Ocean’s Heritage, Winter 2016
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The Eden Woolley House
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Opening in the Our Town Gallery March 6
New exhibit tells “Local Stories of the Civil War�
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he Civil War is the subject of more than an estimated 60,000 books, scores of movies, and a groundbreaking TV documentary. It’s the most documented subject in the American archive. So it’s a legitimate question to ask: What could our local history museum possibly add? The answer: local history. The new mini-exhibit, opening 1 to 4, Sunday, March 6 in the Our Town Gallery of the Eden Woolley House, explores the impact of the Civil War on New Jersey and Monmouth County. It explains our state’s ambiguous loyalties and looks at the roles played by a collection of New Jerseyans--both prominent and little known.
New Jersey’s conflicted loyalty Although the claim that the Mason-Dixon line passes through New Jersey is an urban myth, our state did have conflicting loyalties building up to and throughout the war between the North and South. Newark, Trenton, Camden, and Paterson were preeminent industrial centers and their manufactured products were sold in the South. War threatened business. Many in New Jersey opposed war and called for a negotiated peace. New Jersey’s conflicted loyalties were
expressed in the polling place. Ours was the only Northern state to reject Lincoln in both the 1860 and 1864 Presidential elections. As painful as it is to acknowledge today, even attitudes toward slavery were divided. Although Quakers in south Jersey were active abolitionists and major routes in the Underground Railroad ran through New Jersey, ours was the last northern state to outlaw slavery. Our 1804 legislation called for its gradual phase-out. The last 16 indentured servants in the state were freed late in 1865 with the passage of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. (The New Jersey legislature voted against the 13th Amendment when it was first introduced and did not reverse that vote until enough states had already ratified to ensure passage.)
A valiant response to the call to arms Despite New Jersey’s ambivalence, its men and women responded valiantly to the call to arms. Most considered the seccession of the Southern states an act of treason. More than 88,000 New Jersey men (overwhelmingly volunteers) fought for the Union. Over 6,200 died (including those who perished of disease or as prisoners of war). Twenty-six soldiers from New Jersey regiments received the Medal of Honor.
Brigadier General Horace Porter, Civil War Medal of Honor recipient, aide-de-camp to General Grant and later personal secretary to President Grant, moved to Elberon after retiring from the army in 1873.
Exhibit Opening 1 to 4 Sunday, March 6
Behind the statistics are the stories of real people. Men who left behind farms and businesses. Women who ran things in their absence. Heroes who distinguished themselves. Scoundrels who didn’t. And ten of thousands of men and women whose lives were forever changed by the experiences and memories of the country’s bloodiest war.
The Eden Woolley House Horace Porter, Elberon resident and aide to Gen. Grant, witnessed Lee’s surrender at Appomattox.
Join us The exhibit offers a sampling of these stories and lays out the complexity of our state’s political loyalties. Join us Sunday, March 6 for the opening of “Local Stories of the Civil War.�
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Ocean’s Heritage, Winter 2016
The Woolley sisters engaged visitors at the Holiday Weekend
The “Our Town” Gallery held a miniature Colonial village and model train set, a display of characters from Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, and a small exhibit on the history of holiday traditions.
Our talented junior docents brought the Woolley family and Victorian Christmas traditions to life. Shown here (left to right): Claudia Arias, Liz Yaccarino, and Sarah Taylor: Not pictured Claire Taylor and Juliette Muth.
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n Saturday and Sunday, December 4 and 5, close to 200 guests visited the Eden Woolley House for our annual Holiday Weekend. Adults and children alike were recruited to sing carols with Mrs. Woolley and her daughters—and even dance a bit of the Virginia Reel. It was an old-fashioned celebration, and our living history interpreters were happy to share descriptions of Victorian Christmas traditions, complete with their popcorn strung, candle-festooned, tabletop tree. Every gallery was transformed for the occasion: trains and miniatures in the Our Town Gallery; crafts, gifts, and homemade goodies in Hearth and Home. The Ocean Township Garden Club filled the porch with handmade wreaths and swags. Children searched from gallery to gallery to complete their “Find the Nutcrackers” game cards. As always, the Holiday Weekend ended with the quilt raffle drawing. The result this year was especially gratifying. Longtime member and mother of our past president and good friend Kathy Brady (1953-2007) was the lucky winner.
Left to right: Betty Wilderotter, Sergie Conklin, and Joan Wobser helped visitors select handmade items from the Museum Shop (aka “Hearth and Home” Gallery).
Trusts and Foundations
An important source of support
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ast year, the Museum’s ability to operate the Eden Woolley House and provide the public a rich array of exhibits and events was strengthened by contributions from a group of charitable trusts and foundations. We appreciate the support of these organizations and thank them for their generosity. • The William T. and Marie J. Henderson Foundation ($1,000) • The Wells Fargo Charitable Foundation ($1,000) • The Rita & Harry Greenberger Foundation Inc. ($500)
Persistence pays. Oakhurst resident Carolyn Brady, winner of 2015 quilt, has been a loyal purchaser of our quilt raffle tickets from the start. Twenty-eighth year was a charm!
• The Brunetti Foundation ($500) • The Renzulli Charitable Trust, sponsored by Libero Marx and Giuliana M. Renzulli ($250) • The Jeffries Family Foundation of the Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund ($250)
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Ocean’s Heritage, Winter 2016
See “Hometown Histories” on Ocean TV (Channel 77 on Cablevision and 22 on Verizon FiOS) and at oceanmuseum.org
Early Oakhurst remembered on “Hometown Histories”
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n intelligent and feisty woman who raised seven sons is going to have stories to tell. When we invited Mayor Chris Siciliano to interview his mother, Marie, for the Museum’s “Hometown Histories,” we expected a lively and interesting session, and we weren’t disappointed.
Marie’s story
sonal recollections of earlier times— particularly of Ocean Township and coastal Monmouth County. Museum member Dallas Grove leads the project. She works with participants in advance to organize their stories and prepare for the interview and is available to conduct the interview if they prefer. A copy of the resulting DVD goes to the family and another to the Museum archives. With the family’s permission, the interview appears on Ocean TV (Channels 77 on Cablevision and 22 on Verizon FiOS) and at oceanmuseum.org.
Marie, an Irish girl born and raised in the Midwest, met and married Easterner Gavin Sicilia- Mayor Chris Siciliano and his mother, Marie, review family no when he was stationed in St. photos in preparation for their “Hometown Histories” interview, available on oceanmuseum.org. Louis for Air Force training just community and eventually she and Gavin before the start of the Korean Who in your family holds the stories? War. Gavin brought his Irish bride home opened their own real estate agency. In the Honor them with an invitation to be part of to meet his Italian family in Monmouth early years, their business focused on serv- “Hometown Histories.” Call the Museum County. Marie’s recollections of the reac- ing the needs of families buying homes (732-531-2136) or email oceanmuseum@veritions of her family to Gavin and Gavin’s to (especially in Oakhurst) with GI Bill loans. zon.net to learn how. Marie’s stories depict Ocean’s transher describe a clash of cultures that we’d like to think is behind us (New Jersey jokes formation from a rustic outpost to a booming suburb. Her candor and wit make for notwithstanding). After Gavin’s war service, the Sicilia- a vivid and amusing local history lesson. nos settled in Asbury Park. In 1958, they About “Hometown Histories” moved to Oakhurst—then a rural and “Hometown Histories” is the Musesleepy village. Marie became active in the um’s project to videotape and share pere are delighted to have hosted more than 1,800 guests last year. But even that healthy Reserve your table number is a tiny fraction of the audience we’d like to reach. With that in mind, we applied and received a grant from the NJ Cultural Trust to build a capability to produce our own videos and expand our preshe Museum’s 12th a variety of delicious teas. There will be a ence on television and the web. Annual Spring Tea gift basket auction, a sale of quilted crafts With the money, we have purwill be held Saturday, and doll clothes, and a fancy hat contest. chased video and sound equipApril 23, from 2 to 4 The Tea sells out every year. Please ment and upgraded the production (seating at 1:30) at the buy your tickets early. They must be purvalues of our programs. We now West Park Avenue Recchased in advance--none are sold at the have the flexibility and in-house reation Center, Oakhurst. Tickets ($25) door. capability to videotape and post are available starting March 1. Call 732Gift Auction Items Welcome “Hometown Histories,” our Speak531-2136 to reserve your space. Single Did you receive a holiday gift you can’t ers’ Series, and special events. Stay tickets are available, but the most fun use? Maybe we can! We welcome new items tuned! is coming with friends and reserving for the Spring Tea gift baskets. Call 732(The grant also provided funds to tables for four or eight! 531-2136 or simply bring your items to the upgrade the technology in our MuseYou’ll enjoy tasty tea sandwichMuseum (hours are printed on the back of the um office, including updating and exes, breads, desserts, and scones (with newsletter). We will transform your donapanding our system for managing our whipped cream, butter, or jam)--all made tions into delightful packages--and revenue archives and collection.) by Museum volunteers. You’ll be offered for the Museum!
Grant expands our video capacity
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Spring Tea tickets available starting March 1
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Ocean’s Heritage, Winter 2016
7:15 p.m., Tuesday, March 8 at the Oakhurst Schoolhouse
Talk: The life of a Confederate soldier
A Message from the Museum
President
We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. C. Ozick In the past few years the Museum has honored veterans from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. As we prepare an exhibit on the Civil War, we recognize the repeated theme of “service and sacrifice” that is asked of the citizens of our nation. From its very beginnings, people stepped forward to build an independent country based on freedom and choice. Generations have served not only in the military but also on the homefront, sacrificing to support the very principles on which the country was founded. Memories of family members going off to war, scrap drives, blackouts, rationing, and air raid drills were part of my childhood. “Doing our part” was an accepted way of life. As we reflect on the stories of local citizens of the Civil War era, we take pride in the traditions of service and sacrifice that still characterize our country today. Paul Edelson
Ocean’s Heritage is published quarterly by the Township of Ocean Historical Museum Museum President, Paul Edelson Newsletter Editor, Peggy Dellinger
rthur Green is a military historian whose own family history in Monmouth County dates back to 1680 and is populated with ancestors who served in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. So maybe his fascination for all things military is in his genes. From childhood he has collected and researched uniforms, equipment, weapons—the stuff of waging war and the stories behind it. He is next in the Museum Speakers Series, appearing 7:15, Tuesday, March 8, at the auditorium of the old Oakhurst Schoolhouse (Board Offices), 163 Monmouth Rd., Oakhurst. He’s bringing with him Military history scholar, items from his collection to illustrate the life of a Civil Arthur Green War soldier. “I’ve chosen to talk about the Confederate solder,” Arthur explains, “because it tells a little understood but interesting story.” It is the story of how the South—an agrarian society with limited manufacturing capability and few raw materials— was able to mobilize and equip an army. The North had the factories, distribution channels, and financial resources to provision its troops. The South relied on determination, innovation, and the personal involvement of its population. The difference is seen in uniforms and equipment. The Confederates emphasized functionality. Their uniform was not a fashion statement. No cuffs, limited trim. Non-traditional materials substituted for things like leather and wool. Everyone, even Mrs. Robert E. Lee, worked on provisions. The story is that when told the war had ended, she lay down her knitting, having finished just one sock of a pair, saying “our soldiers will not need these now.” Join us March 8 to learn the full story. Arthur’s mastery of the down-to-earth realities of army life and his informal and engaging style will leave you informed and entertained. Homemade refreshments are served. Admission is free. (Donations are always welcome.)
The Museum in 2015
1,804
By the Numbers
Visitors to the Museum (including 200 third-graders)
351
Items accessioned and added to our collection
346
Household memberships (representing 594 people)
10,843
Website visits (oceanmuseum.org)
2
Exhibit openings (“Fashion: The History of What We Wear” and “Ocean Township High School at 50”)
3
Speakers (on NJ’s covered bridges, NJ’s canals, and the Secaucus Potter’s Field)
5
Major events (Spring Tea, American Doll Tea, Woolley Family Reunion, Ghost Walk, Holiday Weekend)
3
Major awards (for newsletter, innovation, and historic preservation)
3
Grants (for operations, technology, and tower restoration)
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I Remember . . .
Ocean’s Heritage, Winter 2016
Michelle Green of West Long Branch remembers when her volunteer work to mark the graves of local veterans turned into an obsession to honor Civil War nurse and Long Branch resident Mary Dunbar.
Meeting Mary Dunbar It started as a volunteer commitment to commemorate deceased local war veterans on Memorial Day. It led to an obsession to honor one particular veteran—Civil War nurse and Long Branch resident Mary Dunbar.
The original project
GAR (New Jersey Women’s Relief Corps, Grand Army of the Republic). What was her story? My curiosity was piqued. I searched census and death records, but information on Mary was hard to find. I learned that she was born in New York City and lived the last 12 years of her life in Long Branch. She served as one of just 2,000 female Civil War army nurses (most wartime nurses were men). She was stationed at Fortress Monroe, VA., and she died indigent. Although Mary was listed on the Monmouth County Veterans’ Grave registry, the U.S. had kept no official records of the women who served as nurses. Many of the nurses were volunteers, as Mary may have been. In any case, she received no government pension. Her husband was dead, and her death records implied she died of neglect. There is evidence that her death became a “poster story” in a campaign for fair treatment of women veterans.
Early in the 1990s, my husband, Arthur Green, and I volunteered to place flags on veterans’ graves in the cemetery of the Old First Methodist Church of West Long Branch. Arthur remembers as a little boy trailing behind VFW volunteers as they placed American flags on the graves. As an adult, he realized the practice at the West Long Branch cemetery had stopped. He contacted the American Legion and learned they simply didn’t have the volunteers to do the work. That’s where we came A campaign to mark her grave in. One step led to another and soon I We offered to do the work. We were had launched a campaign of my own. given a list of 280 veterans interred in Arthur and I (and our two daughters) the church graveyard. Problem was: the continued to place the flags each year 10-acre cemetery holds the remains of and we noticed that Mary’s gravestone, 8,000 bodies—and there was no map, no which had been legible when we first key to guide us! began, was eroding and becoming hard We took our list of veterans and beto read. gan methodically walking the cemetery, Because the government doesn’t recording the names and dates on each The new footstone, installed in 2012, commemorating Civil War nurse Mary Dunbar, buried in the Old officially recognize Mary’s service, grave marker. We matched our map to 1st Methodist Church, West Long Branch cemetery. she wasn’t eligible for a replacement the list of names, checking dates to enmarker. I was determined to do somesure we had the right “John Smith.” thing. I spread the word to veterans and veterans organiWe placed flags that first year, but kept searching. After zation, historical societies, re-enactors, friends, and family. three years, we had identified 300 veterans buried at the Old Within a year, we raised the money to engrave and install 1st Methodist yard—more than on our original list. (Funeral a footstone, a legible and enduring tribute that lies with the directors no longer automatically send the names of deceased original marker. veterans to the government, leaving official lists incomplete.) We never could have imagined where our offer to the Where Mary comes in American Legion more than two decades ago would lead. Early on, one grave captured my imagination: Mary DunWe didn’t foresee the journey, but we’re grateful for it. Mary bar’s. She was a veteran of the Civil War, born in 1815 and Dunbar has become a part of our lives. died in 1887. Her tombstone had been erected by the NJWRCMichelle Green
Ocean’s Heritage, Winter 2016
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Ryan Playhouse symbolizes an era of grand estates
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n April 2008, a flat bed truck moved a small Victorian playhouse from its site by the Oakhurst Schoolhouse to the grounds of the Eden Woolley House. It was the old playhouse’s second move and behind its travels lies a tale of local history.
The Ryan Playhouse turns into the Library Complex on the last leg of its journey to the Museum grounds, Spring 2008
Rescued from the wrecker’s ball The playhouse was built in 1915 on a vacation estate in Wanamassa owned by Judge Joseph T. Ryan, a prominent New York jurist. The estate, known as “The Orchards,” passed to the Greco family in the 1950s and in 1985, was sold to make way for an upscale development. Anticipating the move, Mrs. Greco offered several items from the estate to the Museum, then housed in the old Oakhurst Schoolhouse. When our volunteers visited “The Orchards” to look at the items, they discovered the playhouse, slated for demolition. The small structure captured their imagination. Arrangements were made to move the playhouse to the grounds of the Oakhurst Schoolhouse. Eagle Scout Louis Nappen partnered with the Museum to restore the playhouse. For the next 23 years, it helped us tell the story of Ocean Township. When we made the move to the Eden Woolley House, there was no question that the playhouse was moving with us.
A small structure with a big story The playhouse is a reminder of a significant shift in the character of the township. Until the mid 1800s, Ocean, like other shore towns, was a rural community. The coming of the steamboat and railroad brought change. It made the rustic charm and cool breezes of the Jersey Shore accessible to wealthy families of New York and Philadelphia eager to escape the summer heat. Long Branch emerged as a nationally known summer resort. Four presidents (Grant, Hayes, Garfield, and Wilson) had vacation homes there. Some of the country’s richest and most influential citizens built grand summer estates in other Monmouth Country shore towns—including Ocean— where they entertained the rich and famous of the era. The mansions were alive with vacationing families and armies of maids, butlers, gardeners, and chauffeurs who served them. The vacation estates often included playhouse retreats where children passed the time on warm summer days. Our playhouse is a
surviving artifact of these grand times.
The Ryan Playhouse Joseph Ryan built “The Orchards” in 1909. Its 12 acres on Wickapecko Drive included a Georgian colonial mansion, sevenroom caretaker’s house, spring house, cold cellar, tennis court, golf green, barn, greenhouse, orchards, gardens—and by 1915, our playhouse (complete with electricity and running water). Judge Ryan was appointed a New York City judge in 1926, a position to which he was later elected and re-elected. In 1940, he was promoted to the powerful position of Chief Justice of the City Court. The well-connected Ryans, who lived at “The Orchards” from 1909 to 1950, entertained the power-brokers of their day. Among their guests in Wanamassa were opera star Enrico Caruso and New York governor (later presidential candidate) Al Smith. In time, income taxes, property taxes, and labor costs made spacious summer estates less attractive. Air conditioning reduced the urgency to flee the hot city for the summer months. Air travel made more exotic destinations easily accessible. Estate living on the scale of the Ryans gave way to suburban development in Ocean Township and other shore communities. Resting now on its third site, the Ryan Playhouse is back again in elegant company. It sits next to the Eden Woolley House and in front of the Haupt/Terner Mansion (today’s Ocean Library)—three handsome symbols of Township history.
Eagle Scout project restores Playhouse
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early 30 years ago, Eagle Scout Louis Nappen took on the restoration of the Ryan Playhouse, rescued from demolition and moved to the grounds of the old Oakhurst Schoolhouse (then home to the Museum). This past year, another Eagle Scout project has given the playhouse, now on the grounds of the Eden Woolley House, new life. Chris Kasyjanski, a junior at Red Bank Catholic and Eagle Scout candidate in Oakhurst Troop 71, enlisted the help of his friends and recruited the support of adult mentors Drew Arcomano and Tony Pappas. Together they replaced rotted siding, scraped and painted surviving siding, restored the windows, and replaced and painted the fence. “I’ve loved history since middle school, and I saw the playhouse as an important part of townLeft to right: Jacob Borgia, Kyle Geary, Chris ship history,” Kasyjanski, Luke Borgia, Keith Dement Chris explained.
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Two more ways to enjoy NJ history
Ocean’s Heritage, Winter 2016
Mark your calendar
Coming Events Mini-exhibit opening
Local Stories of the Civil war Sunday, March 6, 1 to 4—The Our Town Gallery of the Eden Woolley House.
Weekend in Old Monmouth Sat. April 30 and Sun. May 1
General Meeting and Speaker Event
“Life of a Confederate Soldier”
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n April 30 and May 1, once again 45 of Monmouth County’s most note-worthy historical sites —including the Eden Woolley House —open to the public, all at once, free of charge. The event, a Weekend in Old Monmouth, is a once-a-year, self-guided tour sponsored by the Board of Chosen Freeholders and the county Historical Commission. In recent years, the tour has included sites as diverse as the Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club, Rumson, and the Allen House, Shrewsbury. Tour guide books and maps are available on line and at each site, including our Museum. Google “Weekend in Old Monmouth” for details.
NJ History Fair 11 to 5, Sat. May 14
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he state history fair is again at the Monmouth Battlefield Park. An easy trip to enjoy more than five centuries of New Jersey history, all in one place! More than 180 experts and organizations (including the Museum) from all over the state set up exhibits, hold re-enactments, play period music, and show off their antiques and collections. It’s a great day for the family. Google “Spirit of the Jersey’s History Fair” for details.
Your membership matters
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useum membership runs for a calendar year. That means, if you haven’t already, it’s time to pay your 2016 dues. Nearly a third of our revenue comes from memberships. They keep us afloat—and demonstrate (to grantgivers and others) the extent of our community support.
Four-year-old Kingdon Watt peruses his collection of newsletters. He’s glad his parents renewed their household Museum membership and encourages you to do so, too (if you haven’t already, of course).
Tuesday, March 8, 7:15—Oakhurst School Auditorium. Civil War scholar and living history interpreter Arthur Green shares his expertise.
Spring Tea Saturday, April 23, 1:30 seating— West Park Recreation Center. Tickets on sale March 1.
Weekend at Old Monmouth Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1. A self-guided tour of Monmouth County’s premiere historical sites.
New Jersey History Fair Saturday, May 14, 11 to 5 (rain or shine) --Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan. General Meeting and Speaker Event Old-Time Baseball
Tuesday, June 7, 7:15—Oakhurst School. Exhibit opening
Presidents at the Shore Sunday, June 28—The Richmond Gallery of the Eden Woolley House.
American Girl Tea Sunday July 10, raindate July 17 Eden Woolley House Tickets on sale June 1st
In memory We mourn the passing in recent months of friends and Museum members . . .
Jean Ellen Byrnes, 73, died Dec. 29. Jean was a graduate of Oakhurst School, Asbury Park High and Monmouth University. Her recollections of Oakhurst School were featured in the “I Remember ...” column of the Winter 2015 newsletter.
Allen McKean, 73, died Dec 3. Allen was born in Long Branch and lived in Oakhurst before moving to Eatontown. He was a graduate of Asbury Park High School. Allen’s wife Mary Ann is an active Museum volunteer and docent.
Ocean’s Heritage, Winter 2016
1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 6, 2016 Mini-exhibit Opening
Local Stories of the Civil War Our Town Gallery, 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 Thursday evening: 7 to 9 (April to November) 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
2016 Household Membership Application New____ Renewal____
Date_______________________________
Name(s) you would like 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 areas where you might be interested in sharing your time and talent ___Historical research ___ Grant preparation ___Collections/Acquisitions ___ 3rd Grade program ___Public relations ___ Exhibits ___Fund-raising ___ Oral histories ___ Restoration ___ Tour guide/Docent
___ Gold Member $500+ ___ Patron $50+
___ Membership ___ Quilting/Crafts ___Office work ___Gardening ___ Other ___________________
Detach and mail to Township of Ocean Historical Museum, P.O. Box 516, Oakhurst, NJ 07755, or pay through PayPal (PayPal now handles single credit card transactions and no longer requires PayPal membership. Go to oceanmuseum.org to pay electronically. )
For Office use only : Check #_______________ $___________________
Cash $____________________