Ocean’s
The Eden Woolley House
The Township of Ocean Historical Museum
Heritage
Vol. 29, No. 2, Spring 2013
Major Exhibit opens in the Richmond Gallery June 30
Asbury Park: The History of a Jersey Gem The doors open Sunday, June 30 to a major new exhibit at the Eden Woolley House. For many, the topic, “Asbury Park: The History of a Jersey Gem,” is rich with personal memories. It’s a history still being made--a fascinating story of dreams and disruptions. The first dream belonged to James Bradley, a successful New York businessman and avid convert to Methodism. In 1870, Bradley saw the opportunity to combine both passions--to develop a community profitable to its investors and one dedicated to healthy living (of both the spiritual and physical kind). He bought 500 acres just north of Ocean Grove and set out to realize his vision of a Christian city by the sea. He named it for Francis Asbury, Asbury America’s first Methodist bishop. He laid out the streets--and the rules. No alcohol. No unseemly pastimes. From the start, he was determined to build a thriving year round community. For decades, Asbury was distinguished among resorts for its booming commer-
Kiddie ride, Asbury boardwalk, circa 1955.
Photo from Don Stine.
cial district and successful light industry. But times do change. And by the time of his death in 1921, Bradley was infuriated with the changes to his city. In 1903, he sold the boardwalk to the city and began to lose control. In 1906, Asbury annexed the West Side and the immigrant and African American communities (who had
built the city) gained political voice. In 1917, a fire decimated many of the grand hotels, and amusements took their place. The disruptions continued. The 1920s brought their “roaring” brand of lawless fun--and a major storm that wiped out much of the boardwalk. The Depression brought fiscal crisis. The war years brought more fiscal turmoil-and a devastating hurricane. The 1960s brought threats to downtown shopping and to the racial balance of the schools. The exhibit tells of the heydays come and gone--of repeated crisis and rebirth. It begins with Bradley’s dream. It covers Asbury the resort city and Asbury the retail mecca. It pays homage to the rich cultural and musical contributions of the West Side. And it makes the case that throughout the city’s complex history, courageous visionaries have reinvented its future. Join us for the opening. If you knew the city in its mid-century halcyon days, you’ll find fond memories. If you are rooting for Asbury today, today you’ll find reason to believe in its latest rebirth.
EXHIBIT OPENING
1 to 4 Sunday, June 30, 2013 The Eden Woolley House
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Ocean’s Heritage, Spring 2013
Author speaks on Jersey shore food history
Equipment old and new line the way for the opening of the Fire Company exhibit.
Museum honors 100 years of fire-fighting
Firemen turn out for exhibit opening
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t was a perfect day for an opening-especially one that had so much going on outside. Nearly 100 visitors--many of them firemen and their families--were at the Eden Woolley House, Sunday, April 7, to celebrate “100 Years of FireFighting: The Story of the Oakhurst Fire Company.” The firemen came in dress uniform --and they brought with them a parade of equipment guaranteed to impress the adults and delight the children. Young visitors climbed aboard fire engines and took a close look at the hoses, horns, and ladders. Inside, guests poured over the new exhibit and even seasoned vets discovered a few new facts about the fire company’s distinguished history. Museum docents guided guests (many first time visitors) through the other galleries and served “Oakhurst oakleaf” cookies homemade just for the occasion. If you missed the opening, you can still see the exhibit (without the trucks and whistles, of course). It will be up at least through August.
(Left) Fire Company Historian Jim Hiers with his father Dave and son David. (Right) Fire Chief John Morrow with his wife Karen and children Hailey and Riley.
Museum president Paul Edelson welcomes the visiting firemen at the Museum flag pole which now flies the Department’s Centennial flag.
2013 QUILT NEARS COMPLETION
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he 2013 quilt, to be raffled December 8 at the Holiday Exhibit, is nearly done. Its “Rosy Blooms” pattern uses the classic Dresden Plate design. The quilters will soon move on to craft the handmade items sold at the Museum Shop and various events. The team includes: Marge Edelson, chairman, Gerri Applegate, Sergie Conklin, Lois Landis, Eileen McCormack, Jeanne Ribsam, Ann Stiles, Sarah Salmon, Hilda Vafiadis. Marion Vogler, Betty Wilderotter, and Joan Wobser. Tickets are available from raffle chairman Mary Hill or by calling the Museum at 732-531-2136.
Karen Schnitzpahn with her latest book.
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ew Jersey native Karen Schnitzpahn talks about her newest book, Jersey Shore Food History: Victorian Feasts to Boardwalk Treats, at 7:15, Tuesday, June 11, at Oakhurst Schoolhouse Auditorium, 163 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst. From the lavish fare once served up by the shore’s grand hotels to the iconic goodies available on the boardwalks, the story of food offers a fresh and delicious perspective on local history. Think what salt water taffy and Pork Roll might have to say about Garden State tastes and habits! The presentation is the next in the Museum’s Speaker’s Program. It is open to the public, free of charge. Donations are welcome. (We accept nonperishable items for the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.)
House marking program
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ifty-five Township houses bear plagues announcing their distinction as centennial homes. And each year, more structures become eligible. If you think your home is at least 100 years old and would like it marked with a centennial plaque, give the Museum a call (732-5312136). Centennial Home Director Kathy Parratt will help you through the process. (Deeds, available in the Hall of Records or the County Archives, have most of the needed information. Plaques cost $50.)
7 Talented volunteers step up to fill vacant Board positions
Introducing . . .
Recording Secretary, Nancy Emmons and some of her handiwork at the Museum Welcome Desk.
Exhibit Opening “Asbury Park: The History of a Jersey Gem”
Sunday, June 30, 1 to 4—Eden Woolley House
Walking Tours, Museum grounds Speaker Program Director, Lois Kiely Lois is a retired school administrator (and former New Jersey Teacher of the Year). She is a charter member of the Museum who has helped out in many ways over the years. You may remember her as Amelia Earhart at the History Ghost Walk where spirits of the Interlaken Air Show came back to life. She is talented artist whose paintings will be featured in an upcoming show at the Terner Gallery. Our new Board members are not alone in taking on new responsibilities for the Museum. Past VP Alice Timms, for example, answered President Paul Edelson’s email appeal to the membership for someone to schedule docents. We appreciate all the competent, willing talent that keeps the Museum running.
In memoriam
We mourn the passing in recent months of three loyal Museum members. Our thoughts go out to their friends and families.
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obert Gouley, 79, died March 8. Bob, a journalist and Korean War veteran, was a familiar and friendly face at Museum events. His lifelong friend and loving companion, Ellen Gulick, is our Head Research Librarian.
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aroline Woolley, 99, died March 21. Caroline was a longtime member and early supporter of the Museum. Caroline loaned us a treasured dollhouse for one of our first exhibits. (Her deceased husband Al was interviewed for one of the oral histories that led to the founding of the Museum.)
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Mark your calendar
Coming Events
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ancy Emmons and Lois Kiely have joined the Museum Board--Nancy as Recording Secretary and Lois as Director of the Speakers’ Program. Nancy is a longtime resident of Oakhurst, retired from Bell Labs and now working at the Monmouth Racetrack. She is a trained Museum docent--and the talent responsible for those charming crossstitched pencil cases we give to young visitors.
Ocean’s Heritage, Spring 2013
nhong Hur, 65, died April 21. He was born in Korea and served in the U.S. Army. He had a masters degree in music, retired as a mechanical design engineer, and was a member of the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club.
June 30, 1 to 4, and by appointment as weather permits.--Eden Woolley House
General Meeting and Speaker Event Karen Schnitzpahn, Jersey Shore Food History Tuesday, June 11, 7:15—
Oakhurst School Auditorium
5th Annual American Doll and Teddy Bear Tea
Sunday, July 14, 1-3:30--Eden Woolley House. Tea and treats, doll fashion show, crafts and fun under the tents. Doll shop, special exhibits. Tickets on sale June 1.
Korean War Flag-Raising
Saturday, July 27, 6:30--Eden Woolley House. Honoring local Korean War verterans, living and deceased. Call the Museum, 732-531-2136, to include your loved one.
Antique Appraisals What’s It Worth? Friday, September 20, 7 to 9—Terner
Gallery (Library Building). Local experts appraise your treasures.
General Meeting and Speaker Event Author Mary Walton discusses her biography of suffragette Alice Paul
Tuesday, November 12, 7:15— Oakhurst School Auditorium
Holiday Exhibit Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8--Eden Woolley House
Ocean’s Heritage, Spring 2013
6 “Life is like a cup of tea. It’s all in how you make it.”
Spring Tea makes a fine showing
Bill and Helen Litts, Joanne Angioletti, Ginny Richmond, Dave Miller, and Betty Pawlukanis respond to a story by their Longwood Gardens guide.
Longwood Gardens
Quite a trip
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he sun came out for the Museum travelers to Longwood Gardens, April 17. The all-day trip to the world renowned site in Kennett Square, PA, was a springtime adventure--starting with private guided tours of the grounds. Every path led to dense, colorful displays of spring flowers. The Conservatory was abloom with daisies and more exotic fare. It was a just-right combination of guided walk and on-your-own exploring --with enough time for a relaxing lunch. Thanks to Paul Edelson, Ginny Richmond, and Robert Grove for handling the arrangements and making it a flawless experience for all of us.
Inside the Longwood Gardens Conservatory
Consider volunteering
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f you are reading this newsletter, chances are, you are already a Museum member. Consider becoming actively involved. There are opportunities and time-commitments that fit your preferences. From acting, to quilting, to researching, to teaching 3rd graders--we welcome your talents. Call to learn more (732-531-2136).
Museum President Paul Edelson joins the winners of the Spring Tea Hat Contest (from left to right) Michelle Petito, Marjorie Mollenauer and Mary Lou Feindt. As guests arrived at the West Park Recreation Center for tea on April 27, they found Phoebe Woolley (aka Heather MacDonald) playing the harp for them. As they entered the dining room, they discovered the space transformed for the occasion. Tables decked in spring-colored cloths and set with fine china. Tea served in quaint china pots. Homemade tea sandwiches, scones, cakes, and sweets presented three plates high on traditional English serving racks. There was much to delight and amuse. Talented junior docent September McCarthy sang. The Hat Contest showed off the fancy head-wear. As Event Chairman Brenda Wytik told guests, “ We hope that you are transported from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to somewhere else—a quaint village of your choice, perhaps!” The ninth annual tea gave guests a charming way to spend an April day and the Museum a $3000 boost to its budget. Thirty-one gift baskets were auctioned. Chances for this year’s quilt September McCarthy sings (which made its premiere at the tea) were on sale. for guests And an array of handmade gifts from Museum’s quilters filled the “Museum Shop.” The elegance and financial success were no accident. The Tea took the hard work and talents of 33 volunteers and 4 junior docents working with Brenda and co-chairs Marge Edelson and Joal Leone. Their work paid off--for guests who enjoyed the tea and for all who appreciate the Museum and its programs. .
Contributing Businesses AM Theater Clearview Cinema Costco Houlihan Mary Kay Nikki’s Hair Salon
Porta The Showroom Tupperware Two River Theater Wegmans
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Ocean’s Heritage, Spring 2013
Make reservations early for this special Sunday afternoon
American Doll and Teddy Bear Tea Party, July 14
Message from the Museum
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The lawn of the Woolley House is transformed for the day, as shown here at last year’s American Doll and Teddy Bear Tea Party.
he fifth annual American Doll Tea Party takes place Sunday, July 14th from 1 to 3:30 (rain date July 21). Children and their favorite adults gather under the tents on the lawn of the Eden Woolley House. Dolls and teddy bears and their young owners are the star attraction. Celebrating their favorite, children show off the outfit of their doll or teddy bear in off a fashion show, make a craft, hear a story, Dolls dressed as the Woolley Sisters, and enjoy a tasty tea party. A Doll Shop daughters of Eden Woolley, will make features handmade clothes and accessories, another appearance at the Doll Tea and and inside the Museum doll and teddy bear another chapter of their life 150 years collections are on display. ago will be told. Tickets are $25 and admit one child (5 years or older) and an adult. Tickets for additional children are $10 each, additional adults are $25 each. Seating is limited. Reservations are a must. Tickets are on sale starting June 1st. Call 732-531-6040 or the Museum at 732-531-2136.
Museum commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the end of the Korean War
Flag-raising for Korean War veterans, July 27 The Korean War ended July 27, 1953. It had lasted three years and killed more than 50,000 American soldiers. On Saturday, July 27, 2013, the 60th anniversary of the war’s end, the Museum will honor Korean War veterans--living and deceased--at a flag-raising ceremony on the Woolley House grounds. Please call or write the Museum (732531-2136 or oceanmuseum@verizon.net) to arrange for your loved one to be honored. Our focus is on local veterans, but we welcome all who wish to be remembered.
Korea was divided--North and South--at the 38th parallel (latitude) after World War II. On June 25, 1950, the North invaded the South, starting the Korean War.
President
am looking forward to being the tenth President of the Township of Ocean Historical Museum. I follow in the footsteps of the talented and dedicated leaders who have brought the Museum over the last 30 years to its current status as a regional resource with more than 300 members: • Our first seven presidents raised public interest and helped create a local museum in two rooms at the Old Oakhurst School (now the School Administration Building.) • Ginny Richmond guided the Museum for the ten-year period that transformed it from tworoom facility to the ten-room, fully restored “Eden Woolley House,” and from an annual $5,000 budget to a $30,000 a year operation. • In the last two years, Brenda Wityk brought us new ideas and a growing group of dedicated volunteers. I thank all these presidents for building the firm foundation on which we stand on this our 30th anniversary. As I look forward, my goal is to raise the museum’s visibility in our community--and beyond. With this goal in mind, we will continue to provide exhibits that have widened our audience and our membership (like those we’ve done on WWII, the Boro of Deal, the Takanassee Life Saving Station, and the Interlaken Air Show). In this spirit, we premiere the Asbury Park exhibit in the Richmond Gallery June 30 and reach out to the many visitors who have memories of the city. Please support the Museum and consider becoming a volunteer. We welcome new ideas and new members. Paul Edelson
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Ocean’s Heritage, Spring 2013
Folk artist George Hoffman is delivering his sea dragon from Delaware
Hand-carved carousel figure is the centerpiece of the Asbury exhibit
A Asbury Park native Dorian Parreott
A lifetime of memories
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orian Parreott opened his home and his scrapbooks to Museum Exhibit Director Peggy Dellinger, who requested an interview as part of her research for the upcoming exhibit on Asbury Park. Dorian grew up in the city and taught music for 23 years at Asbury Park High School. His fascinating life story is a window on the city’s history. Dorian graduated from Asbury High in 1954, where he played basketball, football, tennis--and all manner of musical instruments. His basketball skill won him a scholarship to college. His music opened doors--from jazz clubs in Asbury to the stage of the Apollo.
s this newsletter goes to press, the finishing touches on the centerpiece of our upcoming exhibit are being applied in a workshop in Delaware. The object in question is a carousel sea dragon, hand carved by folk artist George Hoffman, formerly of Long Branch. George’s love of carousels is a lifelong passion--starting with visits to his family’s country-fair style amusement park (still active) in Elysburg, PA. He began carving horses in 1990. “I decided to do it George Hoffman at work on the sea dragon. George is because it is part of my heritage. a student of the old carousel masters. He patterns his I loved wood and read books to masterpieces from images of vintage creatures. learn the traditional techniques,” he explains. His creatures, like the originals, are carved from basswood. The bodies are hollow, to limit their weight. (Our sea dragon weighs just 98 pounds.) George remembers Asbury’s two merry-go-rounds. “The Palace carousel was the creme-de-la-creme! The work of four or more of the country’s best carvers were represented. It was menagerie style, so called for its variety of creatures: horses, camels, giraffes, deer--even cherubs and chariots,” he recalls. George’s sea dragon, almost The sea dragon makes its debut at our Asbury Park ready for paint and finishing exhibit. Its creator will join us at the opening, June 30. touches.
Asbury Park
By the Numbers
Dorian’s Latin jazz band played in the legendary clubs of Asbury’s West Side. Images from Dorian’s scrapbooks will be on view at the “Asbury Park: The History of Jersey Gem” exhibit opening June 30.
Video your Asbury memories We would like to videotape your memories of Asbury Park. Call the Museum (732-531-2136) to arrange an interview and taping. Bring photos and artifacts. The exhibit will be your backdrop. Copies of the edited video go to you and the Museum Library.
$90,000 Price James Bradley, Asbury’s founder, paid in 1870 for the 500 acres that became Asbury Park
0 Stops allowed on Sunday at the Asbury/Ocean Grove Railroad Station until the restriction was lifted in 1912
900 Blocks added to Asbury in 1906 when it annexed the
West Side (previously an unincorporated area of Neptune)
$100,000 Price paid by the city to James Bradley in 1903 for his mile-long boardwalk
1.3 million Gallons of salt water in the Monte Carlo, ”The World’s Largest Salt Water Pool”
250,000 Visitors to Asbury, July 4th weekend, 1941 75 Buildings (including many grand hotels) destroyed by fire in 1917
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Ocean’s Heritage, Spring 2013
Paul Edelson in 1954, at 17 years and 135 pounds, with his 1936 Ford--bought for $35 and sold when he went off to college two years later for $50.
I Remember . . .
Working on the Asbury beachfront The year I turned 14, I got my working papers and began my first career on the Asbury Park beachfront. It was the 1950s and the businesses in Asbury Park were booming. The shopping, the beaches, and the fun brought people by car, bus, and train to the city. Summers at the oceanfront featured the beaches, the amusements, nightly entertainment, and family restaurants. Along Ocean Avenue alone, families could eat at Michals, Mrs. Jay’s (now the Stone Pony), Steve Brody’s, LaBove’s, and the Miamian (in the Monterey Hotel). There were also small restaurants on the Boardwalk and near the theaters on Cookman and Lake Avenues. A 1950 city directory lists 125 hotels--average room rate, $5 a night and $15 a week. Walter Reade owned seven theaters in the city as well as the Monte Carlo at 8th Avenue which he billed as “ the world’s largest salt water swimming pool.” Parking cars for Uncle Irv
My uncle, Irv Edelson,
burgers, 30. We used Haydu hot dogs, fresh ground beef from the Bradley Meat Market, and Kneips rolls from their bakery on the west side of Asbury. We were open until 3 a.m. and people lined up until closing to get a hot dog or hamburger. Steve Brody’s Restaurant was “open air” ( no air conditioning). Families could get the “nightly special” for $1.25 that included soup or salad, entree, dessert and beverage. Tending bar At 21, I moved into the bar for the 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. shift. Five bartenders worked nights mixing drinks, tapping kegs, stacking bottles in the cooler, chopping ice, and washing glasses (by hand). We had Piels and Schaeffer beer on tap for 15 cents a glass and Pabst, Rheingold and Budweiser beer in bottles for 35 cents. Every summer night, Benny Saunders (piano) and Trudy Sullivan (voice) performed a “Gay Nineties Revue.” Weekends, customers stood three deep at the bar, singing along (even before karaoke).
had Steve Brody’s Restaurant and Bar on Third and Ocean Avenue. He hired each of his nephews as we reached working age. At 14, I worked in the two parking lots behind the restaurant. I was paid $28 for a 6 1/2 day week. (When Eddie the Iceman I asked about a day off, my In the days before ice uncle explained,”I don’t need machines, the key man Steve Brody menu from the Don Stine Archive. you in November!”) But since along the beachfront was locker boys were making $15 plus tips for a 5 day week, I “Eddie the Iceman” from Seaboard Service. Eddie worked thought I had a “good deal.” from 9 a.m. until 2 a.m. delivering blocks of ice to the bars We charged 50 cents a day to park during the week and and restaurants. He was the strongest man I ever knew. $1 on weekends. People preferred the lots to the street where Ask any of the Asbury Park High School football players they had to run back and forth all day to feed the meters. On who worked with Eddie to get in shape for the fall football busy summer nights we were packed, and cars were parked season. on the streets back to Grand Avenue. I learned to drive movIn the 1950s, summer at the Asbury beachfront was ing cars around in those parking lots! where the “action” was. And every kid who ever worked Moving inside At 18, I moved inside to cook hot dogs and hamburgers at the front window grill. Hot dogs were 20 cents; ham-
there came away with a lifetime of memories. Paul Edelson Museum President
Ocean’s Heritage, Spring 2013
Opening: Sunday, June 30
Asbury Park The History of a Jersey Gem
The Eden Woolley House
Home of the Township of Ocean Historical Museum
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 1st and 2nd Sundays of the month: 1 to 4
The Township of Ocean Historical Museum
2013 Membership Application/Renewal
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