Remembrance of the Fair Stock Room Dude — Dad

The following piece was originally published on Aug. 31, 2015. It is being re-run, with changes only in the amount of years that have passed, in memory of my father, Bill Van Develde, former longtime Fair Haven Fire Company member, president and captain of the Fire Police and chairman of the stock room at the fair, on the anniversary of his death on Aug. 31, 1983. RIP, Dad. You are missed. Thank you for all the embarrassing moments that I didn’t appreciate enough. Thank you for making Fair Haven my home. Thank you for being a real dad. See you later at the fair …

Retro Fair Haven Firemen's Fair stock room days in the 1970s Photo/FHFD booklet
Retro Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair stock room days in the 1970s
Photo/FHFD booklet

By Elaine Van Develde

It’s been 36 years, but I can still see his face and that kooky Brylcreemed hairdo. I can still hear his crazy belly laugh and that signature “Take ‘er easy, buddy!” I can still see him slapping kids on the back, forever clutching his trusty clipboard, pencil perched behind his ear, sweat on the brow and finger wagging.

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Retro Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair Balloon Boss & Buddies

Sally Van Develde selling balloons at the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair Grab Bag Booth

The following piece was originally published in August of 2015. Here it is again in honor of the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair and my mom, Sally Van Develde, to whom this site is dedicated … 

Growing up in Fair Haven with parents in the fire company, Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair time meant time spent inflating punch balls during the day and helium balloons at night.

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Prosecutor: Off-Duty NJ Transit Officer Arrested After Altercation

An off-duty NJ Transit police officer was arrested following an altercation with several individuals in Belmar early Friday morning, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced.

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Prosecutor: 36-Year-Old Arrested on Child Luring Charges

A 36-year-old man has been arrested on luring and child endangerment charges in connection with internet sting during which he discussed engaging in sexual activity with someone he thought was a 14-year-old, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced.

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Prosecutor: Monmouth Man Arrested on Child Porn Charges

A Monmouth County man has been arrested and charged with distribution of child sexual assault images, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced.

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