After a string of rainy days of spring, otherwise just plain dank weather, the sun made a seasonal appearance on Monday and went back into hiding on Tuesday. And down came the rain — again.
Springtime in the Rumson-Fair Haven Area?
Tag Archives: spring
Focus: Weathering Spring in Rumson
Well, spring has arrived and so has another so-called nor’easter. At the very least, it’s not bird-chirping, flower-blooming spring weather in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.
Retro RFH Spring Ballgame Antics
Photo/George Day
It may look like it, but, no, it’s not a Jets rumble … And it’s not a musical, either. It could be the west side of the field. But a west side story? Eh, could be. Only the players on this stage know for sure.
So, a few days back, we revisited a case of retro RFH spring fever hitting a high pitch in the 1970s on the ballfield at the high school — or somewhere around there.
Retro RFH Joy Rides
With the thaw of the cranky and closed-in mindset imposed by a heavy dose of spring fever, people tend to get in the mood for a little carefree joy ride to let their hair down, or at least mess it up a bit.
So, the Retro Pics of the (George) Day are dedicated to the good old days of hitting that spring fever pitch with a good ol’ ride in a classic kind of ride, be it a dirt bike, a classic car or a go cart.
In the featured pic, these guys of the 1970s are hanging outside by what was the Junior Lounge at the high school and they’re looking a little restless.
While we’re not certain, it certainly seems like they are a little antsy and looking to break out of the confines of the school, shed their coats and any inhibitions they actually have left and do the “happy days are here again” dance … or ride … ride into some spring fever-like antics.
The other dude and team of monsters are cruising for something. What? No one is exactly sure.
Photo/RFH yearbook screenshot
George Day, the RFH yearbook photographer of the time is taking a spin in a go cart.
Photo/George Day
And whoever those ghouls are … Well, they’re not getting far on that dirt bike in the sunken floor of the RFH Senior Commons.
Know who the monsters are? How about that car in the featured pic? Whose is it? And what are these guys really up to? Anyone know what the most popular car or bike was in the 1970s?
Baby, they were born to ride at RFH — or something like that.
— Elaine Van Develde
Oh, and thanks, once again, to the fabulous George Day for this photographic gem!
Retro RFH Spring Fever Game of Catch & Tackle
Photo/George Day
When spring has hit a feverish pitch for RFHers, sometimes they just have to catch and tackle the mood — with one another, a ball and a glove.
Continue reading Retro RFH Spring Fever Game of Catch & Tackle
Focus: Day is Done in Rumson
Yes, it’s just another Rumson sunset.
With the weather leaping from spring to summer sort of temperatures, lots of people flocked to Barnacle Bill’s for dinner on Wednesday night. Though, that’s not so unusual.
Another thing that’s not so unusual is the pristine view of the sunset over the Navesink River. It just doesn’t get old.
So, why not grab a couple of glimpses as the ball of fire retreats below the horizon? Why not, indeed.
Good night …
Take a look at the rapid progression … (And don’t forget to click to enlarge!)
— Elaine Van Develde
Focus: Black & White Spring River Tones
Spring has sprung — sort of.
Well, the sun was shining brightly on the first day of spring, anyway. And while last week’s lingering patches of snow remained in spots throughout the Rumson-Fair Haven area, buds were popping up from underneath them.
The scene on the banks of the Navesink River at the foot of Battin Road in Fair Haven was still, mild and calming — signals of springing into a warmer sunset took hold.
It was a stark, black-and-white kind of scenario. Take a look. (Oh, and don’t forget to click to enlarge …)
Happy spring; and good night.
— Elaine Van Develde
Retro RFH Basketball Court Cartwheel with Giff
Photo/RFH yearbook screenshot
With this howling chill in the air lately, people are pretty primed for the arrival of spring. In fact, you could say that they may even be doing cartwheels over it.
Well, in light of that excitement to spring into the warmer season, the Retro Pic of the Day gives a glimpse back to a beloved teacher who danced and, yes, did cartwheels over any exciting event — or just for plain old fun.
That teacher was George Giffin, otherwise referred to as Giff. He was a science teacher and was particularly famous for his ballroom dance class. And, boy, could the man dance!
The RFH community lost Giff on May 15, 2014; and, to ask just about any RFH grad or member of the community, it was a tremendous loss.
Last time this editor caught up with Mr. Giffin, he was grabbing some lunch at Fairwinds Deli. In his 80s, he was still dancing and actually launched into a little routine right there with a little cha-cha-cha and “When you get that beat, you gotta mooooove your feet!”
Who will dance or do a cartwheel when spring arrives in memory of Mr. Giffin? Oh, and send us your pics if you do!
Focus: Waiting for the Sun Under the Dock
The weather has been overcast, rainy, drizzly and downright gloomy.
Waiting for the sun to return to spring has become a ritual. It’s the kind of day for rewinding to when the sun was out and casting shadows in a view from under the Fair Haven Dock.
Take a look at our wishful gallery of shadows and reflections on a sunnier day right before the rain from under the dock.
— Photos/Elaine Van Develde
Retro RFH Spring Siesta
Photo/George Day
Finally! The spring weather on Monday was perfect for a little sunning and sitting on that grassy knoll outside — somewhere outside.
So, the Retro Pic of the (George) Day pays homage to that idea with a look back at a few RFH students taking in some springtime and, perhaps, touched a bit by spring fever.
This one has made the rounds before and, surprisingly, while the shot is of four RFH students back in the 1970s, photographer George Day tells us it was not taken at RFH. Know where it was taken?
And, of course, guess who’s who in the photo. The couple to the right were a pretty steady item for a while in high school, as memory serves this slightly rusty old RFH alum editor. The other two guys? Well, one is still in Rumson and a dad to RFHers present and past. The other is a well-known funeral home owner and former Fair Havenite.
Everyone who knows them can usually count on running into one, the other or both around the towns for one reason or another — from school event to memorial.
Know these RFH alumni?
— Elaine Van Develde
Thanks, once again, to George Day for this RFH gem!
Fair Haven Shore Signs of Spring
The temperature may have plummeted a bit, but spring has just about sprung on the banks of the Navesink River in Fair Haven.
Tree leaves and blossoms have or are just about to bloom. The tide has been low, boats being readied for the season and waters calm.
It’s the perfect time for a walk down by the river.
Take a look at why Fair Havenites treasure their river time and memories.
You may purchase photos from this gallery, but may not publish them anywhere. They are copyrighted.
— Photos by Elaine Van Develde/Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect
Spring Sunning Around the Fair Haven Dock
For a Fair Havenite, there’s nothing quite like the sand between your toes down by the Navesink River at the Fair Haven Dock.
Call it an embrace of spring magic. Once the sun shines, the temperature rises, and that sea-faring scent wafts in, it’s river beach and dock time. And you know you’re home.
Catch that familiar spring fever in Fair Haven. Get a glimpse of one of the first sunny days in this little slice of utopia in our slideshow above. Be sure to click on the lower right corner to enlarge!
— By Elaine Van Develde
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