Continuing History of West Long Branch

Introduction

Borough Government
Events
Population
Officials

Native Americans

Education
Local Grammar Schools
Shore Regional High School
St. Jeromes School
Monmouth University
WLB Public Library
Friend's of the WLB Library

Service Organizations
Borough Chemical and Truck Company No. 1
Ladies Auxiliary of Borough Chemical and Truck Company No. 1
Fire Co. No. 1 Auxiliary
Fire Department
Fire Company No. 2
West Long Branch Ladies Auxiliary of Fire Company No. 2
First Aid Squad

Community Organizations
American Legion
WLB Community Center
WLB Sports Association
WLB Lions Club
WLB Historical Society
Parent-Teachers Association
Chamber Of Commerce

Churches
Old First United Methodist
Lutheran Church of the Reformation
St. Jerome Roman Catholic

Cemeteries
General
Old Free Church Cemetery
Unknown Cemetery

Folklore or True
The Slocum Murder
The Negro Hill Massacre

Introduction

In compiling Volume 2 as a Continuing History of the Borough, it has been the intention of the West Long Branch Historical Society to update, clarify, and add information concerning groups, places, and personages covered in "The Early History of West Long Branch", which now has become Volume 1.

The articles to be included here have been contributed by participants of local groups in reponse to our requests during a two year period preceding the celebration of the Borough's Centennial to be conducted throughout 2008.

Some new participants have joined the list.

The format is in data form so that both volumes may be visited at the Borough Web Site by all interested parties. This allows for access to any particular article as well as the entire volumes. Also, new information and clarifications may be inserted well into the future.

We wish to dedicate this volume to the two individuals who tirelessly edited and produced the original document- the late Robert Van Benthuysen and the late Charles Maps. Mr. Van Benthuysen was past president of this Society as well as Director of the Guggenheim Library of Monmouth University, and Mr. Maps was a past vice president of this Society and Borough Historian.

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Borough Government

Events :: Population :: Officials

Events

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Population

Year	Population
1910	879
1920	966
1930	1,686
1940	2,030
1950	2,739
1960	5,337
1970	6,846
1980	7,380
1990	7,690
2000	8,258

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Government Officials

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The Native Americans of the West Long Branch Area

The Native Americans who inhabited The Monmouth County area were Algonquins of the Lenni-Lenape Tribe. In Lenape, their own tongue, they claimed to be the most ancient of all the aboriginal nations, as almost all Native Americans claimed. The European settlers call them The Delaware. The Delaware River was named in honor of Lord DeLaWare, the English governor of Virginia, who, on sailing back to the Caribbean, was blown off course in a storm. The ship found refuge by sailing up a large river north of Virginia. As the Lenape people are found on both sides of The Delaware River, in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, they became The Delaware Nation.

It is known that at least as early as the first century the Unami clan (meaning people of the rivers) had developed trails to the ocean from their principal home areas along the Delaware River. One branch of their pathways crossed the southern part of present day Eatontown through the area now called West Long Branch and Long Branch to the shore. These visits to the ocean were usually in the summer season following spring planting, and were made for obtaining oysters, clams (for purple/white shell wampum), fish, shore fowl and beach plums. As many of the local Lenape went to the shore, it was also used for visiting with family and friends. The Lenape dug great pits in the sand and put all the seafood inside, covering it and letting it cook. Today, we call it a clambake. However, a very small group called the "Nevisans" (Navesinks) settled permanently in our area. They were wealthy with goods for trade with the Dutch and English settlers.

Many communities cannot boast of the presence of Native American in their histories. However, a backyard discovery of skeletons and artifacts by Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Markert in the early 1930's was good proof that West Long Branch can make this claim. This led to an archeological "dig" by the Native American Museum of New York City with subsequent findings in the vicinity of Dennis Place and Halsey Street, Franklin Lake, and Shore Regional High School. It would be quite natural to assume that Broadway was once the eastern end of a trail which passed by "high ground and a stream" (now Franklin Lake) necessary for suitable living conditions. Also, on the site of the present day Sorrentino Park there was a farm known as Giambroni's. In the spring, when it was time for planting the crops and if the ground was moist, arrowheads popped up. Mrs.Ella Giambroni had quite a collection of arrowheads in display frames. This would put the Lenapes further south on the small brook that feeds into Franklin Lake behind present day Cost Cutters, still within the Franklin Lake general area.

We have a proud tradition that our State alone among the 13 original colonies paid cash or its equivalent for every inch of land taken over from the Native Americans. Many of the first settlers were Quakers (Society of Friends) from England. In accordance with their beliefs, all people are equal in the sight of God. They were and are known for their honesty in all of their dealings. They would not have taken advantage of the local Natives, as was done elsewhere, but paid them fairly for all land transactions. Many of these first Quakers married the Native girls, technically making them a "part of the family" Although it must be recorded that a few "fast deals" do seem to have crept into the transactions. One slight twist in the tradition came about in the present day greater Long Branch area, involving a noteworthy wrestling match back in 1688 between a Native and a settler on the beach. Colonist to the north had been eyeing the Long Branch area with the idea of spreading out. After preliminary dickerings, the Natives invited the white settlers to a feast. As entertainment, the Lenapes staged wrestling matches and their champion named Vow-a-Vapon (phonetically) easily defeated all who took up the challenge.

Then, when it was time for business, the two groups disagreed on a term indicating land measure. It was settled by staging a wrestling match between Vow-a­Vapon and a tall, muscular man named John Slocum. It was agreed that the terms would be settled by which side won the contest. Vow-a-Vapon had a secret weapon in the form of goose grease smeared all over his whole body so Slocum could not get a grip on him. Being no fool, Slocum used handfuls of beach sand to make a gritty surface on Vow-a­Vapon. Two hours later Slocum emerged the winner. By arrangement, the next day Slocum "walked off'; meaning, that how much land the person was able to walk in one day was awarded to him as his new land holdings. Slocum "walked off' the considerable amount of ground from Long Branch to Sea Bright, down through Little Silver and Eatontown, over to West Long Branch and finally south to Oakhurst (Ocean Township). Four pounds was paid for the property even though Slocum won the match.

The Lenapes have the distinction of being the first people to be moved onto a reservation. Those that had married white men and took their religion and language, who had their babies, were allowed to stay with their white families. All the rest were moved to Brotherton in South Jersey. But not to long after that, the whole tribe was moved, via Canada, to Oklahoma where they reside on their own reservation within the Cherokee Nation. Today, it is hard now to find a pure Lenape here in New Jersey. Most people that claim Native blood have come from one of the white/native colonial marriages and are therefore of mixed blood, but with no less pride then their full blooded brothers and sisters in Oklahoma. Records of these marriages and families are in the possession of a Lenape woman in Pennsylvania, having them passed on to her by her late brother who lived in New Jersey.

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Education

Local Grammar Schools :: Shore Regional High School :: St. Jeromes School :: Monmouth University :: WLB Public Library :: Friend's of the WLB Library

Grammar Schools

Over the years, from 1978 to the present (2007), many fine men and women served to direct and improve our educational program. Some years of service were short, others served over thirty years. The list of members includes P. Jacobowitz, M. Manashil, S. Busacca, F. Weinstein, J. Giannotta, Wm. Jelley K. Klatsky, C. Hopkins, M. Fedak, M. Guilford, E. Demaree, C. Herschkowitz, W. Deisinger, S. O'Neill, R. Bettenhausen, C. Campione, R. deSante, D. LaBanca, A. Harrison, R. Penta, A. Bonnello, L. Cosentino, 0. Monsour, E. Kelly, E. Loray, T. Prosser, M. Gassman, D. Coffey, C. Critelli, M. Kessler, A. Hurley, C. O'Donnell, K. Campbell, K. Kennedy, S. Fineberg, D. O'Hare, T. Chase, G. Aikens and T. Hunter.

The two buildings that constituted the WLB school system were proving to be quite inadequate. Every available space in the Frank Antonides School was being used to meet various educational needs; including the gym and stage.

The Wall Street School basement was declared to be "unfit" for public education. That meant, no lunch room, no library, no developmental education space, no small group instruction space and, no working space for teachers.

Wall Street School could only function, while serving grades kindergarten through grade three, because of the goodness of the Old First Methodist Church. The church allowed the school to house part of grade three and then, three full day kindergarten classes in their educational wing, for several years. Thereby, all of our children were able to enjoy desk space and a chair.

The Board of Education, on several occasions endeavored to pass a referendum permitting the renovation of the Wall Street School or the building of a new school. However, every effort was defeated by a small public vote. Finally, in 1989 the Board of Education resorted to a Lease/Purchase Agreement which enabled the building of a new school on Parker Road, to be known as the West Long Branch Primary School.

Construction of the new school on Parker Road started in the fall of 1990 and by September of 1991 the school was ready to welcome the kindergarten through grade three children. Everyone expressed their pleasure with the new school as over 800 people passed through during the "Open House."

The Wall Street School was now empty. After several months of talking about the school, it was decided that it might be best to sell the property and give the tax payers some tax relief. The property was to be sold "as is" with a minimum bid of $1.050,000. Two bids were received. One bid was from a drug company and one from Deal Yeshiva. As we now know, the building was finally sold to Deal Yeshiva in 1993 for $950.000.

Ernest Melofchik resigned as Principal of the Frank Antonides School in 1988. Upon Mr. Melofchik's resignation, the administrative structure changed. Mr. Sandilos served as Superintendent/Principal 6-8. Kathy Prout served as Head Teacher. Working out of two buildings Betty McElmon became the Principal/Curriculum Coordinator grades K-5.

Following thirty-one years of service Mr. Sandilos, as the Superintendent of Schools, retired on July 1, 1992. A search was then conducted by the NJSBA. However, after several interviews, a suitable candidate was not found. Betty McElmon was then selected to follow as the district's School Superintendent. At that time, she also served as Principal of the WLB Primary School. However, the able assistance of Head Teachers Eleanor Millar and Carolyn Cameron was always available.

A search was now underway for a full-time Principal to lead the Frank Antonides School. Mr. Kenneth Knops was selected. Planning to marry, and move northward, Mr. Knops resigned in the Spring of '92.

Another search was underway. After many interviews, Mr. Lawrence Farley was selected by the Board of Education.

Mr. Farley has proven to be a valuable addition to the administrative staff and to the whole Frank Antonides School family. He proved to be not only loving and caring but a life­long learner. His zest for knowledge has been a challenge to the students in the school.

In September of 1992 the administrative staff consisted of Betty McElmon, Superintendent/Principal of the Primary School; Lawrence Farley, Principal of Frank Antonides School; Robert Tarantolo, SBA/Board Secretary; Lolly Yacona, Director of Special Services/LDT-C.

The school was saddened by the retirement of Robert Tarantolo in 1994. Finding a replacement for him was not easy. Robert was followed as the SBA by several "short-termed" Business Administrators. While the search continued those serving as "interims" were ably supported by Vikki Olsen and Thea Lopez.

Betty McElmon, having served the West Long Branch Schools for forty-seven years, retired July 1, 2000. At that time, in her honor, the name of the West Long Branch Primary School was legally changed to the Betty McElmon Elementary School.

Two Superintendents followed Betty McElmon. Dr. Joan Kelly, who served for six years, and in July 2007 Dr. Elizabeth H. Keshish.

Dr. Kelly's tenure was remarkable in fostering many improvements to better support the education of the WLB students. A beautiful addition was built to expand the music, art and library programs. Two computer labs were built and a pre-school program was established to accommodate pre-school handicapped students, as well as an "Outdoor" classroom for the additional pleasure of all students.

The search for a Principal to guide the education at the Betty McElmon Elementary school found Maureen O'Reilly. Mrs. O'Reilly has efficiently and capably brought educational excitement to enhance the learning of all students.

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Shore Regional High School

In January 1959, the boroughs of Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Sea right, and West Long Branch were notified that their students would not be able to attend Long Branch High School after 1965, A study group was gathered and plans were made to form a regional district. In March, 1960, the voters gave overwhelming support to a referendum providing for the establishment of the Shore Regional High School District.

Work was immediately begun to select a site and to appoint an architect. In January, 1961, it was decided to hold an election in March for a bond issue for $2,281,000 to buy lard and construct a high school thereon.

An effort by the Board of Education to acquaint the people of the four boroughs with the plans for the school was successful. The voters approved, and the Job was begun: In May of the same year, Mr. Elbert M. Hoppenstedt was named Superintendent.

In August, bids were received for construction of a building. S. 3. Levy of Camden, New Jersey was the low bidder. September 1961 saw the ground-breaking and actual construction was begun in October.

Immediately the administration set about the job of organizing a working school system. The guidance staff, department heads, and administration occupied offices in the north end of the building June 1, 1962 in preparation for the opening of school in September.

The building was dedicated November 11, 1962 and the first year was highlighted by several accomplishments which gave Shore a reputation unusual for such a young school.

On June 14, 1969, a referendum for $1,970,600 for an addition to the present high school was defeated by the voters. On November 25, 1969 a new referendum for $1,470,000 was approved by the voters.

In June 1970 bids were received for construction of the addition to the high school. In July, some of the bids had to be re-bid. Groundbreaking and Actual construction began in August, 1970.

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St. Jeromes School

On October 18, 1956, the Most Reverend Bishop George W. Ahr of the Diocese of Trenton, established the parish of St. Jerome School in West Long Branch, and appointed Reverend Francis X. McGuinness as the first pastor.

The school opened its doors with grades K-5, staffed with six sisters of the Religious Teachers Fillipini on September 7, 1957. Our first principal and fifth grade teacher was Sister Catherine Girgenti, MPF; vice principal and first grade teacher, Sister Adele Venezia, MPF; kindergarten, Sister Anna Nowgruckes, MPF; second grade teacher; Sister Theresa Nowgruckes, MPF; third grade teacher; Sister Lucille Coviello, MPF, and the fourth grade teacher was Sister Elaine Tromba, MPF. The sisters resided in the convent building to the left of the school building and the rectory was located in a house that was to the right, but has been since torn down.

Located on the first floor where the fourth grade presently is, was the first grade. Second grade was located where the third grade is now. Kindergarten was the second grade classroom. The computer lab was used as a storage area, the third grade was in the first grade classroom. The nurse's office was positioned in the main office where the principal and vice principal were located separated by a short wooden fence and a swinging gate. On the second floor, the library was set up in the present faculty room. Fourth grade was first located in the present seventh grade classroom, and fifth grade was in the current math room with no divider existing. The remaining classrooms were unoccupied until the years progressed when sixth grade was located where fifth grade presently exists. Seventh grade was in the sixth grade classroom, and eighth grade was always in the same room from the opening of the school. Mrs. Elizabeth Espe??? was our first lay teacher, and she taught the sixth grade. Sister Angela Bulla, MPF, taught our first seventh grade. The first class to graduate was on June 11, 1961. Sister Mary De Bacca, MPF, was the first eighth grade teacher at St. Jerome School, and is now the Mother Provincial of the Religious Teachers Fillipini and resides in Rome, Italy. Many students still correspond with Sister Mary in Rome, and I had the pleasure of being invited up to the Motherhouse, Villa Walsh in Morristown, NJ, last year to have lunch with her along with my brother who graduated in 1961 in the first class. I followed on June 7, 1963. My brother and I had not seen her in over 40 years. What a wonderful day--a day we will never forget!

When St. Jerome School opened that first day in September, 1956, children from many surrounding areas were standing in the front parking lot waiting for the large doors to open and allow us to enter and see our brand new classrooms, library, auditorium and cafeteria. The cafeteria was staffed with a cook, Mrs. Mary Fierro, along with other ladies who prepared hot lunches for the students every day that we picked up on trays and handed to us in front of the kitchen to pass through a window that is still there today. Everyone ate lunch at the same time since when St. Jerome School first opened there was a Kindergarten class through Grade 5 only. On the bottom floor there were only the present day auditorium, and the remaining area was one open space, no library, PreK or kindergarten classrooms. The entire section was filled with rectangular shaped lunch tables for all to enjoy their wonderful daily hot lunch. All subjects were taught in the classroom by the grade teacher (nearly 60 students per grade)--Religion, English, Arithmetic, Spelling, Reading, History, Geography, Science, Music, Writing and Art. We did have Gym once a week in the auditorium with Mr. James Burns, a physical education teacher from Monmouth University. We had a popular school choir directed by Sister Adele, and Sister Elaine was in charge of our Vocation Club. Confessions and First Friday Masses were held every month as they are today. Mission collections and prayer services were also conducted on a regular basis. The sisters emphasized the importance of religion in our lives by making each and every day prayerful and meaningful. For the past fifty years, the philosophy of St. Jerome School has always remained the same, "To provide an excellent academic education which fosters Catholic teachings and Christian formation."

Father McGuinness often visited our classrooms of approximately 60 students to speak with us and, of course, came to hand out our reports cards four times a year. Father was a kind and an understanding man who always had some encouraging words as he called each one of the students up to review his/her report card and offer his advice and support. Parents were asked to be involved with the school, and St. Jerome's was always known from the beginning as having a dynamic and energetic PTA. The PTA ran many different fundraisers including selling costume jewelry to putting on minstrel shows in the auditorium where they performed themselves. First prize for selling the most costume jewelry was a TV, black and white of course! I particularly remember this as my brother and I won two years in a row!
Our school colors were maroon and gold. The girls wore maroon jumpers, ties and beanies with white shirts. The boys wore maroon jackets, ties and white shirts.

The school handbook was approximately 3 by 4 inches. Each was hand typed and stapled together and given to each family by the Sisters. Yearbooks, entitled the "Jeromian" were prepared in the same manner and given to each graduating student. Graduates were also presented with school autograph books, name cards, and school rings! The Sisters made every occasion special and memorable.

Today, Saint Jerome School offers a dynamic educational program for students in Pre-K to Grade 8, which maintains high academic standards in a Christian environment, develops technological awareness and creative expression. It has been a pleasure to have both my children also graduate from St. Jerome School and to be a faculty member here for the past eighteen years.

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Monmouth University

This much seemed certain as he traced their past through the maze of the American Bicentennial: the fates of Monmouth College and its home town would overlap long after Robert Van Benthuysen sketched the origins of the school for his Early History of West Long Branch New Jersey.

In the thirty years since the initial publication of that pamphlet, the campus has celebrated and struggled.

But, back in 1977—amid the economic foreboding, stagnant enrollment, and brief, but bitter, student and faculty protests that, Van Benthuysen noted, beset Richard Stonesifer's tenure (1971-79) as fourth president of the young institution—propitious signs at Monmouth were hardly preponderant.

Only now is it clear progress endured.

Under Stonesifer's leadership, the college doubled the number of master's degree programs it offered, symbolically, at least, thus pointing the way for its eventual transition to a teaching university. The era also gave rise to a new student center on campus, while—thanks to a countervailing initiative sparked by Van Benthuysen's penchant for preservation—entry in both the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places helped secure the heritage of the Guggenheim Cottage and Wilson Hall.

By the same token, the athletic ascendancy that followed Monmouth's 1980 debut in NCAA Division I competition was foreshadowed by moments in the mid-1970s that saw the New York Giants and New York Knicks select the college as home base for their preseason training operations. The decade also brought international distinction to Monmouth alumna Wendy Boliogi, whose swimming prowess garnered multiple medals for the American team at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.

Prescience pervaded the period's cultural commitments as well, insofar as the choice for keynote speaker at Monmouth's 1978 commencement—Sidney Kingsley, a Pulitzer-Prize-winning playwright and chairman of the state's Motion Picture and Television Commission—inadvertently heralded the area arrival of director John Huston, who—three years later, to the delight of many locals—filmed his $35 million production of the musical "Annie" at a newly refurbished Wilson Hall.

But, highlights such as these notwithstanding, 51-year old Dr. Samuel Hays Magill faced some formidable hurdles, in July 1980, when he left his job at Simon's Rock Early College in Great Barrington, Massachusetts to accept what was initially thought to be an interim position as the chief executive at Shadow Lawn. Demography, alone, appeared to bode poorly for what has ironically been the longest span (1980-1993) to date enjoyed by any of the school's leaders.

Looking back on that period, the editors of the Asbury Park Press opined that Monmouth, like "many other private institutions" of the day, had been "forced" into adopting rigorous marketing and accounting practices to simply survive the harsh reality of a postwar Baby Boom gone bust. Nevertheless, after more than a decade of painful reforms that included the re-shuffling of some key administrative assignments—coupled with concerted efforts to diversify the student body by aggressively courting new applicants from outside the Garden State—total enrollment at the college had risen by little more than 100 students to 3,941, while the number of full-time undergraduates actually declined.

All of this contributed to the school's chronic ranking of "less competitive" by some nationally-known, higher-education guides. And the Press, for its part, concurred with the assessment. By "most traditional measures of reputation," the paper conceded in 1993, "Monmouth College hasn't gone too far."

Still, if critics found progress recurrently absent, or, more plausibly, simply hard to discern, there was ample evidence, by the end of the Magill era, that Monmouth was poised for rebirth. Among the more significant signals, in the eyes of many observers, was an eightfold increase in the college endowment and a movement—originating with the students, themselves, and quickly co-opted for the prevailing managerial plan—to raise the standards for academic achievement. Equally encouraging were the high percentage of full professors teaching undergraduate courses, the growing number of doctoral-degree holders on the faculty, improvements to the system for student counseling and advising, and a new summer program that invited prospective minority applicants from neighboring communities to participate in a two-week introduction to the school.

Consistent with this push for academic advancement were key changes to the campus infrastructure. Under Magill's aegis, the teaching departments of the college were reorganized into three divisions that included schools of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, and Information Sciences and Technology. At the same time, the existing facilities were enhanced by a capital improvement campaign that saw the construction of a $6.5 million home for the business school, a $4.9 million renovation to the dining commons, and the completion of two new apartment dormitories designated for undergraduate residents.

What the Press labeled Magill's "lively interest" in intercollegiate sports—this, an overt reference to the president's four-year stint on one of the steering committees that govern the NCAA—led to a quantum upgrade in the quality of Monmouth's athletic endeavors by the dawn of the 1990s. Capping those advances were expanded sports options for women students, a Division I ranking for the men's basketball team, and—beginning with the fall semester of 1993—the advent of varsity football at the school.

The net result, according to the editors of the Press, was that Magill's successor inherited an institution "far stronger" than the one to which he had aspired. Few disputed that conclusion, even then. But it took ten years (1993-2003) of steady stewardship from a new campus leader—a Harvard-trained sociologist—for the full vigor of that vision to materialize.

When she arrived at Monmouth in 1993, Dr. Rebecca Stafford likened the school to an enticing pool that was "a mile wide" and only "an inch deep." The Press suggested that this was her way of contrasting the college's considerable potential—that is, the enormity of the educational experience it proffered—with its ability to deliver on that dream. The remedy she proposed was a paradoxical plan to correct this disparity through simultaneous commitments to selectivity and growth. By all accounts it was an ambitious agenda; a design that was largely achieved. But, as is typically the case when such objectives are met, not everyone impacted was pleased.

Aside from the long-awaited university status that was awarded to Monmouth in March of 1995, perhaps the biggest legacy of the Stafford years was the steady academic improvement. SAT scores among applicants rose to an average 1096 in 2002. And these developments, in turn, prompted a wholesale change in the composition of the faculty, given the 100 new instructors and 50 replacements—a turnover quotient of 75%—who were hired during Stafford's decade-long tenure.

No less impressive were $54 million in capital improvements that included the construction of what are now the Plangere Center for Communication and Instructional Technology and Robert E. McAllan Hall, along with a widely acclaimed expansion and renovation of the library building and grounds. And, elsewhere, at least one key appointment proved worthy of note: Dr. Marilyn McNeil, the first female director of athletics at the college—who administered arrangements for squads of both men and women, divided nearly evenly among the school's 17 teams—was also, according to the New York Times, the first woman to hold such a senior position at any New Jersey Division I school.

In 2003, retired Vice Admiral Paul G. Gaffney II arrived on the West Long Branch campus as its new President after a three-year term as president of the National Defense University. Already, signs abound that he is building on a legacy born of Monmouth's capacity for institutional innovation and renewal.

What will the future hold for the campus? Perhaps these accomplishments offer some clues. Under Gaffney's guidance, Monmouth reaffirmed its intention to raise its reserves by $45 million, the largest fund-raising effort in the school's 74-year history. In 2004, the University completed a strategic plan for the ensuing decade; a document that was instrumental in subsequently securing re-accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. A decision to maintain current enrollment levels, while adding to the number of residential properties it leases, has helped the University alleviate problems that stemmed from recent shortages of student housing. And, although final comment on a proposed Multipurpose Athletic Center is yet to be received, Monmouth has worked closely with local officials to present a project on which the school and community can agree.

Meanwhile—be it through initiatives like the new Urban Coast Institute, the Polling Institute, the Global Understanding Project, the Center for Rapid Response Database Systems, the Two River Film Festival, the Kislak Real Estate Institute, or via the myriad degrees, certificates and outreach programs it offers through its now-seven schools and dozens of open campus facilities—Monmouth University retains its role as an integral partner while its home town looks ahead to the next hundred years.

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West Long Branch Public Library

In the summer of 1917, the Borough of West Long Branch formed and incorporated a Library Association. In 1927 a referendum was submitted to and approved by the townspeople to have a Municipal Library and the Borough took over the operation. Until 1957 the Borough Office and the Library had no permanent home. When the Borough arranged with the West Long Branch Community Center to purchase the south wing of the center, provisions were made to house the Library in the renovated structure. Previous to this the Library had been housed in two other locations; most of the records concerning this period of the Library's history have been lost or destroyed. The Library remained a relatively small operation for many years. One part-time person was in charge and Board members offered their assistance as needed. A report for the year 1940 shows that the Library had 243 adult and 166 junior members; the collection consisted of 5,461 volumes.

After the move to the new Municipal Building in 1927, where the Library was housed in one relatively small room, the Library hours were expanded to three afternoons and three evenings per week, a total of 15 hours. During this period the collection was growing; particular emphasis was placed upon strengthening the reference collection. The Library was able to offer a greater variety of services when an agreement was signed in 1959 with the Monmouth County Library. A statistical report for the year 1960 showed 600 borrowers. In 1977, 49% of the Borough residents were registered with the Library.

In 1970 the Borough entered into an agreement with the West Long Branch Community Center to purchase the breezeway area of the center. The area was then converted into a modern, handsomely decorated and furnished library facility. Once part of the Norwood Country Club complex, it was a stable for polo ponies in the 1910's. In the 1970's the Library staff consisted of the Head Librarian and an assistant, two library clerks and two pages. The hours had been increased to thirty which included four evenings, five afternoons and Saturday morning. Special services included story hours, film programs, pick-up and de­livery to shut-ins and a large print collection that included fiction and non-fiction, the large-type edition of the Reader's Digest and the New York Times Large Type Weekly.

In 1980, a 3,000 square foot extension to the library was built, which doubled the library's size. It was dedicated on April 5, 1981. The extension added an office, a public meeting room and additional area for shelving of the library's expanding collection.

The library has evolved over the years. Today the library houses a large variety of different collections. The standard fiction and non-fiction collections are complemented by other collections including reference books, periodicals, DVDs, music CDs, audio books and video games. Over the years, the library has housed other collections which have since become outmoded. They included audio book and music cassettes, phonograph records and VHS videotapes. A number of different specialty collections are housed in the library and these include collections of poetry, NJ and Monmouth County history (including the Robert Van Benthuysen collection) and graphic novels. The library is now open 55 hours a week, the most business hours in its history.

The library's Children's Room was dedicated in honor of Helen Shultz, library Trustee Emeritus, who provided positive direction to the library for many years. No history of the library would be complete without a mention of Helen, who was a library trustee for more than 50 years and assisted with the administration of the library in a variety of ways.

The library has strived to embrace new technology. Today, the library offers public use PCs, productivity software, broadband Internet connectivity and a full-featured website (http://www.wlbpl.org) that keeps customers informed when they are not in the library. The website also offers a variety of remote features and services that customers can utilize in the comfort of their own home or at work.

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The Friends of the West Long Branch Public Library

The Friends of the West Long Branch Public Library held their initial organizational meeting in March 1964. The idea for founding the organization is credited to Mrs. Donald R. Mayer and Mrs. Frederick W. Weston, Jr. It was they who first realized the need for additional support from the residents of the Borough if our Library was to grow and flourish. The group was interested in publicizing the Library and raising funds for improvements to the building. They carried on a delivery system to shut-ins and residents of nursing homes that was well received. The first slate of officers was William P. Doherty, President; Gardner C. Klein, Vice President; Mrs. Donald R. Mayer, Secretary; and Mrs. Frederick W. Weston. Jr., Treasurer.

In the 1970's, the Friends worked to build support throughout the community for the library addition, that was completed in 1980. In the 1980's and 1990's, the Friends held book fairs, literary parties, and other functions to raise funds. With these funds, they were able to donate records, books and furniture to the Library.

Currently the Friends continue their work in support of the library and its goals. The Friends sponsor a monthly art exhibit in the library's Meeting Room, in which local artists and photographers display their work. The Friends also arrange for monthly "Meet the Artist" receptions for all of the artists. In recent years, the Friends have supplied the library with much needed assistance, including the purchase of a new Circulation Desk and ongoing beautification and landscaping of the front of the library's grounds.

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Service Organizations

Borough Chemical and Truck Company No. 1 :: Fire Co. No. 1 Auxiliary :: Fire Department :: First Aid Squad

Borough Chemical and Truck Company No. 1

Borough Chemical and Truck Company No. 1 (Fire Company No. 1) celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 1977 marking the event with a parade led off by the Shore Regional High School Band followed by over fifty Fire Companies and First Aid Squads. After the parade Pine Brook Community Fire Company prepared barbeque chicken and hot dogs at the West Long Branch Community Center where awards were presented to marching units and best appearing apparatus. Grand Marshal Russell K. Hagerman and the oldest active member, Ralph Huhn, Sr., received plaques commemorating the occasion.

To meet the need for additional space the Company in 1977 started construction of an addition to the existing building originally constructed in the 1950's. The addition provided two more bays accommodating larger apparatus, a storage area, an office, and lounge area. Residents of the Borough came to the aid of the Company by donating $14,000 but this still left a mortgage of $50,000 to be paid off by the Company.

In 1977 Company No. 1 operated a 1969 Mack CF 1000 gallon per minute (GPM) pumper, a 1977 International utility truck and a 6X6 brush truck. The Mack pumper was the first closed cab, diesel powered apparatus in the Borough. The International utility retained the body from a 1961 Chevrolet truck purchased by the Company with bingo proceeds and donated to the Borough; the Chevrolet chassis was damaged beyond repair in an accident while responding to a call. Fire Company members fabricated the brush truck on a 1945 6X6 military chassis donated by Electronics Associates, Inc. (EAI) mounting a 500 gallon water tank and 250 GPM pump; this vehicle enabled fire fighters to extinguish brush fires in large open areas (mainly the old Norwood Country Club property) without having to haul equipment long distances from a road by hand or risk damaging expensive front line apparatus.

Recognizing that a smaller, more maneuverable brush truck would better suit our needs the Company purchased a one-ton 4X4 Dodge; Company members modified the truck for fire service fabricating a water tank and mounting a pump. In January 1980 the Company dedicated this truck to the Fire Company No. 1 Ladies Auxiliary who assisted in the purchase of the vehicle. After this truck entered service the larger 6X6 truck went on to serve Manitou Park Fire Company in Ocean County pinelands.

Sometimes fire fighters are called upon to provide services unrelated to fighting fires. Such was the case in 1981 when the crew filming "Annie" at Monmouth College requested our assistance to wet down the roadway. Members were afforded the opportunity to observe filming of a major motion picture and some were lucky enough to be photographed with Carol Burnett.

October 1983 occasioned a ceremony to burn the mortgage for the firehouse addition. The 20-year mortgage was paid off in just over five years thanks to the members' dedication and proceeds from bingo. Bingo continued until 1987 when the Company decided it no longer was viable because of diminishing returns and extensive demands placed on Company members.

After several years of effort on the part of a Company truck committee to obtain an aerial ladder capability the Borough Council acquired a 1954 American LaFrance 75 foot ladder truck that previously served Unexcelled Fire Company in Neptune. It remained in service until 1986 when an inspection revealed cracks in the aerial ladder that were deemed uneconomical to repair.

During much of the 1980's Fire Company No. 1 also housed two ex-New Jersey Natural Gas Company vans; one van supported Fire Police operations and the other contained a bottled air cascade system to refill individual fire fighter self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) bottles at the fire scene.

In 1990 the Borough Council approved the purchase of a new Mack/Baker 75-foot Aerialscope tower-ladder; this truck was one of the last single rear axle Aerialscopes produced. The Company hosted a very well attended traditional "wetdown " in 1991 to formally dedicate the tower-ladder.

As the Mack 1000 GPM pumper was approaching 30 years of service, did not meet current safety requirements and lacked operational features of modern apparatus the Company formed a truck committee. After a competitive bidding process the Borough selected Luverne Fire Apparatus to deliver a 1250 GPM pumper on a commercial Freightliner chassis; this pumper was placed in service as the first run pumper in 1998 and the Mack pumper was placed in a second run and reserve unit role.

Borough Chemical & Truck Company No. 1 celebrated 100 years of service to the community on March 9, 2002, with a Centennial Dinner Dance at Branches.

Early in 2004 the 1977 International utility truck was retired from active service and repurchased from the Borough by Fire Company No. 1 for $1.00. The truck served the Borough for over 40 years and probably is best known for providing fire truck rides at the West Long Branch Community Center Fair. Fire Company No. 1 donated the truck to the Lower Lake Greenwood Fire Department of Ninety Six, South Carolina, also home to the 1954 American La France ladder truck that previously served Company No. 1.

A First Aid Squad/Fire Department agreement in 2004 assigned primary motor vehicle accident rescue and extrication responsibility to the Fire Department. This decision resulted in stationing the 1992 Ford F350 Rescue unit previously housed at the First Aid Squad at Fire Company No. 1. The Rescue unit is available to support other fire or emergency incidents if required.

In 2006 the Borough Council installed an emergency power generator at the Public Works building that will provide power to both Public Works and the firehouse. This greatly improves of the Fire Company's ability to operate effectively during a power outage.

The Borough Council acted in 2006 to take the 1969 Mack pumper out of active service and turn it over to Fire Company No. 1. The Company will retain the pumper for educational, demonstration and ceremonial functions, but it probably marks the end of the traditional fire truck rides at the Community Center Fair as insurance for such activities appears cost prohibitive.

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Borough Chemical and Truck Company No. 1

Since the last update of the West Long Branch Auxiliary of Fire Co. #1 we have lost several Life Members. They were Natalie Applegate, Rae (Sis) DeFilippo, Bernice Dietrich, Nancy Herry, Pearl Huhn, Ann North, and Helen Schultz. We have also gained several new members.

Our goal has been to help the firemen, and we have done that by serving water, coffee, donuts, and other food at major fires over the years. We have also had many fund raisers, and the money realized from these events was used to purchase new tables for the firehouse plus other items the men have requested.

One of our major goals was to set up a special savings account toward the 100th Anniversary of the Fire Company in 2002. (Note: West Long Branch was part of Eatontown in 1902). For Five years we built up the account which we presented to the Company to use at their discretion. Also the ladies presented the men with a banner which now hangs in the meeting room.

The Auxiliary introduced Lunch With Santa, and we still serve breakfast to the men before the Annual Toy Run. We also present graduation gifts to eighth grade, high school, and college children of the firemen.

Our membership includes fifteen active members, eleven life members, and three mascots. Our hope is for the Auxiliary to continue, but in this modern fast moving world, who knows?

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Ladies Auxiliary of Borough Chemical and Truck Company No. 1

92 Years Young!

The Borough Chemical and Truck Company #1 Ladies Auxiliary is one of the organizations in our borough that often goes unnoticed by the general public. It has, however, been an integral part of the town and Fire Department for quite some time.

For the Ladies Auxiliary’s 50th Anniversary in 1966, Marion Van Note traced our history. She reported that in April 1916 George F. Van Huel and Selina Atcheson were married. Mr. Van Huel was a charter member of Borough Chemical and Truck Company #1. The new Mrs. Van Huel and other ladies present decided it was time to help the firemen in their projects by forming an auxiliary. The Ladies Auxiliary Charter Members were: Mrs. George Van Huel, Mrs. Charles Stillwagon, Mrs. Frank Antonides, Mrs. James Atcheson, Mrs. Louis Huhn, Mrs. Lewis Palmer, Mrs. Solomon Sherman, Mrs. Bert White, Mrs. Harry Brower, Mrs. Thomas Cooper, Miss Dorothy Dangler, Miss Edna Bowman, Miss Mollie Parker and Miss Kate Parker.

Upon the Ladies Auxiliary’s 60th Anniversary, Judy Wortman expanded upon our written history by including more current events. “As we all know, money doesn’t buy everything, so we support the Fire Department in other ways: providing coffee at fires, helping at functions, serving breakfast before their Christmas toy distribution and marching in parades. Our members have also participated in Firemen’s Field Days and Community Center Fairs. We manage to find a little time for ourselves! Over the years, Auxiliary members have participated in annual dinners, Christmas dinners, pool parties and other social gatherings.”

Karen Neuhaus, for the 75th Anniversary of the Ladies Auxiliary celebration well-summed up our purpose – past, present and future - when she noted, “Over the past 75 years, the roles of women have changed and expanded in society. This too is true with our Ladies Auxiliary. We have now found ourselves no longer standing behind our men, but standing beside them.”

Through the years, the Ladies Auxiliary has been active in many ways and has always worked hard to provide many services. Our objective has always been to help the firemen when called upon. Just as important, through our own fundraising, the Ladies Auxiliary presented the Fire Department with a donation toward installation of the original fire alarm signal system. We have also been pleased to give donations to the Christmas fund, which the firemen used for children’s gifts, for improvements to the firehouse, kitchen furnishings and appliances, for a memorial plaque, and for tables for their meeting room.

We have always been willing and ready to participate in many charities and projects here in West Long Branch. The Ladies Auxiliary donated funds towards a Christmas tree for the borough, contributed funds to assist in the establishment of a full access playground for our children and participates in the annual Michael W. Thorne 4 Mile Run/Walk.

Although many of these words were written years ago, they are just as true today. The members of the Ladies Auxiliary are still devoted to helping and serving the Fire Department and community. We have several events planned for 2008, and we look forward to participating in the borough’s Centennial events. Visitors considering membership are always welcome at our monthly meetings. Please call Karen Hagerman at 732-229-4691 if you would like more information about our organization. Join with us as we eagerly anticipate the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Borough of West Long Branch!

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West Long Branch Fire Department

Since its' beginnings a century ago, the West Long Branch Fire Department has evolved from a group of neighbors joining together to protect their community from the ravages of fire. Today the Fire Department remains an all-volunteer organization that not only provides fire protection but also is a first responder to natural and man-made events such as hazardous materials incidents, motor vehicle accidents and, since 9/11, to potential terrorist incidents.

The Fire Department's evolving role brought with it dramatic changes to training, equipment and operations. From the time a member joins the Fire Department to the time a fire is finally extinguished much has changed.

Members once received minimal local training on the basics of putting out a fire. Today new members require in excess of 100 hours of training at the Monmouth County Fire Academy before being allowed to respond to calls and must perform a probationary period. Besides the initial training all members are subject to Federal and State mandated training such as the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and annual refresher training on subjects including hazardous materials and blood-borne pathogens.

Fire alarm boxes once found around town in strategic locations and the telegraph system that sounded a fire horn have been replaced by a radio alerting system. The alerting system was activated from West Long Branch Police Headquarters until a recent change to a countywide system also used by several surrounding towns. Monmouth County Communications Center receives 9-1-1 calls and automatic fire alarms then dispatches the Fire Department by activating member's radio pagers.

Members respond to calls on apparatus much different from horse-drawn wagons or open-cab engines. Fully enclosed cabs provide protection from the elements and in the event of an accident. Small soda-acid activated booster tanks and 500 gallon-per-minute (GPM) main pumps of the early motorized apparatus have given way to 500-gallon water tanks and pumps up to 2000 GPM capacity. Large diameter 5-inch hose capable of delivering larger volumes of water has replaced once standard 2-1/2 inch diameter hose. Hydraulic ladders and platforms extending up to 75 feet supplement hand ladders. Apparatus must comply with standards set by the National Fire Protection Association.

Familiar hand axes and pike poles used by fire fighters for generations are supplemented by a wide variety of specialized hand and power tools including forcible entry tools; gasoline powered circular, reciprocating and chain saws; and hydraulic spreaders and cutters. Thermal imaging cameras aid in locating trapped victims or hidden fire. Electronic monitors check for hazardous or flammable gases.

Gone are the traditional rubber hip boots, long rubber or canvas coats, wool mittens and leather helmets once stored on rails along the apparatus hose bed. Each member is issued a full set of individually fitted personal protective equipment, or PPE. The PPE includes short leather or rubber boots, a turnout coat and full-length pants of fire and heat retardant material, fire fighting gloves, a hood to protect the head and neck, and helmet with eye shield, all meeting stringent structural fire fighting standards.

Fire fighters operating in a hazardous situation must wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with a personal alert safety system (PASS) device. The SCBA enables fire fighters to operate in hostile, smoke filled environments for up to 30 minutes. A fire fighter can activate the PASS device to transmit an audible alarm in case of emergency or the device will automatically transmit an alarm if the fire fighter is immobilized.

Today Fire Department volunteers face challenges far different from those of a century ago. What once was a rural community of individual homes, small farms, and family businesses along with several estates and areas of open space is now an almost completely developed suburban town crossed by busy state highways and county roads. Individual homes have multiplied; some residential areas along highways have changed to commercial or professional use; farms, estates and open areas have largely given way to apartments, townhouses, motels, commercial and professional complexes, small strip malls and larger shopping centers. The Monmouth University campus comprises administrative and educational buildings, student center, dining hall, athletic center, and traditional multi-story residence halls and garden-style apartments housing approximately 1,500 students; the campus includes two spacious historic landmarks – Woodrow Wilson Hall and Guggenheim Memorial Library.

Development of the Borough and introduction of new devices such as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms contribute to the increase in Fire Department responses to an average of about one per day, a significant increase over what it was not many years ago. While Fire Department responses have increased, the number of volunteers has decreased slightly over the years. In order to recruit and retain members the Borough recently created a Length of Service Award Program, or LOSAP, to reward members for their service to the community. In addition the Fire Department is stepping up its campaign for new members and encourages interested residents to consider serving their community by joining the Department.

No history of the West Long Branch Fire Department would be complete without remembering Michael Thorne. Michael died in the line of duty on July 3, 1984, while operating at a fire in Woodrow Wilson Hall of Monmouth University. The annual Michael W. Thorne Scholarship Four-Mile Run/Walk and Michael Thorne Park honor his memory and service to his community.

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Fire Company No. 2

During the fall of 1915, several citizens of the Kensington Park section of the Borough held a meeting at the home of Wm. H. Dennis, 26 Victor Avenue, for the purpose of discussing the possibility of organizing a Fire company. Wm. H. Dennis and Wm. H. Carey, a member of the Borough Council were named a committee to wait on the Mayor and Council to obtain permission to organize a company. The officials of the Borough at that time were Mayor Arthur Golden and Councilman Frank Antonides, Wm. Carey, Frank Brand, James R. Mount, Wm.Slocum, and Chester Dennis. At first, the committee met with little success, but the committee and the men they represented were not to be thwarted, and on March 17, 1916, a petition from the citizens of the Kensington Park section of the Borough was presented to the Council requesting the establishment of a Fire Company in their section of the Borough. On May 18, 1916, a Certificate of Incorporation of the West Long Branch Fire Company No. 2 was presented to the Council and accepted by the Council on June 1, 1916.

The first meeting of the Company was held at the home of Mr. Wm. H. Dennis, 26 Victor Avenue, on June 5, 1916, at which meeting the following officers were elected:

• Wm. H. Dennis, President
• Wm. Smith, Vice-President
• George C. Wood, Secretary
• John F. Davison, Treasurer
• George S. Dennis, Steward
• Mort Thorne, Assistant Steward
• K.M. Vangelden, Trustee 1 year
• John Wolcott, Trustee 2 years
• Joseph Hagerman, Trustee 3 years
• Samuel Peak, Foreman
• Ernest Wolcott, Assistant Foreman
• John Rohbeck, Chief

Edward Roswell and Wm. Smith were appointed a committee on By-Laws.

Samuel Peak, John Rohbeck, and John Davison were appointed a building committee with instructions to proceed with plans for a Firehouse.

The first and third Mondays were chosen as meeting nights.

At this meeting, the company experienced its first fire. Someone carelessly threw a cigarette into a coal bucket and ignited some paper; the meeting had to recess to put out the fire and clear the house of smoke.

The initiation fee was set at $2.00 and monthly dues at 25 cents.

The founders’ names as they appear on the charter are as follows:

The record clearly discloses the hardships endured by the founders of the Company; they were confronted with the problem of selecting and purchasing a site for the Firehouse, purchasing materials and supplying labor, all without ready funds. The site selected was lot 27 on Oceanport Avenue, owned by Mr. John Guire, who agreed to sell to the Company for $650.00. On June 19, 1916, a check of $25.00 was given the President to be paid to Mr. Guire as a deposit on the land and title was taken on August 29, 1916.

The By-laws were adopted August 7, 1916; and at this meeting a committee consisting of Robert Parker, Mort Thorne, and John Rohbeck was appointed to solicit the neighborhood and ascertain of anyone had objections to the Fire House being located on the site selected.

Under the direction of the Building Committee, work went forward on the building of the Firehouse. Many of the members spent long hours of labor and gave of their money to the best of their ability. With the aid of the women and some donations from worthy citizens, the building was completed.

A note with the Long Branch Banking Company for $500.00 and a mortgage of $1,200.00 with the New Jersey Mortgage and Trust Company proved sufficient funds for the purchase of land and materials. On June 19, 1916 $500.00 was paid to Chandler & Maps for lumber.

The first meeting was held in the new Firehouse September 18, 1916. The interior was not finished; and planks, placed on wooden horses, were used for seats. The contract for the heating plant was let to George A. Layton on October 9, 1916. The Building Committee was requested to procure the front doors and have them put on as soon as possible. At this meeting, the entire membership was appointed a committee to procure chairs. John Rohbeck was appointed a Committee of one to procure shades.

At a meeting of the Mayor and Council the clerk was authorized to advertise for bids for an American-LaFrance chemical on a Ford truck, or other similar chemicals, with the bids to be opened June 22, 1916. At the meeting on the 22nd, two bids were received; one from the Nott Motor Vehicle Company for $1,500.00, and one from the American-LaFrance Fire Engine Company for $1,250.00. The Council accepted the bid of the American-LaFrance Co.

In October 1916, the new engine arrived. It had two water tanks of 35-gallon capacity each, a small 10-foot extension ladder, 12 collapsible canvas buckets, and about 50 feet of chemical hose. The motor was without a starter, so a crank handle was an important part of the equipment. When an alarm sounded, caution on the part of the men was necessary, because, when too many got on the rear platform, the front wheels were raised off the ground. Having no hydrant hose, the company worked under a great handicap, as the need for fire hose became increasingly great. To meet this need, a two-wheeled cart with a hose reel was purchased, and this cart was attached to the rear of the fire truck and towed to the fires. The Council purchased sufficient hydrant hose at a cost of 60 cents per foot for this reel.

The Ladies Auxiliary has helped the Fire Company in many projects since they were founded in December 1916.

One of the greatest aids to the firemen in their early struggles were the women, who, during December of 1916, started the auxiliary. Much of the money that was raised to clear the mortgage, which was retired in 1927, was due to the efforts of the women, and great praise must go to them for the park taken by them for the success of the Company. In the early years, when it became necessary, the women aided by filling the canvas buckets with water and passing them to the men. This help was appreciated, because the first engine was a chemical truck, and the water supply was very limited.

On December 17, 1916, a committee consisting of Fred West, Robert Parker, John Davison, Samuel Peak, and George Walters was appointed for a Christmas party for the children. This practice has continued throughout the years. The men, with the aid of the auxiliary, visit every home in their section of the Borough, while company No. 1 covers their area: and every child under twelve receives a gift from the department.

Since Christmas 1916, our Company member has delivered toys, candy, etc., to every youngster each Sunday before Christmas. When the idea first started, a certain amount of funds were collected for this work by donations and fundraising projects by the Ladies Auxiliary. Later, our firemen’s fairs and now our annual Borough fund drive. The entire cost of this project has been paid for by Company funds.

After 4 years service, the Ford engine became inadequate and the Council gave the Company permission to trade in the Ford for a used Chalmers limousine. The body was removed and the men built a body that would hold 1,000 feet of hydrant hose. The Chalmers was in service from the spring of 1920 until April 1924. The demand for more modern equipment became greater with the increases population of the Borough. On the ballot, November 6, 1923, the proposition for a new and modern fire engine appeared. 233 people favored a new engine and 138 voted against it. After much controversy the official bids were let and in April 1924, a new Stutz fire engine with pumper and complete equipment arrived. Because of the weight of this engine, the floor beams in the firehouse had to be strengthened.

The first Fair undertaken by the Company was held in August 1921. This fair was a moderate success and was held at various intervals during the years that followed. In 1936, the two companies of the Borough formed a joint committee and have had good success at their annual fair.

With the early struggle and hardships over, the company decided to take out some building and load shares. The first of several was taken out January 6, 1922, and at that time, Mr. Carey was authorized to purchase from Mr. Slocum the company safe.

The first Fire Alarm used by this company was a bell that had been taken from the old school house and placed on the front of the building with a rope running to the ground. In later years, this was supplanted by a more modern Fire Alarm system. In July 1922, the Fire Alarm whistle was connected with Company No. 2, and in July 1923, a Fire Bell and Striker were purchased and installed and connected with the Borough Fire Alarm system.

On July 28, 1923, all the members met on the Billings farm and dismantled the Steel tower that now stands in the rear of the Firehouse.

The greatest single accomplishment resulting from the efforts of the men was the creation of their charity fund. Many of the unfortunate citizens of the Borough, too proud to ask for help, have had the aid of this fund without their identity becoming known to anyone outside the committee.

In 1949, at a meeting of the Fire Company, there was a motion approving the improvements to the building, which consisted of converting the former dining hall into a fire stall, converting the present downstairs meeting room from a former fire stall for the old Stutz that was housed there. Also, putting on an addition to the rear of the building, consisting of a modern kitchen on the first floor in the rear and said addition to extend to the second floor, also enlarging the second floor meeting room. All these new improvements were made at that time for the 1949 Mack truck, which we presently have. At the time the Borough presented this truck to the company, Charles L. Morgan was our assistance chief.

The president appointed the following house improvement committee to proceed with the above improvements. The following committee members were: Chairman Anthony Cosentino, William Can Brunt, George Conway, Albert Aschettino, and John Arbia, who was to upholster all the present chairs and benches. Said improvements to the building were completed in 1951.

We have in past years sponsored the following activities: Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Weblows, and Eagle Scouts. The Company sponsored two bowling teams. One of our community projects that we enjoy the most is the distribution of toys to the children of our Borough.

In 1967, the Fire Company embarked on a project of large endeavor, the construction of a three-bay Firehouse of block and steel truss, which gave us space to flex and grow with the times. The facility, built by the Decenzo Builders of Little Silver under the “general contracting” of late members Joseph Fornarotto and Albert Aschettino, was large enough to house our pumper and, years later, house a number of pieces to come.

In 1972, the Fire Company #2 received the Mack Telesquirt. Now known as Engine/Ladder 90 and a first of its kind in the area, this unit was able to deliver 1000 GPM of water through its remotely operated nozzle at elevations up to 50 feet. This unit provided us immeasurable service, and in 1986, the presently the “first due piece” for all structural related calls.

In 1975, we again reactivated the Junior Auxiliary, ages 14 to 18. The duties were limited but they were entitled to privileges at the Fire House, and training was limited along with regular membership. Their desire to learn created a sense of momentum, and their constant attendance led to a heroic deed by four members

On a cold Saturday night in December of 1976, Junior members Ronald Guietti, Mike Thorne, Tony riddle, and Kevin Fitzpatrick were in the Fire House watching TV, when a gentlemen began banging on the door, claiming that there was a house on fire three doors up from the Fire House. As one member phoned police headquarters, the remaining three attempted to arouse the occupants of the dwelling which was well involved in fire. To our dismay, and elderly invalid occupant perished in the blaze.

In 1975, the Fire Department received its first chief’s car. A used station wagon from the police department was acquired and outfitted by Fire chief Vernon Worles. It has now been replaced numerous times and continues to be a very needed item in out department.

In 1981, through the efforts of Major General Vito “Vic” Morgano of the NJ National Guard, we received a 1957 GMC 6x6 Army truck which was outfitted for fighting brush fires and alleviate the wear and tear on the Company’s expensive pumpers. This piece was used extensively in town for fires and storms and also for the same type incidents in a tri-county area. The company continued, “piecing it together” until 1986, when it no longer became cost effective to operate with the decline of open space in West Long Branch. It was discovered that a fire company in a little community in northern Pennsylvania was in need of this type of forest fire fighting vehicle. Since the company from Pennsylvania was a self-sufficient organization with limited funds, we decided to sell the truck for one dollar to them, the Lake Harmony Fire Company, where it is still in operation in that area in a similar condition today.

In May of 1980, Fire Company #2 took delivery of a new Mack 1000 GPM pumper known as Engine 75, and, along with this, a sad day came. We saw the end of an era, as we officially retired the 1949 Mack. Some of the older gents said it was like seeing an old friend go. To some of us, who, as children, stood on the front seat and rang the bell, it was a page in the book of history. Through the efforts of many, we managed to have the truck turned over to the company from the Borough, and we maintain it as an antique so that children in years to come may experience a little piece of history of the West Long Branch Fire Company #2.

As we peruse through the history of memorable events, we must make note of an event that saddened us all. On July 3, 1984, firefighter Michael Thorne gave the supreme sacrifice when he attempted to ventilate the fire building at Woodrow Wilson Hall of Monmouth College. Michael’s passing will live in the hearts and minds of all, and he will be remembered for his total dedication to family, friends, and brother firefighters.

In 1985, we acquired our first assistant chief’s car. Over the years, it has developed into a much relied upon piece that is an incentive to those rising through the ranks as some remuneration for the time spent dedicating oneself to West Long Branch.

Add in about the annual field-day and parade held a Franklin Lake each year on the 4th of July up until the early 1980’s. This was a time that both fire companies Firefighters, equipment and apparatus were inspected and reviewed by the town fathers and residence, this tradition is no longer part of the fourth of July festivities.

Fire Company No. 2 is known throughout Monmouth County every other even year from 1pm to 5pm for its New Years Day festivities. This is a time when we say thanks to our residence, town fathers and area fire first did and police departments. On this day we honor our newly sworn in Department chief from Company No. 2. We specialize in our famous home cooked Italian sauce drowning our homemade sausage and meatball sandwiches. Many generations of firemen carry on this tradition today.

West Long Branch Fire Company Number 2 has seen its ups and downs over the years. Many generations of family members have carried on the volunteer tradition. Each year we hope that new blood (residence) as we call it in the firehouse will be interested in becoming a member and volunteering their services to this great community. We have been lucky in the late 90’s to present with our membership. Through ordnance changes, LOSAP incentive program and simple work of mouth we have developed one of the most credible and well trained fire departments in the county today. Many years ago WLBFD responded to around 100 to 150 calls per year. In the year 2007 our department will respond to over 400 incidents. Our men and woman serve this great community with pride, so next time you see the firefighters driving up the road or roaring to an emergency wish them all.

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Prologue

As we ring down the curtain on this seventy-fifth of fire company history, we realize our frailties and forgetfulness and trust that the members will pardon any errors or omissions, for we have been living for a while in loving memories of that glorious past, thinking of those we have loved and lost, long since awhile, but we must go forward, and we hope that the next years will bring forth greater things and accomplishments in the history of the West Long Branch Fire Company No. 2.

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The Big Fires

The worst fire ever faced by the Company came on the night of January 7, 1927, as flames leveled the palatial Hubert T. Parson mansion, which had served as the Summer White House for President Woodrow Wilson. Firemen from Long Branch and Ocean Township aided in the fight, but when the flames were finally controlled, damage was counted at $1,100.000. Subsequently, an even more Palatial Shadow Lawn was erected on the property. There was another major fire on January 22, 1921, when the home of J.W. Snyder “on the state highway” was destroyed with a loss of $50,000. The more recent fires that we can easily remember were the Frank Dennis Homestead, Franklin Park, and Joseph’s Restaurant.

In February 1959, the 1949 Mack was used for a major fire, which was at the West Long Branch Bowling Alleys. The truck pumped for six hours without a breakdown of its equipment. At this fire, the Long Branch firemen aided West Long Branch.

In March of 1961, at the second Hollywood Hotel fire, the 1949 Mack pumper again proved itself. It pumped for eleven hours without a breakdown.

In 1967, a fire of undetermined origin destroyed the meeting room section of the Fire House. With the assistance of the uptown ladder from Long Branch, the members were able to protect the newly constructed bay area, which was soon to be occupied.

The following is a chronological look at some of the Big ones and West Long Branch’s commander:

• 1970 Mayor Shaheen’s house, Norwood Ave-Chief James Migliaccio
• 1971 LD Seely Co., Whalepond Road-Chief John Hendrickson
• 1974 New Year’s Day Fire, Monmouth College-Chief Frank Siciliano
• 1977 Holiday Office Bldg, Rte 36- Asst. Chief Samuel Pandure
• 1978 Vogel’s Dept Store in Long Branch- Chief Sam Pandure
• 1979 Pizza Shack, Broadway- Chief Pete Wortman
• 1981 LB Monument Co., Wall St- Chief Vic Huhn
• 1983 Monmouth College Radio Station- Chief Franklyn Dennis
• 1985 Oakhurst Acme- Chief Lenny Remick
• 1985 MAST Academy- Sandy Hook- Asst. Chief Fred Migliaccio
• 1986 Community Dr. Tree stump (burned for 2 wks)- Chief Fred Migliaccio
• 1987 Long Branch Pier- Chief Perry Neuhaus
• 1989 Hollywood Ave Cashmen Estate- Chief Nels Warren
• 1990 Steinbeck’s Dept. Store Asbury Park- Chief Ron Guidetti
• 1992 Noreaster- Chief Don Mazza
• 1993 Collingswood Auction Fire, Howell- Chief Dennis O’Rorke
• 1994 Klein Estate, Monmouth Rd- Chief Jack Guire
• 2000 McDonalds- Chief Mike Ciaglia
• 2004 Deforest Pl. Historic Estate (one of the oldest homes in WLB) – Chief Paul Morgano
• 2007 Forest Fire Miller Air Park Ocean County 2 days- Chief Brian Kramer

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West Long Branch Ladies Auxiliary of Fire Company No. 2

The West Long Branch Ladies Auxiliary of Fire Company No. 2 was organized on December 17, 1916 at the home of Mrs. William Dennis for the purpose of aiding and supporting our town firefighters. This group of ladies became very active while the membership slowly grew. They served dinners, held card parties, bake sales, sold their famous home made clam chowder at special occasions, and held many other activities. They purchased uniforms and participated in the town parades. As the years pasted, new groups of ladies met to continue where the first Ladies Auxiliaries left off. Officers were elected and By-laws were created and adopted. Other fundraising events through the years included Bunko parties, Tricky Trays, Paper Bingo, Tupperware parties, Lemon Auctions, and bus trips to various places.

The West Long Branch Ladies Auxiliary continues to assist the firemen at various functions and contribute to them financially, morally and materially. Along with the financial gifts to the firemen, the ladies have also purchased an assortment of furnishings for the Firehouse. The tradition of the annual Santa Toy Run continues with the ladies assisting the firemen with the sorting and wrapping of gifts that are distributed to the children of the Borough. In recent years, the ladies have been privileged to assist each May with the annual Michael J.Thorne Scholarship Run which honors the memory our fallen firefighter. Every other year on New Years Day, the ladies assist the Firemen with the festivities at the celebration of our incoming Chief at their Open House. The ladies are running a Super 50/50 Raffle with the drawing being at the January 1, 2008 Open House.

Now in the 91st year, our current officers are President Jacki Casciano Ebel, Vice President Louise Payne, Secretary Joanne Breglia DeSheplo, and Treasurer Christine Brasch Guido. We still honor our members for their years of service to the Auxiliary and this year the ladies will be honoring Kay Sparandeo for her 50 years of continuous service and dedication.

The Auxiliary meets the second Monday of every month from September thru May. Our monthly business meetings are filled with fun and laughter as well as business. Along with our monthly meetings we have dinners and functions. We have a special bond of friendship that has been formed with the ladies from the West Long Branch Ladies Auxiliary Fire Company No. 1, and we enjoy participating with them at an annual dinner each May.

The West Long Branch Ladies Auxiliary of Fire Company No. 2 has come a long way since assisting with bucket brigades at fires and $.25 dues. We have enjoyed sharing our past with you, and welcome new members to join us in celebrating our future. We salute our firefighters on this 100 Year Anniversary!

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West Long Branch 1st Aid Squad

The West Long Branch First Aid Squad was organized on April 17, 1931 with Harry Cooper as its first president. With 16 members, they purchased their first ambulance from the Flock Funeral Home for $2,000 in July. The late James R. Mount, then Mayor, endorsed a note for $2,100. Through the efforts of the Squad members a house to house canvass was made, in which $2,200 was raised. This canvass enabled the note to be paid off on September 25, 1931. The first ambulance was put into service on August 3, 1931. It was garaged at Chester Dennis', later at George Van Hulls and then room was found at the firehouse.

The Squad, by incorporating in 1933, was able to be aided financially by the borough as the result of a State law giving the borough that power.

During the period from the Squad's organization until April 1938, the First Aid Squad and the ambulance were maintained by the members of the Squad who received their funds through public donations and the sponsoring of numerous affairs. In that year, the ambulance was turned over to the borough so that expenses of maintenance and operation could be shared by the taxpayers of the borough as in the case of the Fire Department. In April 1938, bids were received by the late J. Russell Woolley, then Borough Clerk, for a new ambulance. In May the borough contracted to purchase a modern custom built ambulance at a cost of $3,000. This ambulance was put into service July 1938 and gave faithful service until August 1955 when a new ambulance was purchased.

The Squad answered an average of 90 - 100 calls per year at this time. The number of calls increased each year so that in 1966 it was necessary to replace the 1955 ambulance with a new ambulance with the latest equipment. The ambulance had oxygen piped in; a Robinson stretcher which enabled the First Aider to pick up patients without disturbing their position in any way, and it was also equipped with an E. & J. resuscitator. This ambulance was dedicated to J. Russell Woolley for his faithful help to this growing Squad. Each year the number of calls increased and in 1975 it became necessary to add a second ambulance. This unit was a modular Grumman Rescue Truck and housed our extrication equipment which is used for automobile accidents and fires. In 1978 we replaced the 1966 ambulance with a 1978 Ford Van. Our two ambulances were housed in the Borough Chemical & Truck Company No. 1 headquarters.

In 1966 Plectrons and 2 encoders were purchased by the First Aid Squad at an expense of approximately $5,000. The Plectrons are activated from Police Headquarters and the signal is sent to a unit in each member's home which alerts them to calls. Our communications system was updated in 1979 with the purchase of pagers and new encoders. These small units are carried by the members and enable them to respond to calls from any location.

Not only has the squad proven themselves locally, but it has won statewide stature through service and activities. Some of the more memorable dates in its history are its response to disaster calls such as the burning of the cruise ship Morro Castle off the coast in September of 1934 and the burning of the dirigible Hindenburg at Lakehurst in May, 1937. In July 1980, the Squad was called to help with the transport of victims of the Brinley Nursing Home fire in Bradley Beach in which 24 persons perished. The Squad was called up for action during Dessert Storm and was on alert to transport any casualties from Mc Guire AFB to the nearby hospitals. During 9/11, the Squad was also on alert to offer assistance when called. The Squad is called for more than just first aid calls. The Squad stands by at several different events every year such as: Monmouth University football games, Shore Regional football games, The Jersey Shore Marathon, 4th of July Fireworks and also Michael Thorne Race.

The squad is a member of the New Jersey State First Aid Council and the Monmouth County Associations of First Aid. The Squad is in the 16th District of the NJSFAC. Delegates of the squad attend the meetings of each and report back to the squad what is going on around the state. It is also here that we learn of any new mandates that the state is proposing.

The year 1977 was a milestone in the makeup of the membership of the Squad. In April Mrs. Joan Plant became the first female member and in 1980 she became the first female Captain.

Squad members serve proudly under the emblem which graces the cover of this brochure. The patch was designed by the late Fred Worles, Jr., who served as our captain in 1975. It was officially adopted on June 2, 1971 and is still on our patches today.

The squad has been on two stork deliveries over the course of the years. The first one in 1981 with Brian Hagerman, Greg Seitz and Pete Wortman delivering a baby girt near Brighton and Westwood Avenues in Long Branch. The second birth was in 1999 and another baby girl was born in the elevator at Monmouth Medical attended by then Captain, Joyce Rubulotta, Allan Woolley, Eric Gilman and a paramedic.

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Vehicles

There have been several more ambulances purchased since our 50th Anniversary and with each one the space has increased as well as the cost. (NOTE: when we acquire a new rig or captain's car, the old vehicle goes back to borough hall.) In 1986, the squad was able to get a 1986 ambulance which was dubbed Pat's ambulance because Pat Barr was Captain at the time and was influential in obtaining the new rig. Also during Pat's second term in 1989, the squad was given its first Captains car - a used station wagon. In 1990 the squad was given a used police car as its Captains car. In 1992 under then Captain Fred Rubulotta, the squad acquired another ambulance and a rescue truck. This ambulance was dedicated to the memory of Edward Dangler who was a very active member not only in our squad but in Oceanport's FAS also. Ed was always there to answer calls and he was greatly missed when he passed away. The squad then formed a rescue team with members of the first aid and Fire Company. In 1996 the squad was given a new GMC Jimmy 4x4 as its captain's car and it came in handy for the snow we had that year. In 1998 under then Captain James Gomez, the squad got a new ambulance and retired Pat's ambulance. In 2004, the squad turned over the rescue truck and equipment to the Fire Department. This enabled the squad to do the first aid aspect of an accident while the fire company works on the extrication. We still have some members who work along with the fire company on the extrication end. In 2005 under then Captain Dave Phillips, the squad received a new ambulance and retired the 1992 ambulance. This ambulance is just what the younger members of the squad like. It came with a lot more gadgets that make it easier for us. The ambulance committee put in a lot of time in obtaining this rig. The committee consisted of Judi Schneider, Don Wanamaker, Dave Phillips, James York, 86 Jason Schnitzer. In 2006 under Captain Don Wanamaker a new Captains car was put into service. It's a Dodge Durango and has plenty of room for all the captain needs as well as heavy duty for the bad weather we have to drive in.

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Training and Equipment

In 1984, there was a bad accident on Broadway by North Locust and the rescue involved using the Jaws of Life. At that time our squad had to call mutual aid for the equipment. Thanks to then Councilman Vic Morgano, the squad was given a set of Jaws of their own so that we wouldn't need to call for Mutual Aid.

In 1986, a mandate was passed by the NJ State First Aid Council stating that the squads were required to be Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) as the standard form of first aid. This required a lot more training and different equipment such as MAST trousers, HARE traction splints, KED's (body stabilizer to remove patient from vehicles with the least amount of movement), stair chairs and more. A lot of the newer equipment does make things easier, but at times good old fashion know how works well too. In the 1990's, a new piece of equipment was the Defibrillator (D-Fib). This device is used to attempt to restart someone's heart after it has determined if a shock is necessary. Member Michael Rescinio went through the Helping Hands Program from Prudential to raise money for the squad to purchase its first D-Fib. Michael was also on the first call that used the D-Fib at Squires Pub. The squad was able to purchase two D-Fibs and also the Police Department was given one. Over the years, the D-Fib was improved and was made fool proof as they say. D-Fibs are now being put into public places for use by lay people because they are easy to do and it really does best when administered in the very early stages of a heart attack. West Long Branch is lucky to have some D-Fib trained police officers and some members are also members of the squad. The Police are usually the first line of contact on a call and their first aid knowledge helps in many cases to start treatment when needed prior to our arrival.

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Fund Raisers

The squad in the 1980's held many spaghetti dinners at the Fire House. It was a lot of work and a lot of fun. Everyone worked together. The Fire Dept helped us out with the building set up and clean up and was there to support us. In 1985, the squad was offered the chance to run the Zeppole Booth at the Community Center Fair. We accepted and have been making Zeppoles ever since. For the last four years, the squad has set aside some of the money we raise from the Zeppole Booth to donate to the Michael Thorne Scholarship Race.

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Building

As we grew and the fire company grew, things started to get a little tight at the firehouse. So we decided to build our own building on a parcel of land we owned on Poplar Ave. However, the residents did not want the building to be there because of the ambulances going out for calls could cause accidents and also too much noise with the sirens. So the Borough traded our land for a parcel of land on Monmouth Road and the plans were set into motion. The building committee consisted of Joan Plant, Judy Wortman, Joyce Peak, Ed Dangler, (all members of the squad) Basil Plasteras, Roy Fleidner, & Tony Camassa (all non members). The group held fund raisers and were able to raise the money to begin building. Sovereign Bank was very helpful to the squad in obtaining the mortgage. In 1987 our building on Monmouth Road was completed and we were able to move into our own place. The building was improved to accommodate the growing squad several years ago. Two small rooms were combined to make one large room for training and meetings. The coat room and storage room were converted into an office. There is a large memorial plaque in our foyer donated by GM Trophy. When someone sends in a memorial donation for someone who has passed away, a name plate is inscribed with the deceased's name and date of their death and is then attached to the large memorial board.

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New Programs

Also in the 1980's, MONOC came upon the scene. MONOC is the higher level of treatment before the hospital. They are dispatched through our protocol when a call is of a serious nature such as non responsive, difficulty breathing, asthma, auto accidents, etc. MONOC could not transport at that time so they rode with us in our rig while another medic rode in their rig. The medics in MONOC are trained to give IV's and also to administer life saving drugs which we as EMTs are not able to do. Over the course of the years MONOC has also changed. They now have some patient carrying rigs along with the older rigs.

In 2002, the squad formed a cadet program thanks to Linda Courtney and Judi Schneider. It is for members under 18 who are interested in first aid and who we hope will join as regular members when they become 18 such as members Stephen Sovey, & James York have done. Also in 2002, the squad created a Bike Team. Dave Phillips and Don Wannamaker were instrumental in setting the team up and procuring the necessary equipment and uniforms. Commerce Bank donated two bikes to the squad for the team. The Bike Team can be seen on the 4th of July when they ride around Franklin Lake to assist anyone who needs first aid. The team also patrols the lake & race route, when the Michael Thorne Race is held in May.

In 2004 the Borough proposed a Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) for the First Aid and Fire Company. The residents of West Long Branch voted for it and in January 2005 it went into affect. The members follow the guidelines to earn points and if they accumulate 50 points a year, they are entitled to compensation by way of a 401K distribution from the Borough. We hope this will help keep members and also help to obtain new members. The squad is always looking for new members. Each year more and more people are coming to our town not to mention through it. Our calls are up into the 700's as compared to the 100 calls made in 1931. During the summer we have the beaches and the track that brings in heavy traffic to our area. Now we have Pier Village which will be another draw for visitors. If anyone is interested in joining the squad please feel free to call recording secretary Judy Wortman at 732­229-3697.

So now sit back relax or get up and dance, but whatever, thanks for being here with us and enjoy yourself.

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Community Organizations

American Legion :: WLB Community Center :: WLB Sports Association :: WLB Lions Club :: WLB Historical Society :: Parent-Teachers Association :: Chamber Of Commerce

The American Legion

The American Legion Post #411 of West Long Branch was formed on May 20, 1946, primarily through the efforts of J. Russell Wolley, the Borough Clerk and also Monmouth County Clerk. The organizational meeting conducted by George Ziska of Post #44, Long Branch, resulted in the election of Harry S. Cooper as the first Post Commander. The present Commander(2007) is Alden West.

Membership has declined from 121 in 1977 to 40 in 2007 primarily due to the passing of many World War II veterans. Recently 15 remain­ing members of #44 transferred to #411 after the Post was terminated.

Post #411 was originally named the "Colonel E. Watson Post #411" after a nearby army post connected with Fort Monmouth. This was changed June 30, 1980 to the "Basil Slocum Memorial Post #411", honoring an original charter member who became Vice Commander of the American Legion Department of New Jersey and also Executive Committee Corn-, mander of the Post and Monmouth County. He is presently serving as Finance Officer.

Charter members Domenico Nannini and Domenic DeVito also served for many years holding various positions at the Post and county levels. Alden West has been Post Commander for 20 years after holding many other positions.

The Legion is dedicated to the welfare of military veterans and depen­dents. Members give generously of their time for the disabled vets and their families. Memorial Day services have been held annually at the Vet­erans Monument at the West Long Branch Community Center involving appropriate speakers and Boro service organizations. Previously the cele­bration included a parade with firemen, First Aiders, scouts, bands, and military personnel. The monument for all wars was installed by the Legion through donations from residents.

The Post and it's Auxillary have conducted fund raisers that included newspaper collections, dinners, Americanism coloring contests, and have they have supported many scouting and sports programs.

The Auxillary was organized in 1955 with Ruth Heinlein as it's first president. In addition to the above mentioned activities they spent many hours visiting veterans hospitals.

For many years Poat members and the Auxiliary sent at least two boys and also girls to Boys State and Girls State programs at Rutgers University and Douglas College. Today, the course in the Fundamentals of Government. Over 1400 high school students held pseudo-elections on city,county, and state levels highlighted by the election of a boy and girl governor.

Each Memorial Day season Post members install American flags on area graves with the help of Bot Scout Troop #145. Glenwood Cemetery has 775 veterans of many wars including 50 from the Civil War. The Free Church Cemetery on Monmouth Road contains 12 veterans including some from the Revolutionary War.The Sons, and Daughters of the Revolution organizations provide much assistance in the flag programs.

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West Long Branch Community Center

In May of 1953 the West Long Branch Lions Club, after lengthy consideration, decided to initiate and sponsor a community center in West Long Branch.

As a result of thorough investigation and study of all the problems involved, the Lions Club in August, 1953, purchased the old Norwood Country Club building on Locust Avenue together with about three acres of ground. During August, September and October of that year the entire membership of the Lions Club worked long and arduous hours in rehabili­tating the old building which had loin idle for some ten years.

The work feverishly progressed and on October 16th it was possible to hold the first public function- a barn dance- in the new Community Center. Your Community Center came to be an accomplished fact.

From the very outset, the Lions Club viewed the entire pro­ject as belonging to the whole community. All efforts, were directed to the end that it would actually become a commu­nity-wide affair. After the barn dance, all haste was made to set up a permanent organization and to turn over the project to it. On November 11, 1953, the Lions Club organized and formally chartered the West Long Branch Community Center. Inc., on a broad community basis with community-wide responsibility.

As soon as the new corporation could be formally orga­nized, the Dons Club conveyed to it the Community Center property and turned over the entire project on March 24, 1954.

The West Long Branch Community Center, Inc. is a non-prof­it corporation completely dedicated to the development and maintenance of a community center for the people of West Long Branch. It is governed by a Board of Trustees representa­tive of all groups and the public at large. The Community Center property is restricted to community center use and if used for any other purpose will revert to the Borough of West Long Branch as public land.

The West Long Branch Community Center is a separate enti­ty and is not financially supported by the borough.

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West Long Branch Sports Association

The West Long Branch Sports Association is currently an independent, nonprofit organization. The Executive Board consists of volunteers who are dedicated to providing a healthy and safe sports environment for all children of West Long Branch, and those attending the West Long Branch schools. We receive no public funding. All of our programs are funded entirely by registration fees, sponsorships and other fundraising activities.

In 1967, at the suggestion from the West Long Branch Borough Council, a special branch of the West Long Branch Recreation Commission was formed. The main reason for this extension of the Commission was to assist and organize a boys baseball program. This branch became what is now known as the West Long Branch Sports Association. In its early years, the Sports Association grew to include Saturday morning basketball and a girls softball program, along with a parent's volleyball night. During this time, the total number of children involved with these programs was around 50.

In the early 70's, The West Long Branch Traveling Soccer program was formed by the Sports Association, and quickly became one of the most successful and competitive programs in the area. Surrounding towns, including Eatontown, Tinton Falls, Rumson, Fair Haven, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Shrewsbury and Little Silver later created a local area recreation program which today is know as the Northern Monmouth Soccer Association (NMSA). West Long Branch continues to field some of the finest teams in that league today.

By the late 70's the Sports Association Board of Directors grew from the four original members to 12 members. Today, the executive Board consists of 16, highly dedicated and hard-working individuals.

In the 1980's, our recreational programs continued to grow to include girls soccer, girls basketball, flag football (which later became part of the Shore Pop Warner program), Biddy basketball and Kindergarten soccer. By the late 1980's, the West Long Branch Sports Association had entered two teams into the Mid Monmouth Basketball Association league, a highly competitive travel program (grades 5th though 8th) that includes teams from all over Monmouth county. We also entered six teams into the Eastern Monmouth Sports Association boys baseball league.

The 1990's saw our athletic programs expand even more. We entered four girl's teams into the Mid Monmouth Basketball Association. Today we include six travel teams in the Monmouth Youth Basketball League, which include the younger players (3rd and 4th grades) boys and girls. We also began to host one of the areas premier holiday travel tournaments, the annual West Long Branch Thanksgiving Day Basketball Tournament. Today this tournament draws over 60 travel teams from all over central New Jersey.

Today the West Long Branch Sports Association continues to grow. We sponsor travel teams for area baseball tournaments, as well as a men's softball team. Our program caters to over 450 children from West Long Branch and those attending West Long Branch schools.

However, we do not limit ourselves to only sporting events. The Sports Association takes great pride and joy in assisting with the building and maintenance of new playing fields, supporting the annual carnivals, participating in the July 4th celebrations and various fund raising and charity work. In conjunction with efforts by the Borough of West Long Branch, we raised funds to have lights installed on the Valenzano Park baseball field. We are an ongoing supporter of local educational institutions like the West Long Branch school system, Shore Regional High School and Monmouth University. The success of our local school teams in soccer, baseball, softball and basketball can be tracked back to our programs, which is a direct result of the dedication to the children by the West Long Branch Sports Association.

As everyone can see, your Sports Association has grown at an incredible rate to provide a wide variety of premier sports programs. We currently receive no public funding, and pay for insurance, equipment, referees, gym time and maintenance entirely through registration fees, team sponsorships and fund raising activities. None of this would have been possible without the time and effort of all past and present members, as well as the support and generosity of the parents. guardians and businesses that fund our activities.

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West Long Branch Lions Club

The West Long Branch Lions Club was organized in January, 1952, and chartered with 28 members in February, 1952, with the Eatontown Club as sponsor. Down through the years members have been active in several community organizations such as the Borough Council, Board of Education, Fire Department, First Aid Squad, Recreation Commission, and youth sports.

Fund raisers and volunteering in order to support organizations who help the blind and visually impaired include White Cane collections, pancake breakfasts, flower sales, bus rides, and boat rides. We also participated in the annual Community Center Fair and the Oceanport Lions Fair. Activities included conducting Eye Screening, Seeing Eye Dog demo, parade float, eye glass collection, participating in the annual Halloween Childrens' costume program, and presentation of the Social Studies Award at the Frank Antonides School graduation.

The community has benefitted from many projects. We erected a gazebo, an illuminated flag pole, two memorial stones, and a mill stone monument from historic Turtle Mill at Franklin Lake Park, as well as a sundial at Borough Hall.

Probably the greatest contribution to the community was the acquisition of the former Norwood Country Golf Course Club House and property, in order to donate it to the Borough to serve as the Community Center, police headquarters, and Borough Hall.

Two members have risen to higher positions in the state Lions organization. Past President Dominic Nannini served as Vice District Governor as well as Zone and Region Chairman. Unfortunately, he passed away before he could continue on.

Also, the late Karl Ipsen was Secretary of Lions District 16-B, having served also as Zone and Region Chairman as well as club president.

At this writing the club has more than 30 active members and growing. Lions International is the largest service organization in the world and is dedicated to supporting blind and visually impaired persons as well as other worthwhile causes.

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Parent-Teachers Association

Like many other organizations involved with the welfare of children, the group we know as "P.T.A." developed out of the impulse to work for children, with a basic motivating dependence on God. Today, P.T.A. is the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the nation. The P.T.A. is among the most democratically structured organization in America. Any parent/adult caregiver or teacher in a given school system may join and have equal "say" with all others. All work and time are volunteered. Committees may be added or dropped.

During winter of 1897 there was a remarkable gathering of women in Washington, D.C. in response to a summons to the "Motherhood of the Nations." Mrs. Edwin Grice, one of the first women ever elected to the board of education back in 1895, worked to make a New Jersey branch of the new National Congress of Mothers which was spreading throughout the country. She later became the first president of the New Jersey Parent Teachers Association.

The New Jersey Congress of Mothers was an aggressive, socially concerned group from the start. They supported legislation, which was protecting child labor and women as early as 1902. As far back as 1918, the group was a watchdog for safety, supporting the Good Roads department. They distributed pre-natal pamphlets in five languages to foreign-born mothers and annual physical and dental examinations for all school children. The P.T.A. emphasized hot lunches for students, higher salaries for teachers and the importance of early religious training.

In 1925 the gradual title transition from "N.J. Congress of Mothers-Parents and Teachers" to "N.J. Congress of Parents and Teachers" was completed which conformed to national action the year before.

In 1926 West Long Branch decided to become part of this movement. On December 1st our P.T.A. held its organization meeting in the Grammar School with the late Mrs. Freed W. Van Note as presiding officer and twenty charter members. By 1948 membership was 157 and this year it is 260.

Over the years, the P.T.A. has made many contributions. During 1933-34 the P.T.A. brought material and had drapes made for the Grammar School's second floor auditorium in time for the June graduation. In the early 1940's P.T.A. staffed a cafeteria, complete with printed menus. One lady was the cook and two others were asked to serve on a one week basis. Due to the smaller appetites of younger children, and their overwhelming love for peanut butter, the program disbanded in the early fifties; when K-2nd grades were returned to the grammar school after a few years at Frank Antonides. In the early 1940's P.T.A. sponsored the student insurance plan and in 1952 established a safety patrol. During 1940-1942, the P.T.A laid the ground work to institute the 2 cent milk program which was then matched by government subsidy. Frequently, after general meetings there were history quizzes with men versus women.

In 1953, the P.T.A. sponsored a very successful "Can Can" show to launch a student scholarship fund. The first scholarship of $400 was awarded in 1958.

Since 1956, our little kindergartners have been welcomed with juice and cookies. They get to ride the bus with their parents and meet their teachers and their new surroundings. The Welcoming committee member gives a welcoming packet to all kindergarten families.

The P.T.A. donates gifts, gives scholarships and supports activities with funds raised by our Fundraising committee. The P.T.A. holds a Book Fair, Vendor Fair, 7th and 8th grade Fashion Show and collections of box top and Campbell labels. Some of the gifts donated are: books for the library, an automation system for the library, items for each Special-Library, Art, Music, Computers, Physical Education and Spanish, locker shelves, planners, folders and die-cuts for projects. At the 8th grade graduation the P.T.A. awards the following scholarships: two Betty McElmon Humanitarian awards, Spanish Award, Art Award and two Music Awards. P.T.A. activities include: Frank Antonides Fun Nights, Betty McElmon has sponsored a Harvest Festival and Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dance in February, Family Activities have sponsored Blue Claws Games and Bowling Night. The P.T.A. sponsors the annual Spelling Bee, Field Days and Assemblies throughout the year. The P.T.A. provides services such as a directory, Room Parent program to assist teachers, Membership and Dues, public relations, honor roll breakfast and gifts of appreciation for students, teachers and staff. The P.T.A. has representatives who attend meetings for the Board of Education, Drug Alliance, Borough Council and the Foundation for Education.

Association Members for the current year are: Felicia Costantino, President, Susan Trocchia, Vice-President, Marua Resnikoff, Vice-President, Barbara Santangelo, Vice-President, Jeanne Camassa, Corresponding Secretary, Kristin Lepping, Recording Secretary and Denise Boglioi, Treasurer, along with the many volunteers who chair and work the various committees in many ways.

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Churches

Old First United Methodist :: Lutheran Church of the Reformation :: St. Jerome Roman Catholic

Old First United Methodist Church

Our History

1785 marks the traditional date of Methodist beginnings in what was then called Long Branch. It may have been Bishop Francis Asbury who formed the first Methodist class following his visit to the area in September 1785. The earliest official record, however, dates from 1787 when Rev. Ezekiel Cooper was the preacher on the old Trenton Circuit of nearly fifty preaching places including Long Branch. On June 8 of that year he tells of preaching in Mr. Brinley's barn (on Monmouth Road near Whalepond).

In 1809, under the leadership of Rev. Samuel Budd, the building of our present church started on a parcel of land donated by Alexander McGregor. Bishop Asbury preached, some say, from within the foundation beams on Sunday, April 30, 1809. While not entirely completed until 1819, regular services have been held in Old First since 1809. The original church constitutes the part of the sanctuary extending from the front of the balcony to the chancel area. It had a high pulpit, a balcony across the back, and on both sides narrow windows with separating walls which supported tin sconces with candles. It was in 1832 that the Rev. Thomas Stewart, -junior preacher" on the Freehold Circuit, became the first minister to live in West Long Branch. And then in 1834 the church became a separate "appointment" with its own pastor.

Following a revival in 1842 which stimulated membership growth and added resources, a 12-foot section was added to the Locust Avenue end of the building and the rear balcony was moved back. In 1874 the church reached its present size when a 13-foot section was added allowing for a larger chancel area. At that time. the sanctuary was completely remodeled at a cost of 54,000. The windows were enlarged to their present size. the side balconies removed, the church tower and bell added, and new furnishings installed. The memorial stained glass windows were added in 1902. One year later electric lights were used in the church for the first time. Much later Rev. Stacy Myers was instrumental in remodeling the sanctuary in the colonial style despite the Depression of the 1930's. The Reuter organ. the chimes. and the amplification system were dedicated in 1955 at a recital by Frieda Johnson and Mabel Ebner. The Schulmerich carillon was added through the efforts of Louis Barbour in 1988.

The present parsonage on Locust Avenue was built in 186u and rebuilt in 1907. The Social Hall was constructed in 1885 as a "Sunday School Temple". Two floors of classrooms and offices were added in 1961 while C. Fred Bucherer was superintendent. In 1971 a museum was organized by Ruth DeBruin, and Sarah and Louis Barbour for the display of the many historical items held by the church. The development of a Restoration Fund under Trustee Chairman John DeBruin has improved the historical preservation and physical attractiveness of the exteriors of all the church buildings during the latter part of the 1980's. In these and many other ways the congregation of Old First is justifying the adoption in 1990 of its church motto ... A Heritage with a Future. CRM

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Old First United Methodist Church

In March 1809, the Old First United Methodist Church (originally called the Methodist Episcopal Church of Long Branch) was incorporated. The Church is situated at the corner of Locust Avenue and Wall Street and is the oldest Methodist Church along the Jersey Shore. In 1819 the building was completed after the men of the church labored hard for ten years. The church was enlarged in 1843 and remodeled in 1856. Changes were made over the years to the interior of the church. Stained glass windows were added in 1903. Around 1984 Sara and Louis Barbour donated the Carillons. The exterior is little changed from the earliest days. Church services are held every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

The Fellowship Hall, across from the church was built in 1885. This building housed Sunday school classes, a kitchen and a meeting place for social activities. Since the Fellowship Hall became too small for increased enrollment for the Sunday school and all the activities, the Educational Building was added in 1961. Sunday school classes are held every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The educational building houses the church offices, a Chapel, Old First Nursery School, a lounge and the Colonial Christian Academy (2006). The Boy Scout Troop #145, sponsored by the church and the West Long Branch Historical Society meet here.

The Church Museum is located on the lower level consisting of three rooms. The museum was founded by Louis Barbour to preserve the history of the church and the Borough of West Long Branch. It is opened four times a year on Sundays and by appointment. The present chairperson, Ruth DeBruin, is one of the original committee members. In 1984, in celebration of the church's 175th anniversary, a book by the Reverend Robert B. Steelman was published. It is entitled "Old First United Methodist Church — A History of the Jersey Shore's Oldest United Methodist Church Created in 1809".

The present minister, Hyun Bo Shim was appointed in 2001.

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The Lutheran Church of the Reformation

The Lutheran Church of the Reformation, located on the corner of Broadway and Locust Avenue in West Long Branch, was founded in October 1931 by a small group of 24 members (mostly of the German Lutheran background) that met for many years in private homes and rented facilities. The church's current location was purchased in the early 1950's. From the original 24 members the Church has grown to over 1000 Baptized and confirmed members.

As the membership has grown so have the facilities in order to meet the needs of the congregation. From the original small Chapel that sat right on the corner of Broadway and Locust the Church has expanded to a much larger Sanctuary that seats approximately 300 people and a wing for its Sunday School. The newest addition completed in 2004 includes offices for our Senior Pastor (Pastor Alfred Acer, who has served Reformation since 1978), our Pastor (Pastor Penelope Pusateri Stechmann), and our Office Administrator Debbie Keszler. Also in the latest addition is our Great Room and adjoining modern kitchen for larger group meetings and various celebrations.

Reformation Lutheran Church is actively involved with the Borough of West Long Branch as well as the surrounding communities. Our Food Pantry is currently servicing approximately 60 families in the area. Joint ecumenical meetings and services are common between Reformation and other Protestant congregations as well as the Episcopal, Roman Catholic, and Jewish communities. Our facilities are used on a regular basis by the Long Branch Covenant congregation, the Seventh Day Adventists, the Iglesia de Dios congregation as well as other local groups.

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St. Jerome Roman Catholic Church

In early 1956 an article in the Long Branch "Daily Record" reported that a new Roman Catholic church and grammar school could be established in West Long Branch, noting that new housing developments in the West Long Branch area necessitated both edifices. The two-part structure would be built on a 10-acre tract on the south side of Wall Street about 300 yards west of Monmouth Road. The property had been purchased from Mrs. Harold Dennett, 12 Matilda Terrace, Long Branch.

On October 18, 1956, the Most Reverend George W. Ahr, Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, announced the establishment of St. Jerome Church as the 164th parish in the diocese to serve the people of West Long Branch, Eatontown, Oceanport and Oakhurst. The Reverend Francis X. McGuinness was appointed the first pastor. The Religious Teachers Filippini would staff the school.

Rollerson-Hahr, Plainfield contractors, constructed the combination church and school. Designed by Ricker and Axt, architects of West New York, the church would seat 700 and the school would have 12 classrooms, with provisions for further extension if necessary. Pending renovation of an existing home on the property to serve as a rectory, Father McGuinness would reside in the rectory of the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea in Long Branch.

On Sunday, November 25, 1956, a reception was held at the Old Orchard Country Club to honor Father McGuinness and to give him an opportunity to meet the parishioners. There were 300 in attendance and Judge Harvey D. Leuin acted as the official host. Mrs. Philip Gattis was chairman for the day's events. On the committee with Mrs. Gattis were Mrs. Stanley Lorenc, Mrs. Clarence Frank, Mrs. Eugene Lucia, Mrs. John Pisano, Mrs. Nicholas Gettis and Mrs. Leonard Kalechitz.

The first Mass in the newly built church was held on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1956. The dedication of the church and school was held on June 16, 1957. Bishop Ahr officiated at the ceremonies attended by the Reverend Francis McGuinness, Pastor, Reverend Mother Carolina Jonata M.P.F., Provincial, Sister Catherine Girgenti M.P.F., appointed Principal of St. Jerome School, and a large number of proud parishioners. Schola Cantorum of Villa Walsh, Morristown, sang the Mass beautifully.

St. Jerome School was opened on September 7, 1957, with six sisters staffing Kindergarten to Grade Five. These sisters, however, did not live in West Long Branch near the school, but had to make the daily trip from Holy Trinity Convent in Long Branch. There had been a small temporary school at Holy Trinity Parish, but Bishop Ahr chose to discontinue it in June 1957. At the same time, plans were made by the Bishop and Mother Provincial to have the sisters from Holy Trinity Parish teach at the newly erected St. Jerome School until a convent could be built in West Long Branch.

The convent was not ready until the summer of 1961. Eight sisters then moved in. Bishop Ahr dedicated the new convent on October 10, 1961. Present for the occasion were Mother Provincial, the New Superior and Principal Sister Adele Venezia M.P.F. and many priests, sisters and parishioners. Their residence had changed, but the responsibilities of the Sisters had not. The Sisters were still entrusted with the responsibilities of two parishes, St. Jerome and Holy Trinity, as well as the catechetical work at Holy Innocents Parish in Neptune until the summer of 1962. The parish of St. Jerome was incorporated on December 14, 1956. The first census in 1956 listed 650 families with 3,534 souls and 312 children in the elementary school. The census submitted to the Diocese of Trenton in 2006 listed 1,024 registered families with 504 using envelopes and 245 children in the parish school.

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Cemeteries

General :: Old Free Church Cemetery :: Unknown Cemetery

The Boro & Its Cemeteries

It is a known fact that there existed at least 13 burial grounds in the Boro of West Long Branch, the earliest dating from the early 1700's. Only 12 remain today. Cemeteries contain the remains of those who have gone before us from the early settlers to the present. You will find in them the famous and not so famous, criminals, war heroes, young & old, and some times forgotten monuments. Cemeteries are learning tools for historians & genealogists. Much can be learned just from a simple walk through one. Below are just some of those people who you might meet:

-The Boro's Revolutionary War Soldiers- Frederick Mapps, John Truax, John Brinley, William Brinley, John Emmons, Allison Covert, John Martin, Philip Dennis, Matthias Wood, The Rev. William Mills (POW), Richard Crum, William Chamberlain, Tucker Cook, and William Tailman.

-Dan Rice, a circus clown, thought by some to be the model for Thomas Nast's character,"UNCLE SAM".

-Gen. Horace Porter, one of only 4 Congressional Medal of Honor winners buried in Monmouth County.

-The "Martin boys", George, Francis, and Benjamin- three brothers all killed in action in the Civil War. This Family made the supreme sacrifice.

-The Area's only Civil War Monument, all but forgotten by some, located in the Green Lawn Cemetery, and Mary Dunbar, one of only 2000 Civil War nurses.

The NEW ERA monument, dedicated to the 240 souls who lost their lives when the ship sunk off Deal beach in 1854, and were buried in West Long Branch.

Other Representatives of all our other wars including Theodore Davis, the only known Mexican War veteran in the Boro, and William Megee, one of the first American soldiers killed in Europe in the First World War in 1917.

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A Listing of Boro Cemeteries & Their Dates

Unknown Burial Ground early 1700's (possibly the Tallman family), no evidence of it exists today. It's exact location was unknown but it was located on the Mclnitire Farm off Wall St. a portion of which still remains undeveloped ,the wooded area between Larchwood Ave and Elmwood Ave.

Free Church Cemetery, 1791-1905. Location, Monmouth Rd.

Old Long Branch Burial Ground, Early- Mid 1800's. location, (easterly portion of the Green Lawn Cemetery by N. Linden Ave.)

Old First Methodist. 1809— present, location Wall St. & Locust Ave. On top of what was once called "Negro Hill".

Slocum Burial Ground, 1814— 1914, location, Gated area within the Green Lawn Cemetery(right side near N. Linden Ave.)

Long Branch Public Burial Ground, 1838-present, the rear portion of the" Old First" Cemetery.

The Long Branch Cemetery, 1872 present, The right hand side and a portion of the left side of the "Old First" Cemetery.

The Green Lawn Cemetery, 1880-present. location, Broadway, West Long Branch.

Mount Carmel Cemetery, 1881-present. location, Wall St. Glenwood Cemetery, 1894- present. Location. Monmouth Rd. West Long Branch.

The Hebrew Burial Ground, 1880-present, to the rear of the Green Lawn cemetery,access road is through the Green Lawn. The two cemeteries are divided by the iron fence across the rear of the Green Lawn Cemetery.

Congregation Brothers of Israel, 1898-present. location N. Linden Ave.

Congregation Bros. of Israel Annex, 1907-present. Location, Laurel St. West Long Branch.

Along with the above listed known cemeteries there more than likely were many other private or "Family Burial" grounds that are now only known to God. The resting places of most of the early settlers are unknown. The Boro's "Infamous Murderer", Peter Slocum, was not allowed to be buried in any of the local cemeteries, so he was buried on the corner of William Slocum's property, the location of which is now in the vacant lot on the corner of Wall St. & Oakwood Ave.

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Earliest Recorded Burials

The earliest recorded burials in the Boro are in the Old First Methodist Cemetery within the "Green Family Plot" in front of the New Era Monument. The death dates range from 1769 (Henry Green) to 1832 ( Susan Green).The oldest original stone within this group is Elizabeth Green, wife of Asher Cook, who died in 1773.

These burials pre-date the cemetery, and the deceased were actually relocated to their now resting place in the 1890's from a private cemetery in West End, Long Branch, located by the Cedar Ave Rail Road crossing.

Other early recorded burials which pre-date this cemetery and are also relocations are: Adrian Petit, who died in 1798, Rev. William Christie, who died in 1823, and William Renshaw, who died in 1824. The above were all moved off the property of the Bath Hotel in Long branch and relocated in the Woolley plot, the reason of which is unknown.

The eariest recorded burial in the Free Church Cemetery is that of William Slocum who died in 1791.

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The Free Church Cemetery

An Unsolved Mystery!!!!

This story goes back to at least 1785 when Bishop Asbury, the first American bishop, was preaching in this area, when he stopped in Branchburg (now known as West Long Branch), on his itinerent journeys.

As early as 1774 Methodists were anxious to have a church of their own. So seeing the need for a permanent place of worship, on February 7, 1791, Mr. William Brinley, a miller and a veteran of the Revolutionary War, deeded this acre of land, a corner of his farm field, to be used for "a church and burying ground, free for all ministers of the Gospel bearing exemplary life and conversation, of any denomination of Christian whatsoever and for the exclusive use of Methodists every other Sunday."

The deed was made to Peter Parker, William Green, Frederick Maps, and Thomas Little, as trustees, and was bound for the price of five shillings. The Church that was built was known as the Old Free Church, and the congregation was the nucleus for the present Old First Methodist Church on Locust Avenue.This followed dissension in the early 1800's when most members left. In 1845 the Church was sold by the remaining trustees to Mrs. Harriet Baker and moved across Monmouth Road to be used as a barn. It purportedly was destroyed by a hurricane in 1934.

SO,WHAT'S THE MYSTERY???

Today, this acre of land on Monmouth Road remains as The Old Free Church Cemetery where upwards of 130 souls, including many veterans of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, and both World Wars, rest in peace.

Or do they? Extensive research so far has determined that there is no existing title to the property or the graves. Meanwhile this plot lays idle, and the souls depend upon volunteers and boy scouts led by Arthur Green and Scoutmaster Dennis Coffee to care for them by maintaining the grounds and the stones.The tax map shows, " Cemetery Exempted,"so the mystery remains, and the research and attempts to determine ownership continue.

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The Free Church — 1791-Present

The grounds that presently contain the Free Church Cemetery were donated by William Brinley in 1791.A meeting house was constructed and the surrounding property was a burial ground for local Christians. In 1808 a split in the Methodist society caused a new congregation to organize. The result was the present Old First Methodist Church.

The "Independent Methodists" continued to use the old meeting house for some time
but it eventuality folded. In 1845 the meeting house was sold for use as a barn and moved
across the street where it remained until the 1950's when it was destroyed in a hurricane.

The earliest recorded burial is that of John Slocum on June 26,1791 and the last is Maria Taliman who died Jan. 24, 1905.

The grounds have been refurbished at least three times, the first in 1977 when the Boro Historical society dedicated a plaque. The second was in 1986 as an Eagle Scout project and the third in 2002, again an Eagle Scout project. After the completion of this last cleaning Mr. Joseph Dangler and Mr. Arthur Green conducted a complete census and restoration of the cemetery. It was concluded that some previous information about the cemetery was wrong. The total number of recorded burials at present stands at 134. The survey located 118 gravestones- three of which were left behind during relocations, and 15 people who were disinterred and relocated elsewhere in the Boro of which 5 are veterans. Four graves previously listed were not found-two were on cedar slabs.

A 1915 survey of the cemetery reported that many of the stones were broken, buried, or had bon fires built upon them, and that the grounds were once used as a "potters field" by any who wished to bury their dead with or without deeds. It is safe to assume that there are more than 134 human remains located on this property.

Currently the grounds have been adopted by the West Long Branch Historical Society who has taken on the responsibility of ensuring that the cemetery will remain in its present condition.

The recent dedication plaque presented to the Boro is the work of the Monmouth County Chapter, Sons Of The American Revolution & The New Jersey Society, The Daughters Of The American Revolution. Among these organizations' goals is to see that the resting places of our country's veterans are preserved and that these men are properly honored.

A previous project of The Monmouth County S.A.R. included the placement of bronze grave markers for all of the Boro's Revolutionary War Veterans.

A plaque dedicated in 2006 contains the names of the veterans buried at this location. They are: Revolutionary war veterans- John Brinley Sr., William Brinley, John Emmons, Frederick Maps, John Truax; War of 1812 veterans Sylvester Brinley, Henry Lippincott, Peter Williams; Civil War Veterans: Joseph Bennett, Stephen Clayton, Peter D. Lane, Ellis T. Tallman, and Tucker White.

The following veterans were disinterred from this location and reburied elsewhere in the Boro: WilIiam Tallman Sr., Rev. War vet; William Taliman Jr, Joseph Tailman, and Jacob Morris, War 1812 vets; Harvey Jarvis; Civil War vet.

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Unknown Boro Cemetery

There existed within the Boro the location of which is as big a mystery as it's origins a very old cemetery. All that is known is that there was located on the McIntire farm on Wall street between Elmwood and Larchwood Ave's a "very old burial ground the origins of which can no longer be remembered". On March 29, 1901 the Long Branch Daily recorded ran an article confirming this. It stated that on the farm at the time of its sale to Norman L. Munroe to build Norwood Park in the late 1890's a cemetery exists, and that Mr. Munroe had all the bodies exhumed and relocated to the West Long Branch Cemetery (Old First Methodist). He then had the ground graded and leveled and no sign of it exists today. After careful research it has been determined that no proof of any such relocations exist. What has been determined is that on August 22, 1882 Mr. James H. McIntire purchased a plot in the Long Branch Cemetery, and moved five grave stones off his property. Once again, there exists no proof that any "human remains" were ever removed at this time. The County has no records of any disinterment and reinternment permits being applied for by Mr. McIntire or Mr. Munroe for that matter. The graves in question hardly meet the standards for being old and ancient, the oldest burial being in 1841. These grave stones are the only link in determining who this grave yard may have once belonged to. Among the stones moved is Sarah Tallman descendant of Jeremiah Tallman and Oliver Tallman, both early Boro settlers. She married a Dangler and they resided in Poplar, now Wayside where they died. So why would they be buried here in the Boro in the middle of a farm? Here's a theory. It is known the family was poor and to purchase a cemetery plot would have cost money. But if your family had a cemetery you inherit burial rites. Two complete generations of Tallmans can not be accounted for in Boro cemetery's. The earliest recorded cemetery is the Free Church of 1790, prior to this large families set aside tracts of land to use as a burial grounds. The Tallmans were a large family in the Boro, and it is known they lived and died here. These death dates are all pre 1790. Could this be the missing Tallman burial ground? We will probably never know, but it is a safe bet based on the information on hand that there could be an undetermined number of burials in that undeveloped wooded area off Wall St. since it was not developed by Mr. Munroe, a developer then, one must ask why?

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Folklore or True

The Slocum Murder :: The Negro Hill Massacre

The Slocum Murder 1863

Preface

It’s been 145 years since the event , but for some there are certain questions that were never answered. It would be nearly impossible today to retry the case. The area has changed, the evidence gone and the witnesses are no longer here to cross examine. This was a High Profile case in its day, much like the Simpson & Brown trials we remember. It was a difficult case to try and to be fair. A small town, a horrible crime and in a time when people had very high “moral values” and little tolerance for those who broke the rules. A time when a hand shake was as good as a signed contract, and people stuck together. The tragedy , a young woman of 29 lost her life, 4 children were orphaned and left with a stigma, and in the center of it all, Peter Slocum, a 28 year old farmer who descended from a prominent settling Monmouth County family life was now in turmoil.

In a matter of hours after the coroners inquest , Peter would find himself fighting for his life. The trial which ensued was only to “lend” credibility to what had already been decided “Guilty” which was more based in the reports of adultery than the murder.

What is presented before you are the facts as they were extracted from the trial proceedings in the Monmouth Democrat Newspaper which carried the story. I have tried to be as un-bias as possible. What is presented may not be all of the trial transcripts but it should give the reader enough information to judge for him or her self, was it a fair trial? and to answer the big question, did they hang an innocent man?

The Slocum Murder Revised

During the Civil War there occurred one of the grimmest murders in the history of Mechanicsville, now present West Long Branch, the Slocum killing on Tuesday, July 14, 1863. Peter Slocum, then 28, a descendent of an old prominent Monmouth County family who’s roots date back to the Monmouth Patent of 1665, was an employee of Greens Hotel {The Bath House} in Long Branch. He was tried and executed for the murder of his wife Abigail, with a shot gun at close range while nursing their youngest child of four in their home on Wall Street. But was he guilty ?????

The following is the chain of events:Around 5:00AM, Wednesday the 15th , the Slocum children, Louis 9, Alonzo 6, Maria 4, and Mary Matilda 18 months, ran to Mrs. Ann Chamberlain’s home and said their mother had been murdered. Mrs. Chamberlain in turn sent for Mrs. Emeline Waters to alert her of what had happened. Mrs. Waters then sent her son James to Mrs. Solomon Gardners house to get her. Mrs. Gardner, Mrs Waters, and her son James then entered the Slocum house and found Abigail in the second floor bedroom dead; she was lying on her right side with her right arm under her head and left arm over the breast. Her face and skull partially blown away, and her jaw was also broken. James said that the face was most injured; and a great quantity of blood was about the bed, and there were brains and blood on the headboard and window curtains near the bed. It had also appeared that a small person had lain by her side, presumably the 18 month old. There was no one else in the house when they got there.

At first Sheriff Jordan Woolley was at a loss for clues. Rumors quickly spread that Peter was not as distraught as would be expected. Rumors had it he preferred his wife’s sister Alcine. Alcine Chasey, age 18, had moved in with her sister and Peter that spring to help around the farm and house, and soon after Abigail and others started to notice a relationship developing between her husband and her sister. There were many reports of public “familiarity” between the two. But Alcine had recently moved out just nine days before the murder and moved in with Mrs. Conk where she took on a job as a laundress. She was now living near Greens Hotel.

James Waters was sent to Greens to notify Peter of the murder, which was around 6:30am. He arrived at about 7:30am with Alcine and his mother-in-law Zilpha Cooper Chasey. He entered the house and immediately went to the second floor bedroom and threw himself onto the bed.

The coroner’s inquest was held in the house on the same day, while Slocum was in another room. At the inquest, Peter said his son Louis reported two men were at the house last evening. Mrs. Waters reported seeing spots of blood on Peter’s coat and a large area on his sleeve. Dr. T.G. Chattle reported that Abigail’s cause of death was due to a shotgun blast to the head, but with a “blank” load containing only wadding. The wound was horrific. He said that the bones of the head were blown into fragments and were found scattered on the floor; both eyes were blown out; the left cheek was partly blown away and burned and blackened with powder. The charge entered the left eye and traveled in an oblique direction. No shot was discovered. Based on the condition of the body the murder took place sometime between 11pm and 12am. The only weapon seen in the house was a shotgun down stairs which had recently been fired. The inquest jury decided that Slocum was responsible and he was arrested. Constable Garret Denyse escorted Peter to Freehold by wagon where he was locked up in the County jail. On the way to the jail Peter said, “If they hang me they will hang a innocent man, but I would rather be hung innocent than guilty.” Peter was allowed to attend Abigail’s funeral.

The trial commenced on September 9th and it lasted 8 days. The presiding judge was Judge Vredenburg. Prosecution was lead by State Attorney General Frederick Frelinghuysen and A.C. McLean . Peter was defended by up and coming Attorney Philip J. Ryall and Joseph D. Bedel. Peter testified that he had spent the entire night at the Bath House in Long Branch where he was employed. He also stated that the motive was probably robbery because the money he kept by his bed in the chest was gone. The shotgun he said was fired earlier in the day to kill a hawk. At the inquest the sheriff had been handed the powder flask and caps, but the shot was located in another location on the clock mantel, and it took Slocum to locate it. The defense stated this indicated that the culprit was a “stranger” and although Peter’s gun was probably used they had no idea of where the shot was. There was also the theory that Abigail had loaded the gun with a “blank” to scare off intruders. The report by young Louis Slocum, Peters son, about the “men” at the house earlier was not admitted at trial because it would have been considered hearsay. None of Peter’s children were questioned at the trial, but all were present in the house that night. Peter also stated that his wife Abigail said Solomon Gardner had threatened to kill her.

Witnesses James.T. Woolley and Sarah Gardner stated that Peter was at the house earlier in the day around 5:00 pm, but had left and returned to Greens Hotel. Mrs. Nelson Mapps reported hearing the discharge of a gun some time around 11:00 that evening, and James Mount, who lived 400 yards away from Slocum on Wall St., heard a horse speed by between 11pm and 12am heading away from Peter’s house. This was confirmed also by Mrs. Ruth Childs.

Calvin Bennett, a neighbor, testified that they had heard a threat of violence against Abigail by Peter earlier in the spring while working in the Slocum’s potato field. The doors of the home were in poor condition. It appeared that at some time an additional hole with a screw had been added over the latch of the kitchen door for security, but it could not be determined when this was done. It was not determined if forced entry into the home had occurred.

Numerous locals, who were hanging out at Corlies & Lanes store after it had closed on the corner of Wall St. and the Deal Turnpike ( Norwood Ave), reported seeing a man on horseback, riding towards the direction of Peter’s house between 8:30 and 10:00, but none could positively identify the man or the horse. Sam Woolley passed the same man “with a cigar almost smoked out” on Wall St. going in the direction of Peter’s house and said , “ almost certain” it was Peter by his stature ,but Alvin Poole saw Peter at his restaurant at 8:30. A stable hand at the hotel also stated that he thought a horse was out during the night because he found one horse was cool and damp evidence it was ridden or driven. But, James Lloyd, who was using a team on the omnibus when returning to the stables around 10:30, did not report seeing any horses missing. There were two saddles present, one dusty the other clean, but it had been used the previous day.

During the trial the defense could not prove he remained at Greens the whole night. Peter stated he was in and out of the bunkroom to the “privy” because of bowel trouble, and he had been complaining of illness for a few days. This was collaborated by William B. Slocum, Abraham Brown, and Jacob Vanderwart , who also testified Peter was in the bunkroom in bed by 11:30 and asleep by 11:45. He was acting as usual. Peter also stated he was up a number of times during the night sick, and Louis C. Green testified he saw Peter around 9:30/ 9:40 with an unlit cigar in his mouth. Elwyn S. Green reported seeing Peter also at 9:30 and again at 9:45. The period between 9:52 PM and 11:20PM could not be accounted for by Peter. The prosecution argued this was enough time to get from Greens Hotel to Slocum’s home and back to Green’s again, but it did not fit the time frame of the “man” on the horse seen riding towards the Slocum’s place. This news unloosed the tongues of the gossips, and the alleged “ love affair” quickly became involved with the crime. In the public mind Peter was guilty. As to the blood on Peters Jacket and sleeve, the defense argued it occurred when Peter went to his wife’s room. They produced witnesses at Green’s Hotel, James Lloyd and W.B. Slocum, who stated it was not there in the morning when he was seen. Ellen Slocum also testified it was “fresh” that morning and “looked as if it could be rung out”, it was “not” hours old and dried. The defense also made an issue out of the fact that at the order of the prosecuting attorney that a witness for the defense was jailed and unable to testify. This witness, they said could account for the “missing” time. Was this the witness they spoke of in their closing remarks that had disappeared? The jury only deliberated for one half an hour.The verdict Guilty of murder in the first degree was handed down, and Peter showed no emotion.

On November 27th ,a day that was described as “dawned with brightness”, Peter Slocum age 28 was hung on the “Old Gallows” which stood in Freehold in front of the present Hall of Records building. The method in which he was hung was un-conventional, but it was a public hanging, and a band was hired at the expense of the County for the occasion. The Freehold Militia was on hand as guards. Peter, right to the bitter end professed his innocence. During his half hour remarks he stated that “you have all come to see a guilty man hanged, but you were never so mistaken in your lives”.From the scaffold he prayed for God to forgive all those who had wrongly incriminated him, and he held no ill feelings towards them. As the hood and rope were placed around his head and neck he said, “Stay and see me swing, for I am going to die like a man”. His last words were, “I ain’t afraid to die like a man, Meet me in heaven all of you”.

At 12:45 the heavy blow of an axe was heard, and the counter weight dropped and drew his body “up” off the scaffold. “He struggled but little”. It took twelve minutes for Him to die. The body remained there about a half hour when it was taken down and turned over to family and friends for burial.

Peter had made his own funeral arrangements and at his request his father-in-law Samuel Chasey was placed in charge of his body. and Peter’s body was placed in a mahogany coffin. Now for the mystery - Peter Slocum’s body was not allowed burial in any of the local cemeteries; instead he was laid to rest on the property of William B. Slocum his half brother. His reputed burial spot has been determined as the northwest corner of Oakwood Ave. and Wall St. Peter’s wife Abigail has become somewhat of a mystery herself. No records have turned up as to where she was buried, but it is most likely in a Chasey family plot. Like her husband it appears that her grave is unmarked also.

As for Alcine Chasey she later married Harry Booth and moved to Conn. and lived to age 92. She died on February 16, 1937 in Long Branch but spent the last days of her life living with a niece, said to be one of Peter Slocum’s grandchildren. She was laid to rest in an unmarked grave in the Green Lawn Cemetery off of Broadway in Long Branch

The Slocum House is no longer standing. It once stood on the western portion of Wall St. on the north side between the present Meadow Ln. and Nolan Dr. across from Peter Cooper’s house which was originally the home of Solomon Gardner.

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The Negro Hill Massacre c. 1780
Mechanicsville

In or about the year 1780 there occurred in the present Boro of West Long Branch an event which has been called the Negro Hill Massacre. It occurred on what is now the location of the present Old First Methodist Church cemetery. During the Revolutionary War the English government offered freedom to all slaves who would run away and join their forces and help put down the "rebels" as the patriots were then called. Several local runaway slaves joined a party of Refugees or Loyalists which were located at Sandy Hook, which was in British control at that time. From there they were sent out on small raiding parties to plunder and collect information on the patriots and there intended movements in the area. In these forays the many lawless acts they committed was enough to cause the locals a thirst for revenge. In what the thought would be one of there usual raids they passed through lower Sea Bright and Long Branch and then through Tinton Fall's they took a circuitous route, then came out near where the present Old First Methodist Church now stands, not knowing that all this time they had been followed by a group of "local Militia". They halted for a rest, little dreaming what would be in store for them. They were taken so much by surprise they had no chance for defense, and the whole party were soon bayoneted to death except Sam, a run away slave from the Woolley plantation who was left for dead. A local living near by found Sam and still seeing life in him, returned him to the Wolley plantation where he was nursed back to health and lived nearly 40 years after the event. He carried the grave marks of 11 bayonet wounds on his hands and breast the rest of his life.

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