Retro Fair Haven TGIF Crew — Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect

A little TGIF kind of gathering at the Lang home in Fair Haven circa 1970s
Photo/Lang family

Originally posted on Feb. 25, 2022, we are reprising this one in honor of Jim Butler, who passed away a few days ago … RIP, Mr. Butler. RIP, all. It’s official, no one in this photo remains. The memories sure do, though …

Nothing says “neighborly TGIF” like a look back at what was a common kind of casual gathering of friends just because.

There didn’t have to be a reason to celebrate friendship and fine neighbors back in the day when the door was always open down the street. A little knock, a “Helloooo, it’s me!” and coffee cake or a six pack was enough to get a little party started. Then more stopped by. Then it turned into a real party. A casual party. The kind of party that started in the kitchen and pretty much stayed there.

Neighbors. Friends. Family. Sometimes family was a police chief, too. Car parked out front, a little pop in with some swirling lights and a “Hey!” on the way to the station was standard. Same difference. All of it — in the neighborhood family of Fair Haven.

So, as a TGIF token of the past, we look back to a night in the 1970s at the Lang house on the corner of Hance Road and Parker Avenue and a “family” crew. As was typical, and really still is, everyone was hanging out in the kitchen, even leaning on the sink. The police chief was Lou DeVito. He’s on the left and he had probably just walked in to this pow wow. He, along with all of the others but one, is no longer with us.

The others? Well, of course, in the back and pointing is Bill Lang. Next to him is his son, and RFH Class of ’78 grad, Jeff. In front on the left is Jo Butler. Next to her is, of course, my mom, Sally Van Develde. Last one standing, literally, is guess who? You’ve seen him at the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair every year for decades. He’s all around town. Know who that guy is standing next to the Langs? Yes, it’s Jim Butler.

Casual neighborhood gatherings were very common back in the day. That commonality seems to have sadly waned. Now that COVID is on the decline and closer encounters are a reality, it could become a trend again — especially among those who have become attached to hanging at home a bit more.

Where did you or your parents hang out in the neighborhood back in the day? Whose house was the central location? Also, remember the old emergency plan? Which neighbor’s house were you instructed to head to in case of a fire or other fiasco? Did your parents pen a custody in an emergency agreement?

Think about it, smile and let’s get this neighborhood party started again!

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