Tag Archives: Rumson

Retro Rumson Summer: The Barn Theater

Clip of press photo for The Barn Theater's production of "The Fantasticks" in the summer of 1977
Clip of press photo for The Barn Theater’s production of “The Fantasticks” in the summer of 1977
"Bye Bye Birdie" at The Barn Theater in Rumson circa summer of 1977 Photo/Elaine Van Develde
“Bye Bye Birdie” at The Barn Theater in Rumson circa summer of 1977
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

The following piece was originally posted on July 8, 2015. As we dive into summer season, we thought it only fitting to remember good summer times outside of the usual beach romp for those who grew up and raised their families in the Rumson-Fair Haven area — summer theater. Once upon a time, there was a special little place in Rumson called The Barn … Take a trip back with us to  simple summers and magical, theatrical times … 

Remember The Barn Theater in Rumson?

Well, if you don’t, you missed out and are probably significantly younger than those who do and didn’t — miss out, that is.

It’s a plus if you’re that young. But, it’s definitely a factor in the minus category if you didn’t work, play or get entertained there.

It was a community theater that cast hundreds, maybe thousands, from the area, including many Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) students.

The building is still there, only a few blocks away from the high school on Avenue of Two Rivers near the intersection at Ridge Road. The reason why it was called The Barn was, well, because it was an old barn, gutted (if there is such a thing with a barn) and converted into a small arena-type stage theater, with the stage at floor level and risers around it as seats, though not all the way around.

You get the picture. Now, here’s what’s behind the place’s show folk and shows …

Continue reading Retro Rumson Summer: The Barn Theater

Weekly Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge Travel Advisory

This week’s Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge construction travel advisory remains status quo. Work continues during the hours of 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Friday, weather permitting.

Continue reading Weekly Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge Travel Advisory

In Memoriam: Rumson-Raised Longtime Fair Havenite & Fire Co. Member, RFH ’69 Grad, Frank Scalzo

Rumson-raised longtime Fair Havenite, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) 1969 graduate and 37-year Fair Haven Fire Department member, Frank A. Scalzo, passed away on July 3.

Continue reading In Memoriam: Rumson-Raised Longtime Fair Havenite & Fire Co. Member, RFH ’69 Grad, Frank Scalzo

Focus: River Time Front-Row Seat

Sometimes the best front-row seat is the one that cradles your river time.

Wherever it is, front-row Rumson Barnacle Bill’s or docked, it’s that seat that offers a hometown view with heart. Even in the haze, the the clarity of what matters most is caught like an opening night bouquet tossed into the audience’s lap from the Navesink River’s scenic stage.

It’s a show without a ticket or playbill. Curtain’s always up, even if the lights are dim and no one’s in the house. That’s because it’s always your own show with a take-away that stays like pressed flowers from the best of times.

That front-row seat to river time always calls, offering river time its own sitting ovation — always bowing in, not out.

That’s the show that holds down by the river. Always. Take a look at the above photo gallery for a glimpse from the seat ... (CLICK on one photo to enlarge and scroll. Enjoy!)

— Photos/Elaine Van Develde

The weekend weather …

Continue reading Focus: River Time Front-Row Seat

In Memoriam: Longtime Area Restaurateur; Iconic Hook, Line & Sinker, Ichabod’s Owner, Chuck Barondess, 83

Longtime area restaurateur Charles “Chuck” Barondess, owner of the iconic Rumson Hook Line & Sinker and Sea Bright’s Ichabod’s, passed away on June 13, 2023. He was 83.

Continue reading In Memoriam: Longtime Area Restaurateur; Iconic Hook, Line & Sinker, Ichabod’s Owner, Chuck Barondess, 83

Weekly Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge Travel Advisory

Despite the steady stream of rainy weather through last week and into this week, this week’s Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge replacement activity remains status quo. Work on the bridge continues Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day, again, weather permitting, with a few new notes to roadway and sidewalk users. Note that the sidewalk across the bridge is fully open to pedestrians and bicyclists.

Monmouth County officials advise …

Continue reading Weekly Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge Travel Advisory

Weekly Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge Travel Advisory

This week’s Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge replacement activity remains status quo. It continues Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day, weather permitting, with a few new notes to roadway and sidewalk users.

Monmouth County officials advise …

Continue reading Weekly Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge Travel Advisory

Rumson Police Report: Smash & Grab Car Burglary

While continuing to urge residents to lock cars and valuables in them because of heightened car thefts in the area, Rumson police are alerting area residents of a different sort of criminal activity that is becoming rampant and occurred in Rumson this past weekend — smash and grab car burglary.

Continue reading Rumson Police Report: Smash & Grab Car Burglary