West Long Branch, which has been known through the years as being part of Shrewsbury, Eatontown, Branchburg, Hoppertown, and Mechanicsville, is 100 years old this year!  The late Monroe V. Poole, the borough’s first mayor, was the activating force behind the incorporation of West Long Branch on June 22, 1908. 

The Centennial Committee has been diligently working for over two years to make the celebration an exciting time for the Borough.  There is something for almost everyone, and most of the events are either free or have nominal charges.  Currently several months into the Centennial year, there are many celebratory events still to come! 

The recently held Tea and Museum Tour of the Old First United Methodist Museum which was coordinated by Linda Dennis, Irene Worles, and Louise DeBruin was a lovely event and raised awareness to the town’s hidden jewel of a Museum.  Upcoming events include:

April 12 – 10am-4pm - Open Town Tour beginning at Frank Antonides School            
April 19 – First Aid Squad Open House
April 26 – Arbor Day Events
May 17 – Cocktail Reception at Monmouth University (reservations required)
May 18 – Michael Thorne Run/Walk at Franklin Lake
May 24 (raindate–May 25)   Noon - 4pm - Family Fun Day at Monmouth University
May 26 – 11am – Memorial Day Parade starting at Victor Avenue
May 26 – Memorial Service and Community Day following parade until 4pm
May 31 (raindate June 1)  Noon – 4pm – Franklin Lake Day
June – Photo display at Library for entire month
June 22 – Birthday Party & Ice Cream Social – Community Center (reservations required)
July 4 – Franklin Lake Fireworks
July – September – Summer Concert Series at Franklin Lake
October 11 – Fire Department Open House at Fire Co. #1, Monmouth Road
October 31 – Lions Club Halloween Party at Community Center
December 21 – Holiday Sing at Woolley Park

There are two ongoing fitness programs which you can enroll in, The Franklin Lake 100 and the WLB 100.  For details on those activities, click on wlbsportsassociation.com. 

In addition to the activities, there are several limited edition commemorative items on sale.  If you’re interested in purchasing vintage trucks, chalk boxes, or coin dishes, all with the Centennial logo on them, call 732-222-7375.  Or you can go to www.cafepress.com, type “West Long Branch on the Search box, and click on “West Long Branch Centennial”, where you’ll find tee shirts, mugs and magnets among the many items to purchase.

The celebration is a community event that needs the support of our residents in order to make it a fun and memorable occasion.  Everyone is invited to be a part of this exciting time in our town’s history.  The free and inexpensive events are possible through funding by generous sponsors.  If you’d like to make a contribution, and be recognized at events as a sponsor, click on the Centennial Events link on this site for information. 

If you need additional information on upcoming events, or if you’d like to participate in the Memorial Day Parade, or help on a committee, email Barbara Ruane, Centennial Chairperson at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 732-229-1756.