Many people in the Rumson area have fond memories of the talent, warm smile and demeanor of one of the borough’s most longtime residents — Adelaide Bennett.
Adelaide, known as Addy to friends and family, passed away at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, surrounded by her loving family, on Feb. 7. She was 95.
A little observation …
It is certainly not your typical evergreen. In fact, there’s nothing evergreen about it, because its branches have to be replaced. And it’s branches aren’t really branches. They’re camouflage for that infamous Rumson cell tower.
We’re thinking that everyone knows and has always known it’s not a tree. It’s pretty obvious. And when the tower was first erected, it was a definite conversation piece around the towns.
And though the novelty of that conversation has worn off a bit, when the “tree” is getting a coiffing, the chatter starts again.
Towering over all trees, there it was years back when first erected — the nouveau tower tree, tree tower, or something like that. It was supposed to blend in. But, visible from a ride over the Oceanic Bridge’s Middletown side, the “tree” jutted up like a branched beacon rather than a member of the Rumson “blended” evergreen family.
But, who knew that the branches needed to be replaced now and again? Well, apparently, they do.
Rumsonite Jenifer Weber-Zeller caught a glimpse of the branch refreshment project herself a couple of days ago.
And here it is — not so ever green and branching out.
Now, that’s a tall order of a tree to climb. More proof that it really ain’t easy being green …
— Elaine Van Develde
Yes, dank days are dampening spirits lately. Warm, sunny memories can brighten them, though.
So, why not take a photo trip back to a simple day of sunning the old fashioned way on what was referred to as the Rumson Pier?
This look, in particular, offers a glimpse back to some very old time sun bathing — going back about 75 years. There was a lot of suiting up and little skin to show or sun, for that matter. But the bright smiles were bright by the Navesink River.
It’s the wishful thinking sunny days by the river Retro Pic of the Day, courtesy of Jo Ann Slocum Mazzucca. It’s a rare shot of some folks hanging out on the old pier (or dock) at Victory Park in Rumson with what was the bridge that connected Rumson to Middletown — what became the Oceanic Bridge — in the background.
According to Slocum Mazzucca, “My grandmother Lillian Turnbull Slocum is the far left with her hands folded. The picture was taken on the old pier (dock) at Victory Park in Rumson. Picture is about 75 years ago.”
Anyone remember the old pier/dock at Victory Park? Is this where the Barnacle Bill’s dock is now? How about those swim suits and dresses?
Many thanks to Jo Ann Slocum Mazzucca for this gem from her family photos!
Then came the thaw …
After a warmer winter’s day, as nightfall hit along the Navesink riverbanks in Rumson, the sand slurped up the snow, the icy river waters dissolved, and the ducks glided across their glassy path.
Reflections in shades of grey gripped the low tide. Serenity seeped into the shoreline.
See for yourself …
— Elaine Van Develde
Friends, family and colleagues recently mourned the sudden death of Dr. Eric Scheffer, who recently moved to Rumson and died suddenly on Jan. 4 at 53.
With the advent of the new year, Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect offers a look back at the top photos of iconic spots in the Rumson-Fair Haven area of 2016.
Happy New Year … Take a look and enjoy!
— Elaine Van Develde
The holiday stage was set and the tone was a rich, festive one in Rumson’s Victory Park on Sunday as the holidays were kicked off with the annual borough tree lighting.
Tim McLoone and the Shirleys and the Deane-Porter third graders set the musical pace and mood for the night as Rumsonites gathered to celebrate the start of the season with some song, dance, snacks, socializing and Santa.
Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect was there to capture many festive moments of the night. Take a look at the 50 glimpses into the night we caught with our lens.
Cheers to plenty of holiday cheer here! (Be sure to scroll all the way down. There are 50 photos. Click to enlarge.)
— Elaine Van Develde
Haul out the holly. It’s time to light up the Rumson-Fair Haven area with holiday trees, Santa visits and festivities for all to kick off that time of the year.
It all starts on Friday evening …
Fair Haven’s annual tree lighting at Memorial Park, on the corner of River and Fair Haven roads, kicks the season off at 5 p.m. with a gathering, Santa’s traditional arrival via firetruck, a tree lighting at 6 p.m., song, fun and games for kids and a holiday stroll through the business district. There will be hot chocolate, treats, raffles and assorted surprises at each business for hometown holiday shopping pleasure. (Check the map.)
The event runs through 7:30 p.m.
And on Sunday …
Rumson’s annual tree lighting and festivities come to Victory Park starting at 5 p.m. with music by Tim McLoone and the Shirleys, the RFH Tower Singers and Deane-Porter’s third grade chorus.
There will be snacks and hot chocolate and, of course, Santa and the official lighting of the tree.
And over the bridge in Sea Bright …
The annual tree lighting will take place in the borough’s municipal parking lot by the beach at 6 p.m.
Following the tree lighting, Mrs. Claus will make an appearance across the street at the United Methodist Church to give out some gifts and refreshments to the kids.
Monday was a dank day on the banks of the Navesink River.
Yet, there were plenty of sea gulls setting up camp at Victory Park in Rumson.
They hung around, emitting a near-Hitchockesque aura. After soaking up some social interaction on the picket fence, they took flight, no doubt to return before long.
Take a look at snippets of the gulls’ scene.
— Elaine Van Develde
The sun shone bright in Rumson’s Victory Park on Friday, casting a bright light of honor on the borough’s vets.
Homage was paid to all the living who served their country, those presently in service and those who have passed.
There was a call for respect — of them, the freedom of choice for which they fought, and for peace.
Thank you to all of our veterans. Take a peek into the Veterans Day 2016 moment in Rumson …
— Elaine Van Develde
Their faces are the faces at the core of a close-knit community.
They were neighbors, dads, and just plain friendly faces around the Rumson-Fair Haven area towns. They were also veterans.
They served. They fought for freedom in World War II and the Korean War.
They lived their lives with hometown pride, honor and respect. They were founding fathers, friends. They were cornerstones of the sense of community that is the Rumson-Fair Haven area.
The gift of their legacies bears no upscale real estate market value. They passed along a love of country and community that is priceless.
Thank you, on Veterans Day, to the veterans of the area who have passed. You are cherished, honored.
Take a look at some of their faces and remember.
— Elaine Van Develde
— Photos, courtesy of families of the Rumson-Fair Haven area.
The votes are in; and the Republican incumbents in both the Rumson and Fair Haven Borough Council races have kept their seats, according to the unofficial tallies (not counting provisional and absentee ballots) from the Monmouth County Board of Elections.
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