A look, in photos, of latest area events, local everyday people and places.
It’s a pretty well-known fact by now that Fair Haven’s Ken Curchin turned 100 on April 19.
The centenarian who’s favorite mantra is “Never quit!” led what he called a simple life enriched by family and attaining his dream of becoming a pilot when the odds were against him. After helping construct the Alcan Highway in Alaska during World War II, Ken Curchin ended up flying a B-17 Bomber in the war.
Video and stories by Elaine Van Develde
Ken Curchin has been all over the world. He’s done and seen a lot. He flew a B-17 Bomber in World War II. He married his best gal and became a dad to five children. He was a barber in his family’s shop on Mechanic Street in Red Bank. He jumped off the Fair Haven Dock. All this and he says, with an eye twinkle and a his own brand of hearty hyena chuckle, that he’s “never been in the newspaper until now, sons a b******!”
Well, this is the second (or, we’re told, third) time, Mr. Curchin. Born on April 19, 1917 in the building that is now Frame It Yourself on River Road in Fair Haven, he is 100 years old today. Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect caught up with him for a second time on Easter. And what a time it was!
Happy Birthday, Mr. Curchin! Listen and learn … (Be sure to click the video to enlarge!)
Sometimes a little solitude, a stroll and a serene scene down by the Fair Haven Dock is the best thing for the soul.
While the scenery may look the same, no two riverfront snapshots in time are ever identical. Each moment is unique. Each picture different. The effect, too, of given day down by that Navesink River can change like, well, the seasons.
It’s spring in Fair Haven. And that riverfront stroll is as soothing as the sun’s warm embrace. That’s because it’s a walk home.
Take a look …
— Elaine Van Develde
Nothing says Easter quite like a good ole Easter bonnet.
So, the Retro Pic of the Easter Day is just that.
It’s your editor in her Easter bonnet back in the early 1960s. Yikes!
The whole outfit was quite fancy, as this kid’s Fair Haven mom made sure of it.
Happy Easter, all! Bask in that sun and enjoy this spring day!
Well, the sun has finally made its entrance into full swing spring.
Most would say, too, that the time has been right to hit the beach — with full beach gear.
So, the Retro Pic of the (George) Day commemorates setting the stage for a beach day and making that entrance with a look back at some RFH beach babies taking their ode to it all to the stage in 1974.
The girls were entering stage right for a full regalia rendition of the Beach Boys’ Girls on the Beach in the RFH Freshmen Follies.
The outfits made the hosts of the show take a step back.
So, step back in time with us and remember this special little rendition. Recognize these gals? And how about those suits?
Many thanks, again, to the fabulous George Day for this look back!
Yes, it’s just another Rumson sunset.
With the weather leaping from spring to summer sort of temperatures, lots of people flocked to Barnacle Bill’s for dinner on Wednesday night. Though, that’s not so unusual.
Another thing that’s not so unusual is the pristine view of the sunset over the Navesink River. It just doesn’t get old.
So, why not grab a couple of glimpses as the ball of fire retreats below the horizon? Why not, indeed.
Good night …
Take a look at the rapid progression … (And don’t forget to click to enlarge!)
— Elaine Van Develde
Get your dose of sunlight that the doctor ordered (or not) while it’s there to soak up like these folks did on Sea Bright beach Sunday!
The National Weather Service’s forecast calls for lots of the golden stuff in the Rumson-Fair Haven area with temperatures reaching a high of about 75 today.
Tomorrow, though, darker skies loom. There’s a chance of thunderstorms and showers after 10 p.m. tonight followed possibly (30 percent chance) by some precipitation on Wednesday.
Enjoy your sunny daze!
Sunday was a great day for romp by the river and a little hunt for Easter eggs in Rumson.
Hundreds got set and went on the run for eggs at Victory Park where spring had clearly sprung in a celebratory way.
With the sound of the fire horn, kids in two different age groups hippy hopped to gather their goodies while gobbling up all the sun and fun they could.
Take a look … (And don’t forget to click on the photos to enlarge!)
— Elaine Van Develde
Some bunny special was on Sea Bright Public Beach on Sunday and kids came out in droves to hunt eggs and that one rabbit — The Easter Bunny (or some facsimile thereof).
Continue reading Focus: Sand, Surf, Eggs & Easter Bunny in Sea Bright
It’s spring and baseball season is in full swing at RFH.
In fact, games are scheduled for today and Saturday.
So, in honor of the sport, that spiffy old RFH uniform and good times on the playing field, the Retro Pic(s) of the (George) Day offer a glimpse back to some days on the field and in the dugout back in the 1970s.
Recognize any of these guys? And, ball players, who was your favorite coach? One, for many, was the ever-popular Hal Lorme who passed away a couple of years ago.
Just thinking about the game, are ya? Take a look back and remember. Now, about those uniforms …
Thanks, once again, to the fabulous George Day for these glimpses back into RFH history!
After a week peppered with foul weather, forecasters are seeing the light — sunlight — peering through and making way for some weekend activity in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.
Continue reading The R-FH Area Weekend: Egg Hunting & Street Fair
Well, after more soggy, rainy days, the sun made an appearance in the Rumson-Fair Haven area and beckoned people back to the Navesink riverfront.
At the Fair Haven Dock, the scene was one of solitary sun worshipping and a little riverfront romping. Contentment. Comfort on the homefront.
As the forecast tells, the sun will just do a bit of peering on Monday. Then we’ll be hit with hazardous rainy conditions by Tuesday. So, enjoy and get your river romping in.
According to the National Weather Service, there will be rain after 11 p.m. on Monday and showers with a possible thunderstorm and a flood watch on Tuesday. Though, the temperature will hit the mid-60s. The sun comes back on Wednesday.
Happy Monday!
— Elaine Van Develde
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