories of the school.

So what better way to culminate our 30th anniversary year than a tribute to the old place?

The Oakhurst School is a rich topic for an exhibit. It operated as an elementary school

and 7, the Museum holds its 30th Holiday Weekend, and included in the attractions is the premiere of a mini-exhibit on the Oakhurst School.

through eighth grade. In the course of its almost eight decades, students marveled at the addition of electricity (in 1905) and indoor plumbing (1912). They saw gym classes introduced (1919), endured split sessions (1950), and witnessed the start of the space age (with the

The Woolley House is transformed For the two days of the Holiday Weekend, the Woolley House is transformed. The permanent exhibit in the Our Town Gallery makes room for model trains. The displays in the Hearth and Home Gallery are tucked away to accommodate an expanded Museum Shop and Bakery, stocked with homemade treats and one-of-a-kind gifts handcrafted by the Museum quilters. The porch is covered with wreaths and sprays freshly

Built in 1900 for a cost of $12,000, the Oakhurst School served township students until 1978 when the building became home to Board of Education electricity or plumbing--and grew over the years.

made and on sale by the Ocean Township Garden Club.

Weekend has something for everyone in December has become for many families a welcome way to start the season. Children

our own Deal Test Site, 1957).

The school changed as the township and the country changed. The exhibit is a walk down memory lane for those with personal connections to the school and an engaging insight into Americana for everyone.

Mark you calendars and start the holiday season with us. Recommended donations: adults, $3; children admitted free.

Holiday Weekend Saturday and Sunday 11 to 4 The Eden Woolley House

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Ocean’s Heritage, Fall 2014

8o years after the tragedy, the Morro Castle still captures the imagination

Morro Castle exhibit opening draws a full house

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uests arrived before

opened. No question that the wreck of the Morro Castle and her six-month Asbury Park continue to intrigue. And the miniexhibit that opened in the Our Town Gallery September 7 (nearly 80 years to the day from the disaster) did not disappoint.

More than 100 visitors studied artifacts salvaged from the wreckage, photos of locals at the rescue, and scores of Morro Castle photos and documents.

They stood three-deep to watch vin-

rescurers pulling bodies from the surf, survivors arriving on shore, and sightseers at the smoldering hull.

But, hands down, the highlight of the day was a dramatization, by Bob and Cheryl Miller, that brought the horror of the disaster to life. In two performances to standing-room-only characters--radio-reporter Bob Norbertson and Morro Castle survivor Ellen Van Brunt. Cheryl’s well-researched story of rescue from the storm-churned sea brought audible gasps from the audience.

“Remembering the Morro Castle” is on view through the end of November.

Message from the Museum

President

As you pass by our newly painted Museum, you can’t help but admire the beauty of this historic building. But when things become so familiar, we fail to appreciate the things they symbolize. Consider: The Oakhurst School Our mini-exhibit on the Oakhurst School revives memories of its long tenure as the town’s oldest “grammar” was for this small rural village in 1900 to build such a handsome two-story building, rivaling schools in Asbury and Long Branch. Surely some taxpayers complained of its extravagance. But the Oakhurst School was a symbol of the values of the community.

The farmers and working people who made up our town until well into the 1900s valued education. They built the Poplar Road School as early as schools built in our town.

Cheryl and Bob Miller after their moving dramatization survivor.

Museum’s 30th anniversary celebrated in style

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Event co-chairs Joan Berzansky, Marge Edelson, and Silent Auctionchair Brenda Wityk.

he Museum celebrated its 30th anniversary at a luncheon, August 17, at the Deal Golf and Country Club. It was an elegant tribute to the many volunteers and supporters who brought us from a two-room operation in borrowed space to “Best Museum in Monmouth County” in the fully rehabilitated Eden Woolley House.

Museum founders Marge Edelson and Peggy Dellinger spoke. Visiting dignitariesFreeholders John Curley and Lillian Burry, Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini, and Mayor Bill Larkin presented proclamations honoring the Museum.

(Bonus: Thanks largely to the Silent Auction, the celebration raised more than $4,800!)

The Ocean Township Library mouth County Library System

was

Residents had recognized the need for a local library and they made it happen.

Today, in its new location, ours is the busiest branch in the County.

Our Museum Through the hard work of our volunteers, our Museum has been recognized not only by the Asbury Park Readers poll as a favorite local Museum, but by the County and State for our success in telling the story of local history.

Our schools, our Library and our Museum are symbols in our community. They help tell the world the things we value.

Paul Edelson

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Ocean’s Heritage, Fall 2014

Another sell-out crowd for the sixth annual History Ghost Walk

The spirits of some of Ocean’s most notable houses entertain guests 1

Sunday, October 19, more than 80 guests gathered in front of the Ocean Township Library for the start Hannah and Ellen of the sixth annual Berenberg sang at the History Ghost Walk.

Ghost Walk party Each year, the event brings the Museum’s current major exhibit to life, mixing fun with historical facts.

This year, more than two dozen players, mostly talented student volunteers, “channelled” spirits in keeping with our “History of Houses” exhibit. They shared their tales of some of the area’s most interesting homes.

Outside, adult guides Heather MacDonald and Gary Edelson led guests from the Museum to the Tower, stopping along the way to interact with the “ghosts” the right. Inside the Terner Gallery, guests joined a lively house party as we imagined

one might have been held on the Haupt estate (now the site of the Library and Museum). Cheryl Miller hosted. Pianist Bill Madden accompanied songs by Hannah and Ellen Berenberg. And Elvis and Dean As one guest put it, “I had a great time and learned things I never knew about the Township.”

Thanks to co-chairs Cheryl Miller, Brenda Wityk, and Peggy Dellinger and to the volunteers and actors whose hard work and talents brought it all together.

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1. Will and Jack Santoro (Elvis), Cheryl Miller (hostess), and Jerry Spathis (Dean Martin) takHaupt); 3. Giovanna Failla, Dave Miller, and Loa Katz (the Eden Woolley family); 4. Claire Taylor (Sears house kit occupant); 5. Jesse Ritter (Thomas Potter--Ocean’s 1st European setter); 6. Claudia Arias (Rosemary Ryan, Playhouse “occupant”); 7. Sam Berenberg (a Brower house buyer).

Neptune orchid farm gives a Haupt-estate greenhouse second life Astute observers at the Ghost Walk might have noticed the fresh orchids on display at the party inside the Terner Gallery. They were provided

by Silva Orchids, Neptune--a most appropriate connection. The party in question was meant to recall the halcyon days of the Haupt family, owners of Stucile Farm (site of today’s Ocean Twp. Library and Museum) . Turns out the Silva family “rescued” one of Enid Annenberg

Pippa Hlatky, modeling hand-knit hat and mittens and clutching Santa and gingerbread boy, surrounds herself with quilted treasures from the Museum Shop.

greenhouse is in operation today at the Silva farm where it is still

Holiday shopping starts here!

Silva Orchids is a family business, started 55 years ago by Augusto Silva, a Portuguese emigrant, and run today by his sons Joe

Hand-quilted lap blankets, table runners, Christmas tree skirts, and placemats are just the start. The Museum Shop takes over the Hearth and Home Gallery with handmade, one-of-a-kind Shop

into their greenhouses on Wayside Road, Fridays and Saturdays. you beat that combination?

Ocean’s Heritage, Fall 2014

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I remember ...

Happy days at Oakhurst School

Jeanne King Diamond, ‘40. My 1st grade teacher was my aunt

Carole Shapiro, ‘53. There are very fond memories of class trips to Phila-

King” after that. Miss Baldwin was our music teacher and in 8th grade we put on “HMS Pinafore.” Mrs. Briggs and her husband had been missionaries and she taught us geography.

We also had the best food; even the teachers ate with us!

Dorothy Van Cleaf Gray, ‘40, teacher ‘50-’58. taught 5th grade for two years in Wanamassa and then Language Arts for 7th and 8th graders in Oakhurst. My “old” teachers were still there

never been matched. “May Oakhurst School stand forever!”

man. Miss Voorhees’ house was on my route. She invariably opened her door and invited me in for hot chocolate.

She was delighted that one of “her boys” was earning a Ph.D. She was a sweet and lovely lady, a true professional who enAnn Marie Gerking Apicelli, ‘49. remember our teachers, especially Miss Wells. When we studied the American

Jean Ellen Byrnes, ‘57. teachers worked handling as many as 40 in a class without assistance!

Our bus drivers were Mr. Morris and Otto Dangler. On a hot day Mr. Dangler would stop and buy everyone ice cream.

George Smith introduced me at the school assembly with our arch rival pared to Wanamassa in recognizing female potential!

Sally Carr Welch, ‘57. during an assembly reading ”The Little Old Woman Who Used Her Head” solving problems using her thinking cap and special spectacles...

Miss Applegate hitting the high notes singing Huckleberry Finn... sepacapes... and most of all the loving and caring teachers.

June McChesney Pomilla, ‘57. remember eating lunch in the basegings in the cloak room... practicing our songs for graduation... our wonderful bus driver Mr. Duncan... and

time of my life.

Cathy Lawrence, ‘53-‘57. My favorite teacher was Mrs. Anna King. She thoughtful caring teachers, such as Mrs. .

Shirley Barberi Bailey, ‘50. derful memories of graduating with a class of many friends. They were the best years !

Joan Weston Heldreth, ‘50. Our teach-

Michael Woolley, ‘51. My fond memories of Oakhurst School include Mr. Hibbets our school bus driver, Miss Estelle Voorhees our principal (a kind lady), and being chosen for the school basketball team.

Patricia Hammernick Bradley,’ 51. My fondest memories were of Miss Applegate (my favorite teacher), playing softball for Coach Citmail for Miss Voorhees, and having all my sisters and brothers in school.

went to her retirement dinner and she remembered me! From that time forward we exchanged Christmas cards until the time of her death. A much loved teacher.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Taylor Palmer, ‘53-’58. “cloak rooms.” Mrs. Lefkowitz taught music. “Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree” was her favorite.

Nancy Manfredi, ‘53-’58. keeping the children coming in from recess away from the water fountain... the old cloak room.. the daily clapping of chalky erasers.. . the low

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Ocean’s Heritage, Fall 2014

The (almost) oldest living Oakhurst School graduate

had to sit in “the crow’s nest” (atop the contents) all day. cipal 1969-1974. The building was showing its age when

The redoubtable Miss Voorhees

gether as a family. Through the dent Sally Madden, we had the lavatories in the original building refurbished. When they were completed, we did not cut a ribbon, we cut a roll of toilet paper!

Denise Parlamas, ‘69-’74. coming to the classroom one day. Someone asked her if he could “go to the basement.” We all knew what that meant (the bathroom was in the basement). She answered, “Now why would you want to go down there?

Nick Baldino, Class of 1937

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hen we sat down to interview Nick Baldino, 90, we thought we might have found Oakhurst School’s oldest living graduate. Within minutes, Nick set us straight, “I talk each week to two classmates now living in Florida. I skipped a grade, so I’m younger than both of them.” Oh well. We were there for an interview, and Nick--though not the Oakhurst School’s oldest living alum--turned out to be well worth the trip. know that Nick Baldino does hold an undisputed record.

He is the world’s oldest, continuous NY Giants season

told me later. This poor child must have been in agony!

Marjorie Douglas Edelson, teacher ‘58-’60 and ‘76-’78.

Nobel, Emily Parker, Anna Mattice, Bessie Hyers, Nancy Emmons, Anna King, Helen Renaud and Margurite Warner. Richard Randall was princier. Our principal was Glenn Morgan and his secretary was Fran Bruns.

Joan Burke Samperi, teacher ‘60-’64. group of teachers who so openly shared their experiences and love of teaching with me – so green and so new !

Greg Edelson. ‘70-76. the smell of the day’s lunch. The best day of the year was the annual PTA Fair that felt as big as Disney World coming to our school.

44 Superbowls. But to the subject at hand . . . .)

Being young for his grade was no handicap for Nick.

He was the 8th grade valedictorian and gave a graduation speech inspired by Dale Carnegie. The legendary Miss Voorhees was principal. “She was tough and very Nick speaks in glowing terms of his Oakhurst School baseball coach--a woman, Janet Cohen. “I went on to play high school and college ball, but she was the best coach I ever had.”

Nick remembers that, in his day, Oakhurst School’s out-of-town students. One, Martin Cohn, lived on an estate in West Long Branch. Nick walked to school, but on occasion, Martin would pick him up by limo at his home

Bill Barrett, ‘71-77. My best memories are of stickball on the paved recess area, riding my bike to school, the costume parade at Halloween,

grees from Fordham and Rutgers Law. He served as a WWII

signings, and winning the free throw contest in gym.

for Chemical Bank (now JPMorgan Chase & Co.) and lived for many years with his wife and six children in Wayside.

All in all, though we may not have interviewed Oakhurst School’s oldest graduate, we did meet one of its most distinguished.

Julia Telonidis (OTHS Class of 88).

Salvo’s second grade class when she made the announcement that the Oakhurst School was closing and we would be going to Dow Ave. the next year. We were in shock and very sad. Some of us even cried!

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Ocean’s Heritage, Fall 2014

Above and beyond

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supplementing that basic membership with extra gifts. Their generosity boosts membership to nearly 50% of our income and helps fund our programs and exhibits. Thank you for your support, at whatever level. We are an all-volunteer operation; every penny you give goes to running the Museum.

Platinum $1,000+ (2) Patricia Cernigliaro Rosalie Harvey

Gold $500+ (2) John & Judy Huss Howard & Virginia Richmond

Silver $250 +ß (5) Don & Diane Brockel Ted & Peggy Dellinger Phyllis A. Fyfe Sean Moore Dr. and Mrs.L. Marx Renzulli

Benefactor $100+ Rose & Rob Acerra Charles & Angela Alcott Bette Barthelemy Mike & Joan Berzansky Sandy & Joan Brown Sergie Conklin Don & Marie Curtis Ronald Danielson Barbara Davis Pat & Delores D’Esposito E. Jeanne Diamond Paul & Marge Edelson Pat & Harry Grasso Carin & Sol Greenspan Ira Haupt II Steven D Howland Fenton & Barbara Hudson Bev & Steve Itell Bernard D. & Renee Karasic Marie & Thomas Kenney Christine Levy David Lipkin William and Helen Litts Tony & Maura Marrucca Eleanor Millar Glenn & Peggy Morgan H. William Mullaney Dorothy O’Donnell Joan Olson Kathy & Phil Parratt William Prihel Jano Etta Segal Daniel & Connie Skinner Paul & Carmel Smith Anne M. Sparaco Frank Steimle Richard R. Stout Dorothy Trumbower

Frank Vozos Ex. Dir. MMC Carol S. & Howard White Marianne Wilensky Woman’s Club of Asbury Park Wilma Wright

Patron $50 + Robert & Linda Armstrong Rita Abrams Carlton R & Nancy Bakley, Jr. Nicholas Baldino Joyce Barrett Lois Barr Barrett Susan Borea Carolyn Brady Jerry & Beth Brady Martin Burke Steve Carton Mary Jane Celli Donna Cetrulo J. Anthony Covino Ed DeNoble The D’Esposito’s Bonnie Dietz John Durocher Lewis & Cindy Fisher Anne Freedman Mary Gerbino Dorothy V & William F Gray Robert & Dallas Grove Millicent Herbert Mary Hill Kay Jannarone Tobi & Dave Kochel Stanley & Dolores Kolodjeski Ira & Joan Kreizman Robert & Lois Landis Trudi & Bill Larkin Catherine & Harry Lawrence Sally & Bill Madden Nancy & Charles Manfredi Paul & Kathy Manganelli Murray D. Marx Eileen & John McCormack Mary Ann & Allen McKean Tom & Anita Means Lawrence J. Menditto George S. Michals David Miller Paula & Tom Milmoe Bill & Donna Nurthen Phil & Beverly Palumbo Anastasia & Arthur Pappaylion Frank & Denise Parlamas Karin Poorvin Anne Pulos James & Felicia Serano

Robert & Holly Simmen Mary Osborn Siver Patricia Harris Slaughter Mary Ann King & Robert Speck “Gypsy” Fe Martin Tilton Marion E. Vogler Rita Weinstein Betty Wilderotter Joan Wobser Jonathan Woolley Michael Woolley Linda Wright

Supporter $25+ (132) Carol A. Allen John Altobello Mary Pat Angelini Thomas W. & Joan Appleby, Sr. Carl & Gerri Applegate Shirley Bailey Bill & Judy Ball Rosemary Baram William Barrett Linda & Robert Beauchamp Janet Beringer Gayle Billows Heidi Bisbee Maria Pontones Bonenfant Andrew & Dian Brannen Malcolm Brophy Earl Brousell Donald R. Bruno Ann Marie Cappadona Joseph Carey Eric Capponi & Annmarie Catuogno Stuart Chavis DMD Barbara & John Coats Marie & Dave Dahrouge Dolores C. DeMaria Joan Dilloian Pat Dosky M. M. Douglass Anna Edelson Dan Edelson Katherine Edward Nancy Ehrlich Nancy Emmons Maryann Farry Mary Lou Feindt Michael A. Fiorentino Frances P. Fluhr Peggy & Charlie Foster Sue & Joe Frankel Dolores & Fred Fraterrigo Penelope Gabriel Claire T. Garland

MaryEllen & Edward C. Gibbon Amy Goldman Dorothy Goodrich Abbie Carthy/Ron Gorsky Jane Grabelle Rosemary& Gerald Gregory Ellen Gulick Sylvia Hadowanetz George & Frances Hansen Judith Hazelrigg Robert Lee Hefter Pamela & Allen Hirsh Historical Society of Ocean Grove Kris, Dallas, & Pippa Hlatky Lois F. Holden Chris & Barbara Hoppin Dorothy Hughes Ken & Mary Johnson Margaret Jones Charles Kachnoskie Ellen Kale Demitri Karagias Jerome & Loretta Kessel Fran Lambertson Calvin W. Larkin Joal Leone Arlene LaBanca Levenson LLC Barbara Lomasson Kenneth & Arlene Lutz Heather MacDonald Diane Maher Marilyn Major John Mamula Claudia & Geralyn Marchini Ric Martell Jan Masucci Les & Suzi Mathis Nicole Mauro Raymond P. McKernan Jean McMaster Charles Meehan Barbara Metcalfe Marilyn Michaels Robert & Cheryl Miller Gene & Fran Minor Madeline Molloy Anita Nelson David H. Osborn Gloria J. Parisi Elizabeth Pawlukanis Jean Perkins Phillip & Lucille Petillo Michele Petito Charles & Gail Plumeri

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Ocean’s Heritage, Fall 2014

Mark your calendar

continued from page 6 Supporter $25+, continued Jim & Sheryl Powers Bruce & Lois Pyle Jeanne Ribsam Susan Rosenberg Marc & Judy Rubenstein Sarah Salmon Janet & Hoody Sexton Norma Shafto Stevie Shutman Margaret Simpson Alan & Bonnie Skolnik Helyn R. Slovak

Susan P. Spengeman Sandee & Thom Steckbeck Robert Stewart Don Stine Chryssa Telonidis Julia Telonidis Alice J. Timms Herb & Jean Tomer Frank J Tomaino, Jr. Ruth M. Van Houten Tom Vignola Barbara Villapiano Thomas & Madeline Walsh

Phyllis Walters Jason & Sharon Watt Sally Welch Patricia Whitney Robin Whitney Ralph & Eleanor Williams Frances Wolak Peter & Beth Woolley Kenneth Wright Donald Yacavone William & Debbie Zieman Milton & Clara Gee Ziment

Holiday Weekend and Oakhurst 11 to 4, Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7--Eden Woolley House For two days, the Museum is transformed for the holidays. Hand-crafted gifts,

Museum reopens after holidays Sunday, January 4, 1-4 General Meeting and Speaker Event

“New Jersey Inventions”

Thank you, Business Partners, for your support

Tuesday, March 10, 7:15--Oakhurst School-

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Author Linda Barth highlights the breakthroughs--from the transistor to the bar code--invented in New Jersey and documented in her latest book.

e are grateful to the professionals and enterprises who have joined our Business Partnership program. They

Ocean Township Society ($250)

and encouragement. Their generosity helps us maintain the Woolley House

Community Leader ($125)

programs.

Join us in expressing our appreciation to our 2014 Business Partners.

Community Member ($25)

Ansell, Grimm & Aaron Fire and Safety Systems Co. Super Foodtown Golda & Golda, CPAs Atlantic Security & Fire Widman, Cooney, Wilson, McGann & Fitterer

Reminder Please remember to return your Quilt them in the mail. State law requires that we account for all books distributed.

Recent Happenings Holiday and winter schedule

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he Museum closes for the holidays Tuesday, December 23 and reopens Sunday, January 4. We also close Thursday evenings for the winter beginning December 18, reopening Thursday evening March 12. (As always, the Museum is open by appointment for you, your guests, or favorite group. Call

In Memoriam

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arie Domenico, 87, passed away August 3. Her career in advertising led her to long stints in Europe and California. After retirement, she returned to her home state of New Jersey, settling in Ocean Township. She was a loyal and generous member of the Museum.

October 7 Museum Speaker Event County historian Randy Gabrielan shared images of“Monmouth County: Past and Present” with an attentive audience at the October Speaker Event. Here he signs a copy of his new book of the same title for audience members Bob Jaroszewki and Nancy Ehrlich.

October 11 Archives Day More than 60 historical organizations from around the state exhibited at this year’s Archives Day at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Manalpan. Ginny Richmond, Marge Edelson, and Heather MacDonald (pictured) and Paul Edelson represented our Museum.

Ocean’s Heritage, Fall 2014

Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7

Museum Holiday Weekend

and Opening of Oakhurst School Exhibit The Eden Woolley House

The Eden Woolley House

Home of the Township of Ocean Historical Museum

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Museum Hours

/ - 365 ( - 365Äť/,- 395g5.)5j Äť/,- 35 0 (#(!95m5.)5o55B *,#&5.)5 )0 ' ,C g-.5 ( 5h( 5 /( 3-5) 5." 5')(."95g5.)5j5 ‘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

2015 Household Membership Application 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