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
Before there was Disneyland, there was Keansburg. Check out these vintage kiddie rides. They don’t make ’em like this anymore.
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!
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.
A drive by some outstanding creativity in Asbury Park. Does anyone know the artist?
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.
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.
In 1926, Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim the English Channel, breaking the men’s record along the way. The child of German immigrants from New York, Gertrude’s family had a summer home in Highlands where she trained by swimming against the tide in the Shrewsbury River. Not only did Gertrude swim the channel, but she made notable adaptations to women’s swimwear and created waterproof goggles that allowed her to succeed.
Gertrude’s record was short-lived and she was unable to capitalize on her achievement unlike the athletes of today. She remains a footnote in Highlands history and her name is on this sign in the park at the foot of the Highlands-Sea Bright Bridge.
You can find out more about Gertrude Ederle in America’s Girl: The Incredible Story of How Swimmer Gertrude Ederle Changed the Nation by Tim Dahlberg.
Monmouth County horses are part of a thriving industry.
New Jersey boasts more horses per square mile than any other state and most are found on horse farms and ranches in Monmouth and Hunterdon Counties. In 1977, the horse was designated the official state animal and a horse’s head appears on the state seal.
A drive through Colts Neck and Middletown offers scenic views that harken back to a time when New Jersey truly was the Garden State. In addition to horse racing at Monmouth Park, Monmouth County is also home to The Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown which offers a full calendar of events from Barrel Racing to Dressage. It’s reassuring to know that horse lovers can find a lot to love here in Monmouth County.
The horse industry is New Jersey’s fifth largest agricultural activity. Equine operations contribute to a billion dollar economic engine that includes racing and show horse operations, training, lessons, veterinarians, feed and tack suppliers, and recreational riding stables. Forty-six percent of horses are stabled on residential properties. Learn more about the economic impact of New Jersey’s equine industry here.
The Monmouth Muse 