Ocean’s Heritage, Fall 2018
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From lost amusement parks to home-grown innovations . . .
Museum Speaker Series educated and entertained
Author Rick Gefken, June 13.
Brothers Gary (left) and Stephen Edelson, Aug. 22
Author Linda Barth, Oct. 10.
T
hree or four times a year, as part of our Speakers Series, the Museum hosts a presentation at the old Oakhurst Schoolhouse on our regional history. In June, author Rick Gefken told stories of local amusements--from the Long Branch Pier to Storyland Village, Neptune--now gone (but judging from the audience reaction) fondly remembered. In August, Asbury Park Press sports writer Stephen Edelson shared iconic sports photos from the Press archive--and the stories behind the pictures. In October, author Linda Barth returned with New Jersey Originals, her second book about firsts and breakthroughs that happened here.
Holiday open house and mini exhibit premiere, continued from page 1 phone link with England. In 1929, the site was expanded to its current 208 acres and three new 175’ towers were constructed to support short-wave antennae. (Four of the total six early towers remain. The fifth tower in the park today is a modern cell phone installation.) In the 1930s and 1940s, the research that produced the microwave relay stations that became the backbone of the long distance telephone network was conducted at Deal. During World War II, scientists at the site turned their attention to radar that could be carried aboard planes and ships. After the War, Deal became increasingly overshadowed by other AT&T research centers. In 1953, AT&T closed operations and sold the property. There was talk of developing the land for housing, but in the end the U.S. Army Signal Corps leased the facility as an outpost of its Ft. Monmouth (Eatontown) operations.
Under the Signal Corps As the U.S. and U.S.S.R. raced to launch the first artificial satellite into space, the Signal Corps at Deal Test Site had a mission: Develop the capability to track the highly anticipated “manmade moons.”
On Oct. 4, 1957, the U.S.S.R. stunned the world with the successful launch of its Sputnik. The specialized antennae at Deal Test Site went into action. They had the unique capability to pinpoint the source of radio signals being broadcast from the Russian satellite. Around the clock, engineers (who called themselves the “Royal Order of Sputnik Chasers”) worked without overtime pay to detect Joe Palaia (center) with Township Mayor Terry and record Sputnik’s signals. The Signal Corps continued 24/7 Weldon (left) and Councilman Bill Larkin at the rededication of Deal Test Site as Joe Palaia Park, satellite tracking from the site well into Nov. 28, 1997. Courtesy of the Atlanticville the next decade. Remnants remain of the concrete pads where massive dish Purchased for parkland antennae monitored all launches from In 1973, with a matching state Green Cape Canaveral. In the early 1960s, Deal Aces grant, the Township purchased the participated in the Courier satellite ex- 208 acres for $1.9 million. And for the past periments in transatlantic communication. 45 years, the park has served the public as a From Deal, the Courier satellite relayed the natural and recreational resource. first-ever fax transmission of a photograph. In 1997, Deal Test Site was renamed in honor of Joe Palaia, the Township’s mayor By the early 1970s, NASA had created at the time of the park’s acquisition and latits own satellite tracking facilities, and in er a state senator who helped secure fund1973, Deal Test Site was closed. Again, the ing for the park’s development. prospect of developing the land for housing (more than 300 homes) loomed. A dedicated group of volunteers led the campaign to turn the historic site, instead, into parkland.
Join us Dec. 1 and 2 to learn the full story. Bring the family—and your holiday shopping list. Admission is free.
