Tag Archives: Fair Haven

Local Life

Retro Fair Haven Fisk Chapel & Its People

Image

Another version of the following was originally published in February of 2016 … 

The Fair Haven Fisk Chapel AME Church is home to many community founders and their families. Its history juts deep into the entrenched roots of Fair Haven life.

As of Saturday, it will have been host to two Fair Haven centenarians’ funeral services — Mrs. Suggs last month and Mrs. Jetter tomorrow.

The modest little place and its humble, welcoming people have a very rich history all their own. A lot of the names and faces are traceable back to the early days of the church, back in the mid-1800s.

Continue reading Retro Fair Haven Fisk Chapel & Its People →

Local Life

Retro Fair Haven Centenarian

Image
U.S. Army Sgt. Ken Curchin, pilot in WW II
Photo/Curchin family

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.

Continue reading Retro Fair Haven Centenarian →

Local Life

Ken Curchin: Fair Haven’s Centenarian

Video

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!)

Local Life

Focus: Solitude & Dusk at Fair Haven Dock

Gallery

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

Schools Scene

Fair Haven Students’ Visit with a Famous Author

Third grade students from Sickles School shared lunch and conversation with children’s author Patricia Polacco.
Photo/Fair Haven School District
A wish came true for students in the Fair Haven School District when children’s author Patricia Polacco paid a visit recently.

Continue reading Fair Haven Students’ Visit with a Famous Author →

Schools Scene

Knollwood Students Get a Glimpse into the Life of an Author

Award-winning young adult fiction author Jordan Sonnenblick speaks to eighth grade students at Knollwood School
Photo/Fair Haven School District
Award-winning young adult fiction author Jordan Sonnenblick visited Knollwood School recently to give students a glimpse into the mind of a writer who explores teenage life.

Continue reading Knollwood Students Get a Glimpse into the Life of an Author →

Local Life

Focus: Sunny Daze River Romp

Gallery

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