A former area high school teacher has pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of two of her students, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Tuesday.
Continue reading Prosecutor: Former Area High School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault of StudentsRumson Police Report: Stalking, Underage Drinking, Child Endangerment, DUI
The following August arrests were reported by Rumson police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction. A DUI alone is a motor vehicle offense.
Continue reading Rumson Police Report: Stalking, Underage Drinking, Child Endangerment, DUIFocus: Going Home to a ‘Middle’ of Fair Sights, Friends, Neighbors and a High Five
But, what about the middle? The end of the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair has always brought me, and many a “fair” kid, back to that middle haven. It’s home … It’s that time — the time when you held it and walked with it (that balloon that eventually got away) that made you smile — like a memory. Letting it go never takes that middle away. ~ Elaine Van Develde

Call it finding a new “middle.” The end of the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair 2025 came on Saturday night.
The beginning of the end-of-summer tradition — for not only Fair Havenites, but the many who’ve bonded with it in a community brick-and-mortar-like solidarity — came more than 120 years ago.
Continue reading Focus: Going Home to a ‘Middle’ of Fair Sights, Friends, Neighbors and a High FiveFair Remembrance: All’s Fair in the Middle
Our annual reprise about what it really means to experience all that’s fair for a Fair Haven kid …
There are a lot of significant beginnings and endings this time of the year. The end of summer. The beginning of locals’ summer. The start of school — new chapters and first days.
But, what about the middle? The end of the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair has always brought me, and many a “fair” kid, back to that middle haven. It’s home.
Continue reading Fair Remembrance: All’s Fair in the MiddleRemembering My Fair Daddy
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. 30, 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 on the fair grounds …
By Elaine Van Develde
It’s been 42 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.
Continue reading Remembering My Fair DaddyOld News: Fair Firemen, 10-Cent Charlestons, Ponies, Carousels, Spin Art and Flying Geraldos
The Charleston, flying trapeze artists, the Zipper or not, the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair has been an end-of-summer tradition since its inception in 1921. Yes, some things never change — like the fair’s core of community legacy.
Yes, legacy. It’s a concept that those lacking a sense of community and connection in their souls just don’t get. Their loss. And it’s a big one.
Continue reading Old News: Fair Firemen, 10-Cent Charlestons, Ponies, Carousels, Spin Art and Flying GeraldosTwo DWI Checkpoints Set for Labor Day Weekend
With the weekend that ends summer, Labor Day weekend, there will be two separate DWI checkpoints in Monmouth County running from Friday night through Sunday morning, The Monmouth County DWI Task Force announced.
Continue reading Two DWI Checkpoints Set for Labor Day WeekendRetro Rumson Firemen’s Fair Moment
Reprise in honor of Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair week and what used to be called Firemen’s Night, now Emergency Responders’ Night, which was last night …
Well, the fair is on and nothing has stopped it yet.
A tradition within the fair tradition is Firemen’s Night. Fire departments from across the state flock to the fair, most with reps riding into town on their towns’ fire trucks. It happens annually on Wednesday night of the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair.
So, the Retro Pic of the Day offers a glimpse into Firemen’s Night 10 years ago, in 2015, with a photo of guys and gals from the neighboring Rumson Fire Department.
A big thank you to all our volunteer firefighters!
Recognize anyone in this crew? Have you thanked a firefighter today?
These daily stories, photos, looks back and tributes on R-FH Retro are brought to you courtesy of supporters. If you like R-FH Retro, keep the site going by sponsoring more. Click here to donate any amount you wish. Contact me for an ad or sponsorship at evd@rfhretro.com. Thank you!
- Retro River Cruise into Sunny Daze
- Prosecutor: Former Cop Gets 17 Years for 2021 Vehicular Homicide, DUI
- In Memoriam: Fair Haven-Raised RFH ’72 Grad, Former Policeman, Fireman, Mike Raleigh, 72
- In Memoriam: Red Bank Resident Mary Zemann, 69
- Retro Rumson Police Line-Up
Focus: Fair Faces of Firemen’s Night
It used to be called Firemen’s Night. It was the night when firemen from all over the state rode in to the fairgrounds at the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair on their firetrucks amid a flurry of blaring sirens and flashing lights.
Continue reading Focus: Fair Faces of Firemen’s NightSteeping in Fair Memories: Cooking Up Firemen’s Fair Goodness

The following piece was originally published on Aug. 27, 2015. It’s fair time again, so it’s time to take a look back at how things were and are done a pivotal place at the fair — the kitchen and dining room.
By Elaine Van Develde
Someone’s in the kitchen at Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair grounds.
And while they may have, at one point another been with someone named Dinah, as the old ditty goes, it’s a definite they’ve been with someone named Mike, Dale, Sue (x2), Raquel, Ethel (x2), Mary, Anne, Amanda, Skippy, Hodgie, Mary Ellen, Joe, Evie, and, oh, yeah, Andy and a few others.
And they certainly haven’t been strummin’ on any ol’ banjo. They’ve been way too busy — cutting, peeling, filling, flouring, husking and just plain cooking.
Except there’s nothing plain about what’s cooking in the fair kitchen, who’s cooking it, when, where, why or how.


Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Scene Around: Readying for Middle School in Rumson
It’s just about back-to-school time in Rumson. That means it’s time to orient the incoming students to what will be their new school experience.
Continue reading Scene Around: Readying for Middle School in RumsonRetro Little Folk Singin’ Fair Ladies

Photo/Jack Croft via Mary Croft
There’s nothing better, or more carnival apropos, to kick off the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair than a parade. And, back in the day, like the ’60s or early ’70s day, it happened.
Continue reading Retro Little Folk Singin’ Fair Ladies






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