Retro RFH Caribbean Spirits — Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect

A reprise Retro Pic of the Day, originally posted on Sept. 14, 2016 in the spirit of a balmy locals’ summer day, knowing that the summer spirit never truly ends for the Rumson-Fair Haven area young and forever young at heart …

With locals’ summer and school (in or out of the classroom) in full swing, students’ thoughts naturally turn to warmth and freedom. They start to daydream.

And as it gets cooler outside, those daydreams tend to have a festive tropical island motif — well, this one anyway.

Back in the 1970s, RFH students, or a gaggle of guys, anyway, manifested those thoughts of warmer beach days, among other valiant party pursuits, into a club — The Caribbean Club.

These guys beached it in Sea Bright or somewhere along the Shrewsbury River throughout the school year. Leaving behind their bathing trunks, clad in those classic RFH button down shirts, sometimes flannel, sweaters, Levis and topsiders, the dozen of these senior dudes sought sunsets on the Shrewsbury, beer (yes, beer), parties and a proper “bon voyage for seniors embarking on the cruise of life,” so goes the description of the club in the 1975 RFH Yearbook. Fact.

Well, they did have a charitable mission. They sponsored Halloween and Christmas parties.

Somehow we’re thinking that this club would have never cut it in this era, much less made it to the yearbook touting a partying prowess. Relax, folks, it was 50 years ago. So, “Cheers!” to the Caribbean Club of yesteryear and its dreamy days.

You guys are truly RFH policy antiques.

Who knows where the Caribbean Club hosted its most notable parties? Were you there?

— Elaine Van Develde