Images

Swimming in Retro ‘P’ House

Image May 19, 2017 Elaine Van Develde

It’s just one of those days — an everybody-in-the-pool kinda day.

It’s the kind of day when a Rumson-Fair Haven area person wishes he or she could take a swim, sit on a poolside porch overlooking the ocean and rock. Really rock … in a rocking chair at the old iconic Peninsula House.

It’s been gone for years, but the memories of the giant old hotel-turned-beach club are definitely not. It’s a pretty sure bet that anyone who grew up in the area has at least one story tucked away in the memory and ready to tell about the place that was a beach club by day (and a reasonable one at that) and seaside club by night.

Most locals met up at P House for socializing one way or another, be it at a swim meet, to take a little non-competitive dip, lounging by the ocean in the summer, or rocking in those rocking chairs on that wrap-around porch or to the tunes of one of the bands at night.

So, the Retro Pic(s) of the Day take us back to the spot with some shots of Rumson’s well-known longtime mayor, John Ekdahl, poolside and megaphone in hand for a meet, the entrance to the grand place, some familiar area ladies on the porch and the swim team of yesteryear.

Take a gander and tell us your favorite P House memory.

Peninsula House Swim Team of the mid-1970s
Photo/Facebook collection

— Photos/Facebook collection screenshots

Local Life

Retro RFH Senior Year Cruisin’

Image May 18, 2017 Elaine Van Develde

Heat’s on. Top’s down. Spirits are riding high. Summer’s coming. So is RFH graduation. So are those last summer days with high school buds before college.

That last summer before college is a pivotal, cherished milestone. It’s all about making memories that last a lifetime. Even one ride, top down, top 10 hits blasting on an AM radio, belly laughs, pranks and soaring spirits makes an indelible mark in the heart. It’s a mark that always conjures up a smile and an exhale of content.

So, the Retro Pic of the Day is dedicated to that time with a look back to the summer of 1978, best of friends from RFH, a 1965 powder blue Mustang convertible and, well, a big ol’ grimace of good times’ remembrance.

Yes, your esteemed editor is one of these alligator shirt-clad cronies. Another is gone. And one is still a best bud.

The memories … they’re a best friend, too. Smile.

What kind of car did you cruise in back in those summer days? Favorite spots? Pranks?

This crew spent an inordinate amount of time egging unwitting young lovers on the beach, ordering a Ham Dinger (they had them at 7-11) and dancing with the top down just to annoy people making out on Scenic Drive.

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

Retro RFH Spring Ballgame Antics

Image May 15, 2017 Elaine Van Develde

The RFH boys of spring baseball season
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.

Continue reading Retro RFH Spring Ballgame Antics →

Local Life

Retro RFH Joy Rides

Image May 12, 2017 Elaine Van Develde

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.

RFH 1978 yearbook photography editor George Day in his yearbook profile shot.
Photo/RFH yearbook screenshot

George Day, the RFH yearbook photographer of the time is taking a spin in a go cart.

Riding with the wind — or something — at RFH in the 1970s
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!

Local Life

Retro RFH Spring Fever Game of Catch & Tackle

Image May 9, 2017 Elaine Van Develde

RFH Class of ’78 friends play some casual catch have some laughs.
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 →

Local Life

Retro Fair Haven Fisk Chapel & Its People

Image May 5, 2017 Elaine Van Develde

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 RFH Spring Bug

Image May 1, 2017 Elaine Van Develde

Lounging on the VW at RFH in the 1970s Photo/RFH Yearbook — Lounging on the VW at RFH in the 1970s
Photo/RFH Yearbook

Spring has sprung — and bounced back and forth a bit lately.

And with spring fever piping hot, sometimes a student, or anyone else, just feels the urge to close the book on a hectic life and bug out, so to speak. That’s lounging language — sorta.

What better way to practice springing into that lounging mode than by resting on the back of a VW Bug and hoping what’s on the printed page sinks in through osmosis.

So, the Retro Pic of the Day honors that sort of moment in time on a Monday that may have ya down with this shot from the RFH 1975 yearbook.

Know these slackers? Who had the VW bug bug?

Happy Monday …

Local Life

Retro Fair Haven Centenarian

Image April 20, 2017 Elaine Van Develde

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

Retro Happy Easter

Image April 16, 2017 Elaine Van Develde

Nothing says Easter quite like a good ole Easter bonnet.

So, the Retro Pic of the Easter Day is just that.

It’s your editor in her Easter bonnet back in the early 1960s. Yikes!

The whole outfit was quite fancy, as this kid’s Fair Haven mom made sure of it.

Happy Easter, all! Bask in that sun and enjoy this spring day!

Local Life

Retro RFH Beach Babies

Image April 12, 2017 Elaine Van Develde

RFH girls on the beach at the 1974 Freshmen Follies
Photo/George Day

Well, the sun has finally made its entrance into full swing spring.

Most would say, too, that the time has been right to hit the beach — with full beach gear.

So, the Retro Pic of the (George) Day commemorates setting the stage for a beach day and making that entrance with a look back at some RFH beach babies taking their ode to it all to the stage in 1974.

The girls were entering stage right for a full regalia rendition of the Beach Boys’ Girls on the Beach in the RFH Freshmen Follies.

The outfits made the hosts of the show take a step back.

So, step back in time with us and remember this special little rendition. Recognize these gals? And how about those suits?

Many thanks, again, to the fabulous George Day for this look back!

Local Life

Ode to Retro RFH Baseball

Image April 7, 2017 Elaine Van Develde

Playing baseball at RFH in the 1970s Photo/RFH Yearbook

Playing baseball at RFH in the 1970s. Photo/George Day

In the baseball dugout with RFHers of the 1970s Photo/George Day

Baseball at RFH in the 1970s
Photo/George Day

It’s spring and baseball season is in full swing at RFH.

In fact, games are scheduled for today and Saturday.

So, in honor of the sport, that spiffy old RFH uniform and good times on the playing field, the Retro Pic(s) of the (George) Day offer a glimpse back to some days on the field and in the dugout back in the 1970s.

Recognize any of these guys? And, ball players, who was your favorite coach? One, for many, was the ever-popular Hal Lorme who passed away a couple of years ago.

Just thinking about the game, are ya? Take a look back and remember. Now, about those uniforms …

Thanks, once again, to the fabulous George Day for these glimpses back into RFH history!