J^TSE SBA BRIGHT MONMOUTH BEACH R.UMSON R.OAD ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS O C E 4 N I C LEONARDVILLE ROAB N A V E S I N K WLiTiTR WITCH CLUB LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Class _/lZ^ COTTOIGHT DEPOSUi SEA BRIGHT RUMSON ROAD OCEANIC MONMOUTH BEACH ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS LEONARDVILLE ROAD N AVESINK WATER \A/'ITCH CLUB Concerning Summer Homes Along the Shores of Monmouth County, New Jersey PUBLISHED BY The Sentinel SEA BRIGHT, N. J. THE LIBRARY OF I Cv..^-..v tj^, Two Copie« Receivetl OCT 23 1903 Copyrifcnt tntiy vit^. i-^-l 1^3 CUSS '*- XXc. N > 4. r J- t. ^ COPY B. Coiiyriglit, mo.v By Wii.i.iAM J. Lkonaki) «>.♦ >> OLD TOLL DRAWBRIDGE AT SEA BRIGHT t Genesis of Monmouth and Coming of the Manito. I. HEN Riimson's hills and plains emerged Glorious as Eden ere sin scourged ; \\ hen Highland's heights were heavenward reared, Long before Sea Bright's sands appeared, Creative days, or aeons, ran For light, land. life, sun, beast — and man. The Maker paused, that Sabbath rest Mav make earth's goodness manifest ; Then woman made (sweet Sabbath plan). Comrade and helper of the man. But God's last touches, science teaches, Were spent on Monmouth's matchless beaches. Nor roamed the mastodon here then ; Nor behemoth ranged plain or fen ; Nor mosasaurus more sought prey ; The dinosaur had passed away ; Subdued by autochthonic man, : In Monmouth marlbeds lay each clan. Lo, Indians were next possessors. Of source that puzzles grave professors, Whose summer camps the seashore grace ; "Narumsunk" was their fishing place ; Whither their springtime trails did go From wigwams proof 'gainst frost and snow. II. September two, sixteen and nine, The "Half Moon," quaint Dutch brigantine. Sighted this western paradise ; So states her log in terms precise ; Ofificially Alf Juet wrote, "A pleasant land to see," pray note. For Navesink Highlands stood forth bold, Defying Neptune as of old, Green-clad in leafy, shimmering cope, Decking summit and draping slope, Facing sea and sunrise ever. With feet laved by fairest river. Just southward fertile Rumson's green Stretched 'twixt twin rivers' silv'ry sheen, And eastward Sea Bright by the sea — No spot on earth so fair can be ; Resort of red men then each season ; Who lives there now, best kens the reason. Slowly night's vapors steal away And bright becomes the fateful day, As Hudson's ship sails up the coast. Awed natives, fearful 'tis a ghost, Proclaim by runners to and fro : "The great canoe of Maiiito." Seaward from inland haste the tribes To quench the Spirit's wrath by bribes And pay Him homage, should He land ; Or exorcise, if demon band ; At all events, on that to gaze Which fills stern warriors with amaze. Up Sandy Hook mute red men creep. Swift as the monster skims the deep ; Behold all scarlet and gold-laced Proud gods strut 'pon it, straight, pale-faced. No demons they ! No spooks' tlim-tlam ! 'Tis Manito's oivu sea-zvigzvani! Wide-eyed they glide from bush to tree, 'Till, at the farthest point, they see Attendants of the gods throw out An anchor staunch which turns aboiU That great canoe and holds it fast While sails are furled : the day is ])ast. Q Z < J X o X z GO Id > < Z (d Oi a X o z 2 Oi < o z O^ "IN MONMOUTH FIRS ^ J*^^C*'^:'Z^-r Facsimile ol signatures of Sachem Popomora and Indian witnesses to the first deed of land in Monmouth County, N. J., in the year 1664, also map annexed to said deed — never before pub- lished — showing Indian names for creeks, rivers and Sandy Hook. WHITES LAND"— (Page 10.) III. That night the red men woo not sleep, J5ut vigils startled warriors keep. Near Hudson's wonder of the waves, Nor grass nor mound but hideth braves. Chiefs sit in council, then debate How best they may propitiate The favor of the Manito Whose coming augurs weal or woe. "Warriors, assemble and keep pace With yon sea-bird from place to place ; If Manito from it shall land, Ready to greet Him shall ye stand." Thus stalwart Popomora thinks, Young sachem of the brave Navesinks, In Monmouth first to deed whites land, ('Twas "sixty-four, attests his hand). Chiefs grunt assent ; it suits their views To stalk or paddle their canoes. IV. The second sun the "Half Moon" lav 'Xploring Atlantic Highlands bay, Eager red men paddle near. Curiosity o'erwhelming fear. Waiting or daring, may they blunder; So why consume with idle wonder. To ]\Ianito, as their first-fruits. They luring tobacco's choicest shoots, Hudson receives them on the ship Nor lets the golden moment slip. With ])om]i he welcomes them aboard. Culls shrewtlly presents from his hoard. 10 Salutes their eyes with tinsel glitter And quiets fears with music fitter, Ere scaring them with boom of gun So ev'ry warrior fain would run : While mirrored sailors come and go, 'Till legions seem 'round Manito. The "Half Moon's" log omits detail, As thoughtful students may bewail, Just how Sir Hendrick really did it ; Alf Juet's silence well nigh hid it. Tradition tells us many things ; Of some of these our muse now sings. In any case small blame to Juet. Were he minute, we still might rue it. How far shall winged fancy float. Chained to a log that one may quote? He gives us stage, theme, time and name Mere business is much the same. He's left us fire, each to his bent. To fill outlines with incident. And as th' unsaid so golden shines, The poem lies between the lines. Had Juet spread the detail free, There'd plainly be no tale for me. "Does Hudson meanwhile broach a keg," You ask? W^iy, you the question beg. He fills his tankard to the brim. Sips, hands to warriors next to him, Who snifY and nod, as if, soho ! Unfit to drink with Manito. No sample savage bagged that day To show o'er seas to courtiers gay ! Our Navesink braves knew naught of rum And naught of crude petroleum. But Spirit might like drinking bout. Though one wee sip knock Injun out. The sachem next prays Manito, Ky rcv'rent signs, to landward go. Htulson is made to understand That a reception has been planned. He bows approval, hand o'er heart, And, right well pleased, the braves depart. V. Next day Dutch sailors go ashore, Alert lest treach'ry lurk in store. But honest Injuns meet their gaze, A feast of game, a gift of maize, A royal hospitality Midst savage informality. They play the game thus back and forth For days, until the Dutch sail North. Sir Hendrick sticks close to the ship. So tight'ning superstition's grip, That tribes pursue the jVIanito, Resolved He shall not leave them so. VI. 'Round streams and bays they tireless tramp To plant a swiftly growing camp Hard by Manhattan's rock bound shore Whither the neighb'ring warriors pour, 'Till e'en tradition fails to mention, Or hist'ry claim, a like convention. Thither the "Half Moon" sails straightway. Where, on a rare, historic day, The bubble bursts ; things come to head — The red men face the man in red. Which spoils the myth of Manito And breaks his spell for weal or woe. But to my talc— it fell out thus : He yields to policy and fuss ; The shores are lined with squaws and braves ; Big chiefs hid him to great conclaves, Naught but respect in words and deeds. Left no excuse, Hudson accedes. But when he landed (what a pity !) Upon the site of New York City, There land, alas it should be so ! More spirits not the Manito; Sir Hendrick has the loving cup From which no Indian would sup. VH. Right well has thrifty trading sped ; But when he conies, the man in red. Away they beads and axes throw, That they may first greet Manito. Hudson advances, dignified, Through throngs of red men either side. Chiefs lead him to a shaded height, Whence all th' assem])ly are in sight. Then Popomora makes a speech, By which he undertakes to teach The tribes, that Hudson comes from heav'n. True Dutchmen luck ! Well works the leav'n. Now^ Sir Hendrick was no talker ; Rather'd be a "Half Moon" calker Than address those solcnm red men. Had such a choice been open then. How he tumbles to the crisis, — Ah ! our Salter writes not of this ! U It's liis turn in)\v ! llow the s^od quakes, Struck with stage fright. Then (juick he takes His cue. Up flings his hands on high And brings them down, as from the sky, Outspread. The red men understand. Great Alanito has blessed their land. Wild tumult reigns. Such joyful shout Was never equalled thereabout. As thunder ri])s the tropic air. So gladness charged the voices there. The squaws and braves break into dance ; Heads won for Hudson on that chance. He fills the loving cup and drinks. The god falls down ! Sir Hendrick thinks To seal a compact by that act. But passing it the sachems lacked Once more the will to even taste, 'Till one points out the sin of waste. " 'Tis Manito who gives us this, Warriors," he says, and prints a kiss Right on the tankard's burnished brim, "We'll drink. 'Tis homage due to Him." He speaks and drains the fateful cup — The "honest Injun" is done up! Alert the warriors watch the chief. Awaiting fate of joy or grief. Soon he cuts capers 'neath the sky Mad 'nough to make e'en red men sigh. Anon he sleeps. Squaws deem him dead, And gather w-ailing at his head. First sachems, too, look on in funk ; Then they catch on, he's just dead drunk. He breathes. He wakes. He says he's well. The rest — who'll volunteer to tell? How ev'ry savage drinks the rum And riot reigns ere night is come. 14 The white men liie them to their shij). Hoist anchor, make a living trip Down Narrows, where canoes from shore Can't reach them, 'tih the "chnmk" is o'er. For brawhng, rape and bloodshed tell That Manito came straight from hell. vin. Now is it strange that Colman's shot? That whites kill warriors ; trust them not? That prudent Juet fails to mention The riot and the great convention? That, after Injuns met such men, Each kept tomahawk for Dutchmen? William J. Leonard. OCEAN SCENE OFF SEA BRIGHT. BATHING SCENE AT SEA BRIGHT. HIGHLANDS AND SHREWSBURY RIVER. SCENE AT SEA BRIGHT FISHERY 1 I 1 ^%1 i \ I- ' "^^r*" f^^^H N /^ Sea Bright SEA BRIGHT is a name that often stands for more than the incorporated borough. Parts of Rumson Road and Monmouth Beach are commonly referred to as Sea Bright, for the borough is a center for a larger outlying com- munity which may be naturally and properly included in Greater Sea Bright. The Sea Bright postoffice serves Rumson Road residents and also Nortli Monmouth Beach. Having its postal address and depending upon its stores and business men for constant service the distinction between Sea Bright and Rumson Road and Monmouth Beach becomes one of sectional division mere- ly — all are properly parts of Greater Sea Bright. The Golf Club, Polo Grounds and Tennis Clubhouse are all on Rumson Road, and are yet equally Sea Bright enterprises. Whence the name Sea Bright? It was bestowed by a woman, Mrs. Martha Stevens, of Castle Point, Hoboken. Mrs. Stevens was one of the first comers. Mr. M. Paul, also a first comer, suggested the name, St. Paul-on-the-Shrewsbury, but was voted down in favor of Mrs. Stevens' suggestion by his associates, Messrs. Shippen and Dod. Mr. Miftiin Paul came to Sea Bright in 1866 as the superin- tendent of the Long Branch and Seashore Railway. Acting for several persons he bought a mile and three chains of the Sandy Hook peninsula, beginning on the south of "Nauvoo" fishery and running north to the present life saving station near Nor- mandie-by-the-Sea. This was in 1869. Mr. Paul bought of Dr.' Arthur Conover, who also owned Monmouth Beach, having bougtfe-tli£ Harry Wardell estate. The price paid by Mr. Paul was $5,000. Mr. Paul immediately transferred a one-third in- terest to Mr. W. W. Shippen and another to Mr. Samuel B. Dod, both of Hoboken. Not a house existed when the property was opened up for development in Mr. Paul's name and a sale of lots made. Five houses were built in 1869 by Mr. Shippen, Mr. Dod, Mrs. Edwin A. Stevens and Mr. Paul. Mr. Robert Emery built a hotel on the river side near the depot about the same time. The railroad had just been com- pleted and a station was built while the cottages were building. Next came the Jumping Point Drawbridge, for the develop- ment of Rumson Road, completed in 1870. h>om that time forward the "rowth of !>ea Bricfht was constant. 19 " Xauvoo," a s the group of fish huts and shanties at Sea Bright was called, existed prior to M r. Paul's purchase as a s(iuatter settle- ment. Most of the fishermen came from inland or distant homes for the summer fish in o^. Captain James R. Minugh was one of the early comers to Sea r. right. He b o u g h t a tract south of the Paul tract, including a large part of the present south business section, on which he soon l)egan to make improvements. Mr. George B. Sandt built the Octagon in 1875 and opened it for guests in the sum- mer of 1876. This h o t e 1 was very successful from the beginning and still continues un- der the same man- agement. Mr. Paul built the Peninsula 20 Hotel in 1879 on the river side. In i88r it was moved to its present site by tlie sea. Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Dederer have been the proprietors of this hotel ever since it was built. Mr. E. Pannaci came to Sea Bright in 1887, having pur- chased Harmony Hall of Mrs. H. Roosevelt. He increased his holdings gradually, until in the year 1900 he owned the entire block from Reed's drug store to the depot and from the river to Ocean Avenue. "Pannaci's" has become a household word in millionaire circles as the Delmonico of Sea Bright. Open all the year, a genial welcome greets you after the season is over as well as in the magical summer months. Besides this, Mr. Pannaci has become a strong man in the real estate circles of Sea Bright. Many of the important sales of recent years on the beach have been ncirotiated throueh him. SUMMER RESIDENCE OF MR. J. HARSEN RHOADES, OCEAN AVENUE, SEA BRIGHT. 21 These hotels have played an important part in the develop- ment of Sea Brii^ht. Many of the cottagers first spent a sum- mer at one of the hotels before buying and building homes. When the tract was equally divided between Messrs. Paul, Shippen and Dod the latter gentlemen took the lots north of the depot, while Mr. Paul kept those south of the depot. That was in 1870. On the Paul tract, the churches, depot, hotels, the fine school building, and main business houses were built. This might be called the chief business section of Sea Bright. WELLS COTTAGE, OCEAN AVENUE, SEA BRIGHT, RESIDENCE OF MR. D. B. KEELER JR. ^Z >-Y The cottagers who buih on the Shippen-Dod tract were: — The Professors WaU, of Stevens Institvite, Hohoken ; (k-n. Louis Fitzgerald, Mr. Henry Wilson, Mr. Killian \'an Ken- saeler, Miss McCready, who brought the "Connecticut" cottage from the Centennial Exposition to Sea Bright ; Mr. Gilchrist. Mr. John Payton, Mr. John McLean, Dr. Janeway, Mr. W. I'.aring Wells, Mr. George Woods, Mr. A. H. Calef, Mr. Charles E. Laidlaw, the estate of W. W. Shippen. and ( ieorge :\L Sandt. The cottages built by these gentlemen and the green lawns with which thev replaced the white beach sand transformed North Sea Bright into a beautiful resort. The growth southward was fully as rapid and even more marked. Mr. Guiles, Mr. Winston. Mr. r>rinkenhorfer, Mr. Amzi Dodd, Mr. Daniel Dod, Judge David Depue, Hon. Thomas N. McCarter. Mr. Brayton Ives, Mr. Joseph T. Low, Mr. John L. Riker, Mr. Wheeler H. Peckham, Mr. J. M. Cor- nell, Mr. and Mrs. Washington E. Connor, Mr. George S. Scott, Mr. Thomas H. Hall, Hon. John R. McPherson. Mr. J. J. Higginson, Mr. George Blagdon. Mr. James M. Dun])ar. Mr. J. Harsen Rhoades. Dr. Henry Tuck, Dr. E. L. Keyes. Mr. William Nelson Cromwell. Mv. William J. Riker, Mr. Samuel Riker, Sr., Mr. J. A. Scrymser, Mr. A. 0. Keasbey, Mr. Morris K. Jessup and Hon. William L. Strong were prominently iden- tified with the early history of Sea Bright. One and all built handsome cottages and otherwise aided materially to make Sea Bright what it is, the queen of seaside home resorts. Notablv handsome are the grounds about the cottages of Mr. Washington E. Connor, who bought the Guiles" place and other properties, and is now one of the largest owners of real estate in Sea P.right ; Mr. John L. Riker, who has also kept pace with every forward movement; ^Ir. J. M. Cornell. Mr. J. Harsen Rhoades, who bought and greatly improved the Jose])h T. Low property ; Mr. J. A. Scrymser. who bought and united the properties of Judge Dei)ue. Mr. Keasbey and Mr. T. H. Hall in his spacious lawns, and Mr. William Nelson Cromwell, who bought and combined the William L. Strong place with that of Dr. Keyes in his fine property. Every day brings visi- tors along Ocean Avenue in automobiles and carriages to see these beautiful hsjmies. The borough of Sea 1 bright was incorporated in 1889 and "!*.- reorg^anized subsequently under various borough laws, the original law having been declared unconstitutional by the courts. It has a prosperous and successful government today under Mr. George W. Elliott as Mayor, Mr. George B. Minton, President of Council, and Mr. John W. Eyles, Mr. Winfield White, Mr. Joseph S. Mount, Mr. P>ank O. Wilson, and Mr. S. H. Horton — all experienced business men — members of Council. The borough Recorder or Judge is Mr. D. W. Bed- ford. Counselor William J. Leonard is the Council's legal ad- viser. These gentlemen have been long and successfully identi- fied with Sea Bright's business enterprises and have conducted borough affairs with equal success for several years past. Sea Bright has a national bank organized in 1901. Its banking house is in the Pannaci Block near the main depot. Mr. George M. Sandt, of the Octagon Hotel, is president. The other directors are Mr. Charles McCue, Mr. S. Levy, Hon. J. L. Butcher, Mr. A. P. Sherman, Mr. M. D. Magee (cashier of the Manasquan Bank), and Mr. G. S. Jones. Mr. Thomas N. Ward is cashier of the bank. Cnder efficient management the bank has become an important factor in the business of Sea Bright. It is useful to the cottage residents in affording them a local bank for deposit and for the cashing of checks while living at the seashore during the summer months. The number of summer residents who open accounts is steadily increasing. Sea Bright was visited in its business section by a fire scourge in July, 1891. The closely settled parts of the town were entirely destroyed. The buildings were of wood and burned like tinder. It was a thrilling and memorable experi- ence, but the fire marked an epoch in the town's history. In the end it brought large benefits, although great temporary suffering was caused to many homeless victims of the conflagra- tion. Cottagers generously made up a relief fund to supply im- mediate wants. They also arranged to assist business men when necessary. As a result, the burned portion was rebuilt of brick, far better in design and structure than the buildings which were destroyed. Several gentlemen, including Mr. Washington E. Connor. Mr. John L. Riker and .Mr. I'aul W>il- ton, organized a company to buy up the south fishery and sev- eral other blocks of the old village section, thus insuring the better develo|)ment of Sea 1 '.right. 26 >r This was successfully accomplished and the new Sea L5right shows plainly that the fire scourge was in reality a bene- faction to the town, and an advantage to the progress of the connnunity. The interest shown by several families of cottagers in the welfare of their less fortunate neighbors who live at Sea Bright all the year is most gratifying to notice. They supply books and periodicals for the firemen and contribute very gen- erouslv to local charities, churches and other benevolences. Indeed, the cottage colony has always taken a great deal of interest in the town — in its streets, water supply, lighting and the good government. To the end that the summer residents might act unitedly and effectively, a cottagers' association has been maintained for a number of years. Mr. J. Harsen Rhoades has been and is its honored president. The care and maintenance of Ocean Avenue has been chiefly assumed by this association and, directed by Mr. Rhoades, the gentlemen inter- ested have suscribed the funds needed in addition to the small annual appropriation made for the care of the avenue by the r.orough Council. Sea Bright has two newspapers — the Sentinel, founded in 1879, of which Mr. William J. Leonard is editor, and the News, founded in 1900, edited by Mr. P. Hall Packer. Profiting bv the lesson of its great fire in 1891, Sea Bright maintains a first-class fire department. SEA BRIGHT COTTAGERS. NORMANDIE — George Holmes. John Henshaw, W. F. Wakeman, J. J. Guiles. G. B. Ritchie, S. B. Dod. NORTH BEACH— Bryce Gray, Mrs. H. L. Rosevelt. A. J. Mil- bank, C. H. Brooks, C. E. Laidlaw, A. H. Calef, I. Josephi, C. A. Sniithers, C. W. Hendrick, O. Passavant. C. F. Schmidt, Sr., E. F. Wood, T. C. Camp, L. Bertsehman, Carl Von Bergen, D. B. Keeler, Jr., C. W. Carpenter, Gen. Louis Fitzgerald, John Achelis, H. S. Wilson, F. W. Menzies, J. J. Manning. Mrs. W. W. Shippen, Mrs. L. W. Mason. Mrs. Logan C. Murray, Dr. Ward, Mrs. H. M. VanHorn, E. Fannaci, Mrs. W. Reynolds, C. H. Dereder, Geo. B. Sandt, Walter Sandt, George M. Sandt, Mr. Forester, L. F. Dommerich, H. Molte, Dr. W. F. Chap- pell, W. E. Connor, John L. Riker, E. Fleitman, George Blagden, Samuel Riker. LOW MOOR— C. D. Halsey, W. L Walker, James A. Scrymser, Mrs. Charles Baylis, J. M. Cornell, H. M. Alexander, J. B. Hoyt, W. H. Plummer, C. R. Heike, M. M. Sternbergcr, W. H. Oscanyon, P. C. Oscanyon, J. Harsen Rhoades, W. N. Cromwell, Mr. Bloodgood, W. H. Wickham, Jefferson Hogan, W. Del Walbridge, Dr. Henry Tuck, J. A. Haskell. GALILEE— Samuel Riker, Jr.. J. H. Rhoades, Jr., G. W. Carr, E. R. DeGrove, C. L. Bowler. J-f' ^ / /> HOLY CROSS R. C. CHURCH, RUMSON BLUFF NEAR [SEA BRIGHT. -^f Sea Bright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club. The Sea Bright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Chil) was or- ganized in the early part of the year 1886 and is the oldest club in the vicinity of Sea Bright. It is very prettily located on Rumson Road, and notwithstanding that since its inception the Golf, Polo' Boat and Beach Clubs have been organized, it still maintains its popularity and has the largest membership of any of the clubs. During the summer an invitation tournament, in which most of the prominent players of the United States participated, was held under the auspices of the clul) and proved a great suc- cess. During the past year the clulj has erected two squash courts and the club house has been overhauled and electric lighting introduced. Being within a short distance of the sta- tion it has great advantages over most of the other clubs. Practically all the people residing at or near Sea Bright are members of the club, and the renewed interest in tennis has made it necessary to increase the numl)er of the courts, and in order to accommodate the demand twelve additional courts will be built this winter. The officers of the club arc : Samuel Riker, Jr., President ; Henry M. Alexander, Vice-President; Cecil Barret, Secretary; Samuel Sloan Auchincloss, Treasurer. e Meadow Yacht Club. The Meadow Yacht Cluli, located on the Shrewsbury River and Buena A'ista Avenue, is one of the prettiest and best equipped yacht clubs in the vicinity. Everybody interested in yachting are members of this club, and since it was incorporated in the vear 1895 the membership has steadily increased. Races are held every Saturday afternoon, in which most, if not all of the crack boats of the Shrewsbury participate, and for smooth water sailing few clubs can produce faster boats than are entered in these races. The officers of the club are: Wm. Rockhill Potts, Com- modore; Linzee Blagden, Secretary; Samuel Riker, Jr., Treasurer. "5 ^& Rumson Road. RUMSON ROAD'S fanu' dates from tlic c()ni|)li.tii )ii oi ilir Jiimpino- Point (lra\\l)ri(l^c in uS/o and tlic huildins^- oi the roadbed the foHowin,!;- }ear. I'rior to tlie (kite men- tioned Rumson Road terminated at the l»lack Point Road, now called Navesink Avenue, and the onl\- road to the South Shrewsbury River was by way of the P)lack Point Road to Black Point ; thence to the river, near where the ])resent bridi;e is located, by way of Hartshorne's Lane. The late Sanuiel II. Hartshorne was then the only resident on the river front. His home, at that time, was standing on the plot now owned 1)\' ^Ir. J. \'. Fraley, on which are his greenhouses, gardens, etc. There was no method of reaching the l)each, wdiere Sea P>right now is, except by a row boat, which, through the courtesy of Mr. Hartshorne, was always at the disposal of any one wishing to cross the river. As a summer resort, however, Rumson Neck was a favorite as far back as the first quarter of the last century. Many old New York families frequented the locality, subjecting them- selves to very limited accommodations with the farmers. There were no hotels. The labor of procuring the funds with which to build the Jumping Point drawbridge covered a ])eriod of nearly tlvc vears, and in 1870, after many legal complications, growing out of the opposition of the Board of Chosen l<>eeholders, who had been antagonistic to the enterprise from the time the charter was obtained, the bridge was completed and thrown open to the public. The incorporators of the Jumping Point Draw- bridge Company named in the act passed March 17. 1S70, which recites that, "the P)ridge had been built at the I'.xpense of the persons named, etc.," were Samuel H. Ilartshorne (de- ceased), Horace Tredwcll (deceased), Albert K. ISordcn. Mitlin Paul (deceased), Sanuicl W'yckofF (deceased). I'.hrick Parmly. Robert W. Hance, David !'.. Kecler. jr.. Robert Wm. 1 lance (deceased), and Benjamin B. llancc (deceased). The opposition of the Board of Freeholders continued, and for years all efforts to have them take and maintain it as a county bridge failed. It was not until after the old wooden bridge had been worn out and an iron structune took its place. being" buili l)\ the residejits of the hjcahtx at a cost of uinvards of $30,000, that the Freeholders decided to buy it. In time that bridge became inadequate for the re(iuire- ments of the growing population, and it was removed in 1900 and the present structure took its place. The second New Yorker to locate was the late Mr. Robert L. Maitland, who passed the winter of 1869 on the property of the late Mr. G. D. H. Gillespie. The following year he bought a part of the John B. Hartshorne property and built upon it. He died in December, 1870, in the residence of Mr. Ehrick Family, on Bingham Hill. The house was completed the fol- lowing year, and was for a time occupied in summer by the late Mr. Howard Potter, of New York. It then passed into posses- sion of the late General C. B. Fisk, who made it his summer home until his death, a few years after which it was bought by Mr. Selmar Hess, of New York, who now resides there. On the completion of the bridge in 1870, the late Henry M. Alexander, E. Boudinot Colt, and Samuel Borrowe, Jr., pur- chased a part of the S. H. Hartshorne property on the bluff and built their summer homes. F'oUowing them came the late Robert Lenox Belknap, who built a large house with extensive grounds, where he resided until a few years before his death. After his decease the property was purchased by Mr. John \'. Fraley, who has greatly improved and beautified it, until it has become a choice residence on the bluff. The late Thomas C. Clarke built, adjoining the Belknap property on the south. It is now owned by his widow — north of the Belknap property. Mr. J. Lloyd Abbott purchased and occupied his home for many seasons and several winters. Mr. Abbott died there. The place then passed into the possession of Mr. Howard ( larkson. Mr. James W. Alexander located adjoining the Abbott's ])lace on the north, where he lived for many years, and then sold to Mr. A. N. Beadleston, who subsequently bought the Clarkson property, removed the dwelling and converted the grounds into a handsome lawn in connection with his other property. Mr. Charles A. Peabody built on Rumson bluff, adjoining the Alexander property, but resided there only a short time. Within the past few years he sold it to ^Nlr. Thomas Carmichael, 40 ^1 who has cnhirged, improved and heautihed both lioust- and grounds until it has become one of the most attractive and. beautiful places on the river. Dr. Seamans bought the Crosl)y property, adjoining Mr. Carmicliacl, within tlie |)ast few years and made it his suiunier home. The late Benjamin F. Roniainc located near lilack Point about 1878; he built a large luansion and remained there imtil his death. The property is still occupied by Mrs. Romaine and her family. About 1875 the late W. A. Zan Hegeman bought the old homestead at Black Point known as the I'arker estate. This dwelling and the Tredwell mansion are the only old houses of the X\'III. century left standing in the vicinity. In 1885 the late Martin Schrenkeisen purchased the Devoe propertv at Black Point, where he resided for many years. It is now known as Shrewsbury Park, the property of Colonel J. B. Hughes, of New York, whose improvements have been exten- sive and admirable. In 1872 the late Bishop Michael J. O'Farrell purchased a plot from the Hartshorne estate on Ward Avenue, on which was erected Holy Cross R. C. Church, which was presided over, as pastor, for several years by the late Reverend Father Fox. The present pastor is the Rev. Father E. J. Eagan. Mr. Manuel Lopez built a very attractive cottage on Ward Avenue, adjoining the church property, and on the corner of Ward Avenue and Hartshorne's Lane he has his own home, the old Samuel H. Hartshorne homestead, whicli was removed from its original site, as mentioned ])reviously, when the same was purchased by Mr. Belknap. Mrs. John J. Knox has built a very large mansion on what was a part of "Belbea" Park, fronting on Hartshorne's Lane. Mr. J. C. Holden has built on the opposite side of the Lane. On the southwest corner of Rumson Road and the Avenue of the Two Rivers is the "Hermitage," the residence of Mr. William .\. Street, truly a beautiful ])lace. ^Ir. Street has occu- ])ied his famil\- mansion for the ]iast twcntx' years. The late Mr. Edward Kemp, of Xew "N'ork, occupied the Gillespie farm in the siuumer of 1868 and continued to make it his sunmier house for manv vears. Subse(|ueiUly he botight the propertv, including alxmt two hundred acres, to which he added by purchase of adjoining prcjperties. until the estate contained 42 ^ 3 ^^ 417 Hcrcs, the largest estate on Kuinson Xeck. It is now the property of his widow, who makes it lier siminier home. Mr. W. E. Strong- purchased the Joseph and Richard Bor- den properties in the early seventies, and after a residence on the old Joseph Borden homestead of several years, built tlie very beautiful dwelling on Rumson Road and Avenue of Two Rivers, where he resided imtil 1893, when the property was l)()Ught by Mr. A. G. Spalding, who. in 1901. sold it to ^Ir. Bernard .^mith. It is now the residence of Mr. David Lamar. Mr. Strong, aboitt 1895, purchased the WyckofT ])r()])erty at the termintis of the Avenue of the Two Rivers on the South Shrewsbury. It w-as known in the old days as the "Polly Cor- lies" property, and it was one of the favorite resorts of many old New York families. At the time of Mr. Strong's purchase of it, there stood upon the tract the oldest hottse on Rumson Neck. Many quaint relics of the aborigines were found after its removal in excavation for the foundation of the present beautiful mansion. Air. Strong has purchased adjoining prop- erty, and has made "The Point" one of the very beautiful places of which Rumson Neck may well boast. The next to come (1878) was Mr. Jose F. de Navarro. He purchased several estates, comprising about 375 acres, and ex- tending from the North Shrewsbury River to the South Shrewsbury. He first lived in what was then known as the John L. Borden place, a large, white, substantial dwelling front- ing on Rumson Road at the corner of Bellevue Avenue. He then built the large brick mansion on the hill adjoining and which he called his summer home, going there annually in May and remaining there until October, when he would move to his winter house, as he called the white house, and remained there usually until January. The large brick house is now the prop- erty and summer home of Mr. J. H. SchifY, and the white liouse is the property of Mrs. Geo. H. Chatillon. Air. de Navarro was more than a very liberal contril)utor to everything in the way of public improvements and for beautifying the locality. The late Mr. E. Gay Hamilton was an early resident of Rumson Road, he having purchased the I. !>. Hartshome homestead and the land in front of the same, extending from Rumson Road to the river. On the site of the old homestead he built a large house, which several years after his death was, in 1885, bought by Mr. Robert L. Crawford, and there Mrs. 45 ^^ ^^^^FKd j^HnHH ^ ^^^^^^HH^HHH^^^IHH Crawford resides. In 1888 tlie land in front was sold to Mr. Fritz Achelis, who built a very fine home and beatitified the grounds, and it is now one of the most attractive and charming of places. One of the early settlers on Rumson Xeck was the late Seabury Tredwell. He purchased a large tract of land from the late Eleazer Parmly (father of Ehrick I'armly) and passed a portion of every year with his family on the estate. The homestead, one of the only two old houses left of the XVm. century, is still occupied a part of each sum- mer by his daughters. After the death of his widow, about 1881, the estate was placed with Mr. D. B. Keeler, Jr., by the executor, the late Effingham H. Nichols, to dispose of. The first to purchase a part of it was the late Robert Lenox Belknap. The plot contained 11 51-100 acres and fronted on the new portion of Rumson Road and on Black Point Road (now Nave- sink Avenue). Mr. Belknap made a park of it. Calling it "Belbea," he built four cottages wdiich were rented for several years and finally sold, one on the Rumson Road to Mrs. Thomas Achelis, who still resides there ; another on Navesink Avenue is now the summer home of Mr. F. A. Dwight ; another the residence of Dr. Reule Kimball, and the other the residence of Mr. J. Bloomfield Harriott. In September. 1882, "Sir. S. Bayard Dod, who built and occupied for many seasons the first dwelling house constructed on the beach at Sea Bright, bought a plot on the bluff adjoining Mr. H. M. Alexander, and Iniilt a fine house which, after an occupancy by him of a few years, was sold to Mr. Chas. B. Alexander. The late Mr. John D. Ewell bought and built in 1884, l)ut died before the completion of the house. It was occupied by his widow until 1890, wdien it was sold to Mr. Chas. B. Alex- ander, who required the land to enlarge his lawns. The dwell- ing was sold to Dr. W. Gill Wylie. wdio removed it to its pres- ent site on the corner of Navesink Avenue and Rumson Road. It is now the residence of Mr. E. G. W. Woerz. In 1886, Mr. Geo. C. Kobbe. as trustee, bought 857-100 acres of the Tredwell estate on the north side of Rimison Road, which was consequently conveyed to the Sea Bright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club. It has been used as a Tennis Court ever since. In the same year (1886) Mr. \\". J. Hutchinson built his 48 Published at $1.00. V ^ ■1 «^J^jM ^^ ^Igf* ^^^^eI? ■^^Sr" ^^^^^^B('' '^- "^i H -^^it wK/Km K 3l\ll p%?^^''^ '^\Sm§ ffl \' ^Lgli ■% !■ ^^ ,^ rfl 1 ^^^HPV^i V V ^^■'■=■1 ■ , ,v:M ^■Ittral ■ BSm^^ s^BlJI^^^ ^ M^BI ^^Bi""lH ^^^^Hh|h3HB^^^^H ■ ^HH ^^Bi-r H ^^^HHI^B^^^^ ^HhB ^^psalH ^^^^^^I^^H ^^Mp ^^r/ hB m^pasi ;h ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^1 ■0psi r H '^^^^^^^^^^^1^^ ^1 w SI ^9"=* ■ l|H^ ^'1 ■■«> I ^^^ BbT'-^^^^^B ^ms> 1 ^k" ^^^^^^i^imp ^mpisi ■■ ^Kk ^*iiiH^^^^K; r ^^Hi^^ JB ■^Ov ^^^^^^^^ ^^HEbi ^^^H^^i^^^lnHii ^^^Hbi ^^1 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Ia-^-^'V, h^i HBmsi ■ ■^^■■■^^^^^^^l^^ IK^^IHPai |W|||||gB ■ OTHHHHH^IBI^^^^^^^I^ HB""^' ^H ^V4«=-^^HH| Kl 1^^^ \llt ..:^ ^K=' '.1: Mfi ^^^1 K^^^^^n ^f fine residence on the Runison Hills, as did also Mr. Geo S. Scott. The latter is the design of the late Bruce Price, and it was regarded at the time of its erection as the finest house on Runison Neck. The landscaping was the design of j\Ir. Scott himself. To say that it is beautiful is to pay but inadequate tribute to j\Ir. Scott's genius and success. After but a few years of occupancy, Mr. Scott sold to General H. L. Terrell, who has added the Old Elm Tree property to it, and who has also made many handsome improvements to the estate. In October, 1887, Mrs. Anna M. De Mott purchased 6-| acres of the Tredwell estate on the northwest corner of Nave- sink Avenue and Runison Road, on which she built two very fine and attractive houses. In October, 1888, Mrs. Emma S. Shephard purchased 11^ acres of the Tredwell estate on the south side of Rumson Road, and on it placed a very attractive home ; another design of the late Bruce Price. Mr. Shephard never occupied, or even completed the house. He sold it in its unfinished condition to the late Mr. Theodore Moss. It is now owned and occupied by his widow, Mrs. Octavia Moss, and it is regarded as one of the finest places on the Road. In 1889 Mrs. Valerie Hadden purchased from the Tred- well estate and built her summer home, where she still resides. Adjoining, in the same year. Mr. S. J. Harriot purchased and built the beautiful colonial house, now the property of Mr. Robert Gumming. In October, 1889, the late Mr. John G. Neeser bought from the Tredwell estate the site on the river and Rumson Road, on which was constructed the mansion now owned and occu- pied by his widow, Mrs. J. G. Neeser. Dr. W. Gill Wylie purchased from the Tredwell estate in 1890 upwards of eight acres, fronting on Rumson Road and Navesink Avenue, and after reclaiming a part of the land front- ing on the river, built two fine houses, and has occupied the one on the river front ever since. A very beautiful property is that of Mr.. Geo. F. \'ietor on the southerly side of Rumson Road. At the time of his pur- chase it was a part of. what was known as the South Woods of the Tredwell estate, and by many was regarded as unfit to build upon, as it was said to be too low and too wet. Mr. Victor thought otherwise, and one has only to look it over to judge ^/ of how near he was right. The dwelhng is a most substantial and particularly attractive one ; the grounds show that refined taste has held sway. In December, 1882, Mr. Joseph T. Low bought a tract of twenty-two acres from the Tredwell estate, on the corner of the avenue of the Two Rivers and Rumson Road, and built a very fine house, which he made his sunmier home for many years before selling it to the present owner and occupant — j\Ir. Louis Wolfe. St. George's Protestant Episcopal Church was l)uilt on the Hill in 1874, after a hard struggle on the part of the then few residents of the locality. It was opened for worship in 1875. Later the interior was completed, the chancel windows being the gift of the late Edward Kemp. After residing for a few seasons on Rumson Bluft' and in other choice residence localities. Mr. Edward D. Adams was finally attracted by Rumson Hills. About 1890, Mr. Adams bought a large tract from the Hance estate, on Bellevue avenue near St. George's, and planned "Rohallion." where fine taste and skilled artisans have done their utmost, regardless of cost, to produce an ideal country seat. Mr. Nathan J. Barrett, of New Rochelle. was the landscape gardner. The house and grounds excite greater admiration from some than do even the wonderful places of Mr. W. F. Havemeyer and W. E. Strong. The soil of "Rohallion" is red clay loam, thence the name which is derived from the Gaelic, signifying red hill. One of the most beautiful country seats in Scotland bears the same name. A very choice part of Rumson Neck lies west of Bingham avenue and extends to the Fairhaven road. It is in this section that the latest creations of beautiful places are to be found. On the Hill, between Bellevue and Buena \"ista avenues, is the castle, so to speak, built by the late Joseph C. Hoagland, and the home of his son, Mr. Raymond Hoagland. fronting on Belle- vue avenue, is a part of the estate. The home of Mr. Solomon Loci:) is also on the Hill, fronting on Buena Arista avenue. Considered to be the very handsomest in this locahty is the residence of Mr. William F. Havemeyer. The landsca])e artist was Mr. N. F. Barrett, aufl the resuhing grounds and gardens are verv artistic, containing many rare and beautiful ])lants and making an ideally picturesque home. The late James Lenox, of New York, passed several sum- 54 ^5 mers of his l)()_\h()o(l or early nianliDod here, lie had a long- ing", in liis later days, to pass a sunimei" in the scenes of his childhood, and in 1873 ^'^^ occupied "The Lindens," ft)r thirty- six years the home of 'Sir. D. B. Keeler, Jr., who was the first New Yorker to make his home on Rumson Road. .Mr. Keeler took possession of the property in 1866, it havinj^' been in the ownership of his relatives continuously since the earlv part of the eigiiteenth century. To the early and untiriui^' efforts of Mr. Keeler and his friend, the late IJenjamin 15. Hance, are largely due the speedy development of this beautiful section. Mr. Keeler, it may be said in passing', has l)een ])romi- nently known in the real estate business during the past thirty years, and during that period he handled nearly all of the prop- erties in the locality. ]Mr. Robert H. McCarter has a home on Rumson Road, opposite Mr. Havemeyer's. Tt was built in 1902. ]\Ir. Uzal H. McCarter, who purchased "the Lindens" of Mr. D. B. Keeler, Jr., has replaced the historic old house with a very large and beautiful home, just finished. SUMMER RESIDENCE OF ROBERT MCCARTER, RUMSON ROAD. 57 Ellesniere I'ark, which lies un the west side of Lluena A'ista avenue and south of Rumson Road, was hiid out in 1882. In that year Mr. D. B. Keeler, Jr., built a cottage there, which is now the home of Mr. Thomas N. AlcCarter. Mrs. M. F. lianks and ]\Irs. I. H. Smith also built there at about the same time, while Mr. W. T. Shedd came later, and 'Sir. Chester Sim- mons and .Mr. John T. Slade followed within the last three years. Two years ago Mr. Edward I>onny bought one of the Mrs. 1. H. Smith ]:)laces. the other being retained by a member of her family. Opposite the cottages just mentioned are the golf links of the Sea Bright Golf and Tennis Club. They cover 103 acres of land, extending from Buena X'ista to Bellevue avenues and from the Rumson Road to the Shrewsbury River. In this part of Shrewsbury township, during the revolu- tionar}- war. many skirmishes and fights took place between Whigs and Tories, and families living there at that time en- dured many trials and hardships. Mr. Keeler relates many in- cidents of the period as they were told him by his great grand- mother, Mrs. Rachel Corlies, who lived in the "()ld Home"' (the site of Mr. Uzal H. McCarter's new residence) during the Rev- olution, and who died there, aged ninety years. The men of the faniilv were awav fighting and the women onlv were at SUMMER RESIDENCE OF UZAL MC CARTER, RUMSON ROAD. 58 home. Forced to keep open house, they were constantly called upon to feed the men of both sides, secreting one when his op- ponent appeared, often sheltering both Whigs and Tories in adjoining rooms. After the battle of Monmouth, in June, 1778, the retreating British fled over Rumson Road to Jumping Point, where they crossed to the beach and thence marched up Sandy Hook to embark. The old lady's favorite story — the one which she told oftenest — was of an incident wdiich occurred the day after the retreat of the British. Generals Washington and Lafayette, with their respective stafifs rode into her place, watered their horses at a brook which ran through it, and stopped at the house. Met by a little girl of fourteen years (the aged story- teller), Washington said: "My little girl, will you give me a glass of water?" And she did so, pumping the water from an old well which was in constant use until a year ago. The old lady passed a summer in the "Old Home" with four daughters of subsequent generations. In her pride she frequently repeated the quotation : "Arise, daughter, and go to thy daughter, for thy daughter's daughter hath a daughter." Five generations living at the same time and sheltered under one roof is a rare occurrence. It is of interest to compare the present rapid transit by steamboats and trains with the sloops (packets they called them) of those early days. The very best time was five hours from New York to the old Community Dock (about where the Oceanic landing is now) when the wind was fair and the breeze stiff. The journey oftener took ten hours. To make sure of reaching New York in time for Monday's business, the packet always left early Sunday evening. Then came the not over swift line of river steamers en route to Red Bank. The very earliest of steamboats were the Orus. Osiris and Tsis, and they entered the river throuph the old inlet (near where the hotel Normandie now stands), which closed in tlie winter of 1849. A steamboat, the Wicket, was lo<:t in the inlet that rear. The Rumson Cottagers' .Association has been a very im- portant factor in the development of Rumson Neck. For many years the late Fdward Kemp was president of it and was very active in securing the new and convenient county drawbridge at Sea Bright in place of its one-track and walk-your-horses pre- decessor. Mr. Kemp was e(|ual]y diligent in maintaining Rum- 59 son Road ami other lii^hways of which the associaticjii assumed the care. In this work lie was ably seconded by Mr. W. A. Street and the cottagers generally. The death of Mr. Kcmji was a distinct loss to the summer colony in manv ways. His place as president of the association is now efficiently filled by Mr. \\'. F. Havemeyer, who is ably assisted by Mr. E. I). Adams, also an officer. RUMSON NECK COTTAGERS. RUMSON ROAD— ^^trs. J. G. Nceser. E. L. Campion, H. G. Sand- ford. Airs. E. P. Kellogg. C. Schoin, W. Harding, Madison Grant, Mr. Henry. H. L. Carter. H. F. Hadden, Geo. F. Victor, C. F. Boker, T. R. Palmer, Theodore Moss, E. G. Woerz, Mrs. Dennett, L. S. Wolff. D. Lamar. W. A. Street. W. A. Bloodgood, Geo. A. Beaton, Fritz Achelis, R. L. Crawford, Selmar Hess. S. Newstedt, H. L. Terrell, Mr. Van Ingen, M. L. Scbiff. Jacob Schiff. I. N. Seligman, F. A. Warburg. Solo- mon Loeb. W. Montgomery. Robert McCarter, Mr. McCarter, W. F. Havemeyer, ?klrs. Edward Kemp, J. H. Scoville, Mrs. F. C. Cattus. RUMSON BLUFF — Mrs. H. U. Alexander, Col. J. J. McCook, Rev. E. J. Egan, C. T. Raynolds, R. Erbsloh, Frank Graham, H. A. Caesar, J. R. Williston, Manuel Lopez. C. H. Ward, A. N. Beadleston, Thos. Carmichael, Mrs. A. Harman. Louis Watjen, Dr. W. S. Seamans, H. T. Kneeland, F. B. Tompkins. HARTSHORNE LANE — T. C. Clark. Jr.. Miss Morrison. Hugh Hartshorne. CLARK AVENUE — J. H. Holden, H. L. Herbert, H. B. Culver, P. A. S. Franklin. BELKNAP PARK — S. J. Harriot. Dr. R. B. Kimball, Mrs. Thos. Achelis, Mrs. J. J. Knox, F. A. Dwight. BINGHAM AVENUE — Dr. Ehrich Parmley, Rev. John E. Parmley. NAVESINK AVENUE— Mrs. M. A. Field, Dr. W. Gill Wylie, M. Coleman, Carl Shefer, J. B. Hughes. B. F. Romaine, Gerard Romaine, T. Remain, Mr. Couillard. THE POINT — Wm E. Strong. BELLEVUE AVENUE — E. D. Adams, j\b-s. J. C. Hoagland. Raymond Hoagland. Dr. Henry E. Owens. ELLESMERE PARK — T. N. McCarter, Jr., T. H. Banks, E. K, Adams. E. A. Bourv. W. T. Shodd. Z. A\'. Tinker, Cheston Sinnuons. 6i i ■J.-i'-J/. ..W,^' '-rV. •-•■;. '=^?k,31i™, 1 ^^H 1 ^^1 \ ■ --mm ' Oceanic-on-the-Shrewsbury. Ox the south shore of the North Shrewsljury River, in fa- mous old ^lonniouth County, has grown up the tiourish- ing" viUage of Oceanic, where hundreds of city people seek comfort and recreation every summer. The community has not been systematically developed by one man or set of ( men. Its growth has been natural, without any club organiza- tion or restrictions whatsoever. I The Shrewsbury is very wide at this point and presents a very charming water outlook, with also an excellent view of the high lands beyond the river to the northward. Navesink bridge spans the river between Oceanic and the connnunity after which the bridge is named. This long bridge is a delight- ful and favorite promenade, where beautiful views are to be seen. The river possesses a line of steamers, the well-known Sea Bird and Albertina plying between New York and Oceanic, Red Bank and other points. Oceanic has no trolley and no all-the-year railroad nearer than Red Bank, to which a stage line is maintained. The Stone Church Station of the C. R. R. of N. J. is used in summer. The permanent residents of Oceanic number about six hundred people, and are mechanics, gardners, watermen and business men, engaged mainly in making the vicinity agreeable to the village colony of residents. Many of the employes of Rumson cottagers have homes in Oceanic. Before the middle of the last century some people of wealth found homes about the site of this village. The historic "Bing- ham Hill" property is located here, with which the romantic story of Lord Ashburton's marriages is associated. My lord visited America as an envoy to arrange the north boundary line of the United States, on behalf of Great Britain, about 1810. He visited Mr. William Bingham, who had two lovely daughters. Lord Ashburton fell in love with the elder and mar- ried her. They lived happily on his estates in England till her death, when he, in due time, paid his addresses to his de- ceased wife's lovely sister. He was successful in his suit and married her also in the old Bingham mansion at Oceanic, there- by evading the English law, which forbade such a union. Sub- sequently the Bingham place was exploited more or less suc- cessfully as a high-class young ladies' seminary. 63 Eleazer Parnily bought the Bingham place in 1834, and his son, Dr. Ehrich Family is now the owner of it. Dr. Hastings came to Oceanic in the sixties. About 1870, Mr. C. N. Bliss and Mr. M. C. D. Borden, of New York, who were then sum- mering at Long Branch, visited Dr. Hastings at Oceanic, and were so much pleased with the locality that they bought a tract of land by the river and made their summer residence there. Dr. Henry E. Owen, of New York, soon after bought prop- erty and located there also. Other prominent city men have followed these pioneers, until Oceanic's summer colony is quite numerous and distinguished, as are also the advantages which the village affonls to that class of summer residents. The early names of Oceanic were first. Commercial Dock and later Port Washington. The present name was adopted about 1870. Oceanic's churches are Methodist and Presbyterian. St. George's Episcopal Church, while located near the village, is usually regarded as belonging to Rumson. The village has also an excellent graded school and is progressive educationally. Its fire department is efficient. The beautiful grounds surrounding the cottages of Mr. Bliss and Mr. Borden have been the pride of Oceanic for many years. But three years ago Mr. Borden added a unique feature to the village attractions when he built his magnificent green- houses. His conservatories now comprise one of the most ex- tensive, beautiful and complete private plants in the country. OCEANIC COTTAGERS. John Eecles. H. S. Borden, M. C. D. Borden, Mr. Hastings. C. N. Bliss, Harry E. Meeker, Mrs. Wm. H. Meeker, G. B. Hodgnian, B. H. Borden, G. Colby. John G. Gillig. *The lists of cottagers at the various resorts are not nearly so complete as we could wish.— Ed. 66 ST. PETER'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, OCEAN AVENUE, MONMOUTH BEACH. ^6 Monmouth Beach. THE one Imiulrcd or more cottagers at Monnioulh I'each have the (|uiet and comfort of the place so nnich to themselves and the resort has been so little written abont that the average New Yorker wotild ask to know, in the first place, where it was situated. To get there you can take either of the New Jersey Southern Railroad steamboats at the foot of Rector Street, the new Asbury Park, the Sandy Hook •or the Monmouth, and in less than an hour and ten minutes you are at Atlantic Highlands. Taking the train from Atlantic Highlands and crossing the Navesink River to the Sandy Hook Beach you run down along the coast through Highland Beach. Navesink Beach, Sea Bright and JNIonmouth Beach. Situated between the ocean and the Shrewsbury River, the tract of land known as ]\Ionmouth Beaigh, which eml^races the stations Gali- lee and Monmouth Beach, is shaped very nnich like a leg of mutton, and a few years ago could have been purchased for about the price of that article, the narrow point being at the north, adjoining Sea Bright, and widening oitt as you ap])roach Long Branch on the south, the distance between Long Branch and Sea Bright being about two miles and a half. In 1871 some sixteen or seventeen New York and New Jersey gentlemen formed the Monmouth Beach Association and bought this strip of land, and there now may be seen some- thing over a hundred cottages running along the shore and forming at the lower end what is known as the Monmouth Beach Club House Circle, the broad drive, which is a continua- tion of Ocean Avenue, connecting Long B) ranch and Sea Bright, making the most popular drive on the coast. Across the river at Sea B>right is the well-known Rtunson Road and its beautiful adjacent properties, the estates of many well-known New Yorkers. Near the southern eu(\ is the ]\ron- mouth Beach Club House, an evolution from the old farm house originally occupied by the members of the Club. '1 his (^Id farm house was known as the W'ardell house and was nt'arly one hundred vears old. It was removed and re])laced l)y tlie present cozv edifice, around which are some thirty cottages owned and occupied by man\- i)roniinent peoi)le. No attemj)t has ever been made to induce outsiders to come to this settlement through advertisement of land or of 69 SJMMER RESIDENCE OF MR. SAMUEL RIKER, Jr., OCEAN AVENUE, MONMOUTH BEACH. the Monmouth Beach Chib House, no advertising or card hav- ing- been used for either. The purchasers and dwellers in the Club House Circle have been intrcicluced one after another by the menil)ers and their associates. The deeds have been made out so that onlv one cottage could be built on an ordinary lot and no hotels, l)oarding houses, restaurants or saloons have been allowed to be erected, a livery stable being the only public convenience on the J'each, and that is not on the grounds of the Association; the only ])u])lic places ])eing the C'lul) House above mentioned, the railroad stations, the life saving stations at Gali- lee and the little chapel, so well and favorably known through- out this section as St. Peter's Church in (ialilee. Latterly, the residents of lower "^'onmouth lieach. or Monmouth lieach proper, have purchased gTound and built a Ix-auliful Clul) House known as the Monmoutli Beach Country Club, amonj^ whose officers and members are the followinj^: well-known New- York people : — Mr. Cieorge F. Baker, President of the First National Bank ; ^Ir. W. Rockhill Potts, Colonel William Barbour, Mr. A. B. Proal, Mr. J. Walter Spalding. Colonel A. W. Soper, of the Gas Light Company; Mr. John McKesson, of McKesson & Robbins ; Mr. E. A. Walton. President of the Citizens' In- surance Company ; Mr. George R. Sheldon and his partner, Mr. W. S. P. Prentice, Mr. Henry L. Horton, Banker; Mr. H. S. Manning, of Maxwell, Manning & Moore ; Mr. H. L. Thornell, Secretary of the United States Trust Company ; Mr. Prentice SUMMER RESIDENCE OF MR. W. R. POTTS, OCEAN AVENUE, MONMOUTH BEACH. 71 SUMMER RESIDENCE OF MR. J. A. HASKELL, OCEAN AVENUE, MONMOUTH BEACH. l\ello,^■<,,^ of Kellogo- c^ C'()ni])any : Mr. l-\ S. I )()u,L;lass, of Xcw- ark. Xew Jersey; Mr. W. M. \\Iiitne\, of .Mhanx ; Mr. Adolph Ruscli. (if Ahet;;^- iK: Ku-cli: .Mrs. Jolin j. Knox, Dr. I'". Ilumpli- reys. 'I'lii.s C'liil) Hon e has leeii a source of ^reat altraotion ever since it was luiilt, and its nianau'etnent lias been in the hands of the Secretary. Dr. Theodore \\ . .Mdscs. It is open 71 every day in the week, and on Wednesday and Saturday eve- nings dances are given. Private entertainments are sometimes given at this Club on Tuesday evenings. Among the original owners and projectors of the Mon- mouth Beach Association, which has made this attractive place possible, were : — The late Frederic S. Winston, President of the Mutual Life Insurance Company ; Judge Depue. of the New Jersey Supreme Court; Daniel Dodd, Francis Mackin, John Torrey, Mr. Cort- landt Parker, Hon. A. O. Keasbey, Mr. J. Wyman Jones, of Englewood, New Jersey;- Mr. Hugh N. Camp, the late David Hoadlev, President of the American Exchange Bank; Mr. Sheppard Homans, Alexander G. Callete, United States Sena- tor; Hon. George M. Robeson, Secretary of War, and Mr. E. A. Walton, who is the only surviving member of the Associa- tion now living at Monmouth Beach. St. Peter's Church in Galilee is the only church in Mon- mouth Beach proper and is open during the fifteen summer Sundavs. when the church is usually filled by the residents and their friends and the pulpit occupied by some of the leadmg clergymen of the country. The services are always of an inter- esting character and the music is more than usually attractive. MONMOUTH BEACH COTTAGERS. Raymond Lesher. Clinton Gilbert. A. Goepfel, A. P. Ralli W. H. Haniilton F J. Stimson. E. H. Day, Dr. L. A. Ayers, Lieut_^ J B^ Wo" d Bayard Donnn.ck. Rev. A. E. Kittridge A. H- Porter. R^cIKud DeGray M?s M S. Roberts, G. N. Gardiner, John McKesson, Henry D Cooke W' R Potts, R. L. Coleman, J. P. Cobb, George F^ Baker, Col AG Paine J. Walter Spaldmg, E. A. Walton, William Barbour, W S Fanshawe.'jas. B. Wilson, L H. Niles. W. G. Loew. Mr|. R A Potts Mrs J H. Herrick, Ernest Groesbeck, W C. Re ck. I. b. Piatt, A B Proal Geo. C. McKesson. Brent Good, Col. John Mc.\nerney, SH Kissam R. Maclay Bull, Mrs. F. S. Doug ass, J. H. Hardmg T C Renna^d Mrs. A. Holmes, H. N. Camp, Walter Shr.ver Wi l.am iLWlXy George Vanderhoof, J. C. Fargo, Dr. H_ S^Houg^Uon, W. C. Sheldon, W. S. Prentice, Ira Barrows. Thos. B. Kent, n. ^. Manning B. W. Horton. H. L. Thomell. Albert S>;n.ngton, Mr. W. H Beadk fon, R. W. Appleton. Hon. E. V. Loew, Dr. Herman Knapp. /O Wh ^^^HHI^^^H ^4^^M • ^^^^■j^jlHft^ 1^ < ' **" ' ^3 t. n'^ ^3 ik. ^ ^ 3^^' ,^ HB- 1 , vH|p ^s '1^ B.D. SERVOS:^, ENGR, N .«. MAP OF ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS AND VICINITY. Atlantic Highlands. IN 1880 there were farms where .Vthintic liighlands stands today. Only forty people lived inside the present corpor- ate limits in 1881. Now there are over 1,800 all-thc-year residents in Atlantic Highlands, besides double that number of summer residents and visitors. As the New Jersey terminal of the Central Railroad steamer route to the Monmouth County coast resorts, from New York City, Atlantic Highlands' loca- tion, on Atlantic Highlands l>ay, just inside the point of Sandy. Hook, is well known to many. But the map, which accom- panies this sketch, marks its site plainly for even strangers. It is the summer resort nearest New York. When you land at the pier you are practically at home, if you live in Atlantic High- lands. Of the scenery, fishing, boating, bathing, drives and other facilities to make life at Atlantic Highlands enjoyable, no spe- cial mention is necessary. The town has excellent light, water and sewerage systems, owned by the municipality. Its electric lighting and artesian water are a pet boast of its residents, as compared with corporation-swindled boroughs. No more live town of its size in sports than Atlantic Highlands. It has strong baseball clubs and bowling teams ; a vigorous athletic associa- tion; also golf and tennis clubs. The Atlantic Highlands casino is one of the best managed on the Jersey coast. The business facilities of Atlantic Highlands are up to requirements in nearly every branch. Its fine stone and gravel roads tend to make it easily accessible from outlying villages less well equipped with stores. Its fire department is one of the best. Few towns are so well provided with churches. It has two strong Baptist Churches and a colored Baptist Church, which was recently organized ; a Methodist and a colored Methodist Church, a Presbyterian's Church, and a Roman Catholic Church. All are in a fairlv flourishing condition. The Atlantic Highlands Improvement Society, composed of ladies of the town, devoted to making Atlantic Highlands an even better place to live in, has stimulated the people in the line of general iiuprovemcnt noticeably. It has done much practical work. Its corporate capacity and impersonal action 83 SUMMER RESIDENCE OF MR. WILLIAM S. AUCHINCLOSS. WATER FRONT, ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS. cnaljles the accoinplishiiK'nt of things whicli would otherwise be impossible. While its lari;e membership awakens interest in front and back yards, streets, sidewalks — everything' to be im])roved or beautified. Atlantic Highlands, nearl\- ever\- one prophesies, will have a great future. Rducationallv, the town stands high, mainlain- ing a graded and high school of the hrst rank. Some of the mort' recenth' built residences on the water front are the cottages of C'a|)tain Joseph T.arre, Mr. William S. .\uchincloss, Mr. Jose])!] I'.dwards and .Mrs. Ida I). I'eck, whose successful efl'orts to l)eautif\' the shore front may well be enni- lated b\' all who wish to follow good examples with excellent results. The heights east of .\tlantic Highlands, inside borough hunts, are crowned with man\- handsome cottages. In the lo- 84 cality known as ( )l)scrvator\ Tark. iIk' residences of Mr. ( .. k. Lawrie an.l Mrs. L. K. .Maelik of New York, are very enviably locate(k Sontli of the l)oron,-;h .)n the hei.ulits, overlookin,-;" the town, hav and New \ nvk lity is the residence of Mrs. \:. 'I il- h)tson, of C'liicat;'*). 'idle beautifid hei,i;hts and onlhioks over kind and water ni and aronnd .\tkuuic lliohkinds charm and satisfy i)eoi)le to whom broad bays and the ocean alYord views which Italy mi-ht well envy. Xor mav the vachtino- features of Atlantic lli-hlands i)ass unnoticed. Station 8 of the New York Yacht Club has its hea(l(|narters on the i)ier along-side the wharf, where the steam- ers Monmouth, Sandy Hook and Asbury Park make almost hourly landings throughout the day. The anchorage for yachts is o-raced bv the most iiujiortant ]irivate vessels of this and for- BARRE HARBOR,- SUMMER RESIDENCE OF CAPT. JOSEPH BARRE, WATER FRONT, ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS. 85 VIEW FROM WATER FRONT— RESIDENCE OF MRS. IDA D. PECK. eign countries. They are always objects of interest from the cottages and hotels and attract many promenaders to the long pier. The Heet of smaller yachts, too, is considerable. ATLANTIC HIGHLAND COTTAGERS. Ida D. Peck, Joseph Edwards, William S. Auchincloss, Captain Joseph Barre, Mrs. Hooper, Mrs. E. Tillotson, Mrs. L. R. Maehl, Wil- liam J. Wright, G. A. Ballin, Chas. A. Tatum, Edward Jansen, Col. F. S. Benson, Wm. H. Botjer, Rev. Dr. O. A. Brown, C. A. Christman. Charles E. Crowell. Geo. F. Lawrie, S. J. Nathan, A. D. Straus. Joseph Edwards, Henry Heide, S. A. McNear, M. M. Murray, M. S. Isaacs, E. Rinke, Dr. W. B. DeGarmo, O. Kraus, J. Levy, E. C. Miller, Dr. J. I. Hart, A. Lebaire. S. Hollander, F. M. Gillett, H. V. Youngman, Hon. Bernard Martin, Fredk. Neff, Fredk. Orth. G. W. Lockwood, Charles H. Pierce, A. C. Rowe, S. R. Sorey, H. V. Youngman, James W. Hening. H. L. Satterlee, L. D. Morrison, J. F. Lincoln, Charles H. Lovett, F. W. Bruning, Hanford Crawford, J. Wesley Dey, M. Drowne, Charles Duvale. L. DeHoleb, A. B. Cook, A. Mercer, Wm. Grevel, E. Laperequc, C. E. Applcgate, H. V. Tompkins, W. H. Willctts. Mr. F"loyd. 8: Leonardville Road. THV- lar^tT iici,!^lil)()rli()()(l out <>t which Atlantic lli^iilands has i^rown into a |)roL;"rcssi\e hort)Ui4h, had hccii known for a hah' ccntur\- before as Leonardville. The post- otiice was Leonardville, alwaxs kei)t 1)\' a Leonard, and much of the business and farmint^' enter])rises of the vicinit\ were under the control of members of the Leonard famil\- — Leonar J < a u U. H O 2 ^ ?• 'X C/3 2 H rfl ^ M C/) < Z J J < I' or the i)ur])t)-.e of this sketch, then, Xavesink will signify the larger territory, which includes tlu' ri\-ersi(le from Cooper's l'>ri(lge to Water Witch Llul). This beautiful trad of country, which repeats and intensities the charms and advantages of Rumson Xeck, has been a decade or so behind its sister neigh- borhood in settlement bv siuumer resident >, owing to lack of convenient railroad ct)mnuniication with Xew N Ork. When At- lantic Highlands, instead of Sandy Hook, became the terminal of the fine steamer line of the N. J. C. R. R. Company, a change came, and there is now cphte a colony of sunmier ])eople, and it is a ra])idly growing one. The easterly part of Greater Xavesink consists chiefly of the Hartshorne estates, still covered in large areas with forest prime\'al. The late Benjamin Hartshorne pursued the same conservative policy as his ancestors in keeping the big estate intact. He was a millionaire and could well afford to carry out this policy. His son, Robert Hartshorne. present owner of the land, like his forefathers, makes the estate his summer residence, and has modernized the family mansion, set in charming grounds on the banks of the Shrewsl)ury, with the green heights of the Highlands for a background. But the Hartshornes are not developing a Greater Xavesink, unless by maintaining drives, which it is the delight of summer visitors to use without restraint. Schoolmaster Stephens was one of the pul)lic school teach- ers of Middletown township in the early part of the last century. He bought a tract of land on Clay Pit Creek and left the prop- erty at his death to his son, Mr. John H. Stephens. The latter engaged in business in Xewark, as a member of the firm of Condit and Stephens, and became wealthy. He had four daughters, who married. Some of them, with their husbands, aided materially in developing Xavesink. The late Mr. and Airs. Charles E. Alilnor. Mr. Lemuel Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Washington were well known in the locality f(n- their handsome country-seats. Mr. Henry W^ashington, grandson of Mr. John H. Stephens, resides in the Washington family resicU'nce at the present time. The Ste])hens family ])rojected .Ml Saints ( h'piscopal) Church, at Xavesink, a beautiful native stone edifice, built about a half century ago. The church is largely supported bv the summer residents. With Mie increase of the smnmer colon\- the 97 congregation at All Saints has also grown larger. Rev. John C. Lord is the i)resent jjastor. "Locust Point" is another interesting place in Greater Xavesink. It is now the sunnner residence of Rev. and Mrs. Haslett McKim, of Xew York. It is located l)eautifully on the elevated point of the land at the north end of Navesink Bridge that spans the river between (Greater Xavesink and Oceanic. There is a steamboat dock on the property, where the "Sea I'.ird" and "Albertina" make regular landings. "Locust Point" was formerly part of the P>enjamin P.urdge farm. Mr. Purdge sold it to Joseph G. Mount, who built the steamboat dock there over fifty years ago. Then Mr. Mount sold the property to a ]^[r. Cooper for a summer hotel. Cooper dug a cellar, but gave up the undertaking. Mr. Mount took back the property and sold it to Michael Phelan, of billiard fame. Mr. P'helan built a house on the land. Later Mr. Howard Pot- ter bought it and made it the most beautiful place of that date in Greater Navesink. In 1884 it was sold to Mr. McKim, who has made it his summer residence ever since, adding to the prop- erty manv substantial improvements. The building of Xavesink Ilridge across the river in 1 890-1, and opening of the Stone Church Railroad, marked an epoch of progress in Greater Xavesink. The bridge ended at "Locust Point," and Mr. :\IcKim aided the county materially by dona- ting the land for the approach to it along his water front. Mrs. Sylvanus Reed, of Xew York, who owns next to Mr. McKim on the north, and was very active in securing the bridge to be built, also gave the approach through her property and, with Mr. McKim and others, built and bulkheaded the long cause- way at "Locust Point." ^Irs. Reed built several cottages sub- sequently on her fine property, wdiich is the largest single tract, besides the Hartshorne estate, in the neighborhood. She bought the Capt. \Vm. Johnson tract first and then secured most of the Benjamin Burdge farm. Her son-in-law, Mr. Wil- liam Barclay Parsons, of New York, has a country seat on the river front of the Reed tract. ^Irs. Reed, her son. ^Ir. L. G. Reed, Mr. Lowell Lincoln, Sr., Mr. Lowell Lincoln, Jr.. and Mr. Allan Tucker all reside on the heights upon the Reed tract. Another large tract, which has been handsomely utilized for summer residences, is the Andrew Burdge farm, lying along the river from the Benjamin P.urdge farm to P.rown's Dock. The 99 La Marclie estate included a lari^e portion of this property, and the lieirs have made the phice beautiful with their new cottages and hne landscaping. The grounds of Mr. Henry J. La Marche have uniijue features well worth seeing. Air. and Mrs. Wherle- nian, Mr. I'aul La Marche. Mr. N'ictor La Marche, Mr. ALit- thew La Marche and Mr. John \'. La Marche also have hand- some summer homes on this tract. Mr. Lowell Lincoln, jr., built his ver\- handsome cottage near the La Marche estate on the Reed tract. Air. L. H. Amy's summer home is on the river front, just west of 'Locust Point." ( )thcrs who have summer cottages in the vicinity are Mr. T. F. IJardon, of New York ; Mr. Nicholas Young, of Brooklyn ; Mr. J. M. Duane, of New York. Away to the westward are a num- ber of summer residences along the river, one of the important ones being the place of Mr. W. Strothers Jones. On the banks of Clay Pit Creek, Mr. Demmert, of New- York, has built a new summer cottage. Nearby also is the country house of the Irvings', a New York family, who have spent their summers there for the past thirty years. Mr. James Irving was at one time chief of the New York detective service. After his death his widow. Airs. Elizabeth Irving, with her fam- ily, continued to reside summers at "Sleepy Hollow," as they named their Navesink cottage, a name made famous by an Irving of the same kin. Across Clay I^it Creek northward is the Randall place, close by Stone Church station, where Air. A. H. Randall, of New York, has spent his summers for many years. Alanv others might be named did the sco])e of the work require a catalogue or directory of all who have contributed to the growth of Greater Navesink as a place in which to spend the summer. The golf links are located on the iiro]:)erties of Airs. Reed and Air. Ale Kim, and are well patronized by lovers of that form of recreation. It is significant to note that in 1664, Clay Pit Creek was a river, according to the old map referred to. 102 W f- < ' z- > < X a Q < SUMMER RESIDENCE OF MR. EDWARD S. ATWOOD, WATER WITCH CLUB. Water Witch Club. W.\TI':K W itch Cl.Un is situated .„i t,,,, of tlie Nave- sink lli-hlan.ls, overlook-in- Xcw Ynvk JJav, Sandy N«)ck and \hv ocean. Hie clul. eanie into existence ni the sununer n| ,895. At that time a nunil.er ..f -entlen.en desn-in- summer homes were struck with tlie beaut v of the locati.in and its accessibility to Xew ^•,.rk, and j.urchased the properly. Club features, with property restrictions, were adnpt- e lees, has built a clubhouse used b\- all as a place of general as- senibh and b\ associate members tor residences as well; con- structed water and sewerage works, and otlu'rwise used its funds for the general benefit; its liberal charter giving to it ])o\vers not ])Ossessed even b\- many townships. 'idle club was incor])()rated in iS(^5. The hrst allotment of building sites was made in Septembt'r of that year, and a few houses were reach- for occupancy in i. DeHaven, Isaac Denby, Ernest H. DeCoppet, Lyman A. Ford. Ernest Greene, Laurence Hasbrouck. Dudley Hall. E. Spencer Hall. Frederick P. Hill, Dr. J. H. Huddleston. Richard Laml). .Augustus Lin- den, A. W. Lord. Walter McDougal. P'rancis R. Pcniberton, Cornelius Poillon, Lemuel Skidmore. Wm. B. Tabor. Evan Thomas. Edward Townsend. Wm. Tubbs, Arthur W. Watson. .Alexander White, E. S. Whitman. F. A. Wright. Alfred .A. Witman. N. .A. Wise Wood, Countess San Marzano, Jas. F. Andrews. IQ: OCT 23 1903