Pearl of Sea Girt

Just a stone’s throw from the shore in Sea Girt stands the iconic Parker House—a white, clapboard Victorian rooming house that has faithfully served as a haven offering food, drink, fun and relaxation since its establishment in 1878.

A local landmark for generations, The Parker House evokes history right down to the origins of its name.

Legend has it that in 1878, original owner and skilled cook Thomas Devlin found himself at a loss for an appropriate name for his new hotel. Seeking a solution, his wife, Airenda, jotted down 20 names and placed them in a hat. Mr. Devlin randomly drew the name “Joel Parker,” an homage to the former New Jersey governor who had served during the Civil War. Thus

BY JUDITH JONES-AMBROSINI

christened, The Parker House opened its doors to guests and went on to become the longestrunning business in Sea Girt.

In the late 1970s, when The Parker House was a popular summer gathering spot, three local partners and lifelong friends seized the opportunity to purchase the building. As other venues closed their doors, these owners were determined to preserve The Parker House, ensure its continued success and safeguard this cherished piece of Sea Girt history.

Community Bonds

Today, sons, daughters and one of the original partners now oversee operations, maintaining The Parker House as a thriving family business and upholding traditions they hold dear.

The sense of family extends from owners to employees. Grandchildren of the original owners as well as children from numerous local families proudly work at The Parker House. It has become a popular choice for summer jobs, with many employees returning year after year, some for more than two decades.

A strong bond also exists between the establishment and its patrons, as local families establish their own summer traditions and memories centered around The Parker House. Young men and women who are finally old enough to order a cocktail recall Parker House lunches with grandparents. Couples who met or got engaged there celebrate their love stories— many of them in a section of The Parker House website where they can share their romantic recollections. Some couples have even named their children Parker—a testament to the establishment’s enduring legacy.

Visitors flock to The Parker House for a multitude of reasons—to savor a leisurely lunch or dinner on the beautiful wraparound porch; grab a Parker House souvenir; or indulge in offerings such as craft beer, clams and mini-burgers at the side-porch raw bar after a day at the beach. On Wednesdays, Lobster Night draws crowds to the main porch for delectable local catches. (This season, Lobster Night expands into the main bar with dinner at high-top tables accompanied by live acoustic music.)

The Parker House also hosts special events (usually on Thursdays), including book signings by authors such as Elin Hilderbrand and numerous local and charitable events such as Sea Girt Fire Company #1’s 19th annual Parker House Fundraiser on Thursday, August 17, from 7 to 11 p.m.

An In-Demand Destination

Not surprisingly, The Parker House truly comes alive on weekend nights when it transforms into a summer party destination. A queue of youthful celebrants can often be seen eagerly awaiting entry into the downstairs tavern affectionately known as God’s Basement—a curious name possibly linked to the days when Sunday Mass was held in the main-floor dining area before the town had a Catholic church. Meantime, the rest of the house offers ample space, including the main-floor bar, dining room and back porch.

Adding to its allure, The Parker House is also still a historic hotel boasting 32 highly coveted seasonal rental rooms on the second and third floors.

Looking back over 145 years of uninterrupted operation, the current owners are as committed as their forebears to safeguarding this cherished, historic gem, hoping that their children and grandchildren will carry it forward for the next 145 years and beyond.

Judith Jones-Ambrosini, a Sea Girt resident for over 30 years, is involved with the Holly Club’s Beautification Committee and several programs at the Sea Girt Library. She is currently writing a collection of short stories.