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Past Life of the Atlantic Hotel

Image November 17, 2014 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

By Elaine Van Develde

It was called the Atlantic Hotel — the spot on Fair Haven Road in Fair Haven where the old Lock Stock & Barrel and Varsity Club sat. It’s now Navoo Grill Club.

As the Atlantic Hotel, the place had a history rich with visits from famous producers, Vaudevillian actors and millionaires who traveled via steamship to the banks of the Navesink River for respite or to entertain some more.

Last year, Fair Haven was given unearthed registers of the establishment dating back to the early 1900s.

On one page, in particular, the registration of Long Acre Quartette decorated a page, noting that it was the Fourth of July, 1908.

The troupe hailed from “N.Y. City” and its members listed their names followed by “and wife.”

Funny how the women were nameless back in the day. Take a look. Do you recognize any of these names?

News

Days of the Fair and Sizzler

Image November 15, 2014 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

The Sizzler has been a mainstay at the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair for many years.

How many, we’re not quite certain. But, we do know that it was there, and usually on the front grounds in the 1970s, maybe earlier.

Anyone? This year the ol’ classic was in the back near none other than the Zipper, another standard.

This editor still hasn’t gone on the Zipper. I know, chicken! Oh, well. Once a sissy …

The Sizzler has been on the Fair Haven Firemen's Fair grounds seemingly forever. Photo/Elaine Van Develde — The Sizzler has been on the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair grounds seemingly forever. Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

A Look Back at Our Fair Ladies

Image November 14, 2014 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Patty Overman and Ann Dupree at the Fair Haven Firemen's Fair. Photo/Elaine Van Develde — Patty Overman and Ann Dupree at the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair. Photo/Elaine Van Develde

These two ladies have been a staple at the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair for probably close to half a century — not that they look it.

They really don’t. In fact, Patty Overman and Ann Dupree pretty much look the exact same as the first day they set foot on the fairgrounds.

Who knows the name of the booth the two have manned for years?

Local Life

A Look at Knollwood’s Past

Image November 14, 2014 Elaine Van Develde

Know any of these people? You’d be surprised at how many you may be able to identify.

Yes, this is Mrs. Kamin’s first grade class at Knollwood School in 1967. There are lots of Fair Havenites here. Some are still in the area.

Can you figure out who they are? Sometimes a smile never changes.

Local Life

Sunshine & Seagull in Sea Bright

Image November 12, 2014 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

A lone seagull soaks up the sun and surf on Sea Bright Beach. Photo/Elaine Van Develde

By Elaine Van Develde

Not all that long ago, the sun was shiningly brightly on Sea Bright Beach.

Now, as winter closes in and the sun starts to hide, take a minute, like this seagull, to reflect on summer days in the surf.

Local Life

Doing the RFH Reunion Dance

Image November 11, 2014 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

RFH's Class of '78 parties. Photo/Elaine Van Develde — RFH’s Class of ’78 parties. Photo/Elaine Van Develde

By Elaine Van Develde

The Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Class of ’78 has a problem.

Classmates have no concept of the passage of time — ahem … their age. They partied for three days without skipping a beat. The party started on a Friday night in August of last year with some cocktails and dancing at Woody’s then Even Tide in Sea Bright.

What 70s dance do you think this trio was doing? What song were they dancing to? Was there even a song?

Local Life

Rewind: Picking a Fair Winner

Image November 10, 2014 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Tom Kirman spins the wheel for a winner at the 2014 Fair Haven Firemen's Fair. Photo/Elaine Van Develde — Tom Kirman spins the wheel for a winner at the 2014 Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair. Photo/Elaine Van Develde

As the cold sets in, the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair and the end of summer seem like a distant memory.

But it always warms the heart to take a look back and forward to the next one.

Most people reappear manning the same booths from year to year. Tom Kirman is always at this one. Do you remember the name of it?

Local Life

A Little Toilet Paper Mischief

Image November 9, 2014 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Mischief Night results on Fair Haven Road. Photo/Elaine Van Develde

Maypole? Well, it’s either block-long try at one or a prime example of good ol’ Mischief Night toilet papering.

The guess is the latter. Fair Haven Road really looked like a giant maypole on Halloween day.

The police had issued a warning against using such “materials” to wreak a little traditional, yet, illegal havoc. But, in this case, the culprits eluded them.

Take a look at the close-up portion of the TP in the photo. One ply or two?

Local Life, News

A Look Back at Sandy Charity

Image November 8, 2014 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

: Clothing drive at Bicentennial Hall in Hurricane Sandy’s aftermath. Photo/Elaine Van Develde

By Elaine Van Develde

Generosity was overwhelming in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

When the call for help was sent out by the newly-created Sea Bright Rising, surrounding community organizations and just plain nice people, supply and clothing bins’ contents were almost spilling into the streets.

At one stop in Fair Haven, organizers had to ask people to stop giving.

Remember this?

Local Life, News

A Little Sea Bright Patriotism Post-Sandy

Image November 7, 2014 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

A little patriotism stands tall after Sandy flattened everything around it. Photo/Elaine Van Develde

By Elaine Van Develde

When the Atlantic Ocean met the Shrewsbury River two years ago and obliterated Sea Bright, remnants of the superstorm named Sandy included everything from cars and torn up homes to furniture and jewelry.

On a side street in Sea Bright, among the debris, a flag was anchored in front of a devastated home, truck still in the driveway.

Remember?

Local Life, News

A Post-Sandy Sunset in Rumson

Image November 6, 2014 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

Sunset in Rumson's West Park after Sandy. Photo/Elaine Van Develde — Sunset in Rumson’s West Park after Sandy. Photo/Elaine Van Develde

By Elaine Van Develde

Hurricane Sandy’s waters rushed into Rumson’s West Park section, pushing residents out and leaving lots of devastation behind.

The U.S. Army National Guard’s soldiers were posted at its entrances. There was no passing through for some time.

When the downed wires and felled trees were fixed enough and the floodwaters had subsided, there was a sense of calm, yet eerie stillness in the neighborhood.

This is what it looked like at sunset at the foot of Washington Avenue by the Shrewsbury River’s inlet.

Remember?

Local Life

Alabama Power: Haven of Heroes

Image November 5, 2014 Elaine Van Develde Leave a comment

By Elaine Van Develde

When the storm’s rage subsided, the Rumson-Fair Haven area was left literally powerless for nearly two weeks. Then the guys from Alabama Power rolled in to the rescue, quickly being dubbed Hurricane Sandy heroes.

In what seemed like effortless work to them, sorely needed electricity was on and humming away within a couple of days.

Area residents flocked to Fair Haven Fields to feed the crew and heap on the accolades. The Alabama guys met them with smiles and a great service that has gone unforgotten.

Remember these warm smiles?