Swimming in Retro ‘P’ House

It’s just one of those days — an everybody-in-the-pool kinda day.

It’s the kind of day when a Rumson-Fair Haven area person wishes he or she could take a swim, sit on a poolside porch overlooking the ocean and rock. Really rock … in a rocking chair at the old iconic Peninsula House.

It’s been gone for years, but the memories of the giant old hotel-turned-beach club are definitely not. It’s a pretty sure bet that anyone who grew up in the area has at least one story tucked away in the memory and ready to tell about the place that was a beach club by day (and a reasonable one at that) and seaside club by night.

Most locals met up at P House for socializing one way or another, be it at a swim meet, to take a little non-competitive dip, lounging by the ocean in the summer, or rocking in those rocking chairs on that wrap-around porch or to the tunes of one of the bands at night.

So, the Retro Pic(s) of the Day take us back to the spot with some shots of Rumson’s well-known longtime mayor, John Ekdahl, poolside and megaphone in hand for a meet, the entrance to the grand place, some familiar area ladies on the porch and the swim team of yesteryear.

 

Take a gander and tell us your favorite P House memory.

Peninsula House Swim Team of the mid-1970s
Photo/Facebook collection

— Photos/Facebook collection screenshots

Retro RFH Senior Year Cruisin’

Heat’s on. Top’s down. Spirits are riding high. Summer’s coming. So is RFH graduation. So are those last summer days with high school buds before college.

That last summer before college is a pivotal, cherished milestone. It’s all about making memories that last a lifetime. Even one ride, top down, top 10 hits blasting on an AM radio, belly laughs, pranks and soaring spirits makes an indelible mark in the heart. It’s a mark that always conjures up a smile and an exhale of content.

So, the Retro Pic of the Day is dedicated to that time with a look back to the summer of 1978, best of friends from RFH, a 1965 powder blue Mustang convertible and, well, a big ol’ grimace of good times’ remembrance.

Yes, your esteemed editor is one of these alligator shirt-clad cronies. Another is gone. And one is still a best bud.

The memories … they’re a best friend, too. Smile.

What kind of car did you cruise in back in those summer days? Favorite spots? Pranks?

This crew spent an inordinate amount of time egging unwitting young lovers on the beach, ordering a Ham Dinger (they had them at 7-11) and dancing with the top down just to annoy people making out on Scenic Drive.

— Elaine Van Develde

Sea Bright Fire Department Carnival Time

Tonight’s the night that a longtime annual area tradition sets the pace for riding into summer. The Sea Bright Fire Department Carnival is all set up and ready for its start at 5 p.m. in the municipal parking lot.

The carnival, or fair, is, as usual, is host to rides, games of chance, classic fair food, and live entertainment, and runs through Sunday.

Here’s the schedule: 

• Thursday, May 18, 5 to 11 p.m.

• Friday May 19, 5 p.m. to midnight, featuring The West End Dogs band at 6 p.m.

• Saturday May 20, 5 p.m. to midnight is also Mug Night, featuring The Jukebox Criminals band at 6 p.m.

• Sunday May 21, 2 to 9 p.m.

— Photos/Elaine Van Develde 2016

Prosecutor: Area Couple Indicted in February Murder

An area couple has been indicted on several charges and could face life in prison in connection with the February murder of Trupal Patel whose body was discovered on the side of the road in Shark River Park, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced on Monday.

Continue reading Prosecutor: Area Couple Indicted in February Murder

Retro RFH Spring Ballgame Antics

The RFH boys of spring baseball season
Photo/George Day

It may look like it, but, no, it’s not a Jets rumble …  And it’s not a musical, either. It could be the west side of the field. But a west side story? Eh, could be. Only the players on this stage know for sure.

So, a few days back, we revisited a case of retro RFH spring fever hitting a high pitch in the 1970s on the ballfield at the high school — or somewhere around there.

Continue reading Retro RFH Spring Ballgame Antics