Artistic Expression in Belford
Artistic License in Belford
Leave a reply
Author Archives: Laughing Girl
A Walk Among the Tombstones
The earliest European settlers arrived in Monmouth County in the 1660s and many old burial grounds may be found in churchyards and along back roads. A walk among the tombstones reveals familiar names that are now associated with streets and towns throughout the county and harkens back to a time when the sea connected Monmouth to the world.
A private burial ground along Rumson Road
Abraham Pearce
William Lloyd
Amuse Yourself in Keansburg
Before there was Disneyland, there was Keansburg. Check out these vintage kiddie rides. They don’t make ’em like this anymore.
Turtle Beach
Warmer weather and sunshine lure more than people to Thompson Park. An afternoon walk along the banks of the Swimming River reveals a thriving turtle population. Here are a few competing for a spot on fallen logs at water’s edge. The snapper feeding in the shallows is huge!
Library Power in Bradley Beach
Built in 1927 at the urging of the Women’s Improvement League, the design of the Bradley Beach Library followed guidelines recommended by Andrew Carnegie although the building was not funded by his philanthropy but rather by donations from local citizens. Located on Fourth Avenue, the Bradley Beach Free Public Library represents the early 20th-century efforts of women’s organizations to promote cultural, educational, religious and social reforms.
In addition to books and online services, the independent Bradley Beach Library offers a variety of programs for patrons of all ages. A new addition to the rear of the building provides handicapped access. This building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Asbury Park Street Art
A drive by some outstanding creativity in Asbury Park. Does anyone know the artist?
Marking American Ingenuity
This iconic landmark, designed to resemble a transistor, is the water tower at the former Bell Labs in Holmdel. The American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) began constructing the research laboratory in 1959. It is one of the final projects of architect Eero Saarinen.
Corporate researchers invented cell phones and radio astronomy here along with other Nobel Prize winning discoveries. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. It is now a privately owned mixed use office space known as Bell Works.
Water, Iron, and Slave Labor in Tinton Falls
Monmouth County has a rich history dating to colonial times when generous land grants
created unprecedented opportunity for ambitious, well-connected English gentlemen.
Tinton Falls at Sycamore Avenue and Swimming River Road
Named after an estate in Monmouthshire, Wales, Tintern (now Tinton) was the site of one of the earliest iron works in America. Established in 1680, the iron mill and forge were powered by what was then the highest water fall along the Atlantic Coast. Labor was provided by white indentured servants and 60-70 African slaves imported from Barbados by owner Colonel Lewis Morris, whose heir was New Jersey’s Governor of the same name.
The falls have diminished and the Tinton Iron Works are long gone but you can find out more:
Monmouth County Sunsets
Keyport: Gateway to Bayshore Antiques
You may be familiar with the water tower emblazoned with the name of this small historic town as you leave the Parkway at Exit 117. Most of us just hurry on by as we choose to follow Routes 35 or 36 to other places. But by taking the time to actually visit Keyport, you may be surprised to find a number of antique shops and eateries adjacent to a revitalized waterfront.
Organized as a town in 1870, Keyport was once famous for its oyster industry and a walk through town is a reminder of a rich maritime history. Since 2011, the municipal government and the Keyport Bayfront Business Cooperative have created a promenade on the water and encouraged new businesses and music venues.
Keyport is definitely worth a visit. If antiquing isn’t your thing, come for the music or the food. McDonagh’s Pub, the Keyport Fishery, and the award-winning Broad Street Diner won’t disappoint you.
The Monmouth Muse 