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~~ o/~~r,---~--y~-;_~~

4~:4~
THOMAS H. ~
Atlaatic His.._..
N. J.

-~:~&.,..~f-, __#~~
L :.._ ✓ .»z_ ,/b~ ..s, ~L---z;,/ ,d.---L...
~ / ~,./~ r- 7--y ~., ►~ ✓
:,ou the followinc, re1a'1ic ~ the "History of Portland Point",
7.~ ,
' •
IAN TllAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL" covering the territory eom-
the HiplaDds of Navesink, Alantic lligblands and Monmouth
ore, from the Ocean to Union I:eacb and from Raritan and Sandy
Yelink Biver, coverillc three hundred and thirteen yean, from the
· Renry Hadaon, to the "Jeasie Hoyt" and "St. John", Captain
1609 to 1922.

k will contain about aeveu hundred p:ages and about one hundred
illuatratio tbe author, Thomas H. Lf.onarcl, bas been forty years in eollectinit
and eom e book will be published by the "Atlantic .Highlands Joarnal" on
aveey of Eu shell book paper and will be bound in green Libhry
Bacmm, lied in pare gold. This book will be •:tractive in any library.
Tbepriee '• net to cover cost.
TO HY BELOVED WIFE.

KARIA RUNYON LEONARD,

WHO UNFLINCHINGLY SUSTAINED THE POSITION OF THE

WIFE OF A PIONEER, WITH ALL THAT IT IMPLIES.


FROM·INDIAN·TRAIL
TO· ELECTRIC· RAIL
HISTORY
OF THE
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS
SANDY HOOK
AND
ORIGINAL PORTLAND POYNT
ONE OF THE FIRST THREE SETTLEMENTS OF
NEW JERSEY
Comprismg the present towns of Atlantic Highlands, Sand:r Hook and
Fort Hancock. the Highlands, Locust Point, Navesink, Leonard-
Tille, Chapel Bill, Leonardo, Lenison, Belford, Port Mon-
mouth, New Monmouth, Keansburg and Union.
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

FROM LANDING OF HENRY HUDSON IN 1609


AND
FIRST SETTLEMENT IN 1664
TO
P ~ TIME, 1909.

BY
THOllrlASH. LEONARD

ILLUSTRATED.

1923
THE ATLANTIC mGHLANDS JOURNAL
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS
NEW JERSEY.
~OPYRIGBTED, 1923.
By
"THOMAS H. LEONARD
.ltlantic Hiplands, N. J

Printed in the United Stat&


CONTENTS
CHAPTER L
Landing of Henry Hudson.................................. 1
CHAPTER Il.
Early Visits of Dutch and English to Monmouth Shores. • • • • • • • • • -&
CHAPTER ID.
Granting of the Monmouth Patent........................... '1'
CHAPTER IV.
First Settlers in Koumouth •••••••••••••.•••••••••••••••••• lC>
CHAPTER V.
The First Asaembly. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 14
CHAPTER VL
First Permanent Establishmeut of Homes at Portland Po:,u.t..... 1T
CHAPTER VIl.
Enactment of Early Assemblies. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 21
CHAPTER VIlI.
:Moumouth Shore in the Early and Civil Wars.................. 25
CHAPTER IX.
Advancement Kade in Civilization-History of Sandy Hook. • • • • • 29
CHAPTER X.
The Higblauds of Navesink-A Description Taken from Harpen
New Mouthl:y Magazine................................. 6Z
CHAPTER XI.
The Hartshomes of the Highlands. • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 68
CHAPTER XII.
The Highlands DmiDg the Nineteenth Century. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 66
CHAPTER XIII.
Eiitablishment of Churches, Schools and Industries at B'jghlands.. '16
CHAPTER XIV.
Navesinll:-A Sketch from the Pen of Thomas Leonard. • • . • • • • • • 8Z
CHAPTER :XV.
Navesink's Promineut Families •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 86
CHAPTERXVL
Establishment of Churches and Fire D e ~ t at Navesinll:. • • • 94
CHAPTER XVIl. .
Leonardville • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 101
CAPTER XVIII.
Circumacribinc West Portland Po:ynt •••••.•••••••••••••••••••• 108 .
' CHAPTER XIX.
The Shore Road Throup Wakake and Shoal Harbor, and the •
Prophecy-In Five Parts •••.• ; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • 114
. CHAPTER :XX.
R.present.tives of the Old Families of J eonardville •••••••••••• 1%0

Is.
CONTENTS-Continued.

CHAPTER XXL
l[emories of the Old Famili--Continued •••••••••••••••••••• 128
CH.APTERxm.
Bigh Point-The General Name of Chapel Hill and the Whole
Vicinity At That Time. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • . • • 138
CHAPTER DrnI.
The Village of Chapel Hill •••••••.••••••••••••••••••••.•••• 145
CHAPTER XXIV.
Garrett Hill. . . . . • . . . . . . . . • • • • . . . • . . . . • . . • • . . . . • • . . . • . • . . • 157
CHAPTER XXV. .
Bay View-Atlantic Highlands ••••••..••••••••••••••••.••.•• 167
CHAPTER XXVI.
The Bay View Transportation Company-1878-1879 ••••••••.••• 170
CHAPTER XXVII.
'The Steamer "Thomas Collier''-1879 ..••••••••••.••.•••.•••• 173
CHAPTER XXVIII.
The Laying-Out of the Town-1879 •.•.....••••••.•••••.•..•• 176
CHAPTER XXIX.
'The First Building in the Town-1880. . • . • • • • • . • • . • • . • • . • • • • • 180
CHAPTER XXX.
.Foster's Pavilion-1880. . • . • • • • • • • • . . • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • . • . . • • 185
CHAPTER XXXI.
Opening of "Bay View House"-1880 ..•••••••••••••••••••••• 188
CHAPTER X:XXII.
-Year of 1880-1881. • • • . . . • . . • • • • • . • . • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 192
CHAPTER XXXIlI.
-()rganization of the Camp Meeting Association-1881 •••.•••••• 199
CHAPTER XXXIV •
.Atlantic Highlands-1881. • • . • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • . • • . • . • • 205
CHAPTER XXXV.
Organization of the First J!l. E. Church in Atlantic Highlands-
1882 ••••••.•.•.•..••.•..••••••••••••••••••.••••••••• 211
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Thi! First Post Office .••••••••..•.••..•.•••••••••••••••••••• 218
CHAPTER XXXVII.
'The Beginning of Our Railroad ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 223
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
llailmad from Hopping Station to Atlantic Highlands Completed-
1883 •••.••••••••.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 229
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Description of the First Fire Taken from the "Atlantic Hichlands
Herald," February 15, 1883 ••••••..• • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • 233
CHAPTER XL.
On the Anniversary of a Centenarian. • • . • • • • . • • • • • • • . . • . . • • • 237
CHAPTER XLI.
'The New Fire Apparatus-1883 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 241
CONTENTS-Continued.

CHAPTER XLII.
Oar Summer Resort. • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 248
CHAPTERXLIIl.
A Gala Day-Opening of t.he New Railroad-1883 •••••••••••• 253
CHAPTER XLIV.
The Great Storm-1883. • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 259
CHAPTER XLV.
Year of 1883 •••.•••••.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.••••• 262
CHAPTER XLVI.
Buildings Erected Between 1879 and 1890 ••••••.••••••••••••• 266
CHAPTER XLVII.
Business Men's Record of Events. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • . • • • • • 271
CHAPTER XLVIll.
The Death of a Centenarian-1884. • • • • • •• • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • 275
CHAPTER XLIX.
Directory-1885-1886 • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • . • • . • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • 284
CHAPTERL
Organjzation of Borough Govemment-Also, the· Atlantic High-
lands Building and Loan Association-1887. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 290
CH.t\PTERLL
Events of 1887, and Report of the Borough's First Fiscal Year .••• 299
• CHAPTER LIL
The Great Blizzard, March 12, 1888. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 304
CHAPTER LIII.
Organization of the Atlantic Highlands National Bank-1889. • • 307
CHAPTER LIV.
Organjzation of Dilrerent Orders and First Business Directory-
1889 ••••••••••• ·-· .••••.••.••••••••••••••••••••••••• 310
CHAPTERLV.
Bridge Connecting Locust Point with Oceanic-1890. • • • • • • • • • • 324
CHAPTER LVI.
Locating Leonardo Station and the Opening of the Navesink
Briclge--1891 •••,. • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 334
CHAPTER LVII.
Miscellaneous Events--1892. • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • . • • • • • 353
CHAPTER LVIIl.
Orsanization of Churches and the Establishing of the Water and
Sewer Systems of the Borough-1893 ••.•••••••••••.••••• 386
CHAPTER LIX.
Instances of 1894. • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • 401
CHAPTER LX.
lnc:reasins the Boroll&'h Water Supply and the Dedication of the
111. E. and C. B. Churches--1894 •••••• : ••••••••••••••••• 408
:d.
CONTENTS-Continued.

. CHAPTER LXI.
Events of the Year 1895 ••••••••••••••••.••••••••••••••••.•• 484
CHAPTER LXII.
"The Atlantic Highlands" As It Appeared to the Editor of "The
Molllllouth Presa" in 1895 ••••.• ; •••.••••••••••••••••••• 448
CHAPTER LXIIl. .
The Atlantic Bigblands Public School-1896 •••••••••••••••••• 466
CHAPTER LXIV.
Old 'nmes in Old Middletown ••••••••••••..••••••••••••••••• 483
CHAPTER LXV.
A Call 'Looting to the ()rpmzation of the Monmouth County
. E ;storical Society-1898.. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 507
CHAPTER LXVI.
Events of the Year 1899 ••••••.••••••••••.••.••••••••••••••• 520
CHAPTER LXVII.
The Building of an Ocean Boulevard Agitated-1900 to 1908. . • • 589
CHAPTER LXVIIl.
Mayor 1ohn H. Van Hater's Message and Trolley Francmses-1908 550
CHAPTER LXIX.
Lec:tare Delivered Before the Y. JL C. A., April 22, 1908, by
William JL Foster ••••• ; •••.•••••••••••••••••••••••••• 564
CHAPTER LXX.
The Entz,y of the First Electric Car-1908 and 1909 •••••• •· •••• 576

APPENDIX
CHAPTERL.
Borough of Highlands, Highlands of Navesink, Sandy Book and
Navesink-1909 to 1922 ••••••..•••.•••••••••••••••••••• 581
CHAPTER IL
Borough of Atlantic Highlands and Vicinity Since 1909. • • • • • • • • • 594
CHAPTER III.
History of llfiddletown Township Branch American Red Cross •••• 612
CHAPTER IV.
Borough of Keansburg and Vicinity-1918 •••••••••••••••••••• 681
CHAPTER V.
The Greater Port of New York.... • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 642
CHAPTER VL
The Early History of Lenison ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 647
. CHAPTER VIL
Ma:,or Snyder'• Administratio-1916 to 1920 ••••••••••••••••• 649
CHAPTER VIII.
Mayor Bendrlcbon Takes Oath of Olllce-1920. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 658
CHAPTER IX.
~ of Boy Scout Troop No. 22. Atlantic Bichlands, N. J.. . • 662

:IIL
ILLUSTRATIONS
Page
Thomas H. Leonard •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Frontispiece
Hudson-Fulton Celebration, Half Koon . ....•.............. text 8
The Halfmoon in SanciJ' Hook Bay .••.•••.••••.•.•••. • opposite 14
Kap of Portland Po:,nt-Kiddletown-Shrewllb'lll'J' •••.•••••• text 18
Konmnent to Captain Joshua Huddy ••••••••.•.••••••• opposite 15
Old Fort ••••••••.•••••••••••••••••••.••••••••••••• opposite 46
Western Union Telegraph Tower •••••••..••••••••••••• opposite 47
Sandy Hook Lighthouse .•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• text 45
The "Sea Bird" ••.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••.• opposite 62
Highlands from the Beach ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• text 55
The Old Hennit ••.•..•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••• text 58
Rllina of "Rust in Lust" •.••••..•••••••.•••••••••••••••• text 62
Parkertown (Highlands), 1879-i880 ••••••••••.••.•••••••• text 63
Highlands Neptune Clubhouse •••••••••.•••••••••••••••••• text 65
The Original Water Witch House •.•.••.••••••••••••• opposite 63
Dr.iwbridge and East View House .••••••••••••.••••••• opposite 78
Reproductions of Commissions of Nathaniel Leonard, William
Leonard,John Hoppi.ng ••••••••••••••••.•.••••••• opposite 79
Last of Old Kill of John Burdge Swan •••••••••••••••••••• text 88
The Three Original Boat Landings on Sandy Hook Bay ••• oppositi! 94
Naveaink Baptist Church Property .•••••••••••••.••••• opposite 95
All Saints Memorial Episcopal Church •••••••••••••••• opposite 110
Fint Baptist Church at :Middletown, 1688 •••••••••••••• opposite 111
Monument to Abel Horgan .••••.•••••••••.••.•••.••• opposite 126
The Thomas Leonard Homestead •••••••••••••••••••••• opposite 127
Thomas H. Leonard Homestead, 1871 ••••..•••••••••.• opposite 142·
The Old Leonardville Schoolhouse ...••••••.•.•••••••• opposite 143
First Pier in Atlantic Highlands, 1879 •••.••••.•.••••...•. text 175
View from Point Lookout .•••••••.••••.••.••.••••.•.. opposite 158
Map of Bay View, 1879 .•••••••••••..•••••.•.•••.•.••.•• text 179
Shore VieWB of Atlantic Highlands, 1880-1922 •.••••.•.• opposite 159
East Front, 1880 •••....••••••.•..•••••..•.••••••••.•.•. text 181
Lumber Yard, 1880-1890 •..•...••••••••••.•.•.••••••••• text 183
Foster's Pavilion, 1S80 ..•....•.•••..•.••••••••.•.... opposite 174
Key to View of Foster's Pavilion ••.•.•••••••••••••... opposite 175
The Bay View HolJSI!, 18S0 •••••••••..••••••.••••.••• opposite 190
The Ampitheatre, 1881 ••••.••.••••.••••••••.•••••••• opposite 191
The First Baptist Church, Atlantic Highlands ••••.•••••.• opposite 206
Atlantic Highlands in 1884 .•••••••••••••••.•.•.••••••••• text 224
Everett Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 .•••••••••.....••• text 242
Group of Views of Atlantic Highlands ••••••••••••••••• opposite 207
Catholic Church-Golf Club ••••••••••••.••••.••••••• opposite "238
Map of Central R.R. of N. J ••••••.••••••••.•.•.•••.•..•• text 359
First Presbyterian Church and Parsonage ••••••••.••.•• opposite 239
Central R. R. of N. J. Station, Atlantic Highlands •••••• opposite 271

xllL
Il.LUSTRATION~ntinued

Looting South from R. R. Pier, Atlantic Highlands •••••• opposite 272


Stand Pipe, Atlantic Highlands •••••••••••••••••••••••••• text 414
The Pampinc Station, Atlantic Highlands •••••••••••••••••• tut 418
A. JI. E. Church and Parsonace-Centr.11 Baptist Church and
Paraonage •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• opposite 302
Grand View Hotel •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• opposite 303
Viewing Highland Beach ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• oppoaite 334
Casino, 1896 •••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••••••••••• opposite 335
'Ihe Casino, Atlantic Highlands •••••••••••••••••.••••• opposite 366
First Baby Parade, Atlantic Highlands, 1895 ••••••••.••• opposite 36'1
Stone Bridge, Grand and Mount Aves, Atlantic Highlands.opposite 398
View from Observatory •••••••••.•••••••.•••••.••••• opposite 399
Cut of Tower ••••..•••.•..•.••••.••••••••.•••.••••• opposite 432

APPENDIX
Sea.qde Hook and Ladder Company •••••••••••••••.••• opposite 43:
Leonardville Schoolhouse Reunion .•••••••.••••••••••• opposite 462
Naveswk Public Library •••.••••••••.•.••••.••••••••• opposite 463
Mandalay Pier and StP.amboat Castleton •.•••••••••••••• opposite 494
Mandalay •.•••••••••••••••••.•.•••••.•.•••••••.••• opposite 495
A. H. H. S. and Middletown High Schools ••..••.••••••• opposite 526
New Community Club Building ••••••••••••••••••••••• opposite 527
Honor Roll, Atlantic Highlands •••••••••••••••••.••••• opposite 542
Atlantic Highlands Shore Front, 1912 ...••••••.•••••••. opposite 558
A Morning Departure ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• opposite 559
Steamboat Sandy Hook •••.••••.•.••••.••••••••.••••• opposite 574
Three Views in Belford •••••.••••••••••••.••••••••.• opposite 575
Three Views in Highlands ••..••••.••••••••••••••••••••.• text 583
Highlands Station ..•..••••••••.••••••..••••.•. _.••.•••••• text 584
Catholic Church .•.............•.•..••••.••••.•••••.••• text 587
Thompson House ..••.•••..•..•••••.••••••••.••••.••••.• text 588
Hotel Martin .•.•.....•.•.••••••••••..••••••••••••••••• text 589
Ocean Boulevard and Center Avenue, Looking East •••••• opposite 606
Some of the Original Troop of Boy Scouts ••••...•..•• opposite 607
View of Carr Avenue, Keansburg •..••..••.•••••..•••• opposite 634
Steamboat Keansburg .•.•.••.•.••.•...•.•••••••••••• opposite 635
Bayside Beacon, Keansburg .•.•..••.......••••••••••••••• text 641
Map of Lcnison, N. J ....•...•.•..••...••.•.•...•••••••• text 648
Testimonial to War Veter:ins ..•....•.••••••••.•••••.•••.• text 653
PREFACE.

The original idea of collecting incidents and matters


of History, composing this book, was first conceived by
Peter Y. Everett, an ex-member of the old volunteer fire
department of New York City and also a reporter for one
of the Dailies of that city.
He came to Atlantic Highlands early in the town's de-
velopment, and with Reverend J. C. Nobles started the
"Atlantic Highlands Herald." He was the first postmaster
of the place.
Owing to circumstances which might have been pre-
vented, he temporarily ceased to be a resident, and returned
to New York. After a few years' absence he returned to
Atlantic Highland<l. with the predominating idea of writing-
the history of Portland Poynt, including Atlantic Highlands.
He endeavored to sustain himself while thus employed in
reporting for the New York dailies.
It appeared for some time that he would persevere in
the accomplishment of his purpose, which caused se-;eral
of the friends of the town to assist him in procuring neces-
sary material, that the work, if issued, might be reasonably
complete and correct. Aft~r a time, circumstances were
such as to cause him to discontinue his effort, and his com-
position was placed in other hands.
At this stage it became my duty and privilege to ex-
amine his manuscript, for which Mr. Everett had received
ample remuneration. The part Mr. Everett furnished per-
tained to the early history of "Portland Poynt," to about
the year 1800, placed intact, has been in this collection of
manuscript; and is included in the first eight chapters.
From that time on, his manuscript was set aside, except
such parts as came under his personal knowledge.
I am indebted to the files of the local papers, viz.,
"The Herald," "The Independent," "The Monmouth Press"
and ''The Journal," of which I have an almost complete.
collection from the first paper issued to the present time,
1909. I am also indebted to my father, Thomas Leonard
(deceased), for what might seem a lengthy article, includ-
ing much of his early life. But as it was the 1ast work of
an active life, and written by him after he had passed his
three-score-years-and-ten, we may bear with parts that may

'"·
not interest the general reader. Besides bis memoirs that
reach back nearly to the beginning of the century, I had
frequent interviews with other members of the community,
including Edward Hooper, Captain J. H. Skidmore, Nimrod
Woodward, Charles R. Havens, John L Thompson and
Jacob Swan, Sr.
I am also appreciative of the interest taken by the
publishers, Milton R. Shale, Mrs. Eva Shale and Thomas
J. Williams, in the production of this work, also for the
art work contributed by Corwin K. Linson.
The ambition of the writer and collector of incidents
compiled in this book was not to cover any large geograph-
ical area, but to confine it to what was the original "Port-
land Poynt," which was !leceasarily bounded on the north·
by Sandy Hook and Raritan Bays, east and south by the
Naveaink River (North Shrewsbuzy), and on the west by
the Chapel Hill range, Garrett Hill and the balance of
Monmouth North Shore. This is, as well as can be deter-
mined, the original "Portland Poynt." The character and
elevations, with its natural boundaries, as a part of the
. Monmouth Shore, seem to lead the writer, as it were, with
· a prophetic eye, to see in the great future a unity of inter-
ests that will blend in one common municipality all of this
territory, although in the meantime it may be dotted here
and there, over its beautiful hills and dales, with many sep-
arate and independent organized towns.
The effort has been made, at a considerable expense
of time and labor, to acquire the correct history of Port-
land Poynt, from the time of Henry Hudson's first visit to
its shores, in 1609, to the time when the first steps were
taken in the development which resulted in the laying out
and the organization of the first borough, which was the
Borough of Atlantic Highlands. It has been the effort and
desire of the author to record honestly, truthfully and faith-
fully every incident, circumstance and condition, through-
Gut, but he realizes that the result will develop errors, or,
possibly, omissions of characters, that with all bis heart he
would wish otherwise.
The compiling occurred with frequent and wide inter-
missions. The information was gathered from many indi-
. viduals, ·and from different sources, and may develop ap-
parent contradictions, omissions of individuals, positions
and circumstances, with seeming unnecessary contraction
or expansion of details, or facts entirely omitted.
rri.
Trusting to the generous and charitable public, I would
again appeal for leniency, in frequently referring to cir-
cumstances and conditions of a personal character, which
under existing conditions it was impossible to avoid.
Whatever the final conclusion may be, at the present
writing, the one and only object bas .: -ever been lost sight of;
and every effort and enterprise that has been undertaken
or sustained has pointed to one common central object--the
development of our native place, Bay Shore, which has
been my life's work, since December 1st, 1868.
THOMAS. H. LEONARD.
Atlantic ~hlanda, N. J., (Signed.)
February 22, 1922
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL l

CHAPTER L
LA?lo"DING OF HENRY HUDSON.

N the year 1609 the Highlandll of Navesink be-.


longed to three tribes of Indians.viz.,the Ne-.
wasunks, Navarumsunks and Portapecks.
Their main settlements laid inland along the
northerly side of the Shrewsbury, and at the
head of what is now known as Clay Pit
Creek.
It was on the second day of September,
- 1609, just after the sun had peeped over the
eastern horizon, scattering its brilliant rays
over the waters of the Atlantic. that a group
of Indians observed a black object on the ocean, moving
slowly northward, causing no little wonder and dread.
They watched it for a long time, wondering what it
could be. Steadily it moved, coming nearer and nearer the
shore, ;while hundreds of Indians crowded the edge of the
Heights to see it. Some called it a sea monster, while many
contended it was an enormous bird; others said it was the
floating house of their great "Manito" or demon, who had
come to visit them from his mysterious lands beyond the
mighty waters.
Van Der Donck's description of New Netherland says,
"When some of them first saw the ship approaching, they
wondered if it was a spook or apparition, and whether it
came from heaven or hell. They imagined those on board
were devils, when they first saw the officers dressed in bright
scarlet and gold lace."
"It is contended by some historians that in 1524 John
Verrazano, sailing under orders of the King of France,
coasted along the shores of Carolina, and, describing the
country he had discovered, said that he was the first navi-
gator who ever entered the lower bay, but there is nothing
to sustain such a supposition. No vessel of his size, built in
those days, would have had any difficulty in entering the
lower bay, as was asserted by Verrazano."
About the middle of the afternoon the savages saw the
mysterious black thing pass around the point of the Hook
and enter the lower bay. It finally became stationary a
short distance from the shore, where it remained over night_
-the wonder of the natives.
2 r-OM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

It w~ Dutch-built, high-pooped. carrying a rig similar


to a Brigantine, about eighty tons, and in Dutch painted on
the stern were the words "Half Moon." It also floated a
flag of orange, white and blue. It was one of the vessels
belonging to the Dutch East India Company, under com-
mand of Captain Henry Hudson, an Englishman, and the
crew consisted of twenty sailors, partly Dutch and English.
Hudson was trying to discover a northwestern passage
to China and the Indies and had left Amsterdam April 4,
1609. From the log book kept by the mate of the ..Half
Moon,'' one Robert Iuet, a copy of which is to be found in
the Historical Society Rooms of the State of New Jersey, we
find the following:
Sept. 2, 1609. In the morning saw a great fire, bat no land. As
the S1ID arose we steered nortllward and at noon saw land from the
west by north to the northwest, looking like Noken Islands. FiDall:y
we came to a great lake of water (Barnegat Ba:,). At five o'clock we
anchored two leagaes from land and rode in eight fathoms of water.
The night was fair. Far to the northwest we saw high hills. (Navesink
Hig:hJends).
Sept. 3rd. It proved a misty morning, but cleared awa:, ebout
ten A. .II. A southwester came up, so we weighed anchor and stood
to the northward. At three o'clock in the afternoon we came to three
la?ge rivers. We started to go up one, but fo11nd a ahoel bar and but
ten fo'ot of water. FiDall:y we sent in our small boat to sollDd, and they
retamed in ebout an hour and a half, reporting seven fathoms. Then
we wei&'hed anchor and went in and rode in five fathoms. Latitude
40 30 ft. (The present Lighthouse on Sand:, Hook is in latitude 40
27 ft. 30 in. Two of the three rivers were doubtless the Narrows,
Staten Island So11Dd, and the thud probabJ:, Rockaway Inlet).
Sept. 4th. As de:, dewned we saw that there was good ridi~
:farther up, and sent our small boat out, found five fatho1115, two cables
(1440 feet) ]enctb from shore. (Not as far from our shore as the
end of the present steam-boat dock). Our men went on shore with nets
and drew ten great mulletts (a fish with no teeth and of a whitish color
and a ra:, (sate), as great as four men could C81'1'J' home. At night
the wind bJew heavy from the northwest and we were driven ashore.
but got off easy the following de:, as the grollDd has soft sand. The
people came down to the ship and on board; they were of a yellow
copper color, and wore 1 - deerskins; they gave us green tobacco.
The:, aJso had great quantities of maize (Indian wheat). Tbe country
was full of p-eat tall oaks, and hills. (This shows that it cowd not
have been on Sandy Hook that the:, first landed, as the on!:, hills in
this vic:lnit:y are the Highlands of Navesink).
In De Laet's "New World,'' it states, "The sanges
were clothed in elk-skins, the oaks were magnificent. both
in height and thickness. seldom beheld, together with pop-
lars, linden trees and various other kind of wood.
Sept. 5th. We eot our shlp into five bthoms hard by the south-
ern shore (Atlantic Highlands). Our men again went on shore and
saw a sreat store of men, women, and children. We went up into the
woods and follDd wild pluma. The natives bad red copper pipes and
things of copper about their nec:b.
FROM INDIAN TRAil, TO ELECTRIC RAIL 3

Sept. 6th (S11Dclay). John Coleman with foar other men started
out in the small boat and went up a :narrow river to the westward; the
land was fo'DD_~ pleasant, with grass and wild flowers. N'ight was com-
ing on. their Jjgtits went out and they loet their way. They were set
upon by two canoes filled with Indians. John Coleman bad an arrow
aent tbro'lldl his throat, and two otl:era were hurt. It was so dark they
could not find the ship. ·
Sept. 7th. Coleman died ,and was this clay carried on land and
barfed. They named the point where they barfed him "Coleman Point"
(now said to be Point Ccmfort).
Sept. 8th. The Indians again came out to the ship with tobacco
and wheat, but the:, said nothing about the death 'of Coleman.
Sept. 9th. Two great canoes came along side filled with men with.
bows and arrows. evidently intending to betray us. We tlnally weighed
anchor and went up the channel
This is the last entry in Iuet•s Journal with reference
to their stay 'JD the Monmouth shore. They then proceeded
up the Narrows and into the north river which now bears
the name of Captain Hudson.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil.

CHAPTER IL
!:ARLY VISITS OF DUTCH AND ENGLISH TO MONMOUTH
SHORES.

From the log of the "Half Moon" it will be seen that


this was the first time the Indians had seen the face of a
European, and that on the fourth of September, 1609, the
first white man stepped bis foot on the soil of New Jersey,
where now stands Atlantic Highlands. On the fourth of
October the "Half Moon" passed Sandy Hook and stood out
to sea. Beside the three tribes of Indians mentioned in the
previous chapter, there were others that bailed from this
locality, viz., the Rurutaus, Lenape tribe, and Newasings.
Indians of other remote tribes were in the habit of visit-
ing the ocean front and bay shore, no doubt for bathing and
sea fishing, and among the number was the famous Teedy-
uscung, the Delaware King. The early settlers seemed to
have had great trouble with the Indians, especially when in
liquor. One of the first laws passed by the early settlers
'Was that no one should sell or trade any sort of wine, liquor
or strong beer to Indians, and, in case an Indian was found
drunk, the overseer was to place him in stocks till sober.
The right of the Indians to the ownership of lands was
duly acknowledged· by Governor Nichols, as well as Cart-
aret. They issued orders that the Indian lands in and about
the Highlands of Navesink should be fairly purchased be-
fore settlements were made thereon. From the time of
Hudson's landing on the soil of New Jersey, at what is now
Atlantic Highlands, the Dutch claimed the right to all this
region of country, for half a century, but only nominally.
In 1663, when the Dutch Governor, Peter Stuyvesant, sur-
rendered to the English, James, Duke of York, assumed
control
The ascension to power of the English at New Amster-
dam and East Jersey caused a party of about twenty Eng-
lishmen, in December, 1663, most all of whom had lived in
the New.England colonies and settled on Long Island, to set
out in a sloop, under Captain Christopher Elsworth, at
Gravesend, Long Island, and· cross the Bay to the Jersey
shore, to purchase lands of the Indians. From a map found
in David F. Valentine's Manual of New York, which will be
seen in this work, it will be observed that they landed on
the soil of Monmouth County in or about where is now At-
lantic Highlands. In this sloop were Charles Morgan, John
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 5

l3ownes, James Holbert, John Totman, Samuel Spicer,


Thomas Whitlock, Sergeant Gybbings. a man named Kreu-
pels-Bos. one from Jamaica, and otbers from Flushing.
In Volume 21, of tbe Records at Albany, N. Y., tbere
is found an account of a trip about tbe same time, of a party
of Hollanders. traders. who sailed from New Amsterdam
(New York) in a sloop under one Captain Martin Creger.
Among them were ten soldiers. two sailors, a sachem and a
savage, under Govert Loockermans. Jacques Cortelyou and
Peter Zevel. They first made tbeir way in through tbe
Kills (Kill von Kull). and when near tbe Raritan River, they
learned of tbe English sloop from Gravesend, Long Island.
They immediately sent their Indian savage, whom tbey
called John, to tbe sachems of tbe Newessings and Raritans,
to tell them tbat if tbe Englishmen had come to purchase
lands, they should not sell to the English, as they, the Eng-
lishmen, had not.asked that right of tbe Dutch sachems at
Manhattan, but that tbe Englishmen bad come secretly, and
if the sachems of Newessing and Raritan wished to sell
land, tbey should come to them. On the savage John's re-
turn, he told tbe Hollanders tbat the English had seen the
sachems of tbe Newessings and Raritans, and had present-
ed tbem wfth rum and two fathoms of black wam-pum
(small beads of different colors), and asked them to sell
their lands.
.rTom tne following it will be tbus clear to every read-
er that where now is located Atlantic Highlands, tbe first
settlers located and purchased lands.
"Volume 21, Albany Record3, December 10th, 1663: We depart.
eel (the Hollanders) from Raritan River, went down the Bay, and ar-
rived at a creek this side 'of 'Rensaelaers Pier.' "
Just here we quote from Hon. G. C. Beekman "Old
Times in Monmouth County" as to where Rensselaers Pier
was.
"In the old Dntch Records, the Navesink Highlands are sometimes
called Renesselaers Point, or Hook and Pier. This last nmned originat-
ed from the appearance of the hills to a vessel far out to sea. The
adjoining buds lying- below the horizon, the hills project boldly and
squarely out, resembling a pier or wharf to those on a vessel out on the
ocean."
The creek in question is the only one that adjoins the
Rensselaer Pier (Highlands of Navesink) on the bay, which
clearly shows tbat it was none other than our present
..Many Mind Creek.'' But to continue witb the meeting:
"We met here (the Hollanders), Christopher Elsworth in his little
sloop, and the English on the shore near the creek. AJs we approached,
6 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

every one was stancline with a weapon. Charles lllorpn and John
Bownea advanced towarils UB. when we asked them what their business
was. They answered that they were tradine- We in9mred if the,
came to trade why did they come with so stronc a force. They answered.
'Indiana were vil1iana and could not be trusted.' We told them we
understood that they had come to irarchase lands. To this they re-
plied, 'We have only come to aee the lands.' We told them that the
lazgeat part had been pmchased by the Dutch. John Bownes asked,
'Under what government.' We told the Engliahmen, 'Under the Di-
rector General and Co'DJlcil,' and that they oapt not UDdertake to
pm-chase lands except they had previously obtained the coment of Gov-
ernor Stuyvesant. John Bownea replied, 'It shall be well' Govert
Loockeman then c:harpd the Engliebm.,n u a party of traitory, to
which they replied, 'The Kins'• patent is quite of another cut.' Loock-
erman then said, 'From whom 1iave you a pass,' and the Encliebmen
replied, 'Manhattan.' "
The Dutch or Hollanders then left in their sloop and
passed up the bay some four miles to the westward. This
was the stand taken by the English people, and their re-
ply, viz., "The King's patent is of quite another cast."-
meaning the English sovereign was about to make a grant
of the country to James, Duke of York, and to send a fleet
and land force to put him in possession.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 7

CHAPTER III.
GRAN'llING OF THE IIONKOUTH PATENT.
(From :records and general history.)

The land seekers from Gravesend, Jamaica. Flushing


and other places on Long Island, headed by John Bowne,
William Goulding and others, soon after became landown-
ers and settlers to the west of the slope of Rensselaer Pier
(Navesink Highlands). They made several journeys from
Long Island to the southerly shore of the Bay, and finally
purchased three "necks" of land designated by the Indian
names of "Newasink," "Navarumsunk" and "Portapecks."
The tract of Newasink was that region lying on the bay
and extending northeast to the Highlands of Navesink, em-
bracing Atlantie"llighlands. It will thus be seen that where
now stands Atlantic Highlands the first white owners were
English. A tract of land is said to have been reserved by
the Inaians on the Highlands, it being that section now
owned by Richard Hartshorne.
King Charles the Second, having appointed his brother,
James, Duke of York, the latter appointed Colonel Richard
Nichols governor over the domains of East New Jersey. He
was the first to assume authority over the people. In the
fall of 1664, Governor Nichols issued his first proclamation,
which he caused to be widely distributed, for the purpose
of forming settlements in the country under his jurisdiction.
· The people from Long Island and the New England
settlements, who had commenced their negotiations with
the Indian sachems in December, 1663, arid had subsequen~
ly concluded the purchase from the Newasinks, Narum.-
sunks and Portapecks, having complied with Governor
NicholJ' first conditions, made an early application to Gov-
ernor Nichols for a gMDt to cover their purchase, ·and in
1665 Governor Nichols issued to them a patent.
THE IIONKOUTH PATENT.
To all whom these preaent ahal1 come. I. Bichard Nichols, Gover-
nor Ullder Bis Ro,al Hiclm-. the Duke of York. of all bia territories
in America. NDd p-eetinc. .
Whvas, there is a certain tract or r.rceJ. of land within this gov-
ermnent lYDl2 and beinc near Sandy Point upon the main land, which
aaid pareel of land bath been with my consent and approbation bought
b7 ao- of the inhabitants of Grav.ad on Long Ia1aiad, of the sachems
(chief proprietors thereof), who before me have aclmowleqed to have
received aatiafaction for the same, to the end, the said land maJ' be
planted, manured and inhabited, and for diven other good cames and
8 l''ROM INDIAN TRAll, TO ELECTRIC RAIL

comideratiom. I have thought lit to give. confirm and er-ant, and by


these ~nts do give, confirm and grant nnto William Gonlding, Samuel
Spicer, Richard Gibbons, Richard Stout, James Grover, John Bowne,
John Tilton, Nathaniel Silvester, William Reape. Walter Clark. Nichols
Davis, Obadiah Holmes, Patentees, and their associates, their heirs, suc-
cessors and aa&igns, all that tract and pi.rt of the main land, becinning
at a certain place commonly called or known by the name of Sandy
Point, and so rmming along the bay, west north west till it comes to the
mouth of the Raritan River, from there ~ing along the said river to
the westermost part of the marsh land which divides the river into two
parts. and from that point to rnn in a direct sout!rweat line intlo the
wood twelve miles, and then to tum away southeast until it falls into
the main ocean, together with all the lands, soils, rivers, creeks, bar-
boms. mines, minerals (royal mines excepted), quarries, woods, mead-
~ . pastures, marshes, waters, lakes, lishinp, hawkinxs. hunting and
fowling, and all other profits. Commodities and hereiliaments to the
aid lands and premises, belonging and appertaining with their and
every of their appurtenances and of every part and parcel thereof.
To have and to hold, all and singnlar, the said lands, herectiamenta
and premjaes, with their and every of their appm-tenances hereby giv-
en and granted or herein.before mentioned to lie given and panted, to
the only proper use and behoof of tbe Aid patentees and their associ-
ates. their heirs, succe'550rs, and asaigna forever, upon such terms and
conditions as hereafter are expressed. that is to ay; that tbe aid
patentees and their associates, their heirs or amdgns, shall within the
space of three years, becinning from the day of the date hereof, manure
and plant the aforesaid land and pz:emises and settle there one hundred
families at the least, in consideration whereof I do promise and grant
that the said patentees and their aasociates, their he!rsr S U ~ and
allllips shall enjoy the aaid land and premises with their appm-tenanc:ea
for the term of seven years next to come after the date 0£ these prea-
ents, free from payment of any rent., customs, a:cise, tax. or. levy
whatsoever. But after the expiration of the Aid term of MVeD yeas
the ·persons who shall be in the pollllelllion thereof shall pay after· ~
- e rate which others within this, His Royal Hipea's territories, shall
be oblipd unto. ·
And the Aid patentees and their aasociates, their heirs, -
and asaigna, shall have free l•ve and h"bertJ' to erect and build their
towns and villaps in such places as they in their discretion shall think
III08t convenient, provided that they associate themselves, and that the
h o - of their towns and villqes be uot too m distant and acatterinc
one from another, and also that they make such fortifications for their
defence against an enemy u may seem needful. And I do likewlle
grant unto aaid patentees and their uaoc:iates. their heirs, -
and asaigna, and unto any and all penons who shall plant and inhabit in
any of the lands aforeakl. that they sha1J have free liberty of -
IICience, without any molestation or dktmbance whataoever, In their WQ'
of worahip. And I do further grant unto the Aid patentees, their hem.
succeaors and assigns. that they shall have liberty to elect, by the Tote
of the major part of the inhabitant:a, 1lve or seven other persons of the
ablest and discreetest of the said inhabitant., or a greater number of
them (if the patentees, successors and asaigna ahall so cauae) to join
with them. and they together, or the major part of them. shall have full
power and authority to make such pec:uliar or prudential la'WII and
c:omtitutions among the Inhabitant. for the better and more orderly
pverning of them. as to them shall - meet, provided· they are not
repugnant to the public la'WB of the pvernment.
And they llhall also have liberty to try all cames and actions of
debt and trespass arising among themselves, to the value of ten pounds,
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 9

without • ~ but that they may remit the hearing of all erimiDa1 cues
to the IISIIJZes of New York. And furthennore, I do J>NlllllSe and gnnt
unto the.patentees and their associates aforementioned. their heirs. auc-
cessors and aaigns, that they i.liall in all things have equal privileps.
freedom and immunities with any of His Hajesty's aub)ecta within this
government, these patentees and their uaociates, their heirs. 1111ccee-
sors and aaigns, rendering and paying such duties and aclmowledn-
ment as now are or hereafter shall be coustituted and established 1,y
the laws of this government UDder the obedience of His Royal High-
ness, his heirs and successors, ~vided they do not, in any way, in-
fringe the privileges above specified.
Given under my hand oand seal at Fort James in New York on Man-
hattan Island the 8th day of April in the aeventeenth year of the reicn
of our sovereign Lord, Charles the Secoud, by the Grace of God, of
England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King defender of the fifth H.
in the year of 011r Lord God, 1665.
(Siped) RICHARD NICHOLS.
10 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER IV.
FIRST SETl'LERS IN KONKOUTH.
(From records and general history.)

John Bowne. Richard Stout. James Grover. William


Goulding and John Tilton werP. the first families to settle
on this soil. They came in the spring or summer of 1664.
previous to the issue of the Monmouth Patent by Governor
Richard Nichols. Their temporary home was in a rude log
hut ·on the Highlands of Navesink. where they remained
until they separated to their new homes. built on the lands
tliey had purchased from the Indians. The next year many
more settlers followed, and mostly located back off the
ocean and bay. In 1665 over one hundred families had
anived.
The Bownes, it seems. bailed from Long Island. There
appears to have been, beside John Bowne the pioneer, Ger-
rard. James and William. The Stouts. John and Richard;
the Grovers. James and bis son, James. Jr., the Gouldings
and the Tiltons, were also from Long Island. These people
were the first whites to till the soil in this vicinity.
John Bowne was the leader in the project of purchas-
ing the three "necks" from the Indians, viz., Newasink.
Navarumsunk and Portapeck. The name of Bowne is one
of the oldest connected with Atlantic Highlands and vicinty.
It is represented at the present day by Mrs. Mary A. Bowne
and her children, being direct descendants of John Bowne,
one of the party of twenty who came from Gravesend in
1663, and one of the twelve of the Monmouth Patentees.
John Bowne was a leading citizen, and highly es-
teemed. He was Speaker of the Assembly during Governor
Nichol's time and was a Deputy under Carteret's adminis-
tration. In 1677 he was commissioned as president of the
Court held at Middletown, was major of the militia of Mon-
mouth County, and died in 1684, leaving two sons, Obadiah
and John. His son John also became prominent in public
affairs: was a member of Assembly in Lord Cornbury's
time, but was expelled for alleged corrupt official acts.
John Bowne was noted for bis integrity and religious prin-
cipfes. His advice to bis cluldren on bis death bed gives
the true character of the man. He said, "My desire is that
in all your actions you deal not deceitfully, but plain heart-
ed with all men. Let your mother be your counsellor in all
matters of differences, but go not to la~ers. ask her counsel
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 11

first. Give not away your youthful jollities and sport, but
improve your leisure time in the service of God. If at any
time either of you have an advantage of a poor man at law,
p1Jr11Ue him not, rather forgive him if he bas done you
wrong. Le.t no good man be dealt mean by you, but enter-
tain them when they come to your house. But if a vicious,
wicked man comes, give him meat and drink an let him pass
by your door."
The name of Stout is another that has not died out in
this locality, there being many descendants of the original
Richard Stout, who came here in 1663, and was one of the
Monmouth Patentees. He was one of the original five
settlers. His marriage to the young German girl, Penelope
Van Princes,·is given below. The others that founded this
section of Monmouth County, William Roope, James Grov-
er, John Tilton, William Goulding, Richard Gibbons and
Samuel Spicer, none have descendants residing here, now.
Our ex-Assessor, Jacob T. Stout, and his sons, Jonathan,
Richard and Tilnis Stout, are among the descendants of
Richard Stout.
During the Indian War, a Dutch ship from Amsterdam
was stranded on Sandy Hook. All the passengers were
landed in safety. A young Dutchman with his wife were
among the passengers. He was sick and could not travel.
The passengers being afraid of the Indians left for New
Amsterdam (New York). The young wife would not leave
her husband, and the passengers could not take him with
them. Soon after their departure the Indians came to the
water side, killed the husband and cut and mangled the
woman, leaving her as they supposed dead. She managed
to crawl into a hollow tree, where she remained several
days. An old Indian found her and carried her to his hut
where he dressed her wounds and cured her. Finally the
Dutch of New Amsterdam discovered her and gave her
liberty. Not long after this, she met Richard Stout and
married him. Her origi."1.al name was Penelope Van Princes.
She was born in Holland in 1602, and was twenty-two when
married to Mr. Richard Stout, he being forty. It is said that
she lived to be one hundred and ten, and bore ten children to
Richard, viz., seven sons, Jonathan, John, Richard, James,
Peter, David and Benjamin. The daughters were Mary,
Sarah and Alice. Richard Stout came from Nottingham-
shire, England, his father's name being John Stout. Stout
and Penelope were married in )Jew York and when they
came to settle in Monmouth Comaty he was eighty and she
sixty-two.
12 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

John Tilton was another early settler. He came from


England and settled in Lynn, Mass. His wife was a Baptist.
She was indicted for holding that the baptism of children
or infants was no ordinance of God. They finally moved to
Long Island, and here he was fined for allowing Quakers to
meet in his house. They were ordered to leave the provinc'!
and came to the Jersey shore with the first settlers.
William Goulding was a Massachusetts Bay Baptist.
who was persecuted and banished from the colony on ac-
count of his religion. He was one of the founders of the
old Baptist Church at Middletown.
James G):'over was one of the first settlers. and, it is
said, built the first iron work in New Jersey. .
The Rev. Obadiah Holmes was also one of the original
patentees of the Monmouth Grant. His sons were among
the first who located on lands fronting on the Bay, about
where Charles Leonard's and Sheriff Thompson's property
lies. The Rev. Mr. Holmes first settled in 1650, at Salem,
Masschusetts. He was a Baptist. In 1651 he was commit-
ted to jail at Boston for preaching the Gospel, and upon
being brought before his Excellency, Governor John Endi-
cote, was found guilty and sentenced to pay a fine of thirty
dollars. and be "whipped." He suffered the punishment.
thirty lashes from a three corded whip. While they were
performing their cruel work, he kept praying to the Lord
to forgive his persecutors for their sins and cruelty. He
died in 1682.
We have given a brief outline above of those who were
the first to own the lands in this Atlantic Highlands vicinity.
While they were owners in the General Monmouth Patent.
which extended from Perth Amboy southeast to Barnegat.
they first took up their residence in this section of Jersey.
Still another whose name is a household word is that
of Hartshorne. Richard Hartshorne was not one of the
original settlers in 1663, or one of the Monmouth Patentees.
but his name has been handed down through several gen-
erations, and is represenfed in this locality by the late Benj-
iman M. Hartshorne and Edward Hartshorne, and now by
Robert Hartshorne, of the old Highlands. Richard Harts-
horne did not arrive in this country till September, 1609,
two years after 'the first Assembly was formed under Gov-
ernor Nichols. He came from London, where he and his
brother, Hugh Hartshorne, carried on the upholstering bus-
iness. In an affidavit made by him in 1716, he stated that
he was seventy-five years of age, which would have made
him twenty-eight years of age when he landed here. He
was a Quaker by profession, and first settled near Wakake.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 13

In 1671 he purchased all the easterly end of Portland Poynt.


then known as Portland Place, and Sandy Hook. During
his declining years, he resided in Middletown, near the pres-
ent Baptist parsonage, where he died in 1722. He gave a
certain portion of his land for a burial ground, and wa:.
here interned himself. He held many positions of trust, was
town clerk, member of the General Assembly, and Speaker
in 1686, which position he held till 1693, when he became
one of Governor Basse's Counsel. He was made High Sheriff
of Monmouth County in 1683. In 1703 he gave his son Wil-
liam all the Highlands estate, including Sandy Hook.
William lived on Portland Place until his death in 1748,
when he left it to his three sons, Robert, Esek and John.
The northerly portion of the Highlands, where now stands
Atrantic Highlands, was deeded to Esek Hartshorne; the
further history of the property will be found in another
chapter.
14 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER V.
THE FIRST ASSEKBLY

Governor Richard Nichols, in the fall of 1665, immed-


iately after granting the Monmouth Patent, issued a pro-
clamation authorizing the people to form settlements, the
first three being those of Shrewsbury, Middletown and Port-
land Poynt. They W'ere also to make laws to govern each
place. · · The minutes of the Middletown Assemblies are now
in the County Clerk's office at Freehold. On June 4th, 1667,
a iegislative body was formed, composed of deputies from
Middletown, Shrewsbury and Portland Poynt. Their first
session was held, as near as can be ascertained, at Portland
Poynt. The following is a copy of the earliest record found
of this assembly, preserved, according to the late Govenor
Joel Parker in his address to the New Jersey National Soc-
iety, in one of the old books in the Monmouth County Clerk's
Office.
"At a General Assembly held December 12th, 1667, at
Portland Poynt (Atlantic Highlands) the following officers
were reported as having been chosen:-
Officers of Middletown.-
Overseers--Jonathan Holms, William Laurence.
Deputi-Steve Aruold, James Ashton.
Constable-Richard Gibbons.
.?ortland Poynt (Atlantic Higblands).-
Oveneers--HeDrY Percy, Richard Richardson, James Bowne.
Shrewsbury.•
Overseers and Deputies-Edward Patterson, Elialdn Wardell,
Barth West."
Then follows this entry:-
"The several acts or orders enacted at this present
Assembly, upon t}le proof presented by the inhabitants to
the patentees and deputies, are in order set down"-viz.,
here follows many acts passed upon a variety of subjects.
Governor Nichols, on the 26th of September, 1664,
made another ·grant to John B&H,Land others called the
"Elizabethtown Grant''. Whiteheiil (Colonial History of
New Jersey, 1. i 17) says, "It caused great dissatisfaction
for many years." Nowhere is found any record that John
Bailey and others were representatives in the General
Assembly held at Portland Poynt in 1667.
MONUMENT TO CAPTAIN JOSHUA HuDDY.
See pan 28
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 15

When Governor Nichols signed the Monmouth Patent


end Elizabethtown Grants, neither he nor any other person
in America knew of the fact that the Duke of York had con-
veyed all his right, title and interest in the territory lying
between the Hudson and Delaware Rivers to Lord John
Berkeley and Sir George Carteret. The latter (Carteret)
arrived in the province in the latter part of the summer of
1665, a year after GoYenor Nichols had assumed the power
of Governor of East New Jersey and issued the Monmouth
Patent.
Carteret's Manifesto, assuming power OYer East
Jersey, caused a provincial revolt. These disorders were
principally the results of a determined resistance of the pro-
prietors' claim of ownership of soil. The owners or hold-
ers of the Monmouth Patent did not feel disposed to recog-
nize Carteret. The people of Middletown, Shrewsbury and
Portland Poynt assumed the right of government by i.egis-
lative proceedings under Nichols up to 1672. They con-
tinued to hold sessions of the General Assembly, which was
made up of patentees, as societies and general deputies, also
acting as a court, and held General Court at Middletown,
Shrewsbury and Portland Poynt. It is clearly shown by all
the historians that the people of the Navesink towns were
not represented in the disorganized sessions of the Carteret
East Jersey Assembly held up to 1671 and '72, and took
little or no part in the efforts that were bf'ing made to estab-
lish a new government with Carteret at its head.
The title to lands granted under Governor Nichols con-
tinued up to 1684, though the Monmouth Patent was con-
tested at all points in the matter of validity of title during
this period.· Those claiming title under it took patents for
their lands from the proprietors, though they eventually
gained their paramount object, for they continued to hold
their lands and avoided the payment of even the slightest
quit-rent which was required.
The first Assembly under the Proprietors (Carteret)
convened at Elizabethtown, May 26th, 1668. It appears
that James Grover and John Bowne claimed to be deputies
from Middletown, Shrewsbury and Portland Poynt. This
was at once construed by the Proprietors as an acknow-
ledgment of Carteret. But the people of the above towns
hastened to repudiate Grover and Bowne and denied that
they were chosen representatives, they or any others to
that body.
To give some idea of how serious matters stood after
Carteret had assumed power, it must be understood that he
tried in every way to annul the acts of Nichols and ignore
.16 FROllrl INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

-the Monmouth Patent. Those who held under Nichols re-


:fused to pay anything to the Proprietors under Carteret.
Finally Captain James Carteret. a son of Sir George Car-
.teret. was made President of the County, a new proclama-
tion was issued offering amnesty to those who would submit
to the Proprietary Government. However, it failed. Then
Captain Carteret carried matters with a high hand, arrest-
ing and imprisoning the people of llrliddletown, Shrewsbury
and Portland Poynt. The revolutionary assembly sus-
tained Captain Carteret. but the Captain, it seems, finally
became so disgusted, and unable to exercise his power, that
he abandoned his so-called Office of President. and fled to
Carolina, taking with him his wife, a daughter of the Mayor
,of New York.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 17

CHAPTER VI.
FIRST PERMANENT ESTABLISHMElli"'T OF HOMES AT
PORTLA.""D POYNT.

Portland Poynt, of which Atlantic Highlands now


forms a section (shown by a map found on file at Albany),
was all that point of land lying east of what is now Middle-
town village, or, more properly speaking, the easterly half
of Middletown Township. When the colonists drew lines,
which divided the first three towns founded on the soil of
New Jersey, viz., Middletown, Shrewsbury and Portland
Poynt, they did so by marks on trees and huge stones, some-
times by streams of water, as is the custom at this period.
How the name of Portland Poynt originated, we find no
reference, except by one Professor Stoute, Philologist. His
version is no doubt th;! correct one-that it had its origin
from sea-faring men. Vessels, upon entering the lower bay
and finding it a good port of entry, an inlet from the sea and
surrounded by land, put the two together and called it
P-o-r-t-L-a-n-d; and the main land and Navesink Heights,
which forms a perfect point with the Bay on the one side
and the Shrewsbury on the other, projecting out to sea, was
called, what in reality it is, "Poynt", thus calling it "Port-
land Poynt".
In those days, as will be seen by one of the maps in this
book, the Shrewsbury River opened out into the ocean,
where is now Navesink Beach, and Sandy Hook was a com-
plete island. At the present day, some contend that the
southerly section of the Highlands of Navesink was Port-
land Poynt, but Ellis in his "History of Monmouth County"
says, "The locality now called Atlantic Highlands was
named Portland Poynt, from which place westward was
Shoal Harbour."
There is no question of doubt in the minds of all his-
torians, that where stands now Atlantic Highlands was the
identical spot where Hudson landed in 1609, and by a map
found by William A. DePeyster, of New York, in 1804,
among old papers belonging to bis grandfather, Abraham
DePeyster, shows the direct cruise taken by Captain Ells-
worth and his little party of twenty, from Gravesend to the
Jersey shore, in 1663, by the first settlers, and it is not very
probable that they would go back into the interior, which
in those days was all woods, and settle. But we quote
18 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

•POR.TLAND •••POYNT•
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 19

Ellis's History (page 541) "On the 15th of December,


1667, fifteen days before the Middletown lots were laid out,
ten lots had been laid off at Portland Poynt, a record of
which is found in Book A of Deeds at Freehold." It reads:-
"The lotts on Portland Poynt being ten, one layd out
and one in breadth, twenty yards (sixty feet) each Iott, and
run up from the bank into the woods upon a strait line W. &
N. with Qornar as the land is good, about 60 to 70 poles the
further west Iott on the south side, No. 1, John Thornberry,
No. 2, James Bowne, No. 3, Richard Richardson. The lotts
on the north side of the Swamp or Valley, No. 4, Randell
Huelt, Sr., No. 5, Henry Pizsey, No. 6. John Bowne, No. 7,
Randell Huelt, Jr., No. 8, William Bowne, No. 9, William
Shakeley."
The Swamp and Valley here indicated were evidently
the meadows over which the railroad is now laid and the
lots were on the slope of the hill that forms the we..terly
side of the Highlands of Navesink, and ran down to the
Many Mind Creek. The document from which the above is a
copy goes on and says:- "That owing to the small amount
of land in each lot they could further enlarge if lands t:ere
found fit for planting."
It was in this locality that the First Assembly was held.
See the "Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society,
Second Series, Volume 3, 1872-1874." Paper read, May 16,
1872, by Honorable Joel Parker, Governor of New Jersey.
See Note 3, Page 43, which reads as follows; "The proceed-
ings of the General Assembly that convened at Portland
Point, is preserved in one of the old books in the Monmouth
County Clerk's office." The record of the first meeting opens
thus: "At a General Assembly the 12th of December, 1667.
Officers chosen by the inhabitants of Middletown on Newa-
sunk Neck and established by oath at this present Assembly
or Court held this day and year above written.
Officers for lliliddletown;
Constable-Richard Gibbons.
Overseen---.Jonatban Bulms, William Lawrence.
Deputies--Shem Arnold, James Ashtou.
For Portland Point:
He1117 Perey, Richard Richardson, James Bowne.
Officers for Shrewsbury on Narumsink: ·
Constable-Peter Parker.
Overseen and Deputi-Edward Pattenon, Eliakim Wardell,
Barth West.
The courts and assembly were held in the members•
homes, as there is on record the facts that they met in the
house of Richard Richardson, who occupied lot No. 3, and
at the house of Randall Huett, Sr., on lot No. 4.
20 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Randall Huett, Sr. owned considerable property, as


upon his death in 1669, his widow, :Margaret, became the
wife of one Bernard Smith in 1673, and on that date ap.
peared before Justice John Bowne and consented to the sale
of her land. The Huett lands were purchased under the
Monmouth Patent, except the lot No. 4, which in the bill of
sale is denominated as the "Gift Land." Richardson also
owned a tract of land which was in part that which forms
the southerly portion of the Borough of Atlantic Highlands
and part of Navesink.
It is not known how many houses were erected at Port-
land Poynt, but during the past fifty years old foundations
have been unearthed in several places in the vicinity of
Atlantic Highlands.
It was not until December 30th, 1667, that the first lots
were laid out at Middletown, which were thirty-six in num-
ber.
Portland Poynt was evidently laid out in divisions, and
to show conclusively that Atlantic Highlands formed the
first section, we find the following act passed by the Assem-
bly at Portland Poynt in 1667, and now on file in the County
Clerk's office of Monmouth County.
"That the inhabitants of Portland Poynt, by virtue of
this act, have full power and liberty to take up their lots
of land on the second division at or near a small creek with-
in the limits of this town, called Many Mind Springs. That
if there be not enousrh to accommodate all the inhabitants,
th"ey shall have the liberty to take up what shares he or they
may need as far as the Shrewsbury River."
Page 203, Sallin and Beekman. "Many Mind Springs
took its name from a party of early settlers, who quartered
a few days near the spring, endeavoring to select a site for
building. Being of many minds, they gave that name to the
spring, which overflowed and formed a creek that ran along
the meadows and emptied into the bay. It is still in ex-
istence."
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 21

CHAPTER VII.
ENACTMENTS OF EARLY ASSEMBLIES.

There is on file in the C'>unty Clerk's office of Mon-


mouth quite a number of books used in the early period of
the three towns, Shrewsbury, Middletown and Portland
Poynt, copies of which have been compiled by Salter and
Beekman in book form, and published by Major James S.
Yard, of the "Monmouth Democrat" at Freehold. A num-
ber of enactments passed by the Assembly that held its ses-
sions at Portland Poynt will no doubt be read with interest.
"General Assembly, November, 1668, held at Portland
Poynt. Be it ordered that in consideration of the inconven-
iences that do arise for the want of an Ordinary in every
town within this province, be it ordered that every town
shall provide an Ordinary for the relief and entertainment
of strangers: Provided, that the Ordinary shall have a
license from our Secretary and oblige himself to make suf-
ficient provision of meat, drink and lodging for strangers,
and for neglect hereof in any of the towns, they shall for-
feit forty shillings fine to the country for every month, de-
fault after publication hereof, and that none shall retail
drink ot what sort soever, under the quantity of two gal-
lons. except the Ordinary Keeper, and no person whatso-
ever (as well the Ordinary Keeper as others) shall retail
auy sort of drink as aforesaid, under the quantity of two
gallons, under the penalty of paying ten shillings fine for
every such default to the country."
A similar ordinance was p~d the year previous, re-
specting the sale of liquor, which was as follows:
"General Assembly, October, 1667, at Portland Poynt.
No Ordinary Keeper shall by the gill sell exceeding the rate
of ten shillings and eight pence per gallon strong liquor.
If by the quart. two shillings and six pence. Good wine,
seven shillings the gallon. Cider, four pence a quart. Eight
pence a meal for victuals, six pence a day for pasture for
horse, and nine pence a peck for oats. The Oroinary to be
left at liberty for such as will bespeak their own provisions."
Although Portland Poynt was where the first sessions
of this legislative body convened and held sessions. it seems
that they occasionally met at Shrewsblll'Y and Middletown.
At one of the sessions held at Shrewsblll'Y, December 14th,
1667, it was declared=-
22 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

"That every person who has the right to debate and


determine off things pertaining to the orderly settling of the
land may upon all meet occasions exercise liberty by way of
vote. That is to say, such men as shall be made choice of by
the general vote of the inhabitants with the proper number
of persons expressed in the charter or Grand Patent and
have full power and charge to make all public laws and
orders, authentique, or the major part of them so chosen,
which privilege is granted only to the number of purchasers.
The townsmen chosen inhabitant holders of shares of land,
one hereby restricted and confined to their own town affairs
according to the second position. It is ordered therefore
that three men out of each town, that is to say, two of them
to be surveyors, shall in the first place take a full view of
such neck of land commonly called Newasunk and Navar-
umsunk and to give report of the same to the best of their
judgment and observation, as to the quantity of upland and
lllleadow, that so fair and equal division may proceed,
-whereby the lymits of each Town might be appointed and
;set down with all convenient expedition. That is to say,
·-between this l!nd the first of February; and that good obser-
-vation as well as quality as of quantity may be given in, see
-each neck might be people in such proportion as should be
"thought most fair and equal."
The following law was passed relating to settlers:
"At a General Assembly of the settlers held at Port-
land Poynt (the Highlands), on the 4th of June, 1668, it
was ordered, upon full debate hereof, that no more persons
whatever, either purchasers or transients or others, shall
hereafter be admitted or taken in, there being in number
one hundred as near as at present can be found, or if it be
found there are not so many, yet notwithstanding no more
are to be from henceforth admitted as aforesaid."
Portland Poynt seemed to have been the site where
most all the important meetings were held outside the As-
sembly and Courts.
"On the 8th of July, 1670, the patentees met at Port-
land Poynt and voted to admit as associates a convenient
number of purchasers, who were the first and principal
in the purchase of the three necks, Newasunk, Navarum-
sunk and Portapecks, hereafter to have full interest, right
and claiqi in ye patent given and granted to ye patentees
by Richard Nichols, Esq., late. Governor. The Associates
chosen were William Bowne, Thomas Whitlock, John Nil-
son, John Ruckman, Walter Wall, John Smith, Richard
Richardson, John Horabin, James Bowne, Jonathan Holmes,
Christopher Allmy, Eliakim Wardell, Bartholmow West,
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 23

John Haunce, James Ashton, Edward Patterson, William


Shadduck, Thomas Winteron, Edward Tartt, Benjamin
Borden; May, 1672, Richard Lippincott and Nicholas
Bowne were added."
Here is an election held in Middletown of Deputies to
the Courts at Portland Poynt. See "The Town Book of Old
Middletown."
"May 25th, 1669, James Ashton, Jonathan Hulmes,
James Bowne, were this day by pluralities of votes chosen
deputies to act with the patentees at the General Court on
the adjournments thereof to be held at Portland Poynt,
27th of May.
Testis. Edward Tartt, Town Clerk."
The mode of marriage in the early days compelled
public notice to be made. This is the announcement made
by Justice of the Peace John Bowne.
"John Smith, after legal publication, and Mary, his
wife, were this day coupled together in marriage.
"John Bowne, Justice of Peace."
September 4th, 1680, ·Henry Nilson and John Bowne
(Flushing Quakers), complained of a fine imposed on them
for suffering their daughters to marry contrary to law.
Among the early Dutch settlers along the Bay were a
few large landowners, who had slaves. Edmund C. Sted-
man,. in a poem called "Alice of Monmouth," thus describes
one of these characters:
"Hendrick Ion Ghelt of Monmouth Shore,
His fame still rings the country o'er,
The stock be curried, the stallion he rode,
The fertile acres bis fannera aowed,
The dinnen he gave; the :,acbt which lay
At bis fishing dock in the lower bay.
The auit which be waged thro' many a year
For a rood of land behind his pier.
Of this the chronicles yet remain
From Navesink Heights to Freehold plain.
"The Shrewsbury people in autumn help
Their sand:, top land with marl and kelp,
And their _peach and appl,e orcbards fill
The gurgling vata of the crossroad milL
They tell us, each twirls his tavern-can,
Wonderful tales of that staunch old man.
Aa they bout of the draug'bt they have
tasted and smelt,
'Tis good u the ati1l of Hendrick Ion
Gbelt."
COPIES OF OLD DOCUIIENTS FOUND ON RECORD.
"Xnow all men by these prnenta, that I. William B'owne, of Kiddle-
town, in the County of Monmouth and the State of New Jene:,-, for and
in comideration of the aum of two hundred and fifty ($1250.00) Po'QDda,
emreut money of l&id It.ate, iD hand paid b:, Jolm Bowne of the - •
24 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

place, the receipt thereof ii hereb:r acknowledged, himself therewith


full:, atildied, contented and paid, bath granted, bargained, sold and
delivered, and b:, these presents do grant, bargain, sell and .hand over
to the aid John Bowne, Im heirs and usigna forever, one negro wench
named Phillis, four horses, eight cows, ten hogs, one wagon, plow·and
harrow with amadr:, other farming. utensils, alao two beds, one dozen
chain, with other houaehold and kitchen f'lll'llitnre. Given under my
seal this the 12th day of March, One Thoasand Six Hundred and Eight:,-
aeven.
Witness:
Charles Gordon.
Elisha Bowne. Wm. Bowne."
THE SALE OF THE PRESENT ATLANTIC mGHLANDS
IN 1696, BY JAMES BOWNE.
"Know all men by these presents, that I, James Bowne, of the
Count:, of Monmouth, in the Province of East New Jeney, America,
Yeoman. For divera good, just and reasonable, causes and conaidera-
tioua, do make unto John Bowne, to hold for me and m:r hein forever,
all m:, right, title and interest, to hold forever in his posse!ISion, his
heirs aud assigns, all my right, title and interest in lands lyinc i.l Middle-
town, free from all claims from John and James Bowne, Sr., may have
or ought to have, or John Bowne might have against m:, father, Jamos.
Bowne, bought from Richard Hartshorne, in Middletown, commencinc
. t the shoal of Mau:, Mind Spring, at a walnut tree marked and l"IDIDDllt
,by the meadows, twent:, chains to a large oak tree marked and atau~
1ng b:, • small brook. From thence l'UIIJling southerly all alone thirty
-chains to a white oak tree, marked on forward aide, atan~ at the
.£oot of the hill. from thence running east aouth east aixt:, chains, to
aro white oak trees marked, thence l'UIIJling north to a small brook
that puses James Bowne'a lands, bomided on the south by the hills.
west b:r John Joles, north b:r the dead lands, and east by the unsold
lauds, oontaining eight:, acres more or leas, belo~ to the mider-
aigned, for the said John Bowne, to hold the aid lands; all the houaea,
buildings, garden land, pasture, ao that none other person or persc,1111
eha1l b:r any means hereafter lay claim to aid premises or any part
tbenlc,f, the same to be held free from all action. In witness tlienof,
I, the said hmea Bowne, have fixed m:r hand and seal this Monday, the
fourth day of August, in the year of our Lord, One Thouaand Six Hun-
ched and Ninety-mx (1696), in the eighth year of the reign of our
Sovereign. Lord, William the Third, b:, the Grace of God, King of
England.
Swom and delivered in the presence of:
James Bollen.
Obadiah Bowne. James Bowne."
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 25

CHAPTER VIII.
MONKOUTH'S SHORE IN THE EARLY AND CIVIL WARS.

During the Revolutionary War this section of Mon-


mouth County was the scene of many instances of note.
During April, 1776, an English vessel came to anchor in the
lower bay, waiting a pilot to take her to the city. All pilots
in those days were quartered at the Hook-but lived where
now stands Atlantic Highlands--cropping in small boats.
The few pilots were ordered to render no facilities to ves-
sels having tea on board. It was suspected that the Eng-
lish vessel lying in tlie bay, and waiting a pilot, had tea on
board, so the first night she came to anchor a party put out
in a small boat from the main land, boarded the ship, and
threw the tea overboard, forcing the Captain to put to sea
under penalty of death.
On the 28th of November, 1776, thirty-eight Hessian
batallions of light infantry and artillery made their escape
in small l>oats from where now stands Atlantic Highlands,
and embarked on twenty English vessels lying in the bay,
and were taken to sea, finally running into the Delaware,
where they again entered the state.
During 1778, the English army being hotly pursued in
the interior of the county by the American troops, managed
to reach the Atlantic Highlands shores. Lord Howe lay.
becalmed in the bay with a large fleet of vessels; the Eng-
lish troops got word to Howe,· and in the darkness of the
night, boats were sent ashore, landing at the mouth of Many
Mind Creek, and the troops were successfully conveyed on
board the vessel before daylight and soon were en route
to New York City. A French fleet under one Deestaing,
came into port the following day to join the American
forces. Had she been one day earlier, they would have cap.
tured all of the flying army and Howe's fleet.
It seems that the people who lived along the bay in
those days suffered greatly from Tories and refugees. Port-
land Heights was their main rendezvous. Near where is
now Atlantic Highlands, they had what was called Refugee
Town, and among them were the worst villians and des-
peradoes that were in the country. They. were known as
the Red Pine Robbers. On one occasion one .Joseph Mur-
ray, was killed on the beach by being bayonetted for pre-
venting these ruffians Bllpplying an English vessel with
26 fROll INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

provisions. It was finally due to one ..Black Dave," as he


was called, that, under orders from Brigadier General
David Foreman, the robbers were put to flight. In the en-
counter, Foreman was shot twice and died in 1787. His
bones still lie in the Highlands where he was buried.
During the war of 1812, many troops were stationed
in Portland Heights and about where now is Atlantic High-
lands. Among some of the regiments were the Ten Eyck
Rifles, Captain Williams of Trenton; Ten Eyck Rifles, Lieu-
tenant James Ten Eyck commanding, of Middletown; Jer-
sey Blues, of Trenton; Orange Rifles, Plumb's Artillery, of
Newark, and David Rifles, c,f Bloomfield. They were all
under Brigadier General Ludlow.
One of the victories achieved in ·this locality by the
people was on the night of July 4th, 1813. A party in dis-
guise left the creek (Many Mind), in a fishing smack, board-
ed the sloop "Eagle," a tender to the British Man-of-War
..Pictier," which carried one gun and a crew of eleven,
under command of a young midshipman, captured the
whole party and sent them prisoners to New York. Two
persons' names appear as having enlisted in this section in
the War of 1812-John Thompson and Samuel Van
Schanck.
The people of this section were also represented in the
Mexican War-W. S. Truex and William Osborne, having
enlisted and left on the Brig G. B. Layman, April, 1847, and
lancied at Brazo, Santiago.
This section of Middletown took an active.part in the
Civil War; among those who enlisted were:
Charlie Lafbllrl'Ow Hendrick IL Smith
John L. Applegate William M. Smith
Josephs. Swan . Frederick Snyder
Robert IL Lewis Peter G. StonelllllD
Eliu Atwater John B. Swan
Katthew Br.own James G. Taylor
Tbo- Card Horatio Tilton
Richard Carhart Edgar P. Welch
Thoma Carhart Peter Vialliero
Joeeph A. Chatteir Edward Bowne
Hamson Inrin Edward T. Burdge
Edward Johnson J~pll llarb
Robert JohmoJl John E. Tmm
John Kipp Benjamin F. Udell
Edwin P. I.Qton Jacol, Wagner
GeoneW.Jlarb John C. Jolount
Daviif)(atthe,n John :Reemey
Charles A. Parker Joseph Eldridge
Lewis ll. Parirer Albert Havens
lrlriD C. Sehmeman Webster Swan
Geora:e B. Dam. Uriah swan·
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 27

John Ericbon Charlie lit. Woodward


Thomas Morris William Boeckel
Morton La:,ton WiJ]iam P. Smith
Patrick Garvey George W. Lewis

The following poem was written nearly one hundred


years ago, by the "Poet of the Revolution," Philip Freneau,
who was a citizen of Monmouth:
filGHLANDS OF NAVESINK.
"These bills, the pride of all the coast,
To mighty distance seen,
With aspect bold and rugged brow,
That shade the neighboring main;
Tbese heights for solitude designed,
This rude resounding shore,
Tbese vales impervious. to the wind,
Tall oaks that to the tempest bend,
Half Druid I adore.
"From distant lands a thousand sails
Your hazy summits greet;
You saw the angry Briton come,
You saw his last retreat.
With towering crest you first appeared,
The news of land to tell,
To him that comes fresh joys impart,
To him that goes a heavy heart,
The lover's long farewell.
" 'Tis yours to see the sailor bold
Of perservering mind,
To see him rove in search of joy
And lenve true bliss behind;
To sec him spread his flowing sails
To trace a tiresome road,
By wintry seas and tempests cbas'd,
To see him o'er the ocean baste,
A comfortless abode.
"Your thousand springs of waters blue,
What luxury to sip,
As from the mountain's breast they flow,
To moisten Flora's lip!
In vast retirements herd the deer,
Where :£orests round them rise;
Dark groves, their tops in others lost,
That, haunted still by Ruddy's• ghost,
The trembling rustic flies.
"Proud befirhtal with pain so often aeen,
(With jo:, beheld once more),
On your firm base I take my stand,
Tenacious of tbe shore.
Let thoae who pant for wealth or fame
Pmsue tbe -ter7 road.
Soft llee_p and - - . blat da,a and mchtl.
..ADd laealtb attend tboN fa'l'Orite btdcldl,
Betlnmezat'a blelt abocl91"
28 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

1•The "Huddy" referred to in the poem wu Captain Joshua (Jack)


Huddy of Rev.olutionary times. a true patriot, who aufrered death for
ma co1D1tr)"s good. after a valiant defence at the storming of a block-
house in Tom's River in 178L He was h-.mg on what was known u the
"bus-wood tree," at the Highlands near the south shore of Sandy Hook
Bay, and about a half mile east of the world-renowned watering place of
olden times., called "The Spout," where vesaels procured water of an
extra quality for their sea voyages.)
The above poem was found in a diary, kept by Miss
Antoinette Runyon, now deceased, sister of Hrs. Thomas
H. Leonard. Hiss Runyon kept a daily diary for forty
years, which was often referred to, in compiling this work.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RA1L 29

CHAPTER IX.

ADVANCEMENT HADE IN CIVILIZATION


HISTORY OF SANDY HOOK

Ages have passed since the name of Portland Poynt


was first uttered in connection with this locality, which, as
previously stated, was one of the first three settlements
made in New Jersey. They were located as follows:-
Shrewsbury, south of the Navesink River, of which Shrews-
bury town, Eatontown and Red Bank formed a part of the
territory; Middletown settlement, which comprised the pre-
sent Middletown village and surrounding country; Portland
Poynt, from, and including, the shore to Keansburg and
Union, to the ocean, and from Raritan and Sandy Hook Bays
to Navesink River.
The inhabitants of Portland Poynt, from its early set-
tlement by the white man, to the time that it became a
suburb of the neighboring city, were composed of two gen-
eral classes, watermen and truck farmers, in about equal
proportion. The watermen obtained their livelihood by
fishing, sailing packets to the New York market with the
farmers' produce, and clamming, which they did at low
tides on the flats up to about 1863, when it was discovered
accidently by an old waterman named George Eldridge
(who bad retired from his old occupation of whaler and
lived on his little homestead at a place called "The Speut"
in the Highlands, on the south shore of Sandy Hook Bay)
that hard clams grew entirely over the surface of the bed
of the bay. He kept the information a secret by working
nights for a short time. When it became known, it pro-
duced a great stir among his fellow watermen, extended
even to the farmers, and many left their farms to engage in
the new found occupation of dredging on the hard and mud
bottom of the bay, where they could make from one to two
dollars an hour in still weather. The excitement wss so
great that it called many dredgers from New York State,
which was contrary to law, and many a crew of Jersey
watermen put off from our shore to drive away the intrud-
ers, which resulted in several instances in capturing and
confiscating the vessels and property of their owners. Thia
often produced exciting conflicts. and at one time the ah¢1I
of the county, Joseph I. Thompson, was called upon to de-
-30 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

·fend the rights and property of his constituents and sustain


·the laws of the state, which he did with.honor to himself.
The farmers were composed of hard-working, self-
sacrificing people, who were almost entirely shut off from
·the outside world (not being on a line between two business
--centers) except by sailing packets that ran from the public
.landings on the bay shore, located at Applegate's, near the
big meadows, Walling's at the foot of Avenue D, and
Brown's Landing at the foot of First avenue. Later on,
small flat-bottom steamers plied from Red Bank to New
York, stopping at Brown's, Mount's, and Highland Docks
on the south and east boundary, and the Port Monmouth
Steamboat Company's steamer "Eagle", followed by the
Raritan and Delaware Railroad steamers, with its terminal
at Port Monmouth on the west, gave them an opportunity
that was not enjoyed by the earlier settlers. They only
thought of visiting the city after packing their excursion
baskets with enough provisions for a day and a night, and
after running the guantlet of seasickness and other incon-
veniences on board the said vessels.
The territory was taken up by many true and sound-
principled tillers of the soil. The Highlands of Navesink
and vicinity by such old, established families as the Harts.
homes, Schencks, Woodwards, Hoopers, Joneses, Swans,
Thompsons, Sears; the Chapel Hill range by the Lufbur-
rows, Johnsons, Browns, McCleeses, Burdges, Davises,
Sickles, Andrews, Reeds, Allens, Winters, McClanes,
Bownes, Stillwells, Hoppings, Frosts, and on the more level
lands adjoining the bay, such expert fruit, asparagus, melon
and berry growers as the Applegates, Bownes, Burdges,
Thompsons, Roberts, Conovers, Taylors, Morfords, Griggs,
Hendricksons, Pattersons, Stouts, Wests, Leonards, and
others just as worthy of mention.
The public institutions consisted of eight churches, one
Reformed Dutch, one Episcopal, two Methodist, two Roman
Catholic and two Baptists, and seven district schools, as fol-
lows: one at Chapel Hill, one at Leonardville, one at Brown's
Dock, one -at Navesink and one at the Highlands, one at
Port Monmouth and one at Belford. As a rule, their spirit-
ual- and intellectual development was perfected at home,
with the exception of a few, who went abroad to acquire a
more extensive education. .
Portland Poynt, like all other inhabited territories.- the
better to· provide for the .:onveniencea.- wanta and necee-
alties 41! m iahabitaat&, naturally acquired- it8- buaiaeaa cen-
~ wll:ielt We;re-lffen in-ll-ber; located• folloWli:. Cha~
el BBi, LecntarclviDe, Naveiiak, Pott •oamc,ath, Belford,
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil. 31

New Monmouth and the Highlands. We will now take


them up. individually. and give them with their history. in-
cluding in each all the territory that custom has established.
and. collectively. to include all the territory in Portland
Poynt. up to the time of the organization of the Borough of
Atlantic Highlands. when all individual boundary will be
put aside. as the interest of all the residents. properties from
Port Monmouth to the ocean, are so identical and mutual.
that an attempt to divide the territory would be unneces-
sary. With our faith of ultimate future of our municipal
government between bay and ocean, we will establish in
this work a brotherhood of united interests from the time
named. To prove that the author of this w:ork is not alone
of this opinion. we quote from the "Press.. of Atlantic High-
lands, January, 1895.
ONE GREAT MUNICIPALITY
"The growth of the various villages of the township
and the rapid opening of property in all parts for summer
residence convinces observing people that the entire penin-
sula between the river and bay will ultimately be incorp-
orated into one grand municipality with Atlantic Highlands.
"The prevalent confidence in the speedy and general
developttJ.ent of the township into a summer city is attested
by frequent investments in unexpected quarters by shrewd
capitalists. For an unfortunate investment seems impos-
sible anywhere in the path of progress so comprehensive
and inevitable. Atlantic Highlands is extending very rap-
idly westward. southward and eastward. Farther away
also, the sound of hammer is heard building residences
along the Shrewsbury River. at Locust Point, along the bay
at the various villages, across the Highlands, as rows of
cottages are rising to meet the extending streets of the cen-
tral town. Atlantic Highlands.'•
The following articles include many of the memoirs
of the· oldest inhabitants, including Thomas Leonard. Ed-
ward Hooper, Captain John H. Skidmore, Franklin Patter-
son and others.
32 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil,

HISTORY OF SANDY HOOK


SENTINEL WHICH GUARDS NEW YORK HARBOR HAS ITS
STORIES OF VALOR AND MISERY
The Property Was Purchased by the National Government in 1816 from
the Heirs of Richard Hartshorne, to Whom it Had Been Granted
by the King of England-It Has Been the Scene of Many Incidents
Bearing on the History of Our Country.
Sandy Hook, that solitary outpost by the sounding sea
which stands guard at the entrance to New York harbor,
has its stories to tell of human valor and of human misery.
In its physical aspects it is not without much that is in-
teresting and attractive. On the one side spreads the sheen
and sparkle of the glistening bay, whose low murmuring
waves lap its yellow strand, while seaward its dunes and
beaches offer the first barrier to Atlantic billows that have
sw,ept westward for over three thousand miles. Between
are hummocks and swales of drifting sand, mostly covered
:with a maze and tangle of sombre cedars and other ever-
green trees, twisted, bent and scarified by many a weary
gale. The entire Hook, which is a little less than :five miles
long anu from one-quarter to one mile in width, was pur-
chased by the National Government in 1816 from the heirs
of Richard Hartshorne, to whom it had been granted by the
Crown over 100 years before. With the exception of the
few dwellings clustering about the lighthouses and the
station for the testing of ordnance at its northern extremity,
and with the exception of the southern portion used for the
railway terminus, it is an unhabited waste of desolate sol-
itude, where the winds sadly sough through the dense un-
dergrowth, and where the silence is unbroken save by the
wailing of the surge, the cry of the sea-fowl, and the hum
of the Jersey mosquito.
It is Young who says that there is no spot on earth but
has supplied a grave. The first European to lie down under
these sterile hummocks, to await resurrection was John
Coleman. He was one of the twenty men forming the com-
pany of the little Dutch vlieboat, the Half Moon, which
dropped anchor in the Horseshoe on the third of September,
1609. All historians agree in naming this as the date on
which New Jersey's soil was first pressed by feet other than
those of the stealthy savage. On that day Henry Hudson
sent some men from his small vessel to the Monmouth shore
to discover what manner of people were the natives, and
whether they were kindly disposed. When the Half Moon
again crossed the bar, her sails spreading for the homeward
voyage, she left one of her company lying at the foot of a
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 33

grim pine on Sandy Hook, filling the first white man's grave
in New Jersey. John Coleman, with four shipmates, on the
6th of September, explored the harbor in a small boat. Pen-
etrating "two leagues to an open sea" (Newark Bay), he
reported that the bordering lands ''were as pleasant with
Grasse and flowers and goodly trees as any they had seen,
and very sweet smells came from them." While returning,
the fateful arrow of a treacherous red man ended Cole-
man's voyaging for this world; and now, after nearly three
centuries, in calm the sea still sings a lullaby, and in storm,
a majestic requiem, to the lonely sleeper of this pioneer
grave.
Bu• he did not long occupy alone his sandy and se-
cluded bed. Ships in numbers soon came sailing over the
watery waste to visit this "goodly land," and from then till
now the ribs of many a stout craft have been battered to
fragments on the outer bar of this narrow promontory. The
first shipwreck known to have occurred at this point was
as early as 1620, and connected with the stranding of the
vessel, there has come down to us an account of a most re-
markable instance of the preservation of human life. On
board was a young ~oman from Holland by the name of
Penelope Van Princes, at least such was her maiden name,
that of her husband, who accompanied her, not being
known. Those of the ship's company who reached the
shore in safety made their way on foot to New Amsterdam
(New York). Penelope's husband, being badly injured,
was unable to undertake the journey; consequently she re-
mained with him in the woods on Sandy Hook. Soon after
the departure of their shipmates they were attacked by
Indians, who left them for dead. The husband was indeed
so, but the wife, though fearfully injured, revived. Her
skull was fractured, and her left shoulder so cut and hacked
that she never after had the use of that arm. He" abdomen
had been laid open with a knife so that the bowels protrud-
ed, and were only kept in :place by her hands. Yet. in this
deplorJlble condition, she lived for several days, in a hol-
low tree, sustaining life by eating bark, leaves and gum.
At the end of a week Penelope was discovered by two In-
dians-who· were chasing a deer. One of them, an old man,
treated her with great kindness, conveying her to his wig-
wam, where he dressed her wounds, and finally, when suf-
ficiently recovered, took her to New Amsterdam, where she
was welcome·d by her Dutch friends as one from the dead •
Sometime after, when in her twenty-second year, Penelope·
married John Stout, a man of about forty. This remark-
able woman was the ancestress of the very large and im-
34 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

portant family of Stouts in New Jersey, and her history, you


may be sure, is often told by her posterity. She survived
her marriage eighty-eight years, attaining the extraordinary
age of one hundred and ten, and leaving at her death five
hundred and two living descendants.
The grave is a leveller of all distinctions. The great
and the small, the rich and the poor, the nobly and the low-
ly born, all await together on Sandy Hook the sounding of
the last trumpet. Many a poor sailor lad, after spending
dreary days staggering over the hissing waters on a tempest-
driven hull, has at last been flung lifeless on these inhos-
pitable brown sea-sands, from the boiling foam of a mad-
dened surf. Here, in solemn mockery of human grandeur,
in com_pany with such humble sailor dead, lies at least one
scion of English nobility. In the beginning of this century,
Catharine, Countess Dowager of Morton, had a costly mon-
ument erected about one mile south of the lighthouse on the
inner shore of the Hook. It marked the burial spot of First
Lieutenant, the Honorable Hamilton Douglass Haliburton,
son of Shoto Charles, Earl of Morton, and heir of the an-
cient family of Haliburton of Pitcurr, in Scotland. In the
same grave were the bodies of James Champion, Lieuten-
ant of Marines, and of twelve "young gentlemen" (mid-
shipmen). These fourteen Englishmen, who perished to-
gether, were attached to the British man-of-war Assistance,
which was cruising at the entrance to the harbor in Decem-
ber, 1783. They were sent ashore at the Hook on the last
day of the year to search for some deserters. Losing their
way in the woods, they were overwhelmed by a violent snow
storm and found by a searching party frozen to death. Lieu-
ten1.>nt Haliburton is said to have been a youth of many
attainments, and although possessed of an ample fortune,
was faithful and enthusiastic in the profession he had chos-
en, and a brilliant future had been prophesied for him by
his brothers of the navy. About the year of 1808 a French
war vessel that was lying on and off the coast landed some
men who barbarously destroyed this monument; so com-
plete was this destruction that few, if any, traces of it now
exist.
Among the· interments at the Hook, the records of
whiea have been preserved, are thoae of . Captain lames
Swain of Cape May, who with..laia aom. William and .Jatae8,
aa thr.ee other men were wrecked. and- drowned.on• cold
Ja-JlllaU day in _1888-.;.of· Thomaa Kent,; .a.staffordallil!e.Bq-
Jic::mnr,, wllo. in .._, ,•.1828.. died,.aadddly. wben.. ~
tlle bar, oa the lhip New York, in. which, with his family, &e
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 86

had taken passage for home. But the list is too long to be
continued here.
We will dismiss the subject of Sandy Hook as a cem-
etery with the mention of the burial of Master's Mate Mor-
ris of the sloop Eagle, a tender to the British seventy-four-
gun ship Poictiers, which was cruising off the Hook in the
year of 1818. His death is associated with a brilliant affair
conceived by Commander Lewis of the United States Navy,
and carried out by Sailing-Master Percival. He borrowed
from some fishermen the smack Yankee, and placing thirty
well-armed men in her hold, left three on deck dressed in
fishermen's garb. Percival then sailed outside, as if bound
for the banks; on nearing the Eagle he lay boldly along-
side, when, at a signal, his men rushed from below and
poured !!uch a volley of musketry on the deck of the enemy
as to strike her crew with dismay, and to drive them all
precipitately into the hold of the vessel. They did not even
have time to fire their thirty-two-pound brass howitzer,
which was loaded with canister. The exultant Americans
quickly took possession of the sloop, making prisoners of
her crew. She was manned by Master's Mate Morris, who
was killed, Midshipman Price, who was fatally wounded,
and eleven seaman and marines, one of the latter being
killed. Mr. Morris and the marine were buried at Sandy
Hook, after which the prize was conveyed to New York,
where a few days later, Mr. Price died, and was interred
with military honors in St. Paul's churchyard.
The New York Post Boy of the 21st of June, 1764,
states that "on Monday evening last, the 18th instant, the
New York lighthouse, erected at Sandy Hook, was lighted
for the first time." This building, which was built of wood,
octagonal in form, and 103 feet high, was probably one of
the earliest beacons on the American coast. The national
archives preserve no record of lighthouses that were erect-
ed previous to 1789, the year of the adoption of the Consti-
tution. Before that time the establishing of shore lights.
had been within the province of the different States. The
twin lighthouses that surmount the wooded heights of the
Highlands, and which so many voyagers on outward-bound
vessels cannot refrain from sadly watching as they drop
further and further astern, were erected during the ad-
ministration of John Quincy Adams. In 1776, when the
British fleet was daily expected on the coast, Captain John
Conover of Monmouth County was ordered to and did
destroy the lamp of the Sandy Hook light, that it might
not aid the enemy's vessels in making harbor. He was af-
terwards taken prisoner; and came so near being han,ed
36 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

on the yard-arm of a British ship that the noose was pre-


pared for his neck. Though not strung up, he suffered-
what in those days was almost death-incarceration in one
of the New York sugarhouses. Subsequently he was pa-
roled and confined to certain limits on Long Island. There
the god of. love smiled more propitiously upon the young
infantry captain than had the god of war. He fell in love
with and married in May, 1780, Rachel, the daughter of
Tunis Bergen, with whom he lived happily for nearly half
.a century.
The smashing of this lighthouse lamp is not the only
revolutionary incident connected with Sandy Hook. Like
every other portion of New Jersey, it was more than once
called upon to play an important role in the drama of those
troubled times. On the second of July, 1778, its repose and
.silence were suddenly disturbed by the din of war. The
.seagulls and fishhawks, startled by the unusual sound of
beat of drums and blare of trumpet, deserted their accus-
tomed ·haunts, and with loud screams sailed away over the
bay to the mainland. On that day Sir Henry Clinton's
.army, exhausted by the exploits and discomfitures of the
hot field of Monmouth, came pouring across the Shrewsbury
.River on a pontoon bridge which he had been two days in
bwlding. This sandy neck was at once alive with troops
.and all the paraphernalia of a great body of soldiers. Amid
the dark green of the thickets and underbrush were to be
seen the varied colors of scarlet, blue, and other uniforms,
the sheen of burnished arms, and the glint of gold, silver
and steel.
It was an eventful diLy, presenting for the Hook a spec-
tacle of military pageantry unequalled before or since.
Squads of cavalry, infantry and artillery were everywhere.
Massed on the shore and at points where the open spaces in
the woods were most frequent, were red ranks of British
grenadiers; tartaned Scots, with flowing skirts, fierce look-
ing German yagers; and white wigged Hessians with long
.skirted blue coats, yellow short clothes, and a towering brass-
fronted cap. No wonder that while en route from Philadel-
phia to the ,!ea many of these awciliaries had died from heat
and exhaustion; for even in cool weather they must needs
have had stout legs and broad backs to support the weight
,of equipment they were forced to carry when in full march-
.ing order.
The most picturesquely uniformed of this British army
were the light dragoons. They were clad in rich scarlet
coats and bright buff buckskin breeches; and mounted on
"fine horses, sixteen hands high, tb:eir dashing appearance
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 37

was heightened by polished brass helmets. from which


<:hestnut hair flowed to the shoulders. On this busy day
the whole length of the Hook was alive with the clank of
arms and the swing of sabre. Along the beach of the inner
bay. extending for several miles, were long lines of baggage
and artillery trains; interspersed among them were ambu-
lances and country wagons containing that sad contingent
to all victorious or deieated armies, the ;vounded.
But this phenomenal spectacle was not confined to the
land. The Horseshoe presented a maritime scene that in
these prosaic days of peace would seem more than brilliant.
Anchored on its surface were hundreds of transports, guard-
ell by innumerable men-of-war flying the Royal Cross of St.
George. Passing and repassing between them and the shore
were great numbers of galleys, batteaux, and small boats.
manned by British tars, busY in transp<'rting to the ships
the troops, baggage, artillery, tents. and stores of a great
army. When the embarkation was completed, the fleet
weighed anchor and set sail for New York City. Thus end-
ed a nearly two years' endeavor of a thoroughly equipped
British force to subdue the Americans. But Washington's
undisciplined troops had been enabled--entirely owing to
superior generalship--to defeat every effort made by the
enemy to destroy the Continental army. The object for
which the British were contending was not one whit further
advanced than when, on the 18th of November, 1776, Corn-
wallis crossed the Hudson and entered New Jersey by scal-
ing the precipitous heights of the Palisades, back of Closter.
When General Clinton occupied Sandy Hook it was an
island. The sea had that year forced its way. through the
narrow strip of coast near the present location of the Hotel
Shrewsbury, and all vessels entered the river through that
inlet. Had the General reached the Hook a year later he
would have found the construction of a pontoon bridge un-
necessary, as, after the opening of this new inlet, the sand
formed a bar where the Shrewsbury enters the bay, which
at an ordinary low tide was completely dry. In the year
1800 the coast strip again asserted itself and closed the in-
let. The river made a break in the sandbar at its mouth, so
that again there was passage for vessels along the base of
the Highlands from Raritan Bay. The Hook remained a
promontory until 1830, when the sea for the second time
forced open Shrewsbury inlet. and for several years--prob-
ably five-the promontory was again an island. During
the trme of this last opening it is said that. at certain stages
of the tide, the waters rushed through the inlet with great
velocity and a loud roar.
38 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Of all the unhappy Revolutionary chapters contributed


by Monmouth County, none are more sad and dismal than
the one narrating the tragic death of Captain Joshua Hud-
dy, who was hanged by refugee Jerseymen at Gravelly
Point, about one mile north of the Highland lighthouse,
and opposite the southerly portion of the Hook. Huddy,
who was an active patriot, commanded a battery of artil-
lery of State troops, which had been organized by an act
of the New Jersey Legislature on the 24th of September,
1777, and stationed in Monmouth County. The Captain
was especially ";gilant in suppressing the incendiary acts
of Tories and refugees, of whom there were many in :Mon-
mouth. The ferocity exhibited during the war by the Tories
against their fellow-country, and often against neighbors,
was inhuman to a degree that, in these days of peace and
amity, it is difficult to comprehend.
The terror that Huddy inspired among these people
was such as to make him a marked man, and the object of
their vengeance whenever an opportunity presented itself.
In the summer of 1780, while in his house at Colt's Neck,
five miles from Freehold, he was attacked by sixty men,
headed by Colonel Tye, a mulatto, who generally roamed
the country with a mongrel crew of negroes and Tories.
With the exception of a colored servant girl, about twenty
years old, Huddy was alone in the house, but fortunately
be bad a number of muskets belonging to members of bis
guard who were absent. Together these two made a brave
defense; the girl loaded while he rapidly fired from differ-
ent windows, giving the impression of there being a strong
force inside. Several of their assailants were wounded, in-
cluding their leader, who subsequently died. Finally the
house was set on fire, and the Captain agreed to surrender
provided the enemy would suppress the flames. Tye's men
were greately exasperated, on entering, at finding so few
defenders. As the militia was now collecting, they hurried-
ly put out the fire and carried Huddy off to their boats at
Black Point on the Navesink River. The troops, which were
in close pursuit, appeared on the bank soon after the refu-
gees had shoved from the shore. A lively fusillade ensued,
during which Huddy sprang into the river and swam bold-
ly to his friends, though reaching them with a bullet in
his thigh.
In the spring of 1782 Captain Huddy commanded
twenty-five men who were garrisoning a rude fort or block-
house which stood just north of the bridge at the village of
Toms River, in Ocean County. This fort was attacked by
150 o~ the enemy, largely composed of refugee loyaliata.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 39

A gallant defense was made with swivels, muskets, and


pikes, ·but the blockhouse was finally carried by assault
after the garrison had exhausted its ammunition, one-third
of the men being killed. The brave commander was con-
veyed to New York, and subsequently to Sandy Hook, where
be was confined, heavily ironed in the bold of a guard ship.
Six days after Huddy was taken, a refugee named White,
a Shrewsbury carpenter, was captured by a party of county
lighthorse. He was placed in charge of three men, the
father of one of whom bad been murdered the year before
by some loyalists, White being of the party. The wheel of
fortune had made an unhappy revolution for this Shrews-
bury carpenter. When bis guard was relieved he was
found dead, the explanation being given that he bad been
shot while endeavoring to escape. There is no doubt, bow-
-ever, that a son had cruelly avenged the murder of a father.
Though this occurred after the capture of Huddy, the refu-
gee, eager for a pretence whereby bis death could be en-
compassed, charged him with being privy to the killing of
White. Without listening to a defense, or even going
through the form of a trial, poor Huddy was hurried to
Gravelly Point by a band of sixteen loyalists under one Cap-
tain Lippincott, and there barbarously banged on a gallows
hastily formed of three fence-rails and a flour barrel. It is
said that he died with extraordinary firmness, and that with
a serene mind and a steady hand he drew up his will on the
head of the barrel, from which a few moments later be was
forced to spring into eternity. His murderers left a label
affixed to his breast upon which was written an attempted
justification of their act, ending with: "Up goes Huddy for
Philip White."
The death of this American militia captain disturbed
two European courts, and agitated the society of London
and Paris. Washington resolved on retaliation and among
the British officers in the hands of the Americans, one of
equal rank was chosen by lot to answer for the murder.
The choice fell upon one Captain Asgill, a youth possessing
many graces of mind and person, and of high connections
in England. Sir Henry Clinton was notified that unless Lip-
pincott was given up the young English Captain must suf-
fer an ignominous death. The sympathies of America
and Europe were aroused in behalf of Asgill, who was but
little more than a boy. Sir Guy Carleton, who at this time
succeeded Clinton in the command of the British Army,
successfully appealed to Washington for delay. Later he
submitted the result of a court martial, whereby Lippincott
had been exonerated, on the ground that William Franklin,
40 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

ex-Colonial Govei:nor of New Jersey, and the then Presi-


dent of the Board of Associated Loyalists, had given verbal
orders for the execution of Huddy because, as it was
claimed, he had been a persecutor of the King's faithful
subjects in New Jersey. Sir Guy, who was a man of broad
views and great humanity, broke up this Board of Loyalists,
and in a communication to Washington declared that "not-
withstanding the acquittal of Lippincott, he reprobated the
measure, and gave assurances of prosecuting a further in-
quiry."
Meanwhile the Commander-in-Chief and Congress were
beseiged with communications and memorials praying that
the life of the proposed victim might be spared. Among
them was a letter 1'1-om the British officer's mother, plead-
ing as_only a mother could plead, that mercy might super:
sede the necessity for retaliation. Finally the s:vmpathies
and good offices of our country's valued allies, the French,
were enlisted, and Count de Vergennes representing the
Court of France, made a strong appeal to Congress. This, to-
gether with the prospect of a speedy peace, rendering the
motive for retaliation as a preventive of murder unnecessary,
decided Congress to direct that Captain Asgill should be set
at hl>erty. And thus, happily, historians. in writing of the
closing year of the Revolution, have not been forced to de-
vote a chapter to the recital of the distressing details of a
final blood reprisal.
Plainfield, N. J. ANDREW D. MELICK, Jr.
The above article appeared in the Red B:nk Re~ter in the lntter
put of the year, 1911.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 41

SANDY HOOK
HISTORICAL SKETCHES AND RElrlINISCENCES
BY FRANKL!...._ PATTERSON, 1890.

Few spots in New Jersey more deeply impress those


who admire the primitive and the picturesque than does
Sandy Hook; with its ancient forest, its silvery sand, its
"traditional" hidden wealth and its unwritten history of
numberless shipwrecks and disasters.
White sand and cedars· cedars, sand;
Lighthouses here and there; a strand
Strewn o'er with drift-wood, tangled weeds;
A squad of fish-hawks poised above
The nets, their prey anxiously watch;
Flame flowering cactus; winged seeds,
That on a sea of snnshine lie
Unfanned, save by some butterfly;
A sun now reddening towards the West;
And under and through all one hears
That mellow voice, old as the years,
The waves' low monotone--unrest.
Thus appears in summer days,
In quietude midst sun's soft rays,
This isolated waterbound strand,
Ice-bound, bleak winter near
Draws, with tempests fierce and drear,
Neptune's billows, white with foam,
Join in chorus the foghorn's moan,
The sailors' warning; and in gathering gloom,
Against the Eca's white anger, loom
Tall shapes of wrecked ones, torch in hand,
Rattling their life-boat down the sand.
The first glimpse of Sandy Hook observed upon the-
annals of American history is found in the diary of Robert
Juet, of Limehouse, the companion of Henry Hudson dur-
ing his third voyage.
Though the name of Juet is rendered infamous by his.
participation in the meeting that occurred on Hudson's.
fourth and last voyage to America, where, with his son and
seven other members of his ship's company, Hudson was
placed in a yacht and cast adrift on Hudson Bay, where he-
perished llliserably in a wintry sea, yet Juet showed com-
mendable zeal in keeping the journal, by which he has giv-
en to posterity a circumstantial and graphic account of the
:first explorations in this part of the New World, and which
is of i!leatimable value to lovers of history.
His journal affords such valuable information bearing-
on the subject of this article that we will quote in full that
portion describing his impressions upon entering the Lower
Bay of New York, this extract being the :first recorded ac-
42 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

count of the region about Sandy Hook. The lower bay in-
cluded the water extending southwards from the Narrows
to Sandy Hook, then westward toward the mouth of the
Raritan. In a general turn it constitutes all that part of
New York harbor situated below the Narrows. in contra-
diction to the upper bay, or part above the Narrows.
The diary is dated 1609 and the record shows Hudson's
ship "The Half Moon" to have been off Hereford inlet, Cape
May, at noon of September 1st, bound north, northwest, a
fair wind, favored by which she was in sight of Lower Bay
on the day following.
We quote the exact text of the diary, beginning at Sep.
tember 4, 1609. ''So we trimY ied our boate and rode still
all day. At night the wind blew hard at the north west and
our anchor came home, and we drove on shore, but took
no hurt. Thank the God! For the gi:ound is soft sand,"
and as the description of the ground comorms exactly to the
harbor inside the Hook, known as the "Horseshoe," it is
scarcely a question of doubt that this where the Half Moon
grounded.
"This day the people of the country came aboard of
us, seeming very glad of our coming, and brought greene
tobacco and gave us of it for knives and heeds. They goe
in deere skins, loose, well-dressed. They have yellow cop.
per. They desire clothes. And are very civil. They have
great store of maize of Indian wheate, whereof they make
good bread. The country is full of great and tall oaks.
(There are no oaks either on Coney Island or on Sandy
Hook, so it is quite evident that this refers to the Navesink
Highlands, where oaks are abundant and where there were
Indian encampments.)
"In the morning, as soon as the day was light, the wind
-ceased and the flood came, so we hauled off the ships again
into five fathoms of water, and sent our boate to sound the
bay and there were three fathoms hard by the southern
shore. (This southern shore extends from the mouth of the
Raritan to the Shrewsbury. The soundings referred to, were
possibly made near the Atlantic Highlands; subsequent
statements seem more clear.) Our men went out on shore
there and saw great store of men, women and children, who
gave them tobacco at their coming on land. So they went up
into the woods, and saw great store of very goodly oaks,
and some currants. for one of them came aboard and
brought some of them dried, and gave me some, which were
sweet and good. (These were probably huckleberries.)
This day many of tlie people came aboard, some in mantles
of feathers, and some iri skins of .divers sorts of good furres.
FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAIL 43

Some women also came with hemp. They had red copper,
tobacco pipes, and other things of copper, they did wear
about their neck. At night they went on land again, so we
rode very quiet but durst not trust them.
"In the morning was fine weather, and our master
(Hudson) sent John Coleman and four other men in our
boat over to the north side of the sound, the other (Raritan)
river being four leagues from us. (This undoubtedly re-
fers to the Narrows, as subsequent statements will show,
as the Raritan River would be about the distance named.)
They found by the way, shallow water (evidently Romer
shoals), two fathoms, and very good riding for ships, and a
narrow river to the westward between two islands. (No
doubt this refers to Kill von Kull.) The land, they told us,
was as pleasant with grass and flowers, and goodly trees,
as ever they seen, and very sweet smells came from them. So
they went in two leagues and saw an open sea (without
doubt this was Newark Bay), and returned, and as they
came back, they were set upon by two canoes, the one hav-
ing twelve and the other fourteen men.
"The night came on and it began to rain, so that their
matches went out; and they had one man slain, which was
an Englishman, named John Coleman, with an arrow shot
through his throat, and two were hurt. (This fight took
place off the point of Sandy Hook, from which it gained
its early name of "Coleman's Point.") It grew so dark that
they could not find the ship that night, but labored to and
fro on their oars. They had so great a stream thi>.t their
grapnel could not bold them." (Their being in such swift
tide proves that they were near the north point of Sandy
Hook.)
History, after the lapse of many years, refers to Sandy
Hook in connection with Richard Hartshorne, an English
Quaker, who came to America in 1669, taking up his abode
on the Navesink hills, where there was also an Indian en-
campment. From these he soon afterwards purchased a
considerable tract of land, including all of Sandy Hook, and
a portion of the hilly region, where the village of Highlands
is now located. The Highlands possessions here referred
to, are still owned by descendants of ilichard Hartshorne.
On August 8th, 1678, a second agreement was entered
into between Hartshorne and two Indian chiefs, Vowavapon
and Tucus, wherein, by the additional payment of thirteen
shillings, by Hartshorne, the Indians relinquished all rights
to fish, hunt and to gather beach plums on the purchased
property. Why Hartshorne should have desired to ex.:
elude the Indians from the rights to gather plums and to
44 FROM INDIAN TRAIT., TO ELECTRIC RAIL

fish about the bleak and barren shores of Sandy Hook, does
not appear. It is to be presumed, however, that then, as
in late years, Sandy Hook was used for grazing purposes.
and that the marauding parties of Indians and their dogs
may have disturbed the flocks. Whatever the motive was,
the Indians seem to have kept faith with this agreement,
for we find no record of any further trouble with them.
The advisability of erecting beacon or lighthouses on
Sandy Hook seems first to have been considered in 1759-60,
when the subject was suggested to Carteret, Governor of
East Jersey. The project, however, met with disfavor or
neglect, for no direct steps towards establishing a lighthouse
were actually taken till 1761, when the project was revived
by the merchants of New York. At this time the sum of
seven hundred pounds was demanded by Robert and Esik
Hartshorne for the tract of four acres called for. The soil
being about as arid and profitless as possible, the investigat-
ing committee very naturally ch,aracterized the price as
unreasonable. However, there being no other land in a
suitable place for the proposed lighthouse attainable, it
was decided to make the purchase. The rather peculiar
mode of collecting the required means for the purchase of
the site and for the construction of a suitable tower was
devised in May, 1761, when the Assembly of New York
authorized a lottery not to exceed three thousand pounds.
A committee consisting of New York merchants was ap-
pointed to superintend this lottery and twelve months later
they reported that two thousand six hundred sixty-six
pounds had thus been raised. ·
The Hartshorne; deed transferring the "Lighthouse
tract" of four acres to the New York representatives, is dat-
ed May 10, 1762, and accompanying it is a map of the
locality, particularly interesting from the fact that it indi-
cates the original location of the lighthouse to be five hun-
dred feet from high water mark, to the north; while at the
present time, 1890, the geographical position of Sandy Hook
has become so changed by the constant shifting of its sandy
shores, that high water mark north, instead of being five
hundred feet, is one and one-fourth miles. This extension
of Sandy Hook northward is produced by an almost con-
tinual ground-swell flowing in from the southeast, each
swell swashing a quantity of sand northward. This north-
erly flow of sand must continue, and eventually the waters
of the Hudson and Raritan Rivers will reach the ocean
through a narrow channel
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 45

To go back to the construction of the lighthouse. The


amount raised by the first lottery proving insufficient. the
New York Assembly, again in December, 1762, authorized
a lottery limited, as before, to three thousand pounds. This
lottery was drawn on June 13th, in the following year, and
in 1764, the first lighthouse was completed. The tower
then built was constructed of s+;one and measured 106 feet
from the surface of the ground to the top of the lantern.
With the addition of a brick interior wall, a new lantern
substituted for the old, and iron stairs in place of the orig-
inal ones, the old tower remains the same as when con-
structed. The same whitened walls, bleached by the storms
of 126 years, reflect back upon the sea first rays of the rising
sun; or midst the gloom of night or raging tempest, pierce
the gloom to greet the anxious watch aloft in the shrouds
of the storm-tossed ship.

Twixt Ocean and Bay it stands,


Towering towards Heaven's clouds,
lliuminating, by night, silvery sands,
Greeting the night watch in the shrouds,
As he peers through the gloomy night
To welcome this ancient beacon light.
Among the papers of my father, the late Charles W.
Patterson, and keeper of the Sandy Hook light, from 1861
to 1886, I find a copy of a letter, written to a friend, of con-
siderable historic value, and which I copy in full:
Main Light, Sandy Hook, June 21, 1883.
Mr. James Burke, Esq.,
Dear Sir:
In fulfillment of promise made to you sometime since. to
send you the nama of the keepers who have kept this light, I think
I have ucertained all, except one or two, which I cannot seem to :&nd
record of at present. Tbe light was erected as you are aware, in
1762'; and lipted in 1764. During the American Revolution we find
that on Mari:h 4, 1776, the New York Congrea resolved upon the
deatnaction of the tower, the British Seet beiJ1s daily expected in.
Orders were ilnecl to Major Malcolm to encute the order and to be
carefilu1 to DTe the ciua and oiL but the old tower lltil1 lltanda. Tbe
o and lamps and two tackle blocb and faDa were. however, taken
acroa to the main land and £lien receiptecl for bJ' Colonel Georp
T&J'lor of Kidclletown, N. J., Karch 12. 1778, but u Britiah aoldien
46 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

were stationed on the Hook during the whole seven years' war, I have
no doubt but they continued the light most of the ,time, though all
accounts of who kept it are lost. .
A story told me a abort time ago by the grandson of an officer
who bad charge of a small party from tbe Jersey shore, relates that
Lieut. John Schenck landed on the beach one night and knocked the
lantem to pieces. A dent was left in the iron, the mark of a six-
pound ball, which was there until the new Iantem was built about 24,
years ago. The same Lieutenant, John Schenck of the American Army,
was the first keeper that I can find anything about. The keepers have
been appointed from Monmouth County and served in the following
order: John Schenck, from 1809 to 1817; - - Doane, 1817-1825;
Aaron Castler, 1825-1837; Aaron Brower, 1837-1841; John Bartle-
son, 1841-1844; John V. Conover, 1844-1849; David L Patterson,
1849-1853; Nathen Wooley, 1853-1854; Aaron Brower, 1854-1857;
Uriah Smalley, 1857-1861; C. W. Patterson, 1861.
On account of ill health, Mr. Patterson resigned his
commission in 1885 and died at his home in Howell township
in the autumn of the following year. At Mr. Patterson's res-
ignation, Mr. Samuel P. Jewell, the assistant keeper, was
promoted to the keepership, which position he still holds.
Sandy Hook at the present time is a peninsula, six miles
in length, one mile in breadth at the widest point and at the
narrowest point, which is opposite the Highland lights,
scarcely more than 150 feet. This narrow neck of land,
which extends from the beach oppotite the Government
island in the Shrewsbury to Seabright, is frequently inun-
dated by the breakers from the sea during severe storms.
In the great storm of September, 1889, nearly this entire
neck of land was flooded. Several cottages were swept into
the ocean. An inlet was made, 500 yards north of High-
land station, by which the Shrewsbury River was connect-
ed with the ocean. Two weeks later, however, the inlet
had been closed and old oceeu in its stead had rolled
up an immense sand bank. In 1719, by an exceedingly old
map, Sandy Hook is represented as a peninsula, but when
General Howe, in 1778, retreated from the battle of Mon-
mouth by the Navesink road and crossed over to Sandy
Hook, it is clearly stated that he built a temporary bridge
to ••sandy Hook Island," which statement is confirmed by a
chart, published in 1784, which shows it to be cut off from
the mainland by "Shrewsbury Inlet." In 1800 it appears
again as being connected to the mainland. Just previous
to that time, however, it appears again as an island, and still
again in 1830. It was about this time the inlet finally closed.
The British had a garrison stationed at Sandy Hook
during the most part of the Revolutionary War. The light-
house which the merchants of New York had erected there
aufficed for a fort, the stone walls of the tower being thick
enough to withstand the fiercest cannonade known in those
S e e - 41
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 47

times. After the battle of Monmouth, when the Continental


army had encamped, satisfied with the result, General Howe
continued his march toward New York, by way of Sandy
Hook, where communication could be had at all times with
British war vessels.
The place where the British army crossed over to Sandy
Hook is about one mile westward of, up the shore from, the
village of Navesink Highlands, near which place stands an
ancient tree, upon which, tudition tells us, was hung by the
British, the daring and patriotic Captain Huddy. Accord-
ing to the general opinion of Americans and the principles
of chilized warfare, the hanging of Huddy was a cowardly,
barbarous act. Yet if killing British soldiers by American
"rebels" could be accounted murder, Huddy surely was
not guiltless; for he and his brave followers in their ex-
peditions about Sandy Hook and the Highlands caused the
demise of not a few "red coats."
It seems, however, that the place of Captain Huddy
was soon filled by a no less daring man in the person of
Captain Huyler, as we deem on one occasion, a Lieutenant
Sinclair, who with a company of British soldiers was sta-
tioned in Sandy Hook lighthouse, ordered a part of his
command to march to the Spermaceti cove, which is three
miles south of the lighthouse, there to attack the "piratical
Captain Huyler" (as American soldiers were "rebels" so
were all American pirateers "pirates,'' in the eyes of the
British), and to seize his boats. The soldiers obeyed the
first part of the command. They marched to the cove, but
instead of seizing Huyler's boats they were themselves
seized by a volley of bullets from the muskets of the am-
bushed men of Captain Huyler, and according to the state-
ment found among the papers of Sir Guy Carleton, who was
commander of the British force in America at the close of
the Revolution, leaving many dead and wounded, retreated
in confusion to their command at the lighthouse without
accomplishing the object of the expedition.
During the war of 1812, Sandy Hook was occupied by
a considerable force of soldiers, mostly New Jersey militia
men drawn principally from Monmouth County. Their only
protection was a massive log fort which they constructed on
the north point, then about one half mile north of Sandy
Hook light. The ruins of this old fort are yet visible and
consist only of a mass of decayed and mouldering timber,
surrounded by a trench of cosiderable depth. North of this
mouldering relic of antiquity about one-fourth of a mile rise
the dingy walls, a mile in circumference; of the massive1
unfinished and useless Sandy Hook fort, alias Fort LincolnL
-48 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

but no one who respects the memory of the martyred Presi-


dent calls the fort by that name. The foundation of this
fort was laid in 1858 and the walls, as far as completed, are
constructed of New England granite. The work was ad-
vanced far enough to admit of 75 cannon being· mounted
and put in readiness for action during the Rebellion. At
the close of the war and after the expenditure of about $10,-
-000,000, constructional work on the fort ceased; and the
:whole structure being practically condemned and worth-
less as the improvements in heavy artillery are so great that
granite wafls, even of massive thickness, crumble before the
besieger's guns.
The _safety of the cities located about New York Har-
bor in case of war, depends upon an impregnable fort on the
point of Sandy Hook, mounted with the most powerful guns
attainable. A hostile fleet once inside and master of Sandy
Hook could make that :. stronghold from which they could
not easily be dispossessed and from which they could block-
ade the port of New York. During the present Administra-
tion, C.Sngress has been liberal with its appropriations for
seacoast defences, and shown modem feasible plans, that
body would no doubt make liberal allowances for a fortifica-
tion here. The question arises, however, "who has the tal-
ent to devise plans for a fortfication with strength equal to
the advances in artillery?" Such talent either lies dormant
in the army or else unemployed outside, where it cannot
receive the recognition of the Government. It is related
that the British Government would at one time have covered
GovernQrs Island with dollars for its possession !for a
strategic military point.
Under our system of fortifying, what might be the Gi-
braltar of New York, is an irregular park, dotted with army
officers' cottages, soldiers' barracks, a beer saloon and a
fort, so called, constructed nearly a century ago and mount-
ed with absolute smooth bare guns suitable only as play-
things for Fourth of July celebrations.
Our words are perhaps not uttered loud enough to
reach Washington, but it is our opinion that fortification
speculations and plans should be secured by the Govern-
ment ~hrough competition among American engineers, in
or out of the army. It is imperative that the inventive
genius of America should be called into requisition and de-
vise plans of fortification other than mounting guns .on the
crests of sand hills, as is now proposed, trusting for safety,
it appears, entirely to the enemy's inaccuracy of aim. In
other words we are r e t r o ~ towards the aboriginal
age of mound builders. The Government resumed work on
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 49

the fortification at Sandy Hook about two years ago, since


which time a large force of men have been engaged in tear-
ing down the main · walls of the fort, using the granite
blocks so obtained and great quantities of cement concrete
to enlarge to mammoth proportions the southwest corner of
the fort. The officials in charge of this work deem it advis-
able to withhold from the public all information as to the in-
tended use for which the structure now building is design-
ed; we will therefore pass over the subject of fortifications.
We will therefore describe the Pneumatic Dynamite
Gun battery now in course of construction on the northwest
point. These guns were invented by Captain E. L. Yalinski,
U. S. A., and have been perfected by a company known as
the Pneumatic Gun Company, with offices at 71 Broadway,
New York. The officers of the company are S. D. Schuyler,
president; Richard Irwin, treasurer; George R. Williamson,
secretary, and B. C. Batchellor, superintendent. Com-
pressed air is substituted in these guns for powder, giving
a peculiar ease to the projectile's flight which guarantees
the throwing of dynamite shells without risk to the gun or
premature explosion. The Pneumatic Dynamite guns con-
stituting the armament of the cruiser Vesuvius have been
accepted by the War Department as satisfactory in every
particular.
A New York daily-, at the time of the first test of the
Vesuvius guns, published the following: "The Secretary
of the Navy bas approved the report of the board of officers
appointed to witness the tests of the Pneumatic Dynamite
gun of the cruiser Vesuvius. The report shows that three
shots were fired from each of the three guns, the charge be-
ing about 204 pounds of gun cotton which, together with
the structure of the shell, fuses and packing, made the total
weights vary from 505 to 510½ pounds. The guns were
elevated at an angle of 18 degrees. Each flight was steady,
the distances varying from 2,116 to 2,333 yards." The re-
port concludes. "The records show that a shell containing
200 pounds of dynamite or other high explosives was thrown
at least one mile by each of the dynamite guns constituting
the vessel's armament. The ranges attained were consider-
able over the mile, being respectively 2,166, 2,233 and 2,333
yards." The contract called for a range of one mile, which
was exceeded by a splendid margin.
The company have concluded contracts with the Gov-
ernment for ten other guns to constitute land batteries as
shown. Three to be erected at Fort Winfield Scott, Cal-
ifornia, for the protection of San Francisco, two each at
Forts Scuyler and Warren and three at Sandy Hook for the
50 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

protection of New York Harbor. The three at Sandy Hook


will be the first erected and will be mounted on substantial
cement concrete foundations during the present year. This
battery will consist of three guns of 8, 10 and 15-inch cal-
ibre, respectively. The main ship channel will -be com-
manded by this battery, the channel extending within
1,000 yards of the guns. Gedney's channel, the most shal-
low of the two channels leading to New York is about 2,000
yards distant from the battery and can be commanded
under ordinary conditions by the larger guns.
We now turn our attention to the United States Ord-
nance Department's establishment here, known as the
"Sandy Hook Ordnance Proving Grounds." Sandy Hook
was first selected as an ordnance proving ground about
1875. Colonel Crispin, U. S. A., was placed in command
of the experimental work as chairman of a board of selected
ordnance officers. While the work progressed under the
direction of army officers, the scientific, mechanical and
general labor work was performed by civilians. Mr. A. G.
Sinclair was superintendent; Mr. Pettengill, foreman of
machinists; Mr. E. Reilly, foreman of laborers; Marving T.
Merchant, clerk; Henry A. Sinclair, electrician, and Frank
Middleton, photographP.r. The works soon assumed the
importance of a military post. Captain W. S. Starring, U.
S. A., became post commander.
Liberal appropriations were made by Congress to make
the work a success. Offices, machine shops, carpenter shops
and magazines were constructed ; a costly and magnificent
plank road was extended from the Government wharf on
the bay to the works opposite on the ocean beach.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 51

THE SHREWSBURY INLETS


WHEN THEY EXISTED, CLOSED, AND AGAIN OPENED

Previous to 1778 the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers


were open to the ocean on the east through the Shrewsbury
inlet, the mouth of the inlet being about three miles wide,
extending north from what is now Seabright. Sandy Hook
was at this time connected with the Highlands of Navesink
by a narrow isthmus extending across from Island Beach
to the present site of Seaside. It was about this time, 1778,
that a passage was washed through the isthmus, and tidal
currents plowing through this channel permitted the ocean
waves to build a sand reef, which, by 1810, had closed the
old Shrewsbury inlet. Both the Navesink and Shrewsbury
Rivers flowed into Sandy Hook from this date until 1830,
when a second inlet was made by a break in the narrow sand
reef that had formed from the site of Seabright to Sandy
Hook. Within two years Sandy Hook was again joined to
the mainland by way of Island Beach and the present site
of Seaside. About 1835, a volunteer force of men cut an
opening through this reef and the tides rapidly re-opened
an inlet to Sandy Hook bay. Until 1848 both inlets were
open, except that a temporary bar would occasionally choke
up the ocean or Shrewsbury inlet. In 1848, however, the
ocean inlet closed and did not re-open till the great storm
of the fall of 1896.
It is a notable fact that the ocean inlet moved one mile
north between its opening in 1836 and its closing in 1848.
To those who are familiar with sand formations there
is little doubt but what the storms of the coming winter will
form a reef from Island Beach to Seaside, thus rejoining
Sandy Hook to the Highlands of Navesink as in 1778 and
again in 1830.
I am indebted for these facts to the United States Gov-
ernment data, "Hobbes Jersey Coast," and other reliable
sources. Franklin Patterson.
52 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER X.
THE mGHLANDS OF NAVESINX
(~ption Taken from "Harper's New Monthly Magazine.")
Twenty miles southward on a clear day may be seen
from the Narrows the most eastern curve in a chain of hills
known as the Highlands of Navesink, forming a bold head-
land apparently jutting out into sea. A nearer approach,
however, reveals a shining river guarding the dark bluffs,
and a long, low, narrow strip of sand separating both from
the Atlantic Ocean.
This beautiful region-part of the eastern border of
Monmouth County, New Jersey-although known as early
as 1669, settled more than two centuries ago, and almost
within sound of Trinity Bell, is today as primitively lovely
as if it were a hundred years and a hundred miles away.
The great magician, Improvement, waving bis wand north-
ward and southward, scores of airy structures have sprung
up, the blaze of their many windows lighting up the beaches
and bluffs everywhere from Coney Island to Cape May, save
here. "Thus far shalt thou go and no farther," murmured
the genius of repose, brooding over these sunny hills, and
the bright enchanter fled along the outmost strand, leaving
only the faint lines of a railway and the trailing smoke of a
locomotive to make known its flight.
Thither, then, to the "bonny Highlands" we were
bound on t_he "Sea Bird" one bright afternoon in middle
June. Constituting myself, "guide, philosopher and friend"
of our _party as we steamed down the bay, I related the sad
fate of the gallant young Hamilton Haliburton and bis
twelve comrades, who perished off the low coast of Sandy
Hook by shipwreck, the Countess Dowager of Morton erect-
ing a monument to their "dear memory" in the Sandy Hook
graveyard, where they were buried. A tablet commemorat-
ing the sad event may be seen in St. Paul's Church, New
York. I also did not forget, as we floated past Horseshoe
Harbor, to dwell on the astonishment of the Navesink
Indians as they saw the "mighty canoe of the Great Spirit"
(Half Moon, commanded by Henry Hudson), gliding in
from the watery world beyond, and dropping anchor in its
quiet water.
Entering the placid Shrewsbury, with its high bluffs
on the right and its low sandy beach on the left, the old-
fashioned draw of the long bridge swung la~ly back, and,
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RA1L 53

passing through, we stopped at the wooden pier beyond.


A short walk brought us to the foot of a finely wooded
slope, on the side of which, on a green plateau surrounded
by trees, stood an "old time" country hotel, and two small
cottages, with lofty hills and the lighthouses in the back-
ground, and a foreground of blue river, sandy beach and
ocean. Mounting flights of vine-shadowed stairs leading up
terraces, we gained the pretty porch of our summer home,
and found ourselves shut in from the busy world completely;
everywhere the eternal waves, the everlasting hills, and
over all a dreamful silence, broken only by the faint beat-
ing of the distant surf and the ripple of the nearer river.
We had planned for an Arcadian summer; so our
broad hats and alpen-stocks were soon unpacked, the ship
chairs installed on the lawn, the hammock swung, and
everything prepared for pleasurable activity or sweet idle-
ness. We were to take our meals at delightful, unconven-
tional old Thompson's, so that no household cares should
interefere with our rambling, rowing or dreaming.
After supper we hailed a boatman for a row to the
beach. Midway over the river, looking far down stream,
I could see dimly a gray, monastic looking pile, with many
windows, and lights flitting to and fro. Sounds of distant
music, like the notes of a great organ, floated faintly over
the water.
"What is that?" I asked, in surprise. "Them lights to
the south'ard ?" laughed o•tr boatman. "Why, that's the
Bellevue (now 'Normand:: b:-· the Sea'), an' that 'ere noise
is the band. Ah! that·s a rouser, is that hotel; it has more'n
a hundred rooms. all furnished beautiful from top to toe.
The old Ocean House used to stand there, but, consarn it,
it burned down. But, as I was a-saj;n•. this 'ere hotel has
just got the loveliest kitchen-more like a picture' than
bonyfidy kitchen-an' a brass band, an' all the modern con-
veniences. But, look'ee, when a nor'easter comes some of
those fine winter nights, I wouldn't like to be the man in
charge of her; you may bet your boots on that! You see
it's built on the sand, like the house in the Scriptur'-a bit
too nigh the water, an' low like, to my thinkin'--orter hev
been built on the mountain, fur instance, like Thompson's--
sensible. But, Lord a massy ! 'tain't none of my fault if folks
won't take advice, an' the holy Scripture right afore their
eyes, an' likewise the ocean!" grumbled our Charon, draw-
ing up to the boat-landing.
We strolled along the beach, enjoying the faint salty
breeze, and listening to the rhythmic chant of the waves.
We sat on the sands, and, waiting, saw the moon rising,
54 FROM INDIAN TRAIT. TO ELECTRIC RAil.

orbed like the sun, large, round and ruddy, from the east-
ern sea, drawing a second moon from out the deep: and lo!
a thousand little waves ran out to meet her, flushing rosily,
crowding one u-pon another, lifting silver crests to greet her.
From a point a quarter of a mile below the boat-land-
ing, the view of the Highlands is exquisite, especially by
moon light. Looking over the river, one sees them rising,
massive and darkly beautiful. from its water, lifting one
above another, sweeping west and northward, here and
there a twinkle of cot.tage lamps on the nearer slopes, and
higher beyond, like crosses of white fire, the twin lights of
Navesink. So little li"!s the hand of man interlerred with
their primal :i.sriect. these beautif,,I hills present al-tout the
same picture that weeted Henry H•idson two hundred and
seventy years a~o. when he moored the Half Moon in Horse-
shoe Harbor. The whole Navesink region then famous as a
.hunting 11nd fishing ¢round (the name Neve-sinck meaning
"fishing-place), wa.q inhabited by a simple-minded. gentle
-race of Indians--the Neve-sincks, a branch of the Del-
:awares.
Al)!"opos of the Indians and their treatment by the
:settlers of East Jersev. Shawuskuhlmns:. a chief of the Del-
-awares, Mid in an :iddress to the New Jersey Le'tislature:
"Not a drop of our blood have you spilled in battle: not an
acre of our ground have you taken but by our own consent.
Nothing but bC>r.isom; can fall upon New Jersey from tht
lips of a Lenni Lennap"'e."
The rext morn:ni. sc,me fr.ends from the Pavilion
joined U!J in 011.- trh to the J:cz-hthouse; one a young lady
artist, tlie other a c:t,1dent. l"okin~ exceedingly picturesque
in his bro~d som!-re.-.... :i.r1,-' ., Ion'!: linen duster, in a quaint,
Capuchin fa!lhion, b•1t s-~~:i:: le withal.
We reached the t')J of the hill, after a long climb, on
the s?uthe·;i •i,-l~ of the lighthouse.
El'lt"r;~~ the room next to the northern tower, noting
the hu;-c vessels of lard-oil, we followed our guide, the keep-
er, up a narrow stairway winding up to the second landing.
Here we paused a moment to look at the paraphernalia of
the lighthouse.
The Highland lights ar.e both Fresnel fixed white lights
of the first order, burning from two to four gallons.apiece
nightly and showing as far as the curvature of the earth
adnuls, th~ apparatus costing about $53,000.
The lighthouses--one an octagon, and the other a
square tower-f:ink :i long, low, baWemented building
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 55

containing the keeper's quarters, and are built of the new


red sandstone of the Hassie period, in Anglo-Norman style;
they stand about 250 feet above the level of the sea, and
occupy the site of the old round towers of President Adam's
time.

: FR.OM TH& l!UtAc;i]

The views from the o~:ter gallery n~·.i~a th-:? l:..n;, are
lovely beyond description. Twenty m:les northward,
through an atmosphere than, pure and clear as crystal, may
be seen the waters of the Narrows--a gEr,t of silver be-
tween the da.rk bluffs of Staten Islar.d and Rockaway
beaches; and nearer, yellow Sandy Hc.ok. its bay and
harbor; westward, stretching away in sunshine, in gentle
undulations, like an emerald sea, the forest-cl:::d dighlands;
below, wooded banks sloping to the Shrewt:.,..iry and the
56 FROM INDIAN TRkIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

white bridge spanning it; beyond a strip of sand, a fringe


of foamy breakers; and bounded by the eastern horizon,
sweeping north, east and south, with here and there a sun-
lit sail, the broad Atlantic Ocean.
Descending from our airy height, and passing around
to the front of tlie lighthouse, we were greeted by a charm-
ing picture, which we at once named "Peace and War," our
artist friend, imploring us to silence, that she might make a
drawing of the scene.
On the green in front of the keeper's quarters, the light-
house children, rosy and chubby as a group of Albam's
Loves, were playing around an old cannon, that lay half
buried in flowers and grasses; astride of it sat a wee gold-
en-haired lassie, laughing merrily as she pelted her com-
panions with daisies, tile grim cannon throwing out her
rounded limbs and bare white feet in bright relief.
"That old field-piece was cast in Spain, and used by the
colonists as a signal gun," whispered a voice close beside
.me.
"Hush!" said I; and we watched and waited, the
~etch progressing rapidly, till suddenly we were startled
l>y a shrill voice from th~ keeper's quarters. .
"Loretta! Loretta' dinner's ready!" it cried and in an
UISf:ant, with a twinkling of bare feet, the pretty Loves
took wings to the lighthouse.
The next day we hired one of the old-fashioned stages
peculiar to the region-long, high, open on all sides, mount-
ed on good springs, and capacious Kate, the Doctor, the
child Dora, Lucy, our artist friend, the student, myself, and
the lunch basket finding ample room on its cushioned seats.
Rolling pleasantly along the fine hard road to Nave-
sink, the Highlands rising steeply on our right hand, lovely
orchards and sunny fields on our left, we passed here and
there a quaint villa embowered in trees, through whose
branches we caught glimpses of blue ocean and glints of
shining river.
Our driver-Prompey, an intelligent black-com-
mending the view from Minturn's Point, we drove in, and
approaching the pretty untenanted villa beyond the shad-
owing trees, found a view of sea and rivers reminding one
of the lagoons of Venice and its Lido. Before us the two
rivers, separated by a fork of yellow land fringed with
reeds. and grasses; eastwmd, the long narrow beach be-
tween the Shrewsbury and the ocean, with Bellevue, and
southeastward the clustering cabins of Seabright on its
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 57

foam-fringed border; southward, fairy island gemming its


sheeny breast, the blue Navesink.
Taking the road again, as we entered, a magnificent
wood of red oaks, tulip, hickory and chestnut trees, Prom-
pey informed us, with a smiling importance, that we were
on the Hartshorne property, adding, with a chuckle:
'Sakes alive! dunno where you wouldn't be in dese heah
parts."
58 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XI.
THE HARTSHORNE$ OF THE HIGHLANDS.
("The Harper's New Monthly Magazine.")
Hartshorne is one of the oldest names in the Highlands.
The first member of the family, Richard, came over from
London in 1666, settling what is still called Portland Place.
He belonged to the Society of Friends, was a man of excel-
lent character, and held important offices under the Pro-
vincial Governors. Hugh Hartshorne figured later in
Colonial times as one of the twelve proprietors of East
Jersey, in connection with William Penn.
With the characteristic spirit of the good old .Jersey
famii:es, the Hartshornes have preserved their broad acres
alm::s~ intact. s:cadily resisting so-called improvement,
than:~:; to ,vllich spirit, one can behold the Highlands
wrapped today in the
. . . ,. - ,· £;. "~· ·,.- .
C'lll:':r'~=--_..,_·"'~.-=. ~---;--~§;=--.~~---.,-.,""."):"",~;:-:"",s'.."'·'"':,..·--c~;~ syh-an beauty of their
1
- • .~'" ·~.. ,· ~:~•,;_s_.~~~~- p~1ma ~orn.
1
>,ii.·., ·; WY..£1~.lJ: fr Theres an old gen'-
., "' · ~,;. -.n'~ · •·.• i~ leman libbin' up in de
~ ~-. ', ~ ~ · ,~·oods yonder; mebbe
' :_;-: .:'le- • .rous all would like to
see him. Folks call
h:m Uncle Samm:r, the
h-~:·mit," exclaimed
Pompey; suddenly
reining up his horse.
"Certainly," s a i d
we; and alighting, we
had not penetrated far
up the wooded slope
when we discerned a
faint line of smoke
curling up among the
rees from a rude chim-
. ney at the corner of
t h e hermit's cabin.
Sending t h e Doctor
ahead, as the most
.. . discreet member of
our party, to recon-
~=====:::!==H§RM~~n-=-=--===rn=-i! noitre, we stole quiet-
ly and seated ourselves
on the trunk of a fallen tree to await events.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 59

Standing in front of the tiny cabin, his broad, tall form


towering above the roof, and eclipsing the humble door-
way, the Doctor knocked softly. Meeting no response,
he called softly. "Uncle Sammy,'' once, twice, thrice. Still
no sound but the crackle of dry twigs, as Dora, with solemn
eyes, drew softly near him.
"Uncle Sammy!" piped i. child-voice, low and clear.
And yet no answer. \Vhereupon the Doctor, growing im-
patient, stooped down, applying first his eye and then his
ear to the latch-hole, making a most absurd p2rsonification
of curiosity, that sent us all off in peals of laughter. Pres-
ently we saw a small thin old man trudging toward us
through the trees, carrying an axe over his shoulder, and
walking with a firm, ,-igorous tread, and an air of propriet-
orship that was highly amusing.
"Did ees want to see Uncle Sammy?" inquired the
old man, laying down the axe before the cabin door.
"Yes, we came to ask if you were getting on comfort-
ably,'' I asked.
"I'm comfortable enough, thank'ee," said the old man,
not without a touch of pride in his manner, adding, with a
merry twinkle of his blue eyes, "I'm sort o' used to being
alone, an' no one to bother me; been alone twenty or thirty
year, an' I shall turn ninety come January. Lor' bless ye!
when I wor young I was a reg'lar blade. an' full of the old
de'il as the next one; but, you see, I go~ marrit, an' sobered
down. Long as the old woman lived I had a home, but
when the boys got wives o' their own an' young uns, an' my
old woman went, it was 'Daddy hold the baby,' 'Daddy,
mind the child,' till I was that worrit, I was nigh crazy.
Sez I to myself, 'Sammy, it is no place for you'; no more
it w~.s; so I just pulled up stakes, built myself a bit of a
house, an' here I am. Seems to me I've a kind of a right
here, setin' my own father sarved in the Revolution seven
year for this country. I wanted to jine in the last rebellion
myself, but they wouldn't have me, cos I was too old, con-
sarn them!"
"May we see your house inside?" ventured Dora
timidly.
"Oh, yes, an' welcome," answered the "'i man,
cheerily.
':::' FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

One by one, bowing our heads, we passed into the


smoky interior, surveying the hermit's small possessions.
In one corner sparkled a bright fire of logs; opposite the
chimney-place a rude pallet of straw stretched on a frame-
work of oars served as a bed; while a rough box, doing duty
as table and chair; some pieces of cracked and broken delf,
a rusty flintlock, and the axe formed the sum total of his
wealth.
"Are you warm enough in winter?" inquired Dora,
sympathetically, as the old man stirred the fire, making the
sparks fly up the chimney.
"Lor' bless the child! yes. Why I was foolish enough
to live in a big house one o' the naburs would have me take
care of last winter; why I like to have froze to death. Ah,
there's nothin' like your own home!"
"Come," cried the· Doctor, impatiently, ''uncle wants
to cook his dinner, and it's high time we were oft'."
"Oh, no, no, never mind me," interposed the old man,
hastily hanging his pot over the fire, and coming to the door
again, adding, wistfully, as he stroked Dora's bright hair,
"A nice little gal. Come again, dearie."
Leaving the old philosopher shading his eyes with one
thin brown old hand, and peering after us from his doorway,
we resumed our drive, further on taking a side road and
entering a long, low, shadowy lane, roofed in by red dog-
woods and hickories, whose spreading boughs were so
thickly interwoven that only here and there a golden dust
of sunlight sifted down, thickets of laurel, and tall sumac,
garlanded by mountain woodbine and starry clematis, wall-
ing us in from the sylvan world beyond, a
"world so hushed,
The stilly murmur of the distant sea
Told us of silence."

Emerging once more into sunshine we felt the fresh


breeze on our f~ces, and found the road curving steeply
hillward to an upper level bordered by thin woods, from
which we were still separated by a dense underbrush. The
silence here was broken by the cheerful tinkle of a hidden
brook. Presently we caught a ffash of its bright waters.
Alighting, we pushed aside the dusky alders and found i t -
a tiny thing, brown and clear as topaz, dimpling and
rippling over its bed of pore white pebbles overhung by
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 61

giant ferns. Near this spot we found the ruins of an old


mill.
Cook's "Geology of New Jersey" accounts for the pres-
ence of the sea-pebbles above alluded to, and the drifts of
fine quartzose sand accompanying them, on the Highlands
by supposing this region to have "formerly been the bed
of an ancient ocean suddenly elevated,'' and afterward
"swept over by masses of ice, wearing and tearing W' into
the hills and valleys of the present period.
Further on a pleasant surprise awaited us, a turn in
the road bringing us in sight of an exquisite little English
Gothic church, looking as if some genii had borne it over
the sea and dropping it on the sunny slope of the hill, built
of the warm-tinted breccia or pudding-stone of the High-
lands, trimmed with red sandstone, its mullioned windows
half concealed by a rich growth of ivy that mantled the
walls to the very top of the tiny tower. A chapel or school
stood on the left, near the road, and on the right, farther up
the hill, a quaint little church, with its oaken pews, carved
front and balustrade, the simple altar within the chancel,
dimly lighted by richly colored glass, was in perfect keep-
ing with the exterior. A tablet in the stone wall informed
us that John and Lydia Stevens presented the church to the
parish. W tl also learned it was planned by Upjohn, the
architect, and built in 1869, by Nimrod Woodward, grand-
son of the original Nimrod Woodward of Water Witch.
Climbing to the crest of a hill beyond, we were re-
warded for our trouble by the beauty of the views in every
direction. Far below, winding like ribbons of silver, lay
the Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers; southward at the
foot of the hills, nestled the white hamlet of Navesink;
northward, the dark bluffs of the Highlands were girt
about by shining waters.
The next morning, taking the road skirting Beacon
Hill, we started for Mount Mitchell and Parkertown, the
small fishing village down by the river-side. Strolling
leisurely to the little settlement on the northern slope of
the Highlands, we ventured to peep in at the pretty school-
house, where as many as three score little sunburned boys
and girls were earnestly engaged in study. Discovering
our presence, an instant hush fell upon the babbling throng,
some hiding their faces in their aprons, and others fixing
upon us bright but timid gaze reminding one of startled
hares. A short walk brought us to the scene of Cooper's
romantic story of the Water Witch. A tottering chimney,
62 FT.O~,: I~l'::>!.AN ~A:!.. TO ELECTRIC RAIL

some ruined walls,


and a smokehouse in
foir preservation are
all that remain of the
"'~ust in Lust" where
'·Ln Belle Barberie"
and her worthy uncle
reslded. The pretty
Dutch villa, with its
fantastic chimneys
and pirturesque little
gables, was renovat-
. ed and used as a
c:ou:,try h o t e 1 till
within the last three
yc~rs, when it unfor-
tunately burned
down.
The c o v e where
the Water Witch
sheltered, a n d the
w o o d w h e r e the
"Skimmer of t h e
Seas" stole up to the
burgher's house with
his bales of silks and
furs, are still pointed
out by the country
I )RU.ms OF ·RUST Ul 1.U3rJe folk. Smuggling was
frequent and profit-
able alon,r thi;; coast in the c!a;.-s of Queen Anne, the Dutch
not bein~ ovc;·-b.:rdened ,vith byalty to her Gracious Maj-
esty. We also passed GraYelly Point, where the British
troops embarked for Sandy Hook after the battle of Mon-
mouth, taking "fourteen miles of baggage with them," if
we may belie,·e a German historian of the time.
A mile or so northward the road began to ascend again,
thickets of mountain ash and silver birches making their
appearance, interspersed with masses of tall rhododen-
drons, flushing the woods into sudden splendor with their
rosy blossoms.
. F~er on, turning from the highway, -we entered a
dusky woo~nd path,. em~rgµig fro~ "hich,, we cam~ UI>!)n
a_ broad ro_ad, ~rde~ by_straggling ~es and Q~es, and
set with boulders, led ui, to the rude observatory on .the
crest .of the moutain # .gailiiq :whieh. we mounted its rick-
ety· stain to an upper platform, and found· ouriselves the
.
See Pase 6S
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 63

centre of a lovely panorama of green hills and sapphire


waters: eastward, aglitter in the sun, the broad Atlantic.
and nearer, the Shrewsbury River, pouring its swift current
into Sandy Hook Bay, and the ba:: flowing seaward; north-
ward, the Jersey shore, and the islands of New York Har-
bor, and nearer, a fleet of wind-bound vessels mirrored in
the still waters of Horseshoe Harbor; and southward, the
Navesink Highlands, with the lighthouses on Beacon Hill.
Northwest of Mount Mitchell begins the great plastic
clay region, stretching over and joining the famous marl
beds of Monmouth County, both sweeping thence to the
Delaware River, the marl beds being, as it were, vast cem-
eteries filled with the remains of animals of the cretaceous
period. These marls possess remark:1ble fertiliz1ng prop-
erties, thousands of tons being annually dug, applied to the
Jersey lands, or sold out of the State, the trade being a fea-
ture of this portion of East Jersey.
The day was far advanced ,vhen we found ourselves
once more on the highway, marching homeward, laden with
the lovely spoil of the country-fems, flowers, and feath-
ery grasses--plucked to please a passing fancy. Leaving
the road about two
miles south of
Mount Mitchell, we
clambered down a
wooded declivity.
Before us lay a
marshy plain, gay
with meadow grass-
es, and dotted over
by bay bushes and a
few gnarled, storm-
twisted cedars. Be-
yond, on the left,
a rambling street,
lined on either side
by weather-beaten
cottages and old
icehouses, and pav-
ed with shells, ran
down to the river;
these, with a few
cabinsstanding ba'cik
or grouped aiong
sh~re, , anq a small
b.~WD: church. .com-
Prised thefishing vii-
64 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

lage of Parkertown. As we strolled through the quiet


street to the beach, groups of sunburned, yellow-haired
women gazed at us from the doorways, hiding themselves.
behind the fences, whence they peered forth cautiously.
Finding we were harmless, they followed us to the beach,
looking more like kelpies than human beings, with their
bleached locks and nut-brown faces. We seated our-
selves on some UP-turned boats. Behind us were the
shabby little houses, the women, children, and shells; and
near us, some fishing nets spread on the fences to dry. Look-
ing up and down the beach, we saw only drowi:iy signs of
life-a group of cows knee-deep in the water; three small
boys crabbing; a bevy of ducks floating idly by; and far
oyerhead in the blue ether a fish-hawk circling on lazy
wing. Strolling homeward we added to our 4reasures from
the mountain great bunches of the fragile-looking yet hardy
sea lavender, that gives its purple coloring to the patches
of meadow fringing the ~hrewsbury Rive:.-; and made quite
a collection of beach agates, showing under water exqusite
tints of blue, gray, pink, yellow and carnelian, some in
bands of clouds, and others milky w'hite or translucent as
crystal.
The evening being propitious for the sport. we rowed
down to the little village to see the eel-fishing. A faint wind
from the south, smelling of rain, scarcely ruffled the dark
waters as we glided smoothly down the stream under a
starl£ss sky.
As we approached Parkertown, lo! the drowsy little
hamlet of the afternoon seemed full awake; lights flashed
from the windows, flitted along the beach, and flared on
the river.
Before us lay anchored a fleet of boats, each with either
a pole and blazing light. or a low lamp fixed to its bow. The
dusky figures of the fishermen bending forward to spear
the fish, or haul it in, their eager, earnest faces lighted by
the yellow glare of the smoky lamps. and the wavering re-
flections on the dark water, presenting a wild, fantastic
picture.
We shall have no trip today, thought I, looking forth
from our porch the next morning; for during the night a
heavy fog had crept in from the south, over the sea and
river, up the hill to our very doors, so that the world seemed
to end where we stood. Around and above only the white
fog and the trees stretching their arms like lonely wraiths.
a bit of lawn around the cottage, and silence everywhere.
In less than half an hour the wind, veering to the northeast.
condensed the fog into a leaden curtain of rain, past which
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil. 66

we saw a gray river and a grayer ocean. We were just


about to resign ourselves to this state of affairs when, presto!
there came another change: strong wind and the rain
ceased, the trees on the hill and lawn twinkled with a mil-
lion gems, and the sun ''furrowed all the ocean into gold.''
We were to take our trip to Red Bank, after all; so
packing our luncheon and gathering our wraps, we set off
for the twelve o'clock boat. the Doctor going ahead with
our pretty neighbor from the next cottage on one arm, and
a huge basket on the other. the rest of us following after.
a tall Highland darky and a large watermelon bringing up
in the rear.
A faint breeze ruffled the water as we steamed down
the Shrewsbury, rounded the bend, and entered the pretty
Navesink River, sailing inland in a westerly direction; on
our right, wooded banks rising abruptly from the water.
crowned by charming villas; on our left, a sandy peninsula
bright with meadow grasses stretched away in sunshine be-
tween the two rivers.
Curving once more, the Navesink takes a southerly
course, passing Oceanic on its eastern bank--an unromantic
fiat-looking village, commanding, however, a fine ,iew
of the hilly shores opposite.
Near Rocky Point. close down by the
river, stands the old "Neptune Club-
house," whose white walls have been

;-fie HIGIILAIIDS- IID'T1llf£ a.uBll0USr"' dlallllce..


mirrored in these quiet waters for thirty years. All the
watering places, from Seabright twenty miles southward.
have sprung into existence and attained their popularity in
that space of time.
66 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XII.

TBE IDGHLANDS DURING TBE NINETEENTH CENTURY

Richard Hartshorne, already referred to, came to New


Jersey from London in September, 1669. He came in pos-
session of the Highlands, and was a resident in 1687 at what
is known as Portland Place. The property contained about
2,320 acres, including Sandy Hook. He was deputy under
the Proprietors for several years, Speaker of the House in
1686, member of the Council in 1684, 88, 89. In 1703 he
made a deed of gifts of the Highlands estate, including
Sandy Hook, to his son, William, who lived at Portland
Place. After this, he (Richard) moved to Middletown vil-
lage and lived there until his death in 1722. William, his
son, lived at Portland Place until his death in 1748. He
left the Highlands estate to his sons, Robert and Esik. To
his son, Thomas, he left 200 acres, on Claypit Creek, and
Navesink River, (also property on Rumson Neck), which
was occupied for many years by his children, John, Mary,
Sarah, and Margaret. The Highlands estate remained in-
tact, until 1762, when Esik released to Robert all his title
to lands south of a line drawn east and west through the
Highlands, making the tract about 7 4 7 acres, and each
retaining a half interest in Sandy Hook. The property of
Robert (being the south part), lies on the Navesink River.
It was kept by him until his death in 1801. His son, Rich-
ard, born in 1765, came to the estate of his father, and lived
at Portland Place until his death in 1831. His son, Robert,
born in 1798, also lived at Portland Place till in 1877. His
children were Richard, Robert, William, Benjamin M., Ed-
ward M., and Mary. Richard went to New York City and
engaged in commercial pursuits successfully, but returned
to the homestead, where he died. William became a phy-
sician and distinguished himself in that profession. Benj-
amin went to California, and amassed a large fortune. Ed-
ward was engaged in caring after the homestead property,
and occupied a portion of his time as a journalist, being
editor of the "New Jersey Standard." Mary.. after her
father's death married Mr. O'Rouke; and lived on that part
oi the homestead property adjo~ the Neptune ·Club
Houae. Benjamin ll. returned from -California and par-
chased the homestead property, returning to the estate the
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 67
eastern portion that bis father previously sold to Robert
Mintern. This property has a fine view of the ocean and
Long Branch. The homestead property was complete, as
owned by the family, except the Neptune Club, Mary's
property, and some other small properties along the shore.
He also returned to the Hartshorne tract, a portion of the
Thomas Hartshorne property on Claypit Creek.
Benjamin M. Hartshorne's wife died while they lived
in California. He returned to the homestead with the chil-
dren, Julia, Mary, and Robert. He gave the Mintern prOP-
erty to Julia, as a Christmas gift, when she became the
wife of Dr. Trask.
The north part of the Highlands estate, the property
of Esik Hartshorne, was sold by his executors, Jt,ne 8, 1797,
to Tyler Williams; also, an undh'ided half interest in Sandy
Hook. The southeast part of the former tract, containing
170 acres, came to the possession of Nimrod Woodward be-
fore 1812. His executors sold about 50 acres. in 1830, to
Peter W. Schenck. A portion is still retained by that fam-
ily. In 1858 the Neptune Club of New York was chartered.
and duly erected a clubhouse on Navesink River, on land of
Benjamin M. Hartshorne. They numbered 40 members.
The first settlement on the east side of what is now
called the Highlands of Navesink, was made by Esik Harts-
horn, who built a residence, later known as "The Water
Witch,'' about 1762. It is said there was a man shot in hi!!
room. while engaged in shatin~. hy a Tory, who was prowl-
ing along the beach. durin!!' the War of 1812. This house
w2s occupied by Nimrod Woodward until l'/Iarch, 1830,
when Peter W. Schenck bought the tract, as above st:i.ted,
of the executors of Woodward. The followine: is from the
pen of Fred M. Eames, grandson of Colonel William Jones:
including photograph of the original "Water Witch," and
also one of the same, taken after alterations were made by
Colonel Jones.
Albany, New York, August 1, 1896.
Mr. T. H. Leonard, Dear Sir:
As I promised you in my last letter. I mail you
photographs of drawings of the old "Water Witch" house,
before and after my grandfather, Colonel Jones made alt-
erations and additions. My brother, Willard, drew the pic-
tures from descriptions given by my uncle, William A.
Jones, and afterward my uncle said they looked correct. In
one or two minor particulars they are somewhat diagram-
matic, that is, in order that the old stone powder magazine
appear in the picture it was necessary to draw it nearer
the house than it actually stood.
(Signed) FRED M. EAMES.
68 FROM INDIAN TRAll, TO ELECTRIC RAIL

THE WATER WITCH PROPERTY.

The old house at the Highlands, mentioned in J. Fen-


imore Cooper's "Water Witch" and since named after that
well-known story, was built before the Revolutionary War
on land bought by a Mr. Hartshorne from the Indians. This
family owned it at the time of the Revolution, when it was
used as military headquarters. The small stone building
near the house was built as a powder magazine.
The property next passed into the hands of the Wood-
ward family, from whom it was afterward bought by a Mrs.
Stewart of New York. While in the possession of Mrs.
Stewart, it was occupied by her son, Dr. Stewart, a wealthy,
eccentric old bachelor. Dr. Stewart never owned the prop-
erty himself.
Mrs. Stewart sold the property in 1847 to Co•onel Wil-
liam Jones of New York City, who immediately remodeled
and enlarged it at a cost of $5,000 to accommodate about
two hundred boarders. The following year he moved into
the house with his family. Colonel Jones lived in this house
ten years and then built for himself a new house on the hill
to the northwest, and sold the old house property to his
.son-in-law, :Mr. & N. Waddell, then of Port Hope, Canada.
The property was finally sold to :Mr. G. Giles of New York
City.
The original house was built in the most substantial
manner, of very heavy timbers and double-battened doors,
and was well-suited as a protection against musket bullets.
The mantles were of heavy wood, richly carved. The main
room ::was so arranged that a horse, drawing a log for the
fire-place, could be driven in one doorway and out another
,opposite; and the fire-place, itself, was large enough to re-
ceive a good-sized log.
While in the possession of the Woodward family, Isaac
Wales, who died June 21, 1896, and Michael Stillwell, were
born on this pls.ce as slaves.
When Colonel Jones moved to this place with his large
family, there was no achool in the neighborhood. Conse-
quently, his daughter, Angeline, now Mrs. & N. Waddell,
opened achoo! in one of the rooms of the Water Witch house.
The school became so large Colonel Jones found it neces-
sary to build a frame achoo! house, which stood a short dis-
tance to the southeast. When he died and his property
was sold, the original Richard A. Leonard bought the achool
house, and moved it to his place, to be used as a "grape
house."
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 69

The following is a copy of an article which appeared


in the New York Commercial Advertiser at the time when
the old house was burned:
"In our first edition today is noticed the destruction by
fire of an old mansion on the Jersey coast. withio. &igbt of
Sandy Hook, with which were associated interesting his-
torical reminiscences. It is mentioned by Fenimore Cooper
in "Water Witch." The site was on the bluff facing the
Raritan Bay and at the entrance to the Shrewsbury River.
It was originally purchased by Hartshorne from the Indians,
and many years after was sold to Nimrod Woodward, at
whose death it passed to his son, Edward. It was then
occupied by a Dr. Stewart, a bachelor, who lived there in .
seclusion. ·
"A strange story is told of this hermit. After he left
college he fell fa love with a beautiful young lady, and, as
a consequence, was engaged to be married to her. She was
stricken down and died, which so overcame his nature that
the world and society had no further charm, and, being a
man of wealth, he buried himself in this lonely retreat to
brood over his irreparable loss. His mind wandered, and he
was frequently seen carrying an anatomical skeleton, which
he seemeu to believe was the image of his lost one. Death
soon came, leaving only a S11rviving brother and sister,
whereupon his effects were sold. A physician bought the
skeleton he had so long cherished, and upon examining the
bones, there was found stuffed into the eyeless sockets and
interstices of the skull a large amount in bank notes, which
was returned to the family.
"The property next passed into the hands· of Colonel
Jones, formerly Sheriff of New York, who made an addition
to the main building and opened the establishment as a
summer boarding house, for which purposes it was used for
over twenty years but, upon the marriage of his daughter
the estate went into the possession of the son-in-law, Mr. R.
N. Waddell, now a resident and Sheriff of Coburg, Canada
West".
Peter W. Schenck was the son of William Schenck,
who served in the Revolutionary War and was afterward
appointed keeper of the Sandy Hook lighthouse, which posi-
tion be retained until his death. Peter, his son, had charge
of the farm, from that time until 1841. Schenck's peaches,
the product of the farm, were known the country round.
The hotel was built by Nimrod Woodward, on the river
bank, near the present bridge, before 1812, the first in the
'10 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Highlands, and was called "The White House," "Schenck's


Hotel" and finally "The East View." Beside the family, it
was kept by one Thomas Card, also by Thomas Simmons
and Mr. Fabeon, son-in-law of Mr. Woodward. Joseph L
Thompson rented it in 1849 and conducted it until 1851,
when it returned again to the family, and was kept by Mrs.
Sarah A. Schenck and her son, Peter F. Schenck, until it
became the "East View House," and was kept by James
Jenkenson and his sons, William, James T., and George,
from 1867 to 1879, and later by J. Morton Johnson.
The Esik Hartshorne homestead, "The Water Witch,..
after being occupied by Nimrod Woodward till his death,
was .cccupied by the Messrs. Kettletas, Springsteel and
Doctor Stewart, and Mrs. Stewart, his mother, in turn, and
then finally became the property of Colonel William Jones,
who enlarged and occupied it as a boarding house. He was
genial and whole-souled and a very prominent man in the
community, well-calculated for the boarding house business,
and active in church work. The house and grounds after
his death were sold to Gilbert Giles of Xew York and rent-
ed to sever2l Jrorninent hotel proprietors. It wa:; finally
called the "Wz.ter Witch" and ur.der that name became of
national renov.-n through the novel, written by James Feni-
more Cooper, entitled "The Water Witch". {Rust in Lust.)
The hotel was finall:v destroyed by fire, leaving only the old
chimneys, which still remain.
On this same property at the foot of Basswood Hill,
near the shore, can ~•c'; be sec:1 the remains of the basswood
tree, majestic and g.·:md thc.:f:'h in cleca:,,-. From an :mn of
this tree was hung the patriotic and brave soldier, Captain
Huddy, in the War of 1812.
It would not do to leave this historical shore without
referring to what was known the world over as "The Water
Spout," situated near the shore, and located on the prop-
erty of Louis Despreaux, 1830, which became the property
of George Eldridge, 1850, about half a mile west from bass-
wood tree. It was from here that the sail shipping of New
York for all parts of the world procured a large part of
their water supply for their sea voyages. The fine harbor
of the bay, and the superior quality of the water that came
gushing out of the rocks, and was carried by artificial means
to the beach, afforded a convenience for a necessity, that
could not be dispensed with. It was a sight that would fail
of description to see the fleet of the New England fisher-
men, numbering at certain times a year to as many as 300
sail, that would harbor awhile, waiting for favorable winds
to pursue their course. They would take the opportunity
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil. 71

to fill their water casks at the spout. To witness their sim-


ultaneous hoisting o: sail and leaving the harbor, the scene
heightened by the bright morning sun, whitening this vast
expanse of sail, produced a scene of remarkable beauty,
not easily surpassed.
About a half mile still farther west. up the north shore
of the Highlands, may still be seen the remains of what
was known during the sixties as an extensive industry. Af-
ter the collapse of the North American Phalanx Commun-
istic colony, located near Red Bank, N. J .• its president,
Mr. Cliarles Sears, and others located at this point, pur-
chasing about 50 acres of water front property that had
formerly belonged to the Hooper Estate. They became ex-
tensive shippers of "Green Sand Marl," exporting it to all
points that could be reached by water, as far as some of the
eastern States. also southerly points on the coast of New
Jersey and Delaware. Contractor Griffin also became a
shipper from lands adjoining, belonging to Edward· Hooper.
The cost of transportation was necessarily such that the
business was short-lived, and probably will never be re-
vived. The supply is inexhaustible and the marl is of some
value as an agricultural fertilizer.
The Sears branch of the marl shipping was the original
and the largest. (The "Griffin Plant" was a borrowed idea,
of Mr. Griffin, after he had built the Sears dock for their
use in shipping.) It turned its attention, through Mr. Seth
Chapin, son-in-law of ex-President Sears. and Charles P.
Dey, to the manufacturing and shipping of a fertilizer made
of dried moss bunkers, ground fine, wifr a certain percent-
age of the "Green Sand Marl." This continued until the
odor became objectionable to residents of Bay View, now
.Atlantic Highlands, when the business was discontinued, in
1880.
By an act of the Legislature, in February, 1830, was
incorporated the Monmouth Steamboat Company, with a
capital of $20,000. The incorporators were Martin Chand-
ler, Thom::LS L Parker, Peter W. Schenck, Joseph Ring and
Jeremiah Chandler. The steamboat "Saratoga" was built
and run by Captain Joseph King, between New York and
Sandy Hook, and the Highlands. The Highlands dock was
situated at the foot of the Government road and directly
where the Highlands end of the present county bridge is
situated. The boat ran for several years.
In 1865, the sea shore railroad was built on the Sandy
Hook peninsula. It had a terminal in Spermaceta Cove.
The steamer "William Cook" connected it with New York
City. The Highlands was accommodated by a ferry, con-
72 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

sisting of row boats, and was continued until the bridge


was completed, in 1872. The most pr:>minent among the
ferry-men was James Schenck, brother of the present
Peter W. Schenck.
A post office was established in 1852, with Peter F.
Schenck as post-master. It was discontinued after two
years, and re-established in 1872, with Charles Van Berner
as post-master. He was not especially qualified for the
position, and depended on Thomas H. Leonard, then assis-
tant post-master at Leonardville, and others, to adjust his
quarterly accounts to the government. He was succeeded
by J: :Morton Johnson, till 1882, when J. H. Brainard as-
sumed the position, he being followed in turn by M. Row-
land, and later by the present post-master, Alonzo Hand.
The Sea View House, erected by Mrs. Jarvis, wa.s located
between the "Schenck Hotel," (now known as the East
View) and the Atlantic Pavilion. It was unfortunately
known in history as the house where Albert S. Moses was
murdered by James P. Donnelly, August 1st, 1857. He
was hanged at Freehold for the crime, on January 8th,
1858.
The first "Swift House" was built by Benjamin M.
Hartshorne in 1879, and destroyed by fire on January 26,
1884. It was rebuilt by Thomas Swift on the same site,
overreaching on the shore, between the Highlands Bridge
and Thompson Dock. Beside the hotel, as above stated,
this property consisted of three cottages and extensive
stables, connected with the hotel on the bluff.
The Highlands Bridge Company was incorporated in
1871. The draw bridge was erected, crossing the Navesink
River at a point opposite the East View House, to the Sandy
Hook peninsula, thus affording accomodations for the
public with the railroad located thereon, also with all the
territory, south and east of Navesink, and south of
Shrewsbury River. The bridge draw was placed very near
the Highlands side of the river, both for the convenience of
the river steamers plying between New York City and the
above named rivers, stopping at the Highlands Dock; also,
it was in a position necessary, as the channel was near the
Highlands shore at this point. and made the dee11ening of
the water extremely sudden and abrupt.
The bridge was fourteen hundred and fifty-two feet
in length, eighteen feet in width, with a draw of one hun-
dred and eighty-six feet. The cost was thirty-five thousand
dollars. The work of producing this enterprise was ac-
complished through the energy of Edward M. Hartshorne.
The financial 811pport was secured largely through Benja-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL '13

min K. Hartshorne. The bridge was opened to the public


December 5th, 1872, and in use as a toll bridge until July
1st, 1875, when a schooner ran in the draw and disabled it.
The bridge not having proved a financial success in itself
(though a great convenience to the general public), it was
permitted by the company to remain in this disabled condi-
tion for three years, and was then sold on foreclosure, a
result usually attained in enterprises of a public nature of
like character, constructed a little in advance of the public's
full realization or appreciation of their worth.
The company was reorganized under the name of the
"Navesink Bridge Company." The draw was rebuilt, in-
creasing the length to one hundred and ninety-four feet,
and was opened June 27, 1878. It remained in full opera-
tion under the personal care of Superintendent Jacob Swan,
who had charge of the draw and collection of tolls, for
many years. He met with no accident, through his wise
judgment and watchful care, made possible by years of
personal experience with the river currents, weather con-
ditions, and with water crafts of all kinds, from the rowing
of fishing skiff's to the tacking necessary in the management
of a schooner. His memories pertaining to the collecting
of tolls while thus employed as draw-tender are very inter-
esting, as many New York toughs would question his right
to collect toll after they had paid the railroad. fare as the
ticket read, from New York to the Highlands Station. He
became proficient in the "manly art of self-defence," and
could defend his point with ability that would ha~·e done
credit to "Sullivan" in his palmy days. The bridge 1'.~main-
ed owned by the company named, until bought ·b_., the
county, an account of which will appear later.
The Jackson Club began to make the Highlands their
annual camping grounds in 1866, and in 1868 they leased
grounds of Peter F. Schenck, near his own residence, and
built upon it. They still keep up their organization and
attendance ·at the Highlands. There were a number of resi-
dences, many of which were owned by wealthy people
from the cities, scattered around the Hillside, which is.
bounded east and west from the river to the government
light-house; north and south from Hartshorne's to the
"Wate?- Witch." Besides the ,Schencks, Thompsons, Par-
sons, Duvales, Buchanans, Swifts, there was quite a colony
of actors, among them Mr. Neal Burgess, now deceased,
John Webster, W. B. Hayden, Thomas W. Keene, Mr.
Wheelock, Horace McVicker, Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Weaver-
and others, all occupying princely residences and having a
grand view of "Old Ocean",. the Peninsula and Navesink
74 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

River; also, Far Rockaway and Coney Island. Among


those enjoying the fine locality may be found many honest
and industrious sons of toil, that have labored and saved
from their earnings and made homes for themselves, and
their children, who are becoming- prominent business men
and citizens. ·
Probably the first gun-smith and jeweller in the town-
ship of Middletown was located at the Navesink Highlands,
and had his shop near the site, and just south of, the pre-
sent Atlantic Pavilion. His name was John, better known
as "Johnny," Doughty; he was a good man and, a brave
soldier. Just beyond this place was the famous Old Wood
Road, to which most all the wood roads of the Highlands
led, following the ravine between the present Demmings
and Mintern properties, making a landing on the shore
from which thousands of cords of wood were shipped for
the New York market.
Parkertown, or Sea Side, as it is now sometimes call-
ed, lies at the head of Sandy Hook Bay, and the mouth of
Navesink River. It is extremely well located for the class of
watermen and others residing there. The hamlet is a part
of the Highlands village, but, up to this time, having a dis-
tinct name, as its inhabitants are so distinct in occupation
and habits from the residents on the Hillside. The boun-
dary of this little village extends from Jackson Club pro-
perty to Basswood Hill, and from the Bay to the Bluff
in the rear. .The tract is level and low, the high tides
covering at times a large part of the inhabited portion of
the property. The founder of the settlement was Charles
Parker, who settled there about 1858 and followed the
two distinct occupations of clammer and merchant. The
author of this work recalls the frequent visits of Mr.
Parker, with his mild and Quaker-like manner and face,
to procure his supplies for his little store at Parkertown
from the larger supplies kept by Thomas Leonard at
Leonardville. Mr. Parker did not carry a very. extensive
line of goods at his Parkertown Emporium. He would
.sel~t. with all the grace of a "Chesterfield" his pork and
hard tack, the staple necessities of life, and adjust the
price, to allow himself a proper advance, not forgetting the
luxuries of life in the form of half-pound papers of "Shorts
Tobacco." . . . . . · .
. · From. this humble beginning baa sprung up a thrifty
village, with two churces and a number of stores, and resi-
dent accommodations, with a population that corn~
the respect of, at leaat, the politicians, around election
time. Josh Johnson, at one time. was a conspicuous char-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 76

acter. He presented an originality of no mean proportions.


The writer recalls an incident at his father's store, at
Leonardville. Josh would come there for goods, and on
one occasion he met with one of his comrades, Captain
Tabor Chadwick, whom he had not seen in years. Though
separated, they had developed, as it were, from one pod.
They stood and looked at each other for some time in
silence. Eyes, that had seen life from so many domestic
and financial standpoints, welled up. Breasts, that had
"hove to" in bliss of reconcilation after many storms of
fireside tem,,estuous eruptions, reminded one of an old-
fashioned fire bellows; till at last the silence was broken
by a simultaneous shout of prolonged laughter, as they
recognized themselves as a pair of unsightly (though
good-hearted) mortals, as could easily be put together.
Christian Grim became a central figure in the mer-
cantile field, and presented characteristics that combined
the carefully arranged to1i~t of a "Digger Indian" and
the financial skill of a "Rothschild." His beauty was that
of character, so that it would have to be seen to be appre-
ciated.
Space would not allow the prominent acknowledg-
ments of such men of renown as the Parkers, descendants
of the founder, Charles Parker, Smiths, Mounts, Bum-
steads, Derbys, Burdges, Fays, Laytons, Van Notes, Dor-
setts and others.
76 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XIII.
ESTABLISHMENT OF CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND
INDUSTRIES AT THE liIGHLANDS.

The first religious meetings at the Highlands were


held by Reverend Thomas Roberts, ( of whom mention will
be made later) on Sabbath afternoons, as occasion offered.
In 1875, Reverend A. W. Allen, a Reformed (Dutch)
Church minister, came to the Highlands and settled. He
began in a humble way to elevate the moral and spiritual
life of the Highlands, holding tent services and visiting
from house to house. A church organization was at last
proposed and the majority decided to bring the new re-
ligious enterprise under the care of the Dutch Reformed
Church.
The church was organized February 9, 1875, with
Reverend Mr. Allen as pastor. He labored until his
death in December, 1884. A church building and par-
sonage were completed in 1875. Eternity only will reveal
the results of Mr. Allen's labors, of eleven years, among
his people. The history of this place would be incomplete
without mentioning the name of Reverend Robert Emery,
a lay preacher from Atlantic Highlands, who served the
Master and the people of the Highlands, walking to every
service. Mr. Emery was of the Methodist Episcopal faith.
He filled a large niche in the spiritual development of
Parkertown, in reviving the fading light of members from
there and other places, also in dispelling the darkness in
the minds of many of those whom Christ came to save.
A Methodist Church was organized, and a meeting
house erected, while under his care. After the Society
became well on its feet, Mr. Emery turned the work over
to the care of the Conference, of which this section of the
state is a part.
The Roman Catholic Church became established here
early in the middle of the century, and has become a sub-
stantial organization through Father O'Connor and Father
Fox's ministrations. The Society has a fine location on
the main street.
The western part of the old ''Nimrod Woodward
tract" was divided up into several properties. The larg-
est tract that remained together was the Andrew Mount
property, consi.tiq of about 260 acres of woodland, in-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 77

eluding the "Spout" ·and Mount Mitchell, from the sum-


mit of which a fine view of the bay and ocean is obtained.
Mr. Mount lost -a large amount of money in the south, at
the time of our Civil war, and was unable to retain the pro-
perty. A company of New York City's wealthy men came
in possession of it. They were calied the "Navesink Park
Company,'' and some $74,000 was spent in building a fine
wharf 100 feet long (which ,was never used) and many
fine avenues. They went so far as to commence several
foundi.tions, for residences, on the property, laid out by
Egbert L. Viele, the landscape engineer, of Central Park,
New York City, assisted by engineer and superintendent,
Ezra A. Osborne. By some misunderstanding in the com-
pany, the improvements were stopped, and so remain at
this writing.
We would fail in our duty if we passed by the names
of some of the famous "wood choppers" and others of the
Highlands; among them, Uncle Ben Skidmore, and his
son Jolin, the Welches, Wooleys, Daniel Ayers, Chambers,
Captain Despreaux, also Highland Tom Sti!lwell and
others. Then there was the great shell-thro,ver, Uncle
Tom Johnson, who could jerk a stone as far u another
person could throw it, and throw a clam shell through the
air with such skill and power that it seemed transformed
to a thing of life. Peter W. Schenck could cast a post axe
"out of sight" at one throw. The two John Smiths (water-
men) were famous oarsmen. Also, we find in our remem-
brance the name of Captain William Patterson, the crack
shot at the great Highlands Shooting Matches.
Living among these Highland Hills were many others
of local fame ; also, many historical spots, with their
respective traditions. We would refer to what was known
as "Deep Hollow,'' lying north of the residence of Jacob
Swan, Jr., where some of the war horses of the Revolution
were wintered; also, near there, the historical spot where
the guard-house was situated, at Point Lookout.
The first light, or beacon, at the Highlands of Nave-
sink was decided upon at a meeting of the Council of New
Jersey at Perth Amboy, August 18, 1746. President John
Hamilton had received a communication from New York
authorities asking that a beacon be erected on the High-
lands, to give warning to the city of the approach of hos-
~e ships. The council, acting on this suggestion, gave
instructions to the Colonel of the Monmouth Ceunty llili-
tia to erect a beacon light. Thls protection was necessary,
as French ahipa might attempt to come in the harbor
to deatroJ' the city, as France was at war with Britain at
78 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

this time. In our war with the British, the beacon did good
service in calling the militia of the county to the front.
The following is the form of a commission given to
officers of this period, in the thirteenth year of His
Majesty. George the Second's, reign.
Nathaniel Leonard, named in this commission, was
the grandfather of Thomas Leonard, the great-grand-
father of the writer.
After the lapse of seventy years, we again find two
commissions given to James Hopping and William Leonard
(grandfathers of the writer) from the free hand of Liberty,
represented by the state of New Jersey, one of the noble
and brave thirteen that made up the original Union of
States.
The first permanent light-house erected on the High-
lands, about 1765, as it appears in "'Smith's History of
New Jersey," (published at that time), says, "At the High-
lands of Navesink, the New York Merchants have erected
Commoders Light-Houses for the security of Navigation."
Land was purchased for the purpose for "Twin Light-
Houses" from Nimrod Woodward by the United: States
Government, July 26, 1826. The first appropriation was
made in that year, an~ the building was ready for use in
1828. It was rebuilt and improved in the year 1840, and
again in 1862. The last effort was the most extensive, and
of a character worthy of its location and use.
The towers stand three hundred feet apart. The
lights are two hundred and forty-eight feet above the level
of the sea. Height of towers from the base to light is fifty-
three feet. The lanterns are first-class lens, both fixed,
and visible over twenty-two nautical miles at a point fif-
teen feet above the level of the sea. The south tower is
square; the north, octagonal. They are the lugest, high-
est lights on the Atlantic Coast.
The keepers of the Highlands Lights, since 1828,
have been: Joseph Doty, James Wilson, Joseph Lopez,
Joseph I. Thompson, James D. Hubbard, Sam'l Mullen,
Gorden Sickles, Smith Conover, Tabor Chadwick, Charles
Van Allen, and Daniel Calkins.
The schooner "Monmouth" was built at what is known
as the Black Fish Hole, near the Neptune Club House.
She was known as the first vessel built in this part of the
country.
The Atlantic Pavilion commenced its history when a
Mr. Hartman leased a small piece of ground from Robert
Hartshorne, and erected a small building thereon, which
was finally purchased by Sheriff Joseph L Thompson, to-
gether with about eight acres of land. The hotel accom-
REPRODUCTIONS OF COMMISSIONS OF
NATHANIEL LEONARD, WILLIAM LEONARD, JAMES HOPPING
See pase 78
FROM INDIAN TRAIL '1'0 ELECTRIC RAIL 79

modations were enlarged from time to time, through the


efforts of Mr. Thompson and his two sisters, Emaline and
Sarah, and his son, John I., until it had a reputation sel-
dom surpassed.
The telegraph station has been an important one,
at this point, from the beginning. The first means of com-
munication was by large arms erected -at the height of two
hundred and eight feet, between the light-house towers.
The writer of this work can well remember the unsightly
structure. It had the appearance of an over-grown "wind
grist mill." But no doubt it did good service at that time.
By means of a signal code of numbers, commercial and
other information could be conveyed to the Bluff on Staten
Island, and so on to the city. The Signal Station
at the Highlands, and also the corresponding one on Staten
Island, were owned by a gentleman by the name of Leg-
gett, who, with commendable enterprise, established this
original and novel method of communicating between New
York City and its commercial ocean inlet. The Highlands
Signal Station w~ placed in the careful and reliable hands
of Mr. Charles R. Havens, who, for over sixty years, looked
after the station.
After the Signal Station came the magnetic telegraph.
Mr. Ha\·ens made himself acquainted with the system, as
then in use,-the paper tape receiver-which he adhered
to throughout his long term. He lived at first at the Schenck
Hotel, near the present railroad station. After a few
years he bought a small farm in the center of the High-
lands, nestling among these hills. He walked back and
forth all those years, which exercise undoubtedly pro-
longed his life. The writer called on him recently, and
found him well and strong at eighty-two years of age. He
does not attend very closely to business now, and can be
found at his home, especially in the winter months.
The Western Union continues to remit him full pay.
which fact is worthy of notice. He and his good wife rear-
ed a large family, of whom several died young, only Vinton,
Josephine, Arthur and Ada remsining. The sons were all
good telegraph operators. The Western Union had an
opposition at one time, at the Highlands. They located on
another high point, on the Hartshorne property. This com-
pany was located a little to the south of the original one,
and had certain advantages, but it was short lived. The
company sold their property to the W estem Union Tele-
graph Company.
-80 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Both stations were kept in use as each had a certain


-advantage in itself from a commercial point. The southern
station was in charge of Mr. Haven's son, Vinton H.
Havens, an expert sound operator, who, like his father, had
a vast amount of knowledge pertaining to sea vessels that
passed in and out of the harbor. He was also familiar
with the names of the vessels.
Near the residence of Charles R. Havens, then owned
!l.nd occupied by William Morris, on the north side, was
situated on a plot of ground a small residence, occupied
by a maiden lady by the name of Marie Lewis, who lived
there alone. She occupied her time with her household
dut.•~ raising poultry and attending her garden. She had
saved, and was known to have in her dwelling, what was
in those days considered a large amount of gold. She came
to a sudden end, by hands unknown. Her body was drag-
ged out in the woods, and her savings carried aw-ay. This
circumstance created great excitement in the community,
but the guilty person or persons were never discovered,
and it still remains a mystery. The quiet place w'here this
terrible tragedy was enacted, on August 11th or 12th,
1852, in revolutionary times, was called Phames (Eu-
phemia) Hollow. It contained seventy acres and was
owned by Daniel Brown, and later by his son, William
Brown, the same gentleman who owned the Brown farm
which is now the center of Atlantic Highlands.
Hartshorne's farmer, "Squire" John Van Kirk, kept
up the family's honored name in the agricultural depart-
ment, for many years; he having the entire chargE' in Rob-
ert, the father's time, following through Richard's and Ed-
ward's lives, and also, later, through Benjamin's. He was
a man of charcter. He lived to ripe old age, and was pen-
sioned by Benjamin M. Hartshorne. The house he occu-
pied on the Hartshorne property was originally a private
school building, erected by the Hartshornes for this pur-
pose. This was before the time of distri::t schools, and
was contemporary with the private school built by Peter
W. Schenck in 1834. His building was situated near
what is now known as Parkertown or Seasid.e, a little to
the west of the centre of the town.
The first district school building was erected in 1845,
by Colonel William .Jones and Peter W. Schneck. The
school was kept by the Colonel's daughter, Angeline Jones,
for some years. It was finally abandoned and another
bmldqi.g erected near the "Twin Lights." at the foot of the
Hill, to the West. by Edward and Mary Hartshorne. in
1861. Thia was sold to the Catholics in 1878, who occu-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil, 81

pied it as a chapel until they made other arrangements.


Through the wise efforts of Reverend Mr. Proudfit
and others. a fine school building was procured on the main
street, on the corner of Miller Avenue, leadinp: to Seaside,
at a cost of two thousand dollars. In 1884, the building
was enlarged to forty by eighty feet at the additional cost
of twenty-five hundred dollars. This expenditure procured
a fine building, furnished with all modern and improved
furniture.
The steamers, after the "Saratoga", that plied be-
tween New York City, Highlands and Red Bank, were:
"Osiris", "Oris", "Thomas Hunt", "Thomas J. Haight",
"Wilson G. Hunt", "Tom Sammon", "Confidence", "Golden
Gate", "Helen" (propeller), "Cricket" (was wrecked
in the inlet), "Meta", "E. Morris", "Highland Light",
"Alice Price", "Nellie White", Ocean Wave", "Helen"
(side wheel), "Laura", "J. B. Swain", "Orseo", "Sea Bird"
and "Albertina."
82 FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XIV.
NAVESINK VILLAGE
A SKETCH FROM THE PEN OF THOMAS LEONARD.

This village, nestling between the hills of Navesink


Highlands on the east and the Chapel Hill range on the
west, dates back in history to the earliest settlement of
this section of the country. It has always been a favorite
resort for those engaged on the water, and those procur-
ing a livelihood from the water. The village is located
about midway, and within easy distance, between Sand:·
Hook Bay, which is in full view from the town, and Ch..y
Pit Creek, Navesink River and the ocean, also in easy walk-
ing distance. The population consists of a respectable
number of agriculturists, centering their interests there,
business people, such as doctors, merchants, blacksmiths,
wheelwrights, and hotel keepers, post-master, ministers,
school teachers, barbers and others. Having these facts in
mind, you may have a good idea of the little hamlet, in its
slow and gradual growth, from 1790 to 1887, about one
hundred years.
The following was written by Thomas Leonard, at
the age of eighty years. This remembrance, from one of
such an age, is invaluable and greatly prized by the writer.
The manuscript was copied almost verbatim by his grand-
daughter, Mabel.
MEMORIES OF NAVESINK
by Thomas Leonard.
About the first recollection I have of leaving my home and parents
was going to a private school, kept by Mrs. Johnson, the wife
of Henry Johnson, at High Point, on Cards Hill, about two miles from
home, a little south of the present village of Navesink. The old school
house that the former generation bad attended school in was situated
in Riceville tNavesink), on the south side of the Hill, near the resi-
dence of John Davis, Sr., the property being now owned by Mr. George
D. Smith. I have heard my father and Aunt Betsey tell about going
there to school I attended the same school-house a short time. The
house was in a dilapidated condition, and the teachers were often in a
worse one throngh intemperance. (There was a private school kept in
the house of Joe Lewis, and also Betsey Merritt.) A parent would
naturally conclude that children having such teachers would not ac-
qnire much learning. Many of them went only three months in the
winter season. They were exposed to all kinds of weather and forced
to their farm chores in the morning before school hoUl'II, &11d then
FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAU, 88

walk two to four miles, returning and doing 1lheir chores at night.
The:, experienced something the children now days know but little of.
The farm of John Bowne (his ancestors being some of the first
aettlers of New Jerse:,), was more than a mile in length. The eastern
extent wss at the house of Julia Stillwell, which still remains, where
the school children bought cake and candy more than seventy :,eara
ago. On this farm of John Bowne there was a school house built
&bout the :,ear 1825, near the corner of C.intral and Hillside avenues,
the onl:, school house for all that section of country, from Garrett Bill
to the ocean, for a space of twenty :,ears. The school building wu
moved to the west side of Julia Stillwell's dwelling and still remaim,
1887.
When I went to school, Julia Stillwell's house was the only dwell-
ing house to be seen from the school house. Joshua Robbins, Rice
Hstsell's. Joseph Maxson's, on the Hill were all built afterwards. On
the south side were Harr:, Sadler, Joseph Davis, Obadiah Davis and
William Davis, SODII of John Davis. At Navesink, business WIIS ver:,
dull; the leading mechanics and carpenters were the Davis family.
The:, were bom carpenters, but there was but little work to be
done in the place. John, the eldest son of Joseph, moved soon to a
neighboring town, and was a carpenter and farmer. Jose~h, another
son, went to New York, learned the carpenter trade, marned and re-
turned to Navesink and became a leading citizen. Obadiah also
learned the carpenter trade, but was compelled to move awa:, to get
work. William also learned the carpenter business and worked at it
most of his life in Riceville, now Navesink, and vicinity. The children
all followed in the footsteps of their fathers. If the:, had come on the
stace of action at the time Atlantic Highlands was to have been built
11p it would not have been necessary to have sent abroad for builders.
The:, could have done all the work.
The Goodenough famil7 (sash and blind manufacturers) were azi
industrious people, but they could not get steady work at their tzade.
t.11e:, being compelled to seek business in other wa,a. The :,oung ma
were compelled to go :away, to seek business. and 1lhe :,ouug ladies wen
likewise compelled to go away, too, when the :,oung men came and pied
hard for them to do so.
In 1830, about this time, there came a merchant in the p ~ b7
the name of Rice Hatsell. He appeared to have had a little capital,
and sold some thinga ver:, cheap, which caused a great rush to bia
store. Be credited those that did not have the mone:, and there were
a eood man:, who appreciated bia kindness, and it aeem'ed for a tim•
to make thinr-, very prosJM!rous. Hatsell could not stand it long and
when his creditors e&u1e from New York he went to parts unknown;
and they named the place after him, Riceville.
The lowe::- Highlands was called b:, the 'liartabome family Port-
land Place, they being the first settlers. The people farther west
called their settlement High Point, and when the meeting house WU
built on the Hill, it was called Chapel Hill
No denomination of preachers had ventured down aa far as m-
Tille :,et. The Methodist circuit ministers preached in the house of
Susan Tilton at Leonardville, once in two weeks, at first. I well
remember letting down the bars :Cor the minister on a Saturday
afternoon. There were a few Baptists scattered up and down the
hilla-the family of Uncle John Burdge, below Riceville, the family
of John Bowne, farther west, William Leonard's family at Leonardville,
alao Matthias Conover aiid family, consisting of sons, Corneliua,
William and Rulif, and daughter Wilhempe, who married WilliazD
Roope (their children were Mathias and Elisabeth), on Ba:, Shore.
Alao, others worslliped at the chllrch in the villap of llliddletown.
84 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

The people of ltictmlle knew there was a SUDday, for Uncle Jolm
D. Bmdn got them together on that day to attend tae Sabbath
School after the ac:hool fiouse was built, about 1825. Father Roberta
supplied the Baptist churches at llliddletown and Holmdel. and -
aionally preac:hed at Riceville.
About this time, 1830, the Methodists, having procured the meet-
Ing house at Chapel Hill. held regular services there every Sabbath.
Tlie Baptists baVlllg increased in numbers at Riceville, the mother
church at Middletown thougiht it best to built a small meeting home
there and have occasional preaching. This was about 1832. Father
Roberts supplied these churches for twelve :rears. from 1825 to 1837,
his salary being three hundred dollars a year, and his circuit coverings
an area of about forty miles. Spiritual as well as temporal thinlta
were at a very low ebb at Riceville at this time, with no regular preach-
ing services.
About this time the temperance reform was commenced. Father
Roberts. the great temperance reformer, with the assistance of Stewart
and Loudenslager of the llrlet.hodist Chuch, held temperance meetings
at Riceville and other places in the neighborhood. The influence of
this eft'ort was soon felt among those who bad formed the habit of
drinkini. A Temperance Society was formed and it was joined by
hUDClreds, both old and young. 'there was scm-cely a member of the
church who did not sign the pledge. Scores of younf people signed
who never bad tasted of liquor, for the purpose of exerting an influence
on their associates.
Up to this time there were about half-a-dozen taverns in the town-
mp. At Chapel Hill there was one each side of the meeting-house,
where people flocked from 'all the surroUDding coUDtry. Often, when
under the influence of liquor, they would disturb the religious services.
It was carried to that extent that one night they locked the whole
church and congregation in the meeting house. Brother Samuel
Bowne soon got out of a window and. being a blacbmitb, he _procured
some tools at a neighboring shop and soon let them all out. They ran
to catch the disturber but he r:in away 11.nd never returned. The tem-
perance people exerted their influence to such an extent by holding
meetings in di1ferent places in the township, that there was but one
tavern left to demolish. ·
About this time. two old residents of the Bigbl:ancJs. Edmond and
Charles Woodward. sons of the original Nlmrod Woodward started a
general store business for a short time, but soon dissolved partnership.
Charles purchased a farm near the village. which he cultivated for
many years. Edmond became a __prominent citizen. purchased land,
and built several houses in the village and vicinity.
In referring to the men of Riceville and vicinity, beside the
Davis family I have already spoken of, there were Daniel Bowne,
Major Johnson and Joseph Johnson (the father of Thomas Johnson).
The old family of Johnsons in Revolutionary War times, owned a
large porportion of the Old Woman mn woodlands. ha connection with
John Davia and Daniel Bowne, south and west of Naveaink. The
Delavan family owned a large tract of land down toward Claypit
Creek. on the north side. Hiram. the most ~ e n t man among them.
moved with his whole family out west. David Gordon lived on the north
of the Claypit Creek and Captain John llrlanon, the father of William
and annclf.ather of our present Timothy JlaDon. lhed on the 110ath
aide. One aoD by the ume of Jolm moved out wat. F.arther dowa
the creek was the :farm of Jolm D. Burdge. who kept a criat mill and
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 85

a store, "Vhich was a great accommodation to the neighborhood, though


theJ' had but little gr.sin to be ground.
The land owned bJ' the Delavans did not appear to be very pro-
ductive to a stranger who was passing by, and who asked the old
gentleman why he sowed his rye on such soil. He replied that if he
stopped sowing he could not keep his seed. Since my memory, land
in Navesink was sold for eight dollars an acre.
Joshua Robbins', at Robbins Comer , .,ear the present achool
bonse, 1898), was the first house built in sight of the school house,
Rice Hatsell's the next, Joseph Maxson's on the hill, the nex+., followed
after Hatsell left. Joseph Leonard continued the mercantile busi-
ness. The Woodwards, Johnsons, Lufburrows, George Sickles, Stephen
B. Conover, Wilson Brown, Samuel Taylor, William Palmer, Joseph
Mount, Mark Mount, William Johnson and many others that I cannot
remember, embarked in the mercantile business. The present
merchants, Swans, Leonards a."ld Johnsons, have been more permanent.
I here. mention one of the industrious and prosperous citizens
of Riceville, one who ha.• done as much as any other to build up the
place--1 mean William H. Posten, Sr., also, Judge Sickles, Andrew J.
Williams, lllorgan Swan, Captain William Patterson, Franklin Jenkins,
Reverend Bromwell Andrews, Doctor Andrews, William Bennett, and
Adolphus Irwin and their families have all done their part, though
some have retired and others have passed away. Those that remain
seem to be as much concerned in the prosperity of the place as any of
their predecessors were.
(Signed) THOMAS LEONARD
86 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XV.
NAVESINK'S PROMINENT. FAMILIES.

Claypit Creek, now Locust Point, derived its name


from the clay pits located near the village of Navesink.
The material procured from these pits was utilized in many
useful ways, by the early residents. Its texture made it
possible for plastering the walls of their houses. The pits
were eventually abandoned and filled up.
William Leonard deeded a piece of property at Nave-
sink, on the main street, near the center of the village, to
the Middletown Baptist Church, on which was located a
imeeting house, as has already been stated. Adjoining this,
:and directly north, he also deeded property for school pur-
poses. Upon this land a school building was erected by
·Henry Goodenough for the school district. This building
-Was used many years for school purposes. It burned down
:ln about the year 1850. Another school building was erect-
,ed for the district, on the same property, by William
"Burdge and William Wooley. With occasional additions
and improvements, this continued in use until 1893, when
other ground :was purchased to the west, with an outlet on
Navesink Avenue. Upon this was erected as fine a school
building as could be found in the township.
The first blacksmith shops and wheelwright shops, as
already stated, were owned by William H. Posten, Sr., the
wheelwright branch being conducted by Mr. Adolphus
Irwin, now deceased, successor of John Covert. The busi-
ness was very profitable in such hands and very extensive,
until Atlantic Highlands cut off the watermen from Bay
Shore, and new shops were started on the east by Joseph
Stankiewicz, a Russian, near the junction of the five roads
leading to Atlantic Highlands, Navesink, Oceanic, Locust
Point, Hartshorne's and the Highlands.
Mr. Posten had become rich and his sons, Amzi and
William, "caught on" well at Atlantic Highlands, so that
all was welt The same was the case with Mr. Irwin's sons,
William, Everett, Obadiah and Charles, who also located
at Atlantic Highlands. Their story and history have al-
ready been mentioned in Thomas Leonard's memoirs.
Following Rice Hatsell came our numerous and en-
terprising men, such as the Sickles. Johnsons. Watrous,
Palmers· and Robinsons. -from Brown's Landing; Wood-
FRO)( INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 87

:wards, Andrews, Leonarda, Swans, Hartmans, Mounts and


others. Space will not allow me to present all of these
singly, but I would call your attention to the present ones:-
Mr. J. M. Johnson, gr,,cer and druggist; Webster Swan,
grocer of enterprise and marked success, and Joseph Leon-
ard, proprietor of coal yard and general store. Of each,
much could be said to their honor. Each of them was post-
master of the village in turn.
The hotel interest was first started in the purchase of
the present property by Mr. Pierson Hendrickson, and kept
by his sons, Holmes and Brazil. The property was finally
sold to Josiah Stearns, and kept by him for many years,
and after his death by h:s ;-;-idow and sons. The business
of the hotel was never extensive, as there were but few
travc!ers th:lt rcg:s:cred there. The principal profit was
derived from the bar, where the sluggish minds of the vil-
lagers would be stimulated to a greater degree of oratorical
brilliancy through the world-renowned "Jersey Lightning."
The ice-cream emporium of the town dates back to an
early age. The writer recalls the memory of the tempting
dishes of this cooling refreshment, produced and procured
at Wale's Ice Cream Parlors, kept by the good housewife,
Jane Wales. Forty-five years have passed since the writ-
er's fi!·st experience in the purchase, and the endeavor to
get on the outside of, those pyramids of cream~ colossal
zeros of earthly bfo:s.
There are two }:L"ld5 of shavers; of each, perhaps,
Navesir.k had its 1epreseri~;::;vt;)s. The boy shaver ranked
high, in early times, and w:1-s looked upon as eq_::al b any
requirement of the boy age. The first man shaver, or ton-
sure, of the •,;illage, was a ge:1tleman of color, Napoleon by
name, who elevated the standard of self-respect in the com-
munity by his Chesterfieldian grace of manners. He was
followed by William Smith, and he, in turn, by Frank Des-
peaux, present artist.
Mr. Charles H. Green, the veteran stage proprietor,
must not be forgotten, as he filled a large place in the
necessities of the community, especially after Atlantic
Highlands appeared on the scene. Mr. Green purchased
the stage, and stage route from the Highlands to Hopping
Station, from Andrew Bowne, Mr. Bowne having previous-
ly purchased the old "People's Line," some years before.
The stage line through Mr. Green's management, became
a permanent fixture. In conversation with him in the year
1895, he said he had driven the route twenty-eight years.
He was asked if the present stage was the original "Bowne
Stage." He replied that it was in part, but that he had
88 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

taken from and added to several times, as its condition re-


quired.
He first drove the original route from Highlands, via
Navesink to Navesink Station, as it was then called, and
afterwards changed to "Hopping's." At the building of
the railroad on Sandy Hook, he turned about, and drove
from Navesink to the Highlands, his passengers crossing to
the beach station by the "oarsmen ferry", Messrs. Schenck
and Greenfield's river accommodation. After the starting
of the Atlantic Highland steamer route in 1879, steamers
"Thomas Collier" and "Marion," Mr. Green again changed
and drove from Navesink to the Bay Shore, and continued
until about 1900.
A large part of the
lands~ and ,near Nave-
sink, ( called Riceville
until 1867), was orig-
inally owned by John
Bowne. About 1765
John David Burdge
bought a tract of land
and erected a saw mill,
on a branch of Clay Pit
Creek. In 1795 the
Burdges purchased
more land for these
purposes. The dam is
still in existence, and
in use by A. Jones
Swan, a descendant of
the Burdges, for the
securing of ice, he be-
ing the pioneer ice mer-
chant. The Burdges,
were a prominent fami-
ly, both in temporal
and spiritual matters.
The name of John
Burdge is still often re-
ferred to, after a lapse
of so many years, as
one that dcly honored
..,.._ _;;__ _ _====;_:_=;;;,;;;;;,his Creator.
l•I
WT<F Ot.o l'lru or JONN 811RlU swAN Beside the saw
mill, there was a grist
mill. The writer remembers the trips he made to
Swan's Grist ·Mill, with his grist. and - would, while
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 89

waiting, interest himself with the novelties of the old place,


with its old mill dam, its long water race made of plank,
like a water trough, (the dilapidated mill being one bun-
hundred years old), the primitive methods of grinding
the grist. and his journeying through the Wood Road
home. This mill was situated on an arm of the Clay Pit
Creek, and near the line of the Navesink Railroad, also in
the vicinity of the Stone Church.
It is said that John D. Burdge kept a small store in
connection with his mill business, contemporary with
Applegate's store at Applegate's Landing. The property
came in the hands of John B. Swan, who owned quite a
large tract until his death, when it was divided between his
sons, Charles, Uriah, Joseph, Jones. John and David. It
m~ be interesting to some, in this connection, to know
that the remains of Mr. John B. Swan were borne to the
grave by his six sons, aboved named. His three daughters,
Amanda, Virginia and Ella, married and moved away. A
part of this property was sold to Mr. Stephens and his
son-in-la.ws, 'Mr. Milnor and Mr. Washington, occupied
the premises for many ye&J"S; also, ?,&,. A. Randall, who,
with them, erected princely residences on the original
Burdge property.
They were situated on the creek and river front. To
the east of their properties lay the Thomas Hartshorne
tract, which was sold off by the children, already named,
to several individuals. The writer recalls .fames M. Hart-
shorne, and Joseph Lufburrow, who each erected a fine
cottage thereon for summer renting. The property has
not developed much as yet.
West of the Burdge (Swan) property was the Mount
farm, that had passed thr-ough the hands of William Leon-
ard, Captain David Swan, Armstrong and others, until
it came to Andrew Mount. It was separated from the
Burdge-Swan farm by a narrow roadway, leading to a
public landing on Claypit Creek.
The necessity of a public landing having ceased, the
road was widened and an ordinazy wooden bridge was con-
structed, that served the purpose of public travel. In
1892, the Freeholders of the county ordered a beautiful
iron bridge constructed to occupy its place. Freeholder
D. Lane Conover was chairman of the committee. Twenty-
three hundred dollars was expended for the building of
the bulk head, and the total cost of the bridge was ten
thousand dollars. It was about four hundred feet in length.
Mr. Andrew Mount was purchaser and owner of
the Navesink Park, already spoken of. The farm was
90 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil,

willed by him to his daughter, Mrs. Platt, and at her death


to her sons. who still own it. It has a beautiful frontage
on the creek, and was at its best while in the hands of Mr.
Andrew Mount and his son William.
"Governor" Tompkins' Homestead lay to the north-
west of this property, and overlooked it. This property
had a very fine view of Navesink, and the surrounding
country, also out to the river and ocean, toward Sea Bright
and Long Branch. The "Governor" was a man of note in
his time. He had a good education and practical knowl-
edge of things, coupled with an intellectual ability, he
being a descendant of Governor Tompkins of New York
State. Fortune never favored him in a marked degree,
yet he was the first Locust Point merchant, (his store being
located in .·what is now the Hotel Amsterdam), and later
a plain Navesink farmer. He died with comfortable sur-
roundings, leaving a widow and two children to represent
him, B. Franklin and Josephine.
Space will not allow us to describe each individual
of this extensive village-the Lufburrows, Charles with
his large farm purchased in part by his sons, Charles and
Joseph; Captain William Johnson, the original and prom-
inent commission merchant, with his sons, William, (for
years the Navesink merchant) followed by John M., his
brother; ·chm-les Pitt, the oysterman; J. Mortimer, the
East View Hotel proprietor-all prominent members in so-
ciety: the old Benjamin Burdge representatives, David and
William and his son Edward E., the Locust Point merchant
for many years; Mrs. Sylvan us Reed, who bought the
Burdge and Johnson farms and erected grand residences
for her two sons, Latham and Berthram, and herself, also
the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. W. B. Parsons, there-
on; the Wilds, Bartons, Aimes, La Marches, Potters, Mc-
Kims, Despreaux, Browers, Wrights, Parsons and many
other good people not recalled, on Locust Point of Nave-
sink and in the immediate village.
The old families of Mounts and Maxsons have their
representatives through Timothy Maxson, William F.
Mount and Mrs- Denise Conover, children of John B.
Mount and also Isabelle and Mary Mount, daughters,
and Norma Swan, a granddaughter, of Mark L. Mount,
who wrote the first deed ever given in Atlantic Highlands;
also, the children of J. G. Mount, Joseph, Charles. A.
Mount, and Mrs. Charles Allen; the Williams, children of
Andrew J., (who as a commission merchant was not
surpassed), were John E. and Grover C., (his
daughters being Mrs. Webster Swan, Mrs. Thomas De-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 91

Mont and Mrs. Moyer}; the Swans, children of Morgan,


Morgan, Jr., Webster, John B., Leonard and Katherine
(Mrs. George B. Davis}; Jacob Swan, whose children
were, Jacob, Jr., Cooper, Edward B., and Catherine Morris,
(now deceased}; George B. Davis, who has a representat-
ive on the Mission Field through his son, Reverend Web-
ster Davis, and G. Morgan also a Baptist minister. Their
sisters are Alice, wife of Percy Falkinburg, Kate, Char-
lotte, (deceased), and Lillian. Other children of Joseph
Da\;s besides George B. were John W., Joseph, Susan,
Charlotte, Sarah, Francis and Theodore, he living on the
road from Navesink to Brown's Dock, has representatives
in Theodore, Charles H., Otto, Ruben, Oscar, Ada, Ella,
Mary, Nora, and Jessie.
John Wesley Davis, son of William Davis, has a sum-
mer residence on Navesink A venue. His older sister,
Katherine, remains at the homestead, and Matilda, wife of
George Brannin, resides on Valley Drive; Charlotte,
daughter of Obadiah Davis and wife of C. A. Irwin (now
deceased) with her sons, reside near the old homestead.
Other children were, Timbrook, Obadiah E., Kate, Eliza-
beth, Martha, Amanda and Deborah. The above are the
representatives of the three branches of the numerous Davis
families, many others having settled in other localities.
Among other residents are Henry Wilson and daught-
ers, Annie, Mary and Sarah; Charles McDonald and sisters,
l\Iary, Margaret and Mrs. Joseph Gardner, present repre-
sentative of William MdDonald; Joseph Carhart and sis-
ters, representatives of Joseph Carhart, the great debat-
er; Franklin Jenkins, who excelled in all physical feats,
(he married Susan, daugter of Joseph Davis); Nehemiah
Brower, who married Miss Sewings, granddaughter of
Joseph Leonard, the first by that name. Mr. Brower still
resides near his son, Geo""rge, at Locust Point.
William H. Posten, whose name appears elsewhere
married Sarah, daughter of Joseph Davis. Their children
are Mary, (Mrs. A. Clark), Amzi, William, Nellie, (Mrs..
N. H. Roberts) Sarah, (Mrs. J Wesley Davis) and Blanche;
William H. Johnson, superintendent of ''Leonard Park",
son of Henry Johnson, and sisters, Mrs. Andrew Bowne,
Mrs. Cooper Swan and Mrs. Thomas Johnson; Henry Sadd-
ler, the only male representative of a numerous family of
old residents; .George D. Smith, whose representatives are
George and Albert. also Mrs. John Sickles, Mrs. Charles
Carhart and Mrs. Edward E. Burdge, one son, Mortimer,
remaining at the homestead; William Bennett, represented
by Davia c; ~eli.- ~ost ~~Chapel~• and ~
92 FROM INDIAN TRAil, TO ELECTRIC RAIL

William P. Irwin and Mrs. George Marks; J.>seph Lewis,


represented by his son, Robert, who resides at Brevent
Park, and his daughter, wife of David C. Bennett, of
Chapel Hill; William Lewis, mail contractor, baa repre-
sentatives in Mrs. Amzi Posten and Maggie, who lives at
home, also Cecelia who married Joseph Leonard of Nave-
sink; John L. Ingling, who built a residence- on Navesink
Avenue, his daughters being Mrs. Albert Sickles and Eva,
who lives at home. Two sons, Ernest and Ridgeway, are
engaged with the Central Railroad; Joseph Stearns, now
deceased, is represented by his widow and family of four
children, two sons and two daughters; Thomas Johnson, of
Bay View renown, his children being Joseph, the great de-
tective, who captured the murderer of Annie, wife of
Charles T. Leonard, also Robert, Henry, Thomas, and
daughters, Mrs. Edward Layton, Mrs. Phelan, Mrs. Edward
H. Frost and Mrs. Gogins.
There were many others just as noteworthy, but not
recalled at this writing-Judge George H. Sickles, the vil-
lage school teacher and merchant, also its post-master,
always resided on his extensive farm near the village, be-
ing assisted by his sons in the care of it, while engaged in
his duties at the county seat as lay judge. They were
William, John, Frederick, Omar and Albert, with one
daughter, Addie, the wife of one of our leading contract-
ors, Frank J. Davis. The Judge was a prominent figure
for many years, in the political field, representing the re-
publican interests with wisdom and courage, always look-
ed to for advice in that, as well as in the social and finan-
cial projects of the community.
The writer recalls but one mistake, from his stand-
point, and it occurred in this manner. In the first laying
out of the town of Atlantic Highlands, he called on his
friends and, among the rest, the Judge. The writer found
him with his sons, husking out his crop of corn from. the
shocks in the large hill field. To make and create a mutual
feeling, the writer sat down with them and threw out the
golden ears. When coming to a suitable point in the con-
versation the "pet project" was introduced, and this was
the scheme:- You buy a lot on the shore, at Brown's Land-
ing, of me, and I will put the money into an extension of
the wharf from its three hundred and fifty feet tide water
length to a length that will admit steamers at any time of
tide. I will give you your choice from the following lots
on First, Second, Third, Fourth, Mount and Bay View
avenues. The average price is at the rate of one thousand
dollars an acre. This was- in the fall of 1879. The Judge
did not purchase, which was much to his loss.
FROM INDIAN TR.AIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 93

The Reverend Brom.men Andrews and family filled a


prominent place in Navesink, as the father brought to the
place a thrift and foresight that, up to that time, it lacked.
His sons, Russel, William, Brom.men, Joseph and Herman,
all became skilled in theology and medicine and the mani-
pulating of real estate. Russel, Brommell and Herman
became skilled physicians- Joseph delved into the myster-
ies of Holy Writ and proclaimed it with power. William,
though inheriting the essentials of a professionalist, drift-
ed in the field of real estate and invention and, as sueh,
could not be "hooked up wrong." The five sons and son-
in-law, Joseph Lufburrow (husband of the daughter Jane),
had the sad duty of carrying their father's remains to its
last resting place. Sarah, the remaining daughter, and
the widow, represented the family at the Homestead.
.94 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XVI.

ESTABLISIDIE?l."T OF CHURCHES Al'U> FffiE DEPARTMENT AT


NAVESINK
The spiritual interests of Navesink were cared for by
four churches, Episcopal, Methodist, Baptist and the Afri-
can M. E. Church. The Episcopal "All Saints Memorial"
Church was made up of many of the wealthy from the
Highlands of Navesink, also some members from Navesink,
although the village is largely Methodist. The "All Saints
Memorial" Church building is located near the forks of
the roads leading to Navesink village, Locust Point, Nave-
sink Bridge, "the Hartshorne," Highland village, and
Atlantic Highlands, via Valley Drive.
In October, 1861, the rector of Trinity Church, Red
Bank, held week-night meetings in the school house at
Riceville. Charles E. Milnor (son-in-law of the Stephens),
residing on a part of the original Burdge-Swan property,
near the mouth of Clay Pit Creek gathered his own and
some of his neighbors' children together on Sundays and
gave them religious instructions. This little effort, jn the
course of time, led up to the need of a church. The death of
Mrs. James A. Edgar caused her father, John H. Stephen to
erect a memorial to Mrs. Ed<rar and other deceased mem-
bers of the family. A parochial organization was effected
in 1863, and in October of that year the corner-stone of
"All Saints" Memorial church was laid, by the Right Rev.
W. H. Odenheimer, D. D. bishop of New Jersey.
The Reverend McWalter B. Noyes became its first
rector. He was succeeded by Reverend Theodore M. Riley,
followed by Reverend Mr. Murray, in February, 1869.
He resigned in November, 1871. The Reverend J. S. Weills
became rector September 1, 1872, remaining ~til 1875.
His successor was the Reverend Samuel Edson, who was
in turn succeeded by the Reverend Dr. McKim, Reverend
Mr. Pringle, and Reverend Mr. Lord, in 1894.
The church property was purchased and the Memorial
Church Mission School and the rectory erected by the
Stephens family, and all completed before 1872. The ma-
terial of which they were constructed was the n&tive field
stone of dark orange tint, with Dorchester stone trimmings.
It was designed by Richard M. Upjohn, -architect, of New
York.
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c.,1.a.:u4.__., .J'A-/V.bY HOO/C .BAY'
C1p1.»otftMtlwo.dward

THI<: THREE ORIGINAi, BOAT LANDINGS ON SANDY HOOK BAY


Kee l'aae -'U
3

51ri1rttM-H-W~l'ttffiliktlfMr:
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FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 95

The Navesink Baptist Church was a branch of the


Middletown Baptist Church. Its beginning was made pos-
sible in the faithful and true follower of their Savior, as
found in Deacon John D. Burdge, the sisters, Catherine
and Elsie Debowe, Captain William Leonard and others
who were always ready for any good work.
The first pastoral work (so far as known) was done
by Reverend Thomas Roberts, pastor of the Middletown
Baptist Church, as early as 1823, although former pastors
of that church no doubt did good service previously. The
religious privileges of the community were confined to Sun-
day School and pastor and house service, until the Middle-
town Church erected a mission building, which did good
service through the efforts of the pastor and the co-opera-
tion of Richard A. Leonard and others.
Sunday school services, prayer meeting a:nd temper-
ance meetings, called the High Point Total Abstinence
Society, became a power in the community, through Rev-
erend Thomas Roberts and others. The progress of the
Baptist interest became such by 1853 that an independent
organization became necessary, and steps were taken to
that end.
At a business meeting held at the meeting house of
the Middletown Church, July 30, 1853, fifty-five members
of said church, living in the vicinity of Riceville, registered
to be dismissed to compose a Baptist Church at Riceville.
The following names represented the call, and became
the constituent members at its organization, August 3,
1853, to be known as the "Second Middletown Baptist
Church".
Richard A. Leonard Joanna Roop
Sarah Leonard Elizabeth C. Roop
Richard Carhart Martba H. Carhart
Catherine Carhart Louisa Carhart
Richard Leonard Edward Hooper
lrlaryE. Leonard Thomas Bowne
Thomas Leonard Elizabeth Bowne
~t!DD Leonard
tb Leonard
Reverend Thomas Roberts
Eleanor Roberts
J&D1es H. Leonard Harriet Solly
Catherine Debowe Jobn Moma
Alice Debowe Elizabeth Brower
~oseph Davis Valeria Skidmore
l:larah Davis l'tlar7 A. Eldridge
George Davis George Eldriclce
Anna Tilton Walter Maxson
Nathaniel Roberta Sarah Maxson.
Phebe H. Roberta William Boop
Jauies Brown Wilimpa Roop
Slll&li Jentim JlatthiuC.Roop
JolmP.Jlazaoza Charles Merritt
96 FROM INDIAN TRAIT. TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Ursula Hooper Letitia Applegate


Mary A. Tilton Lydia Sinith
Julia Yarrow George Alley
Tenbrook Davis Catherine Alley
Nehemiah Brower Joiseph Maxaon
James Applegate Maria Maxson
The request was granted and a council was held in
the meeting house at Riceville and the church was organ-
ized on August 3, 1853. Reverend D. B. Stout (then pastor
of the Middletown Church) was appointed president, R.
Middleditch vice-president, E. Hooper secretary.
The Reverend M. Votery of Eatontown opened the
meeting with prayer, followed by preaching by Reverend
R. Middleditch, and recognition by Reverend Mr. Jenkins.
The church was represented by R. A. Leonard. The church
was called the Second Middletown Baptist Church.
An adjourned meeting was held on the 20th of Aug-
ust, 1853, for the election of officers. The Reverend Thom-
as Roberts was appointed moderator; Edward Hooper
clerk. By an unanimous vote R. A. Leonard and Thomas
Leonard were appointed deacons and Edward Hooper
clerk. In October the following trustees were elected-
R- A. Leonard, David Swan, George Carhart, Daniel Ro-
berts, Richard Carhart, Joseph Davis and Silas Tilton.
The church united with the East Jersey Association,
remaining till 1872, when it united with the Trenton Asso-
ciation.
A call was extended to Reverend W. V. Wilson to be-
come pastor. He accepted and commenced work October,
1853. He resigned at the end of one year. The aged and
venerable Father Roberts consented to serve until the
church should call a pastor. This continued for four years.
The church extended a call to the Reverend E. S. Browe
which he accepted and commenced his labor July, 1858.
After four years he resigned, January, 1862. The Rever-
end W. B. Harris accepted the call of the church and en-
tered upon his duties July 13, 1862, and served the church
faithfully until March, 1867. During his pastorate, the
death of Father Roberts occurred, on September 24, 1865,
after a faithful service for his Master for more than fifty
years.
The Reverend Mr. Harris was followed by the Rever-
end J. J. Baker, from the old Mother Church at Samptown
(now South Plainfield), New Jersey. He served the church
over eleven years, resigning 1879.
The name of the church bad previously been changed,
in 1877, to "The Navesink Baptist Church".
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 97

During his pastorate, the Senior Deacon, Richard A.


Leonard, died, May 5, 1877. He was a worker of unusual
power in the church, Sunday school and temperance work,
for forty-three years.
Following Mr. Baker, they called the Reverend C. T.
Douglass. who remained six years, with good success, re-
signing in 1885. He was succeeded by the Reverend M.
Fillmore Lee and Reverend M. Boice, in turn; this brought
the church to the time of the Atlantic Highlands branch
becoming a separate church, 1889-1890, with the Rever-
end Edward Loux pastor in 1890.
In 1866 the Methodist Church interest was brought
from Chapel Hill and centered at Navesink (then called
Riceville), Joseph Leonard, contractor; erecting the build-
ing for the society. This change seemed proper, as their
members were strongly in the majority at and in the vicin-
ity of Riceville.
Among the pastors were the Reverend Loudenslagers
Jaquett, also the Reverend Bromell Andre,vs, A. J. Greg-
ory, E. J. Lippincott, L. M. Atkinson, S. G. Gaskell, Mr.
Brooks, G. R. Snyder, Charles Hill, L. A. Laville, M. E.
Blackston, Reverend Mr. Wilson, Reverend Mr. Ridgley
and the Reverend Mr. Nicholson. The church bas always
held itself a power for good in the commuity.
The African M. E. Church located its building on the
hill over looking the town. It has done a good work in the
interests of the colored people. Its founders, the Stillwells,
Jones, Wales, Carneys, Guys, and others, were substantial
and influential families. They carried on the work with
their people with self-sacrificing energy and zeal for the
Master's cause.
At a meeting held at the school house on December
16, 1878, for the purpose of organizing a stock company
to build a town hall at Navesink, James H. Leonard was
chosen chairman, and T. M. Maxson secretary. Certifi-
cates of Application, pursant to an act entitled an
"Act to incorporate building companies, appro 1,ed
April 9, 1875." "George H. Sickles, J. M. Johnson,
L. M. Maxson, William H. Posten, R. G. Andrews. A. J.
Williams, and their associates. and all persons who may
be holders of the stock hereafter named, and their succes--
sors, do hereby associate themslves together for the pur-
pose of erecting a Public Hall in the village of Navesink,
Township of Middletown, County of Monmouth and State
of New Jersey. Said Association to be known as ''Navesink
Public Hall Association," said Hall to be used for public
meetings and other lawful purposes. The Capital Stock
98 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAll,

to consist of not less than five hundred ($500.00) dollars,


the same to be divided into shares of five dollars each, held
bythefollowingpersons: residents ofNavesinkand vicinity:
J. M. Johnson, R. G. Andrews, George IL Sickles, W. IL Posten,
Charles Wilson, D. L. Conover, Charles McDonald, Isaac Wales,
Charles A. Irwin, C. IL Green, Webster Swan, A. J. Williams, Will-
iam Robertson, Charles M. Swan, J. Mortimer Johnson, John E. Will-
iams, E. Cooper Swan, John McClees, Joseph Lufburrow, T. M. Max-
eon, Nimrod Woodward, Joseph L Thompson, John E. Sickles, George
D. Smith, Matthias Brown, Charles Lufburrow, James IL Henrickson,
James H. Leonard, Joseph Leonard, Willam H. Gibson, Charles Luf-
burrow, Sr., Amzi Posten, Thomas H. Golden, William Burdge, John
Day, A. J. Swan, Thomas Leonard, Charles P. Johnson, Lemuel Smith,
Theodore Burdge, Charles Allen, John B. Mills, Peter H. Valleau,
Oliver H. Green, Michael Despeaux, David Dean, Ellen Dean, John
Travis, E. W. and J. J. Leonard, D. J. Roberts, Charles A. Mount, A.
H. Randall, W. A. Douglass, Morgan Swan, Sr., R. A. Leonard, J. IL
,n,cten, 0. E Davis, 0. S. Davie, J. H. Ranger, H. B. Duryea, Jr.,
W. Swan, P, H. Duryea, Howard Potter. On motion made and car•
ried that the by-laws presented for the government of this associa-
tion be accepted subject to amendment.

BY-LAWS OF THE NAVESINK HALL ASSOCIATION.


ARTICLE L
Section 1. This Association shall be known as the Navesink Public
Hall Association.
Section 2. Said Hall to be used for public meetings and other lawful
purposes.
Section 3. The stock-holders shall meet yearly on the second Monday
of January for the purposes of electing a board of directors to
consist of seven persons, to be chosen by ballot, each ballot to
represent one share, who shall hold their office one year, or until
others are elected.
Section 4. It shall be the duty of the board of directors to elect from
their body a President, Secretary and Treasurer, and transact
all business pertaining to said Association.
Section 5. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all
meetings of the directors when present, and to have control of the
buildin •
Section 6. gThe Treasurer shall keep correct account of all monies
collected and disbursed by him, and report the same at the yearly
meetings.
Section 7. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings
of said directors and together with the President shall sign all
certificates and transfers of stock of said Association.,.
The presidents of the association have been Dr. R. G.
Andrews. in 1879, 80 and 81, Charles H. Green in 1882,
Amzi Postei;i in 1883, 84 and 86, Dr, R. G. Anch'.ews from
1886 to 1895. Trustees ha~e been T. -M. Maxson, Joseph
Lufbur.row, with Webster Swan, from 1884. TreaslU'.ers.
A. ii. Williams and J. :M. Johnso.n since 1882, with Charles
H. Green janitor in charge ~ugbout ,the whole mne.
The "HaU" -has b.e.e'D a yery useful building, f'P." :the
.holding of .elections .and~ .pQblic meetinls • -~
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil, 99

ments, from the time of its erection. Its financial condi-


tion has always been of such a character as to have reflect-
ed credit to its stockholders, directors and officers, and it
continued to be one of the prominent and central figures
among the public institutions of the village.
There were four burying places in Navesink. Perhaps
the oldest one was kn<1.Wn as the Maxson graveyard, situ-
ated on a knoll by the side of the public road leading out
of Navesink to Navesink Bridge. Second, the Davis grave-
yard, on the southern slope of the range of hills back of
Atlantic Highlands. The third, in connection with the M.
E. Church, on the above named hill, overlooking the town
easterly. The fourth, adjoining and connected with the
Episcopal "All Saints Memorial" Church.
THE :SA VESINK FIRE COMPANY
Navesink has been as free from destructive fires as
any town could well be. The ·writer can remember from
the burning of the old school house, about the year 1849,
to the year 1895, at which time the Minor Cottage (form-
erly the old Joseph Ma."5on property, on the Hill), was
burned. In the intervening time no other fire occured.
Notwithstanding this grand record, the village people
believed in the old adage of "In peace prepare for war,"
and formed a fire company, which company became a part
of the township Fire Department. The following is a copy
from the company's books, kindly furnished by Joseph
Mount.
"The Navesink Hook and Ladder Company was or-
ganized in All Saints School building on May, 1886, with
the following named persons as charter members: B. F.
Burdge, A. J. Swan, E. E. Burdge, T. H. Golden, W. A.
Maxson, Jr., Joseph Mount, B. F. Tompkins, Charles E.
Wilson, W. D. Carhart, W. E. Manning and T. M. Maxson.
May 14, '86. By-laws approved. Feb. 14, '87. First
ball. June 2, '87. Fire boundary lines laid out. July
19, and 20, '87. First festival. Dec. 1, '87. Oyster supper.
Thanksgiving Day, '87. First parade. Dec. 6, '89. Date
of yearly meeting changed. Oct. 2, '90. Bought lot to
build truck house on. July 30, '91. Moved in new truck
house. Jan. 14, '92. Motion made that the firemen appoint
two members each month to look after truck and its be-
longings and see that they are kept in order; for not
appointing the same a fine of one dollar to be imposed on
the firemen and two dollars on those appointed for neglect
of duty. May 5, '92. Bell for truck house purchased.
Aug. 4, '92. President addressed the company in regard
100 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

to those being in arrears. Dec. 6, '94. It was moved and


seconded that all members in arrears for one dollar or
more be suspended from that night till the first of January,
'95, and if not paid up in that time they may be expelled
January 3, '95. Application made by several members
for exemption papers from Township Tax.
First officers elected in the Navesink Hook and Lad-
der Company:-
President, W. E. Manning, W. J. Barnes;
Secretary, T. M. Muson; Treasurer, Financial Secretary, L. H. Golden;
Auditors Committee, W. A. Maxson, Jr., B. F. Burdge, George Bran-
nm; First Assistant Foreman, B. F. Blll'dn; Second Assistant Fore-
man, W. A. Manon, Jr. Members enrolled on book, October 21,
'86:- Theodore Watts, C. P. Johnson, Milbury Stearns, John Stan-
kiewicz. November 18, '86:- J. E. Williams. March 17, '87:- T. J.
Garvey. April 7, '87:- Eugene Heath. May 6, '87:- F. Despeaux.
Alfred Bogi.s. November 10, '87:- A. Soneth. November 26, '87:-
F. J. Hartshorne, Rulif Sutphin. November 29, '87:- Joseph Carhart.
J. G. Despeaux. April 5, '88:-A. W. Douglau. May 8, '88:- W. Hower.
January 3, '89:- Joseph Lufburro,r_ March 14, '89:- Wm. Hower, Wm.
Stearns, Frank Hower. March 7, '89:- Wm. Devesty. March 21, '89:
.A. 11!. Posten. February 28, '89 :- C. A. Mount. April 4, '89 :- W. C
Lowen. August 25, '89:- J. Swan. March 6, '90:- C. M. Johnson.
April 17, '90:- Thomas Fleming. May 23, '90:- W. H. Card. April
17, '90:- W. Boeckel. March 27, '90:- J. A. Stewart. April 7, '94:- G•
.S. Briggs. November 1, '94:- C. Dyen, made an honorary member."
The highway through Navesink and Chapel Hill to
Middletown is doubtless as old as any highway in this coun-
"try. It was the principle path in Indian times and with
the settlement of the white man, by the Monmouth pur-
chase, it was known as the "King's Highway;" By con-
tinual encroachments by the adjoining property holders,
-it lost its identity to a point near the Middletown village:
from there leading through the village of Middletown it
-stills retains its original width, which gives its grand
.appearance.
FROM INDIAN TRAIT, TO ELECTRIC RAIL 101

CHAPTER XVII.

LEONARDVILLE

Leonardville-so-called, not that there were any lack


of prominent and very worthy families of other names. but
that the Leonard family was the most numerous in the com-
munity and, also, that Thomas Leonard, post-master, and
his father, William Leonard, had operated the principal
business place, the village store.
The place was made up of an agricultural people,
who seemed to have nothing else in mind but to till the soil.
There were very few exceptions to this, as the following
will prove:- The general store kept by the Leonards, a
blacksmith and wheelwright shop, by Samuel Bowne and
his son Andrew, and a plain country school house, raised
from a carpenter's shop, also four ro?sidences. occupied
by watermen. This comprised the bu.cdness centre of the
town.
The history of Leonardville is necessarily a history of
families. We will again introduce the memoirs of "The
Sage of Leonardville," as he has been called, Thomas
Leonard. (His likeness, Wlth that of many others named
in this book, can be found in Ellis' "History of Monmouth
County.") This was written by him especially for this
work, in his eightieth year, and received from him with
many thanks, as from the lips, or from the pen, of such
men (and they are very few) can be procured the early
history of "Portland Poynt" in its detail from its earliest
settlement to the organization of Atlantic Highlands--
whose boundaries eventually will be described and pre-
scribed only by the waters of Raritan and Sandy Hook Bays
and Navesink River. (See cut giving location of A:· pie-
gate's and Brown's Landings. Walling's Landing was lo-
cated midway between those above 1802-1878.
THE EARLY MAIL CARRIERS
May 3rd, 1838. We, the Subscribers. do agree to
bring the newspapers from Middletown weekly on Monday
afternoons at our regular turns; if the weather should
prove unfavorable, they will be brought on Tuesday morn-
ing. John Tilton's and Cornelius Conover•s papers will be
102 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

left at John Tilton•s Shoe Shop; the remainder at William


Leonard•s Store.
L John Tilton 4. Richard A. Leonard
2. Samuel Bowne 5. Joseph Bowne, Esq.
S. Thomas Leonard 6. Comelius Conover
7. Thomas Bowne
THE MEMOIRS OF THOMAS LEONARD
Father lost but little time reconnoitering (1811) for
a place to commence his life work. The year brother
Richard was born. father built a shed alongside of his
house, and commenced keeping a little store, boating and
farmin~. Our nc'ghbors were all farmers-John Bowne,
Samt:el Hooper, I!.ichard Bowne. William D. Brown, Sam-
uel Burdge, John Osb?rne, Matthias .Conover. Richard
Walling and Joseph Bo,vne. The farm of Thomas Walling
was situated on the west side of father's and Captain De-
bowe's land. It extended from the farm of Susan Til-
ton (Highland Park) to the Bay Shore at Walling's Land-
ing.
I was born in the year 1815, and my brother. John,
1817, and my brother William in 1819. My mother's
health was not very good. Father had to give up follow-
ing the sea (1820), and attend to the home duties. Father
purchased more land, the Thompson F ~ (now Mar-
dean), part of Grandfather Applegate's farm, (now Ocean
View), and soon became, 1822, an enterprising farmer.
At the age of three years, (1818), :i was sent to school
along with my brother Richard and sister Mary. It was
about two miles to the house of Mrs. J ohuson, on "Cards
Hill," to the southwest of the present village of Navesink.
How much I learned at that age I do not remember, but I
do remember how tired I was when we returned from
school.
My father, Uncle Joseph Leonard and Aunt Betsey
inherited the farm where William J. Leonard now lives.
Uncle Joseph took the farm. having bought my father and
Aunt Elizabeth's shares. Father invested his money in a
small sailing vessel. He commenced making a little money
by hard labor. which he invested in the little farm where I
now reside (now Leonardville). This was about. 1810,
the year he was married.
About this time a number of young men were moving
out in the western states. Mr. Schenck, a brother-in-law
of my father, having recently married resolved to try his
fortune in the new countries. He wished father to go out
with him, which he did, but soon returned. Some of the
neighbors asked him how he liked it. He said, "Those that
FROM INDIAN TRAIT. TO ELECTRIC RAil. 103

,could do well out there, could do well here." He remain-


ed in New Jersey and did better than Mr. Schenck did in
the rich states of Ohio and Illinois. The man makes the
place. ·
Highpoint, originally known as Portland Poynt, com-
prising the present Leonardville, Chapel Hill, Navesink
and Highlands, started in 1813.
The school that was kept by a Mrs. Johnson, the wife
of Harry Johnson, at Highpoint, was a private school.
There was nc, public school house kept on all Highpoint at
that time. I have heard my father and Aunt Betsey Leon-
ard speak of an old school house in their time, 1790, which
must have passed away by 1820. I think there was a
school house built on the land of John Bowne, which was
kept open a part of the time as a public school, when they
could procure competent teachers. Most of them were
unfitted for anything, having a little education and very
bad habits, (1825), most of them being under the influence
of intoxicating liquor, when they could pr9cure it. They
would hear the children recite their morning lessons.
Often at the afternoon session, they would be so intoxi-
cated the school would be broken up and the children
would all go home. One day it looked as if we would have
a vacation for some time. A teacher, by the name of Mr.
Mclwin, being intoxicated, was going to chastise a colored
girl, by the name of Mary Ann Stillwell, the daughter of
a man by the name of Highland Tom Stillwell. As he
came toward her, she collared him and threw him out of
the door. He fell on the stones and hurt himself, so there
Wad no school for some days. Some times the children
would have quite a frolic, breaking the bottles and jugs
belonging to the teachers, in their periods of reformation.
One teacher, by the name of Schenckly, came to pro-
cure the school. My father being one of the trustees, he
came to see him in reference to it. He was competent, and
appeared like a gentleman. Father looked him over and
said in his quick way, "I am afraid he has one fault." It
turned out so. In a few months, he showed that he was an
intemperate man. He would bring bottles of liquor to the
school and drink it there. The bottles would accumu-
late around the school house. When the trustees heard of
his conduct, they notified him that he must give up the
school. When he heard that he must go, he told the school
children to collect all the bottles and jugs and break them.
The children procured strings and tied them up to the
stakes of the fences and limbs of trees, and then gathered
104 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

stones and threw them until they were all broken. Word
would go home to the trustees and parents that he had
broken all the bottles and would drink no more, if they
would let him continue the school. This did not last.
When the great horse race was to be run between
Eclipse and Sir Henry on Long Island, 1825, Schenckly
wanted to have another frolic, and he must leave the school
and go to see the race. I well remember the even-
ing he returned. It was our week to board him. The
teachers boarded around, a week in a place. Our folks
had a "quilt up." It was a cool enough night to have some
fire. Schenckly was sitting in one comer acting very
stranirely. He picked up the tongs and commenced punch-
ing the fire and hollering out. "Do you see him, do you see
him." The delirium tremens were coming on. I ran fright-
ened out of the room. He never took the school again.
We had one more teacher of this character. He was
a great cow doctor. Cows that were fed on salt hay
through the winter would often be weak in the spring. Mr.
Sargent would go around among the farmers and pick
up several dollars, and get a drink too, doctoring their
cows, in addition to the amount he received for teaching.
About this time, 1825, Richard and myself, worked
on the little home farm. We were digging potatoes. At
that time, they were not gener:i.lly used, and there was
but little demand for them in New York. One of our neigh-
bors, the father of Squire Joseph Bowne, came out in the
lot where we were digging them and he and father were
talking about them in our hearing. 1\Ir. Bowne said, "If
the people continued planting such large patches, about
three-quarters of an acre, and they continued yielding so
abundantly, they would not bring any thing in New York,
for they brought but shilling and six-pence a bushel."
They soon produced five times as many, and prices went up
to eight shillings a bushel.
Leonardville was named when the post office was es-
tablished, between 1850 and 1860. The farmers would
not sell their land and the laboring people were too poor
to pur.:hase any. The farmers would build occasionally
a small house for their laborers. The first improvement
in the village was Samuel Bowne's blacksmith and wheel-
wright shop, in 1824. After father retired permanently
from boating he turned his attention chiefly to farming.
He had the land, he had the boys, and he shoved both to
the fullest extent. If there was a demand for an article
of produce, he generally had it.
FROM INDIAN TRAJL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 105

1832 was the year of the first cholera in this country.


The doctors forbid the citizens of New York and other
cities eating of the farmers' produce, new potatoes, green
corn, cucumbers, watermelon and eitron. Watermelons
had been previously in good demand. Farmers in the vi-
cinity of Leonardville and New Monmouth produced a
great many of them. There was a considerable money
brought in the place, and all began to feel the benefit.
The leading truck farmers at that time were James and
John Hopping, Samuel Hooper, Charles Conover and my
father. We had twenty acres that year in watermelons.
They would not buy them in the city of New York. Cap-
tain Henry Schenck toolc a large schcnner load up to New
Haven, but brought them all back. Father set us boys cut-
ting out and drying the seed, to the value of a few hundred
dollars. He sold them to a seed man in Flushing on Long
Island.
The next year, 1833, was a healthy one in New York.
Truck sold well, which resulted in a good season. I sold
father's produce in Washington market. Country people
could get a small stand any time. In the night, when the
vessel arrived, we would carry a few baskets in and make
a little circle. Then we could have all the rest brought in
in the morning by paying one cent a basket. Nothing
was sent in barrels.
At this time father purchased another farm. It was
our grandfather Leonard's farm.
Uncle Joseph was very enterprising, having built a
new house, and was improving his farm for the benefit of
his growing family. He took cold and then dropsey set
in and took him away in the midst of his days. His widow
could not retain it, so his farm was sold for the benefit of
the heirs, and was occupied by my brother Richard.
Father purchased an addition to the home farm at
Leonard's Corners and built a new store house, having a
competent clerk in my sister Mary. Father spoke rather
disparagingly of the rest of us, that she was the best store
keeper of us all. In 1830, father, realizing that we could
work on the land, purchased another farm (the Walling-
farm), to keep us out of idleness and mischief.
From 1810 to 1836 father had purchased four farms,
which had kept us all very busy, and all worked hard.
Richard having attended the store one year and not liking-
it, when he was twenty-one years of age father set him up-
with the Leonard Farm in 1833. I came next, to lead the--
farming, until 1836.
106 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Mother died that year (1836), and father (1837)


wished me to take the store. I did so in 1838. In the
meantime my brother John was married and settled on
Applegate Farm (Thompson Farm) in 1839. My father
moved on the Walling Farm with the rest of the family,
except Aunt Betsey and myself. I had the store and a
small farm. In 1840, I married Mary Ann Hopping,
daughter of James and Patience Hopping.
The workmen were watching to see if there was any
deficiency in their leader, and, if found, would soon have
reported to father. I did all I could, and often exerted
myself beyond my strength.
Nothing especial transpired from 1833 to 1837. 1837
was the greatest year of our lives. We did not plant any
more, but it sold good. We had two patches of watermel-
lon, one on the Applegate farm and one on the Walling
farm (now owned by John S. Leonard.) It turned out to be
a very dry season. One field had a little shower, on the
third day of July, and the other had none from the time
the melons set on until most of them were picked off. We
had other produce but melons were the chief commodity.
The crops were produced, but it was no small matter
to turn them into money. Where could men enough be
found, that could pick them and get them to the boat?
That part of it finally fell upon me. Father bad the farm
.and the store to oversee. He asked me if I thought I could
do the part of marketing as I never had failed in anything.
I told him I would try. A vessel was procured to carry
-only our own produce, so there would be no detention in
getting the cargo out. The weather was dry and bot.
Melons cut as red as cherries. There was no trouble to
sell them. It has been fifty-seven years since, and we
have not bad such a dry season in all that time.
I remained at New York all the week, from Monday
morning to Saturday night. The money l received I cram-
med down in my strong pocket, except to pay the freight
and my boiu:d. On Saturday night, when I returned home,
I emptied my pockets, gave father the proceeds of the
-week, and he always appeared to be perfectly satisfied. I
bad no commission; everything went good and smooth.
I was bound to get that season all the money father
wanted. He never told us his business. but I thought he
might owe something on all the land he had purchased.
I felt willing to do my part. I think he squared everything
up. He told me in the fall, when we were all through,
that it was the best season he had ever bad. It was a
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 107

great satisfaction to me to realize that I could do some-


thing for a parent who was so willing to do so much for
me.
That was our last summer together. The following
spring he, with his entire family, moved on the Wailing
farm and left me and my Aunt Betsey on the old home-
stead.
I was now in my twenty-second year, without a dol-
lar that I could call my own. The little store was there, and
a small farm; but it all meant business. I had, as you per-
ceive, but little experience in the mercantile business, but
had served a good apprenticeship in truck farming.
I do not remember up to this time that I had lost a day
on account of sickness. I had performed for ten years,
through summer's heat and winter's cold, by day and by
night, to cart wood, load boats, grub marl, cart muck,
plough, hoe or shovel, work in hay and harvest-field or
mow it in the barn. Tommy was always there. But this
amount of labor and exposure began to tell on me.
I will say right here, if it had not been for some of the
infirmities that I felt occasionally, I would not have been a
merchant. I liked the farm life, there was an independ-
ency about it that suited me. I had sprained my arms, so
I coulr> scarcely get them to my head, and my back was
very weak at times. I concluded to take the easy part, if
there was any difference. Up to this time, the spring of
1838, I had remained spry on my feet. Whenever the
work needed to be done, I could get there.
(Signed)
THOMAS LEONARD.
108 FROM INDIAN TRAll.. TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XVIlI
cmcUMSCRIBING WEST PORTLAND POINT.

The morning was fine when we two (Memory and my-


self) conceived the idea of spending the day 'mid the
scenes of our childhood and early manhood, on the upper
Monmouth shores.
We left Leonardville by the Leonardville Road. Our
minds were alert to the incidents of the past. As we cross-
ed the brook at the head of Bowne's Creek, we contem-
plated crossing that Brook in early days, with my brother
James, on our way to "Catbrier Seminary." My brother
while standing on the bridge, viewing the passing waters
and contemplating how far a neighboring tadpole
could jump in its early efforts, one day, dropped our lunch
in the waters, sugar jumbles and all; but we will pass from
that scene to a more pleasant one.
We neared the seminary, now called "Solomon's Tem-
ple," where many a day was spent, with forty or fifty others
preparing ourselves for our great life's work, from mason
or clerk to the presidency; when, for some thoughtless act
or word, we were called upon to hold down a certain nail
in the floor as punishment, or were sent out in the "grove"
to select a suitable whip for immediate home use, or, with
a pail and broom handle, sent to the home of our good
friend, Mrs. Joanna P. Roope, who lived about a half-mile
away, for a fresh supply· of water.
May we be forgiven for being happy, when one day,
while the teacher was gone for his lunch, or dinner, as it
was called in that day, about one and one-half miles dis-
tant, to what is now Atlantic Highlands, smoke was seen
coming from the school building chimney in large quanti-
ties, and the older scholars said the building was burning.
As we journeyed on, we soon crossed Cold Spring
Brook and came to the great cement "Gateway" erected by
William J. Leonard in memory of his •ancestors, who lived
in the homestead located at the head of the avenue. We
passed on by the Matthias C. Roope and the Charles H.
Mills homesteads to the "Applegate Landing Road,'' im-
portant in early days as a point of shipment, both for in-
cctming and outgoing products of an agricultural nature;
also the Applegates• general store and "Huson'a Tavern,''
with aome veaeel building near by.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 109

Passing William Leonard, Sr's. on the right, with Wil-


liam Leonard, Jr.'s, homestead on the left, we at once came
to the boot and shoe repairing shop, formerly John Tilton's,
and later William Morris's, he walking from Riceville (now
Xavesink) in the morning and back at night; the only shop,
at that time, in thfa territory.
As we journeyed on, we came in view of our old
stamping ground, by the side of Garrett Hill. We thought
of the records in other chapters of the days of the Revolu-
tion, and of "Mary, and her Little Red Gown," she found
at the old Taylor Homestead, a refuge for both friends and
Tories.
A short distance around the hill the Frost homestead
appeared in view, where Uncle James Frost and his good
wife, with the family, James, John, Mary, Sarah, Joseph,
Benjamin, Samuel, Daniel, Edward and Hattie, were ever
ready to greet us and help make the day pleasant. We
would make the farm house ring, and echo with our sports,
and in the winter, with a big wood sled, over the glassy
snow, we woald seemingly outdo the wireless in our des-
cent from the peak of Garret's Hill to the lowlands.
But we must pass on to make the rounds of Mon-
mouth's north shore- As we ascended the hill, nearing
"Love Lane", we recalled the old country blacksmith shop,
kept by Uncle Jacob Roope, and again I saw his son Daniel,
the shcp removed from sight, occupying the site, with his
wife Elizabeth Roope, in a comfortable farm house; yes,
and can it be, they have passed, and now the site is oc-
cupied by the stately mansion of John T. Hopping with his
good wife Lillian, and their son, Jay.
We now saw the beautiful bay, which has been so fully
described in former chapters. We came to "Love Lane,"
now known as Hopping's Crossing. We stop a moment for
Memory to have its sway, as we see in the past the home-
stead of our grandparents, James Hopping and Patience
Tilton, his wife. We see again the old basement fire place,
and the griddle banging from the crane, and our eagerness
to carry the beautiful yellow pancakes to the waiting ex-
pectants above.
As you may suspect, this was before coal bad arrived,
and an open fireplace, with its many cranes banging ready
for the kettles, pots, griddles and tin oven, with the bright
crackling fire, was ready to welcome all. Last, but not
least, was the long row of brass candle sticks, burnished
to a picture, on the mantelpiece above, each containins a
tall tallow candle. We would wonder in our youthful
mind, where an· the baby candles were.
110 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

The household was continued after grandfather's


early death. by grandmother and children, Mary Ann, who
married Thomas Leonard. Edward, w:ho married Elizabeth
Applegate, and sought a home elsewhere. having two child-
ren. Edward J .• and William A. John J. married Hannah
Patterson, remaining at the homestead. Their children
were James P .• who remained at the homestead. John T.,
previously spoken of, and the daughter, Marianna. now
deceased.
We now come to Bray's Corner. As we leave the old
Leonardville R<''ld ,we come in sight of the "Three Brid-
ges''. built by Hendrick Vanderbilt about the year 1849.
They have been repaired and rebuilt at different times,
once by the writer.
Memory sits by our side. pointing out the old country
store (as we leave the bridges, and in full view of Cbance-
ville) nearby, kept by Jesse Hallenbake. Mr. Hallenbake
had a personality all his own, but he was alert to the ad-
vancement of the community. as we recall the successful
effort he made in the establishment of what was known as
Highland Station, and, with my father. in erecting a station
building thereon, from material given them by the New
Jersey Southern Railroad from supplies at their terminal
at Port Monmouth. This was first called Highland Station,
and after the building of the Beach Railroad it came to its
present name. Hopping Station, when a name is needed, as
the road is in use only as a freight road, and in this only
between Port Monmouth and Shrewsbury River.
Chanceville (now New Monmouth). was named from
a Mr. Chance. a former resident. How it sustained two
good stores was hard to understand.
Mr. Jesse Hallenbake's store, already referred to. be-
came the property of his son, Alvin Hallenbake, and, to
occupy bis active mind, be pubi~hed a small newspaper,
called the "Spirit of the Age". He made it lively for evil
doers. and the young people had to look out. while the
paper was published. for he spared no one.
The second store was located at the crossroads in the
village, on what was known as the Port Monmouth Road
(now Belford) to Middletown-the Plank Road, also on the
road from Chapel Hill to Keyport. It was kept by William
Morford; some have said bis brother, Charles Morford. had
an interest in the business, but that I do not know.
We remember in the early days, about 1848, of alum-
ber yard there, where now stands the Baptist Church.
Henry Morford, William Morford's son, was succeeded as
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH AT MIDDLETOWN-1686
"THE MOTHER CHURCH."
See pqe 95
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 111

post.master by Howard Van Tassell, and H. J. Frost, who


is. the post-master at.this writing.
The St. Mary's Catholic Church was organized in 1876.
The corner stone of a fine, large building was laid June 21,
1878. A mission had been started and regular 'Services
had been sustained in a smaller building, just a little below
the junction of the streets, on the Plank Road. Father
Davidson was rector, followed by Father John J. F. O'Con-
ner; it had a large membership.
Henry Morford was of a very literary turn of mind.
He started the New Jersey Standard at his father's store,
but the paper was transferred later to the village of Key-
port, a town of great activity at that time. It was backed
by the agricultural interests of Matawan, Raritan, Holmdel
and a part of Middletown township. Also, the passenger
traffic was of a wide scope, as can be better u-nderstood by
an incident, as this condition was made necessary at a date
prior to the incorporation of the Port Monmouth Transpor-
tation Company, in 1855.
A stage line was established to run from the Highlands
to Keyport, a daily round trip, meeting the steamer from
there in the morning for New York City and returning in
the afternoon. The stage above named was unusually
crowded, and a lad the size of the writer was generally
used as a "chock", to make good stowage; but there is
nothing like having a choice, riding as above described on a
seat over the whiffle trees, by the side of the driver, "Gov-
ernor" Tompkins. It was said the old gentleman had to
harness his team in the morning by going up in the hay
mow with a pitch fork to adjust the harness.
The Port Monmouth Baptist Church, already spoken
of, was organized in 1854. The writer remembers an in-
cident that occurred at Navesink Baptist Church while the
Reverend William V. Wilson was pastor.
He was giving• a temperance lecture in the church.
and, when in the middle of his beautiful discourse, Doctor
La Bau, the village physician, came in and placed a bottle
of liquor on the back of the front seat, in front of the
speaker, evidently thinking that the speaker might refresla
or moisten bis throat, as it was the custom in those days
fQr speakers to have a glass of water within reach.
This possible friendly act was not appreciated by the
senior deacon, Richard A. Leonard, Sr.-wbo closed in wit{!
him and passed him down the long aisle and out the docs
112 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

in quick time, thinking, by his breath, a little fresh· air


would be beneficial The lecture was continued to the end,
after the living example of what a fool rum may make of
a man, who otherwise was an educated gentleman, fully
equipped to fill any position in society.
After passing the future site of the Baptist Church,
· we at once came to the old school house in the grove. The
.grove was spacious, with many fine large oaks and chest-
-nuts. Memory called to my mind the old time yearly tem-
perance meeting held here, called by those two old braves,
who were ready for anything that was for good-we men-
tion their names with reverence-Richard A. Leonard, Sr.,
and William Griggs.
We would never take any lunch to those meetings.
Aunt Hagar and Dinah were always on hand with a good
supply of home made root-beer and molasses bolivors.
Sometimes we would have a parade, much like the good
old Methodist ••going around Jericho." One time, the
writer remembers. coming home, he was confronted by the
fact, as stated by some passerby, "The parade was perfect,
but for Thomas Henry's (the writer) coat-tail, which was
a little short" (that might happen to any rapidly growing
boy) "which spoiled the procession."
Who knows but seeds sown at these meetings may
have done their part in placing the Eighteenth Amend-
ment in our country's Constitution, thus making happy
many homes that may have been otherwise.
The stately mansion of the Roberts now is in full view
across the fields, on the bay side of our road. The pro-
perty was formerly the homestead of the Hoppings, upon
their removal from near Morristown. We may question
the wisdom of their removal from there to Bay Shore. Per-
haps the hand of Providence may have been in it, as the
records mention the marriages in the Tilton family, who
lived not far away, that made them "help mates" unsur-
passed. One was wedded to James Hopping, another to
John Hopping, one to Daniel C. Hendrickson, one to Mr.
llrlulford and one to Captain Henry Johnson.
The property was finally sold to the Reverend Thomas
Roberts, who erected a large brick homestead thereon,
From him. it passed to his son, Thomas Roberts, and, by
him. the propert7 was divided, in his later years, among
hia SODS, John, Henry and William. His SOD Tholll&S B.
resided in New York City.
Richard, his eldest son, boqht the Eseldal Cooper
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil, 113

farm, nearer the village. As farmers and fruit growers


they were among the best, and became worthy citizens.
Mr. Robert's daughter, Elizabeth, married Mr. Rutsen
S. Snyder, a successful teacher, farmer, real estate and
insurance agent, prominent in politics as township asses-
sor; later, moving with his family to Atlantic Highlands,
joining there in temporal efforts for the uplift of the town,
being at one time its post-master, and, at the same time,
mindful of spiritual things; being one of the deacons of
the Central Baptist Church at the time of his death.
We pass the road to Port Monmouth on our right,
also the residence of Reverend William V. Wilson, which
he occupied in the later years of his life. Mr. Wilson
served the Keyport Baptist Church for twelve years, the
Navesink Church for one year and, it is said, the New Mon-
mouth Church for thirty-eight years.
We passed fine dwellings; the owners' names we
could not recall. Mr. Snyder's, previously mentioned, was
still on our right, with Daniel C. Hendrickson's, who mar-
ried Deborah Tilton. Here we had spent many a pleasant
day, with my mother, at Uncle Daniel's and Aunt Debe's-
She had a fine personality, and they always set a good
table, as a boy saw it.
On the· left, we had passed Elias Morford's, Cornel-
ius Hendrickson's, George M. Hendrickson's and John
Herbert's homesteads, with others, till we came to Uncle
John Herbert's _,orner and his blacksmith shop.
The old Harmony Methodist Meeting House, to our
left, was still in view. In 1829, Miss Hannah Herbert
(afterward Mrs. Joseph Collins) opened •a Sunday school
at her house in Harmony. Preaching followed, and finally
a society was organized, soon after, incorporated in
1835, and a church building erected about 1840.
The church served a needed purpose, until it was
placed under the ~ of the Port Monmouth Methodist
Church, which cared for the spiritual interests of that sec-
tion thereafter.
114 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XIX.
THE SHORE ROAD THROUGH WAKAKE AND SHOAL
HARBOR. AND THE PROPHESY, IN FIVE PARTS.

As it was about lunch time, we crosed to the shore


road and, among the sand dunes of Wakake, now called
Keansburg, we very much enjoyed our repast.
At the close of the exercise, a lad came out from
among the dunes. He was tall and slender, having the
appearance of not ha\-;ng a very e:,,,.1:ensive larder. His
face indicated the lack of a razor, though one was very
much needed. We said to him, "Have you many mosqui-
toes in this neighborhood?" Quick as a flash, he replied,
"No boss, not in the winter time," which was very grati-
f~ug to us, as we suspected there might be a winter va-
riety.
From the Aumuck farm, we saw blasted hopes, in the
remains of Union City, once the scene of much activity.
The pu~se of the incorporators evidently was to establish
a city on the Delaware, to be called Florence City, also
one on the Raritan Bay, to be called Union City, and con-
nect the two by a plank road and later by a railroad, if
a charter could be obtained.
We do not know what became of Florence City, but
we know more of Union City. A dock twenty-two hundred
feet in length was built, with a basin for vessels. The
steamer "Armenia" was chartered. The Florence and
Keyport Company was incorporated in 1846. Mr. Isaac
S. Lloyd was made president.
In 1852 the "Monmouth House" was erected. The
hotel was a four-story building, capable of accommodat-
ing all of the demands of travel at that time. In that year
a Plank Road Company was incorporated, to build a road
from Union City to Florence City. Two miles of this road
were built, ten dwellings were erected and a large saw
mill built at Union City.
We have been told the company applied to the legis-
lature for a franchise for a railroad, but it was denied.
them, through the influence of the Camden and Amboy
Railroad, which was largely in control of the business be-
tween New York City and Washington at that time.
This we know, there were many "monkey wrenches
thrown into the machinery of progress," defeating many
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 115

well-considered plans and schemes, along the Monmouth


shore, many of which were not alone intended for the
pockets of the pioneers, but also for the general uplift
of the communities.
Our memory of about seventy years in extent fits us
for the contemplation of many efforts, obstacles, blasted
hopes, then again a bit of sunshine, followed by deep sha-
dows, over our way, that must be experienced, to be under-
stood.
We will make a brief reference again to the Hart-
shorne family. Richard Hartshorne did not confine him-
self to his tract on Portland Place, but during the most
of his public life, lived at Wakake (later Point Comfort
and now Keansburg). He gave his Highland property to
his son William, who resided thereon, the father moving
to the village of Middletown, living there until his death,
which occurred in 1722.
Our memory points to the old brick,;.Wd, located
not far from the present Lorillard Tile Factories. We
remember carting brick from the old yard, about the year
1856. . .
A tavern was kept at Wakake about 1699. A pier
was _built at Ta~er:s 1:-a~ding, ~ear the point; it was said
to have been the pnnc1pal landing and port of Monmouth
County, in very early days, and said to have been the first
steamboat landing, from New York City, for both pas-
sengers and freight, but this we do not know. If such was
the case, like Union City, it had its day, and must await
the "general resurrection," when Monmouth County's
north shore will come to its own.
The Government Beacons, one near the shore and
one on the east side of Wakake Creek, alone had a per-
manency, refreshing as we contemplate the rise and fall
of so many of our local enterprises on the Monmouth shore.
After passing the shore beacon, we soon came to
Bray'"s Landing. At one time, this was considered a good
central point for a share of the farmers' produce to be
shipped to the market at New York City.
. A pier was built of about four hundred _feet .in length,.
One beautiful morning, father and I drove from our homes
at: Leonai:.dville, to see this freight dock, that had been
recently built, (this was nbout 1878), as we had in niirid,
with others, building a similar one. We found a good
substantial structure, built with good oak and chestnut
116 FROM INDIAN TRAil.. TO ELECTRIC RAIL

piling, and topped with caps, stringers, flooring and rail-


ing of the best Georgia pine, with a bulkhead, ample in
size, and well guarded with oak piling, to protect the
structure from the ice.
This pier was used for a time in connection with the
Port Monmouth enterprise of the same character, the one
steamboat manned by Captain Benjamin Griggs, who, in
his day, was a host in himself. More will be said of the
Captain in connection with the Port Monmouth line of
steamers running to the short dock, and taken up later.
The object in building so many of those short piers
was either in bulkheading the sedge banks, as at Shoal
Harbor (later Port Monmouth), and also at Applegate's
Landing, and again the four hundred foot length, as at
Bray's Landing and at Bay View, was that the farmers
could use them at any time of <lay, rather than at only
low or half tides, there to get to the sloops or schooners,
as they lay on the sand fiats awaiting their cargoes.
This condition of things was particularly unpleasant
to the farmer, if he saw his wagon-body floating away
with a rising tide, as he was awaiting his turn to unload,
and, at the same time, his team impatient, and objecting
to immersion.
Again we take another step forward, and, eastward,
passing "Pew's Creek," we come to the Seabrook property,
afterward known as Dominie (as the ministers were often
called in those days) Wilson's early re;1/dence.
Memory tells me of my seeing a fine field of rich soil
and a beautiful apple orchard thereon, located between
the Seabrook-Wilson mansion and the bay-but the waters
have long claimed it for its own.
':'he writer had the same experience on the shore of
his farm, he having bought it for so many acres, but when
he came to sell, it measured three and one-qu-arter acres
less. When we asked the surveyor about it, he quietly
said it was in the bay. We were surprised and disappoint-
ed, in view of the fact that the land was selling for one ·
thousand dollars an acre, but "such is life."
Before leaving the Seabrook-Wilson's homestead pro-
perty, we are reminded of meeting a man on the west side
of the property near the ·creek- He was social, and wished
to free his mind. He was known in those days as a squat-
ter. He had lived among the sand dunes of that locality
for many years, without cost.
He regretted the fact the property had changed hands
and stated that the Dominie, in his time, was a fine man.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 117

and never gave him ·any trouble. How the old man's
difficulties ended, we never knew.
As we followed the shore road, we came to a fine
little settlement of dwellings, and among them, on the
corner, the Port Monmouth Post Office, where the Rever-
end William V. Wilson had been post-master. This settle-
ment was the natural result of the water enterprises at
that time.
In 1855 the Port Monmouth Transportation Company
organized. This company had larger ideas of business
than any of the others that had started on the Moumouth
shore, excepting the Florence City and Union City Com-
pany, and the R::::-itan ~.nd the Dda-.,:are Bay Company,
each of those h~"ing a raHroad-to-'\Vashington "bee in
their bonnet."
This firm buil: a "'1-:::· c,f about two thousan-.: feet in
lc::1gth in the bay, to fairl.i,· cleep ,vater. They built the
steamer "Eagle" to accommodate the farm produce and
the merch~nts' supplies for their stcres; also, the passen-
ger tr::-.vel, as well. A large hotel was built near its land-
ing.
A plank road was built from the pier to ~Iiddletown
Village. Stage companies were formed to connect from
all points, even as far away as Long Branch, as this was
pre,ious to the railroads. A large barn and stable, with
shed room, was built to accommodate, while the steamer
was on its way to ~nd from the city. This was a great
accommodation to the publk.
The writer well rc,n~::,:J~;·s the lonz trips on the pier,
especially ir. the •..-inter, -:~·i\·i,,~ a runaway tea:n, to r.1eet
his father. The cold, noise of the steamboat coming to
her landing, 1.he escaping steam, the shouts of the Captain
to the crew, receiving their orders, and the crowds of teams
awaiting their turns, produced a sem,ation I never was able
to overcome- But when we were on our way home, over
the Plank Road to Bray's Corner, we thought we were
almost in the better world.
This enterprise lasted for a time. It was followed
by a dock, built on the shore, near Compton's Creek,
abreast the sedge banks. This, like the Middletown Trans-
P?rtation Company's dock at Applegate's Landing, pre-
viously spoken of, was less expensive, in no danger from
the ice, and it served a good purpose.
The General Government assisted the company! in
dredging out a channel to the shore, and, with a light
draft steamer like "Orient," followed by the steamer "Wil-
liam V. Wilson," of about the same draft, answered very
well for several years, until the building of the New York
118 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

and Long Branch Railroad affected the passenger and a


portion of the freight business, and finally brought it to an
end.
Captain Ben Griggs (as he was called) stood up
against all comers, as much as any one man could but he
had to succumb to the inevitable, till his deatl. released him
from all of this world's cares and difficulties.
The opening of the Raritan and Delaware Bay Rail-
road, afterward called the New Jersey Southern, at Port
Monmouth, was a class above the other water routes on Bay
Shore, with one exception-the Florence and Union City
enterprise.
They were in about the same class, in this, both
looking, as we saw it, to connect New York City with
Washington. Neither attained this end.
A long dock was built, one mile long, in the Raritan
Bay, from the Port Monmouth ·shore, and finally extended
a quarter of a mile longer, to secure the depth of water
needed. The steamer "Tamanend" and the "Jesse Hoyt,"
(Captain James Seely,) connected the pier with the city.
The railroad was built from Port Monmouth through
lliddletown township, with station called Highland Sta-
"tion (on the Leonardville road), and later called Hopping
,Station; also, the Chapel Hill Station, crossing the Shrews-
~ury River at Red Bank, also stopping at Shrewsbury,
Eatontown, Farmingdale, Lakewood, Whiting, Vineland
and Bridgeton to Bayside on the Delaware.
They even had a large barge built. called the Maey-
land, to transfer the trains over the Delaware. The road
•finally went into a receiver's hands, the Port Monmouth
steamer route was discontinued, and all north of Red Bank
abandoned.
The business produced by some of the towns, such
as ~kewood, Vineland and .Atlantic City, and others,
has made it possible for them to continue, from Red Bank,
south, thro_ugh the state, and they do a fair amount of
business with the towns above named.
We sometimes think, as our mind follows the many
who were interested and connected with these many
schemes we have named, on Monmouth Shore (and there
may be some enterprises we have forgotten or overlooked),
of their hopes and fears as the days passed by, and they
finally met the fate of the others. · ·
·Sail vessels succumbed to the steamboats, and they,
in their turn, to the railroads~ and they in their business are
being" already affected by the thousands of automobiles
and automobile trucks.
FROM INDIAN TRAU. TO ELECTRIC RAU. 119

As we turn south, at Compton's Creek, to again reach


the Leonardville Road, at Hopping's Crossing, we recall
the fact of their using an ox-team at the mouth of the
creek, in early days, to tow the packets and fishing vessels
up the creek to their landing place.
Just a step farther, and while yet near the creek, and
on the east side of the road, by the meadows, we come to
"Foster's Hotel." Mr. Foster was the father of our Wil-
iam M. Foster, of whom much will be said later. He was
one of our most earnest and worthy citizens.
Our ,...-ay leads us by the old school house, on our
right, and Charle3 l\Iontanye·s general country store, on
our J;:.{t. Soon ,-.-e cor:::') to the Lcon::!rd.-il!e Road. We had
a Yer:; pleas~nt day. ;.l!e:::o: :,· and I, contemplating the
p5.::t; t.~J ~s the cl~~.. ,,·,:. ~ :·~~· sp£:1:, ,,:c returned to our
ho!-!lC.

MON?>IOUTH COUNTY OF THE FUTURE


A Prophesy in Five Parts.
If we were able to peer into the future, we would
sec many changes.
1. We would see Monmo;.:th Cot::1ty, some dr..y, become
Monmouth City.
\Ve would see ::.\Ionmouth Coc:nty become the gateway
of the future, b:~·.-.-c~:-i. ~ew York City and the \Vest.
3. V.'e wm h::.Yc dh·cc: :~r..:;s:nger communicati0n with
New York City, 1·;:.,;,__;;;::.:; G:1ly about half-::!a-h~;.r of
time, instead of from one to two hours, as et present.
4. The port of New York will include, and take in, the
whole north shore of l\Ion:::,outh County, from Amboy
to the Ocean.
6. Shoal Harbor, and all the adjoining shoal watt>rs of
Sandy Hook and Raritan Bays, will be dredged out
for water of sufficient depth for ocean draft vessels,
and the material thus obtained used to fill up !be
shore meadows, above the tides, fitting them for any
commercial purposes.
At some time, in some way, and some how.
The Great Creator only knows.
120 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XX.
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE OLD FAMILIES
OF LEONARDVILLE

The death of Richard A. Leonard, son of William


Leonard, of whom much has been said, occurr~d in his
sixty-fifth year, May 5, 1877.
The county and nation produced few such men. If
he had been furnished with a liberal education, such as
he gave his children, his influence doubtless would have
been more extended; as it was, his own state and county
had the benefit of his wonderful judgment and energy.
In his.home and in the township, in all of the depart-
ments of social, religious, political and agricultural life,
and in the county, as a man of advanced ideas and a pro-
moter of good, both in the excitement of a cival war and in
'.the regular channels of peace, he was in the front.
There are but few men who can fill the position of a
))Olitieian in its most honorable sense, push forward the
'highest principles of temperance, religion and education,
"and still, at the same time, excel in his own chosen occu-
:pation, as agriculturist. securing the county diploma
for operating the model farm of the county.
Feeling my inability to properly pen his many virtues
or his remarkable characteristics, we wm turn to the ac-
count of his death, as recorded in the papers of that day.
"On Saturd-ay, the 5th inst., at his home in Leonard-
vi1Ie, Richard A. Leonard, Sr., in the 65th year of his age.
The tidings of the death of our esteemed friend and
neighbor fe11 with a sad influence upon the entire com-
munity, all alike feeling that we had lost a friend, one
who was indeed a friend to all, and beloved by all who
knew him. In this bereavement we lost one we could illy
spare.
He was an earnest and energetic man, and manifest-
ed that earnest spirit in all the concerns of life, both se-
clar and religious, and his influence was felt throughout
our county in all that would promote the interest of the
people, alike in business and in · religious life.
In early life he became a decided Christian, being
baptized by the Reverend Thomas Roberts (April 4. 1834),
when pastor of the Baptist Church at :Middletown, and up-
on the organization of the church at Navesink, August 30,
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 121

1853, was chosen one of its deacons, which office he filled


with rare fidelity and integrity until his dei>th, thus serv-
ing both God and his country as a Christian and patriot
for the period of forty-three years, never fearing, in all
the events of life, either to speak for or stand up for the
right, and battle loyally for the truth.
His funeral took place on Monday afternoon, with
appropriate services, conducted by the pastor of the church
which he had loved and served so long, assisted by Rev-
erend Griffith of Holmdel, Foote, of Middletown, Wilson,
of New Monmouth, and Atkinson, of the M. E. Church of
Navesink, with a larger assembly from all parts of the
county than has often been witnessed."
Read by the Pastor, Reverend J. J. Baker, at the first
Concert of the Baptist Sunday School at Navesink, N. J.
after the death of its late Superintendent Richard A. Leon-
ard, Sr. Written by Thomas H. Leonard.
In memory of oar late Leader.
A place in oar hearts for him,
Our Friend and Guide and Teacher
For many long yean has been.
A Friend who wu ever ready
To guide our youthful steps,
And teach us the way to heaven,
And paths of right, accept.
"Oh, come to the Saviour, belieTit
in his name,"
Was the plea of our loved one
Who is among the Redeemed.
Where Angel voices mingle,
And Angel Harpers sing,
The sweetest name of Jesus
In tunes of Heaven ring.
Near three score years and ten,
The Mosaic life of man,
He stood among the foremost,
A tiller of the land.
A worker in his vineyard,
As Noah wu of old-but
The Lord's work was not neglected
By this faithful man of God.
Near fifty years a soldier
In the Army of the Lord,
With Sword, Shield and Helmet,
So earnestly be strove.
Besieged in mansonl Cit:,,
And in die Pilcrim's Way,
He braved the power of Satan,
Faith in oar Lord, Ilia atQ.
122 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

A thousand times he met here


In seasons hot and cold,
A thousand prayers he's otfered
In accents humbly bold.
"Great Shepherd, care for and keep us,
And take us in Thy fold,
Teach us Thy ways of Righteousness
And all Thy truths unfold."
Think back-ye, whose years are m:i.ny,
Of they who ha,·e gone before,
Of the thin-haired men here seated,
When all the Church, the Choir.
Rang out the sweet old "\Yi:tdham,"
"China," "Golden Hill" :ind "!,Ie:ir."
Pence to their memory still.
Well may we their places fill.
Lord, if it be, Thy will,
On e~rth, i:i Hc~\·en, be c!one.
'::he no:·t'he:istcrly point of Leonardville -v:as the estate
of S,:;,muel Hoope~·. He was a l\Ionmouth County man,
and served in the War of 1812, as Captain of cne oZ the
New Jersey reg:ments and, sfter its clos~, g-ave his ::.tten-
tion to the farm.
He married Ursufo,, the d:mghter of Jonathan BowM.
Their children were Richard, Deborah, Edward, Willfam.
Samuel and Jonathan.
Captain Hooper was prominent in all affairs of a
public nature, and died while yet in middle life. For many
yenrs nfter his dea:h his fa.:-:-:il;;· com:lsted of only the widow
and the si:n·h·ing children, t.:ci.-.,·~,rct ~:nd Dei.iorah.
The widow, though apparently of rather weak con-
stitution, was permitted to pass her ninetieth birthday,
and was called to a higher life, with her daughter, just
before their property came in demand for town purposes,
a fact Deborah had longed anticipated and desired to see.
The writer recalls the conversation he had with her
at the beginning of his efforts to interest the property
owners, and her cheerful willingness to procure financial
assistance from her friends at Newburg to thereby do her
part in the enterprise. Her health failed, however, and the
community lost one of its brightest and best inhabitants.
At the death of his mother and sister, Edward Hooper,
often called by his friends, Judge nooper, was sole owner
of the remaining estate, of about eighty-five acres of prin-
cipally woodland, with some meadow, near "Many Mind
Creek," fifty acres having previously been sold to a gentle-
man by the name Gf Lord, who afterward sold it to mem-
bers of the North American Phalanx.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 123

The main property was elevated, commanding a fine


view of the bay and the valley of Navesink and Leonard-
ville- The Brown farm lay adjoining and to the west. It
contained about one hundred acres. This property had
a value peculiar to itself., as will be seen later. Several
generations of the name had lived and died upon it.
History states that this property was a part of the
original Portland Poynt settlement. and afterward came
to John Brown and, by will, to Daniel Brown, November
25, 1768, and from him to Mary Brown, then to William
Brown, who sold it to Thomas Leonard, in 1867, it. there-
fore, having remained in the family about one hundred
years.
The Nathaniel H. Roberts farm, of about one hundred
acres, was originally a part of the Hooper Estate and,
after passing through the Cooper family, was bought by
the Roberts family, where it remained until the develOP-
ment of the town. Mr. Nathaniel H. Roberts having died
just previous, and by his death the enterprise lost a friend.
He left a widow and six children, Thomas J., D. Jones,
Frederick, Nathaniel, William and Mary Eleanor.
The Patterson and Woodward farms lay east of the
Roberts and south of the Hooper estate. They were orig-
inally one farm of about ninety acres, and owned by An-
drew Winter, Sr. The property was about equally divided
and owned by John L. Patterson, immediately adjoining
the Hooper line, and Charles S. Woodward, to the south.
Of the Patterson family, Doctor William, Peter and
their sisters still represent the family at this writing. Of
the Woodward family, (descendants of the original Nimrod
Woodward) many re:iresentatives remain.
After the dea.th of Edmund, who became a- minister
of ability in the M. E. Church, also the death of Captain
Thomas, who became a prominent sailing master from Bay
Shore, there still remain Captain Charles M. and sisters,
at this writing, to represent the family.
The· changes of passing years have called from the
neighborhood m11my whom we could name~ and, but for the
lack of spaee, should name, such as Wainwright and Le-
fuets Brown and their sisters, Mary, lllal'ia, Emma and
Bessie-,. •nd: the Goodenoughs, Swam; Dey.a-, Carharts, De-
bow.es-, Weleheft, Muks; Smiths, Sllartlt Snu,a:a, Waymans,
lrcln~ Habharu; Rebe$GDS and Spe~
The Bowne famifs, slleu.ld- Tuma eapeeial. JSOtice.. for
the heJ"Oic work done for good by the members of the fami-
ly; prona,men 11111eng ~ .,.._ ~ • Bltwae,. er Squire
Bo,me; ms t;e,,.... ea.._ -frillrdla.
It:,
124 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RA1L

He was for many years Justice of the Peace, and, at


that time, that meant something. He was also a lay preach-
er of quite some power and ability. He was always ready
for any good work, either in social, religious or financial
matters. He was a good counselor, always ready with
good advice to assist the unfortunate or help the fallen.
J;le dealt heavy blows against intemperance and evil doings.
He left a widow, a lady of great worth, and a large
family, at his death, of which Edward and Letitia still re-
main at the homestead, to represent the family in the
community. Thc:ir brothers, Joseph, Borden and Town-
send, (William and Asbt1ry deceased), live out of town and
have become prominent in their professions and occupa-
tions.
Samuel Bowne, brother of Joseph, occupied an ad-
joining farm to the south, at Leonardville, and, to the care
of this, he added the blacksmith and wheelwright business,
which he carried on at Leonardville until his death, when
his son Andre:w continued the business.
He also was prominent in church work, having mar-
ried a good helper in the person of Miss Katie Winter,
daughter of Andrew Winter, previously mentioned. Of a
large family, the community is still favored with two re-
presentatives, Andrew and Amanda (Mrs. A. C. Watrons),
William, Samuel, Hannah and Catherine having moved
from town. In this connection, we record the recent death
of William, a man of many noble qualities.
The Debowe farm, containing about sixty acres, be-
ing .bounded on the north by the Carhart farm (an old
and respected family, at present represented by the widow
of their son Richard, with her children Richard, Charles
and Emma) of about twenty acres, now owned by Anthony
F. Campbell of Brooklyn, as a summer rt :idence; bounded
on the south, by the Thomas Leonard farm, of about one
hundred acres, and on the west, by the Joseph Bowne
Estate.
The Debowes were a very worthy family, consist-
ing of John, Catherine and Elsie. They were ever ready
to assist in all good work, whether with the sick or in
social or church work.
This £arm became the property of Thomas Leonard,
and was deeded by him to his son, James H. The farms
of Thomas Leonard included a part of the John Bowne
11roperty and extended to the Navesink line on the south-
east.
The Edward T. Burdge farm consisted of about one
hundred and twenty acres, which was very fertile, and
produced good results, through the careful management
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 125

of its owner and his faithful and industrious wife. The


same can be said of all the wives of the Bay Shore farmers.
as a more self-denying or helpful body of women never trod
the foot-stool of heaven.
Of the Burdge family, the father still remains in town,
also his sons, Theodore, James and Benjamin. The son
Edward died a soldier in the Cival War. William and his
sisters, Elvira, Margaret, Susan and Elizabeth, are all mar-
ried and reside out of town.
The Conover farm, originally the property of Mathias
Covenhoven, now Conover, (the family is now represented
by the children Mathias and Joanna Roope, parents of
William, George, and Charles, and their sisters, Henrietta,
Ida, Margaret, Ella and Lillian, who are among the sup.
p:>rters of the First Baptist Church at Leonardo and hold
prominent places therein) is divided in many properties
and owned by plot and lot owners, too numerous to men-
tion-
The farm contained a large number of acres, and
was well situated for town and suburban property, and
is at present known as Brevent Park and Leonard Ave., and
is being developed by Thomas H. Leonard and Charles T.
Leonard, and others.
The balance of Leonardville property was at one
time owned by William Leonard, Sr., pre\;ously mentioned.
He was a large land owner, and gave his sons each a farm
in Leonardville.
To his eldest son, Richard A., he gave the farm of
his father, Thomas, which is now occupied by sons, Richard
and William J. To Thomas he gave the homestead farm
at the town center, with the store.
To his son John S. he gave what is now known as
the Thompson farm. This farm was owned previous to
Sheriff Thompson, its present owner, by Reverend Thomas
and his son, Daniel Roberts, who purchased it of John
S. Leonard.
The Walling farm, as it was called, (the farm that
William Leonard, Sr., resided upon after leaving the Leon-
ardville store) he gave to his son William.
To his daughters, Mary and Elizabeth, he made cash
gifts.
These farms above named comprised almost an un-
broken tract of fine trucking lands, to which the name of
Leonard doubtless will be established in some form for
generations to come.
There was an application for a Bay Shore school dis-
trict, in 1849. The first school, in 1850, within its bound-
"126 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

.aries, was kept in a building formerly used by Richard


Walling as a carpenter shop, located on lands now owned
b:,· George C. Taylor, but previously owned by Captain
Charles H. Mills, and, before him, by Mr. Walling, as above
stated.
The building cost eighty-five dollars, and was moved
to a locust grove, on the farm of Richard A. Leonard, and
was fitted up by subscription and free labor, the neighbor-
hood assisting in this work.
The school was nicknamed "Catbrier Seminary,"
from the vigorous grov":h of those beautiful plants grow-
ing throughout the grove surrounding the school. The
briers gave endless trouble to the school boys in their
search for their balls through them, and much pain from
the sharp thorns, in rescuing their property after discover-
ing it.
This school was as good as the district schools of that
day, perhaps a little above the average, yet the education-
al advantages there derived were not as complete as many
were entitled to, to meet the arguments of their later life.
Much could be said on this line, of preparing children
for the duties and possibilities of life, as demanded by
present society, but space prevents.
After this building was given up, the school was lo-
cated within the original borough limits, as described in
another part of this book.
The spiritual condition of Leonardville, in itself, as
regards to meetings, was limited to private houses and the
Leonardville school house, up to the time of the building
of the First Baptist Church meeting house, referred to else-
where.
The school building afforded a good place for prayer
meetings. They were principally held in the interest of
the Baptists. The attendance was limited, in olden times,
mostly to Leonards; Conoyers and Roops-
The writer recalls the good meetings held there, also
the. apimaal light_ that radiated from: Holy Writ, and the
temporal- li&,hl from tallow candles. bl!Ollsht by the bands
of the. faitidiul~ woman. The ailent aa~ction and happy
smiles that would light up our faces whe11. the- aood, dea-
coaa. in. them- tomad"a.. 1Rtti t h e ~ - w.ould., iDi their en-
dlNwror.. 1litta:. vembJin&-...., iD, • • imm~, ~ e
of the eood sisters, muff out the light.
MONUJ4EN71' T-0 ABEL MORGAN
See Pair• 9,
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 127

Some meetings of re...,ival character were held in


later years; prominent among these were the ones held by
Reverend C. L. Douglass, pastor of the Navesink Baptist
Church. The Methodists also held meetings here. The
church services of both denominations were at Navesink,
for the period here represented.
Richard A. Leonard, Senior's, family, consisting of
Richard A., Mary E., Sarah, Emma, Charles T., William J.
and Ella S., were prominent in the interests of Atlantic
Highlands.
The last two were editors. Ella S. Leonard, with
Miss Caroline Lingle, published "The Independent," form-
erly the Atlantic Highlands Herald, for some years, follow-
ed by Edgar H. Cook with the "Monmouth Press" and,
at the time of this writing, by William J. Leonard.
William Leonard, Junior's, family, consisting of E. Well-
ing, Deborah and John S., received a liberal education.
E. Welling and John S. remained on the home farm, each
taking a part. Deborah married the Reverend Edmund
Woodward, and resides at Point Pleasant, N. J.
John S. Leonard, Senior, son of William Leonard, Sr.,
sold his farm and moved to Rumson Neck, leaving no
representatives at the old family home.
128 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XXL
MEMORIES OF THE OLD F AMII.IE..~
CONTINUED

Thomas Leonard's family, consisting of James H.,


Thomas H., Edward W. and John J., connected themselves
chiefly to the interests of the neighborhood.
James H., for years, assisted in the educational and
spiritual needs of Leonardville, also filling some town-
ship positions, and finally was sent by his constituents to
represent them as assemblyman at Trenton, in 1877. He
again returned to his home work and was leader in the
steamboat service between here and New York City in
1879.
Thomas H. conceived the idea of developing the local-
ity into a town, as early as 1868- He brought the concep-
tion to a realization by laying out the town October 25,
1879, which was organized in 1887 into a municipal gov-
ernment, of which for years he was president and mayor.
Edward W. sustained the family interests at the old Leon-
ardville center by carrying on the mercantile business,
as handed down by his father and grandfather, from the
beginning Qf the century.
John J., of whom too much cannot be said, was active
in all things pertaining to town life, which also may be said
of the father, Thomas Leonard, who sustained the projects
of his sons, .and, without him, all would have been much
more difficult.
The first sail vessel that ran from Bay Shore to New
York City was the "Sea Flower," Captain Thomas Bowne
commander. The landing was at "Applegate's," the west
one of the three Landings in use on Bay Shore, for the ac-
commodation of the neighboring truck farmers.
These landings were sometimes all in use, and other
years, only two of the three, and occasionally but one, as
circumstances and the caprice of the captains and the
"pull" of the individual farmers would produce.
Brown's Landing was at the foot of the present First
Avenue, and the most easterly, with Walling's Landing
at the foot of Avenue D, as it is now called.
The "Sea Flower" was a schooner rigged vessel. She
did good service, but at last met a watery grave. Her re-
mains were long visible near the mouth of Clay Pit Creek,
called "Sea Flower point."
The next vessel was bought and owned by James and
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 129

John Hopping and William and Joseph Leonard, in about


the year 1822. She was called the "Patriot," and also ran
from "Applegate's Landing." She was wrecked in a Sep-
tember gale and drifted to Fire Island.
This landing was the only one that ever rose to the
distinction of a dock. In 1850 the father of Mr. William
M. Foster took the contract and built what was known as
"the Mud Dock," and Applegate's Landing was generally
known after this date by that name.
There was a company, called the Port Middletown
Transportation Company, formed of the farmers of the
community, the Leonards, Cono\"ers, Roops, Applegates,
Stilwells, Taylors, Burdges, Bownes and others. A tract
of about two acres of meadow was bought of William
Leonard at a nominal price, and upon this property the
dock was built. This land extended from the foot of Apple-
gate's Road, now called Appleton Avenue (said a\"enue
being the boundary line between Ocean View and Mar-
dean) over the meadow, to the bay. The property was
put in the bands of two trustees, Thomas Roberts and
Thomas Leonard.
The last meeting of the company was ca:led by Thomas
Leonard, the last surviving trustee, to be held at Leonard
Brothers office, First avenue, Atlantic Highlands, January
31st, 1893 at 2 :00 P. M. It was said by one of the stock-
holders, that at this meeting the property was passed over
to the municipality wherein it was located, the "Township
of Middletown." The County Clerk's office at Freehold,
New Jersey, should contain records of both the organiza-
tion of the company, the description of its property, and,
lastly, the disposition of the same, at the last meeting
called by the surviving trustee, Thomas Leonard, as seen
in the following notice.
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given by the subscn"ber, a Director and survi..-.
ing Trustee of the Port Middletown Dock Company, that a meeting o:£
the Directors and stockholders of said Company will be held at the
office of Leonard Brothers, First avenue, Atlantic Highlands, New
Jersey, on Tuesday, the thirty.first day of January, instant, at two
o'clock in the afternoon for the purpose of taking the necessary action
to dispose of the Company's property, real and personal, and for
the dissolution of said Company, and the transaction of such other
basiness as may come before the meeting.
Dated January 17th, 1893.
(Signed) THOMAS LEONARD.
This enterprise was of much practical use and ad-
vantage, in its day and generation. It at last succumbed
to the inevitable, after the introduction of steamboats at
Brown's Landing, 1879.
130 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Richard Applegate, the great-grandfather of the writ-


er, built and kept the first store in this part of the country.
It was situated at and adjoining his homestead at Apple-
gate's Landing, and the business was continued until his
daughter, Elizabeth, married William Leonard, when it
was removed to Leonardville, in a building adjoining the
house so long occupied by William and son Thomas Leon-
ard.
The store at Leonardville was looked after by Eliza-
beth, the good wife, while the husband filled the position
of Captain of the "Friendship" another Bay Shore packet.
This vessel was built by Richard Applegate, and had
the distinction of having her mainsail pierced by a cannon
ball, on one (l~ her trips, with produce, fired from a British
l\Ian-of-War, that lay back of the "Hook". But the Eng-
lishman failed to get any fresh vegetables and fruit, as the
"Friendship" soon sailed out of reach, much to the satis-
faction of Captain Leonard and his brave crew, seconded
by the farmer passengers who journeyed with them.
The family of Applegates were among the first settlers
of Portland Poynt, and continued for many genenltions
at Applegate's Landing (now Ocean View). The only re-
presentative is Anne, the daughter of Eliza Applegate
Mount, (now deceased), wife of Mr. Richard Leonard,
residing at Leonardo.
There are many others of the family, but they reside
at Red Bank, Nut Swamp , Middletown, Matawan and
other places.
The first settler, by the "Genealogy of the Applegate
Family", of Monmouth County, New Jersey, was Thomas
Applegate, who, in 1677, obtained a warrant for a tract
that included Applegate Landing. He married Johanna
Gibbons, daughter of the noted patentee of the celebrated
"Monmouth Patent" from Governor Nicolls for land on
Sandy Hook Bay and on Raritan Bay.
Mr- Apple~ate died about 1699. His son Richard
retained the homestead farm. and died in 1732~ By his
death, the Applegate laru:Is became vested in his son Wil-
lia-m, who served a full term of five and one half· y.ean at
the trade of joiner. HilJ handiwork may still be seen in
articles of furniture~
After completing his trade, he returned ti.· tie old
homestead., aml: added a large number of acres to his
~ o u , aa, DUI¥ be. Nell: by: CODV8f'aDC86 on- record to
William. A.pp[epte, "ca,:peJater'";. ma wire- ,,_. EJizabeth
0,bon., Eia:latdiiklra.'ftl:e.bora-totlbeJa..
The daughter Rebecca muded J(atb.f.- Ccmoarer,
FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAIL 131

previously mentioned. and Annie married Joseph Bowne.


Sr., whose descendants are already named in Leonardville.
Mr. Applegate died in 1776, his son Richard retain-
ing the homestead. He married Mary Stillwell, their child-
ren being William (died in infancy), Joseph S., William,
Elizabeth, Hopie, John S., Samuel, George and Annie.
Mr. Applegate spent his life on the homestead, '\":here
three generations of ancestors had lived and died before
him. In connection with his farming, he carried on a gen-
eral store business in a part of the homestead residence.
between 1802 and 1818, after which time, at the marriage
of his daughter Elizabeth to William Leonard, the business
w::s carried to Leonard's Corner (Leonardville) and con-
tinued by Thomas, their son, until about 1883, when his
son, Edward V/., continued to prcs~nt writin1.;, 1S:lG.
The Richard Applegate bst nnmed died in 1821. The
homestead came to his son .J0hn S., who marr:ed Eliza
Tarlor, to whom six children, Grover, Richard, Ann Eliza,
Mary E., John and Fanny, v:erc born.
Their son Rich:ml, at the death cf the father, retain-
ed the homestead for some years. making six generations
of Applegates continually resid:ng at "Applegate's Land-
ing."
There are many worth:; members of the famll:,· not
mentioned, for wnnt of space, having trusted to the re!)re-
sentntive of the "Gencolog:,·• of the family, compiled by
the Honorable John S. Appleg-ate, son of Joseph S. Apple-
g::tc. -..-ho honored us as c::r representative as state S..::::!t-
or at Trenton, and to whom we are indebted for the above
"Applegate Geneology."
The first shoe shop in the community was on Leonard-
\;Ue Road. The building faced the Chapel Hill Road,
that led from Chapel Hill to Applegate's Landing. It was
kept by John Tilton, and, later, by William Morris, who
resided at Riceville and walked back and forth daily to
his business.
There were the remains of an old stone dock off
Brown's Landing (First avenue), which is supposed to
have been the watering place for shipping, at the time of
the French War. It lies about five hundred feet from the
beach, at the present writing, but it is supposed the sea
has encroached that much upon the land.
A great many of the stones were used in the Bay
View Transportation Company's Dock at the time of its
being built. 1878 and '79. •
. A bark mill. carried on by John Doughty, was at one
time an extensive business feature at the mouth of "Many
132 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Mind Creek." It was a tide mill The remains of the run


are yet to be seen on the beach. Grinding bark for tanning
purposes was the industry of this enterprise.
There was a lively contest in early years between
Leonardville and Navesink for the first Post Office, and
the coveted prize was secured by the latter place. About
1861 a Post Office was established at Leonardville-Thom-
as Leonard Post Master, with Thomas H. assistant, and,
later, Edward W. as assistant and afterwards post master.
The office was established through the efforts of a
Mr. Finch, of Red Bank. He was employed by Thomas
Leonard to attend to this work. Mr. Finch, while at Wash-
inton, also procured other offices in the county.
The mail was originally brought to Leonardville and
Navesink by "Governor" Tompkins, and others, as pri-
vate carriers, and later, from Middletown, by Richard Car-
hart, Sr., to Navesink Post Office, and from there to Leon-
ardville by private carriers.
· After the Raritan and Delaware Bay Railroad (New
.Jersey Southern) was built and a station established at
Hopping Station (through the efforts of Thomas Leonard
and Jesse Hallenbake), the mail was procured from
there.
A stage line was originated at Leonardville, with a
route from Hopping Station (then Navesink Station) to
the Highlands of Navesink, which was a great accommo-
dation in its day. It once had the honor of conveying
Horace Greeley, founder of the New York Tnoune.
An opposition line, from Chapel Hill Station to Nave-
sink and the Highlands, was formed, principally by
people of Chapel Hill, thinking the business of each would
decide the future existence of each individual station.
The fight was long and fierce, resulting in a draw,
as the railroad failed through the building of the New York
and Long Branch Railroad.
After the abandoning of the water tenninus of the
New Jersey Southern Railroad at Port Monmouth, and the
building of the New York and Long Branch Railroad, our
freight, passenger and mail accommodations were received
via Red Bank, over the Port Monmouth Spur, until the
building ·of the Branch Road, from Keyport to Atlantic
Highlands, of which much is said elsewhere.
While this railroad experience was going on, the
sloops and schooners were plying from Bay Shore, and we
had service from· the river steamboats running between
Red Bank and New York City, touching at the Highlands',
:Mount's and Brown's Docks on Navesink River.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 133

On either side of the mouth of Many Mind Creek,


at Brown's Landing, was a low beach, that afforded, with
the creek itself, a good harbor for the watermen's bateaux
and skiffs used in their clamming and fishing business.
When the tide served right, that is to say, high
tide morning and evening, especially the heavier boats,
would harbor there over night in the creek, by tying them
to stakes placed in the meadow banks.
When the weather was good, with a prospect of such
on the morrow, they would tie a little way off shore to
stout stakes, of which each clammer would be supposed to
own one or more. This stake would represent a certain
a!Jlount of flats, or water, as the case might be, for the pur-
pose of storing their clams for future markets.
It was an interesting sight to see forty or fifty men,
each, from their respective boats, casting their day's
"catch" of clams overboard and, after so doing, tie up
their boats and come ashore with a small boat called a
"dinkey," that would be common property, and passed
along from one to another, until all would be safely landed.
The watermen with small boats would usually beach
their boats and assisf each other "hauling up" their boats
to a safe point from the high storm tides that might occur
in the absence of the owner.
The rakes were very long and heavy, with handles
made from pitch pine, with plenty of pitch in it, to weigh
down the handle.
This business was very profitable: for many years,
and called farmers from their farms, for ready money,
Principally the young men, farmers' sons. It was cousider-
ed very hard work, but on windy days they could rest, as
the sea would prevent them from working.
The concentration of money and labor at this point
naturally drew men of a mercantile mind. Bradford War-
ren come from Massachusetts and bought a small plot of
ground near the creek and on the water, erecting a store
thereon, and supplied the clammers and others with the
needed provisions.
. Following this gentleman came Walter Murray, Wil-
liam Robertson, and finally John M. $harts. also an East-
ern man. He kept the store for twelve years, then sold
it to a New York City company, for public bathing head-
quarters, coming in competition with the adjoining pro-
perty of W. H. Bentley and wife, who, with their son W.W.
!3entley, the evangelist and singer, kept an extensive bath-
ing pavilion.
134 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil..

The Bentleys were the first (after W. M. Foster) New


York City people that interested themselves in the town of
Atlantic Highlands.
The sail packets that ran to and from New York City
for the accommodation of "Bay Shore and vicinity," were
the schooners "Margaret Clots," Captain Wayman; "Bril-
liant", Captain Henry Little; "Columbus", Captain Henry
Parker: "W. H. Harrison", Captain ~layman; sloops,
"Atlas," Ben Stephens", Captain John P. White; "Butch-
er Boy", Captain Patterson; "John Cottrell", Captain Des-
peaux; "Guide", "Tryton". Captain Despeaux; "Mon-
mouth", Captain William Patterson (alrer.dy mentioned
as bei~_-:; the first :rnilt in this vicinity) ; "lntrenid", Cap-
tain '.Y:.::,.nan; "P:!ragon", Captain Patterson; "Bchretuc",
Cnpt::.in Thomas Leonard; "Mary Elizabeth". Captain
"Wayman; "Confidence", Captain C.H. Mills; "Reliance",
Captain Wa:rman and Captain W. Bogle; "The Wren",
Captain William Henry Robbins; "Parsons", Captain J.
H. Skidmore; "Mary Ann", Captain Charles l\I. Woodward
and Captain Thomas M. Woodward-the last prominent
sail boats and captains before the advent of steam vessels,
though a number of good captains, including Captain W.
H. Falkinburg. Captain Gaskill, Captain William F. Mount.
Captain Frank Patterson, Captain Edwards and many
others, came with vessels.
Captain Falkinburg and C:ir,t::.i:l Gasld!l spent several
years with us, and did good service. They made frequent
trips to Alban;- fer Leonard Brothers' lumher yard, before
the coming of the railroad.
The year before the stc.::mc;:-s c:::::-.:c, C:::pt:dn John
H. Skidmore, on calm days, had the tug Syracuse tow
his packet sail vessel, from Brown's Landing to New York.
In the old days, there were many anple orchards about
Portland Poynt, and the Leonardville district had the dis-
tinction of.having a cider press and still-house within its
territory.
As the variety of fruit was selected with an eye to
its good cider-giving qualities, and the fruit abundant, the
business was both extensive and profitable, as the manu-
facture, sale and consumption was at that time considered
both legitimate and proper.
The Bay Shore farmers became expert samplers of all
the different grades, colors and kinds of liquids produced
from the apple. It was in use on all occasions, both small
and great.
The writer recalls many barn raisings. plowing bees
and corn frolics that he has attended where the "Jersey
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 135

Lightning" was one of the most important features and


central figures. He has attended the old-fashioned house
raising, where there would not be enough sober men to
put up the rafters.
Through Reverend Thomas Roberts and Richard A.
Leonard, Sr., and others, the temperance, and later the
teetotal temperance cause, through the Teetotal Temper-
ance Society, became so popular a movement that many of
the orchards were dug up, and the still-houses destroyed,
which was the means of saving many from a drunkard's
gra\·e.
. That reminds us of the old-time fashion of family
graveyards on every large farm. There were four within
Leonardville--the Applegate graveyard, on the old Apple-
gate farm at Applegate's Landing, now owned by the Con-
overs; the Burdge graveyard, on the Edward T. Burdge
farm, now Highland Park; the Bowne farm, now Hillside
Park; the Schenck graveyard, on the Walling farm, now
John $. Leonard's. .
They are all marked by removals, decay and neglect,
.and now they are superceded by Fair View and Bay View
Cemeteries, of which more will be said later.
Another family graveyard is recalled-the Leonard
Plot, on the William J. Leonard farm, where the ancestors
-of the family were buried. This also has met the fate of
its sister yards, and the occupants have been removed to
Fair View and Bay View Cemeteries.
Before leaving Leonardville, we must recall more
fully the part already referred to as Applegate's Landing.
This place (though at present void of special interest) has
been quite a business center in early times.
Contemporary with Applegate's store was the ship.
ping of cord wood from the surrounding country. The amp.
le space devoted to the Landing made it convenient for the
f~nilers to bring the wood and rank it up, in long high
piles, at their leisure, to be shipped at a time most conven-
ient for the vessels, and when the most favorable price
could · be obtained. Sometimes the farmers would meet
with a loss from extreme high tides, the wood, from im-
proper piling; being carried away. .
The shipping of wood and farm produce, also the
ship building (mostly schooners), added to the scenes of
.activity. The Maxson Tavern, at this point, kept by Joseph
Maxson, Senior, added life and animation to the place,
especially when the proprietor, with all the spirit and
determination of an old veteran "tar", decided to "clear
the wigwam."
136 FROM INDIAN TRAil, TO ELECTRIC RAIL

At one time, it is told, there was a halt called by one


of his visitors saying, "Do you not know me? I am Highland
Tom." Whereupon, Mr. Maxson replied, with all the grit
of an English Wellington, "Highland Tom, or Lowland
Tom, thou must be a-moving." With this, he caught him
and hauled him to the door and thus passed him out, un-
mindful of the high steps beyond, in his zeal to "clear the
wigwam," as he called it. Down the steps backward they
went, the vanguished and the victor, on their backs, with a
force that would have ended ordinary men. They may
have said, like Lord Wellington, "Another such a victory
would ruin us."
l\f:-. l\Iaxson, in after years, became the keeper of the
Chapel Hill beacon, and for some time cared for the
government property and this important light, with credit
to himself and to his family, who assisted him in his duties.
After him, came Richard Carhart, Sr., who did good ser-
vice, and at his death was followed by his son Charles.
The first school district contained nearly all of the
territory of Portland Poynt, as will be seen by the follow-
ing copy of 3n application made May 25, 1829.
NOTICE
The School Committee of the township of Middletown h:ive fixed
and determined the following lines and courses as the bounds of the
first School District (to-wit) : Beginning at the Bay Shore, betwee:i
Mathias Conover and Silas Tilton (near Conover's Beacon), from
thence running southerly so as to leave the house of James Leonard.
deceased. to the westward of said line, thence to the mouth of Mill
Creek (McClees Creek) on Shrewsbury Rh·cr, thence down s.lid
river to the Bay, thence lllong the Bny to where it be~n; and the said
Committee do appoint Saturday, the thirteenth day of June next, 11:
2:00 P. M., at the school house in said district (on the John Bowne
farm, between Navesink and Leonardville) as the time and place for
the taxable inhabitants of said district of electing the trustees for
the same, and to make such other arrangements as they shall then deem
necessary.
May 25, 1829.
By order of Committee.
LEONARD WALLING, Sec.
At that meeting, the trustees appointed, as nearly as
can be ascertained, were:- Richard Hartshorne, William
Leonard, Lambert Johnson.
This comprised part of the Bay Shore and Brown's Dock
district, all of Navesink and the Highlands district, in one.
At that time, walking was in fashion.
Conover Beacon was erected about 1856, on Bay
Shore, on lands purchased from Rulif Conover. This light,
with the Chapel Hill Light, in range, gave the shipping
the course through the Narrows.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 137

The first keeper was Mark L. Mount. of Navesink,


who held the position for six years (until 1861). Then
came Tabor Chadwick (eight years) to 1869; S. V. Bartle-
son, three weeks; Carl Grossenger, three years, to 1872;
John B. Swan, seventeen years, to 1889; and Samuel A.
Foster, at present writing (1895).
About every twenty years, Jirevious to the occupancy
of the New Jersey Southern Railroad over Sandy Hook,
certain conditions of tide and wind would produce an in-
let, commencing at the mouth of South Shrewsbury River,
near what was called the Ocean House, and gradually
working up north to Island Beach.
This condition of things would close up the mouth of
Navesink River, sometimes called North Shrewsbury,
which would compel the steam and sail vessels of those
rivers to pass out through the inlet to the ocean.
Tradition tells us of a grant from the Legislature for
a canal from the mouth of the ":Many :Mind Creek," follow-
ing its course east to Clay Pit Creek, at the nearest point.
This would have required very little digging. but the work
was never begun, and, it is said, the time limit of the chart-
er expired.
This enterprise became unnecessary b~· the periodi-
cal opening of the river mouth, and its permanent open-
ing through the immense amount of money expended by
the raidroad, which prevented the inlet with all its incon-
veniences.
This was sustained with great difficulty and expense,
as an inlet of considerable width was cut through the
Hook, occasionally, between Island Beach and Sea Bright.
At the present writing, the government has the rail-
road track placed on a trestle north of Highland Beach,
and the railroad has a piling driven in two lines, about ten
feet apart, parallel with the shore. These lines are tied
together and filled in with large stones.
This has proved a great protection to the railroad
and beach.
138 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XXII.
WGH POINT
THE GENERAL NAME OF CHAPEL mLL AND THE WHOLE
VICINITY.
(ABOUT 1809)
High Point-last, but not least, in many things per-
taining to a village, and individual necessities,-covered
an extensive territory. It also embraced in its history
many prominent individuals, in many different walks of
life.
Almost all the professions have had their representa-
tives--the minister, doctor, undertaker, farmer, merchant,
debater, mechanic, hotel proprietor, miller, and many
others.
lts northeast territorial extremity would be known as
the "Cooper Farm," afterward known as the "Stillwell
Farm," and, at the present writing, 1895, "Leonard Park,"
it having been purchased by Thomas H. Leonard twelve
years previous.
Samuel Cooper was a prominent figure in the social
and agricultural line, while his brother, John Cooper, was
~onsidered one of the greatest and most eloquent preach-
ers of the age (about 1809).
Through the personal efforts of Andrew Winter, Sr.,
who will be referred to later, a meeting house was built
for him on the Hill, adjoining the farm, for his use. This
building was the first meeting house erected below Middle-
town, and, from the time of its erection and occupancy, the
name of ••High Point" gave place to· ••chapel Hill."
The new organization was called · the "Independent
Baptist Society and Congregation." June 17, 1809, the
following trustees were elected:- Re,gerend John Cooper,
John Stillwell, Henry Johnson, Job Layton, William :Mor-
ris and John Johnson.
The "High Point Chapel House" was thus occupied,
until about 1828, when -:Mr. Cooper changed his views,
and ·became of the Wesleyan faith, and organized a :Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, October 13th of that year, with the
following trustees:- James Lewis, William Baker and John
Taylor.
The "High Point Chapel House,'' was used for their
meeting house until a church was erected about 1850 at
Riceville, where they moved in a body, without reorganiza-
tion. ·
FROM INDIAN TRAU. TO ELECTRIC RAU. 13~

When the Chapel House was abandoned by them, it


was again occupied by the Baptists, under the care of the
First Baptist Church of Middletown, and still continues,
at the present writing, 1895.
The Cooper farm contained about two hundred acres,
but decreased, by several small sales, to one hundred
twenty-two acres, at present writing. It contained within
its compass unsurpassed views of the bay and ocean and
surrounding country.
There are at present writing no representative in the
neighborhood of the Cooper or Stillwell families. The
farm occupied about a:11 of the space (outside of the little
village) east of the road to Bay Shore and north of the
Chapel Hill road, leading from Middletown to the High-
lands, with the exception of the Conover farm on the north.
This latter farm was owned by Cornelius Conover,
son of Mathias Conover, of Leonardville, and afterward
willed to his adopted daughter, Amanda Bowne Watrons,
who sold it in 1894 to Mr. Benjamin Price of Philadelphia,
who, at present writing (1895) is occupying and improving
it.
West of the Conover farm we come to the origmai
"Taylor Farm,'' which dated back in history, by that name,
to the Tory days of the War of 1812. Local tradition
says that General Cornwallis made it his headquarters
for about a week, and indulged in "New Jersey Lightning"
quite freely.
The old homestead, recently burned down, was the
scene of many interesting incidents, lost to history by
some recent deaths of the family. They were:- William,
George C., Edward, Thomas, Rebecca, Sarah, Mrs. Peters,
Mrs. Hitchcock and Mrs. Sherman.
The farm was occupied for many years by a son-in-law
of the family, Mr. William Sherman, who was a very suc-
cessful farmer. Mr. Sherman's eldest son, George, mar-
ried Emma Leonard, daughter of Richard A. Leonard, Sr.
. They purchased a farm on the Leonardville Road. It
lS still occupied by the family, the widow and her two sons,
Richard and George.
The original Taylor farm is now owned by Peter S.
Conover, Junior, he having purchased it of William Sher-
tnan, Jr. This farm has many very fine views, as it is a
Part of "Garrett's Hill." It has an elevation of over two
hundred feet, which places it in .close competition with
the Chapel Hill range and Atlantic Highlands. .
The Samuel Leonard farm, on the Leonardville Road,
afterward ~wned by his son John and sisters, was finally
140 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

purchased by James H. Leonard, and continued· his until


the time of his death, with the exception of the part occu-
pied by the homestead, which was purchased of him by
Thomas O'Brien.
In our territorial swing around "Garrett's Hill," we
come to that large part occupied by several generations,
of the Hopping families. This brings us a little beyond our
limits of Chapel Hill description, but it is proper and nec-
essary to include this prominent family, and territory, in
connection with the Garretts of the "Chapel Hill" ter-
ritory.
The original Hopping family resided near Morris-
town, N. J. They were well represented in the war of the
Revolution, there being five of that name to endure the
suffering of .Valley Forge.
A portion of the family came to Monmouth County
and settled near New Monmouth, and later James and
John Hopping purchased the northwest, west and south-
westerly portions of "Garrett's Hill." They were very
successful business men, and held a prominent position in
society in this part of the county.
James became a "squire," which at that time meant
something in a community. He did a very large amount
of legal business at Chapel Hill and Middletown, where
court was held alternately for many years.
He also became lay judge of the county, but death
called him for its own, at an early age, leaving a widow
with their four children, Edward T., Sarah, Mary Ann and
John J., to mourn his loss.
The farm occupied by him became the property of
his son, John J. Hopping, who occupied it for many years,
having married a very worthy lady, Miss Hannah Patter-
son, who survived him, with her sons, James P. and John
T. Hopping; their daughter Marianna, a beloved member
of the family circle, having died in early womanhood.
John J. Hopping, previously mentioned, occupied the
portion of the "Hill" on the northwest. The Hill derived
its name from a man named Garrett. A singular circum-
stance was his sudden death, while chopping timber on
the south side of the hill, a log having rolled upon him •
For many years the two brothers, who came from
Morristown, (James and John) having married sisters,
held their financial matters in common and had. as the
~ying is, "but .one pocket book." This continued for many
years.
John occupied a prominent position in the partner-
ship, as the principal in the "water interest." in which they
were. alwa71 engaged and interested. a owners. or part
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 141

owners, as occasion required, in many sail vC:!!sels; and he


was known as "Captain John" throughout the county.
Their legal, water and farming interests made them stir-
ring men.
John Hopping, deceased, left his son, Samuel Hop-
ping, to care for the large "Garrett's Hill" farm, and he,
ill turn, left his son, Walter K. Hopping, to represent the
family at the homestead, his brother George ha'lling pur-
chased a very fertile farm in the neighborhood near Chap-
el Hill Station.
Harriet Hopping, sister of Samuel Hopping, became
the wife of Garrett Van Mater, who lived many years on
Chapel Hill, and was a prominent debater in many societies
of this part of the county. At his death, he left the widow
and Mary, their daughter, who married Dr. William Pat-
terson, and represented the family at the homestead at
Chapel Hill.
Her brother, Dr. John H. Van Mater, with Dr. George
D. Fay, became the first, and very successful, physicians of
the new town of Atlantic Highlands.
Dr. Van Mater was part and parcel in many of the
necessary things required in the young town:- the fire de-
partment, the Board of Health, the Borough Council, also
a member of the township committee, in all of which he
held a prominent position.
To complete the circle of the "Hill," we are glad
to record the name of Edward T. Hopping, ~,reviously men-
tioned, who, with his faithful wife, Eliza1'eth Applegate
Hopping, and their two sons Edward J. and William A.,
occupied the Daniel Conover farm.
This farm was afterward cared for by the son, Ed-
ward J. Hopping, now deceased, an~ his widow, with her
two sons, where they still reside (1895). William A.
moved to Red Bank.
"Last, but not least," we record the old "Stillwell
Farm," (not the Cooper-Stillwell property) purchased
by Deacon James Frost, of John and James Hopping, who
P~hased it of John Stillwell. Mr. Still-vell spent many
rughts on the top of Garrett's Hill, to evace the Tories, in
the War of 1812.
. Mr. Frost married Sarah Hopping, previously men-
tioned. They occupied the old farm, and raised a large
f amily, who had the advantage derived frorn having good
and worthy parents, such as the spirit of their Saviour only
~ Pl'Oduce.
llr. Froet, or "'Uncle Jimmy," as he was often called,
ahraya had a pleuant word for every one, and, as he waa
142 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil..

in politics, only as a good citizen, and financially, only to


meet the needs of bis family and the interest of bis church,
bis way was always bright; and, when you would meet
him, pass the time of day, and analyze the weather, the
conclusion would seem to meet bis entire approbation.
The mother securea an early entrance to the Heavenly
mansions, leaving many loving hearts to mourn her loss.
Mr. Frost lived many years on the homestead, with his
sons Joseph and Daniel, the brothers, James, Benjamin,
Samuel H. and Edward H., seeking other fields of labor,
and the sisters, Sarah and Hattie, becoming Mrs. George
Crawford and Mrs. John G. Taylor. The sister Mary
Crawford and brother John were called to join their
mother "beyond the vale."
On the southern slope of the Chapel Hill range were
.several farms, of large and small extent. Taking the road
from "Old Woman's Hill" through Chapel Hill to Red
Bank as our limit, we find the William Taylor farm, always
known as a favored fruit plantation, through the time of Mr.
Taylor and his brother Thomas, who occupied the farm,
after leaving the homestead at "Garrett's Hill."
Following Thomas Taylor and others, came Mr.
George H. Stout, distinguished as a former "Herald" re-
porter. He, contrary to the expectation of his neighbors,
continued to keep up the reputation of the farm for fruit
producing. He was successful, and produced many new
varieties of fruit and berries.
Following Mr. Stout, "Lady Cora Stuart" came in pos-
session of the property, and added the extensive require-
ments of a large hennery to the other attractions of the
place.
The next step down Chapel Hill brings us to the
residence of the widow, Mrs. Thomas Taylor, with her two
sons, George and Thomas; following this is the farm of
Michael Callahan, a practical example of what a man, with
a right-minded helpmate, can acquire in a short life time.
Below this is the "Bowne farm", where Richard
Bowne spent many toiling years. At bis death, his son
Aaron took ownership, placing it in an unusual and sub-
stantial condition by a fine old-fashioned post and five-rail
"hog-ijght" fence.
At Aaron's death, the property was divided among bis
brothers and sisters. excepting two portions purchased,
one by William M. Roberts, the other bv Webster Swan of
Navesink. •
Sff pan 105
THE 01,D LEONARDVILl,E SCIIOOl,lloOUSE ............
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 143

The small. but fertile, lands of Patrick Garvey, Barn-


ard Garvey, John Maxson, Mr. Jesselson, Peter Brown.
Lewis Jones. Gordon Thompson, Mr. Evans, James Welch,
Thomas O'Brien and others, on this fine southern slope,
produced those necessities and luxuries that went a long
way to make ''market day'' attractive at Red Bank.
Andrew Winter, Sr., was a very active business man,
and no less workers were his sons, Andrew, Thomas and
Obadiah though perhaps not so prominent before the pub-
lic. He owned a very large property between Chapel Hill
village and the river.
He also appears in other parts as a property owner
and public man. His farm was composed of much
fertile land, and is now occupied by his grandchildren, An-
drew and Edward, and sisters, Hannah and Katie. Rebec-
ca married William H, Hendrickson, and resides at Long
Branch.
Near and adjoining this property is the Edward Luf-
burrow farm, occupied by his widow. Rachel, and son. She
was a sister of Andrew and Edward Winter.
To the south, and on the river bank, lies the land of
Peter McClees. It was an extensive farm, and is now
occupied by his sons, Peter J. and John McClees, who
were instrumental, with Freeholder Jehu Cooper, in the
erection of a substantial iron bridge, by the county, in
about 1882. It was known as "McClees' Bridge."
Their brother Charles lived at Toms River, and
engaged in the hardware business. He married· Sarah,
daughter of Richard A. Leonard, Sr. He acquired a for-
tune in his business.
Their sister Mary left home at an early age, and form-
ed a business partnership with Emma Arrowsmith, who is
now deceased.
Among the men who were respected for their integ-
rity we find Robert Allen, Sr., a prominent farmer and ves-
sel owner. He was also a member of the Assembly from
this district.
. His son Robert married Mary Elizabeth, daughter of
Richard A. Leonard, Sr. He died early, leaving an heir
~d representative in his daughter, Mary H., wife of Eg-
ert F. Lufburrow.
Mr. Allen, Sr., survived his wife some years. The
homestead is now occupied by his grandson, Charles Al-
len, Jr., whose father, Charles Allen, Sr., and wife,
(~aughter of Andrew Winter, 2nd), live on a portion of the
f arm on the river bank.
144 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

The only daughter of Robert Allen, Sr., Mrs. Phoebe


Vanderveer, is living at Long Branch, N. J.
Tne Duryea property was made up from the lands
of Captain Henry Johnson, Lambert Johnson, and others,
and, like the river properties, is very attractive.
General H. B. Duryea was a prominent character in
Brooklyn. He bought this property of Captain Henry and
Lambert Johnson, and, with great care, placed it second to
none. The widow, and sons, still occupy the property.
AdjoiJ,ing this country seat lies the Andrew Brown
farm, from which Brown's Dock takes its name. This fine
property is divided between, and occupied by, his two sons.
Mr. Brown was very prominent in church and state,
having represented us in the State Assembly, and left a
record, in many ways, worthy of imitation.
We have circumscribed the little village of Chapel
Hill, and now we enter into the business history. We do it
with fear and trembling, as in the case of the other villages.
lest we fail to properly record, or, perchance, fail entirely,
in some important event, or overlook some worthy person,
which we would not do, knowingly.
FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAIL 145

CHAPTER XXIII.
THE VILLAGE OF CHAPEL HILL.

As education is an important factor, we trace the


school building of Chapel Hill. The first building was
situated on the Edward T. Hopping farm. There is nothing
now to mark its site. The father and mother, of the writer,
attended school at that place, the former walking from
Leonardville, a distance of two miles. It was built in 1817.
The lot contained one-sixth of an acre, and was bought
of William Stillwell by John Stout and James Hopping,
trustees of the "Garrett Hill school." This building re-
mained there, and was used for school purposes, till 1848,
when the building was moved to a site on the road leading
from Chapel Hill to Bay Shore.
Among the teachers was one John McQuire, who
wrote the will of Captain Huddy on the bead of the barrel,
on which he was so soon to be executed, at the bass-wood
tree at the Highlands.
It is said, the good people were moving the school
house from the open fields, its former site, to the village,
and when they got to the Hill, it looked so difficult they
concluded to run it in from the road, and there it remained
for perhaps forty-five years.
Afterward, a new school building was erected, on a
desirable site, a credit to the neighborhood.
This village has the reputation of having the first
licensed hotel in -the township. It was situated near the
church building. The house is still standing at this writ-
ing, and is known as the Tracy House, so-called from the
fact that it was for years occupied by Mrs. Elizabeth Tracy
and family.
She was the only daughter of James Stillwell, who
bought and occupied for many years the adjoining farm.
The hotel was kept by one Benjamin Walling.
The second hotel was kept by Cornelius Mount, in
a building now occupied by Doctor William F. Patterson,
who married Mary Van Mater, sister of our townsman,
Doctor John H. Van Mater. Their parents, Garrett and
Harriet Hopping Van Mater, occupied the homestead for
many years, after it ceased to be a hotel.
Mr. Van Mater met success in his architectural
changes in the building. He, as first Mayor of Hoboken,
had a wide experience in various lines.
146 FROM INDIAN TRAil, TO ELECTRIC RAIL

The High Point hotels were the places where court


cases, coming before the Justice of the Peace, were held,
at High Point, :Middletown and Cha::iceville, on alternate
Saturdays. Squire James Hopping would walk to his
appointments, at the above named places.
l!e was a great walker, and was known to take that
method to reach Freehold, a distance of eighteen miles,
to attend to his law duties as lay judge of the county.
There were many local law trials, of dis?Jutes and diffi-
culties, many of which, no doubt, came from imbibing too
freely of the "fruit of the still," there being one near the
village, known as the "Cooper's Still House." on the Still-
well farm.
While Mr. Samuel Cooper was industriously operat-
ing the "still," his brother, the Reverend John Cooper, was
as faithfully preaching the "Word" in the church on the
Hill, known as the Chapel House; a building erected
through the efforts of Andrew Winter, William Leonard
and others, and maintained as a Baptist interest, until
Mr. Cooper became a follower of the methods of Wesley,
and carried the property with him.
A Methodist church was established, the first in this
entire vicinity, and thus remained until the church was
removed to Riceville, or Navesink, when the building again
returned to the Baptists, and still remains, at this writing,
under the care of the Middletown Baptist Church.
While the Methodists had the field, "the Washing-
tonians," or "Swill Tub Society," as they were often called,
was changed to "Total Abstinence," which was introduced
through the pastor of the church. The two first meetings
were held at the Chapel Hill school house.
While the church and the still were fulfilling their
parts in the great economy of nature, the graveyards were
demanding their own; three of which were in this vicinity
-the "Johnson's" on the road leading from Chapel Hil!
to Brown's Dock, the "Taylor's'' on the Taylor homestead
farm, and the one at the church building at the Chapel
House. ..
For many years, these burying places were in use by
the people of this community, until Fair View and Bay
View Cemeteries laid claim to the solemn and sure pro-
cessions to the grave.
In 1880, the mercantile branch of the village business
was first cared for by Obadiah Winter (uncle of the pre-
sent representatives of the family, Andrew and Edward
Winter), in a small building located OD the Main Street, at
the head of the street leading to the bay.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 147

Mr. Winter continued for a number of years un-


til the business c~e into the hands of Thom!IB and Joseph
Leonard, who also kept a branch store at Riceville (1837).
They were the sons of Joseph Leonard, brother of
William, Sr., and Elizabeth, named in the History of Leon-
ardville. Their sisters, Alice, Susan and Mary Ann, lived
at Navesink. Alice married Morgan Swan.
For some reason, their extensive enterprise did not
continue, but was later taken up by Joseph Leonard (son
of Joseph, 2nd), at Navesink, until his death.
Mr; James Langdon carried on the general store busi-
ness of High Point Chapel, followed by Mr. A. C. Wat-
rous, who succeeded him (1853) and built up a large busi-
ness at Chapel Hill, as a general store, having added to
the original (Langdon) store building, also, the manu-
facture of Sorghum Syrup and extracts.
This, with the Post Office, (established in 1850), con-
tinued with the store, bis church, politics and farm inter-
ests, made him a prominent and busy man. After a suc-
cessful career, his business, in about 1887, was continued
by P. Schenck Conover, Sr.
Succeeding Mr. Conover, the business was cared for
by Mr. D. C. Bennett, who added to the general store the
boot and shoe trade, which is in successful operation at
present writing (1895).
Andrew Winter, father of the first merchant at Chapel
~ill, was a man of great enterprise, and held many prom-
ment positions in society; his personal ventures were of a
va:-ied character.
He owned a Fulling Mill, for the manufacture of
c'oths, on his farm, south of Chapel Hill; his son-in-law,
William Baker, was superintendent of it. Mr. Winter also
carried on a blacksmith business, near his homestead, now
occupied by his grandson, Andrew Winter.
He owned a large amount of real estate, in different
parts of the township. He was prominent jn the building
of the Chapel House for religious worship, and in every
way did his part, as a member of society.
After the Fulling Mill ceased to be profitable, the
bfuilding was leased to Thomas H. Stewart, for the manu-
acture of fancy mouldings.
Cornelius Mount was also a very active member of
the C~apel Hill community, and was known as a man of
great industry, as was his son, Timothy, after him. ·
. He carried on a saw mill business, on the north of the
village. This business was very essential, at this stage
148 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

of development. It was known as the Ox Saw Mill, as the


power was supplied by oxen.
Mr. Mount was also a very extensive farmer, black-
smith and wheelwright, and was in other lines of business;
withal, a prominent man in the community.
His son, Timothy, continued the blacksmith and
wheelwright business at the Chapel, which was continued
afterward by his son, William B.; John, Robert, Cornelius
and Timothy having removed to Red Bank.
The undertaking business was first stsrt.?d by Timothy
Mount, and continued, until the present writing, by his
BOD, Willam.
There have been two blacksmith shopi:1 already nam-
ed, the one on the Winter farm, also the one at the Chapel
Hill village, kept by Cornelius, and his son Timothy Mount,
and at present by 1Janiel W. Irwin and Ira Antonides, Sr.;
yet the oldest inhabitant claims the first one was on the
Chapel Road, not far from the Chapel Beacon, kept by a
John Burdge.
The history of Chapel Hill would be incomplete with-
out naming the Lufburrow family, which were prominent,
not only as farmers, but as members of society, and in
state government.
John Lufburrow owned and carried on a grist mill
business (a very important industry in those early days).
His death occurred very suddenly, while attending to the
safety of the mill, in the time of a great freshet (1822).
This business was continued by his son, Richard Luf-
burrow, and again by his son, Richard; also, Thomas Win-
ter, who with his family, William A. Jennie, Emma, Char-
les, Andrew, Irene and Bessie, lived near the mill, and,
finally, by Thomas Field and John West. The mill burned
down, about 1890, and was never rebuilt.
The railway station on the line of the old Raritan and
Delaware Bay Railroad produced an interesting time in the
determining of its location.
A very strong opposition stage line was organized
at Chapel Hill, in the effort to establish a station near
Chapel Hill and Middletown Highway.
The fight was bitter, but it was finally settled by estab-
lishing· a station at each of the contesting points, Chapel
Hill and Hopping.
More should be said of the Chapel Hill building from
which the place was named. Previoas to this, it was called
High Point, and included all the territory to the bay, as
is shown from an old document in the hands of Thomas
Leonard, applying for a Post Office in that name.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil.. 149

The competition of each of the hamlets was strong,


but Riceville (now Navesink) secured the first Post Office,
Leonardville and Chapel Hill later, at the same time.
Tlie Chapel House was built by popular subscription.
It was organized as an "Independent Baptist Society and
Congregation" at High Point, Middletown, June 17, 1809.
The trustees were-Reverend John Cooper, John Stillwell,
Henry Johnson, Job Layton, William Morris and John
Johnson.
John Cooper's changing from the Baptilrt faith to the
Methodist, and the introduction of that faitn in the family
0:11 ,Mr. Winter, resulted in its becoming an organized
Methodist Society, in 1829, and continuing so until about
1850, when the Society was removed to a new meeting
house at Navesink (then Riceville) and the Chapel House
came into the hands of the Baptist Church of Middletown,
and still remains as an out-station..
The Chapel Hill Beacon was built at the time of Con-
over's Beacon (1856). They both served the government
for the one purpose, to guide the shipping through the Nar-
rows into New York Harbor. The property was bought
from the original Stillwell farm, by the government, for
the purpose of erecting a beacon.
It was first kept by one Elisha Morris, then Joseph
Maxson, Sr., and family, until about the year 1861, when
Richard Carhart became keeper, through the kind services
of Thomas Leonard, 1869; and, at his death, his youngest
son, Charles, assumed the duty, which position he still re-
tains at present writing, 1895.
The Carhart family is one of the oldest and most re-
spected of the old residents, and the government records
show good service from them.
The following is a copy taken from the secretary's
minutes of the original "Abstinence Society," March 24,
1842. The first m,eeting was held at High Point Chapel
School House, March 17, 1842, and continued there until
December 12, 1844.
It was then moved to Riceville, now known as Nave-
sink. It was known as "The High Point Total Abstinence
Society."·
"A society has been formed on what is now called
~e Old Plan (i. e.) abstain only from the use of distilled
nquors, as a beverage;"-undoubtedly, the only pledge
that could have answered any good purpose at that time.
Around this standard gatht!red those who felt truly
desirious of promoting their own and best interest of their
fellow men. They gave their names to the pledge and
150 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

their hearts to the cause, declaring by their example, as


well as precepts, that distilled liquors were unnecessary to
be used by men in health, as a beverage, and that labor
could be as well performed in the heat of tne summer and
cold of the winter, in wet as well as dry weather, without
·th·e use of alcoholic stimulus.
By these men the subject was agitated. Through
their instrumentality, light poured in upon the public mind,
the sleeping energies of society were arou11ed to action,
the potent spell of intemperance was broken.
The enemy hastily fled before the powerful influence
of public opinion. The people no longer grllaned beneath
his accursed weight--routed from his lurking places in the
cellars, finding but little favor in the field or work shop,
or even in the social circle.
His days were thought to be fully numbered, his
ruin most complete. The friends of temper.ince began to
relax in other efforts, their meetings were few and far
between, until they finally ceased to meet at all, having
laid aside their arms and broken up their organization,
leaving the enemy in possession of the outpost, only wait-
ing a favorable opportunity to retake the citadel. until
March 1842, when this society was reestablished under the
following circumstances:-
Some Washingtonians, from New York, visited Key-
port and Middletown Point, and, by invitation, delivered
lectures on the subject of temperance. The Reverend Mr.
Vander Water, laboring on this circuit, invited them to
come here and published an appointment accordingly,
which meeting was held on the evening of the 17th of
March 1842.
The addresses were listened to by a large and attenta-
tive audience, the speeches were listened to with anima-
tion, after which the pledge was circulated through the
congregation for signatures, which resulted in obtaining
106 names, to the pledge of total abstinence from all intox-
cating liquors. ·
At the same time, officers were elected, and a com-
mittee appointed to draft a constitution, which committee
was required to report, on March 24, 1842, at the High
Point school house, to which place the meeting adjourned,
to meet.
At a meeting held at High Point Chapel, on the 24th
of March, 1842, to organize a Temperance Society, a Con-
stitution was adopted for the regulation of said society.
The Constitution being lengthy, space will not permit its
being published. The following is the pledge.
FROM INDIAN TRAil, TO ELECTRIC RAIL 151

"We, the undersigned, do agree that we will not use


intoxicating liquors, nor use them as a beverage, nor traffic
in them. That we will not provide them as an article of
entertainment, or for persons in our employment, and that
in all suitable ways we will discountenance their use thru-
out the country.
Names.
Eliz.i L Postey Deba Ann Johnson Catberine Taylor
Lam:iert Johnson Andrew Layton Rebecca Wales
Eliza Johnson TholDa!I Lct-nnrd Ann Test
Hester Williams Elizabeth Leonard Alexander Stins
!11argaret Sadler John lL Van liLo;e John Davis
Deborah Johnson Joseph Va:i Bnu:!. John Layton
Joanna Belle Josenhinc Watl'rs John Smock
Mr. H. Wilsson Blanch? Patterson Sarah C. Wooley
Julia Van Schoick Sar..b Ann Woold Charles Jobnson
Charles Johnson Margaret P. Bowne Ann M. Swan
Mary A. Leonard Mary Ann Witten Henry Johnson
John S. Jeonard John Mouni Joanna Pierce
John Van Brunt John Lewis Mnry S. Clark
P.ichard Vanderbilt Willinm A. Palmer John Patterson
Catherine B. Patterson Charles Merrit William Bowne
Sarah A. Patterson Thomns Johnson Andrew J. Layton
E"eHne Burdge John H. Johnson Uriah Sutton
Mari;:iret A. Smith Margaret Bowne . Thomas Leonard
John A. Braish Henrietta Pierce Deborah A. Layton
Stephen M. Cooper Samuel T. Erickson Miss Layton
Ed-..·ard T. Burdge Sarah A. Lufburrow Lettuce Cooper
Clarissa A. Swan Richard A. Leonard Catherine Smith
Sarah A. Lufburrow Stillwell Patterson George Price
Adeline Johnson Teresa Brower Will Patterson
Susan Tilton Sarah Johnson Jackson Williams
l\Iartha Burdge Theodore Davis Edw. Twin!'
Su~n Burdge Anngenctt Cooper P. E. Brown
Sarah Vanderbilt Parmelia Berines Mary Morris
Daniel Stewart George Henry Sam Goode:iougb
Hannah R. Van Brunt Jacob Swan Sarah Goodenough
Elizabeth Burdge John M. R:,bbins Sarah Swan
Sus:in Burdge Mr. H. Conck Horatro Tmon
Samuel W. Bowne John Stewart John Smith Jr.
Ann Wooley Catherine Ayers John O'N'esl
Catherine Jackson Adeline Johnson Ann Lu!burrow
Sarah Davis Joseph Bowne Hannah R. Van Brunt
Daniel Ayres Rachel Van Hise Benjamin Skidmore
Chas. Lufburrow, Jr. Caroline Postey Deborah La!burrow
Edward Layton Susan E. Sadler Mr. Wayman
Cornelius Clark Raebel King Gertrude Rowland
Laney Burdge Matilda Le,vis Mrs. R. Walling
Peter Sadler Richard Carhart Alice A. Cooper
Teressa Brower John H. T:iylor William Dangler
Mr. H. Clark Joseph Davis Elizabeth A. Leonard
Ann D. Johnson Richard Leonard Richard B. Skidmore
Mary I. Watet'S Mr. B. Hooper Joanna Bells
Sarah Card Adeline Leonard Lewis Lewis
Catherinl' Seaman Elijah Morns Elizabeth Luf)>urrow
Janet Pat•erson John P. Maxson Henry Baden
WiUi,.ni Johnson Catherine ·r. Goodenough Teres.sa McD<inald
152 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Clarissa Eldridge Mary Card William Wooley


.Estha Headen · Susan Davis Mary Lnfbarrow
.Samuel Hurley Lennis Patterson Sarah L Sutton
Bernard O'Neil Elizabeth Smith Susannah Wooley
Richard Dcaghty Reca Adams Lydia Smith
Sarah Ann l:lartleson Elizabeth Stillwell Catherine E. Taylor
Rebecca Malsbury Sarah Headen William Lewis
James Drummond Rachel Headen Debomh Walling
Assed Willet Permelia :Criant Mary Van Brunt
Isaac Whales Jc$epb Williams Charles H. Mor,ran
Julia Ann Holmes Hendrick Van Brunt John McClaskey
Ann E. Burdge John Hall Ann ?iL Hudy
Deborah Jobnaon ~u5an Sewings Joseph Manon
George Eldridge Stephen B. Conot"er Adeline Til:on
.John Thompson Julia Stillwell Elizabeth Headen
Catherine Bowne John Stillwell Samuel B. Smith
Henry Goodenough Mr. Schenck John L. Patterson
Benjamin Walling Frances Brown Jrlariah Woodward
John Skidmore Mary Swan George Applegat-:
Charles Lufburrow Catherine Smith Sarah Sewings
Catherine Swan Jonathan Heris Levina L Stillwell
Catherine Walling Edward Hooper Julia E. Stillwell
Sam A. Bowne Joseph Carhart Julia Yerrow
Isabella Montgomery Joseph Davis, Jr. George W. Stillwell
Elizabeth Rnop Benjamin Walling, Jr.Sarah Stillwell
Signed by the following officers:-
R. A. Leonard. President
Joseph Bowne, Vice President
Thos. Leonard, 'ltecording Secretary.
Wm. H. Clark, Corresponding Secretary.
llr. Lambert Johnson
llr. Charles Lufburrow
Mr. Edward T. Burdge
Mr. G.. orge W. Price
Mr. WilliAm B. Hooper
Mr. John Mount
Mr. John P. Maxson
Mr. John S. Leonard
Board of Managers.
High Poin:, lfareb %4, 1842.

The following is the reminiscence of Thomas Leonard.


"The great revival of religion followed the temper-
ance reformation There came a preacher from Lewis-
burg, Pennsylvania, to collect money for the Baptist Acad-
emy at that place.
"Brother Stout requested him to preach for the Mid-
dletown Church, the boundary of which comprised the
whole township of Middletown, Chanceville being the most
central.
"He preached in the school house at that place. He
was an excellent preacher, and the people generally turned
out to hear him.
FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAIL 153

"He preached every night for two weeks, and then


bad to leave us; but there was such an impression made on
the minds of the inhabitants that the church concluded to
engage a revivalist, by the name of Eme~n Andrews, to
come and hold a series of meetings.
"He came, and commenced preaching at the same
place for several nights in succession, and he, and the lead-
ing members, visited by day, and prayed and conversed
with them at their homes, and the spirit of the Lord was
poured out on the people, so that they were inquiring what
they must do to be saved.
"The chief inquirers, at first, were among those that
were quite young. One was the pastor's son, and two of
the deacons' daughters.
"There never had been, in the recollection of the old-
est member of the Middletown Baptist Church, any revival
of religion, so that numbers would be inquiring what they
must do to be saved, especially those that we1e quite young.
"They were afraid they would not hold out, and, for
that reason, but few had offered themselves to the church,
under twenty or twenty-five years of age.
"The church had to be called together to consult what
they should do, at this crisis. Brother Andrews was fully
satisfied that they were converted.
"Mr. Stout, the pastor, had to admit tht>re was a great
change in the young people; the older members had to ad-
mit that they had never witnessed anything like it in their
da_y, to see such young persons, at the age of only twelve or
thirteen years, willing to follow their Saviour in His foot-
steps. ·
"They could not seem to decide it. Brother Andrews
well knew that if those first converts were kept back, it
would be a great injury to the young converts and to
others, who were seeking an interest in their Saviour.
"But there was one young member, Richard A.
½eonard, of the church, who had remained silent up to this
time.. He rose slowly upon his feet, and said, "Brothers
and S1Sters, this appears to be a plain case in my mind.
WHise h~v.e been praying to the Lord for an out-pouring of
spi.nt and the conversion of souls, and He has answered
our p~ayers in the conversion of these youths, who hava
bee}!- mterested in the Scriptures, like Timothy of old, by
thedir parents and grandparents, and well know their duty
an_ are anxious to follow their Saviour. For our Saviour
sa1 d "Suffer little children to come unto me, for of such is
154 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

the kingdom of Heaven," and, as we all believe their hearts


have been changed by divine grace, we are assuming too
great a responsibility. And, brethem, I think they should
be baptised and join the church."
"The revival continued, and scores were added to the
church. I say right here that two of those converts w.ere
the daughters of Deacon Frost.
"One of them lived a Christian life, and died in the
faith, and has gone to her everlasting reward, and five
daughters are walking in her footsteps; and the other bas
continued faithfol services of her Master for nellrly fifty
years, and is still a faithful member of the· same church.
"At this time, 1818, the lower Highlands was called
Portland Place, by the old Hartshorne faJI111y, they being
the first settlers Chapel Hill, at that time, and the sur-
rounding territory, was called High Point, and, when the
house of worship was built on the hill, it was called
Chapel Hill.
"The village of Navesink continued without any
churches, and without any preacher to hold religious wor-
ship, except a small school house, where prayer meetings
were held, and where they occasionally had preaching, by
the circuit Methodist ministers, and, occasionally, by the
Baptist (1830) ,-the Methodists having regular preaching
at Chapel Hill
"There were a few Baptist families in the vicinity of
Navesink, who worshipped in the mother-church, at the
village of Middleto":Vll. It was thought best to build a
.small meeting-house at Navesink, and have occasional
preaching there.
"The Reverend Thomas Roberts was called to the pas-
torate of the Middletown and Holmdel Ba:,tist churches,
they being one church at that time, 1825. -
"He supplied those churches for twelve years, to 1837,
this circuit being an area of about forty miles, embracing
all of the lower Highlands, Navesink, Leonardville, Port
Monmouth, Keyport, Brown's Point to Mat.awan Creek,
Matawan to Mount Pleasant to the head of the Shrewsbury
river, also including the village of Holmdel, formerly Bap-
tist Town, Tinton Falls, Leedsville, Colts Neck, Middletown
and Chapel Hill.
"Reverend David B. Stout followed Mr. Roberts, as
pastor of the Middletown Baptist Church, in the spring of
1837, Holmdel having drawn off from the Middletown
Church, about that time.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil, 155

"Brother Stout continued to supply Navesink and vi-


cinity, with preaching. as his predecessor had done, up to
1852, when Navesink i,ecame a separate church of about
sixty members, and Reverend W. W. Wils'>n became the
pastor.
"About 1830, temporal things as well as spiritual
things were in a very low state in Riceville; land was cheap,
soil was poor and unproductive, there was very little work
for mechanics of any kind; but business was temporarily
relieved by a merchant coming in, by the name of Rice
Hatsell-from him, the village took the name of Riceville.
"He sold some goods at a very low price, and gave
credit to those who could not pay for them. It gave a pros-
perous appearance to the place, for a short time, but he
soon left. as he found he could not make money, where
there was but little business, and no money in circulation.
"About this time, 1850, the Methodists sold the meet-
ing house at Chapel Hill, and concentrated the entire Meth-
odist church and congregation at Riceville.
"The united strength of the Baptist and Methodist
churches gave them an impetus in spiritual things, hearing
regular preaching on the Sabbath.
"Fathers Roberts, Stout and Landingsleger advocated
strongly the cause of temperance, with the assistance of
lay members of the churches-the Browns, Burdges, Leon-
ards and Johnsons--who swept alcohol, as a beverage from
the township and concentrated it to one tavern.
"This liquor they bought up, burnt what they could,
and poured the remainder in the highway, and held tem-
perance, entertainments and oyster suppers at the old
tavern.
"Having prepared the way by-temperance and virtue
a~d good morals, Sunday schools were established in the
ddferent churches, their children were better instructed in
their duties to God and their parents.
"Naturally religion was revived, and soon realized
throughout the community, and many were added to the
church.
:'About 1850, there was an impetus•given to the village
of ~ceville by a Methodist preacher and philanthropist
conung there, by the name of Brummell Andrews. ·
"He revived it both spiritually and temporarily. He
was energetic and brought with him the one thing needful
at that time, and that was money.
156 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

"The people. frugal and industrious. were comprised


of mechanics and laboring men. It required little means to
give them a start.
"Andrews was the man-he invested in land, com-
menced having houses erected. gave mechanics labor. all
kinds of business revived, and the appearance of Riceville
was very much improved (1842 to 1850).
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 157

CHAPTER XXIV.
GARRETI' HILL
The followillc article, a description of Garrett Bill, by Katherine
Prence, appeared in the New YO?"k Evening Post, August 20, 1898.
GARRETT HILL
An Atlantic Bi&')llanda Landmark-The "Splendor" of Ita Position-
The Lower Bay at lta Feet-Ita Revolutionar, Histoey-Talea
of the Taylors and Stillwells--Ricbard Applegate'• Career-A
Quaint Will and Testament.

Garrett Hill lies west of Atlantic Highlands village, a


scant two miles by the high road. From the deck of the
Sandy Hook boats you may see it distinctly--an isolated
sugar-loaf, round, bald, and featureless save for the thin
line of cedars that divides its back like a dark spinal stripe.
Untilled, untenanted, visited by none- but catbirds, wood-
chucks, and an occasional berry-hunting boy, the green
little dome remains to-day much as it has been since the de-
parture of the ancient, first proprietors. But some fine
morning a change must come. Some wise man with an
easy purse will awake to the exalted qualities of the spot,
and the green little dome will go free no more.
Judgment based on the cold figures of a government
map might well find the term "exalted" over-large, as used
in connection with Garrett Hill. But the proof of a pud-
ding is crecholy reported to rest in the eating thereof, and
if 208 feet be so excellently placed as to command a vision
worthy of a peak, shall they not have honor?
Dominating the picture lies the broad and placid lower
bay--all of it--silvery blue as the very sky itself, and enliv-
ened by hundreds of clustering, white-sailed clamming
b(!ats, as bright, light, and airy in effect as so many white--
wmged butterflies. On its east, newly heaped with yellow
earthworks, Sandy Hook swings in; and beyond again to
the far horizon spreads the indefinite open sea, dotted al-
ways with many ships of many nations, making to and :from
the harbors of New York. Staten Island, visible from end
toLoend, trails its hills along the west and the north, whither
ng Island runs to meet it, lower, fainter, yet with roofs
and towers and beaches well enough in view. And be-
tween the two, through the gateway of the Narrows.
bronze Liberty stands revealed, seldom without some un-
certain hint of the city at her feet.
158 FROM INDIAN TRAil.. TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Looking now from the more distant prospect to what


is immediately at hand, you see the short, dry, flowery
grass of your little summit losing itself, on the downward
pitch, in a rank tangle of prickly vil?es--blackberry and
bull-brier, with bitter-sweet--which, in turn, drops to a
final sprawl over a frosty-gray rail fence, guardian to the
slopes of a shady old apple-orchard. From the orchard
down to the le\"el of the high road, and down again to the
water's edge, stretching as far as eye can reach, broad
mile on mile of woods, tilled lands, and gold-green marsh-
es, with here and there a farm-house and its outbuildings,
and here and there a fishing hamlet, backed by an infant
"forest of masts". Atlantic Highlands villa~e. over on the
right, plays too small a figure in the scene to be noticed,
except by choice, and its high green hill melts in a beau-
tiful line of rest into the long green range that fills the
south.
Rest, silence, and sunshiny peace-these, you would
say, are the old familiar spirits of the place. Yet time was
when things went wholly otherwise on Garrett Hill-when
life moved nervously there, and each day brought forth its
own adventure or alarm. Throughout the length of the
Revolutionary war the country round about suffered from
constant ravages of a mean and brutal foe-dregs of the
British- army and worse-and Garrett Hill, a battered
watch-tower in the midst, overlooked the theatre of malice,
outrage and woe.
Two families, the Taylors and the Stillwells, then in-
habited the hill-slopes; and the ways of the two were
twain. George Taylor, a rich and easy farmer, strove labor-
iously, whether from caution, from principle, or from divid-
ed allegiance, to be well with all parties alike. His roof
and his table stood free to comers of every stripe-Whigs,
or refugees, or soldiers of the King; therefore, at Royalist
hands, he had nothing to fear. The patriots, however,
found his complaisance too catholic for their taste, and,
justly or unjustly, did not hesitate to mllrk him a Tory in
disguise.
To John· Stillwell, on the contrary, not a shadow of
doubt attached. Quartermaster of the First Monmouth
Militia he was a stanch patriot and soldier, a tried and
trusted man. Something tangible, indeed, might be ex-
pected from the descendant of a Cromwellian Chief Jus-
tice and regicide Solicitor-General, of Sir Harry Lawrence,
and of Penelope Van Prince, sturdy heroine of our Dutch
pioneers. Stillwell's wife, Elizabeth Watson, bore her
.
"'
&.
.:
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 159

full share of the burden of the time, and in her long old
age loved to beguile the third generation witli tales of stir-
ring days gone by.
During the military operations connected with the
battle of· ::Monmouth Court-house, ran one of her memories.
a part of the British army, under command of Lord Corn-
wallis, actually encamped for a time on Garrett Hill. At
the earliest rumor of its approach. Elizabeth Stillwell gath-
ered her valuables. babies included, and fled to neighbor
Taylor, the hospitable and secure. And so it happened
that when Lord Cornwallis adopted the Taylor house for
his headquarters, disposing the troops on the hillside round
about, Elizabeth and her children shared his roof.
Cornwallis she described as stout and of large frame,
with small eyes. black and keen. Because of his gout he
walked little, but sat much at a table, writing and talking
with his officers. In the latter hours of the day, he drank a
greal: deal of brandy, and toward eleven o'clock two guards,
taking him under either shoulder, would help him upstairs
to bed, whence he would emerge at about ten the next
morning. Lord Cornwallis was lively and talkative, and
little Mary Stillwell, Elizabeth'A seven-year-old daughter,
called forth his tireless merriment. Taking her on his
knee, he liked to ask:
"Where is your father, :Mary?"
"Gone to fight the Tories. sir."
Upon which the General, chuckling delightedly,
would set the guileless little maid to singing all her reper-
toire of rampant Whig songs.
Rashly wandering from the maternal apron-strings.
this same small Mary once ventured a reconnaissance
among the tents of the camp-followers, there to discover
no less a treasure than her own best short-gown displayed
on the person of a scandalous unknown. Making all haste
to the fount of authority, the indignant infant denounced
the wrong, and Cornwallis. with as much promptitude as
gallantry, despatched an orderly to bring the offender in,
dealt swift justice, and solemnly restored the short-gown.
Three years and more after the day when the British
army, bleeding, exhausted, and fainting.under intolerable
heat, hurried past along the high road from :Monmouth
battlefield to the sea-three years and more after the kind-
l;r British General and his child-pet had exchanged a life-
time's farewell, Garrett Hill again took part in the war's
main history.
Cornwallis, now at Yorktown, fast caught within his
own trenches. was desperately entreating Clinton, safe in
160 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

New York, to come by sea to his aid. And Washington,.


in daily expectation of the m,ovement so long delayed, de-
l!!l'ed the earliest poSS11>le news of its beginning. He, there-
fore ordered Colonel Forman, once a Brigadier-General of
New Jersey militia, to choose a man in whom he had utter
confidence, and to station that man as observer on the best
feaml>le vantage-ground. Forman accordingly selected
John Stillwell, put a telescope in his hand (the telescope is
yet preserved in the Stillwell family), and sent him home to
his own Garrett Hill, to watch the British fleet in New York
Bay and to mount and ride at the token of the first weighed
anchor. Relays booted and spurred, saddled and bridled,
stood ready at every twentieth mile between Garret Hill
and Philadelphia; and so well did John Stillwell keep his
watch, so well did the good horses speed, when their time
came, that in six hours from the raising of the anchors, or
before the last sail bad dropped out of sight of the Hook,
Philadelphia knew that Clinton bad set out on his fruitless
errand.
Little Mary Stillwell, in the course of events, married
Richard Applegate, a wealthy farmer, whose homestead
stood about a mile to the north of Garrett Hill, on the bay
shore. Applegate's early experiences were of a sterner
character than were his wife's. By bis father's death, in
the stormy days of 1775, the care of a large estate-land,
slaves, and personal property-developed upon the should-
ers of the thirteen-year-old boy. Nor was this all. Seven
sisters, all but two of whom, were younger than himself,
looked to Richard for protection and support! Many and
many a time, on rumor of an impending visitation of the
murderous refugees, did he pack the girls off to an inland
asylum, while he, frightened but unfaltering, stuck to his
post. Night attacks were the rule with the refugees, so
Richard hid by night in coverts near his house, rushing out
to :fire his musket at every suspicious noise. Once, at least,
a party of Tory marauders, led by an old servant of the
family, entered the house and plundered it of whatever
portables Richard bad not conveyed to a safer place. And
once, before the boy bad finished his fourteenth year, the
estate and the seven sisters bad nearly lost their guardian.
Richard was drafted into the army; to be released, how-
ever, on represenation of bis peculiar case.
Richard's grandfather, who lived in the same home-
stead, and who died in 1732, left a will that one would like
to copy in full, as a characteristic relic of the well-to-do
farmer of the period. Here are some extracts:
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 161

"In the name of God Amen ....•• I Richaard Apple-


gate, of Middletown in the county of Monmouth and pro-
vince of New Jersey, yeoman, being sick and weak in body
but of perfect Mind and Memory, thanks be given unto God
therefore, calling- unto mind the mortality of my body, and
knowing that it is apinted for all men once to Dye, do make
and Ordain .this my last Will and Testament, that is to say,
Principally and first of all, I give and Recommend my sole
unto the hands of God that give it, and for my body, I re-
commend it to the Earth to be buried in a Christian like
and desent manner ...... not doubting but in the General
Ressurrection I shall receive the saDie again by the mighty
power of God. And as touching sur.h \l'l'Orldly estate
wherewith it has pleased God to bless me.
"In Primis .••••• I give and bequeath unto Rebeka, my
dearly beloved wife, all my lands, goods and chattels as
long as She remains my widow ...•.... Item-I give and
bequeath unto my daughter Abigail, three cows, and all the
pewter in the trunk, and Shoats and all that is within the
trunk. Item.-1 give and bequeath unto my Daughter
Elizabeth one silver Seale and two cows ...... Item.-1
give and bequeath and Devise unto my son William Apple-
gate all my lands as soon as my wife is dead or married ..
. . . . Itent.-If my wife Rebeka should marry again, then
my will is. She should keep one of the best beds and furni-
ture and her side saddle Bridle and lot of iron and pewter.
This is my last Will and Testament and no other."
162 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

THE LITTLE RED GOWN.


A True Storv
by
HARRIET BRAY
Read before the Monmouth County ~torical Assoc-
iation, October 26, 1899.
Published by request of the descendants of Mary
Stillwell, (and presented to the writer by Hon. John Still-
well Applegate).
NOTE
I can vouch for the truth of the priucipal statements and incidents
in this story. Mary Stillwell was the daughter of John Stillwell. who
was a sterlillr patriot and a Quartermaster of the First Regiment of
the Moumouth Militia in the war of the American Revolution. He
owned a farm at Garrett's Hill, in the Township of :Middletown, where
he resided. bis house and farm buildings were burned, and his farm
stock all stolen by the Tories and refugees in the war. His wife was
Elizabeth Watson, daughter of John and Hope Taylor Watson. the
latter marrying John Burrowes upon the death of her first huaband.
Elizabeth Stillwell had a sister Hope Watson, who married Colonel
Asher Holmes of the Continental Army, and a c:onsin was Mary Taylor,
the wife of Absalom Bainbridge. and the mother of Commodore Bain-
bridge.
Mary Stillwell was about eight years of :ige at the time of the
Battle of Monmouth, and lived with her mother on the homestead. The
flight of Elizabeth and her children to the house of her c:ousin, George
Taylor, a Royalist, the encampment of a portion of the British Army at
Garrett's Bill the day after the battle, the establishment of General
Cornwallis' h~guarters at George Taylor's house, the fondness of
the General for lll1ary ,and her sitting upon his knee singing Whig songs
with great zest, her discovery of her red short-gown on a little Tory
girl among the c:amp followers and her complaint to the General who
c:aused the garment to be restored to its rightful owner, are matters of
well-founded tradition, and verified by statement of Elizabeth Still-
well to her grandchildren, some of whom are still livmg.
As a matter of interest in the heroine of the story, I may add what
is also true, that ~ Stillwell saved her father from capture by the
enemy. He was visiting his home one night and out of her bed-room
window Mary saw armed men approaching the house with bayonets
glistening in the moonlight. Quic:kly appraising her father of the
danger, he made his escape by a rear door. Cato, the colored ser-
vant, did not fare so well. He, too, ran out of the house and climbed
a tree. He was discovered by the soldiers, who pric:lted him with
their ba:yonets and tried to make him tell where bis master was but
Cato c:ould not betray him if be would as he did not know.
John Stillwell died in 1813, at the age of seven~-livo, ;rears. He
was a trusted friend of General Forman, who l,;,aned him a house
to live in when his buildings were burneo:. 'l!lltil, as the General
ezpressed ii, "he could better himself;" and at one time, under orders
of Gen. Washington, he was delegated by General Forman, who pro-
vided a spy g:lus for the purpose, to watch the British fteet in Raritan
Bay.from Garrett's Hill, and forward to Philadelphia as speedily as
P<llllible the ne,n of ita departure. This he ac:c:ompliahed suc:c:essfully
by a relay of hones every twenty miles, so that before the last vessel
was out of sight from the Highlands, and within six hours from the
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 163

weighing of anchor, the information was received nt Philadel:;,hi:i.


Elizabeth Stillwell survived her husband about thirteen years and
was nearly eighty-two years of age at her death; both are interred in
the Baptist ChUl'Ch Burying Ground at Middletown, of which church
they were members for many years, and he a prominent official.
Mary Stillwell married Richard Applegnte, and died fa 1804,
leaving eight children surviving her. Her remains are interred by the
side of her husband in the family burying ground upon the o!d Apple-
gate Homestead in Middletown, at Applegate's Landing.
JOHN STILLWELL APPLEGATE
1llarch 25th, A. D., 1901

THE LITTLE RED GOWN


A True Story
"Sunday morning, June 28, 1778, was clear .i.nd cloudless, but
intensely hot. Not a breath of air stirred the le.iv~ o)f the tail chest-
nut trees; the heated air quivered in the distance over the yellow
grain-fields, and the bay, where the British fleet lay at anchor, was as
smooth as glass.
In the shade of the chestnut trees s:ood a large farm bou.,;e, on the
verandah of whic:b sat a little girl dressed in plain, blue homespun,
!,alking eagerly to a young slave of abou: eighteen years of age, telling
him of a new red short-gown of which she was very proud. Now,
new dresses, for little girls or even grown people, were rare articles
in those days, and little Mary Stillwell Jived near the Jersey coast,
with the British fleet in sight on the bay, and danger always imminent.
Her father was with the American army and she and her :nother with
her baby brother were protected only by the slaves.
But children do not often think of danger when all looks right,
and 1lrlary after telling Cato bow her grand-mother bad sent the gown
added, "and it is put away in the little hair trunk with brass nails,
for I am not going to wear it till father comes home from fighting the
Tories, then I am going to have it on and run to meet him"-but
before she bad finished telling her little plans :i roar, like a peal of
distant thunder, attracted her attention.
What's that, Cato?" she asked.
"Dat scunds like tl:under, honey, reckon, we gwine to hab a
shower," said Cato, looking at the sky. "Don' eee no clouds neither,"
he added after a careful inspection. "Unc Pomp," be called to a gray-
headed slave who bad j113t appeared "What kind of thunder i3 dat?
Don' see a cloud anywhab."
"You Cato, you nebber did know nofin," replitd Uncle Pomp.
"dat's no thunder, dat's cannon, dey's a battle somewbab. Hope dey'll
chase de British 'way out to sea whah dey'!l nebber come back, so
Marse John can come home."
.Another roar, a trifle louder than the first, was heard and several
other slaves came .out to listen, but before they realized that it was
not the mutterings of distant thunder, a fair-h!lired lady stepped out
on the verandah. She glanced anxiously over the old man, asked, "Ia
not that cannonading I bear Pomp?"
"Yes, Mis 'Lisabeth, I reckon dey's a fight," he answered.
"Where would you think it is?" she questioned, looking alarmed.
. "0 'taint very close," said Pomp, assuming an easy assurance
which he by no means felt, "it comes from de nurfwes' and it must be
tehahnor 'leven miles off. Reckon it's up in Freehold Township, some-
w 'round de court house maybe."
164 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil..

Mistress Stillwell, who was a brave womsn, recovered her self ·


possession, and after a moment's thowdit said firmly, "Pomp, if the
British are defeated they will retreat tiiis way to reach the fleet. It
ia not safe for us to say here and we must go at once for I see a
commotion among the boats now."
The six slaves all began to talk at once and the hubbub increased
as they AW a young n ~ running aCl'O!IS the fields toward them.
Cato seized his little pet, lllsry, and was about to run with her, when
old Pomp's voice was heard above the uproar. "You Cato, you put
dat chile down, and all you folks you jes' keep still, dat's no soldier
comin', 'tain't de right color, dat's only Marse Taylor's Sam, and if
you don't keep still HiasUI can't hear what he bab to AY, an' habn't
we got to take care of HiasUI an' de chilins? Didn't Marse John AY
ao?
Sam came up breathless and p&ntinf and said, "Mia' Stillwell,
Marse George b, say, you an' de c:hi1iDs Jes' come right ober to our
house 'cause de red coats might came any minute, an' he can't do
notin with you a mile away. He say don' stop to fetch nothin' but jes'
come right off'.''
Mary at first clung to Cato in terror but seeing her mother calm,
and thinking of her absent father, she began to feel more courageous
and during the next exciting half hour, acted like a brave little maiden.
She .and her mother, with Pomp who carried the baby, were soon
walking across the fields, for every horse was at the war. The slaves
followed, each carrying what be could find in the hasty flight. They
went to Mistress Stillwell's cousin, Muter George Taylor, who was
still loyal to King George, and to whose protection they had owed
their safety more than once. As they approached the house, Mary
1111ddeuly thought of ber beautiful new short-gown, which had been left
to its fate, but seeing her mother's anxious face, she bravely kept
her trouble to herself and mentioned her lou only to the sympathizing
Cato.
All that day the roar and vibration of clistart artillery were
noticeable and occasionally rumors of defeat or of victory were heard.
During the night Mary was wakened by the tramp of soldiers, and in
the morning found the house surrounded by red coated soldiers and
herself staying at the headquarters of General Cornwallis; for the
battle of Monmouth, through the treachery or carelessness of Lee,
had not been a decisive victory for the Americans, but the British
had quietly drawn oft to the shore in the night. Sir Henry Clinton and
his army encamped along the coast; here they remained aboat a week
until preparations for embarking were completed, and General Corn-
wallis made the house of loyal Master Taylor his headqaarters.
That day as Mary wu walking on the verandah, holding her
mother's band and looking at the aoldiers, of whom she was aorely
afraid, at first, she saw through the open window a short, rather fat,
man with small eyes and a powdered wig, who At writing at a table.
The gentleman, who was no other than Cornwallis himself, wu at-
tracted by the bright little girl and called her to him. They aoon
became good friends and, an hour later when Cato wr.s carr:rinf some
refreshments to the General and bis stat!, he nearly dropped bis tray
in amazement at the siglit of his small mistress seated on General
Cornwallis' knee, singing the staunchest of whig aonp to the oftlcers,
who were laughing heartil,-. From tbat hour Mary was the pet of
the whole regiment from General to drummer boy.
One morning one of the ofllcers, while making a leisurely in-
apection of the camp, took Mary with him and Cato, who never quite
trusted any Englishman, followed a short distance behind. In a field
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 165

near the regular encampment was a rude party of camp followers--


the "mixed multitude" alwa,- found in tlie wake of an army and.
during the Revolution, more dreaded than the British soldiers, or
even the Hessians themselves, for beinJ Americans, they knew the
country better and were more skillful m plundering. Mary's sharp
eyes saw that there were women, and even some lir.le girls, in the
camp, and what was her dismay to see a small Tory arrayed in he#
beautiful new scarlet gown for which she bad not ceased to grieve.
Her first impulse was to run at once and capture it, but fear of the
Tories and the restraining band of the ofilcer in whose care she
was, prevented that; then she begged so earnestly to be allowed to
return to the home, that the soldier banded her over to the devoted
Cato, wondering wh:, she bad so IIUddenly lost interest in the encamp-
ment.
Mary ran to the house as fast u her little feet could carry her,
meaning to tell her mother of her a+.artling discovery, but, seeing her
friend General Cornwallis through the open door and, before Cato,
or the armed sentry in the hall could interfere, she darted into tbe
room, making her courtesy so quickly that it was only a funny little
bob, and gasped "O, General Cornwallis, there is a naughty little
Tory out there, no bigger than I am, and she bas got my beautiful
new red gown," and, being only a little girl, Mary began to ay.
Cato, seeing that the General was busy with his writing, and fear-
ing that Mary might be severely pUJlisbed for her audacity, ran fran-
tically upstairs and finding Mistress Stillwell cried out excitedly, "0
Mis' Lisabeth, Mary done run into de General's office, wbar nobody's
'lowed to go, an' she done 'aturb him. Jes' please go right down an'
don't let 'em hurt her, fo' nobody knows what a British man mout do,
an' I ain't beerd bow his gout is to-day neither."
As they came through the ball l\listre!s Stillwell could see
that Cato's fears were groundless, for the kind-hearted General bad
stopped writing and Mary was leaning her curly hesd against his shoul-
der, as confidingly as if be were her father, and telling him that "little
girls cion't have new dresses now4-days, for eveey shilling goes to
father to help fight the British, and we have to wear ugly homespun,
but m.7 grandma "9Dt me a pretty red-gown, and now the Tories
have got it," and the tears were ready to fall ag:iin, but the General
said:
"Cheerup, little maiden, and we will see what can be done."
He called an orderly and commanded him to take Mary with him,
and bring to the house the little girl from among the camp followers,
whom she should select.
Mistress Stillwell was now ushered into the General's presence,
somewhat more formally than her daughter had been, and made her
apologies for Mary's intrusion. General Cornwiillis after assuring her
that no •~logy was needed, asked her to be seated and chatted pleas-
antly until Mary returned in triumph with her young prisoner who still
wore the much desired scarlet gown and who was very much frighten-
ed indeed.
General Cornwallis asked her where she got the dress she wore.
After much hesitation she managed to falter-"mother got it over at
the farm house on the bill-the one with the big cbesnut trees--tbe
one where rebel John Stillwell live-mother got it out of a little
trunk."
"But," &aid the General, ''it belongs to this little girl," pointin,r
to Mary who stood by his side, "and you must give it to her, although
~e is a litle rebel and I cannot make a royalist of her." Then turn-
ing to Mary he added. "run, sweetheart, and let mother put the gown
on you, and then come and show me bow pretty you look."
166 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

•Mistress Stillwell took the two children from the room, and in. a
few minutes, the little To17 clothed in homespun went back to the
camp, while a little lady, bright as a flamingo, instead of running to
meet the Quartermaster of the first regiment, Monmouth Militia, as she
bad planned to do on the first appearance of the gown, walked proudly
in and made a most elaborate conrtesy to Lord Cornwallis, the British
Commander, who kissed her and gave her a gold piece, then teased her,
calling her his little red-coat. ,
'l'he months and years passed away and Mary, living in the heart
of the war, bad many adventures, but of none did her children and
grandchildren lo-;re to hear so well, as of the recovery of the little red
gown at the intervention of the British General, and never would Mis-
tress Stillwell hear a word against Lord Cornwallis, whOSI! unfailing
conrtesy and kindness made her forced residence at the Royalist H'!&d-
qnarters so endurable."
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 167

CHAPTER XXV
BAY VIEW-ATLANTIC filGHLANDS

The original site of Portland Poynt is located on one


of the most historical spots in the state of New Jersey. It
was here that the first white man stepped his foot on the
soil of New Jersey, here the first legislative body met in the
colonial times, and here the first blow was struck in the
state for American Independence.
It lies in one of the most attractive and picturesque
portions of old Monmouth County, while its growth has
been most marvelous. The place needs no unnecessary
praise, like some other seaside resorts, but has for its claim
a most desirable situation, rare views, salubrious atmos-
phere, and is accessible both by rail and water. Every
one who has ever visited its shores admits, "The half has
never yet been told."
Leading resorts along the Jersey coast offer desirable
advantages, but it is none the less true, Atlantic Highlands
excels them all; no white, glaring sand, no stunted trees,
no dubious water, no expos-.u-e to a browning sun. Think
of a seaside resort where the grass grows to the very
water's edge! Every household luxuriating in gardens and
fruit patches, the soil growing anything from a strawberry
to a peach, from a blade of grass to an oak, the water pure
and sparkling, and where a case of malaria never had its
origin.
Located on the northwesterly slope of the renowned
Highlands of Navesink, the highest point of land along the
Atlantic Coast, Atlantic Highlands abounds in rare advan-
tages. It comprises a number of mountain ridges, over-
lapping one another, clothed with a romantic forest of
stately growth, stretching away to the southward, thus
affording a mountainous view equal in many respects to
the famous Adirondacks.
At an elevation of fully two hundred feet above the
level of the sea, a most remarkable scene presents itself,
Nature having lavished her gifts in this vicinity. Far out
as the eye can reach, spans the grand old Atlantic; be-
neath one's very feet lies Sandy Hook, the lower bay, the
~outh of the Shrewsbury River, the mammoth fortifica-
tions at the point of the Hook, the main light and its east-
ern and western beacons, the signal shipping station, and
the life-saving station.
168 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Just south of the point of the Hook is observed the


great horseshoe spermaciti cove, the goverment gun and
mortar testing ranges, while a little to the northeast, in all
their majestic beauty, are seen Coney Island and Rocka-
way, with their giant hotels and observatories.
Directly north is seen the great port of entry, the
"Narrows", sandwiched between Fort Hamilton and Fort
Wadsworth; the statue of Ll"berty towering heave-r.·.vard,
casting its brilliant light over the upper bay and the Nar-
rows. Stretching out to the west is seen Staten, Dix and
Hoffman Islands, Perth and South Amboy, Keyport, Port
Monmouth and the Raritan Bay.
The lower Bay is a picture in itself--one continual
panorama. Sailing vessels are constantly seen, passing
in and out of the port from every section of the globe. It
is a grand sight to view the mammoth vessels, the
largest in the world, passing almost beneath your very
feet, bound to every section of the earth, while from two
to three hundred little crafts dot the surface of the bay,
their snowy-white sails floating to the breeze, their owners
engaged in securing sea food. To the south, one sees such
places as Red Bank, Seabright, Oceanic, Fair Haven, Rum-
son, Long Branch and Monmouth Park.
The drives are unsurpassed. Over a smooth road one
can drive seven miles on the hottest day of the season,
beneath tall shady oaks and chestuut trees, a cooling breeze
constantly prevails. One of the most desirable routes is
through the village of Leonardville, Brevent Park, passing
the Conover beacon light, Applegate's Landing, Point Com-
fort, Port Monmoulh, New Monmouth, Keansburg and as
far west as Keyport, returning by the way of Middletown,
where stands the oldest Baptist church in the state, thence
to Chapel Hill, Bay View Cemetery and Bay View Heights.
Another level road carries one by way of Valley Drive,
past old Riceville, now Navesink, thence along the west
side of the historical Clay Pit Creek to Locust Point. From
this point one can turn to the westward, taking Riverside
Avenue to Red Bank, passing the old homestead of the
Honorable John H. Patterson, the famous McClees' oyster
beds, and the residence of the late General Duryea.
Crossing the new iro::i bridge :i.t Locust PoiBt, you pass
through Oceanic, Rumson, to Seabright and then along the
coast to Long Branch.
Still another drive offers a great deal of enjoyment.
Upon leaving Valley Drive you pass along the east side of
Clay Pit Creek, through a dense woods, to Portla11d Place,
the residence of Benjamin M. Hartshorne, Esq., a descend-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 169

ant of one of the first settlers. in 1669; then, winding up


the southerly end of the Highlands, you pass Rocky Point,
the f&JDOus Water Witch, the Neptune Club House, ThomP-
son's Pavilion and Swift's HoteL At this point, Highland
Beach comes in view, a resort for· excursionists and surf
bathers, also the famous :Marine twin lights, seen thirty
miles at sea.
The actors' colony is also found beneath these lights,
where are the cottages of Neil Burgess, John Webster, W.
B. Hadden, Mc:Mickens and others.
Turning north you pass up an easy grade into Nave-
sink Park, where is found the highest point of land on the
Atlantic coast, "Mount :Mitchell" The view from this
point beggars description. Here was once the old flag
ship signal station. Keeping to the northwest, a mile's
drive brings you back to Bay View, Atlantic Highlands,
passing Point Lookout. The back country is rich in its
productions, producing fruits, vegetables and cereals in
wonderful abundance.
We will here end the general description and history
of Portland Point, with its several villages; and, if any
circumstance or individual has been omitted, we will trust
to later incidents or deed to remind, or correct, such Qmis-
sions, and thus give them their proper recognition.
170 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XXVI
T1IE BAY VIEW TRANSPORTATION COMPANY
1878-1879

In 1871, Thomas H. Leonard commenced to put in de-


finite form that which he had had in mind since the fall of
1868--to change the character of the bay shore and vicin-
ity, and place it more in character with its true merits, as
a suburbant of New York City.
It required long and many years of patient toil, energy
and perseverance, placing in line all the material most
available to the construction of this enterprise. He con-
sulted Richard A. Leonard, Sr., Joseph L Thompson and
others, large property holders and progressive men; but
their interests led them in the direction and in th vicinity
0

of Conover Beacon as a water outlet.


But the shallowness of the water that would neces-
sitate such a long wharf, and the neighboring low lands,
seemed objectionable compared with a deeper water and
the high lands at Brown's Landing.
In the spring of '71 he started a coal business, with
the necessary yard and office, and widened First Avenue
to fifty feet, from the bay to Washington Avenue. In '72
he opened Mount Avenue, from Prospect Avenue to First,
and circulating a subscription paper for a pier. But, thru
lack of interest and encouragement from the neighboring
farmers, who did not realize the importance of an advance-
ment of this kind, and the financial panic that soon follow-
ed, in the year '73, the enterprise was deferred.
He waited, and still hoped the farmers who had pa-
tronized the sloop landings would see the necessity of con-
solidating here in Atlantic Highlands. This condition of
things continued up to the fall of '78, when James H. Leon-
ard and Richard A. Leonard, Jr., became aware of, and
realized to a certain extent, the necessity of joining in the
scheme of a freight route; but their interest was entirely
confined to this, as they at that time thought the shipping
,of produce in a more satisfactory manner, to New York
market, was all that was necessary.
But this answered as a stepping stone for Thomas H.
Leonard, in his plans. A meeting was held at John M.
Shart's grocery store, September, 1878, located near the
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 171

mouth of "Many Mind Creek." It was composed of James


H. Leonard, Richard A. Leonard, Jr., John Sharts, Cooper
Swan, chairman, and Thomas H. Leonard, secretary.
Then began a variety d successes and failures, joys
and sorrows, hopeful anticipations and depressing disaP-
pointments, for the following ten years, as few men are
called upon to experience.
The second meeting for the proposed Transportation
Company was held at Leonardville, October 5, 1878, at the
house of Thomas Leonard; N. H. Roberts, Sr., chairman,
T. H. Leonard, secretary. Upon motion, the company was
to be called the "Bay Side Dock and Transportation Com'-
pany," which was afterward changed to Bay View.
James H. Leonard was elected president, J. M. John-
son, secretary, Thomas Leonard, treasurer; also, a board of
five directors, as follows: Richard A. Leonard, Jr., George
B. Davis, George H. Sickles, Thomas H. Leonard and J. H.
Leonard; the amount to constitute a share being fifty dol-
lars. The company consisted of Thom3s Leonard, J. H.
Leonard, Thomas H. Leonard, T. J. Roberts, R. A. Leonard,
C. T. Leonard, G. B. Davis, J. l\I. ·Johnson, Sarah R.
Leonard.
Some interests were diverted from us to the Highlands
of Navesink by the building of the bridge connecting High-
land Beach with the main land, through the energy of Ed-
ward M. Hartshorne, and others, assisted by Timothy M.
Maxson; this·seemed at the time to be sapping the possib-
ities of the center scheme. Every possible effort was
made by the Farmers' and Merchants' Steamboat Company
of Red Bank, at their landings at Brown's Dock, Mount's
Dock, and the Highlands, to protect their business, and the
Port Monmouth Steamboat Company was also jealous of
their interests.
This state of things, combined with the apathy of
many of the well-to-do farmers and others, within our nat-
ural territory, to a freight route, was very disheartening.
A subscription paper was started, that produced but little
better results than the previous one, except in the form of
some piling and personal service that were generously con-
tributed.
Several personal surveys, made by James H. Leonard
and Thomas H. Leonard, to ascertain the best location that
would require the given amount of water in the shortest
distance, were witnessed by, and produced considerable
Witticism from, the longshoremen, as it seemed a visionary
scheme and an impoSS1oility to them.
172 FROM INDIAN TRAIL Tc, ELECTRIC RAIL

With the conservative response of the citizens and the


financial condition of the projectors, there would have pos-
m"bly been some truth in the prophecies of those who de-
sired a choice of the location of the wharf for personal ad-
vantage, combined with the ill wishes of the friends of the
sailing packets and surrounding steam boat interests, but
for the heroism and nerve of Thomas Leonard, who located
the site for the wharf at the foot of Finat Avenue, and ad-
vanced all the necessary money that was lacking to com-
plete a tide water pier, about four hundred feet in length,
(Franklin Griffith contractor), costing about five thousand
dollars.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 178

CHAPTER XXVIl
THE STEAMER "THOMAS COLLIER."
1879

The spring of '79 opened with great anticipations.


The tide water wharf was now completed, but the Trans-
portation Company found it quite impossible to charter a
suitable steamer for the route, and no steam boat owners
were willing to put on a steamer, in anticipation of the bus-
ness that would be done, and it was found quite as impos-
sible to procure a suitable landing at New York City.
Through the efforts of James H. Leonard and Richard
A. Leonard Jr., and others, the steamer "Thomas Collier"
was purchased at Baltimore and put on the route. She
was a staunch little sea-going steamer, but required from
about two to two and one-half hours to cross the bay. Her
purchase price was sixteen thousand dollars-James H.
Leonard, captain, John Seeley, pilot, John Sly, engineer,
and Joseph Mount, messenger.
. Her departure, on May 1st, from the new pfor, is yet
fresh in the memory of the inhabitants of Leonardville,
Navesink and "Bay View", so named by the editor of the
"New Jersey Standard," who, in order to designate that
particular locality, called it "Bay View," and it retained
that name till, through future developments and consoli-
dations, it became "Atlantic Highlands."
A landing was finally procured for the "Collier" at
pier 6, New York City, of A. Bonnell and Company, by pay-
ing them fifteen hundred dollars cash in hand, to move
their grain elevator, that we might have one gangway ac-
comodation at the extreme outer end of the wharf, and that
was procured only by paying them a heavy rental.
The receipts of the company resulted almost entirely
from farm produce from the neighborhood, shipped to New
York market, with also a small revenue from passengers,
the fare being fifty cents a round trip, and a small quantity
of back freight, consigned to the merchants of Leonardville
and Navesink.
Every possible effort was put forth by Thomas H.
Leonard to advance his developing scheme in the season of
P79, by advertising in the New York daily papers for ex-
174 FROM INDIAN TRAll, TO ELECTRIC RAil,

cursion parties, as he had made preparations for the same


by clearing out the groves on the bluff from First to Bath
Avenues, opening Bay View Avenue; also, by Edward
Hooper building a bridge across the "Many Mind Brook"
to admit excursionists to his woods.
Summer houses and bathing accomodations, in the
way of buildings and suits, were provided by Thomas H.
Leonard, who also procured the services of "Uncle Tom
Johnson" to provide clam bakes, etc., he being an adept in
that line; and, as an inducement and encouragement to ex-
cursionists, these things were free, including fruit and ber-
ries from his farm. A flag pole was erected, and a flag
placed thereon, to attract the public.
The excursionists, as the result of the advertising,
were few. The first who came were an old gentleman and
lady, with an umbrella and an old-fashioned market-
basket. They came up as far as the raise in First Avenue,
near Thomas H. Leonard's house, where they came to a
halt. They were thus posed, when Mr. Thomas Leonard
came up, and the old gentleman inquired for the town.
Wheri 1:old "this is all there is of it," he increased the tem-
perature of that noonday hour by a flow of English elocu-
tion that would have done credit to Patrick Henry.
The old couple, with the writer, returned to the
shore, where, with the only other excursionist, a policeman
from New York City, and Uncle Tom, to assist in the en-
tertainment. the afternoon was spent in clam bakes, bath-
ing and short excursions, made by the old people, in the
orchard aLd blackberry patches-all free-that brought
forth an exclamation from the old gentleman, as he sat on
the little steamer in the evening waiting for the tide to
rise, "This is the finest place I ever saw !"
A few other small parties came, through the course of
the season, but not until the following season, with the
management and city acquaintance of Mr. William M. Fos-
ter, did the excursion business assume extensive propor-
tions.
About this time Thomas H. Leonard suggested to some
of the officers of the Bay View Transportation Company the
advisability of connecting his land interest with the trans-
portation business of the company, that the advantages de-
rived by the steamboat route might be equally enjoyed by
the individual m'embers of the company; but the propcili-
tion was not entertained, as no one but himself seemed to
realize, and to have as a central thought, the development
y METHO0~T~ ~ BAPTl~T~ llltemating,..
I
PIIUT Rt:'LIGIOUS MEfTINCi~ SooclayAficrnoons Lumber, Cool(,. Hardware O((ic.e 1880
ATLANTIC. HIGHLANDS. F.vfyJea.son.r 1ea1 • W'!' r; Mount. Head Aljc.ountant
Martin Dowd Hcad,-<ISale.sman.
~ Cd . .SomusT. Cllbmpion ,~
~ V',. Chorister. ,
leleqrop, l- Po1 tat 5e.-vr

Jt:rl<1~~ S&muel F:R!ttmon.operotor


11180

bejunApr: 19.1880.
The. M. f. 5unday5thod ol
5ea Bright held prCNIC. here
roil d 1e1.9 ~I~~~- Em~/.'1.S~-
Capl Thos.Johnson Calcrer.
offlcef6eoP.7ay.N.<l).
✓HO

To».IMartin
t>arber.Shop
1860

W!!.'M.F,onaR.

KEY TO VIEW OF FOSTER'S PAVILION. S•• P•8• 18G


FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAU. 175

of a town, but for the development of a freight route


only. This caused the company to be reduced to ·Thomas,
James H., and Thomas H. Leonard.
The poSS1oilities of developing assistance, aside from
the conservative, but well-meaning, residents, seemed to
point to Sea Bright, as that was a newly established sea-
side resort, and was connected with the Highlands by a
bridge from Highland Beach.
Thomas H. Leonard sought the assistance of Uncle
Tom Johnson, as the only available means apparent at that
time, to introduce the good points in Sea Bright. He, be-
ing an old waterman, made a business of carrying clams
and oygters from Bay Shore to the summer residents of Sea
Bright, and, as he was of an especially pleasant turn and
winsome manner, and daily came in personal contact with
the city residents of that watering place, his services were
procured, and, JS an inducement that he might ply his gifts
to the greatest advantage, and to produce the best results,
he received this promise: ''You talk up our place, and if
anything comes from it, it will be a good thing for you."
This work was accomplished in such a practical and
offhanded way, that no one realized his purpose, and no
one was injured; and he was pensioned by Thomas H.
Leonard, by monthly payments, until his death.
176 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO EJ..ECTRIC .RAIL

CHAPTER XXVIll.
THE LA YING OUT OF THE TOWN
1879

In the fall of this year (1879), Reverend Robert


Emery, superintendent of the M. E. Sunday school of Sea
Bright, assisted by Thomas J. Emery, came with his Sun-
day school, by water, and they were joined by many invited
residents of Bay View, Leonardville :ind Navesink, includ-
ing Mrs. Maria R. Smith, aunt of Mrs. Thomas H. Leonard;
also Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Leonard, Mr. Howard Smith,
Mr. and Mrs. Edward T. Burdge, and Mr. and Mrs. John
M. Johnson.
The day was spent with unmarred pleasure. Uncle
Tom Johnson superintended the oyster and clam bakes
on the beach ; that, with bathing and short excur-
sion strolls in the groves and a social time, aided by a de-
lightful day, made it one long to be remembered by the
participants.
In conversation with Reverend Mr. Emery at that time,
be stated that he was a member of the "Local Preachers
Association," and bad just recently attended one of their
meetings, and he was anxious to have an association estab-
lis,hed, something like the Ocean Grove Camp-meeting
Association, but under the control of the laymen preach-
ers, and he thought this would be a very desirable location.
By the introduction of Reverend James E. Lake and
Reverend Simon W. Lake, bis project was abandoned.
An attempt to form· an association, similar to the Ocean
Grove Camp-meeting Association, and under the control
of regular ordained ministers, was formed, but it proved
only a partial success, as a camp-meeting association.
But the time and means expended were not entirely
lost to its originators, as, through Reverend James E. Lake
and others, the First Methodist Church was formed, and we
had the advantage of the advertisement of the town thru
the introduction and interests of many ministers, laymen
and others.. (This was in the fall of 1879.)
It became apparent to the members of the Bay View
Transportation. Company, through the season of '79, that
to load the steamer with produce and to leave her lay
across tile bars at low tide, was very injurious to her. In
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 177

many respects. it was also inconvenient to run a tide boat.


and the dissatisfaction and inconvenience was ill concealed
by all parties.
At this point Mr. Leonard went over to Leonardville
and had a long interview with his father, but the interview
was entirely unproductive, as no light could be discerned
on one of the greatest difficulties and most perplexing per-
iods of the enterprise.
They adjourned, and he came home, and as he step-
ped off the bridge that spanned "Many Minds Creek" on
Highland Avenue, the thought flashed through his mind
that the time had come to take the first step in the develoP-
ing of the financial project, the desire of his life.
He determined he would lay out part of his farm into
avenues and lots and offer the lots at the rate of one thou-
sand dollars an acre, and promise the purchasers to put
the same money into an extension of the pier. This he
planned, as he proceeded to Navesink, coatless, with
energy and determination to put into practical use his long
dormant inspiration.
He first made application to John M. Johnson to be-
come a purchaser, who said he would, if William M. Post-
en, Sr., would. After spending considerable time, and
meeting all his practical and conservative questions, Mr.
Posten agreed to take a lot, which was the first one bar-
gained for in Atlantic Highlands. He returned to John M.
Johnson, and he (Mr. Johnson) agreed to take one.
The next morning he went over to Edward T. Burdge's
and he took two; Thomas Leonard, two; Edward W. Leon-
ard, one; John J. Leonard, two; John B. Swan, two; A. J.
Williams, two; Webster Swan, two; Miss M. E. Mount,
one; John M. Johnson, one more; Mrs. J.M. Johnson, two;
later on, upon the same plan and for the same purpose,
Thomas Roberts, one; John M. Sharts, one; Moses Bab-
bington, one; W. W. Bentley, one; Edward B. Swan, one.
This tr~ction made: it necessary to call a civil
engineer and surveyor, who, in the person of Ezra A. Os-
borne, assisted by his son, Frank, of Middletown, N. J., on
the 25th day of October, 1879, (the day on which the town
was starte£i), commenced the work of laying out about
hyenty acres into lots and avenues; which represents First,
Second, Third, Fourth, Bay View and Mount avenues, and,
subsequently, Railroad Avenue.
After this was completed, the:re was a day set for
all those who had aKreed to take lots to meet and make
178 FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAIL

their selections. each one in their turn, accordin:g to the


date of their previous agreement, which resulted as fol-
lows:
Willillm H. Posten -lot No. 7, Bay View Ave.
J'ohn H. J'ohnson -Iota NOL 41--42, Second Ave.
Edward T. Burdge -Iota Nos. 60-61, Third Ave.
Thomas Leonard -Iota Nos. 20-21, First Ave.
Mn. J. H. Johnson -Iota Nos. 62-63, Third Ave
Jliss Mary E. Mollllt -lot No. 10, Bay View Ave.
A. J. Williams -lot No. 23, First Ave.
-lot No. 36, Second Ave.
Webster Swan -lot No. 24, First Ave.
-lot No. 35, Second Ave.
John B. Swan -lots Nos. 25---26, First "Ave.

Afterward, the following sales were made:-


Thomas J. Roberts -No. 11, Bay View Ave.
John M. Sharta -No. 64, Third Ave.
Moses Babbington -No. 12, corner Bay View and
Fourth Avenues.
W. W. Bentley -No. 58, Third Ave.
Edward B. Swan -No. 22, First Ave.
John J. Leonard -No. First Ave.
Edward W. Leonard -No. 6, Bay View Ave.

Also the following properties were leased and later


bought by the leaaees:- Wm. M. Foster, a plot on the
shore, joining First Avenue; Mrs. C. R. Martin, lots 7 and
8, corner Bay View and Third Avenues, and 59 Third Ave-
nue.
With the money obtained, the project of extending the
wharf one thousand feet more was commenced. The con-
tract was given to E. G. Brown, of Elizabeth, N. J.
The winter of '78 and '79 and winter of '7S and '80,
were of such a character that the work of driving the
piling and the completion of the contracts, wa.<1 done with
very little interruption of the weather.
The piling was furnished by the Transportation Com-
pany, and delivered on the shore, and it required hundreds
of logs from the largest chestnut and oak trees that could
be obtained from the neighborhood, and the work of cut-
ting and hauling was largely done by inexperienced men;
yet, from· the material, fourteen hundred feet of runway
and two large bulkheads were furnished and completed,
without an accident to man or beast.
The first, and all, of the deeds, at thia time, for the
conveyance of property in the town, from Thomas H. Leon-
ard and Maria R., his wife, were written and acknowledg-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 179

ed by the· old "master of chancery," Mark L. Mount, re-


siding at Naveajnk.
• The original map made by Ezra A. Osborne was
placed on file at Freehold, the only one of the central part
of thP. town ever placed on record, and often referred to as
authority by purchasel'S and others having occasion to
know the facts pertaining to the properties contained
thereon.
180 FaOM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAU.

CHAPTEB XXIX.
THE FIBST BUILDINGS IN TOWN
1880

The first private school of Atlantic Highlands was


at the old Roberts homestead, through the kindness of Miss
Ella Roberts. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H.
Leonard attended there, and received their first school
instructions. This was in February, 1880.
The principal activity in the territorial limit of this
historical review was now centered at-Bay View.
The season, almost with the beginning of the year,
assumed satisfactory activity. Thomas H. Leonard had
had inteniews with Mr. William M. Foster at Crooke's
Hotel, where he was manager, New York City, September,
1879, looking to his moving down with his family, consist-
ing of his sons, John E. Foster, Lewis and Murray Foster;
also, his nieces, Lydia Smith and Luella Foster; thereby to
have the benfit of his extensive experience in hotels, rest-
aurants and with excursionists.
Mr. Ezra A. Osborne gave a strong recommendation
and endorsement of Mr. Foster, as a gentleman well quali-
fied to assist.in all the requirements of the new enterprise.
After several interviews, in 1879, and corning to see the
place in November of that year, he selected a plot, on the
corner of First Avenue and the bay, and finally consented
to cast in his lot with us; and so the Foster family was the
first that came to Atlantic Highlands, which was on April
19, 1880.
The following is a clipping of one of the advertise-
ments by Mr. Foster, January 4, 1880.
"Since the establishing of a steamboat route from
New Yorlc to a point on the bay shore called Bay View, it
has become evident with some enterprising men that the
spot was one well calculated for picnics and excursions
from' the cities, it being within a short sailing distance,
and a most delightful trip to make, presenting to the
view of pleasure seekers the forts and the beauties of the
shores of Staten and Long Islands, Sandy Hook, the High-
lands Hills, a portion of which is now·being laid out by New
York capitalists into beautiful villa plots, upon which are
to be erected handsome dwellings, thus making it more
desirable for excursionists.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC llAIL 181

"With these facts in view, Mr. William Foster, now


irteward of Crooke's Hotel, New York, has seewed the
grove situated near the landing at Bay View, and at the·
base of the Highlands Hills, for the purpose of establishing
picnic grounds.
"The erection of the necessary buildings will be com-
menced about the 15th of April, and will consist of a rest-
aurant 16 x 50 feet, with parlor attached, 12 x 16 feet,
& pavilion, 35 x 75 feet, reception room, 15 x 30 feet,
arbor, 15 x 50 feet-all of which will be fitted up m good
style, and made comfortable for those seeking enjoyment.
"One hundred bathing houses will be erected on the
shore for the accommodation of those wishing to bathe.
Additional boats will be added as may be required. The

grounds will be made equal, if not superior, in attractive-


ness to any summer resort within sailing distance of New
York and Brooklyn.
"The place will be conducted strictly on temperance
principles, which will tend to make it more desirable, as
a majority of the places usually visited by excursions have
b~come lager beer gardens principally, and are resorts for
roughs and pickpockets."
182 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAll.

Also another by Mr. Foster:-


'"l'be pier· at Bay View has been lengthened during Uie
past wfnter~ thas affording landing for boats of much
heavier draft tnan the regular boats.
•i11r:· Foster invites the attention of Sunday schools,
lodges. etc., that contemplate making excursions this sum-
mer, to their grounds. where they can pass a day of enjoy-
ment. Already the grounds have been secured by several
of the city churches for their annual excursions, and we
doubt not but it will become a popular resort.
In January- another important factor in the early
moulding of this young city was found in Mrs. Harriet E.
Martin. At the Golden Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Firman
Runy.on (the parents of Mrs. Thomas H. Leonard), residing
at South Plainfield, N. J., Thomas H. Leonard had an inter-
view with Mrs. Martin, having in view the changing of her
business interests from Asbury Park (where she was en-
.:gaged in keeping a boarding house) to Bay View.
She consulted her friends, which resulted in her com-
'ing down to see the place in February, in company with
-Mr. and Mrs. T. E. F. Randolph of New York City. She
selected lots No. 7, Bay-View Avenue, and 59, Third Ave-
nue, also No. 8, Bay View Avenue, which had been pre-
viously sold to William H. Posten, but was procured at a
reasonable advance.
The Bay View House was immediately commenced by
·Thomas H. Leonard, according to her plans and wishes,
·that it might be ready for the season's business. He first
Jiad in mind the forming of a stock company to own the
house, but, not finding it practicable, that plan was aband-
oned, and he assumed the responsibility himself, for sev-
eral years, until Mrs. Martin purchased it. This was the
first boarding house in Atlantic Highlands.
The contract for the wood work was given to Thomas
Skidmore, the mason work to Nimrod Woodward, the
painting to Edward B. Swan. These were the first build-
ing contractors of Atlantic Highlands.
Now the prospects for the development of the town
had sufficient foundation to guarantee the establishing of
a lumber yard, in connection with the coal business both
being essential in the growth of a town. John J. Leonard
consented to join with Thomas H. Leonard, under the fi1"m
name of "Leonard Brothers." They commenced business
in February of that year, 1880, and continued for ten years,
operating the first and only lumber yard and hardware
store in the town.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC ltA1L 188

The yards were located and bounded on the· north by


the "Foster's Pavilion" property, and west by .the mead-
ows, on the east by First Avenue, south by part of the
present National Bank property. They commeneed thia
yard with only a hemlock board covering for their mater-
ial that needed protection from the weather, but they soon
moved the farm buildings down. These, with about two
hundred feet of shed room, gave them all the aeeommo-
dations desired for a
large lumber, hardware and paint
business, adding house furnishing goods, ship chandlers
stores and almost everything outside of dry goods and
groceries.

l.VJIUrel<:. YA~D: '\l'fC>T SIDC or r1RJT AV?riUf.


Coit.OF DAY AVE., 'lie.al" me. .aborc, ••• tae0-18)0.

The first boat load of lumber was bought of A. M.


Dodge and Company Jersey City, in February. A mem-
ber of the firm, having in company his father and George
B. Davis, a building contractor, who had had a large ex-
perience in building material, ::ielected the first boat load.
The firm made Albany their main purchasing point
for lumber, by boat, until th· town had railroad accommo-
dations, when a line of western agents introduced them-
s~lves, with the result of broadening their purchasing ter-
ntory, until it almost covered the Atlantic States.
To give an idea of what it required to build a wood-
en building, can be learned from the fact that the spruce
ceiling lath and spruce,timber would come from Maine,
8pl'}lce flooring and ceiling from northern New York, pine
Sidmg and pine and cedar shingles from M;:-hig:m and
184 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Wisconsin. cypress shingles and finishing lumber from


Tennessee, the Carolinas and Georgia, hemlock timber and
lumber from PeDDSYlvania, yellow pine from all parts of
the south, cedar board and shingles from southern New
Jersey, hard wood from Virginia.
In fact, an average Atlantic Highlands residence put
one in mind of the United States Congress in session, as
it had representatives from about all parts of the Union.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 185

CHAPTER XXX.
FOSTER'S PAVILION
1880

John J. Leonard did not confine himself to his busi-


ness alone, but was ever ready to assist in anything or in
any way to advance the town's interests; and these few
words represent, and are intended to convey, the fact of
much thought, toil and self-sacrifice on his part.
Seeds (in town work) that he assisted in sowing have,
and will be, reaped by others, so long as Atlantic High-
lands exists; and he was not alone.
Edward T. Burdge built a dwelling on Third Avenue,
near the Bay View House, the first private residence built
in the town; contractor, Thomas Skidmore, mason, Nim-
rod Woodward, painter, Edward B. Swan. It was built
contemporary with the Bay View House, and was ready for
use that season.
The "Foster's Atlantic Pavilion" (as known from the
hotel- registry) was commenced immediately upon the
arrival of Mr. Foster. It became a historical place, and
headquarters for several societies and associations.
Mr. John J. Leonard was his first boarder (his busi-
ness was located adjoining the hotel). He was the first
boarder in Atlantic Highlands-followed by Mr. :Michael
Murrey and wife, of New York City, the first family.
Mr. Foster was a first class caterer and hotel and
excursion manager, both indoors and out, and it was a
familiar sight to see Mr. Foster and his little dog "Tray"
at his heels inspecting the grounds and beach connected
with the hotel.
The excursions increased to grand proportions that sea,
son. The first one that came-the first one of any size and
note entertained in Atlantic Highlands-was from :MacAr-
thurs Baptist Church, New York City. The second was from
a Presbyterian church from Brooklyn, and the third from
t~e 17th Street :Methodist Episcopal Church, New York
City. A large majority preferred to go to the woods. a.s Ed-
ward Hooper had cleared up for their use his beautiful
woods, overlooking the bay. ·
The provisions or lunch baskets were sent up by volun-
teer wagons, and, as stages had not been introduced to any
extent, the aged and infirm, also women with small children,
186 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

had an experience Jong to be remembered, in the walk, on


a hot day, from the head of the wharf to the woods. Many
were content to remain at the Pavilion snd enjoy the com-
forts of the large platforms and fine beach.
Mr. Foster's ambition to please and entertain led him
to serve the visitors, both at the Pavilion and at the woods.
Hr. Hooper and T. H. Leonard would sometimes stand at
the "lrlany Hind Spring," sometimes called "Crystal
Spring," and hand out the pure cold water to the thirsty
hundreds, that they might be the better pleased with the
place.
The Warren Association was among the companies that
came down to spend a day with us. They were a jolly,
good-natured crowd of men. Thomas Leonard came over
that day, and enjoyed seeing them entertain themselves with
their "tug-of-war" and other innocent sports. They were
always gentlemanly and polite; the same can be said of all
the excursionists that ever came here--never did we re-
ceive an unkind word or act from them.
There also came the United Christian Association, of
Brooklyn, and the Young Men's Christian Association, which
was a moonlight excursion; the Mohawk Association, New
York City; the Elite Club, of Newark N. J.; the Sea Bright
M. E. Church; Many Mind Club, of Middletown; the Water
Witch Club, of Navesink; the Thirteenth Club, of Newark.
The excursion branch of our work was encouraged for
the purpose of introducing ourselves to the outside world,
especially as they were m:.de up of the classes that we were
trying to encourage--the moral, temperate and religious
element from the cities. This stepping-stone was used until
another presented itself; the increased resident population
considered the excursions an objection to them, in the quiet
enjoyment of the retired home life.
Thefollowingisatrue copyof thefirstlease, with priv-
ilege to purchase, ever executed in the town-also, it shows
the desire of the Founder to have it as free as possible from
vices.
"This Indenture, made the third day of December, in the year of
our Lord eighteen hundred and eighty; Between Thomas H. Leonard,
of the townahip of Middletown, county of MoDJDo'llth and state of New
Jersey, party of the first part, and William M. Foster, of t:he same
place, party of the second part,
Witneaaeth, That the said party of the first part doth hereby lease,
demise and let unto the said party of the second part and his lessees,
for the term of five years, from April 1st, A. D. 1880, all that certaiJi
lot of land and building sit'llate, lying and being at Bay View, in the
aforesaid township of Middletown, bounded on the south by a line
equal::, dis~nt between the telegraph office and building now ocC'llpied
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil.. 187

by said FosteJ:i on the east by center of First Avenue and center of


road between me Dock and aid building; on the north by the Bay; on
tbe west by Edward Hooper's line, and straight with said line to the
Bay; for the yearly price of forty-two dollars and taxes, to be paid on
September 1st, in each year. The property to be insured against fire
and all taxes paid by said Foster.
No intoxicating beverages or drinks allowed to be sold upon said
premises.
And the said Thomas H. Leonard further agrees that at any time
on or before April 1st, 1885, by the said Foster paying or causing to be
paid tbe sum of fourteen hundred and forty dollars and accrued rent
will convey by good and sufficient deed to him for the above premises,
conditional therein that no intoxicating beverage shall ever be allowed
to be sold upon said premises at a forfeiture of one thousand dollars
in each violation as li~uidated damages as well as title to the premises.
And the said William lll. Foster for himself or his nssignes hereby
agrees to pay to said Leonard the said yearly rent of forty-two dol-
lars and taxes:. on the first clay of September in each year (also to pay
a certain note given to lll. Murray for two hundred dollars and interest,
on which said Leonard is endorser, according to the condition of said
note) also to pay all taxes and fire insurance against said premises; al-
so, farther agrees that on or before April 1st, 1885, will pay or cause
to be paid to said Leonard the sum of fourteen hundred and forty dol-
lars, together with accrued rent, as consideration for the purchase of
said premises, conditional as aforesaid.
Also, during the above term, will keep the premises in good repair;
also, further agrees not to sell any kind of intoxicating beverage or
drink on said premises, on a forfeiture of one thousand dollars for each
violation, as liquidated damages; also, further agrees that he will not
suft'er nor commit any strife or waste in the premises; that he will not
assign this lease nor underlet the whole or any part of the premises
during the term aforesaid; and, at the expiration of said term, peace-
ably yield up unto the said Leonard or those having his estate therein
all the premises in as good order and condition in all respects as the
same now are (reasonable wear, damage by fire and other unavoidable
calamities excepted).
Provided, always, and those present are upon this condition-that
if the said Foster shall fail to perform or obscure _any of the above
covenants hereinbefore contained at any time thereafter it may be
lawf~l for said Leonard or those under him to enter into and upon said
prem1Ses and repossess the same as of the former estate and expect the
S&l!1e Foster (forcibly if necessary) without having taken or deemed
guhi1_lty o~ any name or trespass, and witho~ prejudice to any remedies
w ch nu:ht otherwise be used for precedmg of
covenant be witness whereby the said parties have set their hand and
seal on lthe day and year first above written."
188 FBO!l INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTltIC RAIL

CHAPTER XXXI.

OPENING OF "BAY VIEW HOUSE.'"


1880

The necessity of a telegraph service soon became aP-


parent. Thomas H. Leonard called at the main office of
the Western Union Telegraph Company. at New York City,
and held an interview with the superintendent, A. S. Brown.
He consented to come down with some other officers of the
company and examine the proposed site.
The day was set. and William M. Foster was called
upon to outdo himself in getting up one of his famous "fish
dinners". to beguile our distinguished visitors into grant-
ing our request; which they did, providing the poles were
furnished and set from the mainline, from the Highlands
to Middletown, running through Washington Avenue.
Edward Hooper gave us the privilege of getting the
poles from his woods. and assisted in the cutting. The office
room, furniture and operator were furnished by Leonard.
The Company were to provide the wires and instruments
and reserve fifty per cent of the proceeds.
Thomas H. Leonard, as manager and paymaster, em-
ployed Arthur Havens. June. 1880, as operator; he was soon
followed by 8amuel F. Patterson, who continued until the
railroad was built, when he carried the office to the railroad
station and took charge of the passengers, freight and tele-
graph business.
The telegraph in all those years was a burden to sus-
tain, and came heavy upon the manager, but Mr. Patterson
did all in his power to assist, in every way possible.
The United States mail was another essential thing.
There was a sub-office established in the little building that
was built for a coal office, in 1871. Pigeon-hole accom-
modations were provided and William Brown was employed
to carry the mail back and forth from the Leonardville Post
Office, which was continued until after the "Atlantic High-
lands Herald" was issued by Nobles, Everett & Co., when
the town was given a full-fledged post office, with P. Y.
Everett postmaster.
James H. Leonard succeeded him, with only one
change, and that was when Peter S. Conover was made post-
master, when it again returned to James H. Leonard, and
continued so until his death, many years later.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTJUC,-L\Il, 189

The steamboat commenced rumrlng early i_n the sea-


son, to the now completed Long Wharf. The ..Collier'' was
an able little boat, but small, and when she lay at the
face side of the bulkhead, from the shore she looked to
one, by the motion of the waves, as if she was trying a game
of "Hide and Seek."
She was manned with such officers as James H. Leon-
ard, George Warren and John Sly, who expected every
plank and screw bolt to "do its duty," and it was done, to
the satisfaction of all concerned, running then two and three
round trips daily to New York, excursion tickets fifty cents,
and, to women and children, seasickness thrown in.
In the early part of the season the town was supplied
with New York daily papers, through the management of
Mr. Foster, and, later on, by John J. Leonard; with a suc-
cess and volume of business that might have produced envy
in the minds of the Dunn Brothers or the Union News Com-
pany. But there had to be a beginning.
Charles P. Everett followed, and he was succeeded by
George Jenkinson. Thomas Martin also opened a stand.
and, at Mr. :Martin's death, the business was continued
by Cole Brothers and the Union News Company.
through John F. Brush (George Jenkinson continuing).
This continued for several years.
As ice is a necessity in all well-regulated towns so in
this there must be a beginning. It was provided for, in a
primitive way, by practical methods adopted by Leonard
Brothers, that met the demands of the times. As an ice-
house was not at hand, they filled the large stone cellar of
one of the farm buildings, as a substitute, and ice was de-
livered in as near Knickerbocker style as possible, from a
carryall wagon. That, later on, was improved upon by
A. Jones Swan, and Thomas Dowd, in turn.
The Bay View House was now ready for boarders. Sam-
uel P. Dunn and family, from Plainfield, N. J., and Robert
S. Walker and family of New York City came the day the-
house was completed, July 17th-the first families of board-
ers.
The season of 1880 was a good one for the Bay View
House. It was full from the time it was finished to late in
the season.
There were some interesting experiences in carrying on
a hotel business in such a new place. Otto Davis, who was
employed by Mr. Leonard, acted as stage and hack driver,
f 6r Foster's Pavilion and the Bay View House.
190 FltOM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL
The first boarding '1orse was owned by P:!tine&!I Smith,
New YOT'k City, Otto Davis. hostler. Azella Dey (now Mrs.
Edward B; Swan) also conveyed the boarders.
W. M. Foster "talked up" the real estate branch of the
enterprise. A Dr. Jones and wife, of New York City, board-
ed at "Foster's" that year. He was labored with, but with
poor success, as he would think well of one plot one day, but
the next some other would completely overshadow that one.
The insurance of buildings was looked after by R. S.
-Snyder, then living at New Monmouth, N. J., but later a
resident of Atlantic Highlands, and active in many depart-
ments of town work.
The residence cf John J. Leonard was commenced
.about the first of September, by the eame builders that built
the Bay View House, Foster's Atlantic Pavilion and Edward
·T. Burdge's residence. Mr. and Mrs. John J. Leonard were
:married in the February following, and immediately oc-
,cupied the house.
Miss Deborah B. Hooper, sister of Mr. Edward Hoop-
er, was always a firm friend of the enterprise-ready to
assist by work and by word at all times, in any way pos-
Sil>le.
Through her modesty, her worth was not known, even
to those in immediate relation with her. She died without
seeing that for which she had so earnestly wished-the
the development of the place. She was very progressive
in her nature.
The following lines were written by a very dear friend
of hers,after her death, which occurred at this time, 1881 .
..There a-re two of me," she said. "Only one of me most
people know."
Lo'ling mortal. earnest spirit,
Earth and heaven commingled twain,
Born, two heirdoms to inherit,
Holding both to clasp and 9train;
Well abe blends the poor and real
With the bleat Divine ideaL
Then her ume fl. iomet:hinr sweeter,
Sare, I know, the anpll call her;
.last as I. from Jove's completer
List of titles, oft extol her;
Bteh in virtues, fair.in ~
That her twbf<lld life eiibnce1.
Not at all exempt from 1U1rrow
Or:from ~ - • 1117 friinicl• .

~~-11::z/~~;.
~an.1-lli!tfiat.bon'vw

Ancels floJd the pa!m-liotip-;';l-.


THE BAY VIEW HOUSE-1880
THE AI\IPHITHEATRE-1881
· Bee Pe11e JDf.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 191
And became her C11J1Dinc ~prs
Have invented taste and slall,
And life's care !or others bungera,
And her heart has loving will;
Daily lifts the cheerful burden,
Filial hope and joy the gaerdon.
And with sympathy quick ftowing,
For all others' lightest need,
Walks she, satisfied, though knowing
Few her inner cravings heed;
Waiting, meekly, recognition,
Life's amen and benediction.
So, with high thoughts folded inly,
She accepts her lot in trust.
Open-souled to God, how thinly
Floats between the vale of dust.
Not in vain her life of sweetness.
God will crown its rich completeness.
192 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XXXII.
1881

A "Young Men's Literary Society" was organized in


the beginning of the year, with headquarters at "F'oster's,"
for the purpose of assisting the youth of the new town to
better inform and prepare themselves for the work they
would be called upon to do, in the developing of the many
interests concerned in the formation of its society. This was
the first organization formed in Atlantic Highlands.
Center Avenue was laid out by J. H. Leonard and T.
H. Leonard. It was commenced in February-T. H. Leon-
ard constructing a crossway from First Avenue to "Many
Mind Creek" and spanning the creek with an ordinary
bridge, which was later on succeeded by a substantial
county bridge. J. H. Leonard opened from this point. west.
in conjunction with other real estate interests, as far as
the Applegate's Landing Road.
The interest felt by Robert Emery in Atlantic High-
lands al: his previous visit prompted him to bring with him
on his second visit Reverend James E. Lake and Reverend
.Simon W. Lake. ·
They examined the woods and vicinity, having in
mind the forming of an organization. They purchased the
woods of Edward Hooper, previously described, and a low-
er tract of adjoining real estate, the same to be controlled
by twelve directors. a majority of whom to be regularly
ordained ministers of the M. E. Church. A portion of the
property under their control was to be offered for sale,
and if sold, the deeds were to be given with restrictions. as
follows:-
"Under and subject to the payment of such tax or
taxes, sum or sums of money, as may from time to time
be assessed or levied on the above-mentioned premises, by
the said party of the first part hereto, to enable them to
carry out such public improvements, sanitary or municipal
laws or regulations as may hereafter from time to time be
projected, made or enacted by them, provided that dur-
ing any year such taxes shall not exceed two and one-half
per cent on the value of the premises, as assessed by the
township asseasor. .
And also under and subject to the express conditions
and restrjctions that no building of any description what-
FROM INDIAN TUIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 193

ever shall at any time be erected within ten feet of the


front or rear lines of said avenues, nor within four feet of
side lines of said lot ( excepting where a party may own
two or more contiguous lots, then a building may be erect-
ed on any part of the lot or lots the owner thereof may
desire, without regard to the intervening line or lines, pro-
vided the same is not built four feet of the outside lines
of said lots, nor within ten feet of the front or rear lines
thereof), and also provided that no building, or any part
thereof, erected upon the said lot or lots, shall be used or
occupied as a livery, private or sales stables, dye house,
bone-boiling, or skin-dressing establishment, soap, candle,
glue, starch, lampblack, poudrette or fish guano manufact-
ory, slaughter-house, piggery, or tannery. Also under and
subject to the condition that no building be used or occu-
pied as a drug store without the written consent of the
said party of the first part hereto.
Also under and subject to the express condition and
restriction that no spirituous malt, intoxicating or vinous
liquors, preparations or substances in the nature thereof
shall be manufactured, bought, sold, or kept for sale as a
beverage on the above described premises.
It being expressly understood and .agreed that the
said guarantee and his heirs or assigns shall not at any
time hereafter use said premises, or erect or set up, or
cause to be erected or set up, on said premises, any build-
ing to be used as a house of prostitution, banly-house, or.
house of ill-fame, or dance or gambling house, or other
establishment in the nature thereof.
And that no business of any kind whatever shall at
any time hereafter be carried on upon the said premises
upon the Lord's Day (commonly called the Sabbath or
Sunday), nor shall an:, act, matter or thing be done there-
on, that is a desecration of said Lord's Day.
And also under and aubjeet to the express condition
that all cesspools, privies, P.tc., must be erected· so as to
conform in every particular to the laws and regulations
now made, or that may hereafter from time to time be
!Dade, by the said party of the first part hereto, for carry-
mg out and enforcing the above conditions and restrictions,
and the rules and regulations necessary to insure the origin-
al intention and purpose of the party of the first part in
th~ organization."
The object of these restrictions was to guarantee or
create a wholesome atmosphere of temperance and Sab-
194 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil.

bath observance, also a moral and Christian sentiment, to


surround the central object, vis., a place of out-door relig-
ious worship, at a new summer resort, that would attract
attendance from the cities.
The woods were visited and pronounced a wonder of
nature by them and by every one who visited them, for
the intended purpose, having a natural amphitheatre in
the heart of the woods, with platform space, and gradual
elevation sufficiently abrupt for seating accommodations,
and ample for an immense number of worshipers; with
shade, and cool breezes from the bay.
The natural tone of voice could be heard from the
platform to any part of it. A spring of pure cold water
was near; a fine view of Raritan and Sandy Hook Bays,
Staten Island, Narrows, Coney Island and Sandy Hook,
with the ocean in the distance.
To accomplish this organization, many visits and in-
terviews were required between this place and Sea Bright,
occupying months of labor, sacrifice and patience, by Rev-
erend James E. Lake and Thomas H. Lt:-onard, to meet the
obstacles that surronnded the poSSJoility of such an organ-
ization.
This recalls an incident that occurred about this time,
that clearly showed the leadings of a Divine hand. It was
past the running season for our little steamer, "Marion",
and she was temporarily laid up at the Navesi!lk Park
Dock.
Thomas H. Leonard was returning on foot from Sea
Bright. It was a clear, cold, moonlight night, with a very
strong wind blowing from the northwest. When about
opposite the Dock, on Mount Avenue, though tired, press-
ing homeward against the fierce opposing wind, he bad an
irresistlole desire to go down to the bay, and to the steamer.
He did so, and soon learned the following facts from Eng-
ineer Sly, the only one on board, or near, in that lonely and
out-of-the-way place. He was near the bow of the steam-
er, with the sea spray drenching him from every wave, and
vainly endeavoring to contrive some way to save himself
and the steamer, whicli lay "head on," and so far from the
dock that it was impoSSlole to get ashore. He was help-
less- as he saw one after another of the cables and hawsers
part company, and leave him with a remnant. lulnging to
the bow.
"What shall I do," he thought, u he saw them dis-
appear in the angry sea; and as they were reduced to one
alone, ••God save me," he said, '"is there no help? I feel
the cruel embrace, I hear the mighty crolinching, as of a
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 195

monatroua beast, on that Jee shore." With wind on. and


tide at its height. with awful arandeur, the sea was toyinr
with the rocks that for ages had atood as sentinels. as it
were. apparently awaiting this supreme moment, to end
one life. and blast the hopes of a feeble enterprise.
Just at this moment help came. Kr. Sly procured a
piece of iron. of about a pound weight. He attached a
heaving line to it. with word from the dock to "let it come.'"'
It called into play the training of a long sea life. as with
one mighty heave the attempt was made to get that line
ashore. aided with a power born of desperation.
It was necessary for the one ashore to stand firm at
the string piece. regardless of where the weight might land.
for that line must be secured. On it came. and it landed
on the catcher's derby, bot in S1Jch a manner that it did
no harm; and another line was added. When it came, it
was necessary to increase the security with the chain cable,
which was found too heavy to raise to the Dock.
Just then a light was seen ashore in the distance.,
which proved to be in a little building occupied by William
Thorn, living in the SPout House in the woods. who readily
came to our assistance;after which. all was made safe. and
Mr. Thorn was ever held in grateful remembrance, for thia
kind act. Mr. Sly lived many years, and never tired of
telling of these circumstances.
There were four separate and distinct difficulties to
overcome, namely:-
First, to secure as near as possible an entire tract of
land surrounding the camp meeting grounds, to prevent
objectionable nuisances, that would disturb the ~
out of the scheme.
. Second, to meet the fancied, or actual, values deter-
n:imed UPon by each individual property owner in the ter-
ntory. Prices formed in their minds and judgments were
b!l89d upon the returns from their farms, or fancied anti-
cipated vabes arrived at through adjoining developments.
Third, the lack of means to make the first payment of
BUfficient size to satisfy the property owners.
. Fourth, the difficulty found in securing a man of na-
tional reputation to become the leader and president of
the Association.
The boundary lines determined UPon were as follows:-
Sandy Hook Bay on the north, the Sears and Cbapin estates
on the east, the west line running north and south between
Ftoubrth and Fifth Avenue, the south was an indifferent line,
o e determined by circumstances.
196 FROM INDIAN TRAil, TO ELECTRIC RAH.

The first difficulty encountered was in the reserva-


tions desired by the owner of each respective homestead.
The Hooper reserve. after many tedious interviews. by
Messrs. t"ake and Leonard, and Mr. Hooper, was finally
agreed upon by Mr. Hooper's allowing himself three hun-
dred feet of water front in connection with his beautiful
homestead, with sofficient additional grounds across Bay
View Avenue, connected with his outbuildings. The price
agreed upon for his tract of about eighty acres was five
hundred dollars per acre.
The next tract, that was absolutely essential for
the carrying out of the scheme, was owned by Thomas
Leonard, comprising about forty-two acres, at five hundred
dollars an acre. This was secured with but little delay, as ·
it was unoccupied, and he readily agreed to assist by taking
five thousand dollars of the purchase money in association
mock.
The third property was the estate of John L. Patter-
son, comprising about forty-five acres. This was more diffi-
cult, as Mr. Patterson was a thorough and practical farm-
er, with a large family, having nothing else in mind than
to live and end his days there. It required several inter-
views with Mr. Patterson, by Thomas H. Leonard, to meet
the very practical questions propounded by Mr. Patterson,
in regard to price. Finally his entire property was pur-
chased at three hundred dollars an acre.
Mr. Charles S. Woodward's property was guided
largely by Mr. Patterson's price, and was secured with less
delay. He agreed to sell about forty acres at two hundred
and fifty dollai-s an acre, reserving about four and one-
half acres with the homestead, but which he soon sold to
the association.
We had na.w secured options on four properties, and
it seemed necessary to secure the Roberts property also.
This was the most difficult of them all, as it was an estate,
with seven heirs, two of whom were minors. Mr. Thomas
J. Roberts, the eldest son, and th~ executor, did all in his
power to assist us, as did Mr. Edward Hooper, an old friend
of the family. The court agreed to our supplications, after
the executor guaranteed to stand for one of the minors and
Thomas H. Leonard for the other. About ninety acres were
purchased, at two hundred and fifty dollars per acre, re-
serving about fourteen and one-half acres with the home-
.tead.
Mr. John Dey had five acres connected with his home-
atead, formerly the "Goodenough," for several generations,
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil. 197

that could not be purchased; Mr. Jacob Swan, adjoining,


with same amount of property also reserved.
At the time of the great California gold excitement,
Mr. Goodenough, former resident and son of Samuel Good-
enough, the previous owner of the IDey homestead, caught
the fever, and journeyed there often on foot, and alone.
He became quite a traveler, as recited in the following
Ji()em.
The following lines were written by him, after his re-
turn from the west.
THE WGHLANDS.
The dear old Highlands by the sea.
The bay, the river, bill and dell,
How dear each peak has been to me,
How much I love them, none can telL
Each vale and knoll my feet have trod,
As, happy in my childish glee,
rd sing and shout to bear mJ' notes
Come back in dulcet tones to me.
Full m&nJ' a time, those grand old bills,
Have echoed back mJ" J'Outl:ful strain,
And. aa I retrospect the past,
Fond memory makes me young again.
rve travelled far b:v land ud sea.
'Mid beauteous scenery grand and fair,
On mountains high, on prairies broad,
In valleys decked with flowers rare.
But ne'er have seen such beauteous views
As on the Highlands may be found,
The ocean, bsJ', its wooded heights.
The ships and steamers hom~ bound.
The shady nooks and leafJ" bowers,
The beach, the shore, the wavelets' roll,
Combine to make a picture such
As moves the heart and thrills the souL
H:v childhood's home, how dear the spot,
When those I loved still lingered there.
Alas! for me,--the:v all have gone
To live 'mid scenes more bright and fair.
BeJ"oDd this changing world of woe,
BeJ"onu the reach of toil and strife,
BeJ"Ond the reach of sin and death,
They live that new and better life.
Then let those woo~ed hills and dells
Give back to heaven an anthem grand,
Aa thousands come to worship here,
From every clime, from every land.
198 FBOII INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RA.IL

The prelimin&l'Y wOl'k at this place was DOW about


accomplished. Kr~ Lake. from his parsonage home at Sea
:Bript, had made the most ·of the mails, and otherwise
,stirred up enthuaasm, solicited aubac:nl>ers. as atock-hold-
,n. etc.. often sending parties over to Atlantic Highlands
to see the beauties of the place; which often led to haaty
visits by the boat and bostesa at this end, to the poultry
yard and smoke house, that nearly depopulated the same;
though with no regret.a, as Mr. Lake was ever hospitable in
return.
It DOW became apparent that "in the absence of mon-
ey," something must be done to produce the amount neces-
sary to carry the options to the point of purchase.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 199

CHAPTER XXXIU
ORGANIZATION OF THE "CAMP MEETING ASSOCIATION."
188L

To secure someone . to accept the presidency, that


would at once give the scheme a good standing, was found
to be a "physical impo8811>ility,'' and it seemed as if the
.ship of our anticipations would be wrecked on this rock.
One after another of the"great men~• of the day resigned
before accepting and it seemed as if the town would have
to look other ways for the advertising they had expected,
both from this and from the Navesink Park Association.
The latter bad purchased about two hundred and six-
ty acres, about a mile. east of 118. They had gone so far
as to build a fine wharf, one thousand feet long, off from ·
the "Spout" and had also built a system of good roads thni.
the property. ·
The Navesink Park Association was made up of mil-
ionaire business men of New York, as Henry Hilton, Henry
Morgan, William Toil and Ezra Osborn, of Middletown
N. J., with about twenty-five others. They commenced
several large and substantial stone foundations for their
personal residences when they suddenly stopped, and as
this was written, several years after, it seems like the "old
parson's shay that stopped never to go again"; and, with
it, the possibility of their assisting us in the water communi-
cation with the city.
Thomas Leonard and Thomas H. Leonard had made
several journeys to advance this idea to have one boat
make both landings. But this scheme came to naught.
The Navesink Park Association failed from too much mon-
ey; the second, the camp meeting association, failed from
the "absence of money."
But, as it is said, "In man's extremity is God's oppor-
tunity" Thomas H. Leonard went to the M. E. parsonage
aLat Sea Bright one day at a time when all seemed lost. Mr.
ke had gone to the post office for his mail, so Mrs. Lake
cbame into the room. She bad been opposed to the scheme,
ut to effect a change of heart and to secure a president
turned out to be but the work of a moment, as her attention
was called to the fact that Mr. Lake was the one and only
man for the position-there was no one so familiar with
thile whole scheme-which was a fact. A president was haP-
P Y secured, in Reverend James E. Lake.
206 FBO!I INDIAN TBAlL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

After a careful study of the situation, it ·was found


that simply labor, on the part of Thomas H. Leonard, to
aaist his proposed neighbors. would end in a failure of
their Ol'&'&nization; and, with reluctance, he allowed a con•
-eolidation of interests, similiar to that he had offered to
members of the Bay View Transportation Company.
Be gave an option on his property, which was done
against the wishes of many of his friends, but he had with-
al but one object in view, that of developing the town. He
added to the association about fifty-three acres. at one
thousand dollars per acre for all east of First Avenue, and
seven hundred and fifty dollars for all west of First Ave-
nue, accepting five thousand dollars of the stock.
This was arranged after all other suggestions and
plans were found impractical in trying to avoid a consoli-
dation, as the association needed immediate available pro:
perty, to place on the market to realize from, to meet their
property payments, and for improvements.
The following is a copy of an old document, consider-
ed at the time, but not executed, showing one of the sug-
gestions offered before the consolidation was made.
A PROPOSED AGP.EEME:r-."T
This is to show that Thomas H. Leonard, of the first part, and
:Reverend James E. Lake, of the second part, by this docUDlent, do
agree that the party of the first put consents to sell to the party of
the second part or whom it may concern:-
All of the parcel or parcels of land of his, lying east of the centre
of Fifth Avenue, in Bay View, at the rate of five hu::idrcd dollars per
acre. Also the party of the second pa·rt does agree to sell to the
party of the first part all their land lying west of the centre of Fifth
Avenue, at the rate of five hundred dollars per acre.
The avenue aforesaid to be laid out parallel with Fourth Avenue,
from Bay to the Robert'a Estate.
Also, the party of the first part agrees to sell to the party of the
second J,.at all that parcel of land known as the &oper Meadow, Jy.
inJ and bounded as follows:- on the north by the Bay, west by "Many
Mind Creek," south by land of Thomas H. Leonard, east by property
held by William llf. Foster; at the rate of five hundred dollars per acre.
The balance in this exchange will be in the favor of the party of
the first part; the which, he disposes of in this way.
He agrees to take two thousand dollars in this stock of the
IUll!Ociation, the balance to be paid by April 1st, 1881. This agreement
stands good to the first of March, 1881; by that time, the party of
fhe second part shall take the property, as aforesaid, or return thll
document.
In February of this year a temporary organization
was consummated. The meeting was held at the residence
of Thomas H. Leonard. Tke acknowledgements of the
transfers were made by the venerable Mark L. Mount,
Master of Chancery.
moH DG>IAN TRAIL TO ELECTKIC RAIL 201

'n1ia remillda aa of en incident that occurred on


this occaaion. Squire Mount (aa be wu called) bad fail-
ed to briq his ~ wax. Hr. ud Mrs. Leonard search-
ed in vam for some. Finally, Mrs. Leonard said, in fun,
"Here ia my com salve." Mr. Leonard aeized it ud har-
ried down stairs. b ~ a large stick of blacJc com salve.
Squire :Mount soon bad it to the flames. Thus every docu-
ment was fixed with com salve seal, and bears the state
coat-of-arms. and carries them to this day.
As this was transpiring, the water communication
through the Bay View Transportation Company needed
attention. The people were out-growing the_ little steamer
"Thomas Collier" and there were loud demands for better
aeeongnodations, though from a class that was doing and
,ycrificing the least, as is usually the case.
The Collier had done good work, but it was necessary
to exchange her for the "Marion," a Dice little steamer,
owned in New York City, and better provJded with pas-
senger accommodations.
The exchange was made in April, 1881, by giving the
Collier and twenty thousand dollars cash. She was an
able boat, and was called upon to make three excursion
trips a day. At this time the Transportation Company
was reduced to three active members--Thomas Leonard,
James H. Leonard and Thomas H. Leonard.
The wharf was put in, with the consolidation, for
ten thousand dollars. in stock, which gave the Leonard
family a representation in the association of one-seventh of
the entire issue of stock. In conversation with Mr. Lake
about the directors, we advised that Thomas Leonard be
added.
In March, the Atlantic Highlands Association perfect-
ed their organization by electing the following officers
-President, Reverend J. E. Lake; Vice-president, Rev-
erend S. L. Baldwin, D. D.; Secretary, S. T. Champion;
Treasurer, Thomaa Leonard. Directors, Robert _Emery,
Reverend J. B. Faulks, John J. Gardner, John G. Garret-
eoHn, Reverend J. M. King, Reverend D. Westley Lake,
olmes Murphy and J. M. Phillips.
In April the stock was placed on the market, the fo}..
lowmg becoming the first stock holders.
~ev. W. L. Hames, D. D., L. D. D. Robert Emery
Re omas Leonard S. T. Champion
Rev. S. L. Baldwin. D. D. Rev. W. E. Boyle
B.v. J. S. Chadwick Rev. J. B. Faulks
J• NE. FiH·ctbertett ;rR. G.S.GHarretsoDn, DEsq.
• er ev. unt, • •
Calltain Wm. Ireland Rev. Richard Johns
202 FROM INDIAN ~AIL TO ~CTRIC RAIL

Mn. S. H. Lake Bev. W. S. Gallawa:r


John H. KcGm T. S. llinea
Josepla Pariah, K. D. William limes
Rev. J1111ellh L. Boe Bon. Simon "Lake
Frank W-IDiamaon Bev. T. H. I..nclon
J. R. Alvoid John Patten
X. X. Jlclntyre Bev. J. II. Read. D. D.
Bev. E. B. Lake Henry C Winsor
Bon. H. W. J[mph7 Wilb1lr A. Beisle:r
J. Ill. Quimby S. L. Alvoid
.Joaeph C. Winsor J,91ePh H. Richards
Rev. J. E. Lalce J. H. lllc:Claine
J. C. Nobles Bev. ;J. O. Peck, D. D.
Charles L. Beckwith T. T. Jtogen
S. C. Edmonds, II. D. John K. "Williams
Hon. J. J. Gardner Solomon G. Brown
Rev. R. H~bciom Charles L. Alvoid
Bev. J. M. King, D. D. Amos H. Bellese
Bev. S. W. Lalce Mn. C. E. Wildes
John Bentley S. Mapes
Frank E. Champion Bay View Transportation Co.
Among those who were most interested in disposing
of the stock was the late Reverend John C. Nobles. He had
taken a deep interest in the place from the very outset; in
fact, the moment he first visited the locality, he was struck
with the grandeur of the place.
He therefore concluded to settle here, and start a
paper in its interest. On the seventh of April, 1881, he
induced P. Y. Everett, then an attache of the "New York
Herald," to join him in the enterprise. ·
They erected their building at the comer of First
Avenue And Bay View, where now stands White's Hall and
Stout & Co.'s Grocery Store. Nimrod Woodward did the
mason work, Thomas Skidmore the building, and Edward
'Swan the painting. It was two stories, the lower portion
being occupied by J. C. Nobles & Co., as real estate office,
and for the newspaper, while the upper floor was devoted
to the Association.
George Cooper of Red Bank, one of the leading survey-
ors in the state, was secured to lay out the balance of the
avenues. The secretary, Mr. S. T. Champion, was also made
-superintendent. He at once engaged a force of men, with
T. Jones as foreman.
Thomas T. Rogers and family, of Little Silver, consist-
ing of his wife, his two daughters, Mrs. Maggie White and
Miss Mary Rogers (now Mrs. A. C. Oliver) and Freddy
White, moved here. The Rogers iamily located in E. T.
.Burdge's new cottage on Third Avenue, and, to accommo-
date the association, took boarders, Foster's .t'avilion be-
ing the only other place where one could be ent'. 1-tained,
as the Bay View House was not yet open.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 203

On the first of J'une, the first issue of the Atlantic


Highlands Herald appeared; J'. C. Nobles & Co., publish-
ers, P. Y. Everett, editor. It was a four-page, five column
sheet, 20 x 28, incased in a display border, at the head of
which was a full view of Atlantic Highlands.
At the head of the editorial column w.as a beacon light,
reflecting its ray on the title of the paper. It contained
fifteen columns of reading matter and seventeen advertise-
ments. Two thousand copies were sent broad-cast, and in
ten days they had one hundred and eleven bona fide sub-
scribers.
The first sale of lots was held on the same day
of the issue of the ,.Herald." Mr. Provost, of New Bruns-
wick, was auctioneer, while among the many present were
President Lake, and all the officers and directors, also:-
Joseph Parish, ll. D. of Burlington Mr. Humes, Elizabeth
Honorable Simon Lake, of Atlantic Mr. Ernest Napier, Eaat Orance
City. Rev. John C. Nobles
Rev. R. H~boom Frank McDermott
Rev. J. ll. King D. D. of New York Rev. W. E. Boyle, editor "Ocean
Rev. J. 0. Pick D. D., of Brooklyn City Standard"
Rev. R. Johna of Flemington Frank Williams
H. B. Howell, EsQ., Trenton J. D. Mapes
Hon. John J. Garcfner, of Atlantic- T. J. Rotierts
vi'lle. Rev. J. R. Daniels. Newark
Rev. Dr. Fowler, lliasionary Sec- Rev. Mr. Hayter, Watsessins
retary W-Jlliam Hill
Rev. J. B. Faulb, Eaat Orange F. L. Hines, Esq.
Major Yard, editor "Monmouth J. L. Roe
.. ~ounty Democrat" W. W. Bentley, the evangelist
ACY. S. W. Lak11, Atlanticville H. B. Howell
.Robert Emery, EsQ., ll. C. Lobsen
John J. Garritson, Perth Amboy J. B. Swan
EJ:-Mayor Ferry, Orange J. C. Winsor
Rev. L H. Knowles, Preliding Eld- T. H. Leonard
er, Newark Conference Charles Biers
A.Wils_. Townsend, ~-, East Orange J. J. Leonard
1iain Hughes, Eaq. Edward Hooper
Hon. H. W. -Xurpby, Freehold S. S. Morris

Civil Engineer .Cooper selected the lots to be sold,


P!a~ing his men on the four corners of each lot, so that
b1duers could see their exact dimensions.
The sale was animated from the outset; front lots
wther_e eagerly sought after, but few had any real idea of
eir true value. The sun poured its intense heat down,
but towards the close a showw came up, and the rear lots
were sold from the veranda of the Bay View House. There
were about one hundred guests at dinner there.
204 FROM INDIAN TRAlt TO ELECTRIC RAIL

The following is the number of lots sold, the purcha.-


ers and the price paid. ·
113 Simon Lake $380 H. E. Fickett $890.
110 William Hill $550 William Hughes $550.
106 Col Champion $670 J. E. Lake $585.
103 F. L Hine $665 F. S. Morris $305.
119 J. O. Peck $435 Thomas Leonard $545.
123 J. l!rl. King $730 W. H. Posten $290.
127 E. B. Lake $630 Mrs. Abbie N. Wilde $350.
131 L L Roe $565 J. B. Maps $300.
135 H. E. Fickett $390 T. J. Roberts $305.
97 S. W. Lake $660 T. J. Roberts $355.
92 W. E. Boyle $690 H. E. Fickett $890.
114 Simon Lake $380 William Hughes $550.
109 Thomas Leoll&J'd $515 Frank McDermont $480.
105 Col Champion $670 J. H. l\lc:Gill $455.
102 F. L Hine $665 R. Emery $400.
120 J. 0. Peck $550 W. H. Posten $290.
124 Briser $640 Frank McDermott $350.
128 Wm. Hughes $615 Champion $945.
132 H. B. Howell $475 George Cooper $30~.
136 Wm. Hill $375 T. J. Roberts $305.
96 S. W. Lake $660 S. W. Lake $230.
93 .w. E. Boyle $690 J. B. Swan $335.
18 J E. Lake $565
The rear lots brought from $150 to $175, some thirty being sold
to J. C. Winsor, J. E. Lake, Simon Lake, Nobles & Everett, T.L.
Lane, Charles Bien, S. W. Lake, Thomas Leonard, H. C. Winsor and
l!rl. C. Loshen.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 205

CHAPTER XXXIV.
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS-1881.

The sale of lots was confined to the part purchased


from Thomas Leonard and Thomas H. Leonard, known as
the "Brown Farm." A fine collation was served to the
gathering.
Shortly afterward, William M. Foster gave a mackerel
feast to· his friends, which was attended by all the resi-
dents. Mr. Nobles presided. Superintendent Champion
made a very appropriate speech, on the first run of Spanish
mackerel. Thomas H. Leonard gave a brief histoey of the
life of a mackerel. The great historian, Mr. Edward Hoop-
er, showed, from the history of New Jersey, that be was
present when the first mackerel came into the waters. Mr.
Murray, of New York, gave a financial account of the mon-
ies realized by the sale of mackerel in the United States.
The most amusing story fell from our friend, Mr.
Thomas Rogers, on the ups and downs of a mackerel's trav-
els. Miss May Rogers very kindly gave Will Carlton's re-
citation on "Our New Church Organ," and throughout its
entire delivery she kept the whole company in roars of
laughter. P. Y. Everett, on behalf of the company, thank-
ed the host, Mr. Foster, for the beautiful and bountiful re-
past. Mr. Foster made a brief reply, in acknowledgement
of the compliment paid him, and after several pieces were
played on the piano, the guests separated. ·
The first event of importance, after the sale, was the
anniversary of American Independence, July 4th, 1881.
Then came the dedication service at the wonderful amphi-
th~atre in the woods, July 27th; the whole amphitheatre
bllemg hung, in the evening, with Chinese lanterns, and re-
ecting light.
A fine platform was erected, and circular seats rising
on all sides. The scene was most intposing, amid the tall
oaks. A fine breeze drifted in off the bay.
A goodly company of people could have been seen, up-
on their bended knees, offering thanks to "Him who doeth
alechl ~ we}.l," :while voices rang through the hills, re-
omg "Praise God from whom all blessings flow."
Amon& the distinpjshed gentlemen were:
206 FBOH INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAill.
Governor Joel Parker Biahop E. B. Andren, of
Biahop Barria Wasbin21:o
Reverend S. Jl1mt, D. D. Rev. W. IL P'!.me, D. D.
Rev. J. J. Morrell Rev. S. F Do!'f.!_ua
Rev. J. E. Curtis Rev.C.F.Gutill
Rev. J. C. Nobles Rev. w. II. White
Hon. H. W. Murphy H. Carliale, New York
C. H. Ivins, Seabright J. H. Megill and wife, of Seabright
W. H. Cooper Dr. W. Butler
J. S. Chadwick. Brookl,n Rev. J. D. Norton, Red Bank
Rev. Dr. Morrow Rev. J. II. Shafer, Newburgh
John Williams of the
"New York Herald."
At 11 A. ll. the Reverend W. H. Pearne opened the
service; singing followed, by the choir, composed of the
leading voices from several Monmouth County churches,
led by Professor W. W. Bentley. · _
Among the ladies were: Mrs. Mary C. Nobles, Miss
Hay Oliver, Miss Belle Mount. Miss Letitia Bowne, Mrs.
Joseph Mount. Miss Josephme Johnson, Miss Mamie
Mount, Miss Hattie Vale, Mrs. Maggie White and others.
The Reverend D. W. Butler, the celebrated Indian mis-
sionary preacher, took charge of the meeting, assisted at
the close by the Reverend J. S. Chadwick, Dr. Sandford
Hant and E. N. Van Zant.
On the 28th inst.. the day following, the Missionary
Institute commenced a three days' convention. Dr. S. L.
Baldwin delivered an address on China; Dr. Butler gave
descriptive views of Mexico; Reverend D. M. Bambridge
on the "Mission Fields," and the Reverend J. H. Correll on
"Life in Japan." The closing :m:eeting was addressed by
Hrs. Chandler, on "Degradation of Women." Hrs. Bam-
bridge spoke on "Life in Calcutta," and the hardships she
was forced to endare--even to sleeping in an oven.
The first camp-meeting opened on the second day of
August, the Reverend E. H. Pearne, D. D., officiating-it
was held in the amphitheatre. The Association had, since
the eighth of July, been erecting a large tabernacle on th_e
borders of the bluff, near the main entrance to the amp~-
theatre. In the evening, the first meeting was held in this
building, which was brilliantly illuminated.
C. E. Wilde, who had been laboring for years in China,
officiated. On the second day, the Reverend E. E.
:Reverend Richard .Johns and the Reverend S. F. G
~~8n'
officiated; on the.third day, Reverend J.E. Gilder, Rever-
qd C. F. Douglass and Reverend E. Hogaboom; foar:th
day, Reverend George H. Whiting, D. D., S. L. Baldwin,
D. D., and Reverend John C. Nobles; fifth day, ReverenEd
S. L. Bowman, D. II)., Mrs. W. H. Wood, Reverend James ·
THE FIRST BAPTIST-ATLANTIC mGHLANDS.
GRANDDAUGHTER OF THE MOTHER CHURCH OF MIDDLETOWN
Sffpqe211
GROUP OF VIEWS OF ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS.
3ft paa:e 2-:1
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil, 207

Lake; sixth day (the Sabbath) Reverend Thomas L Ever-


ett, D. D., Reverend R. Hogoboom, Reverend C. H. :McBride.
On the seventh day, Presiding Elder E. Hewitt, Rever-
end J. G. Crate, Reverend J. Moore; eighth day, Reverend
A. D. Vail, D. D., Reverend L R. Dunn, D. D., and Rever-
end Albert :Mann, Jr., ninth day, Reverend Sandford Hunt.
D. D., Reverend W. E. Boyle, Reverend Thomas L Everett,
Reverend A. H. Belles and Reverend John C. Nobles con-
ducted the services, including Bishop Havens, Memorial
and vespers at Point Lookout. On the tenth and last day,
Reverend S. W. Lake and others spoke, the Lord's Supper
being administered under the direction of President James
E. Lake, who made the farewell address.
The closing scene was attended with great religious
spirit The shaking of hands and the good-byes at the
door were freely expressed. :Mrs. :Mary C. Nobles, :Mrs.
Albert Mann, :Mrs. Thomas T. Rogers, Mrs. :Maggie White,
Mrs. S. T. Champion, :Mrs. J.E. Lake, :Mrs. David Collins,
Mrs. May Oliver, who. had conducted the Sabbath school
during the services, also held a parting with the children,
in which all the ladies made interesting addresses. Thus
closed the camp-meeting of 1881.
The last meeting of this eventful year was in the inter-
est of the Drew Theological Seminary, on the 17th of Au-
gust. The Reverend James E. Lake, Reverend W. S. Gal-
laway, Reverend Dr. Andrews, Reverend Henry A. Butts
and Professor James Strong officiated.
On the 15th of September, the residents of Atlantic
Highlands were greatly excited by the looked for arrival
of the new steamer, ":Marion." She had on board a large
number of residents, who had been caught in the severe
storm that had set in during the afternoon. The "Marion"
had left on time, having on board a large number of women
8!1d children, but as she rounded out from her pier at the
city, and headed for the Narrows, the staunch little vessel
seemed hard put by the heavy waves that confronted her.
Pilha.ot Silas D. Crossman was at the wheel, and he knew he
_d a rough passage before him.
When below Hoffman Island, the steamer came to a
dthead stand. One of the crew had let fall over the side of
e wheel-house a hauser, which had caught in the wheel,
and thus brought the vessel up, all standing. The crew
wtain~e unable to dislodge it, so severe was the storm. Cap-
James· H. Leonard immediately hoisted a signal of dis-
~ess, when a tug came alongside and towed the ":Marion"
Ill safety to Sandy Hook.
208 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAll,

Cartain Leonard furnished a warm supper to the pas-


sengers, and telegraphed to Long Branch for a special
train to come up and take_ the party to the Highland Bridge.
He also telegraphed for stages to be sent from Atlantic
Highlands to the bridge; and, at eleven o'clock that night,
all were safely housed in their comfortable homes.
On the first of October, "Our Girls", an organization
that had done constant service throughout the year, aiding
the Atlantic Highlands Association, consisting of nine
ladies and four gentlemen, gave their first concert, in aid
of a new organ for the Navesink M. E. Church. During
the winter, they gave many concerts and sociables for the
new M. E. Church of Atlantic Highlands, and the new
Hook and Ladder Comr any.
The organization was composed of: Miss Belle Mount,
president, William M. Foster, secretary, and Miss May
Rogers, treasurer. The other members were Miss Mame
Mount, Miss Josephine Johnson, Miss Hattie Vail, Miss Le-
titia Bow_ne, Mr. Joseph Mount, Mrs. White, P. Y. Everett,
S. T. Champion and C. P. Everett.
The first religious meetings were held at Foster's Pa-
vilion and in the grove on the opposite side of the avenue-
commencing in June and continuing until the August camp-
meetmg. They were held on Sunday afternoons, by the
Methodists and Baptists alternately, Reverend J. E. Lake
and Reverend S. F. Gaskill representing the Methodists and
Reverend C. F. Douglass the Baptists-the singing was led
by Professor W.W. Bentley and Col. S. T. Champion.
The Grand View Hotel, a mammoth buildinit built by
a company of gentlemen from central New York, was a
grand advertisement for the town. The Babington House,
now the Lockwood, was also completed this year, situated
on Bay View and Fourth avenues.
Three very pretty cottages were built on what was at
that time known as Leonard's Peak, between Eighth and
Prospect avenues, owned by Samuel B. Downes, Joseph E.
Downes and Samuel T. White. They cost about four thou-
sand dollars each. They were built by H. E. Fickett &
Co~pany, of Brooklyn.
Dr. John H. Van Mater, allopath, of Hoboken, was th~
first physician to locate in the town. He built a fine reSI-
dence on First avenue.
Robert Emery, whose name has been previously men-
tioned, put up a dwelling for himself on Fourth Avenue, at
a cost of about four thousand dollars, with a fine lawn sur-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 209

rounding it. S. T. Champion also erected a residence for


himself, on Sixth Avenue, at a cost of about three thousand
dollars.
In this year, developments included the residences of
Edward B. Swan, on Bay Avenue; Curtis Tallman's. Second
Avenue; Owen West's. on Third Avenue; C. W. Van Pelt'a
"Everett House", back of the Grand View. These were
built mostly for their own occupancy. Thus the growth
continued, and broadened, in a manner that was very grat-
ifying, until the end of the third year, the place began to
assume quite a town-like appearance.
On account of snow and ice, the fall and winter found
the residents cut off from all connection with the outer
world, as the ..Marion" had been hauled off; the nearest
railroad station was at Middletown village, a distance of
six miles, where the Long Branch Division of the Central
Railroad could be intercepted.
On the 28th of October, Mr. Charles Perry Everett
started a stage route to Middletown, connecting with the
several trains, which he finally transferred to Mr. Thomas
T. Rogers, who ran the stages till the steamer resumed her
trips.
During October, 1881, the Reverend John C. Nobles
induced Captain James H. Leonard to dispose of a certain
portion of his lands lying west of Many Mind Creek, to
Judge Samuel T. Hendrickson, John S. Hubbard and W.W.
Conover, of Red Bank. It was soon laid out. and the sale
of lots was so successful that Mr. Leonard parted with
another division of his farm, to the same gentlemen.
In this new section on the west side of the creek were
several old landmarks--one owned by John M. Sharts, and
the other by the Bentley family. Ex-Sheriff A. J. Camp-
bell, of Brooklyn, owned a fine tract on the Bay front-a -
beautiful spot, where he still enjoys his summers with his
family. None of these parties would sell till 1891, when
Mr. Sharts disposed of his water front and old chandler
store for seven thousand five hundred dollars, to a club of
gentlemen from New York.
Other lands to the west of this, now in the Borough,
were laid out in lots; among them, Glenoble Park, which
was never cut up.Two years ago it was sold in part to Col-
?nel ~ederick S. Benson, of Brooklyn, the remainder be-
mg still held by the original owners, the Speyers family.
A portion of the Bownes' estate, owned by Edward
an~ Letitia Bowne, is now a portion of the Borough; while
adJacent to it are the residences of George W. Marks, Jos-
eph Smock, Jerome Welsh and Conover Smith.
210 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAJL

Leonard Brothers opened a hardware and ·furnishing


store on First Avenue, comer of Bay Avenue, in 1881.
Miss Mary Rogers opened the second school in this
place, and on Christmas of this year (1881) gave her first
public exhibition. It opened with a chorus by the whole
school, entitled "Temperance Boys and Girls"; then fol-
lowed a dialogue "Giving to the Poor," by Miss Clara and
Miss Mabel Leonard, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
H. Leonard; a solo and chorus by three lloys, Lewis and
Murray Foster and Freddie White, called the "Song of the
Cobbler," which caused considerable merriment, as the
three boys during the chorus hammered away on the del-
icate shoes of three girls. A recitation by Freddie White,
entitled "The Good of a Boy," and a trio, "I'm a Little Pil-
grim," by Clara, Mabel and Edith Leonard, received great
applause. •
Miss Edith Leonard followed with a recitation,
"Christmas is Near;" then came "Merry, Merry Christ-
mas," The Nine Parts of Speech," a solo, "Dashing Thru
the Snow," and, last, a "Feejee" dwarf delivered a short
address.
The evening's amusement closed with presents to the
children from their teacher. Many of the old inhabitants
will never forget this occasion.
On closing the history of the year 1881, it is but just
to say that while many difficulties encountered the foot-
steps of the pioneers, there was untold joy and happiness
over the successes that had attended their efforts thus far.
Some eighteen buildings were erected this year, including
the fitting up of the amphitheatre. Among the most
prominent were the tabernacle, Grand View Hotel, Everett
Home, Babington Hotel, the three cottages on Leonard's
Peak-a complete list of which will be found elsewhere.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 211

CHAPTER XXXV.
ORGANIZATION OF THE FIRST llrL E. CHURCH IN ATLANTIC
mGHLA..."ID~1882.

The year 1882 was one of great activity-a vast


amount of money was expended in the erection of
buildings. Though the season was backward, and the
facilities for travel imperfect, it proved a success in the
disposal of lots.
On the first of January, John C. Nobles retired from
the publication of the Atlantic Highlands Herald, th.e Rev-
erend Thomas Everett, D. D., assuming his interest-the
paper hereafter being published under the tum of Everett
Brothers.
On the 12th of January, Miss Helen B. Nobles, daugh-
ter of the Reverend J. C. Nobles, and George H. Blye, of
the New .York State Agricultural Journal, of Elmira, New
)[ork, were married, they being the first couple united hi
tne bo~ds of matrimony at Atlantic Highlands.
Steamboat facilities were still an anxiety to all inter-
ested. As early as January the Citizens Improvement As-
sociation (made up of the most active and progressiv~ busi-
ness men of the place, with J. C. Nobles, president, James
H. Leonard, secretary), having the matter in charge, failed
to accomplish anything different, .save that the Central
Railroad Company agreed to extend, in part, their Sandy
Hook route to the Atlantic Highlands pier.
Their offer was accepted, but when the season opened
no boats were sent over. The failure of the Central Rail-
road Company to carry out its agreement caused consid-
erable confusion and annoyance.
The "Marion,", which had just received a new boiler,
was called upon to do her best (though at great loss to her
~wners) to satisfy the increasing demands of the fast-grow-
ing town. We were desirous to have the New Jersey
SHouthern boats land here, while waiting for trains at Sandy
ook.
In the mean time, a number of the citizens had p:!r-
chased a little steamer, called th~ "Bedell," with carrying
~pacity of two hundred, to run between the steamboat
Pier and Sandy Hook, and connecting with al! boats and
trains. Charles M. Woodward was appointe::l Csptain;
212 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

but the steamer proved a failure. It was found that the


engine could not be relied upon, the boiler was continuall:v
aivmg o~metimes when the vessel was half-wa:v out
in the bay.
After this year (1882, when the people had become
almost frantic,) the Central Railroad Company, through
the efforts of Senator Blodgett, concluded to help the peo-
ple out, and sent over the steamers, "Kill-Von-Kull" and
..Chancellor," which in turn made daily trips to the city.
The following was taken from a camP-meeting announce-
ment of that year, showing the boat service of 1882.
ROW TO GET TO THE ATLANTIC mGBLANI>S.
Steamer ..:Marion•· leaves da1ly (Sundays excepted)
aa follows: Pier 8, N. R., 5:15, 9:15 A. :M. and 4:30 P. M.
Leaves Atlantic Highlands, 7:15 A. :M., 2:00 and 6:30 P. ?4.
Also from the same pier, steamers "St. John," "Jesse
Hoyt" and "Chancellor," stopping at Sandy Hook.
Also, from the eouth, over the New Jersey Southern
Railroad, all connecting with ferry-boat "Bedell", to the
Atlan~c Highlands.
The following year, 1883, the Central Railroad Com-
pany ran their boats between Sandy Hook and this place,
until they made this their permanent station in the lower
bay. They left Sandy Hook, at the close of the season of
1891, at the Government's request.
The first barber in Atlantic Highlands was Thomas
:Martin, now deceased. He commenced business in Jan-
uary, 1881, at Foster's Hotel, renting a room adjoining
Leonard Brothers' office. He was quick to see the possi-
bilities of Atlantic Highlands. and was very advanced in
his ideas and business methods.
He was exceptionally honorable in his dealings, and,
having a very pleasant address, he advanced rapidly in his
financial ventures and in the widening of his circle of
friends. He built the building now occupied by his broth-
er, James :Martin, who succeeded him in the business.
T.he following is a copy of the original lease, showing
the character of landlord and tenant, and the first lease
given_ without privilege to purchase.
"Thu agreement, made this fint day of Harcb. A. D. 1882, be-
tween William K. Foater, of the Atlantic ~hlauda, Township of .Mid-
Kiddletown, Comaty of Monmouth, State of New Jersey, party of the
1lnt part, and Thomu llartin, of Leonantrille, townahip, county and
state afoireuid, wttn-ui_ party of the second part, that, in con-
lideration of the l1UD hereinafter acreecf to be paid, uid Wi1liaJa
K. Foater agrees that said Thomas Hartin may have and -ase the half
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 213

of thr room, sitllated on the ground ffoor in the southeast part. of tbe
lnlildinr, lmollrn as "Foster's Hotel." as a Barber Shop, for one :,ear
from this date aforesaid (Doctor Georse D. Fa:, having an olllce
adjoining.)
Thomu Hartin agrees that for the use of said room, he will
pa:, to the Kid W-llliam 111. Foster the 1111m of aevent:,-five dollan
($75.00), on the fifteenth da:, of Jal:,, A. D. 1882. And he further
agrees that he will keep the whole of said propert:, in good condi-
tion, and at t:he cloae of the :,ear will amrender the whole of said
property to the said William llL Foster, in u good a condition u the
rme now is, necaaarJ' wear e>nl:,
And if the said Thomas Martin
ezcel.~ refllae, neglect, or in any
manner fail to pa:, the aid smn of mone:,, or to keep and perfodD
tbia qreement, then the said William llL Foster, or his legal repre-
aentativea, ahall have the right to take the said propert:, from said
Thomas Martin and keep the same in his, Williani llL Foster's poa-
Hlllion.
And the said Thomas Martin agrees that he will not allow the
111e or sale of an:, beers or intoxicating beverages in his shop. And
aid Thomu Xartin fnrther agrees that he will prohibit the plaJinc
or 111e of ca:zids, dice and all other instruments of gambling in Im
shop, and he will not carr:, on an:, business but that of a barber.
And the Kid Thomas Martin further agrees that he will not sell or
allow to be sold an:, goods or merchandise except abirta, collars, cu«..
perfumer:,, neck-ties, hair oil, razors, soap, combs and brushes.
In witness whereof the said parties have hereto set weir handa
and seals. the day and year first aforesaid."
The fact presented itself to those interested that the
wharf should be lengthened to accommodate the large
railroad and excursion boats we wished to have come to
Atlantic Highlands. The second extension made by Thom-
as and Thomas H. Leonard had served a good purpose,
but the present service required more water.
The Camp-meeting Association appointed Thomas
Leonard, J. C. Nobles .and Thomas H. Leonard to try to
secure about five thousand dollars, giving the completed
wharf as security for the loan.
We repaired to Red Bank, to see W.W. Conover, who
quietly listened to our story and, when we were through,
said "I do not mind to be called a rogue, but I do not wish
to be called a fool-to loan on that security/' We hasten-
ed away, as he was very pl.ain and forcible in his remarks.
We had no Association property that was free from mort-
gage, to .add to the security.
While on the way home I called my fellow-committee-
men's attention to a fact that had just occurred to me-
that I knew of that amount of money in Brooklyn. llrlr.
Charles Booth, my brother-in-law, had the money.
. I was delegated by them to go to the city, and see him.
I .~d so, staying all night, and arranging for the money.
'1Vlng him personal secmty for the same-this resulted
m a heavy loss to me.
214 FROM INDIAN TR.AIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

With the means now in hand, we employed Mr. Ro-


bert Emery to extend once more the wharf about three
'hundred and fifty feet. Thus, with the assistance oi Mr.
.Booth, we were able to accommodate the vessels we de-
imred for the present season.
THE METHODIST CHURCH
Early in March (1882), the :Methodist residents, who
liad been attending service at Navesink M. E. Church, held
~ few meetings at Foster's Pavilion, and finally concluded
to organize a church.
On the 15th of Much a meeting was held, with the
Reverend John C. Nobles in the chair, when a committee
was appointed to attend the Conference shortly to be held
1st Millville, to· ask that Atlantic Highlands be made a
charge. The cali was granted, and placed in the New
Brunswick District. Reverend E. Hewitt was then Presid-
ing Elder.
The Reverend James E. Lake, president of the Atlan-
tic Highlands Association, was appointed Pastor, the first
service being held at Foster's Pavilion, Sunday, March
26, 1882.
The new membership, at the outset, consisted of onb·
ten, but seventy attended the first service. The Reverend
Mr. Lake officiated, assisted by the Reverend S. R. Snyder,
Reverend Robert Emery, Reverend J. C. Nobles and Rev-
erend Mr. Douglas (Baptist).
On the 27th of March, the first regular meeting was
held, for permanent organization, the following trustees
being elected:- Thomas T. Rogers (president), Reverend
Robert Emery, William T. Franklin, William M. Foster
(secretary), Dr. J. E. Sayers, S. T. Champion (treasurer),
and John Dey (auditing com.).
On the seventh day of April the following stew:irds
were elected:- Reverend John C. Nobles (District Stew-
ard), A. V. S. Crate, Peter Y. Everett, William M. Foster,
Thomas T. Rogers, S. T. Champion, William T. Franklin.
All the services were held at Foster's Pavilion, kindly
tendered by that gentleman, free of expense. Happy
hours were here enjoyed by the members anrl people of
the place. Church sociables, fairs, etc., were held. for the
purpose of raising the means necessary to carry on the
work.
Adjoining the Pavilion, overlapping the beach, was a
large platform. During the hot weather part of the services
were held thereon, a fine sea breeze always prevailing,
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 216

which every one enjoyed. Directly opposite was a little


grove, where now stands Tuttle's Fish llarket--here class
meetings, Sunday school services and experience meetings
were held, on several occasions, before the general services
were held at the Tabernacle and Amphitheatre.
On the 23rd of NovembP.r, a Building Committee was
appointed, with the view of erecting a new church. It
consisted of Reverend James E. Lake, S. T. Champion,
Reverend J. C. Nobles, Thomas T. Rogers, Edward M.
Thompson and Reverend Robert Emery.
Three lots were donated to the church by the Atlan-
tic Highlands Association, on the southeast corner of
Mount and First avenues. The Committee, having suc-
ceeded in raising a certain amount of money, decided upon
a building, whereupon a contract was entered into with
Messrs. Valentine and Raney, for the erection of the same.
The comer-stone was laid on the second lot, from the cor-
ner of Mount, on First Avenue, December 23, 1882, the
work being pushed forward with great rapidity. The in-
terior was hardwood finish.
The church was dedicated February 25, 1883. The
Re,·erend S. R. Crooks, D. D., L. L. D., of Drew Theologi-
cal Seminary, preached the dedicatory service in the morn-
ing, and the Reverend J. G. Oakley of New York, preached
to a crowded house in the evening.
In December, a Ladies' Aid Society was organized
at the residence of Mrs. P. Y. Everett, Bay View Avenue,
with a view of raising means to furnish the church. The
officers selected were: President, Mrs. Thomas T. Rogers;
Vice-president, Mrs. David Collins; Secretary, Mrs. Maggie
White; and Treasurer, Mrs. P. Y. Everett.
In 1889 a class room was added on the north side,
which could be also utilized and thrown open info the
church for overflow meetings. In 1891 the church
purchased two lots on the comer of Third and Mount
Avenues, where it was proposed to erect a much larger
house of worship, and of a more costly nature.
. The following clergy have officiated since its organiza-
tion.
1882 Jamea E. Lake 1888 Levi B. Edwards
1883 James E. Lake 1889 Levi B. Edwards
1884 James E. Lake 1890 Levi B. Edwards
1885 J. Conover 1891 Joseph G. Reed
1886 Levi B. Edwuda 1892 Joseph G. Reed
1887 Levi B. Edwards 1893 Joseph G. Reed
1894 J. B. Haines
Among the Sunday school superintendents were Som-
ers T. Champion, Dr. J. E. Sayers, William T. Franklin,
Alfred C. Oliver.
.216 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

The Epworth League was formed October 8, 1890,


"With the following officers:- President, Charles A. Fort,
First Vice-president, A. C. Oliver, Second Vice-president,
.E. A. Quigley, Third Vice-president, Mrs. H. B. Zebley,
Secretary, A. F. G. Flumerfelt, Treasurer, Miss Bertha
Powell
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
This church has for its members many of the oldest
families in this section of Monmouth County. The church
had its origin in the first Baptist Church in the state of
New Jersey, located at Middletown village. Many of the
members, in 1853, owing to the great distance to Middle-
town village, had the privilege granted them to be set off
as a church at Riceville, now Navesink.
The rapid growth of Atlantic Highlands, and the in-
flux of Baptists, many of them residents of Atlantic High-
lands and Leonardville, concluded that a branch meeting
house or chapel should be located at the new settlement,
with a service to be held every Sabbath mnorning, at the
old church in Navesink, and in the afternoon at Atlantic
Highlands.
·With this object in view, they secured a fine piece
of land on the northwest corner of Avenue .D and High-
land Avenue, in December of the year 1882; but, in place
of a chapel, they erected a fine large church, with base-
ment for Sunday school and meeting purposes.
It was a well appointed edifice, the main entrance be-
ing on Avenue D. Large Gothic windows present them-
aelves on all sides, of rich stained glass, while the pulpit-
in fact, the entire interior-was of the latest design.
It was built by George B. Davis, and on the eighth
day; of June, 1883, was dedicated to the worship of God;
Reverend Charles T. Douglas preaching alternately at the
two churches. Thus matters continued till 1890,
Reverend M. F. Lee and Reverend Mr. Boice in turn super-
seding the Reverend C. T. Douglas as pastor, and officiat-
ing at both meeting-houses.
The Sunday school was brought from. the "old school
house" at Leonardville. It had originally been formed
or organized at the home of James H. Leonard, corner
of Avenue D and Highland Avenue( where it had had,
besides the assistance of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Leonard, the
constant service of Miss Emma Morris, now Mrs. Peter
James McClees, principal of the public school.
The school became too large for a private residence,
and returr.ed to the school house, and, at the comple-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 217

tion of the new meeting house, was provided with more


convenient accommodations--Richard A. Leonard superin-
tendent, with James H. Leonard, superintendent of the
home school, at the church at Navesink.
A Ladies' Aid Society was organized at the new meet-
ing house--Mrs. Jam.es H. Leonard president, Mrs. R. A.
Leonard vice-president-for the purpose of assisting in the
furnishing and any other service that presented itself to
forward the good work.
The society did nobly in collecting funds for church
use, meeting the interest on the church debt; and before
the organization of an independent church, had succeeded
in paying one thousand dollars on the principle.
218 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC BAIL

CHAPTER XXXVI
THE FIRST POST OFFICE

On the 15th of April, 1882. the United States Govern


ment opened a Post Office, with Peter Y. Everett as post
master. Several efforts had been made previously to
secure a postal station, but, under the law, no new office
could be created within one mile and a half of another.
Navesink and Leonardville post offices were both within
that distance, and it was useless to ask either one of them
to relinguish their postal facilities.
Mr. Everett finally took the matter in hand, and thru
the kindness of President Arthur, he ordered an office
established here, and named Mr. Everett as post master
and Charles P. Everett assistant.
This first year was attended with considerable loss to
Mr. Everett. During the summer months, in order to ac-
commodate the hotel guests, he ran two mails a day, hav-
ing the pouches carried to and from the New York Post
Office, and by boat, at his own expense.
On the 1st of January, 1884, Mr. Everett resigned,
and Captain James H. Leonard was appointed to fill the
,·acancy, with Peter Conover, Jr., as assistant. January 6,
1886, Mr. Peter Conover, Jr., was appointed post master,
and James H. Leonard, assistant. May 20, 1889, James
H. Leonard w,as re-appointed post master, and is still hold-
ing the office, with Albert Leonard as assistant.
The Grand View Hotel, which had been under course
of erection all the spring was thrown open to the public on
the 18th of June, containing accommodations for some
four hun~ed guests. It was built by Williamson and
Parker, of Moravia, N. Y., who had laid the foundation
the year previous.
W. L. McIntyre, formerly of the Mansion House, Long
Branch, leased it and filled it up at the outset of the sea-
son. Among other housea opened early this year were
the Bay; View, Everett House, Highland Home, Morris
Cottage aJ!d Foster's Pavilion, the latter remaining open
the year round. .
Nobles and Company procured forty tents, in antici-
pation of the camp meetings. and rented the entire num-
ber, which were pitched on and about Point Lookout. Many
families tented this year; among others the Reverend J.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 219

E. Lake, president of the Camp-meeting Association;


David Collins, R. Hogaboom, Albert Mann of East
Orange, S. T. Champion, Reverend M. Gaskill and R. R.
Proudfit.
The glorious Fourth (Independence Day) was the
opening of public gatherings for the season. Reverend
Thomas T. Everett, D. D., was the orator of the day, the
exercises being held in the Tabernacle.
On the 11th of July, the Evangelical Union Camp-
meeting commenced, and continued to the 17th, the fol-
lowing gentlemen officiating:- Reverend C. C. McCabe,
president; Reverend Homer A. King, secretary; Reverend
J. M. King, l]). D., Reverend J. S. Chadwick, D. D., Rev-
erend J. M. Reid, D. D., Reverend Dr. Lightbourn, Rev-
erend Mr. Aston, Reverend R. Lowery, D. D., Reverend
Bishop McNamara and others.
On the 27th of July, 1883, the first anniversary was
held of the founding of the Atlantic Highlands Camp-
meetings. · It was opened by an address by the Reveren~
Dr. S. L. Hunt, followed by Bishop Simpson. The great
feature of the day, however, was the presence of ex-
President U. S. Grant.
The Independent Catholics, represented by Bishop
McNamara, occupied the grounds on the 28th, 29th and
30th of July, which meeting was largely attended.
The National Temperance Camp-meeting commenced
on the 2nd of August, under the supervision of the Rever-
end D. C. Babcock, which was followed on the 12th of
August by the Missionary Institute.
The Second Annual Camp-meeting commenced on the
?3rd day of August; the following persons officiating dur-
ing the ten days' service.
Rev. T. T. Everett, D. D., of Philadelphia.
Rev. W. B. Harris, of the Baptist Church
RRev. J. Jackson, superintendent Chinese M. E. Mission in New York
ev. Mr. Douglas, of the Baptist Charch
RRev. Dr. Hanlon, president of Pennington Seminary
ev. G. C. Stanger, of Keyport
RReev. S. B. Darnell, president of Cookman Institute, Florida
v. James Moore, of Long Branch
:ev. Dr. Oakley, Forty-fourth street, New York
Rev. E. B. Lake, superintendent, Ocean City
ev. Dr. Baldwin, St. Paul's, Newark
Rev. a C. McBride, Newark
Rev. G. R. Snyder, New Jersey Conference
tv· A. J. Kynett, D. D., secretary of Church Extension Society
v. JW. B•. Faulks, A. M., Morristown, New Jersey
Rev. illiam C. Stockton
Rev. William A. Massey, of New Jersey Conference
220 FROM INDIAN TRAil, TO ELECTRIC BAIL

Rev. Mr. Garrison, of New Jene:, Conference


Rev. E. C. Curtis, of. S:,rac:me Univenit:,
Rev. Dr. A L Sanford. superintendent of New York Cit:, Hiaion
Rev. Dr. Gairey, of the Baptist Church, California
Among those who did good service in the prayer
meeting were Reverend H. C. McBride, Reverend W. C.
Stockton, Reverend R. Emery, Reverend Bishop McNama-
ra, Mrs. Wood and Brother Kirkbride.
On the 11th day ofAugust, Mr. John M. Johnson
opened a first-class drug store on Third Avenue, near Bay
View, with Dr. H. A. Clark as superintendent. It filled a
long-felt want and was stocked with the best drugs the
market afforded.
In 1884, he moved to Bay View Avenue, corner of
Second, and in 1890, Mr. Clark formed a co-partnership
with Mr. Johnson. In 1891, Mr. Clark bought out Mr. John-
son and so remodeled his store that it compared favorably
with a city pharmacy.
During the summer of 1882, many citizens conceived
the idea of forming a fire company. William M. Foster,
Dr. J. H. Van Mater, Jacob T. Stout. P. Y. Everett. D. Lane
Conover, and a few others. tried bard to get up an organi-
zation. Finally, on the 5th of September, they assembled
at Foster's Pavilion and perfected an organization with
William M. Foster, president.
The Company was named Everett Hook and Ladder
Company, No. 1, arid a committee was appointed to pro-
cure a truck. It was not until spring that they could buy
an extension ladder truck, which they brought home on
the 6th of April, 1883, the Company giving a dinner at the
Grand View Hotel, and housing the apparatus in the Tab-
ernacle. ,
At a meeting held on the 2nd of August, William M.
Foster, Dr. J. H. Van Mater and Peter Y. Everett were
appointed to the State Convention as delegates, and, upon
their return, three hundred dollars was designated as the
Company's· share from the state fund.
A be~evolent or irelief association was formed, to
which the money was assigned, which has, up to 1892,
received over three thousand dollars. Jacob T. Stout was
elected president of the Benevolent and Relief Fund, D.
L. Conover, vice-president, Charles P. Everett, secretarY,
Dr. G. D. Fay, treasurer.
In the spring of 1889, they erected a new truck house
on Center Avenue, near First Avenue, on a lot 18 x 60 feet.
The building was used for the Town Hall, with a small
lockup in the rear, the upper part being used as a court
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 221

room and for all borough purposes. The Company was


comprised of the leading men of the place, and thus form-
ed, with No. 1 of Navesink, the Fire Department of Mid-
dletown Township.
In 1885, the name of Everett Hook and Ladder Com-
pany No. 1 was changed to Atlantic Highlands Hook and
Ladder Company, No. 1.
The following is a list of the officers, in the order
named, and members of the Company, with the date of
enrollment, from the organization in 1882 to the organi-
zation of a Borough Fire Department, on the 13th of
March, 1894.
PRESIDENTS
W. M. Foster J. B. Valleau
P. Y. Everett L. B. Brush
J. T. Stout J. B. Valleau
H.B. Zebley Fred Linden
J. T. Stout Treasurers
George Mackey George D. :Fay
E. H. Cook George Brannin
Foremen Tunis Muller
J. a Van Mater W. T. Franklin
Herman Booth 1st Assistants
J. T. Stout Frank Forteque
Th011111S Jennings D. L. Conover
Percy Falkinburg, Sr. J. B. Valleau
ThoDlllS Jennings Martin Dowd
2nd Assistants J. J. Dowd
D. Burdge Secretariea
D. L. Conover John E. Foster
Thomas Jennings W. M. Roberts
Martin D:iwd Chas. A. Fort
W. M. Roberts
MEMBERS-1882
John H. Van Mater P. Y. Everett
John E. Foster John J. Leonard
Edward B. Swan William M. Foster
W. T. Franklin W. M. Roberts
1883
John Case John B. Valleau
Peter H. V ..lleau Herman C. Booth
D. L. Conover Charles Howard
James Robertson Albert Dey
1884
Tunis Muller Louis Wenger
John J. Leonard H. B. Zebley
Thomas Deverson Alex Martin
Liding Jacobson Charles Koch
Thomu llrlartin
222 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

1885
Georse Macker F. M. Gillett
Thomas Jennillp lllartin Dowd
S. T. Champion
1887
William P. Irvin Perey Falkinblll%
George Jenkinson
1888
Lewis S: Seulthorp James Freeman
Samuel T. White John F. Brush
J'ohn S. Conover Lambert D. Brush
John Gorman Charles A. Fort
H. A. Clark Fred Roberta
Owen Keehan
1889
John C. Kitchell Fred Linden
S. S. Morris E. H. Cook
Obadiah B. Irwin John Fannan Hilla
W. H. Posten. Jr. John Rise
Ecbert F. Lnfbmrow Thomas Gdey
Herbert i:elley Kartin Brown
JI(. L. Dolby
1890
James Kartin John J. Dowd
w. L. Genin Peter S. Conover
1892
A. F. Flumerfelt Charles W ~
HONORARY MElllBERS-1882
James E. Lake David Collins
J.C. Nobles C. W. Van Pelt
John M. Johnson Edward Hooper
Thomas H. Leonard Thomas Leonard
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 223

CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE BEGINNING OF OUR RAILROAD
1882
Toward the close of the boarding season, a meeting
was called, to be held at the Grand View Hotel, for the
purpose of improving the interests of the town. Several
members of the Gillett family were boarding at the Grand
View at the time; among them were Messrs. B. W. Gillett,
F. M. Gillett and father, and Jerome Gillett; also present,
Messrs. Parish, Emery, Everett, Collins, Leonarda, S. T.
Champion, Charles Booth of Brooklyn, and others.
The Gilletts, in company with William E. Andrew,
were negotiating and purchasing large portions of the hill
property, back of the town, at the head of First Avenue.
Mr. J.C. Nobles was operating property at the foot of the
hills, and adjoining First Avenue, known as Hillside.
They called the meeting for the purpose of widening
and improving First Avenue, which is one mile in length.
The property adjoining the Avenue was in the hands of a
large number of owners, as it had been divided up into
fifty-foot lots for its entire length.
The matter was put in the hands of the Citizens'
Land Improvement Association, which gave it to a com-
mittee, consisting of Thomas H. Leonard, W. E. Andrews,
PJchard A. Leonard, George H. Sickles and John E. Bowne.
The Citizens' Land Improvement Association, with J.
C. Nobles, president and J. H. Leonard, secretary, was
formed soon after the formation of the Atlantic Highlands
Camp.meeting Association, and other real estate interests.
It ran contemporary with them. It was composed of the
!'lost progressive men of the neighborhood and real estate
interests of the place, and bad an existence of about three
Years, ending its active life, as all others did, about 1884
-:85, leaving the community, for the years 1885--86
without any operating organization; until the s1>ring of
1~~7, when the people concluded to form a regular mu-
ruc1pal government, combining all the real estate interests
of the place, with the exception of the Hillside and Brev-
ent Park interests.
The principal work of the Citizens' Land Improve-
ment Association was the widening of First Avenue and
the construction of a railroad in Atlantic Highlands; also,
224 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

the improvement of the water connection with New York.


It required three years of labor, best known to those who
came in closest relation to it, viz., Messrs. Stout and Con-
over, contractors, and the treasurer, T. H. Leonard. .
Some of the lot owners on the Avenue (which was
fifty feet wide) would not agree to set back five feet,
thereby to make a sixty-foot avenue, without being paid.
To collect the means, from some of the subscno~rs, after
the object had grown cold, by a committee. of whom a
. part had lost their interest in the object for which they
had been appointed, was a condition of things that had,
since the improvement started, on several occasions. re-
quired in a large measure all the "graces," and good en-
dorsers.
The work was finally completed, at a cost of about
twenty-five hundred dollars,-a sixty-foot avenue, with a
ten-foot sidewalk on each side its entire length,-and
paid for. It should be said that in this, as in all other
subscriptions, the Camp-meeting Association was as
prompt as circumstances would permit--which could not
be said of some other· subscnoers.
The present year ended the steamboat responsibility,
in connection with the enterprise. It had largely occupied
our attentfon for the last four years, accomplishing our
object at every turn, against the judgment of would-be
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 221

prophets, who foretold the fatal end of our schemes from


the time the first piling was driven, in 1878.
The expense and risk were fearful, costing fortunes
· and sleepless nights. but it was "bread cast upon the
waters," that returned to ourselves, and to thousands b~
side.
The steamers "Collier" and "Marion", had had their
day, and had done their work w.elL James H. Leonard
had been faithful in his position as captain. The "Mar•
ion" was now for sale, coming in competition with so
many side-wheel boats, such as the ''Silven Dell", "Silver
Stream" and ''Silver Grove,'' and other Harlem boats, that
had been supplanted by the iron steamers.
It required long and patient efforts to nt any cash
price offered. John G. Bolander, a New York agent, was
sent to James B. Duffens, Halifax, N. S., which resulted
in a sale, for twenty-seven thousand dollars cash. Thua
ended our steamboat expenses.
The work on the avenues was active. The associa•
tion had extended their improvements as far as Leonard's
Peak and the camp.meeting grounds.
The Hubbard and Hendrickson Company, on the
west side, representing Bay, Center, South, Highland and
Washington avenues, also Avenues A, B, C and D, bad
less difficulty, for their lands were naturally on a more
even grade. They also had plenty of material on the
property for top.dressing the road bed. They did this at
once; also, made up the sidewalks with gravel, putting
down plank curbing throughout.
The railroad question was a difficult problem, still
to be solved. From the spring of this year to the end,
we were on the alert to bring about the accomplishment
of our purpose.
From time to time we met, as a cOlllmittee or ag a
body, to discuss the matter. In the absence of "frienda
or money," how could we secure this coveted prize?
Sometimes it would seem that the Pennsylvania Railroad
would take us in, on their way from Long Branch to New
~ork; then that hope would fade away, as we learned
it had consolidated with the New York and Long Branch
Railroad.
•Fr· Then again, a representative of the New York and
. eehold Railroad would, like a passing meteor, throw
his_ flash of light upon us, and then be gone. The Central
¥!road, seemingly for fear of being outdone in the "fan.
DlDg of the flames of hope,'' would make an occasional
survey.
226 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

. Referring to the faithful diary of Miss Antoinette


Runyon, on passing events, we find the preliminary work,
the introductory in the interests of the Central Railroad,
as follows:-
"Received an invitation from Mr. Howard Potter of
Locust Point to come and see him on Central Railroad
matters. Accepted by Thomas Leona'.rd, J. C. Nobles.
Thomas H. Leonard, S. T. Champion and James H. Leon-
ard... ,'
This was the first but not the last of our railroad
work, and we never understood why the invitation was
given; 1.but we never questioned why it was accepted,
as we were "in it" for a railroad, like Jack's boots, "They
came in pairs"; but then both vanished in air - some call,
talk.
The committee appointed, consisting of the Messrs.
F. M. Gillett. W. E. Andrews. T. H. Leonard, P. Y. Ev-
erett and S. T. Champion, called the Honorable Henry
S. Little and the Honorable Anthony Reckless down "to
a big dinner," at "Foster's" to see if we could not lead
them on, "in an after-dinner speech."
We gathered around the well-filled board, on that
memorable day, and led Mr. Little from step to step, in
the long menu of courses, until he seemed to have lost
the tall and stately form by which he is so well known
and assumed more of the corpulent and English form
c,f our own Honorable Holmes Murphy; but to no avail.
He arose, and, in that winsome way that has moved
the tribunal of the state, peculiar to himself, ht: advised
us to do as he and Mr. Reckless had done with the New
York and Long Branch Railroad, "Go and build it your-
selves"; (see speech at railroad banquet in 1892) ; thus
ending the year in labor and disappointment, as regards the
question: "How shall we get a railroad?"
The land owners along the route from Atlantic High-
lands to Port Monmouth Junction signified their interest
and willingness to advance the railroad interest, as will be
seen in the following--copy of an old agreement, bearing
date De~ember 9th, 1881.
"We the undersigned property owners, on the proposed line of a
railroad from Atlantic Highlands to a junction with the Red Bank and
Port Monmouth Railroad, near Hopping Station, feeling the iJDport-
ance of said railroad to the public and the community generally, here-
by agree to donate tbe right-of-way through lands owned by the under-
signed to any responsi"ble corporation or parties who wi1l build said
road within one year from the date of this agreemer t.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAll., 227

NAMES
Atlantic Highlands Amloc:iation William Schenck
Thomas Leonard Martha Jlills
James H. Leonard William H. Seely
Edward T. Bmdge .1olm B. Jlills
Charles T. Leonard Kn. Kartin Dowd
Joseph L Thompaon Kn. :Jar:r E. Atkins
John J. Leonard Edward Bowne
George T. Sherman
This document was dated December 9th, 1861. l\lany
of the signatures were procured in March of 1882, by
Thomas Leonard, J. C. Nobles, James H. Leonard and
Thomas H. Leonard, and others. Great patience and effort
were required. ;
It also included the great debate that occurred the
25th of March, between J. C. Nobles and Tabor Cook, of
Port Monmouth, a land owner on the line of the road. Their
audience was composed of Thomas Leonard, S. T. Cham-
pion, Jam.es H. Leonard and Thomas H. Leonard. The
subject was the advantage and disadvantage of a rail-
road. The debate was interesting in the extreme, as both
gentlemen were gifted orators.
The year, 1882, closed with very substantial advance,
and the actual building of the railroad. The citizens' meet-
ings at the close of the year were well attended, and special
interest was developed, at this time, and a committee was
appointed to visit Keyport and work with a l;ke committee
of that place, in a railroad project, from A.tlantic High-
lands to Keyport, and with the Freehold and Keyport Rail-
road, to connect with the New York and Long Branch
Railroad at Matawan.
This scheme was very strongly favored by Reverend
W. V. Wilson and others owning property on the route.
The following is an extract from the Keyport Weekly,
December 28, 1882, in the interest of the above project:
THE RAILROAD
(From the Keyport Weeki:,.)
"We are afraid that our business men do not realize
the necessity of making an earnest effort to obtain a rail-
road from Atlantic Highlands to· this place, as but few of
them turned out to the meeting on Wednesday evening.
F~r our part, we do not see how they can be so supine in
this matter, and only account for their negligence of the
opportunity on the supposition that they do not appreciate
the fact that this is the last opportunity to place Keyport
odn a through line, the last opportunity that will .be afford-
e of becoming a large business community.
228 FROM JN:l)IAN TRAll. TO ELECTRIC RAIL

"Few of those who ·attended the meeting last Friday


evening could have gone away unimpressed by the argu-
1:nents and appeals of the gentlemen from Atlantic High-
lands.
"Two pictures were presented for us to look at. On
the one hand, we saw our town remaining as at present,
away from the main line of railroad, gradually losing the
trade of the portions of the country lying down the
bay, with Red Bank and other towns growing at our ex-
pense, and the stream of summer travel passing by us to
other sites not as eligible.
- "On the other hand, we saw Keyport become a live
town, with a bank and other conveniences necessary in
any civilized community-a place to which the people from
all the country round come to trade, a place in which capit-
alists would aeek to place their manufactories, place to
which people would send their children for an education,
and near which the summer visitors would build their
villas.
"Who would hesitate in their choice, when these two
alternatives were present?"
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 229

CHAPTER xxxvm
RAILROAD FROM HOPPING STATION TO ATLANTIC
mGHLA,NDS COMPLETED
1883

The winter of 1882 and 1883 was one of grea0


severity. The only means of egress was by stage over a
rough road to Middletown. (The following taken from the
Atlantic Highlands Herald, January 25, 1883.)
"Stages will leave the Post Office at this place daily,
until further notice, as follows:- Leave Atlantic Highlands,
8 :30 A. M., connecting with the 9 :38 A. M. mail train at
Middletown for New York, arriving at the city at 11 A. M.
Leave Atlantic Highlands at 3:30 P. M., Middletown 4:52,
arriv~ at the city 6:15 P. M. The stage will connect with
the 8:15 A. M. and 4 P. M. from New York."
A committee was appointed by the Citizen's Land
Improvement Association, consisting of the Honorable
Howard Potter, J. C. Nobles, S. T. Champion and Thomas
H. ~nard, to wait on the New Jersey Central and Penn-
sylvania Railroad Companies, and ascertain if either com-
pany would build a spur from Middletown or from any
point to Atlantic Highlands, providecl the right-of-way
was secured to them. The committee, after several visits
to the officers of the above-named companies, failed to
receive any assurance that they would build the road.
Meeting after meeting was held by the citizens;
such men as B. W. Gillett, Frank Gillett, William Andrews,
Reverend W. V. Wilson, R. S. Snyder and Michael Munay,
with the committee, took an active part in the work.
A survey was made through to Middletown, at a
point of the New York and Long Branch Railroad, called
Van .Dom's flag-station; also, to Matawan, via Keyport,
and one to intercept the Port Monmouth spur from Red
Bank, by the duferent committees. It may be said, the
Central Railroad held out inducements that promised suc-
cess, the committee having energetically pressed the mat-
ter all winter.
The Freehold and Keyport Railroad Company inform-
ed the committee that they must have, besides the right of
way, some money to build the road. Thirty-one thousand
dollars was offered, in cash and its equivalent, but Presi-
230 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

dent Lowery, by committee: Reverend W. V. Wilson,


Thomas H. Leonard and S. T. Champion, declined the
amount, saying it was not sufficient.
Anthony Reckless, Henry S. Little, ticket-agent Bald-
win,. and others of the Central Railroad Company were
invited by the citizens to Atlantic Highlands, in hopes that
they would more readily see the importance of building
the road. It was, however, all to no purpose; they finally
stated that as the road was in the hands of a receiver they
could not build, but urged the citizens to build the road
and own it themselves, and they would furnish the rolling
stock.
A portion of the right-of-way to Matawan was then,
after much difficulty, secured, and great promises were
held out by the Keyport people to aid in raising the neces-
sary fund. When the time came to meet the demands,
they furnished but little means toward the project, and
also asked a big price for their land, thus causing the com-
mittee to abandon the project.
The following is a copy of an editorial from the "Her-
ald," April 12, 1883.
THE NEW RAILROAD ROUTE
"After six months of zealous eff'ort on the part of leaders in the
ereat railroad project, we are forced to acknowledge that their efforts
proved futile, and the proposed route was abandoned. The announce-
ment will, no doubt. strike many readers with surprise, especially when
we .have repeatedly assured them that the proposed railway, via Key•
port and Matawan, was a certainty.
We even went so far as to announce when the work was to com•
mence, but we are now compelled to confea, and we fully do so,
that we were mesmerized into that idea by the frequent aeurance we
bad from the ,entlemen who were to build the same.
For the second time in the history of the Adantic Highlands, we
have been foiled in our eff'orta to secure a railroad. Winter before
last. we were soft-soaped out of the project by certain railroad kings;
and this winter we have been swamped in almost a similar manner:
and all because our people would not submit to what they considered
a base extortioi:a.
For the past m months we have been "building c:utles in ~e
air." Mr. Lowery would plan. our folks build-then Lowery would
duh them to the earth; his demands were conceded at every turn,
until at last they reached such an enormity that it broke the camel's
back. It was nothing but bleed and bleed the Atlantic Highlands,
'W'bile lll&JIY laid back and laughed with joy at the success of Lowe]')"•
pincling procea.
Notwith:ltancling his rc;,,cated demanda, and lifter bonding nearly
ever, man in the P1ace for an unlimited amount. he mapped the cogs
of his grinding mill; he wanted nearly all the grounds of the Atlantic
Highlands Aasociation for a depot, and five thousand dollars znore.
No 111cb demand was made io:n the Xeyporters, who were to be bene-
ated fDll:v as much as this ce. Nol no! They were to be allowed
to rest with their paltry our thouaand dollara.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 231

Last Monday decided the fact that our people were not the dupes
they would have them to be; yet we must confess we were ll11l'P1iled
at their comenting to do what they did from the outset.
We would fain do injustice, but we must speak out opeul:v in
this matter, as we have had the wool drawn over our own eyes. We
confidently believed that the road was to be a success, and every
member of the Citizens' Association believed so, until the ,:rinding
Jlll)Ceu was put in operation. Au revoir. . .
, But we are not to be foiled in our elrorta. We are to have a
:railroad. Lowery and Company to the contrar:v notwithstanding. A
new movement wu immediately set on foot. after the meeting of Jut
HoDday. · · · ·
A railroad company, eomposd ·of our own citizens, was organized,
under the title of the New York and Atlantic Railroad Company.
Twenty thousand dollars worth of stock was at once 1111bscn"bed.
committees were appointed, and we are happy to state that road will
be built. ra_nnbig from the Atlantic Highlands. connecting with the
Lo~ Branch Division of the New Jersey Central, at or near .Hulet
Station.
The co~y will not be able to build the road to Hazlet this
season, but will connect with the Central and New Jersey Southern
Bailroada (Port Monmouth Branch), near Hoppin,: Station, and run
directly into Red Bank.
This wu bnt the work of a day. The right-of-way to Hopping
was seemed. and who now will say we are not to have a railroad
and an outlet to the great metropolis! Our people have at last done
that which should bave been decided at the outset of the railroad
project-build ar.d own the road themselves.
If it now proves a failure, it will be the fault of our people,
and not the great railroad monopolists. We can assure our readers
of one thin,:, that this railroad will be owned and controlled entirely
by the citize1111 of Atlantic Highlands, and will be run in the interest
of this place.
We would further add. that the bridge over the Shrewsbury ia
to be rebuilt. and put in perfect order. It ia to be made as strong
and substantial as any on the Pe11D9Ylvania and Central line. The
road ia to be re-laid, and it will be in complete running order by
the 4th of JU'ly.
The citize1111 of Red Bank are enth11-oiastic over the change. The
merchants and many of the leading citizens signify their willingness
to aid the new project. Already money has been subscribed to the
!und, without solicitation. Thia goes to show that the Red Bankers
are alive to their own interest, knowing that the trade from this place
will compensate them for any outlay they may make.
The Citizens' Land Improvement Association met at Foster's
Hotel every other Monday evening, regularly, and was well attended
by its members, as the question of communication with the outer world
became more and more necessary. Both water and land transit wu
&ettin,: absolutely necessary.
The commi~ appointed by the Citizens' Association had bun
baffled and disappointed at every step. On February 9, 1883, a
vbery large number usembled at Foster's Hotel, in the evening, to
ear the further report of the special committee on railroads and
steamboats.
President J. C. Nobles presided. and Captain .James H. Leon-
ard acted in his usual capacity as aecretsry. Quite a number of
•trancers were present. who seemed deeply interested in the
232 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

meetinc. After cODliderable talk of a ,eneral nature. the commiUee


on :railroada aDd ript-of-way wue imtracted to proceed at once, and
NCUn the llfpatmea of aD the land-ownen alons the line. to Nll
or sift. aa per Terbal acnemat, aud to nport on next llonda7 nen-
iJle.
2. A. Leonard, on behalf of the steamboat committee. reported
that they had waited OD the Central Bailroad Qompany, aDd t:bat thq
Jaad Qreed to pat on a ateamer, to ran tbne dhect road trips a day,
from N- Yori: to thfa place. u follows:- 1-ve New York ,:ao and
9:16 A. II. and 4:00 P. )(. Leave bere at 7:16 A. K.. 2:00 aDd 7:00
P. II. Tbe St. Johna will also make one trip to the AtlaJd:i,, Bipl•ndis
by _,. of SaDdy Hook, u follows:- 1-ve New York at 8:45, arrive
here at 5:80, leave here at 5:85 for N- York, by way of Sandy Hoot;
which will siv• a fov road trips from New York dally. The whole
matter _. nferrecl to the ateamboat committee, with power to dON
witb the company aa in their j11dplent they deemed proper.
'1'lle Ci1:isma' Jleetlns -■ ,rell attended lat Monday ffflllinc,
February 15, 1883, in the Aaociation Bailclinc, Pnsident J. C. Nobl•
in die chair. The attendance wu quite larp. The committee on
riaht-of-way reported that all the usipmenta of land had been ■lcnecl.
wfth the exceptfon of two or t:bree.
llr. Lali:e reported. on behalf of the commtttee on ateamboats,
that the arrangement■ bad all been perfected with the Central Rail-
road Company, and that llr. Baldwin desired the papers Biped.
The qneation ,na aated "What ateamen wo'llld ran direct?"
llr. Lali:e said that the "Chancellor" aud "XDl Von X'llll" were named
in the contract. Tim gave 1211 a steamboat aervice. not the best. but
such, gave us much satisfaction and comfort, and it answered for
the present year, 1883, co~ u it did with no expenae to a, which
was an unusual circumstance.' ·
FROM 1NDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 233

CHAPTER XXXIX
HISTORY OF THE FIRST FIRE
rAXEN FROJI TBE "ATLA?."TIC mGBLANDS HERALD,"
February 16, 1883

"The morning of the ninth of February will be indeli-


bly impressed upon the mind of every citizen of At-
lantic Highlands. On that occasion, in the history of thia
new place, came the first visit of the "Fire Fiend." By
kind Providence, the moat important section of our new
town was saved from total destruction.
"Foster's Hotel, within the walls of which so much
has been done for the advancement and progress o!
Atlantic Highlands, had ceased to exist-to be remem-
bered onl)'I as one of the cherished spots, that will be
historical In the short space of thirty-five minutes it was
laid in ashes, not a vestige of what was once the famous
resort left.
"Here the social evening reunions were held, the little
children were daily instructed in the educational branches,
Christian people assembled to worship God, the citizens
congregated to lay their plans for greater facilities in
reaching this.place by railroad and steamboat, the firemen
formed their new organization, the young men of the Liter-
ary Society expounded the topics of the day here, many and
many a night the building resounded with the merry voices
of the fair ones. Concerts, social gatherings, fairs, and nu-
merous other reunions were held. Can it be wondered that
;t has been missed? Certainly not.
"It was Friday morning, the day of the fire, a slight
southwest breeze prevailed; the sun had just made ita
morning bow over Sandy Hook point; when, at the north-
erly section of the Hotel, smoke was discovered, issuing
from. the second story. Mr. F. Fortescue, who occupied
a room in that section of the building, had just descended
to ,!>reakfast, when Mr. Foster heard a cracking noise, and,
&'Olllg to the front, discovered flames issuing over the
parlor or reception-room.
. "As most of the occupants of the hotel were slumber-
mg, he instantly awoke them. In a few minutes, with llrlr.
Fortescue's help and others, they tried in vain to arrest
the progress of the flames.
234 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

"The alarm of fire rang out, and soon the members of


the Everett Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, a new
organization, just chartered under the state law, were
at their post, aided by the citizens in general. Every one
lent a helping hand to rescue the contents of the building.
"A new organ was rescued without a blemish. Most of
the linen and sitting-room furniture were rescued, but the
flames soon drove the firemen back, and all the most valu-
able portion of the contents of the building fell a prey to
the devouring elements.
"Dr. Van Mater, foreman of the Truck Company, with
his able assistants, Frank Fortescue and David Burdge, and
the members at their command, were untiring in their ef-
forts to keep back the flames; for some minutes they kept it
at bay, until they could demolish the Western Union Tele-
graph building. which stood between the hotel and the
lumber yard. Fortunately, at the time it happened, it
was high tide, and pails were brought into requisition from
every household, lines were formed, and water passed with
remarkable rapidity, which, we must say, kept the fire
back, while the men were getting the telegraph build-
ing out of the way.
"At iast the men were driven from the hotel, and
soon it was one mass of flames. Every effort was now
turned towards saving the extensive lumber yard of
Thomas H. and John J. Leonard, which covered an area of
over four hundred feet on First Avenue, and in which was
stored lumber to the value of twenty thousand dollars.
"Carpets were thrown over the lumber house, which
adjoined the hotel, and kept constantly wet. Two of our
citizens, Mr. Thomas Jennings and Mr. Charles Wilson,
placed themselves upon the peak of the roof, and, though
the heat blistered them, they stood manfully at their post,
wetting down the building as fast as water was passed to
them. A strong force under Assistant Foreman Fortescue
lined the inside and outside of the building and fought the
flames.
"At one time both ends of the building were ablaze,
but it could not get a solid foothold. Finally, when the
south side of the hotel fell in, all further danger was at
an end, and the lumber yard saved The wind carried the
flames over to the long pier and set fire to it in half-a-
dozen places, but through the efforts of Superintendent
· S. T. Champion and Jacob T. Stout and members of the
Truck Company, the flames were speedily extinguished.
FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAIL 285

"Had the dock been destroyed it would have attend-


ed a loss of over eighteen thousand dollars, as it was not
insured. In length it is seventeen hundred and fifty feet,
and has only been built about four years.
"The loss on the hotel and furniture is estimated at
i;ix thousand dollars, insured for four thousand five hun-
dred dollars, in the London and Liverpool, and one other
company. Dr. George D. Fay occupied an office in the
hotel, loss about fifty dollars, no insurance. Thomas Mar-
tin, Barber, had a barber shop in the hotel, loss about
twenty-five dollars, no insurance•. The telegraph building
was occupied by Samuel F. Patterson, operator; most of
his goods, together with his instruments, were saved. The
building was owned by Leonard Brothers; loss on the
same, two hundred fifty dollars, and on lumber, about
two hundred fifty dollars, insured for twelve thousand
dollars.
"We cannot close without mentioning the names of
Foreman Van Mater, Assistant Foremen Fortescue and
Burdge, Thomas Jennings, John Lowth, Charles Wilson,
John J. Leonard, T. T. Rogers, Thomas H. Leonard, Jacob
T. Stout, D. Lane Conover, S. T. Champion, C. P. Everett,
Dr. Fay, E. Powell, S. F. Patterson, Roberts Brothers. Mar-
tin Dowd, and several others whose names at present we
cannot recall, whose untiring efforts were, from the out-
break, particularly noticeable, and deserving of the thanks
of the people in general.
"The fortunate escape of the whole village, we are
convinced, was in a great measure· due to the favorable
state of the wind. Had it occurred on the following morn-
ing, not a building would have been left on First Avenue.
The fire, it seems, originated from a defect in the chimney,
leading up from the reception room, and had evidently
been smouldering all night, and when Mr. Fortescue open-
ed the doors, upon leaving his room, it admitted a strong
!iraft up the stairway, and, no doubt, fanned the sparks
mto flames.
"Many ladies took an active part in looking after the
household goods that were saved, and conveyed them to
the opposite side of the avenue, some of them setting quite
2
Hl! example to several timid men. Citizens of the Atlantic
1ghlands, will you not take warning by our first lesson?
We shall see.
. "Mr. Fortescue lost all his best clothing, valued at over
BiXty dollars. Miss Carrie Covert's School had to be dis-
continued for the present."
236 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

The following notes of appreciation appeared in the


local newspaper:
"Atlantic Highlands, Feb. 12, 1883.
To the Editor of the Atlantic Highlands Herald.
DearSir:-
Permit me through the columns of your Jour-
nal to express my warmest thanks to the citizens for their
kind assistance and many expressions of sympathy to me at
the late disaster, cagsing the total destruction of my house.
I would also return· my. thanks to my fellow members of
Everett Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, who were un-
tiring in their efforts to save my property; also to the many
citizens and friends who so kindly tendered me financial
aid. Their names will ever remain stamped in my
memory.
Respectfully,
Wm. M. Foster."
"Office of Leonard Brothers,
February 14, 1883.
To the Editor of the Herald.
We would take this our earliest opportunity to ex-
press our sincere thanks to the citizens of Atlantic High-
lands, Navesink and Leonardville, for their zealous efforts
put forth to save our property at the late fire at Foster's
Hotel
LEONARD BROTHERS."
P. Y. EVERETT'S DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRE.
"On the morning of February the 9th, at a little before
seven, the citizens were startled by the cry of fire. Foster's
Pavilion at the pier was found in one mass of flames, and
as it adjoined Leonard Brothers' Lumber Yard, it was
feared that all would be destroyed. It originated on the
north end of the building, in the room occupied by F. H.
Fortescue.
At the. time many of the occupants were in bed, in-
cluding Mr. Foster, the proprietor; John E. Foster, the
lawyer; Luella Foster and Mr. Foster's boys, Lewis and
Murray. The only one up was Miss Alida Smith, one of
the family, and at the time was preparing breakfast for the
boarders. It originated from a flue in the chimney whlch
had settled.
By the prompt efforts of Thomas Jennings, P. Y.
Everett, John Lowth and others, the lumber yard was
saved."
FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAil. 237

CHAPTER XL.
ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF A CENTEN~
ONE HUNDRED YEARS.
(To Hrs. Patience Ho . )
(Written by Honorable John ~ n )
rm sitting beneath the same old roof
That's iheltered me many a year.
Where. m m:r haPPJ' ehildhood da:,s.
Were those I loved most dear.
'Twas here happy volc:es were beard.
Lavpter and aoll&', !n da,a of yore,
Its echo lollf. hath paaed away,
I ahaU ne er hear them more.
I hear the aoand of other feet,
The voices of the crand and PY,
But, oh! the place seems desolate,
For all bave paued awa:,.
One hundred :,ean have come and gone.
And I am only left.
A little lo:acer a11d I'll be borne
To Heaven's sweetest rest.

The subject of this article celebrated the one-hun-


dredth anniversary of her birthday at the old homestead of
her son-in-law, Thomas Leonard, Esq., post-master at Leon-
ardville, yesterday. Mrs. Hopping was born on the 21st
of March, 1783, in this township, and resided within the
same her entire life. Her maiden name was Tilton, being
from the old Tilton family of this county. She married
Mr. Hopping at an early age, but he died full half-a-cen-
tury ago.
She has always enjoyed good health, and today bids
fair to live for some time to come. Between forty and fifty
of her relatives and friends called on her to pay their
r~spects, and in the evening a social family gathering was
e!1joyed, around a sumptuous repast prepared for the occa-
mon.
The old lady seemed to enjoy the occasion very
rnuch, re:n'arking however, that she could not see any-
!hing remarkable about her age, but "them boys," (speak-
ing of some of the gentlemen sixty and seventy years of
age, who were present), were entirely too fidgety, she
238 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAll,

said, they were grumbling all the time, and for such young
chaps, it was entirely out of place. We are happy to state
that those young gentlemen took it all in good spirit.
A most delightful time was had and all seemed to
enjoy the occasion, but none more than the esteemed lady
herself. May she live to celebrate another one-hundredth
birthday.
The following is a composition written by Mrs. Ed-
ward Byrne, assisted by Dr. H. A. Clark, and published in
the "Herald," March 8th and 15th, 1883.
I AM COMING.
Well! we bad to move, and rd hunted arvand
To find a place, pleasant and just out of town;
The house must be large. the rent must be small,
If tbe place wasn't plaant rd not have it at all
So I hUJ1ted and searched-got as mad aa could be,
'Till I happened to find a town by the sea;
I inquired, of course, if the air there was eood,
If the stores there were plenty-I wanteil good food.
They said the air was bracing and fine,
The groceries good, just suited to mind,
The people were charming-both pleasant and py,
And they'd make me feel comfortable if I chanced to stay.
Of churches, they'd plenty-if Methodist I take.
Their pastor rd like-they called Mr. Lake.
Their Sunday-School, too, although, like the rest,
They thought Mr. Champion made it the best.
Their Doctors, they iaid, would work with a will,
H b:17 any misfortune. I chani:e to be ilL
They'd two of th-Van Kater and Fay,
And which is the best--wh:r, no one could say.
Mr. Noble11, the agent, I'd like very well,
For his face was so pleasant, his manner sincere,
That I could not get cheated, I saw very clear.
They'd a lovely hotel-Grand View-near the beach.
But the prices are high--quite out of my reach.
They bad one that burnt down, near that very long pier,
The ruins they showed me were lying quite near;
Mr. Foster, the owner, will put up another,
So near the old one, it will look like its brother.
They've a paper in town-it will give me the news,
I bought one at once, for I could'nt refuse,
For the editor rn say-its the best in the town;
And really don't wonder his paper's renown.
So I think if my health I would be improving,
To the "Highlands" rd go, and .J soon shall be coming,
So ho~ no comments to this you'll be run~
rll WJDd up this letter by saying "rm Co~.
Constant Reader.
CATHOLIC CHURCH-1890.

c::-:..."" cu;n.
-

. i~t'
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~~~~
~ -
:..~,,~
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--~,
.
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FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 239

The "Constant Reader" has added another dispatch


to the "Herald."

I'VEHOVED.
Well. at Im I have moved and am willing to OWD
That when everylilmlg's settled it seem qmte like home;
That the carpets are down. I can JJrOff ~ u facts.
For I hammered m:r 1inaers as well u the tacb.
The pictmes I hung. ancf I made such a racket,
That a'mmt romed the neighbor,, u I pllt 'llJI the bracketa.
Now m:r work being done. I feel more at ease.
I can smote my cigar and do a I pleue.
With nothing to do, and plenty of leisllre,
rn just take a walk-tter work comes the pleasure.
I walked down the street-with mDd 'llJI to m:r e:,es-
To the Post Offlce I came--1 saw with surprise
That an auction there was of thmgs saved from the fire.
On Friday, the DiDth, Hr• .Foster was "crier."
Of ccnme I must go--ud at "bidding" Pd t:17.
There Jlllight be eome tbillp I wanted to bllJ'.
So. walimg and tbinkiu of people rd see.
I came to the "ruins" wliere the venue would be.
The flnt person I uw, as I lifted my eyes.
Wu O'lll' friend Hr. Collim, standinc right by.
I nodded to him. and a onward I pressed
I saw Honorable Jndge Hooper alone with the rest;
I wondered whatever the •Judge" wanted there.
He was sinde. I knew, and the neighbors declare
That alt:ho' he keeps houae. of c!aildreD he bu none,
But I think that he must have at least just one,
For what can a man who is c!aildless and Bingle,
And with his "relations" don't very much mingle,
Do you wonder it struck me as seeming quite droll,
That a man like the Judge should buy a big doll?
And another queer thing, right here I will mention;
To :young Hr. Dey rn call J'O'lll' attention.
We know he's not married, but Iver:, much fear
He has his e:,e on some maiden, and the wedding day's near.
For some crocker:, he bought, and some household thinp.
So the next thing to buy will, of course, be the ring.
But what strikes me most queer, In this town by the sea. ·
Is that so many men of renown here there be;
For there's Captains and Colonels and Judges, too,
Editors and Kinisters, but of "Noble" men two.
Well, my ideas are lofty-and here rn confaa.
1 can live In grand company-perhaps be their guest.
AnThad there's just one thing more--that I learned today,.
t mates me feel glad I came here to stay.
For rve a corn on my toe, and it bothers me so
When I go for a walk it makes me cry, oh!
240 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

But there's a man living near, that c:au eve it, I hear;
1'hia man's name is Clark, and his Price u not dear.
So the next walk I take will be to ma store,
And you never will hear me •>' "corn" all)' more.
But now I llball atop, lest tha Editor •>'
rm taldnc '11P too much apace, today.
And if be ~ fn the future, Pd beat not to write,
.He can AJ' fn his paper, on next Thu:nday night,
.Bia time rm ~ I ahall not feel alighted
1f be tella me to atop, for I write 'IIJlinvited.
.SO if in the future forget me you may,
I'll stand by the Herald-do what Everett uy.
FROM INDIAN TRAil, TO ELECTRIC RAil. 241

CHAPTERXLL
THE NEW FIRE APPARATUS
1883

Last Friday, February 6th, the membf:rs of Everett


Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, of this place, received
their new truck, built by Fred J. Miller, Esq., of No. 72
Maiden Lane, New York, the well-known builder, dealer in
fire apparatus and implements. A special committee, con-
sisting ·of Dr. John H. Van Mater, foreman; William M.
Foster, secretary; Jacob T. Stout, Thomas Skidmore and
P. Y. Everett, proceeded to New York and after accepting
the apparatus from the builders, they had it conveyed to
the steamer "Kill Von Kull," several New York firemen ac-
companying them to the boat.
On the passage down, it was inspected by many of
the passengers, while Captain Seely hoisted the colors of
the boat in honor of the occasion. As the steamer neared
the landing, a salute was fired from the beach, and the
members of the company congregated on the end of the
pier to escort the apparatus to its temporary location.
As soon as the truck was placed on the pier, the mem-
bers "manned the drag," and, headed by the foreman,
marched up Bay View Avenue to the Tabernacle, the Post
Office and other bl1ildings, being decorated with flags. At
the Tabernacle she was "housed," and will be there lo-
cated until the company's new home is finished.
The Southern Railroad Company very kindly passed
the truck over the route free of expense, for which the
officers and members of the company return their warmest
thanks.
The new truck, although not a very expensive one, is
built for service, n,>t for a plaything. It is similar in style
to the trucks used by the New York and Brooklyn Fire
Departments, but not so large.
The longest ladder (extension) is forty feet, and can
be raised by two members, while it carries a complete set
of ladders, from the "baby'' up to the extension. It is well
~upplied with hooks, axes, chains and shoving poles. It
JS compact, strong; the ladders are built with a view to
hold all the men that can crowd on them, including half-
a-dozen lines of host>.
242 FROM INDIAN TRAil.. TO ELECTRIC RAIL

The truck is painted a dark red, striped in black, the


tongde is steel mounted and elevated fifth wheel. The
ladders are painted a dark brown, tipped with black. and
on either side of the truck, in gilt letters. is the word "Ev-
erett." and beneath the same a figure "1." The workman-
ship is certainly very creditable to the builder, Mr. Fred
J. Miller. There is no baby business or gingerbread work
about the apparatus. It is built for service and the safety
of firemen who are called to use it.
Below we give a picture of Everett Truck, as she ap-
pears when in service at a fire, with the extension ladder
raised. It is mounted on springs and has four loose lad-
ders arranged to splice and make a ladder that can
be used to any length from 20 to 32 feet), hooks
I
ders. 22, 20, 18 and 15 feet long (the 18_ and 20 feet lad-

lanterns. axes, etc., its height being on,ly a tri1le '/. ·


heavier than the ordinary truck. ·
Above the loose ladders. carried on an axle
supported by standards at rear end of the truck,
is a 40-foot extension ladder, which is raised by
a wire rope operated by a crank and drum. To
~ the ladder to its full height requires about
thirty seconds, with the power of four men. If
necessity requires, it can be raised almost as
quicklY by three men, and under extreme cir-
cumstances two men can operate it.
The ladder is raised a
few feet from the front end
of the truck, by two crotch
poles, and then to a perpen-
dicular position by the long Everett&okandWd~r. No. 2
poles, where it is held in that position by one of tne long
poles, while the other pole is carried forward and placed
in position to support the ladder; the other long pole is
then brought around and put in a. similar position. The
extension ladder is then raised to any height required and
placed against the building, either by moving the truck
towards the building or by changing the position of the
long poles.
The long ladder can be raised without removing the
shorter ones from the truck, and before raising the exten-
sion ladder, the truck can be moved about in any direction,
· with the ladder upright. When the ladder is at its full
height, and resting against the building, it can be taken
from the truck by simply drawing two pins and !ifting it
from the axle; it will then become an ordinary t>xtension
Jadder.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 243

THE NEW RAILROAD ROUTE


If any of our readers are laboring under the impres-
sion that the merchants and business men of the Atlantic
Highlands are not alive to the interests of our beautiful
place, just let them look over the past eighteen months and
see how, amid embarrassments. opposition, misrepresent-
tations and disappointments, they have fought, shoulder
to shoulder, in the one great project, a railroad.
, We believe, with the numerous difficulties they have
encountered, any other body of men would have given up;
·but every drawback seems to have kindled anew the fire,
and when the Lowery scheme was scattered to the breeze,
renewed ambition seemed to viorate through every man,
and no sooner had the smoke from the Lowery battle lifted,
than we find these gentlemen depositing with the State
Treasurer the amount re.(luired for a railroad charter,
and the people of Red Bank coming up with reinforce-
ments. that will make the 4th of July, 1883, one long to be
remembered in the history of the Atlantic Highlands.
April 17, 1882, a meeting was held at. Senator John
S. Applegate's office, Red Bank, to organize the Atlantic
Highlands and New York Railroad Company. The amount
of the capital stock of the company was placed at one
hundred thousand dollars. divided into one thousand shares
of one hundred dollars each. The incorporato1s of the
company are John C. Nobles, James E. Lake, Somers T.
Champion and Thomas H. Leonard of Atlantic Highlands,
Richard A. Leonard of Leonardville and John S. Applegate
and Joseph A. Throckmorton of Red Bank.
Immediately after the organization of the company,
the gentlemen named above were elected as directors for
the ensuing year. At a subsequent meeting of the direct-
ors, John S. Applegate was elected president of the com-
pany, Thomas Leonard, treasurer, and Edward Bowne as
secretary.
The certificate of incorporation has been forwarded
to the Secretary of State, together with the amount of
mThoney required by statue to be deposited with that official.
e cost of building the new road is estimated at forty
thb ousand dollars, and it is expected to have it completed
Y the first of J,µly, and in time for summer travel.
Passengers traveling from New York to Atlantic Hi6 h-
iands will change cars at Red Bank, close connections will
Ffi hiade and it will take but little longer to reach A&-:itic
t gLo nds from New York than to go from the latter place
0 ng Branch. Besides the incorporators. all nf whom
have subscnoed liberally, stock has been ta.ken ty a num-
244 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

ber of the citizens of Red Bank, among them are S. T. Hen-


drickson, Isaac B. Edwards and Honorable Anthony Reck-
less. .
The contract of era~ and laying rails was award-
ed to S. B. Oviatt, who OD the 27th day of April, 1888,
placed a force of men to work at or near the residence of
J.B. l!rlilia. At six o'clock on the above mornine Reverend
John C. Nobles and othera proceeded to Kills Farm. and
l!rlr. Nobles turned the firat ahovel of dirt. followed by :Mr.
Thomas Leonard, then ·by Honorable S. B. Oviatt and :Mr.
David- Collins. l!rlr. Nobles made a brief address. ~
God's blessing-on the work; then fifty BUD-bUl'Dt Italians,
with picka and shovels, commenced the W1>rk. It prorress-
ed rapidly, and on the tenth of July the Central Railroad
sent on the rolling stock for carrying freight and passeng-
ers.
No men worked with so much zeal as did the com-
mittees. The philanthropists who stepped out into the
broad :fields of benevolence and freely gave their lands
and the right-of-way in opening up this beautiful section of
country have now the fervent thanks of their fellow citi-
zens for their noble and generous sacrifices. They have
thus facilitated travel in this section of Monmouth County,
which not only opens up this vast territory, which has so
long lain dormant, but enhanced the value of their own
lands. .
A passenger depot was erected midway between
Highland and Washington avenues, which was also open-
ed on the 11th of July, Samuel F. Patterson acting as
freight and passenger agent. He was also appointed tele-
graph operator.
The meetings in the construction of the railroad were
held at the office of the president, Senator Applegate, at
Red Bank, thus honoring our distinguished fellow members
at Red Bank, which gave us pleasure.
We were often put to great inconvenience snd dis-
comfort in cold and heat and all weathers, and late hoU1'8-
We never failed as committee and directors for the sever-
al years we had the business on our hands; also, beside the
above, we were, as directors, personally responsible for
twenty thousand dollars and interest of the debt, which
gav.e us a great amount of trouble.
The following were the building co:t!'mittees:-
~ t of way
Thomas Leonard J.C. Nobles
R. A. Leonard S. T. Champion
J. B. Leonard Thomas H. Leonard
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 246

Subsc:rlption Confer with C. l l l l


J.C. Nobles J. E. Lake
Thomas B. Leonard T. H. Leonard
s. A. ThrockmonoD J.C. Nobles
S. T. Champiou
Committee on Necotiatms Bondi Station lhlildiJlc
J.C. Noblee T. H. Leonard
J.S. Applep.te J. C. Nobles
T.B:. Leonard S. T. Champion
J.A. Throckmorton

(From "The Herald." July 5, 1883.)


OPENING OF TBE NEW RAILROAD
"Next Wednesday has been set apart for the great
event which is to shape the future destiny of Atlantic High-
lands. A railroad has at last been laid to our very door,
and ere another issue of the Herald shall have been thrown
to the breeze, the snorting of the iron horse will be heard
in every section of the place.
"It was to have been the intention of the New York
and Atlantic Highlands Railroad Company (fer that is
the charter title of the new organization) to open the road
on the 4th of July, but, as it would cause some inconven-
ience in the completion of the work if the trains were
started, a delay of one week was thought advisable.
"The committee of the Railroad Company, consisting
of Reverend J. C. Nobles, Thomas H. Leonard and Somers
T. Champion, aided by Superintendent Rufus Blodgett, of
the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, and Contractor
S. B. Oviatt, Esq., have been untirinrs in their efforts to
bring the road to completion. The opening of this new
enterprise, the work of a mere handful of enterprising
men, speaks volumes.
"A special train will convey the officers, stockholders
and friends, on next Wednesday, over the road; a good
!iJne will be had, the guests entertained, and the road thus
maugurated, with all the honors.
"On and after the 12th inst., trains will run to and
from Red Bank, making connections with trains on the
Long Branch Division, going north and south about as
follows:- Leave Atlantic Highlands, 7:30 and 11:00 A. M.,
2 :10 and 6 :54 P. llrl. Leave Red Bank 9 :26 A. M., 12 :40,
5:50 and 7:40 P. llrl.
. "Weeks of constant work, long and tedious rides, meet-
mgs upon meetings, restless and sleepless nights, have
brought about-what? A railroad to our very door. How
many property owners have sat quietly by their firesides,
"246 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

·each one anxious for a railroad, yet looking calmly on, and
secretly counting the ducats that a railroad would realize
to them, never stepping their feet across the way to aid
the project. .
"Some of these high-spirited men, whose lands it will
pass through, now demand five times the value of their
property for the right-of-way. No philanthropic spirit, no
generous or noble propensities, no feeling for their fE'llow-
men, but a selfish, personal, greedy and conniving disposi-
tion to grab at all they can get, regardless of the success
and advancement of the place in which they live.
"On the other hand. who are these people who have
battled dq. in and day out to accomplish this work?
Some may say they do it to benefit themselves. Admitting
that to be the case, to a certain extent, does it not do as
much for every land-owner along the line T Will it not be
a great blessing to every man, woman and child in this
locality, Navesink, and down even to Locust Point, to be
able to get out to other sections of the state in comfortable
cars, in place of long, tedious and cold drives of miles and
miles to Red Bank or Middletown? Who, then are these
men that we owe so much to for their determined will
and zealous perseverance? Let us see.
"First, we find a little nest of them consisting of John
C. Nobles, Thomas Leonard, Reverend James E. Lake,
Thomas H. Leonard and one or two others; soon we learn
that they are reinforced by such men as James H. Leonard,
J'ohn S. Applegate, Richard A. Leonard, S. T. Champion,
P. J. McClees, John J. Hopping, Joseph A. Throckmorton;
then the roll is increased by such staunch and influential
citizens as John J. Leonard, Wm. M. Foster, Jacob T. Stout,
D. Lane Conover, George Sherman, Joseph L Thompson,
Edward T. Burdge, Edward Bowne, Charles T. Leonard
and others that we cannot just call to mind.
"These men have given their time and money to
complete the railroad and make Atlantic Highlands equal
to other live and enterprising towns and cities. These
men have the generous thanks of all lovers of good govern-
ment. and if it lay in the power of some, we feel confident
that they would receive at the hands of a large number of
our good people, an ovation that would be as lasting as
the· oak, in the memory of each of those enterprising
gentlemen.
OUR NEW HOME
(Author Unlmown.)
Th- green old hiDa have long remained,
In lonely beauty, crand and fair,
FROM INDIAN TRAll, TO ELECTRIC RAIL 247

The trees have waved, the wild flowers bloomed,


To wute their aweetneu in the air.
No railwa;v train with palace car,
Or steamboat, to its shores would come.
To bring the traveler from afar,
To make this beauteous place his home.
But now, how marked the wondrous change,
The steamers swift, the rushing trains.
Bring thousands now to one of :rore,
To walk its splendid roads and lanes.
We soon shall see its wooded heights
All dotted o'er with cottage fair,
And children shall in safet;v pla;v
Where fo:ic and wild-cat had their lair.
No place beside has equal claim
To beauteous scenery, natural grace,
And future ;vean shall demonstrate
This spot to be no second place.
There's room for all to come and praise
The God of nature in its bowers,
And blend the notes of praise and pra;ver,
With song of birds, 'mid fragrant flowers,
248 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XLII.
OUR SUMMER RESORT
1883

We may now safely say that all our hotels and board-
ing houses are fully open for the season. The accommo-
dations far exceed those of last year, and nearly double
the number can find ample room.
The Grand View Hotel is filling up rapidly. Mr. Mc-
Intyre has every reason to believe that he will have his
grand hotel crowded by the first of the ensuing months.
We notice many important improvements. The sanitary
arrangements are complete, the waiters are polite and
attentative, and the rooms present a neat and cosy appear-
ance.
Bay View House, kept by Mrs. C. R. Martin, is one
of the best houses here. It is a picture of neatness. Those
who are fortunate enough to secure rooms at the Bay View
will find a comfortable and pleasant summer home.
The Lockwood House, on Bay View Avenue, com-
manding a delightful view of the ocean and bay, has just
been opened by Mrs. Mawson. The house is furnished
throughout by the worthy owner, G. W. Lockwood, of New
York. Mrs. Mawson has the reputation of knowing how
to make guests comfortable and enjoy the seaside. We
,can safely recommend those looking for a boarding house
to look at the "Lockwood."
Mrs. Annie Pope, one of the oldest boarding house
keepers in New York, whose wide-spread fame has al-
ready secured for her quite a reputation on the west side
of the city, has just completed and furnished a magnificent
cottage on the water front, at what is known as Highland
Place. It borders on the very brink of the heights, and
has an unobstructed view of the entire surrounding coun-
try. It is newly furnished, and the table is unexcelled.
Highland Cottage, on Eighth Avenue, located on the
highest point of land, which is known as "Leonard's Peak,"
is a most delightful spot. Everything is neat as wax--a
real home--and is conducted by the Downes sisters. It
would be well for those looking around for a good airy
place to call on them.
The Harris Cottage, the nearest one to the steamboat
landing, is opened this year by a lady from New Yo:k,
who has been the proprietress of a first-class boardmg
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 249

house on Fifth Avenue for years. This cottage has been


renovated, richly furnished, and is to be kept upon first-
class principles. It has a fine view on all sides and is handy
to the bathing grounds.
The Morris Cottage, on Center Avenue, kept by Mrs.
S. S. Morris, is one of the best houses we have in the place,
where board can be obtaUJ.ed for very reasonable terms.
If you want board and a pleasant retreat, visit the Morris
Cottage.
The Strausburg Cottage is a new and beautiful build-
ing, fronting on the bay, three stories in height, five piaz-
zas, and richly furnished. It will be kept by Miss M. Berst,
a lady of long experience, and whose table is unequaled.
The cottage is handy to the steamboat landing and
bathing grounds. Parties wanting good board would do
well to stop and look at the "Strausburg."
If any of our friends should like to enjoy farm life, in
the homestead, known as the "Roberts Mansion," on First
Avenue, can be found good old country board, fresh
vegetables from the farm every meal, pure ~ and home-
tnade butter. It is but five minutes walk from the steam-
lioat landing, almost directly opposite the new railroad
depot.
RESTAURANTS
This is to be a great feature this season. Mr. William
M. Foster has just completed, about May 30, his new Pav-
ilion and Restaurant, on Bay View Ave., where he can dine
o\·er one hundred at one sitting. Here can be found con-
stantly on hand steaks, chops, cutlets, oysters, clams, eels
and crabs--in fact everything one could wish for.
. A large parlor is attached, with ice cream saloon,
Piano, and ladies' private sitting room. Also, baseball,
cricket, croquet and quoit grounds are attached. Soda
water, confectionery and fruit are nlso sold. The Pavilion
stands on the very water front, adjoining the bathing
grobunds and boat houses; good flat and round bottom
oats are for rent day and evening.
On Bay View Avenue is another grand Pavilion and
I~e-Cream Saloon, to be opened in a few days by Miss
Tillie Thorne, formerly of Ocean Grove. The building is
most desirably -situated, and has many advantages that
others have not. It will also have a good restaurant at-
~ched. The view from the building is delightful; it stands
high, overlooking the front portion of the shore lands.
250 FROM INDIAN TRAD., TO ELECTRIC RAIL

On the 27th of February, Paul Alexander opened the


first jewelry store, and on the 80th, Lewis R. Dey and son,
architects and builders. commenced business at their resi-
dence on Sixth Avenue. They erected but one building,
the "Windsor Hotel," (now the Brandon), and the follow-
ing spring went south.
During the month of May, the 16th, Burdge Brothers
opened a grocery store at the comer of Bay Avenue and
Avenue A, (now Burdunn's residence). At the same time,
Captain J. H. Leonard opened his new hall on First Ave-
nue and Bay.
Benjamin B. Doorance (now deceased) a young law-
yer from Freehold, was the first counsellor-at-law, and
established himseJf in the building.
On the 12th of May, the Reverend Thomas T. Everett
disposed of his interest in the "Atlantic Highlands Her-
ald," and it was thereafter published by Peter Y. Everett.
On the 23rd of June, the Atlantic Highlands Associa-
tion removed their office to the Grand View Hotel.
Following is a list of notices, as published in the Atlan-
tic Highlands Herald, March 22, 1883, showing the differ-
ent organizations at this time.
"First ::M. E. Church of Atlantic ~hlands, Reverend
J.E. Lake Pastor. Services every Sunday, at 10:30 A. M.
and 7 :30 P. ::M. Sabbath School at 2 :00 r •. S. T. Cham-
pion Superintendent. Pray~ :Meeting · ..ry Thursday.
Class Meeting every Tuesday.
"Everett Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, J. H. Van
Mater, Foreman, regular meeting, first Tuesday evening
of each month. ;
"Atlantic Highlands :Musical Association, P. Y. Ever-
ett. President. Professor N. C. Valentine, Leader. Meet-
ing every Wednesday evening.
"Citizens' Land and Improvement Association. J. C.
Nobles, President, Captain James H. Leonard, Secretary.
Meetings every other Monday evening.
"Young Men's Literary Society. John E. Foster, Pres-
ident. Meeting every Friday evening."
DIPROVEJIENTS IN BUILDING
(As recorded in the same newspaper.)
"As Spring is fast creeping along, the attention of
the lot owners and lot hunters is turning toward the ocean
front. Builde., are starting in with considerable activity
already, at all the seaside resorts along the New Jersey
coast, but in none more so than this.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 251

"We hear the sound of the hammer at every turn;


plans and specificatiJns are going the rounds. bids are be-
ing received for new buildings. and our friend. Nimrod
Woodward, who forms the solid basis for all the improve-
ments, is to be found with his trowel, first in one deep
excavation; and then in another.
"Starting out from the steamboat pier. we find an
extensive hotel about being erected on the site of the late
Foster Hotel recently destroyed by fire. The building is to
be fifty feet front. ninety feet deep, three stories in height
and a grand promenade stoop thirty feet in width on the
water front.
"The lower floor will contain thre,~ stores. refresh-
ment rooms. two parlors. a large dining room. private
rooms for family; and twenty-one sleeping rooms upstairs.
It is to be erected upon the most improved plan. We shall
notice this house more fully hereafter.
"A little farther up the avenue. on the west side.
Captain James H. Leonard is finishing three large build-
ings. The corner building is 30 x 50 feet, three stories.
and built by C. H. Root. of Port Monmouth. The building
adjoining is 32 x 60, two stories and built by C. P. Van Pelt.
Directly back is another building. 20 x 30 feet. built by
Mr. Van Pelt; all for Captain Leonard. covering about
four lots.
"The Captain has just started in the hay, oats, feed
and flour business. He will act as special agent for Mape•s
fertilizer and guano. so that urmers, and all. in fact, will
find this an establishment of great benefit, as it has been
long needed in this vicinity.
"On the east side of the avenue, adjoining Dr. Van
Mater's residence, Mr. A. J. Williams is putting up two
stores, with dwellings attached, which will add greatly to
the beauty of the street. Mr. Samuel Tallman, tinner. will
occupy one of the stores. \
"About three or four hundred feet to the south of
the buildings. on the same avenues, is the new Methodist
Church, a description of which appears in our last issue.
. "On Sixth Avenue. a fine large cottage has just been
finished for Mrs. Allen and Miss Leonard. On Highland
Place, Mr. Robert Emery is about finishing a four-story
boarding house for a Mrs. Pope of New York.
"On Bay View Avenue, at the junction of Sixth and
Se.-enth Avenues, Messrs. Dey and Son are putting up a
three-story frame building for a grand ice-cream and re-
freshn;ient saloon. It is owned by J. C. Nobles and will be
ready for occupancy by the first of May.
252 FROM INDIAN TRAll, TO ELECTRIC RAIL

"Thia is about all the improvements that are going on


east of First Avenue. Several are under contemplation
among them two stores on Bay View Avenue, and a row of
brick buildings on First Avenue.
"Next week we will give a description of the building
upon the west side, on the Hubbard and Bowne's property,
Hillside, Glenoble and Brevent Parks. Bay View Heights,
and J. Edgar Bowne's property."
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAll, 25&

CHAPTERXLIII.
OPENING OF THE NEW RAILROAD
A GALA DAY
1883
Wednesday, July the eleventh, (eighteen hundred and
eighty-three, adds another link in the history of Atlan-
tic Highlands. The day was one looked forward to with
great anxiety and with considerable pride, by the corporal
guard who have engineered the important work.
We have watched the labors of those gentlemen who
have been so zealous in the advancement of this work.
especially in regard to proper communication by steam-
boat and railroad. That their efforts have been crowned
with success no one can deny, for today two of the finest
steamers which fi.:;at on the waters of the great Bay of
New York leave our pier daily, and four trains of cars
arrive and depart from the very heart of the town.
Along in October, 1882, J. C. Nobles, Judge Hend-
rickson, William Conover and John S. Hubbard's proper-
ty, formerly James H. Leonard's farm lying west of Many
Mind Creek, was divided into 185 lots. all of which have
been sold, and ten additional acres added to the property.
· Shortly after the Hubbard property was opened, Mr.
J. Edgar Bowne, who owned a most beautiful tract of land
on the slope of the hillside, east of First Avenue, placed his.
property in the market. Lots were very readily disposed
of, and now a number of fine dwellings can be seen on the.
principal avenues.
The Joseph Bowne Estate, to the west of the Hubbard'
property, was the next to give way to the advancement of
the place. It comprised about twenty acres. One hundred
and eleven lots were laid out, upon which has already been
erected a fine Baptist Church, and three of the most costly
cottages that have been erected in this vicinity.
Then followed Glenoble Park (later the Benson
estate), a most picturesque plot of ground, fronting on the
Bay, containing about eighty choice building lots.
The improvements of Glenoble Park brought into,
market Brevent Park, containing over two hundred lots, the,
most delightful and healthful tract of land that fronts the:
Bthay. Nearly a dozen houses have been erected and, d ~
e Past two months, nearly twenty thousand dollam worth
of lots have been sold.
254 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

About the same time Brevent Park was cut up into


1ots. the Messrs. Gillett of Jersey :City laid out what is now
known as the Bay View Heights. located on the ridge of
mountains running along the southerly end of J. Edgar
Bowne•s property, and Hillside Park. Several fine avenues
have been opened; the lots are. in size, the best for gentle-
men desiring good large country sites.
Last fall. Hillside Park. of about two hundred lots,
was run into the market by Mr. J. C. Nobles, and a large
number of lots disposed of. Already, building has com-
menced there.
Thus it will be seen that nearly three hundred thous-
and dollars bas been expended in building, opening streets,
avenues. etc. Within four years, one hundred fifty thous-
and dollars has been expended in building alone.
Steamboat accommodations were for a long time a
source of great anxiety. Then we failed in the anticipated
facilities which a small steamer could afford.
This year. all those discouragements have been re-
moved through the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad
Company now the owner of the New Jersey Central, and
New Jersey Southern, so that we are enjoying the comforts
of fine boats. and only one hour and twenty minutes to and
from the city.
The Central Railroad Company kept their boats run-
ning all winter, through the kindess of President Little,
Superintendent Blodgett and General Ticket Agent H. P.
Baldwin. We would express publicly the true feeling of
our people to these gentlemen, for the kind expression of
friendship evinced at all times toward the advancement of
the Atlantic Highlands.
ITS SURROUNDINGS
The new road opens up a section of· country lying
along the old Raritan Bay, and west of the Highlands of
Navesink, which has for years been isolated, as it were,
from any railroad. and until the, past three or four years,
communications were had only by sloops and one small
steamer.
The new road passed through a most picturesque
country. abounding in fruit. The route, after crossing the
Shrewsbury River at Red Bank. runs due north to what is
known as Hopping, about one mile south of Port Mon-
mouth; there it turns, and takes an easterly course along
the Bay. to the northern portion of the Highlands, now
known as the Atlantic Highlands.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 255

It is not inteded that the road shall terminate at


this point, but continue down the west side of the Highlands
::long Claypit Creek. and re-cross the Shrewsbury River
near the Neptune Club House, and intercept the New Jer-
sey Southern, at the northerly end of Sea Bright.
By this means, the track north of the Highlands on
the New Jersey Southern-which costs a large amount
every winter to keep in order, owing to the severe storms-
will undoubtedly be abandoned, and the terminus of steam-
boat route to the Hook removed to Atlantic Highlands.
This new road will also afford quick communication
with New York for the Red Bank people, thus avoiding the
present tide boats. which run so irregularly between New
York and Red Bank.
LAYING THE RAILS
On the 28th of June. just two months from the very
day the grading was started, Superintendent S. B. Oviatt
commenced laying the ties and rails.
The work was opened at the interception of the Port
Monmouth branch, at Hopping Station, and on the second
of July the workmen crossed Lighthouse Lane and entered
Leonardville.
On the tenth of July, they had completed the road to
the new depot, the whole time occupied on the work cover-
ing twelve days. This speaks well for the contractor, Mr.
Oviatt, and equals the laying of the great Pacific Railroad.
If this does not fully demonstrate that Mr. Oviatt knows
how to carry out a contract with efficiency, we are lost to
conceive what efficiency is.
THE NEW DEPOT
The new station is located near First avenue, leading
up_ from the steamboat pier, near the new M. E. Church.
It 1~ a very tasty, one story building, with a cupofa. the
mam floor being divided into two apartments or sitting
rooms, for ladies and gentlemen, with ticket office in the
centre.
This building wm be under the supervision of Mr.
Sa~uel F. Patterson, ticket agent, assisted by Jacob .Mount,
freight and baggage master. ,
The building was erected by Thomas Skidmore, the
oldest carpenter and builder at Atlantic Highlands.
THE LIVE MEN OF THE DAY
The following are the names of the pioneer stock-
holders of the new Railroad:
256 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil.,

Atlantic Highlands ~ o n J. C. Nobles and others


James B. Leonard J. S. Throckmorton
Honorable John S. A_pplepte Honorable Anthon,- Recldesa
Honorable Hen17 S. Little J. B. Edwards
John S. Hnbbard S. T. Champion
Judge Hendrickson John J. Hoppins
Reverend James E. Lake Peter J. KcClees
Robert Emer.r James Broadmeadow
Thomas Leonard Richard A. Leonard
Adlem and Cole Owen West
Thomas J. Roberts John Bentley
A. M. Dodge and Co.
8=:fl°~
S. B. Downes
Conover Roop
.John J. Leonard
William M. Foster Mn. E. Conover
N'unrod Woodward George B. Davia
T. T. Rodgers Stout and Conover
Thomas B. Leonard
In addition to taking the above stock, the following
have given the free right-of-way up to this time.
Atlantic Highlands ~ o n Charles T. Leonard
Edward T. Bu."lfge James :e:. Leonard
Ex-Sheritr Thompson George Sherman
Thomas Leonard
Several of the property owners on the line received
pay for their lands, amounting to three thousand eight
hundred and fifty dollars.
THE OPENING
At nine o'clock, a train decorated with American flags
came dashing into the depot. a large crowd having gathered
to see the first train enter our town. About forty ladies
and gentlemen, under the supervision of the committee--
Messrs. Nobles. Leonard and Champion-boarded the
train, and at half-past nine started for Red Bank.
An immense gathering was also found at that town
to see the inaugural train. About two hundred ladies and
gentlemen arrived on the trains from the north and south.
filling five spacious cars. which had been provided by
Superintendent Blodgett.
At precisely half-past-ten, Conductor Frank Ellis gave
the signal to return to Engineer William Miles, assisted by
Breakman Rube Thompson and Fireman Henry Rhodes.
Away da.<ihed the train, re-crossing the Shrewsbury and
reaching the depot here in eighteen minutes.
Carriages were in waiting, and all were driven through
the main thoroughfares to the Grand View Hotel, where
they were welcomed by the proprietor, William L. McIn-
tyre, Esq. At half-past twelve they sat down to a sump-
tuous dinner, prepared for the occasion, to which all did
ample justice.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 257

OUR GUESTS
Among those of note present were: President. H. S
Little of the Central, Rufus Blodgett, of the New Jersey
Southern, Honorable Sf. S. Applegate, Honorable S. B.
Oviatt, Honorable H. W. Murphy, Honorable J. A. Throck-
morton, Mayor Garritson, Perth Amboy; Dr. R.R. Conover,
Honorable J. J. Wheeler, W. H. Falconer, Esq., of New
York City; Reverend G. K. Allen, Reverend S.S. Baldwin.
Reverend W. M. White of Red Bank; Reverend Dr. San-
ford Hunt, of the Methodist Book Concern, Reverend Dr.
Fitzgerald, H. K. Knight, Esq., Advertising Agent for the
Methodist Book Concern; Reverend W. G. Wildie, Rever-
r;nd Dr. J:M. King; Pardon Ryan of Atlantic Co., N. J.;
Sheriff Thompson, Postmaster Ogden of Keyport; Major
Yard of the Freehold Democrat; Mr. Armstrong of the
Keyport Enterprise; J. C. Crane, Asbury Park Press; Mr.
Wilgus, Seabright Sentinal; James Steen, Eatontown Ad-
vertiser; Major B. L. Traford, Red Bank Democrat; Conrad
Pinches of the Red Bank Standard, and others.
SPEECH MA.KING
Mr. J. C. Nobles called the assemblage to order a
little after one, and in a very brief and appropriate speech,
introduced the President of the new road, the Honorable
J. S. Applegate.
Mr. Applegate said, "I congratulate you all on the
completion of the New York and Atlantic Highlands Rail-
road. It makes another epoch in the history of Monmouth
County. No one dreamed, six months ago, that it would
be in e_xistence today, or that we would bear the shriek of
the locomotive. If a Rip Van Winkle should wake up and
cast his eye along the coast, from Sandy Hook to Barna-
Jat, he would :iot recognize it; yet Monmouth County has
~een in the background; it has just begun to move, and
in ten years this place will undoubtedly see a population
~f twenty-five thousand. Its close proximity to New York
IS such, that will force it to become one of the greatest
retreats along the coast.
..Members of the Atlantic Highlands Associatior.;, and
ethers, have the push-the idea is due to them, they first
conceived it, and they carried it throuyh. If they can
build a railroad in two or three months, you need not des-
pair of their future success. Look at its head : with a
Lake; their Noble men-yes, by name and character-and
Champions to champion its merits, it can never fail.
"To the Central Railroad, let me add, we are undel"
deep obligations; they aided us in very way, and now
258 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

place the rolling stock on: the route, and they will run it
for us. But as I must be brief, we will proceed with hear-
ing from absent friends."
Mr. S. T. Champion, secretary of the Atlantic High-
lands Association, then read several letters of regret from
President Gowen, of the Philadelphia and Reading Rail-
road, T. T. Everett, private secretary to the Governor of
Pennsylvania, P. H. Wycoff, of the New Jersey Southern
Railroad and Honorable Mr. Grover H. Lu!burrow, ex-
member of the Legislature.
President Applegate then gave the first regular toast,
"The New York and Atlantic Highlands Railroad."
The Honorable H. S. Little, president of the Central
Railroad, responded. The speech, though brief, was well
received. He said that he believed there was no seaside
resort along the New Jersey coast that has the promise
the Atlantic Highlands has.
Superintendent Blodgett of the Southern Railroad was
next called upon. He said he had little faith in the suc-
cess of the Atlantic Highlands at its outset, but he was now
fully converted to the fact that it would ere long be the
leading town along the seashore.
The Reverend James E. Lake, president of the Atlan-
tic Highlands Association, being called upon, briefly wel-
comed the guests to Atlantic Highlands, and hoped all
would go away with feelings of sympathy and friendship
for the place that had thrown to the breeze the banner of
righteousness for their guide.
The Reverend William H. White, of Red Bank, re-
sponded to "Our Sister City," and was followed by Rever-
end S. S. Baldwin of Nyack. Speeches were also made by
the Honorable S. B. Oviatt, Reverend ;Dr. King, of New
York, Major Yard, of the Freehold "Democrat," Mr. J.
Steen, of the Eatontown "Advertiser," and stockholder
James Broadmeadow.
At four o'clock, the whole party returned to the train,
and left for New York, after a most delightful visit.
TIME TABLE
The following Time Table will go into effect next
Monday, at which lime the road will be opened for travel.
Leave Atlantic Highlands 7 :30 A. M., 3 :30, 4 :50,
6:54 P. M.
Leave Red Bank 9:35, 11:40 A. M., 5:55, 7:40 P. M.
This time will be changed as soon as the turn table
is built at ~ end of the road.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC.RAIL 259

CHAPTER XLIV.
THE GRE.'-T STORM-1883.

During the season of 1883, several meetings were


held in the Tabernacle and Amphitheatre, under the direc-
tion of the Association. The c:?mp meeting was held in
August, and, although there were over three thousand
visitors, it appeared to have lost interest with the public.
This was not caused by the want of activity of President
Lake, but a Iac"k of proper support by the Board of Direct-
ors, most of w'hom were seldom seen on the ground dur-
ing the meeting.
The American Institute of Philadelphia held a brief
session, and the Sunday schools of :Monmouth County held
one day's session. /
The ten days' camp meeting was poorly attended,
the tenting grounds less patronized, only half the tents
used. The anniversary of the Association was well attend-
ed, the Reverend James E. Lake, Reverend Dr. Baldwin,
Reverend J.E. Faclk, Reverend Dr. Hill, Reverend Robert
Emery and other clergy officiating. At the annual meet-
ing, J. :M. Reed and Henry C. Winsor were elected directors
in the place of Robert Emery and S. B. Downes.
(From the Herald, July 26, 1863.)
THE LATE STORM
(July 24, 1883. 3:45 P. M.)
"The Atlantic Highlands, while it has suffered severely by the
late cyclone, Phoenix-like, today, it rises :far above its former self.
Not a grumble has fallen from the lips of those who have suft'ered,
all seemed to take the will for the deed, and with true patriotic spirit
have set to work with renewed energy to repair the damage.
Our people seem to have a mrprisinc will when they set about
to _do a tbinc- A visit to our place yesterday morning would have
1&tisfied any one on this point, could they have seen the workmen buq
on the house tops, repairing the roofs and rearing chimneys.
The clay of the storm wu one of the most oppressive uper-
lenc~ here for yean. Evez:ybody seemed overcome with the beat.
Purinclig the morning, clouds kept hovering over the place, givinc
mabo cations of a storm, then clearing away again. It _was not until
ut half-put three o'clock in the afternoon that the storm seemed
to be at hand. Heavy clouds aeemed to be forcing their way to the
ocean.
Sui::1/• thick ana heavy clouds also rose to the westward, over
Coney and Sandy Hook point. Every one at once saw that a
1eVere storm WU approaching, but cyclones were never dreamt of.
At ten minutes before four a perfect hurricane came dashinlt over
the Place in both directions, and aa the two great atorms met over
260 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

the bay a more picturesque sight never presented itself in this locality.
A perfect whirlpool was formed, the water apparently rising to the
height of fully one hundred feet.
Both storms seemed to battle for supremacy, when suddenly the
eastern storm rounded in, as it were, with the other, and in less time
than pen can write, roofs, signs, chimneys, boards and everything
that was exposed was carried hundreds of feet in the air and driven
to the southeastward. The rain fell in torrents, the doors on almost
every building, were blown open, ~d windows were demolished.
The cyclone lasted just four minutes.
Bay View Avenue was a perfect river. At various points, it
bad the appearance of the Niagara rapids below the falls. Here and
there lay a roll of tin roofing. First Avenue was covered with the
d~bris from Captain Leonard's seed buildings. Trees lay in every
direction, uprooted; shutters, sign boards and ftag poles were found
half-a-mile back toward Navesink. The most remarkable feature was
the fact that no one w.ss killed.
Several had narrow escapes. A yonng man named Warner had
his shoulder broken and another had his head cut by being struck
With missiles blown off a building. Charles P. Everett, who worked in
the printing office, left the building when the storm set in, but went
back for his watch. Just as he reached the sidewallt the building
fell A young man named William H. Smith, a butcher, who worked
in the lower portion of the same building, also gained the middle of
the street just as it went down. Samuel F. Patterson, the telegraph
operator, was carried over fifty feet off his feet and blown behind
the Lockwood House. Dr. Milton Nobles was carried off the post office
stoop and dashed into the gutter on Bay View Avenue. He was slightly
injured.
Quite a number of people were in Foster's Pavilion when the roof
'Was lifted and the crash came. l\len, women and children jumped out
of the windows, which were about three feet from the ground, amid the
flying timbers, and only two were hurt. ·
A little boy was cut in the face, and a iady was injured on the
leg. A gentleman who jumped out of the window with his wife, lost
his bold of her hand as he fell to the ground, and when he arose she had
disappeared. Turning around, be saw her bein!I' carried through
the air, a distance of three hundred feet, towards Thome's ice cream
cottage. She was only slightly injured.
A horse belonging to Mr. Nathan Brown, fish monger, had his
wagon and harness tom completely away from him. The waiton was
partly demolished, but the horse escaped. The tin shop of Ed Powell's
disappeared as if by magic, while the new fish market of Mr. Curtis
Tallman went flying over the bay., scattering in its wake blue fish,
black fish, plaice and all sorts of watery tribes. A heavy gang-plank.
that took a dozen men to handle, was swept off the dock. Had any
of the omru"buses been on the pier at the time not one but would have
been swept overboard, horses as welL We feel confident in saying that
it would have been attended with heavy loss of life. A schooner from
Nyack, New York, loaded with clams, was struck off the pi<!r and sank
immediately. She was righted yesterday and bailed out, minus her
cargo.
Five houses were demolished, two lifted off t!:.eir foundations
and about fifteen unroofed and damaged.
The roof of the freight-house on the pier was carried away.
Mackey's new two-story frame building on First Avenue, occupied
in part as the office of the Herald, was demolished. PresSfos, stands.
type and everything in the place was destroyed. l\lr. Everett's loss
is about one thousand dollars. Mr. ?.lackey occupied the lower floor
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAll. 261

as a butcher ahop. His loss on stock, fixtures and building will reach
three thousand dollars.
Foster's Pavilion is a perfect wreck; loss, one thousand dollars.
The entire covering of the Pavilion and roof of the dining hall were
destroyed.
The building occupied by Ed. Powell, tin and sheet iron worker,
about fifty feet long, has not a vestige of it left. It is owued by
Mr. John M. Johnson. The loss is five hundred dollars.
The dwelling of Mr. William M:allor:r, on South Avenue, together
-with furniture and contents, was demoliahedi loss, fifteen hundred
dollars. Mr. Mallory was sick in his bed at me time. He had hard
work to drive his wife out of the building, but he got up and dressed
and they all escaped, but eveey thing they had was destroyed and
ruined.
The fish home of Curtis Tallman was swept into the bay; loss,
four hundred and fifty dollars.
The la:ge two-story frame building occupied as a feed store by
Captain James H. Leonard, was unroofed and the side walls twisted
all sorts of shapes. His loss on building and stock will reach three
thousand dollars.
The building (two stories) belonging to Harry 'White, on Centre
Avenue, and used as a billiard hall, was lifted off its foundation fully
ten feet; loss, three hundred dollars. Jacobson, tobacconL!t, resided
on the second floor; loss, one hundred dollars.
The Bay View House was 'lllll'Oofed and the clothes of all the
gnests who occupied the top floor were ruined. The loss is from fifteen
h1111dred dollars to two thousand dollars, on building and wardrobes.
The building is owned by Mrs. C. R. Martin.
The dwelling of Dr. John H. Van Mater wa.s badly dAmaged,
the gable end being carried away.
The Grand View Hotel was partly unroofed. About two hundred
&:1ests were in the building at the time, and the greatest consterna•
tion prevailed. One of the lady guests bad her wardrobe damaged
by water alone to the amount of one thousand dollars.
The Lockwood House was also unroofed. It was filled with
ladies at the time, several of whom fainted. One of them is under
the care of a physician. The damage will amount to about five hundred
dollars.
The Post Office and Association building was unroofed, and the
doors demolished. Letters were carried in every directicn, as were
also postage stamps, etc. Mr. Everett, the post master, lost every
stamp he bad.
The building known as the Roberts Flats, located on Bay View
~:_enue, was unroofed. It was occupied by Post Master Everett and
..u-. N. Husted, of East Orange. Their furniture was completely
ruined.
The residence of President James E. Lake was slightly damaged.
.., __ The roof of the cottage of Superintendent Champion was badly
=aged by the falling of a chimney.
The andirons in the drag store of J. M. Johnson were broken,
~~ the massive zinc mortar over the main entrance destroyed. The
._bland Cottage, occupied by the Misses Downes, was damaged by
water; the large plate glass of the windows of the Noble mansion was
destroyed; all the out-homes in the neirhborhood were upturned and
mandY demolished. The hotels and dwellings unroofed were in a most
ep1orable condition all day Tuesday.
:!\,bout 4 :00 A. M., a northeasterly storm set in, rain falling
heavily all day, tbws drenching t!ie houses, tents and canvas. Car-
pe~- and Cluiltls were brought into requisition, and placed over the
roo...a, thm affordill&' a slight protection to t!ie inmates of the buildinp.
262 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XLV.
1883
On the fifth of November, 1883, the children of Dis-
trict School No. 69, located at Leonardville, headed by
their principle, Miss Sarah R. Everett, marched in a body
to their new school house on Avenue C, between Highland
and Washington avenues.
During the early part of 1882, it was found that the
Navesink and Leonardville schools were entirely too far
for the children of Atlantic Highlands to attend. It was
therefore decided to erect a new school house nearby.
The trustees of No. 69 were R. A. Leonard, Edward T.
Burdge and John. B. Swan. On the 20th of March, 1883,
a meeting was held at the old school house, the Reverend
J. C. Nobles presiding, when a committee was appointed,
consisting of the above trustees with Thomas H. Leonard
and Thomas T. Rogers, to select a new site, and it was re-
solved to bond the town for five thousand dollars, to pur-
chase land and build the same. Four lots were purchased
on Avenue C, and on the 25th day of July, 1883, work was
commenced by Mr. G. Davis.
Since 1883, William T. Franklin served several years
as a trustee, the present trustees being R. A. Leonard, S.
T. Champion and J.M. Sharts.
The principles and teachers haYe been Miss Sarah R.
Everett, F. J. Oglee, B. F. Harding, Josie C. Leonard, Jen-
nie Foster and Lillian Whittingham.
OPENING THE NEW SCHOOL HOUSE
The opening of the new public school house, on Ave-
nue C and South Avenue, on the Hubbard property, at
2:00 P. M. last Thursday, was attended with great success.
At the appointed time, the Board of Education, with the
teacher, Miss Sarah R. Everett, and scholars, assembled in
the upper room of the school-house, and presently the
citizens and parents of the children began to drop in. Over
one hundred and fifty were present, besides the children.
At half-past-two, the school was called to order and
the exercises opened with singing "Scatter Seeds of Kind-
ness" by the school, aided by Miss Josie Leonard, organist.
The Reverend Mr. Lake then led in prayer, after which
the children sang again. Then followed some very inter-
esting recitations by the children, among whom were Miss
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 263

Florence Vanderbilt, Miss Lillian Whittingham, Miss Mabel


Swan, Miss Annie Valentine, Miss Francis Conover, ·Miss
Carrie Burdge, Miss Lizzie Leonard, Miss Sarah. Gaffey
and Master Freddie White.
Then Dr. Samuel Lockwood (now deceased)., County
School Superintendent from Freehold, was introduced to
the school The Doctor said it pleased him very much to
attend the opening of the new school. . He said he had
very-little to say, but what he did say would be devoted to
the children especially. His remarks were very interest.
ing and pleasing to the children and all present.
The Reverend Mr. Lavelle, of Navesink, was then call-
ed upon to make a few remarks. after which the Reverend
Mr. Lake spoke a few encouraging words to the children.
The exercises were then closed by the Reverend Mr. Doug-
lass, of Navesink, who pronounced the benediction, after
which the children ajourned to the playground and plant-
ed a shade tree on each side.
,During the fall of 1883, the subject of establishing a
Borough was considered, but there was considerable oppo-
sition and the project was finally abandoned.
(From the "Herald," September 13, 1883.)
A BOROUGH
The Atlantic Highlands and vicinity ba~ing spread so rapidly
over a larger territory than anyone conceived two years ago, numerom
land interests having spnuig up, all interested in the prosperity of
the place, and as it has become apparent to every intelligent citizen
that a united interest of the several land corporations and the citi-
zens would advance the value of property as well as to induce people
to come here and settle, is it not time to consider the importance of
having local self-government? .
We are getting to be quite a place. Over ten tho11S.lllld visited
the Atlantic Highlands during the past season. We want police: we
want lamps; and we want to begin to consider, before it is too late,
the very important questions of sewerage and water for fire purposes,
as well as for dwellings.
These things can better be secured under a borough governed
by a Board of Commissioners than by the present state of aff'airs. It
has been all a one-sided affair, ever since this place has been started.
The Atlantic Highlands Association, including the Leonardi! and others,
h;ave been forced to do everything. We must have police, water and
lights, and the sooner a move is made in this direction the better. It
~hoald be considered at once at a public meeting, in order that, if it
:isturthe ~h of the people, a bill may be presented in the next Legisla-
e to mcorporate the same."
. The "Herald," November 1, 1883, published the fol-
lowmg :-
The great borough question has resulted as we expected--gone
to that.long home from which no weary traveler returns. No, we
don't exactly believe that, but it has gone, at least, for a time. Why?
264 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAU.

Echo answers wh:,. Tbe timid ones were all out to the great meet-
inc last Monda:, Disht, and the venerable, brilliant and .deep..thinkinc
orator of Ba:, View F ~ upon the eood people the !act that we
were too :,oUDC, even to aeep. The sreat Champion of deeds 10 dar-
ing, dropped out like the emnguialmic of a lamp; and IO the bold arm:,
that had marched up the hill marched down the hill &pin, with ollly
two file cl011ers left to moum their loa.
Tbe borolJl?l question is therefore a dead letter. A certain few
CaD do all the 1111pro<rementll, but don't attempt to au: the pecple to
~- No, no, the:, m1111t not be taxed. So First Avenue will ban to be
finiahed-a few men will ha<re to filliab it; alread:,, a few will have
to pa:, for it, or it will remain u it ia, a diacrace to the place, the
people and every lot owner on the line of the annuL
As one property-owner on Bowne'• property remarked, "Let
the Leonarda fiDiab the ltreeta; the:, own more property and ban made
more mone:, than an:, one elae": and another uid, "Let the Atlantic
lfighlaDds .Auociation finish it; it ill to their interest 10 to do." Now,
wh:, lho'llld the Leonarda or the Aaociation do an:, more than an:,one
else, we would ask. Wh:, should not ever:, lot owner on the Bowne.
Hillside and Bay View lleipta properties be taxed to fiDiah First
Avenue from the blidse to the end of the Avenue? It ill in their
localit:,, between the Bownes' and Hillside Park, that the :-oad is a
disgrace and an outrage; and wh:, don't the people who live there
finish their part? They don't condescend to tlirow a load or two of
dirt in the ruts and washouts for their own accommodations.
A borough! No wonder; wb:,, we mult have been out of our
head. A borough, and the:, can't finish one street. Wh:,, if we ever
mistook our calling, we did when we condescended to speak our hon-
est opinion."

The borough question became a live question in the


minds of many at this early day. It was but four years
from the founding of the town, October 25, 1879, when the
survey of lots and avenues was commenced, that a govern-
ment of the people, for the people, would, or would not, be
for the best.
As seen in the foregoing, from the "Herald." a paper
published in the interest of the Atlantic Highlands Asso-
ciation, (the largest real estate interest), favored the or-
ganization of a regular municipal government, formed
under state laws and regulations.
The camp meeting efforts, which had never met their
expectations, was diminishing in interest, after three sea-
sons of heroic effort by its president, Reverend J. E. Lake,
and a few others. The Association camp meeting's destiny
could clearly be foreseen, at this time, by close observers
of circumstances and things.
· In the first place, the camp meeting had not the un-
divided support of its directors, as many of them had direct
or indirect interests in camp meetings in other places.
which was a fatal fact of itself. Also, the interest had not
the full sympathy of the resident population, which was
unfortunate. Finally, it had not the support from abroad,
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 266

as other camp meetings offered greater attractions. These


things. combined. made success an impossibility in spirit-
ual lines.
Financially, it was unfortunate that many of the stock-
holders came, in part , empty-handed, and voted dividends
in the face of heavy indebtedness. This could have but
one ending.
With theee facts to face, the officers favored a bor-
ough government, but the people preferred no government,
or only as is given to townships, at this time; and the mat-
ter was laid on the table, for the present.
ID December, 1883, the mails were conveyed to and
from the city of New York by rail for the first time.
During the B11mmer, the 2nd of June, Reverend James
E. Lake started a monthly paper entitled "The Atlantic
Highlands Register."
As a summary of the year, as relating to oar town,
we are reminded of the lines of shade and sunshine that
appear in town life, as in individual existence. The year
opened in expectancy of a railroad connection at Matawan,
without costly and heavy responsibilities; it ended with
a road built at our own expense, ending at a more circuit-
ous point, at a loss of forty thousand dollars, eventually,
not counting all the sacrifice beside. But on the other
hand, we have a railroad.
A fearful summer storm came near destroying the
town. Yet the year ends with a town of larger and grand-
er proportions. Among other improvements, we have a
large new school house and two new church buildings;
also, a line of steamers beyond any previous expectations.
and a railroad.
266 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RArL

CHAPTER XLVI.
BUILDINGS, ETC., ERECTED :UEtWEEl'of 1879 A.""ID 1890.

The following is a true record of date of commence-


ment of all building improvements erected since this lo-
cality (situated within the borough limits) known aswas
Bay View and Atlantic Highlands, the material being prin-
cipally furnished by Leonard Brothers-dates taken from
Leonard Brothers' books.
W-mter of '78 and '79- wharf built, foot of First Avenue.
June--line of fence, on blu1f, from First Avenue to Hr. Hooper's,
1200 feet.
July-two baths houses on blu1f.
July-two summer houses on blu1f.
Jul:,--a flag pole on Landing Hill, foot of First Avenue.
Jul:,--a roadway on blutf the entire length, First Avenue to Hooper
propertf.
July-parks at First Avenue end, and at or near Bath Avenue.
Winter of '79 and '80--extension of wharf, foot of First Avenue,
1000 feet.
February 11th-Leonard Brothers Lumber Yard, First Avenue.
February 27th,-T. H. Leonard, "Bay View House," Ba:, View Avenue.
March 17th--E. T. Burdge, cottage, Third Avenue.
April 27th-William :M. Foster, hotel, First Avenue.
June 15th-William :M. Foster, batbin~ pavilion, on beach.
September 3rd-J. J. Leonard, cottage, First Avenue.

1881
Ma:, 19 Nobles and Co. Offices First Ave.
Ma:, 30 M. T. Babington Hotel Bay View Ave.
July 8 A. H. Association Tabernacle Ba:, View Ave.
Jul:, 8 A. H. Association Amphitheatre Ba:, View Ave.
Jul:, 18 C. W. Van Pelt Hotel Ba:, View Ave.
July 18 Association Bath Houses Foot of Bath
Ave.
August 20 S. T. White Cottage Eighth AVP.
August 20 S. B. Downes Cottage Eighth Ave.
August 20 J. 0. Downes Co~e Eighth Ave
August 24 J. H. Van Mater Dwellm;r First Ave.
August 31 Williamson and Co. Grand View Ba:, View Ave.
Hotel
September 22 S. T. Champion Cottage Sixth Ave.
September 23 Robert Emery Cottage Fourth Ave.
September 27 Owen West Cottaa:e Third Ave.
November 12 Nathan Brown Fish House On Pier
November 28 Ed. B. Swan Cottag" Ba:, A7e.
December 19 Stout and Conover Stables Center Ave.
December 20 Curtis Tallman Cottai:,. Secon:1 Ave.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 267

1882
Januar1 18 Daniel Martia Cottage Center Ave.
Febraa?7 8 Thomas J. Roberta Flata Ba:, View Aft.
Febna&rJ' 16 Robert Roe Cottage Wuhington Ave.
Febru.uJ' 20 Thomas Jenniup Cottage Center Ave.
Februry 20 Leonard Brotberr Store First Ave.
Marcil 7 Everett and Lowth Stores Ba:, Ave.
:March 10 S. T. Blo~ood Stables Center Ave.
:March 13 B. F. Leipsner Cottage Sixth Ave.
:March 21 William T. Franklil1 Cottage Second Ave.
:March 23 Rogers and Frankin Stables First Ave.
March 31 James E. Late Cottage First Ave.
March !O George llacke:, Butcher Shop Sixth Ave.
April 3 J. H. Johnson Drug Store Third Ave
Ma:, 1 S. S. Horris Cottage Center Ave.
May 29 Robert Emery Dock extension
for A. H. Asso-
ciation, 300 feet
JUDe 21 C. H. Van Pelt Cottage llighland Ave.
Jul:, 12 L Johnson Cottage Center Ave.
August 18 Thomas Jenning,i Cottage Center Ave.
A11g118t 18 D. L. Conover Cottap. Center Ave.
Augo..-t 23 T. lL Woodward Saw Hill Ave. A.
October 24 Elias Atwater Cottage Center Ave.
October 30 William Stryker Cottage South Ave.
October 31 Hrs. A. E. Bennett Cottage South Ave.
November 6 H. H. Bent Cottage Ba:, Ave.
Noveniber 17 Hrs. A. Pope Cotta£~ mgh)and Place
November 28 H. E. Char.:b Church First Ave.
December 16 Hrs. E. H. Scott Cottage South Ave.
December 26 Baptist Church Church Ave. D. corner
of Highland Ave
1883
January 18 J. H. Leonard Feed Store-
house Ba:, A..-e.
January 31 J. H. Leonard Store and HallFirst Ave.
February 20 A. J. Williams Stores and
Dwellings Fint Ave.
March 23 P. H. Valle:iu Stores and
r,tf;i&.· Lofts Ba:, Ave.
April 2, J. C. Nobles W-mdsor Hotel Ba:, View Ave.
April 26 William H. Fosh,r Stores and
Dwellings Center Ave.
June 23 Central Railroad First Depot Washington Ave.
July 25 Borough New School-
House Ave. C.
August 7 J. E. Sayers Cottage Bay v;cw Ave.
August 13 Hilton Nobles Office First Ave.
September 19 G. W. Barrett Cottage South Ave.
Octoqer 17 J. C. Mitchell Cottage Fourth Avl!.
Oc:tob'?l' 10 Hagenbach cl: Morrell Baker:, First A-:e.
October 12 Thomas T. Rogers Cottage
and Store First Ave.
October 24 J. B. Swan Stores and
Dwellings First Ave.
November 2 P. Y. Everett Stores and
Dwellmge Bay View Ave.
December 15 J. Donohue Cottqe Wuhingtou Ave.
268 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

1884
Januaz:7 7 S. B. Downes Cottq,1 Bipland Ave.
January 23 E. J. Rayfield Cottage First Ave.
JanuarJ' 30 Rev. B. Gallaway Cottage Ba,- View Ave.
Karch 5 Rev. 1tL Bellis Cottage Bay View Ave.
Ka,- 21 Owen West Shop Second Ave.
September 16 A. V. S. Crate Cottage Washinston Ave.
October 21 L Wengers Brick Cottage Second Ave.
1885
Karch 28 S. B. Downes Cottage Hi:;bland Ave.
April 7 W.Franldin Cottage Foi:rth Ave.
April 18 S. T. Wbitc Cotta,;t> Sixth Ave.
Ja:ne 11 John De,- :Rebuilt Washington Ave.
Aupat 31 J. M. Read Cottage Prospect Ave.
September 2 W. F. Mount Cottage First Ave.
September 25 E. C. Cartia Cottage Ba:r View Ave.
October 29 Leonard and Lmgle Prin~ Ofllce First Ave.
November 27 S. B. Downea Cottage Highland Ave.
December 18 S. B. Downes Cottage Highland Ave.
December 28 N. H. Robert.a Stores and
Dwelling First Ave.
1886
FebruarJ" 20 Thmoaa Martin Stores and
Dwelling First Ave.
Karch 17 Leonard & Conover Store Home Ba:r Ave.
Karch 31 J. c. Kitchell Cottage Fourth Ave.
September 23J. H. Bichud Cottage Fifth Ave.
October 28 G. D. Fay Cottag,! Bay View Ave.
November 5 N. C. Valentine Cottag,i Washington Ave.
November 5 Elizabeth Leonard Cotta;~ Center Ave.
December 23 Dey & Rayfield Hotel First Ave.
1887
Febl"IIIIZ'J' 5 W. lrl. Foster Laundry Mount Ave.
FebruarJ" 7 E.. F. Lufburrow Store and
Dwelling First Ave.
FebruarJ" 17 W. T. Franklin Stables Mount Ave.
Karch 4 Owen West Cottage Third Ave.
Kay 16 E. Bordon Cottage Bay Ave.
Ka,- 16 Mn. E. C. Robertson Cottage Point Lookout
J1111e 28 A. C. Rowe Cottage Hooper Ave.
August 23 F. Roberts Cottage Second Ave.
September 13 S. B.- Downes Cottage Righl1111d Ave.
AUCUS: 30 W. E. Boyle Cottage Mount Ave.
September 26T. J. Roberts Cottage First Ave.
October 17 W. H. Posten Cottage Third Ave.
October 19 Peter Moore Cottage South Ave.
October 27 J. S. Bitterband Cottage Eighth Ave.
October 27 S. B. Downes Cottage Highland Ave.
November 7 L B. Edwards Cottage Fourth Ave.
November 17 E. T. Burdge Cottage Third Ave.
November 18 P. Falkenbnrgh Store and
Dwelling First Ave.
November 22 R. Johns Cotta.,-.e Ba,- Vlew Ave.
November 22J. C. Chadwick, D. D.Cottage Ba,- View Ave.
November 28 Louis Dibbs Cottage Sixth Ave.
December 3 William Graham Cottage Fourth Ave.
December 21 John Leonard Cottage WllShington Ave.
FROM INDIAN TRAil., TO ELECTRIC RAIL 269

1888
February 23 J.C. Stout Cott:igo! T'-..ird Ave.
February 23 J. Lllfbmrow Stores and
Dwelling Bay View Ave.
March 3 John E. Foster Stores First Ave.
April 12 J. B. Hammond Cottage Third Ave.
April 13 s. H. Frost Cottage Ba:y View Ave.
April 24 J.E. Ralph Hotel Center Ave.
May '1 S. F. Patterson Cottage Center Ave.
May 16 Jlllias Bash Cottage Grand Ave.
J'm1e 21 R. Richmond Cottage Highland Place
J'a1y '1 F. Linden Cottage Lincoln Ave.
J'aly l!3 S. T. Wbits Store and B'.all First .\ve.
August 14 Mrs. E. Hatfield Cottage Eighth Av&.
September 12John Gear:, Cottar- W~nAve.
October 2 Jacob Rhode Store and
Dwellmg First Ave.
October 4 J. C. Mitchell Cottage ~ c t Ave.
October 9 Joee/.h Downes Cottage d Ave.
October 18 S. • Powell Cottage Seventh Ave.
October 22 Mrs. L. Dibbs Cottage Seventh Ave.
October 29 A. llrL Jenny Cottage Center Ave.
NoTeJllber 6 J. B. Valleau Cottage m,,hland Ave.
Novellll:er 12 Wm. H. Pomn. Jr. Store and
Dwellings. First Ave.
DeceJDber S Peter Logan Cottage Second Ave.
Deceniber 18 V. M. Anderson Cottage Garfield Ave.
DeceJDber 29 George Stout Electric Bldg. Washington Ave.
Decelllber 28 J. E. Foater Cottage Ripland Ave.
1889
J'anury 9 John B. Sw.zi Cottap Second A,-e.
Karch 9 A. M. Jeuuy Cottage South Ave.
March 13 W. R. Tallman Cottage ' Third Ave.
March 26 A. M. Jenny Cottag'! South Ave.
Karch 26 llrL Mer!{old Cottage Center Ave.
March 26 Ed. P. Magee Cottage Highland J. ve.
April 8 John Soutliall Cottage South Ave.
April 29 Tholll&S Murray Cottage Second Ave.
llby 10 George llrlackey Cottage Highland Ave.
Jane 10 Seaman Cottage Hooper Ave.
June 19 J. L. Perrine Cottage Highland Ave.
Jaly 1 Geo. R. Stout Store and
Dwelling First Ave.
Jaly 9 W. W. Megromgle Cottage Rigbla~d Ave.
AUguSt 21 Robert Couch Cottage GartieH Ave.
September 20 Manie McDonald Cottage Rigbland Ave.
September 24 Goraan Patterson Cottage South l.ve.
September 9 Mrs. C. JIilian Cottage Fifth Ave.
September 27 James B'.alliday Cottage Third Ave
Octobel; 16 Mrs. A. Pope Cottage Righl<and Place
October 21 C. Slllith Cottage Ave. D.
Atlantic Highlands
October 26 National Bank First Ave.
NoveJDber 1 E. R. Cook Printing OfBce Mount Av1:
NoveJDber 16 L. Montanye Cottage . Sixth l.ve.
November 11 E. R. Champion Cottage Third Ave.
DeceJDber 17 T. J. Roberts Cottage Highland Ave.
DeceJDber 21 W. P. Irwin Store First .\ve.
270 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

1890
January 21 Charles A. Fort Cottage Waahmgton Ave.
Febl'IIU7 11 A. Bollkina Cottage Asbury Ave.
Februart 12 Wm. :S.. Hoore Cottage Bay Ave.
Febl'IIU7 19 Jolm Dowd Cottage South Ave.
Karch ' Huy E. Allen Store and
DweDiJ1c F!nt Ave.
Karch 5 Jennie Winter Cottage lligb]and Ave.
Karch 5 Vanderbilt Cottage lllo'IIJ1t Ave.
April 1 A. Woodin: ~ Ave. C.
April 1 S. T. Champion ---.... Ba:( View Ave.
April 17 J. C. Kitchell Cottage Prospect Ave.
April 23 lL Murra:, Cottace Center Ave.
Kay 20 Pavoni& Yacht Club Cottage Bay View Ave.
J'llne 2 Mrs. Ward Home Center Ave.
J'IIJ1e 18 C. E. Crowell Cottage lllo'IIJ1t Ave.
July 7 lL L Dolby Cottage lliglwmd Ave.
July 19 W. S. Baldwin Cottage Highland Ave.
Ausuat 6 O. H. Day Cottage Highland Ave.
September 2 C. F. Fox Cottage Point Lookout
September 3 J. C. Oliver ~ Garfield Ave.
Septeniber 9 S. B. Thorp =•......, Eighth Ave.
September 20B. Ritter Cottage Garfield •. ·:e.
Septem">er 20J. B. Hammond Cottage Third j, -·
Septem'IJer 23Ezra Champion ~ Bay Vi .. ,; Ave.
September 25 S. T. Champion
September 25 H. G. Babil:gton
=-"
Cottage
Third Ave.
Bay Ave.
October 1 lL llrlmray Cottage Center Ave.
October 4 E. P. Quigley Cottage Lincoln Ave.
October 6 A. C. Oliver Cottage Prospect Ave.
October 6 A. C. Oliver Cottage Prospect Ave.
October 18 Jolm Ditz Cottage Bay View Ave.
October 21 S. T. Champion Cottage Bay View Ave.
November 1 C. E. Crowell Three Cottages Lincoln & 7th.
November 3 J. E. Foster Cottage Lincoln Ave.
November 11 W. B. Montanye Cottage Seventh Ave.
November 18 J. B. Patterson Cottage Fourth Ave.
November 19 Wm. M. Roberts Cottage First Ave.
November 25 Mrs. M. White Cottage Washington Ave.
November 23 T. T. Rogers Cottage ~ d Ave.
December 2 E. T. Stead!Dall Co~ Third Ave.
December 5 Wm. E. Manni?!g Dwelllilg Highland Ave.
December 9 A. Martin Dwelling Center Ave.
December 10 Catholic C"•..:-ch South Ave.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL, ZD

CHAPTER XLVIl.
BUSINESS KEN'S RECOBD OF EVENTS

•cmnll7
DR. B. A. CI.All

Foster'■ Pa-rilion. Fust Aftlllleo opced •••••••••••••• Jae 1. 188•


Atlmtic Jljplanda As■oc:iation orpnisecl •••••••• February 11. 188L
The "Babmcton Bo-" struck by Jfptnmc•••••• Sept.ember 3, 188L
Bocen and Franklin opened liff1'7 ■tab!• •••••••••• Jlarch 30, 188Z..
The "Honmo-ath Hotel" chaqed to "Grand Vzew" • ·~ .April 18, 1882-
Dr. Van Kater opened ollce, First Anmae •••••••••••• April 18. 1882-
Steamer "Bredell", ~ptain C. IL Woodward, commenced Z'1UUIDIC"
between Atlantic Biglllanda and Sandy Book •••••••• .11&7 4, 1882-
William IL JlclDtyre opened "Grand Vif!W' Hotel"' •••••• J11ne 4, 1882
Dr. G.D. Fay opened ollce, First Anmae . ........... April 18. 1882.
Edward Byrne, agent for C. R. R., -enced •••••••• J-ane 6, 1882-
George lladce:,, butcher, co-enced •••••••••••.•••• June 16, 1882.
J. B. Bmted, from 0ranp. opened dry aoc,d■ ■toft •••••• Jllly 3, 1882.
Noblea and Collina f-ed copartnenhip •••••••••••. July 8. 1882
Johnson'■ Drag Store oj1811ed •••••••••••••••••••. Avpst 11. 1882-
John Shll■ter died at "Ba7 Vif!W' HOUN"; first ■-er readeut that
died •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• September 6, 1882-
First Methodist Clas■ Keetinc ,ru held at Albert Kann'• residence,
:Reverend Robert :Em.y, leader•••••••••••• September 15, 188!.
Steamer "Marion" ■old ('27,000.) •••••••••••••• October 26. 188!.
Sale crt lots at Hillside Pazk. - l l l l t to $9,.615.00 •• November 9, 1882-
School opened in Foster'■ PaYiJion.
Came Covert, teac1aer •••••••••••••••••••••• N-ber 13, 188Z.
Sons of Temperance oroziized•••••••••••••••••• Febraary 23.,188S
IL E. Church dedicated. J ' - E. Late, Pastor,
S tat Kari: '• 26, 21. 28 •••••••••••••••••••••• February 25, 188S
..,.~er "Chancellor" commenced l'IDIJliDr •••••••••• Jlarch 1, 188s.
.. I . Q I , ~ Church b ~ on Avenue 1) cledic:ated •• April 18, 188S
~~-- oae completed ••••••••••• , •••••••••••••• April 27, 188s.
-=•=d T. T. Everett retired from Atlantic Higbland■
.,!erald .••••.••••••••.••••••.••••••.••••••••• Kay 1, 18"-
~ Martin opened bl ■cbnrith and wheelwript ■hop •••• Kay 3, 1888-
.. Pool Boom opened, Henry White •••••••••••••••• Kay 9, 18"-
•e■ns. Burdce &othera opened G1'0cer7 Store Oil .
~ AftDae ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • Kay 10, lSIJI:
....__ Firemen's Concert ID Leonud Ball •••••••••••• Jlarch 15, 1883,
.. ~ sidewalk flaainc laid. b7 Captain J. B. IAonard.
First First Aveu11e •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Kay 24, 1883:
~Atlantic Jnchlanda Beemer," ReY. ~. E. I.te
J ~ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Jlarch 4, 1884.
Tl~ ...,.:.:::•~~ &ore ~ to Bay View Avm11e •••••• Jmie 11, lSU.

aev:••
7"" auvm opened in ~ prerioal7 oec1IPied by
!>nc Store. 011 'l2drd Affllue. ••••••• February 2. 188S- .
Tb fi1'lt J.E. I.Jre'a farewell Nnice •••••••••••••• Mardi 17, 1885-
~
Tbmn
"At!!,.~• Hotel bamed .................... Jlay 6, 188S:
B:ip)ancle ~ ••••••••••••• •Kay 9. 188&-
ometer 7 dCINI below sero •••••••••••••• FebnaJ' $, 1885
'272 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

J. Edgar Bowne died ••••••••••••••••.•.••••••••• April 17, 1887


:Reverend J. C. Noblt!!! died ••••••••••••••.••..••.•• April 18, 1887
Geo~ Jenkinson opened ice-cream saloon, OD
Third Avenue ••.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.. May 30, 1885
Portland Hotel opened •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Hay 11, 1887
Thomas Martin died
Captain Thomas M. Woo~ died
James Hegenbach died ••• , •••••••••••••••••••• August 21, 1886
E. F. Lufburrow's shoe store opened •••••••••••• September 15, 1887
Building Loan and Savin&' Fund Allsociation •••••• November 2, 1887
"Atlantic Highlands Independent" moved to
First Avenue ••••••••.••••••••••••••••••• November 27, 1888
1887
Record of Events
Organization of the Borough of Atlantic ~hlands.
First Mayor •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Thomas H. Leonard
First Assessor •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•• Jacob T. Stout
Board of Commissioners
Thomas H. Leonard W. B. Savidge
Edward Hoo~ George llrlackey
W. T. Franklin N. H. Roberts
D. Lane Conover
First Treasurer •••••••••••••••••• N. H. Roberts
First Secretary •.•••••••••••••••• W. T. Franklin
First Council to the Board •••••••• John E. Foster
First Death •••••••••••••••••••• Deborah Hooper, sister of Ed-
ward Hooper
First Marriage ••••••••..•••••••• Helen Nobles to Geo. H. Blye
First Birth •••...••••.•••••..••• Willie Koch
First Lumber Yard ••.•••••••••.• Leonard Brothers
First Hardware Store •.••••••••••• Leonard Brothers
First Real Estate ••.•...•••••..•• 1st-Thomas H. Leonard
2nd-Wm. M. Foster
3rd-Rosters & Emery
First Painter ••••••.••.••••••••• Edward 13. Swan
First Builder ••.•••.••••••••••••• Thomas Skidmore
First Mason •••••••••••••••..•• Nimrod Woodward
First Coal Yard ••.•••••••.•.••• Thomas H. Leonard
First Plumber .••••••••••••••••• Edward Powell
First Public Hall ••••••••••••••• Captain J. H. Leonard's baildillr
First Boots :md Shoes Store •••••• Herman Booth
First Feed and Hay Store •••••••• J. H. Leonard
First Factory (Paper Hache) •••• Harry Whitingham
First Stables ••••••••••••••.•••• Thomas H. Leonard
First Shoe Store •.•••••.••.••••• Percy Falkenbarg
First Laundry ••••.•••.••••••••• William llL Foster
First Bath Houses .••••••••••••• Thomas H. Leonard
First Boat-to-Let ••••••••••••••••• William llL Foster
First Hotel ••••••.••••••••••••• William M. Foster
First Boarding House •••••••••••• Mrs. C. lL Martin
Bay View Home
First Bakery ••••••••••••••••••• Hapnbergh and Morrell
First Newspaper Apnt •••••••••• W'llliam llL Foster
. ·. .
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAD.. 273

First Post Master ••••••.•••••••• P. Y. Everett


First Hot House •••••••••••••••• Latham and Bridle
First Justice of Peace •••••••••• William M. Foster
First Lawyer ••.••.•.••.••••••••• Benjamin B. Dorrance
First Undertaker Located .•••••••• Amzi Poston
First ExJJress •••••••••••••.•••• Franklin and Bartleson
First Fish Dealer •••••.••••••••• Curtis Tallman
First Fruit Store •••••••••••••••• Frank Barletto
First Blacksmith •••••••••••••••• Alex Martin
First Drygoods ••••••••••••••••• J. B. Hnstcd
First Drug Store •••••••.•••••••• J. M. Johnson
First Saw Hill •••••.•••••••••••• Captain Thomas M. Woodward
First Harness ••.••••••••••••••• R. Newman
First Brick House (Ocean) ••••••• L Wenger
First Frame Honse ••••••.•.••••• Edward T. Burdge
First Licensed Hotel (Cressen) .... J. E. Ralph
First Music Store ••••••••••••••• Peck and Curtis
First Jewelry Store ••••••••••••• Pan! Alexander
First Public Pleasure Yacht ••••••• Captain J. H. Skidmore
First Batcher •••••••••••••••••• George Mackey
First Barber ••••••••••••••••••• Thomas Martin
First Telegraph Operator •••••••• Arthur Havens
First Grocery Store •••.••••••••• N. H. Roberts & Co.
First School Teacher (Private) ••• Ella Roberts
First Charch ••••••••••••••••••• M. E. Chnrch
First Stage Roate ••••••••••••••• C. P. Everett
First Newsp:iper Publishers •.••••• Nobles and Everett
First Farnitare Store •••••••••••• V. H. Havens .
First Decorator •••••••.••..••••• C. Koch
First ll4illinery and Dress Maker •• Mrs. William Kelly
First Steamboat ••••.•.•••.••••• Thomas Collier
First Lot Bought •.....•.•..•••• William H. Posten, Sr.
First Doctors ••...•..•..••.•.••• John H. Van Mater, allopathic,
residence First Avenue
George D. Fay-, homeopathic. at
Foster's Pavilion, First Ave.
First Society- •••••.•...•...••••. Yoang Men's Literary socif>cy, at
Foster's Pavilion
F°ll'St. Manager of Telegraph
Service .•• ·- ••••••••.••••.•• T. H. Leonard
Second Manager of Telegraph and
..,
Express Agent •.•..••.••...••
. S. F. Patterson

YOUNG MEN WHO STARTED IN BUSINESS FOR THEMSELVES


IN THE BOROUGH
Thomas H. Leonard Lumber
John J. Leonard Lumber
John E. Foster Lawy-er
Thomaa J. Emery Architect
Dr. H. A. Clark Draggjst
Wm. M. Roberta Dey Goods
N. H. Roberta Dry Goods
Edward Powell Plumber
Dr. John H. Van Mater Physician
Dr. George D. Fay Physician
~H. A. Hendricbon Phni.
_,. Champion BllilTe!
274 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RA.I!.

Percy Falkenbmch Plumber and Stores


James llartm Barber
Fcbm T. Lufburro• Boots and Shoes
Lewis s. Sculthorp Boots and Shoes
S. F. Pattenon 2ailroad Agent
Frank Bartleson Express
J. s. Cruser Ice Cream. etc.
Georp Jenkinson S~pen and Ice Cream
William H. Posten Jr. Hardware
Peter S. Conover Jr. Ha:, and Feed
Lewis FOllter Baths, etc.
F. A. llorebcnme llmic Store
F. D. Woodrd Jewelr:,
Charles JL Sn:,der Law:,er
and others.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 276

CHAPTER XLVIll.
THE DEATH OF A CENTENARIAN- 188'

The first incident of note occmred in the death of


Grandmother Patience Hopping. (as she was known thru-
out the country). January 16, 1884. The following ac-
count is taken from "The Atlantic Highlands Herald."
DEATH OF A CENTENARIAN

aua. Patience Tilton Hopping. widow of Judge James


Hopping. of llrliddletown township. died last Wednesday
at the residence of her son-in-law, Thomas Leonard, at the
age of one hundred years, ten months and twenty-six days.
She was born before Washington delivered his farewell
address to the army; she was five years old when the Con-
stitution was signed; she was six years old when George
Washington was chosen President; and she was sixteen
years of age when Washington died. She was the oldest
person in llrliddletown township. and was reputed to be the
oldest in Monmouth County.
Mrs. Hopping was born in Middletown township on
the 21st of March. 1783. and during the whole of her Iona-
life she never took up her residence outside of the town-
ship. The place where she was born;was known as Wakake
situated about one mile we.at of Port Monmouth. This was.
at the time, the only landing on the shore of llrliddletown
township. and was used as a wharf for boats which carried
wood and farm produce to New York City. Mrs. Hopping
came from a stock of patriots. the Tiltona. Willetta and
Walls, and was a cousin and schoolmate of the Honorable
Garrett D. Wall. well known in New Jersey history. The
names of the ancestors are recorded in the register of the
officers and men of New Jersey in the Revolutionary War.
A local historian, in writing of Mrs. Hopping. giva the
following as the manner in which she came by her name:
Near the close of the Revolutionary war. when the meagre
resources of the patriots were taxed closely to their limits-,
there lived a family near Port Monmouth bearing the name
of Tilton. On the 21st of March, 1783. a daughter was
born to them. The times were hard and the strife had
not yet ended. They were hopeful. however. of a speedy
termination of the struggle for liberty; hence. lhP.y gave
276 FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAIL

their new-born daughter the name of Patience. Forty days


afterward, peace was declared, and the colonies became
free and independent.
On the 8th of April, 1808, Patience Tilton was
married to James Hopping by the Reverend Benjamin
Bennett. James Hopping was born in Middletown town-
ship, September 12, 1871. He was a son of Samuel Hop-
ping, who had moved to Middletown from Morristown, in
this state, several years previous.
James Hopping attained distinction in the early history
of the county. When the war of 1812 was goiJig on, he
organized a company of militia for service in the war, and
received his commission as captain from Governor William
S. PeDDington on September 9th, 1814. At that time he
was thirty-three years old. In 1828 he was elected to the
Legislature, and after serving his term he was arpointed
Judge of the Monmouth Courts, which position he occupied
until his death.
Mrs. Hopping was the mother of four children, three
of whom are still living. The oldest child, who became the
wife of James Frost, died on the 2nd of March, 1865, at
the age of fifty.five years. The other children are Mary
A. Leonard, wife of Thomas Leonard, Edward T. Hopping
and John J. Hopping. All her children are moderately
wealthy and are large land owners in Middletown town-
ship.
Mrs . Hopping, besides being the oldest person in
:Middletown township, had probably a larger numbP.r of
living descendent& than any other resident of the township.
These are no less than forty-nine in number, and include,
besides the three children, sixteen grand-children, twenty-
seven great-great-children, and three great-great-grand-
children.
Mrs. Hopping was a very active woman up to four
years ago, and few would have aupposed her to be as old
as she was. Four years ago she was prostrated with a stroke
of paralysis, since which time moving about occasioned her
sorue little trouble. Her faculties remained unimpaired,
however. Her eyesight and hearing were excellent, and
she never wore spectacles. Her memory was very good,
and she had no difficulty in remembering events, either of
early or recent occurrence. She was familiar with the
history of all the early families of the township, and was
an authority on such subjects.
For over fifty years, Mrs. Hopping had been a member
of the Middletown Baptist Church, which has occupied its
present site for over two hundred years. Her favorite
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil. 27'1

occupation was knitting, and up to four years ago she


was seldom seen without her knitting in her hands.
Her funeral took place on Sunday afternoon, at the
Middletown Baptist Church. Although the day was ver.--
disagreeable, the large edifice was .nearly filled. The
services were very impressive and were conducted by Rev-
erend Mr. Douglass, pastor of the Middletown Chuteh.
who preached the funeral sermon. Reverend William B.
Harris, of Hillside Park, Reverend William V. Wilson and
Reverend Charles D. Buck assisted in the services.
The remains of the deceased were interred in the
burying ground adjoining the church. They were inclosed
in an elegant casket, which was placed in a heavy oaken
case, constructed of two inch plank.
January 20, 1884
A POEM
Written b:, Thomas lL Leonard
at the time of the death of our Grandmother.
To the memory of Mrs. Patience Tilton Hopping, born
at Point Comfort, (formerly called Wakake), near the
shore of Raritan Bay, in the eventful year that ended the
scenes of war, 1783, when Peace was declared between
many nations; viz., the United States, Great Britain,
France, Spain, Holland and East India.

For the Star of Peace ill rilmc,


la echoed o'er the Janda;
The strife of war 'mid nations
la staid b:, Almighty'■ hand.
Peace and eood will ill echoed
From Cutle, Hamlet, Home.
And, u we ca.st the Licht of Histor:, back.
A lumdred :,ear■ hive gone.
lletbinb the SF.Zit of the Asa
Framed the Splrit of the babe.
Sa:,! could it have spied the Hamlet
B:, the lide of :,onder Ba:,?
Spirit that claimed its tenement,
Thu filled with hope and love,
Can :,ou wonder at ita tlrrJins,
To lead UI all above?
Rocked b:, the passing tempest,
Soothed b:, the swelling surf,
Her home was b:, the waters;
Now clad in church :,ard turf.
278 FROK INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

=
S - of t!ae / : : that'■ mort:■I,

Y-, W■
:t t h . r ~ ;
Baa tbe Spirlt paa8I! .-yt
sane to tbe Goel that pre
Be'■ bat c■Ded it for Jal■ cnna.
It.
To ■bic the aonp of Zion'• praise.
ID hr eternal Home.
B l ~ be tbe tie that binds.
Oar heart■, by memori• ~ ;
Jl■y tbe bleainp of tbe B1eaecl
tl'Dite 11■ all at Jut.

THE NEW POST KASTER


Mr. P. Y. Everett resigned the post office in favor of
Captain James H. Leonard, in February of this year. Mr.
Leonard has gone to great expense in fitting up his store
for the post office. This is a great improvement. The
building is large and convenient. The general public is
under great obligation to Mr. Leonard, and they will show
their appreciation by patronizing his store. Every thing
done by Mr. Leonard is on a scale worthy of the place.
A BIRTHDAY PARTY
at the Ba:, View Houe.
A very pleasant gathering took place in the parlors of
the Bay View House on the evening of the 14th of August,
being the birthday of the proprietress, Mrs. C. R. Kartin.
Mr. Parsons, of New York City, in introducing the gentle-
:man who was to present a "crazy quilt," made by the lady
,:guests of the house, made the following remarks:- "Ladies
.and Gentlemen: It is beyond my ability to do justice to
:the story of the crazy quilt. so I give place with pleasure
·to our friend, Mr. Clark, who will speak in behalf of the
ladies."
Mr. Clark stepped forward, with the quilt thrown
:gracefully over his shoulders, and delivered the following
-witty address, bringing out the names of those friends who
~ded in accomplishing the pleasant surprise:-
Tbi■ "addrea ha been written iD l1ICh a_ mat hurr:,,
That perhaps it may not be accordinc to Kmra:,;
Yet one thins is certain, I am not 011 a spree.
For I ne'er tab a Lark without droppinc tbe C.
So we spread tbe quilt to the faTOliDc breeze,
Auel commit our craft to tbe Bry(a)117 - .
~ thi■ beauteous gift, of - , - p i - wroqht.
Some ~ bouowecl--«olen some 101ne boupt-
Wroupt- by fair bands wbo could no better do
FBOJI INDIAN TLUL TO ELBCTBIC KAIL Z'll

To wldle &1'a7 C:lae !&oar, thlm make tllill qailt for , -


°'CruJ'" thq eall lt, for ame no lnel Mad
Co1IJd make. tbey ..,., • "au'I" -611.
Well, cmioa c1laractan, no dollht, haft liacl a Jiad
IDtldam,sterioa~.•deft1711laDecL
" C r a y " . ~ ltlau bea aid
There- at:ie..tonewtlqliead.
NodaDMa
Plied b:,;..~:::-
Of .Joll7
it-aalldafairadWldt.e
to die peat delipt
ftO fa JWC perpleacl
Whether a - • • eaDe4 for, or a ten.
AD wa ID order, for tbey ba4• pair
Of handy and -,u■bed Blltler■ there.
But striDS Meacl of prai■e when J1lltl7 due
We mmt not fill to mention. ,.mitre nom."
That ■1IJldry Dias were cmm to help to start·-.
And •
The C:0-an tJmip were done "■ecmldem" aztenl
So - liacl -
of tnie loft - clicl rml amootb, tbey 181'.
YeDtioD■ anc1 dela7.
While oar fair Potten waited for the cla7;
Yet hPillc Sbipw&J', we came ■afe to land.
.8riJlsiD2 this balld■ome trophy in our hand.
Accept. aear madam. tm■• O'llr fond beqgeat.
And lllaDJ' an hour m&J' ~u enjoy ■Weet rat,
Beneath this covermc. ill the Kartm'■ nest!
Dr. B. A. Clark. dr1IClf■t.

Consid~le activity manifested itself during the


year 1884, among the business men, who sought to bring
about a change in the government of public affairs. as the
Atlantic Highlands Association was drifting into debt. and
was unable to proceed with the necessary improvements
that the place required.
First Avenue. through the efforts of the Citizens' AJJ-
sociation, was complete. with curb and graveled sidewalb,.
clear to the terminus of Hillside Avenue. On the 16th of
June. William :M. Foster fitted up a new pavilion adjoin-
ing the Tabernacle. At the same time, several of the own-
ei:s of lots on the bay front commenced erecting bulkheads.
On the 18th of June. John C. Nobles started a Bluing"
Factory, at Glenoble Park. He fitted up the same at an.
immense cost, and when about to &tan found he wu.
infringing on another nu.n's patent. and had to close it up.
On the 14th of July. 1884, the ladies of Atlantic H"igh-
lands formed the Woman's Christian Temperance Union;
Mrs. :Mary B. :McMahon being selected as president. Mrs..
James H. Leonard and :Mrs. Thomas T. Rogers vice.presi-
dents; :Miss Hattie Vail, corresponding secretary; :Miss Josie
E. Leonard, recording secretary; :Mrs. L. F. Falkinburg.
treasurer. The ladies had for some two years oeen con-
templating this orpnization. for aa early as 1sa2, :Mrs.
Kary C. Noblea, :Mn. James E. Lake. lira. James H. Leon-
.280 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAJL

:ard and Mrs. David Collins conceived the idea. and meet-
ings were held, aided by Mrs. J. T. Ellis of the State
Union, Mrs. Albert Mann, President of the W. C. T. U. of
Orange, N. J., Mother Hill and Mrs. Mary E. Allen.
The Union found it difficult work, for some time after
it perfected its organization, and in 1888 they conceived
the idea of erecting a building for their own use. A lot
was finally obtained on Mount Avenue, opposite Railroad
Avenue, so on the 25th of April, 1889, they laid th<? comer
.stone of what is now known as the "Temple." On the
:first of August. 1889, it was duly dedicated, General Clin-
ton B. Fisli officiating.
The building is commodius and will seat about four
:hundred. Its officers, up to the present date, have been as
follows--presidents, Mrs. Mary B. McMahon, Mrs. Mary
C. Nobles and Mrs. Mary E. Allen; vice-presidents, Mrs.
Thomas 'r. Rogers, Mrs. A. E. Bennett, Mrs. James H.
Leonard, Mrs. Elizabeth Hooper;· secretaries, Miss Sarah
L Stout, Mrs. E. Hooper; treasurer, Mrs. L.A. Falkinburg.
Connected with the Union, as an auxiliary, are the
"Y's," composed of young ladies of the Association, Its
officers have been as follows:-
Presidents-Mias Hattie Vail, Miss Maey Leonard.
Vice-Presidents-Mias Francis Conover, Mias Ella Vanderbilt, Hiss
.Mamie Martin.
Secretaries-Miss Grace Valentine, Miss Emma Savidge.
"'.l'reuurer-Miss Emma Swan.
The Loyal Temperance Legion, composed of children,
-was also started by the Union on the 2nd of February,
1890, with Mrs. Mary Lufburrow as president.
The Atlantic Highland Association held their annual
anniversary meeting on July 27, 1884, as well as their
ten days' service, but little interest was taken by non-resi-
dents--few attending. The embarrassed' condition of the
association was the main cause, and the inactivity of the
non-resident officers and directors.
("Herald.") "The Annual Meeting of the Atlantic
~lands Association, held September 3, 1884, was one
Jong to be remembered. The organization found them-
:selves over .one hundred thousand dollars in debt, with no
apparent possible way of liquidating the debts. The re-
sult was that the stockholders turned out to the Annual
Meeting almost to a man, and unanimously agreed to close
out the business."
The Atlantic Highlands Association had served its
purpose, and had answered the ends for which the pro-
jectors of the town had largely intended it. It closed its
FROM INDIAN TRAil, TO ELECTRIC RAIL 281

affairs as fast and profitably as it could, having the benefit


and advantage of an active and practical people's govern-
ment to sflmulate property values, which was of great
advantage to it in closing out its affairs. Its principle mis-
take lay throughout in declaring dividends that h~d no
foundation in profits.
The Bay View Transportation Company, Atlantic
Highlands Association, Citizens' Association; also the Hub-
bard and Hendrickson Company, Nobles and Leipsiner,
on the west side, and the Gillett and Andrews on the south,
which all had, in their average, three years of active exist-
ence, contributed each in proportion to its opportunities
and ability, to the growth of the town.
· The following gentlemen were elected officers of the
Atlantic Highlands Association:- president, E. C. Curtis;
vice-president, S. L Baldwin; secretary, James E. Lake;
treasurer, J. G. Garretson: directors, beside -the above,
Holmes W. Murphy, Thomas T. Rogers, J. B. Faulks,
Wm. Baldwin, W. S. Gallaway, Joseph H. Richmond, J.
M. Read and John C. Mitchell.
After organizing, th~y fixed the valuation of the
v; hole property and decided to hold a sale among the
stockholders. The valuation of the property to be sold
to pay the debt was one hundred thousand dollars.
The following year, the liabilities remaining were
debts $66,608.00. In 1886, the available assets were
$30,833., only $4,920. having been paid. The stagnation in
real estate caused a great drawback, so it was decided not
to force the sale, as there was no demand. The owners
of the Woodward and Patterson farms threatened fore-
closure, although $14,000. was paid, with interest. None
of the stockholders were willing to purchase.
In 1887, the indebtedness was $4-7,139., to cover which
the Association had in bonds, mortgages, notes and avail-
able property $51,625., leaving a margin of $4,48~. In
1888 the liabilities were $43,038., assets $49,403., leaving
a margin of $6,364. In 1889, the Reverend Dr. C~adwick
and R. Johns became directors; the liabilities were then
$17,816., assets $33,584., having paid $25,000., and leav-
ing a margin of $15,771. A dividend was declared on
each share of stock to the amount of $6.50, payable in
property.
In the Spring of this year, the Association sold the
dock to the Central Railroad Company. On the 19th of
June, 1889, a sale of lots was held. In 1890, S. T. White
and Robert Emery were elected directors. During the
year they laid out some $5,000. on road improvem~nt. All
282 FBOK INDIAN mAIL TO ELECTB.IC RAIL

the debb were paid off. The Aaocfation purchaaed for


two thouand dollan, two lob on Bay View Avenue, where
now stands the Tabemacle.
Following this, there were other smaller ales. and
dividends were made pollllible by the wise directing efforta
of President Curtis. also by the better condition of the
financial world. and establishment of and benefits from a
regalar borough government. founded under the state
laws and act of 1882. regal&~ borough commissions.
On the fourth of September. 1884. the Mabee &nd
English combination commenced a six-day :Tempera.'lce
Convention. meetings being held daily. They hsd great
success in interesting the minds of the people of the com-
munity on the subject of temperance. At the close of
their meetings. they organized a Reform Clab, ~ith Wil-
liam T. Franklin as president. ·
Daring the year, the Reverend E. C. Curtis published
a monthly newspaper, called the "Atlantic Highland Re-
gister," devoted solely to the interest of the Association.
On the 15th of September, an organization was started,
called the Band of Hope, with Hiss Sarah R. Everett as
president.
On September 19, 1884, Whittingham and Company
Erected a paper mache factory and warehouse at Brevent
Park. On the 17th of October. 1884, after having been
rauning only a few days, it took fire and was totally des-
troyed. The company sustained a heaVY loss; besides Mr.
Whittingham was badly burnt and had a narrow escape
with his life.
On the second Tuesday in November, 1890, the ladies
of the W. C. T. U. hired a cottage opposite the election
poles at Navesink and furnished coft'ee and refreshments
to the voters.
On the 21st of October, Hr. Lewis Weuger started
the first brick building erected in the town. It wu located
on Second Avenue, and is now called the "Ocean House,"
the brick being cast at Bay View by J.B. Jrfilla.
On the first of November, eight young ladies, Miss
Carrie Morris. Miss Minnie Emery, Kills Luella Foster, Miss
Effie L. Everett, Miss Jessie Morris. Miss Essie Whiting
and Kills Genevieve Kackey formed themselves into an
organization. to be known as the "Utile Dulci." having
for ib object a public horary and reading room. They
rented a large store on Third Avenue, formerly J. M.
Johnson drug store, near Bay View Avenue, and secured
aome two hundred and fifty books. They furnished the
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 283

room in a very neat manner, and had quite a large number


of Monmouth County and state papers sent them free.
The officers were: president, Miss Effie L. Everett;
secretary, Miss Luella Foster; treasurer, Miss Carrie Mor-
ris. They kept it open about a year when, the public
failing to appreciate their noble efforts, they wet'e forced
to close it up, as the expenses exceeded their receipts.
They sold the books and furniture and gave the proceeds
to charitable purposes.
On November 18, 1886, Mr. John E. Foster, who had
been studying law with the Honorable William Piutard of
Red Bank, opened a law office on Bay View Avenue.
The railroad interest was run by the Central Rail-
road, giving us as good service as we could expect -from
them, at this early day, with such an amount of b_usiness
as the town afforded at this time.
Our local board of railroad directors were often "put
to it" to pay the interest on the indebtedness for which
they were personally responsible, also the twenty thous-
and dollars principle. The care and anxiety experienced
by the Board of Directors for the several years that they
had the care of the railroad connecting Atlantic Highlands
with the outer world was of that character that it is indeli-
bly fixed upon their minds, and its effects will abide with
them to the end. The railroad service for this year had
been about five outgoing and five incoming trains; the
steamboat service, about four excursion trips, by a very
good class of steamers.
284 FROM-INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XLIX.
GENERAL RELIGIOUS, BUSINESS. RESIDENT AND ADVER-
TIZERS• DIRECTORY
BY GEORGE H. STOOT
1885-1886

The season of 1885 was the most unsatisfactory year


since Atlantic Highlands came into existence. There was
little or no demand for real estate. The hotels and b9ard-
ing houses were poorly patronized, and a general stagna-
tion in business prevailed. It was not only so at this place,
but along the coast. Long Branch. Sea Bright, Ocean
Grove and Asbury Park also felt the low pressure of the
money market. But eleven buildings were erected during
the year, and those mostly by permanent residents.
During March, 1885, Mr. Peter Y. Everett sold out
his interest in the "Atlantic Highlands Herald" to Miss
Ella S. Leonard and Miss Caroline G. Lingle, who changed
the name of the paper to the "Atlantic Highlands Inde-
pendent."
On the 25th of February, 1885. the order of the Sons
of Temperance was organized. The following officers have
been in command: S. T. Champion, William M. lo'oster, J.
Smock, George Jenkinson, Thomas J. Emery, Jsmes H.
Leonard, E. H. Cook, William Patterson, John So11thall
and Walter Cottrel. The order met every week i!t the
W. C. T. U. Tetnl>le on Mount Avenue. This, like the
Reform Club, organized by Mabee and English in the pre-
vious year, failed to have the permanent support that it
deserved, tli.ough doubtless not until good had been ac-
complished to many individuals. These organizations
continued in existence for a certain time, when they were
discontinued.
The Atlantic Highlands Association still continued
their camp meeting exercises while closing out their con-
cern. The Fifth Anniversary was held on the 27th of
July, presided over by President E. C. Curtis. Services
were held in the Tabernacle. Among the many of note
present were the Reverend James E. Lake, Reverend Mr.
L. B. Edwards, Reverend Mr. Hill, Reverend Mr. F..arris
~Baptist), and a large number of ladies.
The Camp Meeting was conducted under mµy diffi•
FROM ~IAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 286

culties. The clergy were out in goodly numbers, yet the


people failed to take any interest.
The year of 1886 found still a stagnation in real
estate. BllSiness was more or less at a standstill, the
people becoming somewhat discouraged at the outlook.
A few improvements were made, some five or six build-
ings erected, among them a large hotel at the end of the
eteamboat pier, by Dey and Rayfield.
On the 28th of June, many of the Methodist preach-
ers of New York, paid a flying visit to Atlantic Highlands
and held interesting services in the Tabernacle; the Rev-
erend Dr. King, Reverend Dr. S. Hunt, Reverend Dr. 1.
S. Chadwick, Bishop E. G. Andrews. Bishop Hurst, Rever-
end R. Hogoboom of Moravia, S. W. Lake, RevereLd H.
C. Bride, Reverend James Moore, Reverend L. R. Dunn,
D. D. Professor W.W. Bentley led the singing thrQugh-
out the services.
The Fourth of July, 1886, was celebrated by the
citizens and hotel guests with great pomp. The firemen
had a fine parade in the afternoon and in the eveni,ig a
grand display of fireworks took place in front of the Grand
View Hotel.
July the 25th a Firemen's Fair was given, which was
largely attended, and a large amount was realized.
The Annual Camp Meeting, held from the 8th of Aug-
ust to the 15th inst. was like the previous year'&-poorly-
attended. The president of the Association, however, con-
ducted the meetings with great zeal, ably assisted by the
Reverend Dr. Baldwin, Reverend James E. Lake. Reverend
Robert Emery, Reverend l!rlr. Harris, Reverend J.B. FaJllks.
Reverend 1. M. Read and others.
The following is the general religious business, resi-
dents' and advertizers' directory, copied from the Atlantic
Highlands Register of this year (1886).
CHUBCH SERVICES
First Baptist Church, Atlantic Highlands. Reverend
Fillmore Lee, Pastor.
First M. E. Church, Atlantic Highlands, Reverend L.
B. Edwards. Pastor.
Post Office, ,Captain James H. Leonard, Po.stmaster.
Adams Express Office is on the Steamboat Pier, and
the Telegraph Office at the Railroad Depot.
TEHPERANCE MEETINGS
The Sons of Temperance meet in Leonard's Hall.
286 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAD.

BUSINESS DIBECTORY
First A.ve1111e
Leonard Brothers, Lamber. etc.
Leonard and Conover, Feed, Flour, etc.
P. S. Conover, Post Ofllce.
George Hackey, Butcher.
E. C. Booth, Boots and Shoea.
N. E. Roberta and Com~, Groceries and Dry Gooas.
Euenball&'h and Morren. Central Home and "Bakery.
E. -P. Ldbmrow, Boots and Shoes.
W. T. Franklin. Livery Stables.
P. N ~ Harness.
T. lllartin~ Barber.
J. Smock. Veptables.
Bay View Avenue
Grand View Hotel Windsor Hotel
Sea View Hotel Lockwood House
Bay View House Ellis Cottage
J. K. Johnson. ~
Leonard and Linlde. Editors and Publishers.
William Foster, l>avilion. Exemaion and Real Estate.
Rogers and Emery, Beal Estate.
Center Avenue
J. T. Stout. Livery and Grading.
D. L. Conover, Livery Stables.
W. J. Decker, Mineral Water.
D. J. Roberta, Builder.
George Jenkinson. Ice Cream. Stationery, etc.
Fourth Avenue
Robert Emery, Contractor and Builder.
B. S. Snyder, Beal Estate and Commillllioner of Deeds, corner of
First Avenue and Bay Avenue, {over Poat 011!ce).
Cottage Directory
Kr. E. Whitingham ••••••••••••• Brevent Parli:
Lester Moore •••••••••••••••••• Brevent Park
Waldron Moore •••.•••.••••••••• Brevent Park
Jin. J. Wagoner •••••••••••.•••• Brevent Park
Kr. A. Spear .................. . Brevent Park
Kr. E. C. llandiville ............ . Brevent Park
E. Ryan ..................... . Brevent Park
George Davia • • • .. • • • • • • • • ••• Brevent Parle
Theodore Francia ••••••••••.•••• Brevent Parle
J. C. Nobles ••••••••••••••••.•• Glen Noble
J'ames llartm ................. . Avenue D
Dr. Stebbins ................... . South Avenue
Kia Bennett •••••••••.••••••••• South Avenue
Kr. G. W. Barrett, Sr. • •••••••••• South Avenue
Kr. D. llanalleld ••••••.•••••••• South Avenue
D. J. Roberta •••••••••••••••••• mpJ•nd Avenua
J'amea E. Leonard •••••••••••••• Bfibland Avenue
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 28'1

George Welch •••••••••••••••••• Bay Avenue


A. J. Campbell ••••••••.•••••••• Bay Avenue
E. B. Swan •••••••••••••••••••• Bay Avenue
Theordore Burdge ••••••••••••••• Center Avenu~
Dr. w. Pattenoll ••••••••••••••• Center Avenue
E. Atwater •••••••••••.•••••••• Center Avenue
Captain Johnson •••••••••••••••• Center Avenue
D. L. Conover •••••••••.••••••.• Center Avenue
S. F. Patteraon •••.••....•...... Center Avenue
Spencer Morris •••••••••••••.••• Center Avenue
Thomas JeDDings •••••••••••••••• Center Avenue
J. W. Decker ••••••••••.••••••••• Center Avenue
F. Williams •••••••••••••••••••• Center Avenue
W. P. Irwin ••••••••••••••••••• South Avenue
T. Skidmore ••••••••••••••••••• South Avenue
William Stryker ••••••••••.••••• South Avenue
Wilson Stryker ••.•••••..•••••••• South Avenue
Dr. W. F. Patterson ••...••••••.• South Avenue
Mr. J. Southall • • • • • • . .•••••••• South Avenue
William Savidge •••••••.•••••••• South Avenue
W. W. Bentley ••••••.•.•••••••• Beach Avenue
J. H Sharta •••••••••.••••••.•.• Beach Avenue
P. Alexander •••••••••••••••••• First Avenue
J. J. Leonard •••••••••.•••••••• First Avenue
Dr. J. H. Van Mater • • • • • ••••••• First Avenue
T. T. Rogen ••••••••••••••••••• First Avenue
Thomas H. Leonard ••••••••••••• First Avenue
E. Rayfield •.••••••••••••••••.• First Avenue
Mrs. P. M. Roberts •••••.•••••••• First Avenue
G. Frank Bartleson ••••..••.••••• First Avenue
Samuel Bartleson .............. . First Avenue
William Ravatt ....•............ First Avenue
Captain Falkenberg •••.•••.••••• First Avenue
J. Schetter ••••••••••••••••••. • First Avenue
Reverend F. M. Lee ••••••••••••• First Avenue
H. Johnson ••.••••.•....•••.••• First Avenue
B. Skidmore ••••••••••..•.••••• First Avenue
John Van Hise •••••••••••••••••• First Avenue
E. H. Frost •••••••••••.•••••••• First Avenue
Reverend Mr. Harris • • • • • • • • ••• Oakland Avenue
John Guy •••••••••••.••••••.• Oaklaud Avenue
J. E. Bowne •••••••••••.•.•••••• Bowne Avenue
~Jenkinson .........•....• Bowne Avenue
Bowne Avenue
;a Davia •••••••••••••••••••
Dilts ••••••••••••••••••••••
C. Smith •••••••••••••••.•••••
Bowne Avenue
Bowne Avenue
a W. Van Pelt •••••••••••••••••
J Van Pelt ••••••••••••••••••••
Bowne Avenue
Highland Avenue
.H.Ge&l7 ••••••••••••••••••• Hipland Avenue
t1hDuane •••••••••••••••••••••
p J.
V. Cook •••••••••••·••••••••
S. Crate •...•••.••••.•••
Highland Avenue
Highland Avenue
Bipland Avenue
o,; J. Dey •••••••••••••••••••• Hipland Avenue
N T Roberta
C. vi West ••• ••••• ••• •••••••••
••••••••••••••••••
Highland Avenue
Second Avenue
w. T. Tallman••••••••••••••.•••• Second Avenue
o. w Franklin ••••••••••.••••• Second Avenue
S.Best •••••••••••••••••••••• Second Avenue
• Downes •••••••••••••••••• Third Avenue
288 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RA1L

J. T. Stout (T. Bmdge) • • • • • • • • • • Third Avenue


Kn. Carroll ••• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• Third Avenue
Robert Enfery ••• •• •• •• •• •••••• Third Avenue
lllr. Fanton • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Fourth Avenue
llhs. Burrell • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Fourth Avenue
lllr. llontangue • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Fourth Aveuue
lllr. Goodenough .• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Sixth Avenue
lllr. J. Gould • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Sixth Avenue
B. W. Gmett • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Sixth Avenue
Km DOWDea • • • •• •• •• • • • • • • • • • • Eighth Avenue
llhs. II. E. Allen • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Seventh Avenue
F. II. Gmett • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Eighth Avenue
S. B. Downes • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • :E:ipth Avenue
llhs. Flender • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • :l'rospec:t Avenue
llhs. Robison • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Prospect Avenue
S. B. DDWDes • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • 'Waaliincton Avenue
J. J:,. Downes • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Washiuston Avenue
llhs. Cammann • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • Washinston Avenue
Reverend Dr. Cmtia • • • • • • • • • • • • • Ba:, View Avenue
Edward. Hooper • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • Ba:, View Avenue
Reverend W. S. Gala"Wa)' • • • • • • • • • Bay View Avenue
llhs. H. H. Vanderpool • • • • • • • • • • Ba:, View Avenue
P. H. Valleau • • • • • •• • • ••• •• • ••• Ba:, View Avenue
ADVEBTIZEBS' DIRECTORY
Penona mentioned in thia list have been selectecl with due reprd
to their standing, and are worth:, of confidence and patronqe.
Bent, Km II. . . • • • • . • . . . • • • • • • • • • . . • • . . . • • . . • • • Cot.tap Board
Bowne. J. E. • • • • • • • •.• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • lint llarket
Baah and Roch •••••••••••• Painten, Grainera and Paper Haqen
Conover, D. L. •••••••••••••••••••• Liver:, and Exchange Stables
Cooper, George. Sr••••••••••••••• Civil Encfneer, Surveyor, etc.
Downes Cottage •••••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • BoardulE
EDia, llhs. Grace • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Cottaae Boaril
Emer:,1 Robert ••••••••••• ·• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Arehitect and Bllilder
FalldnDurg, Pere:, • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Plumber and Tin Eoofer
Fanton, W. lL • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Cottace Board
Frantlin, W. T•••.•••••••..•.••••.•••..•.••.••• LiverJ' Stables
Fo.ter, William II. and Company ••••••.•...•.•.••.•••• Excursions
Foater, William II. and Comp&DJ' ••• Real Estate. Lou and 1nnraDce
Green, Charles • • • • • • • • •.• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Stace Route
~bach and Jlorrell •••••••••••••••••• Central Boardhig Home
Hooper, llhs. E. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Windsor Hotel and Restaurant
InriD, W. P. • ••••••••••••••• Carr!age Jlanufacturer and Painting
Jemiinp, Tho- •••••••••••••••• HoDSe Painterf Kalaominer, etc.
Jenkinjon, George • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ce Cresm Parlor
Johnaon, J. :M. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Drug Stores
Leonard Brothera • • • • • • • • Lumber and Hardware, Painta, Oi19. etc.
Leonard and Conover • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Ha:,, Oata, Flour, etc.
Leonard, Edward W. • • • • • • • • Groceriea and Dr:, Goods, Leoll&l'dvIDe
Lufburrow, Egbert F ••••••••••.•• Boota, Shoea, qarpets, Oil Cloth
~ llhs. C. 1L • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • Ba:, View Home
Jluacni, Captain Kelvin •••••••••••••••• Steam Yacht E%cursions
~ . George • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Butcher
Karthi. · Thomaa • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Tomorial Artist
Pope, lira. A. • • . . • . . . . • . . . • . . . . . . . . . • . . • • . • . • Sea View Home
~ and Emery ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Real Estate
Bobertl, D. J. • • . . . . • • . . • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • Carpenter and Bllilder
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAll, 289'

Roberts, N. H. and Company • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • Groceriea, Dry Goods


Skidmore, Thomas • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Carpenter and Bullder-
Sn:,der, Jt. S. •••••••••••••••••• Insurance, Real Estate and Loans
Stout, J. T•.•••••• General Contractor, Liver:, and Boardinc Stables
Tallman, Samuel C••••••••••••••• Plumber, Steam and Gu Fitter
Vanderpool, Kn. H. H. •••••••••••••••••••••••• Cottage Board
Valentine, N. C. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Architect and Bm1der-
Warner and Bobluon • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Grand View Bote?
Woodward, Nimrod ••••••••••••••••••••• llluon and Contractor-
280 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER L.
ORGANIZATION OF BOROUGH GOVERNKENT
ALSO
THE ATLANTIC mGHLANDS BUILDING
AND LOAN ASSOCIATION
1887

The time had now arrived for the people who now
formed this new community to centralize and organize a
municipal government of their own, independent and free
from any distinctive interests, and appointed under .the
regular laws of the state.
The principle promoter of this was Mr. John E. Foster,
the newly established and prominent lawyer of the place.
This practical scheme he advanced with his characteristic
force, prompted not only for his own business interests but
for the growth and development of the community.
There was some opposition to the organization. as
there was when a previous attempt was made by P. Y.
Everett and others, some two or three years before. There
is always an extremely conservative class in every com-
munity, that will not willingly assist in the necessary ex-
penditures of a municipal organization; for the comfort
and protection of life and the protection and improvement
of property, as is necessary in all cases of town develop-
ment.
Beside this, there was opposition from the Atlantic
Highlands Association, which was unexpected, 'lS their
line of policy had placed them, at a previous attempt some
years before, as favoring a borough organization; also,
from the fact that for the two seasons previous to the
present year, 1887, they had not as much as lighted the
lamps on Bay View Avenue, where they had been placed
partly for the purpose of lighting the avenue leading to
their summer evening meetings at the Tabernacle and
auditorium; nor had they done anything to persuada the
people to take the 1181lal and necessary steps with the
natural result of a people's government.
The act of 1882 for the formation of Borough Com-
missions consisting of a council of seven commissioners was
considered. The Asaociation, after contesting the case at
the Supreme Court of the state, finally gave up the matter,
FBOK INDIAN TltAIL TO BLBCTJtIC BA.IL Zll

and continued the work of dosing up their dafn. aa they


had been futracted to do by their atockholden, under the
wise admln....,tion of Pr. E. C. Curtis, their president.
From P.. Y. Everett'• manascript:
The year 1887 proved the turning point for Atlantic
Highland&-it took new life, there waa a greater demand
for real estate. and an inpoming of summer guests.
The citizens. with each men aa Thomas H. Leonard.
Peter S. Conover. Jacob T. Stout, lobn E. Foster, the Rob-
erta Brothen, William ll. Foster and the like. put their
shoulders to the wheel. with a renewed energy. to bring
this famou resort more prominently before the public.
They availed themaelvea of printer's ink and advertized
extensively. which had good results and caased the sale of
a large number of lots.
The public lights were not lighted in later years.
and there were bad washouts on the avenues. A few
citizens got together, such as John E. Foster, Thomas H.
Leonard, Dr. H. A. Clark and others, and conclJJded the
ouly way for the people to do was to take the reins in their
own hands and form a local government.
A borough had been the subject of considerable con-
troversy for over two years, and the abov~named gentle-
men were determined that an effort should be made to
establish the same. Taxes were the only drawback. All
saw the importance of a borough, but the;y feared taxes.
They found considerable oppoSltion in the Atlantic High-
lands Association.
A meeting was held and it was voted by a small
majority that a borough be formed. An election waa
finally held. on the 7th of March, 1887, between the hours
of 2:00 and 7:00 P. ll., which resulted in confirming the
borough with the election of the following gentlemen:
President, Thom.as H. Leonard, Commissioners, Edward
Hooper, William T. Franklin, George Mackey, N. H. Rob-
~ D. Lane Conover and William B. Savidge. Mr. Frank-
~ ~ u l y selected as Secretary and N. H. Roberts
As soon as the new commissioners came into power,
!}ley at once proceeded to the lighting of the street lamps,
llllproving the roads, and before the close of the year
the citizens and taxpa;yers were loud in the praise of the
11ew system of government.
On the morning of April 18, 1887, the public waa
~bled by the sudden death of the Reverend Johll C.
o es. The deceaaed, the day previous, seemed in the
full enjo,ment of health; attended divine service botll
292 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

morning and evening, and entertained his former partner,


Peter Y. Everett, at dinner, at which time he was the most
enthusiastic at the table, laughing and joking with his good
wife and daughter.
It was Monday morning, and, after enjoying a hearty
breakfast, he proceeded to the stables of Mr. D. Lane
Conover of Center Avenue. A fine calf bad j118t been born,
and he was called to look at it, and laughingly said "What
a beauty!" These were his last words; he threw his hands
up to his heart and fell dead on the stable floor.
The men raised him up, but life was extinct. Dr. John
H. Van Mater was immediately summoned, also Dr. Fay,
but they both pronounced him dead. Carefully, kind
friends bore him to his home in Glenoble Park, where the
stricken wife and daughter were told the sad news.
The Chautauqua Assembly held a week's session in
July, while Professor F. L Curtis gave several musical con-
certs during July and August. The Month of July found
many picnic parties and excursions at Point Lookout,
among them the James Street M. E. Church, Reverend Mr.
Merritt, Pastor, the First M. E. Church of Red Bank and
others.
About August 1, 1887, the Edwards Dredging Com-
pany, who had a contract from the United States Govern-
ment to dredge the channel in the lower bay, established
their machine shop'! and landing for their dredging boats
on the end of the pier. It was under the managcml!nt of
Joseph Edwards, president; M. L. Dolby, vice-president;
who was also general manager, A. Ames Howlett, secre-
tary and treasurer. In 1890, Alfred Wagstaff succeeded
Edwards; G. E. Fisher, vice-president; Joseph Edwards,
general manager, and John F. Lang, clerk. Their floating
stock consisted of two immense steam dredges, four tugs,
one lighter from scows and about one hundred men.
During the season, Mr. S. T. White opened a grocery
store, under what was known as the Roberts Flats, Bay
View Avenue, between Third and Fourth avenues, but the
following year erected a fine large building on the comer
of Bay View Avenue and First, with a lodge room above.
In 1892. he sold out his business to Stout, Demerest and
Woodruff.
At a meeting held at Emery and Foster's offices, on
Bay View Avenue, called through the efforts of Thomas
H. Leonard and John E. Foster, on the 15th of October,
1887, a number of citizens formed themselves into a Build-
and Loan Association and Saving Fund, with Jacob T. Stout
president and John E. Foster secretary.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil, 293

The following gentlemen became stockholdet"S :-


Thomas H. Leonard, George D. Fay, Thomas J. Emery,
George Hackey, Jacob T. Stout, J. E. Foster, Matthew
Brown, John J. Dowd, E. J. Rayfield, Thomas Jennings,
W. B. Savidge, Alexander Martin, J. T. Pinckney and
Jonathan T. Stout. It now numbers three hundred mem-
bers, who hold six hundred shares of stock. At the present
time, the officers consist of Jacob T. Stout, president; Wil-
liam B. Savidge, vice-president; John E. Foster, secretary;
Edward W. Leonard, treasurer.
The organizing of the Borough Commissions opened
the eyes of the public to the fact that the place had a perm-
anency and the possibi'ities and probabilities of great
development. Real estate, under municipal government,
acquired a settled and very satisfactory valuation.
This fact was of great advantage in the settling of
the camp meeting interests, combined with the ability of
the president, Dr. E. C. Curtis. The one hundred thousand
dollars was eventually paid off, and the small balances of
real estate, remaining here and there, felt the growing
demand for sites for new business enterprises and for 1esi-
dents, that resulted in the payment of two dividends of
six and one-half, and six dollars per share, respectively,
and the final payments of four dollars per share, at the
.::losing-up of the business in 1895.
This was done after the payment of all claiins, and
also the expenditure of a considerable amount of money in
the making of avenues, in the undeveloped and partly
developed eastern section of their property.
Upon the urgent request of the property owners of
lots in that section, who saw no other immediate way to
1:!'&nsform the avenues, as they appeared on the Associa-
tion's sales maps. Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Prospect and
other avenues were lined out and placed in a drivable con-
dition.
The closing out of the Hooper and Roberts properties
wWas done in a very creditable manner. The Patterson and
oodward farms, I think, could have been handled to
better advantage, both for the stockholders and for the
development of the town.
The committee, composed of members of the Board
of Directors, was called upon by a large body of the stock-
holders at the time of the sale of those farms, and urged to
offer them in blocks, laid out so that the stockholders rrrlght
become successful bidders, and more interested in the de-
velopment of that part of the town. But this was retused.
The farms were purchased by a combination, consisting of
294 DOK JNDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC JlAIJ,

President Cmtis, K. L. IDolb:,, and Jastice E. Ralph, and


remained, up to the present writmg, ·1895, without a resi-
dent, except the houe of N. C. Valentine, which property
wu eold to him b:, the AIIIIOciation previoaaly.
After the securing of the neceaar:, one-tenth amount
of the tuable property, the petition waa made to our chos-
en Freeholder, Jehu P. Cooper, of this co'IIJlty, which was
granted, and an election called, for the purpose of deciding
"'For Borough Commission" or ".Apinat Borough Commis-
sion." The result of this election decided in favor of the
organization of the borough.
On the BeYenth da:, of Karch, 1887, was held the first
election of town officers, consm:ing of seven commi'Jllioners.
The following gentlemen formed the voting capacity
of the borough at its first organization. To recite their
names may be of interest to future readers. Voters at the
time of the first election of officers of the town of Atlantic
Highlands, N. J., March, 1887:
Geoqe A. Welc!h William F. Jlo'lmt Robert Emery
F. R. Ewinc Hartin Dowd E. C. Curt.id
E. Atwater Vint JL .Andenon .AmbroEe llarb
. T - Kartin F. Hapnbasb J.C. Nobl.,._
Georce JlillerWDliam Jloi:rell James Freeu.an
G. W. Barrett Tho- JI-array PaDI Afaxander
George Kacltey Thomu H. Leonard A. Crate
D• .Tones Roberta Charles Cook Charles E. Ravatt
Geoqe W. lbrb B:idw'd Stout John Pinckney
Conover Smith Tnmwl Sharta Daniel XcDoupl
Charles Smock N. H. Roberta Jolm Ellis
.Joseph Smock .T. .T. Leourd Charles Everitt
.T. :&: Leonard Dr. J. H. Va Kater P. S. Conover
w. B. Savidn H. C. Booth Tho- Dowd
.John Southall Sam. Dancer Albert Atwater
Eclward )(ape Thomu H. Bocen R. Newman
William Stryker W. T. FrallkliD Edward Hooper
Fred Williama Fred LiDdeu Godfrey Horn
William P. JrwiD William JI. Roberta -Tohn Fowler
D. L. CoDOTV Joseph Ireland Wm. Pattenon
Aaron BOJlkiu Otto Drria Cbarlea Coy
B. Edwarcla Jolm Tallman Wm. JI. Foster
JL P. 1- Cmm TallmaD N. C. Valentine
S. S. Jloma Eclward Bnue Jonatba T. Stout
.Tolm ValleaD Dr. B. A. Clark Fred Roberta
J. JL Sbarta Bl!Dl'J' Vu Pelt Bicla Bryon
Oiarles Norman C. Va Pelt Thomas J. Emery
w. w. Berltley Edward J. Jla:,fielcl Captain C. Stryker
Du. Kartin Johll Dey Jerome Wel:ll
Eclward B. Swan Jacob Swan T. Martin
Bollert Lewla .Jacob T. Sto'llt .JolmG-,.
Suaae1 Pattenon Sala Nelaou Beniamin Crate
Bemla AcldiaoD Rff. J. JI. Priule A. J. Cook
'1'Jlomaa Jezmmp Captain Nelaou Bowe Fcbert F. Lufburrow
.Jolm Amie
'1'laeoclon Skiclm?re
Doctor Fay .
Artbw Vudyb
Joma E. Foster
Jllliua Buh
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 295

At this election. Edward Hooper. Thomas H. Leonard.


D. Lane Conover. N. H. Roberts, W. T. Franklin. George
Mackey and William B. Savidge were the regular candi-
dates that were nominated at a previous primary. and all
received hl>eral majorities. There were many other worthy
men in the town. as the time has proven. but as these were
the first selected. we will give them the recognitir,n as
appeared in the "Atlantic Highlands Independent.. at that
time. -
TBE BOROUGH COJOIISSIONEBS
The SeYen all Freeholders.
Just here it will not be out of place to give a brief
history of each of the seven men who have been considered
by their fellow citizens worthy to be the first to hold the
reins of government. The most 'Venerable man is the
well-known
EDWARD HOOPER
The son of the late Samuel Hooper, who WM one of
the earliest residents of the Highlands. Mr. Hooper. by
the death of his father, came into possession of about one
hundred acres of land on the most western slope of the
Highlands. Here Mr. Hooper tilled the soil and cultivated
his mind, until, like Daniel Webster. he became more
noted for clear-headedness and good judgment than for
the large crops which his hand produced. Still, he lived
t!te life of an educated. thinking farmer. until in 1881 the
time seemed ripe for the culmination of those hopas which
every property owner on the old Bay Shore po8Se$ed in ·
greater or less degree--tbat the western slope of the High-
lands and the hills and dales beyond would soonE-r or
later become famous for beautiful villas and country seats.
It was in 1881 that the Atlantic Highlands A.CISl>ciation
began to have a being, and presently Mr. Hooper sold to
them the bulk of his property, retaining only a few acres
of beautiful lawn on the high bluff, where bis handsome
r~dence now stands. Mr. Hooper has always been con-
mdered a man of much more than ordinary ability and dis-
cretion, and his opinion upon matters connected with the
growth of the place will always carry weight.
TROKAS HENRY LEONARD
Is one of the largest property owners and one of
thde most wide-awake and generous of the borough resi-
enta. The starting of a seaside resort on this bea'ttiful
296 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

slope • .1d the subsequent pushing forward of the place to


its present point of growth has been more largely due to
his efforts, perpaps, than to the plans and dee'.i!I of any
other man.
As a yaung man. Hr. Leonard started in Ufe as a
farmer and coal dealer, on the old William Brown farm,
at Brown's Landing. He still hves in the comfortable home-
stead on the property. In 1871 his spirit of improvement
began to to make itself felt. It was during the year '71
that he widened the main road (now called First Avenue)
the whole length of his property, and established a coal
yard at the shore of it-known heretofore as Brown's
Landing.
In 1879 Hr. Le-,nard opened an avenue fror.i the
landing along the bluff, as far as the Hooper esu.te, and
erected summer houses and bath houses thereon. During
the fall of that year, he laid out Second, Third, Fourth
and Bay View Avenues, and extended Mount Avenue from
the hills to First A venue.
Up to the end of the year 1880, Hr. Leonard had sold
many lots, and, with others, had expended over $87,000.
in buildings and improvements. These buildings and im-
provements included the wharf, Foster's old betel and
restaurant, on the shore at the left of the wharf, the lum-
ber yard, the present Bay View House, John J. Leonard's
and E.T. Burdge's residences. Al,out this time, steamboat,
telegraph, mails were established; extensive excursion
accommodations provided, and a number of private resi-
dences built.
It was almost immediately after this, during the year
1881, that the advisability of consolidating the various
properties in the immediate vicinity became apparent,
and the Atlantic Highlands Association were formed in
that year, for the promotion of the growth of the place,
and for its moral and financial benefit.
From that time Hr. Leonard ceased to have so large
a personal share in the general development of the place,
but, aa a private citizen, he kept on establishing valuable
business enterprises and continued to improve his own real
estate.
Last Fall, Hr. Leonard expended a large amount of
money in making Homestead Block a valuable piece of
property. By so doing, he increased the value of every
foot of contiguous land, and the influence was also felt
by every owner of real estate in the vicinity. And yet,
in spite of the expenditure which each year makes his
property more valuable and increases his tax-bill, he was
FROM: INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 297

too public-spirited, when the borough question arose, to


think of his private purse for a single moment. A borough
government would be for the good of the people! That
settled the matter for hint. The large majority which was
given him at the polls was the people's only way of show-
ing their appreciation of Mr. I.Jeonard's tireless efforts
in behalf of the growth of the place, and their belief
in his ability to see the town's necessities and to find the
best way of supplying them.
GEORGE MACKEY
Is our enterprising butcher. Born in Yonkers, New
York, he was the nephew of shipbuilder :Mackey, of the
great New York firm, Westervelt and :Mackey. :Mr. Mac-
key's father was also a ship builder, and had a large inter-
est in the business of the above firm. About a year after
the birth of their son George, the family moved to Keyport.,.
New Jersey.
During the first fourteen years of his business career,
Mr. George :Mackey followed the sea. He then settled
down in the village of Keyport and established himself
as a butcher. Some six years ago, when Atlantic Highlands.
was yet in its infancy, :Mr. :Mackey started a meat market
on First Avenue. His was the first place of busine~ erect-
ed on the Avenue after the building of the lumber-yard.
A S1Jccessful business man, Mr. :Mackey merits the posi-
tion he now holds in the business councils of the new bor-
ough. He is thoroughly alive to the interests of the place.
and will do all he can to further its growth.
D. LANE CONOVER

Is a :Monmouth County man. Mr. Conover was born


and bred in Holmdel One of his first business enterprises
was the onwership of a threshing machine, with which
he did a thriving business. When Navesink Park had its
first boom, Mr. Conover had charge of a gang of mec who
wdri~e employed in laying out and grading for the peautiful
ves on the hill In '82, Jacob T. Stout and Mr. Conover
estsAblished a partnership livery business on Center Avenue.
fine busines was built up under the firm name, u11til last
Year, when the partnership was disolved, and Mr. Con-
over went into the same business on his own account. This
Yhear ~e has purchased a lot on this side of the creek, where
e will remove the building now occupied by W. T. Fiank-
lin'dand continue his livery business. Mr. Conover is a
goo citizen, and a popular member of the Board.
298 FROM 'INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

N. :e:. llOBDTS

Natiwliel H. Roberta. Jr.. is the yomigest man of


the seven. He is the son of the late Nathaniel Roberts,
and a brother of T. 1. Roberta. the well-known and pros-
perous New York commission merchant. Kr. Roberts first
obtained a good baainess education. and then started in
the grocery baainesa in the year '82. as the head of the
firm, now widely known. as N. H. Roberta and Company.
The patronage of the store grew so rapidly that last year
the firm found it advisable to build a new and commodius
building on First Avenue. Mr. Roberts polled a heavy vote
on Monday, and will make a good commissioner.
WlLLIAl( T. PKANXLIN
Is the son of Reverend William Franklin, a prominent
clergyman of the Methodist denomination. Mr. Franklin
came to Atlantic Highlands from Farmingdale. where he
had been a prosperous farm.er. He moved here in 1882,
and entered the livery baainess in partnership with Mr.
T. T. Rogers. Four years ago. the firm dissolved, Mr.
Franklin continuing the baainess at the old stand. After
,so many prosperous seasons, Mr. Franklin has decided
to retire from the general livery business; and is putting up
a good building on Mount Avenue (near First) wheie he
intends to have rooms suitable for storage purposes. He
will continue in the carting and express baainess. and will
also act as an agent for the sale of carriages. etc. Mr.
Franklin is a successful business man, and the interests of
the borough are safe in his hands.
WILLIAM B. SAVIDGE
Is the son of a Jersey farm.er. Born in the vi'cinitY of
Mount Holly, Mr. Savidge remained on his father's farm
until he was about twenty years of age. He then deter-
mined to be an engineer. After serving eighteen months
in the capacity of fireman, he was made engineer. He ran
en engine Oil the West 1ersey Railroad for fourteen years.
and was then transferred to the New Jersey Southern,
w'iiere he has been ever since. Mr. Savidge owns a fine lot,
adjoining the residence of Captain James H. Leonard,
on the Hubbard property. He has recently built a hand-
,some residence on this lot, and if the way in which Mr.
Savidge keeps hia own property in order is any indication
of what he will wish to see done for the entire borough. we
may expect that he will be 81\ enersetic and valuable
Commissioner."
P.Y. EVEJtETl'
FROM: ImlJ.A:i TRAIL TO ELECTltlC RAIL 299

CHAPTERU.
EVENTS OF 18&1~
and
REPOaT OF THE BOROUGH'S :nBST l'ISCAL YEAR

The expense for the maintainence of the municipal


government under this act was not upensive, as the law
declared the amount voted should no.t exceed five hundred
dollars, which sum was included in the ballot used at thia
election and carried. To this 8U1D of five hundred dollar&
for borough use was added. as tae act allowed. a small
revenue from the township for road taxes, called fro!ll
township roads within the borough, amounting in all to be.
tween six and seven hundred dollar&--,not a very large
sum to commence with, and provide a new outfit of aU the
necessities of the government. as lockup, aad officers• out,.
:lits, street lamps, street making and repairs,_ 4ttc.
On April 1, 1887, the first meeting of the Board ot
Commissioners of the "Boroup of Atlantic Highlands'"
was called. and held at Leonard's Hall. On motion, ~
following officers of the board were elected, viz., Thoma.a
H. Leonard, president; N. H. Roberts. treasurer; W. T ..
Franklin, secretary. The 1nasut'er, N. H. Roberts. waa
le9uired :to givtS fifteen hundred eollara bQDd for tho
faithful performance t,f his duty. Tllie president and
secretary were appointed a collUDittff to make api:,licatioa

=
to the town committee fer the boroqh share of the road
monies.
The second meeting Qf ~ boar~ was lleld in the
Club Room, the chair appointing the IISU&l com,

A'llditinc Committff
Edward Boo-
~ (;o.adttef
P..LalwCOGGVw
William ~ ~~
Georgellacbj W.T.~
G-..~Ushtiac


==:r~
May 19th, at a meeting held at.tM R.tono Club Roo~
it was ordered that the purchase be 1Ude of forty-five
~eitz (kerosene oil) lulpa. at a. CQllt Qf ~ ud QDe.balf
300 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

dollars each, to be placed on Bay View, Center, E::~hland


avenues, Avenue D., Mount, and First Avenues.
John B. Valleau had the honor of attending to the
first lighting of the town, which position he held until
a permanent contract could be advertised for and accepted.
There were four bids sent in-twenty, fifteen, fourteen dol-
lars and ninety-six cents, and one at twelve dollars b:-
George Mackey-which bid was accepted, October 1, 1887,
requiring the proper care of t.he forty-five oil lamp1.1, dis-
tributed over about three miles of streets. The fighting
contract, at this rate, and oil purchased at seven c~nts per
gallon, was not expensive.
This arrangement for the lighting of the town in its
infancy may produce a smile at some later date, when the
night will almost be turned into day by the introduction of
arc lighting by electricity, at a proportionate cost.
The first ordinance introduced for the government of
the borough was at a meeting held June 9, 1887, respecting
and defining the duties of the treasurer; Ordinance No. 2,
for the protection of the property of the borough ; Ordin-
ance No. 3, respecting applications, complaints and other
communications; Ordinance No. 4, respecting the appoint-
ment and duties of the police officers of the borougi:I; Ord-
inance No. 5, to prevent obstructions in streets and side-
walks; Ordinance No. 6, for preserving the peace and good
order, and enforcing the ordinances of the borough; Ordin-
ance No. 7, to prevent certain animals from running at
large; Ordinance No. 8, concerning nuisances; Ordinance
No. 9, regulating the time of holding the elections for com-
missioners of the borough.
At this meeting of June 9, 1887, the first police officer
was appointed, Mr. Jonathan T. Pinckey, who served for
many years in this capacity with great credit to himself
and to the borough.
Meetings were held through the summer at Mr. W.
T. Franklin's (secretary) office, corner of Mount and Second
avenues. The regular routine business of the new town
was there cared fol', such as avenue making and repairs,
filling the avenues at meadow crossings, which needed an
endless amount, both on Highland and Center, as well as
Bay Avenues, besides street lighting, etc.
At the July 21st meeting, Officer Pinckney was ordered
to procure police cap and buttons for use while on duty,
that he might be known by strangers needing his ass:st-
ance ·
At the September 15th meeting, it was voted to accept
the offer of the president to hold the town meetings et the
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 301

Swan building on First Avenue, opposite Center Avenue, at


the rental of two dollars per month. The Building Loan
Association, which had been organized in the building,
corner of Bay View and Second avenues, also arranged to
hold their meetings in the north side of the Swan Building,
the post-office occupying the south, at a rental of one dol-
lar per month.
Mr. R. S. Snyder, real estate and insurance, also
secured desk room in the same, "the first City Hall," ~ hich,
with Mr. William ?ti. Foster, real estate, at the same place,
each at a r.ental of two dollars per month, placed the ex-
pense of providing janitor, light and fuel at about the same
figures, as the above-named occupants paid.
Thomas H. Leonard was in the lumber business with
his brother, John J., and needed a place for his papers and
business of developing and incorporating real estate. The
accommodations consisted of but one large room o_n tr
ground floor, but it answered also the purpose of the Bor-
ough Commissioners, Building Loan, R. S. Snyder, and Wil-
liam M. Foster for the time.
At the September 22nd meeting, it was decided to re-
duce the street lights to twenty-six for the fall and winter
use--Bay View, 5; Mount, 3; Center, 5; First, 5; Highland,
4; Bay, 1; and Avenue D, 3,-to go into effect Oci:oher 1,
1887.
The contract for lighting was divided up as follows:-
E. F. Lufburrow to care for six, on First and Bay ave.iues;
W. T. Franklin, eight on Mount and Bay View avenues;
and J.B. Valleau, twelve, on Center Avenue, Av•mue D,
and Highland Avenue. Befor.e the above arrangement went
into effect, :Mr. W. T. Franklin put in a bid, which was
a_ccepted, at thirty-five cents per month per lamp, for
SIX months, which was carried out with entire satisfaction
to the public.
. The township collector met the public for the collect-
mg of taxes at Leonard Brothers' Lumben Yard that year
(1887). At the meeting held the 15th of December, the
commissioners were informed by their president that papers
h~d been served on them December 7th by the Atlantic
Highlands Association in the nature of quo warranto to
determine by what warrant the commission held office and
exercised authority. ·
By motion of Commissioner Savidge we employed
counsel for defense. On motion of Commissioner Hooper,
we employed John E. Foster as our counsel, giving him pow-
er to retain other counsel if necessary. This impractical
effort on the part of the Directors of the Association to
302 FR.OK INDIAN TB.AJL TO ELECTRIC RAlL

recover their lost opportunities failed, and the attem,t to


collect one-half of one per cent from their purcba&e11 of
lots. for improvement, waa abandoned. _
On Febrary 21st, 1888, the president, with t'OUnael-
lora Foster and Pintard. attended the Supreme Court at
Trenton, in behalf of the Boroqh Commiasionen in a case
then pendinar with the Atlantic Highlanda Allociation.
The report of the uieuurer, N. B. Bobertl,, for the
past year of the town organization, waa made at meeting
Karch 22nd, 1888, for 1lrat fiscal year ending April 3, 1888,
as followa:-
Total Amollllt of Becelpts ud Dialnm-llllta
~ti '927.21
Beceipta from
:W. F. Patt&-. coDeetor of MlddWowD Towmldp $68U6
From other IJCl1D'Cel · ,o.sc
Amount ltlI1 due fzom taxel 129.80
Total - '838.49
.&llril a. 1888. Amollllt of i n c l ~ - - - S98.72.
The report was considered very aatisfactory by the
public u the first YeaJ' required un1181l&l expenditures,
includinar the expense of the suit brought against us by the
Asaociation. Below is the criticism al The Monmouth
Presa, following the report of the first fiscal year:-
"What will it cost to run the borough?" was the
question disc1188ed at great length about a year ago. The
report which appeared last week enables evei,y taxpayer
to see where his money went to, down to the Jut cent.
"Many readers of the report, however, may fail to
consider that the 8UlD total of these expenditures is not
only the rmming expense of the borough, but includes a
number of expenses incident to o:wganizing, as the print-
ing of ordinances: there has been purchased some muni-
cipal property, viz., lamps, handcuifa, step-ladders,
material for the oil room. etc.; then there are permanent
and valuable improvements. like the raising of Center and
Highland Avenues; Jut, may be mentioned suit against
the Commissioners. What all these coat may be seen be-
low:
PrfDtmc ~ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • S 20.,0
Street~ ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 157.60
~ Paa • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • 9.00
~ J,alp Polltl (Valemme'a BID) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 6.00
Pattin&' Up 1-pl • .•...••.•... .••.•••••••••..••.•... 8.2S
Oil Boom ••• ·• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2.91
Step.Laddew
~ Center•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
A'fl!llue •••••••••••••••• ~............... 1157.50 2.13
~ ~ Avaae .. . . . . .. . . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . . . . . . 60.00
_......... • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • ••••• •• •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 50.00
Bdlf ····•·······•······•···························· 48'1.19
24.50
THEM. E. CHURCH AND PARSONAGE.

XHE GREAT GRANDAUGHTER OF THE MOTHER CHURCH AT


MIDDLETOWN.
See pace 424
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAll. SOS

This leaves a remainder of $440.02, spent for running-


expenses, including all ordinary care of streets and ave-
nues.
There is no doubt but that the present Board of Com-
missioners will be their own successors. They hP.ve used:
the borough appropriation with great wisdom and econ-
omy, yet without neglecting any reasonable and neces-
sary expenditure. This is especially commendable when.
we consider that these seven men are personally respons-
ible for the money so spent. Should the Supreme Coart
decide that they have held their offices illegally, they-
will have to make a present to the town of all these c.-ostly
improvements.
Apart from the fact that no better board can be
elected, it is the duty of every voter to go to the polls and
express in the only way in his power the approval of the
town. This first Board has been placed in a position oi
peculiar responsibility, and if they consent to assume it
for another year, a full and unanimous vote on April 3rd
should testify to the town's confidence and gratitude."
"304 FROM: INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAn,

CHAPTER LIL
THE "GREAT BLIZZARD",
WHICH OCCURRED ON MARCH 12, 1888.

Some twenty buildings were erected during this year,


most of them cottages,. on the east side. The Spring
opened quite early, and many improvements were made
in the roads and avenues. The winter had been a severe
one, causing no little damage to the avenues. Many vessels
were driven ashore in this vicinity, among them the sc'!loon-
er Mary A. Hood, which was beached directly in front
of the Pavilion Hotel
On the 12th of :March, 1888, the great blizzard cut off
all communication with the outer world foi, three days,
with such a force of wind as to sink three pilot boats
in the Horse Shoe. The heavy snow storm blocked the
roads, some of the drifts being twenty feet high. Ci:ptain
James H. Leonard, with Dr. S. L. Cox, were the first to
fol'ICe their way through to Middletown.
Quite a number of picnics visited the grounds during
this season. The Association meetings were conducted
as usual under the direction of President E. C. Curtis,
assisted by Reverend Dr. J. S. Chadwick, 0. A. Brown, W.
C. Steele, Richard Johns and the Reverend J. M. Foster.
This year the Reverend J. S. Chadwick was elected a
director.
At the second election held by the Borough llf Atlan-
tic Highlands, on the third day of April, 1888, the same
Board of Commissioners was elected, as the year pre'rious.
On the following day, a meeting of the commissioners was
held for the purpose of organizing the electing officers.
The same were elected for the coming year. The chair-
men of the conunittees were as follows:- D. Lane Conover,
on streets; George Mackey, on street lighting; Edward
Hooper, auditing; W. B. Savidge, ordinances; J. T. Pinck-
ney, marshal.
The usual routine of business was such as repairing
avenues and regulating lighting. At the January 31, 1889,
meeting the secretary ~ords difficulty with the light-
ing, as follows:- ''The lamp.lighter complains of the oil
being poor, as it freezes on cold nights. This is a start-
ling record for the future generations to read, from under
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RADA 301
the blaze of electricity, to contemplate the po981l>ilit.y of
BUch extreme weather their ancestors experienced, the
poor quality of kerosene they provided the lamP-lighter
with, or the rain storms finding their way in the oil fount-
ains."
The railroad branch from the Port Monmouth spur at
Hopping Station into Atlantic Highlands, built by the
people of the last named place and vicinity, was now, and
has been for years, a burden to its director:s, they having
become previously responsible to the Second National Bank
of Red Bank, which had kindly loaned them twen!y thou-
and dollars, for building purposes.
The road never produced enough to pay the interest
on its indebtedness. The road's revenue was at £mt fifteen
per cent, then twenty per cent, and finally twenty-five per
cent of its gross earnings, which, for the two and one-eighth
miles of its extent, produced but little, and the Central
Railroad received the lion's share, from the fact that traffic
overt our road made it poSS1l>le over their entire system.
For instance, a car of lumber or coal from the west,
amounting to fifty dollars and upward, made poSSI"ble by
our road, would net us, on our short mileage, but very
little.
As we had nothing behind us. when a shortaire came,
we welcomed a proposition sent us by the Central Railroad,
saying that if we would give them the controlling interest
of our stock they would build the road from Keyport to
connect with our branch, and pay our indebtedness. The
Reverend W. V. Wilson brought the word, calling on the
president of OU?! company, Senator Applegate. He called
a meeting of the directors, March 15, 1889, the bat was
Passed around, and enough stock was secured to give the
Central Railroad what they desired; and, on their part,
they gave us more direct communication with New York,
at once.
. The fiscal yearfs report of the Borough of Atlantic
Highlands, ending the 2nd day of April, 1889, gave :is as-
sets from collectors, collected and uncollected, $1185.87;
total amount of expenditures. $1006.16; balance to the
credit of the borough, $179.71. ·
The report continued as did that for the previous year;
nPinl?charge for services, except fifteen dollan paid Marshall
. ckney,-not a very heavy salary for two years of ser-
VJ,ce. With this year ended the conflict with the Associa-
tio_n, which was time and money poorly spent fighting in-
evitable results.
It may be of interest to those in years to come, with
their thousands of dollars to spend for borough, town and
S06 FROM IMDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

city purposes (for I believe there is a great future for At-


lantic Highlands) to see the result of the first an!i second
years• expenditures of this embryo city, in detail, hopinr
that they will not prove wearisome.
The following is the report of the second yea,., endinr
March, 1889, as taken from "The Atlantic Highl<1nds In-
dependent."
BOBOUGJI BEPOllT w. B. Pooteo Jr. lamp
TIie Allnaal a.-t llstu-. .•..••...••.•...• I.Cl
of tbe Ed Cud, - k DD . . . . ._ •••• •"
TNa.lU'ff of tJI• N. J. Oil Co. for all. • • • • • • • U.U
BOBOUGB COMJIJSSION OF 11'. J. 1-D&nl. ~ ••• . • • 7.00
4TLI.NTIC HIGHLANDS T. T • .Basa-a. work OD a•n 1.41
for 1888-1.
N. B. Roberta. TNuDNT, ID &CC!Ol1Dt
witla tbe Boroasb Comml ■ aloD of
Jt. A. 1-urd. H
B. F. Lee. 8111>. Covt -u.
• • • • • • • •

Jonathan T. Stoat. ...111t1as


I.IO
U.07
Atlantic Hichlaad•: manball. ................ Z.H

To !• M. llax-. ~Deet«. rm:::


Dr.

I00.0O
J. E. Footer, 1-1 .....1....
E. a-. work oa •••· . •• •
Geo. ~ - .......,,his. ete.. •
Qm,orate -i. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U.00
15.71
21 .00
,.oo
N. J. oa Cc,mpm,:, • • • • • • • • • • u.za J. :&. Footu. eo11AMI ud
otlaff ......ien. •••••••••.•. z&.00
S71'.ZI Pere:, Falldnbars. ~
Da• t,om Tcnm,btp CoUecior
on a~ t.un. .. .. .. . 411.01
-P•, ·••••••••••••·•• ..
Jonathan Piz:ckne,-. ■ff'Tlee•
1.00
Da• from N. J. C. a. a. for u mar•laal. . . . • • • • • . • . • 16.00
llx!Dc oid.,....Ju. • • .. • .. • 12. ea J. D. s....... poillac pi..,.. • • • I.DI
Total aueu. •.•.•••••••..• SJ.181.87 DbcOUDt OD not.ea. . . . •. . . . . :a. 71
BaJaa. ................... sua.1z s1.ooa.11
Paid Cr. BalaAc-. (11Aeollected tu:u.
IAoDaNI 6 Llqle. priatlnc, . •
11'. P. A W. B. Smldl.
8.20
•tc.> . iiiwriounoN° . 171. Tl
work 011 &Yenae •••••••••• 11a1u.. d• fJ'OIII Towublp
N. B. Jtoberta 6 Co. 011. CoUector OD uapeld tu:ff,. . ,11.11
Du from N. J. C. Jt. a. tor

-
matcllea aAd ■ onclrita. .... 41.lZ
11'. T. Fnnklla. work OD llxlna: old....U... •••••••••• 11.11
&TtllON. • ••• ••••• •• •• •• • 291.!1
I,ljrbtlnc Lampo. • • • • • • • • • • • 180.H. c71.IC
Ollce Beat. .•••••••.••••• 18.00 AmoUAt o( Expenditures •••••• U.OOt.1,
Wm. PlntaNI. JesaJ oerm:e•.•
IAoDaNI BrotlaffO lamber for
tnnk• 6 eronlas-. • . • ••
Zl.00
11.H
~~ ~~ ::::::::::::: l;t:::
Baluee In Boroucb ,.,_.,..,, after
Roberta • Geu-:r. eui,.,,te, tb• nedpt of npald taxr.o, ete•
...,.k •••••••••••••••••.•.
J. T. Stoat. work on &Yftuan.
9.U
11.50
and after tM pa:,mat of
,mpald l,lllo, ............... 171,71
abo••
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 307

CHAPTER Lill.
ORGANIZATION OF THE "ATLANTIC
mGHLANDS NATIONAL BANK."
1889.
The year 1889 was one of remarkable progress. The
demand for IGts was far in excess of any previous year
On the 27th of March, il)r. H. A. Clark formed a copartner-
ship with Mr. J. M. Johnson in the drug business. Dr.
Clark was the first registered pharmacist in the place.
On the 22nd of April, the Atlantic Highland., Assoc-
iation sold their entire interest in the pier to the Cl!ntral
Railroad Company for nine thousand dollars. The com-
pany, at the opening of the season, placed on the route a
fine steam-propeller (the "Monmouth") built expressly
for the line. lt was fitted up in first-class style and intend-
ed only for carrying passengers.
This aeason was also the first for running Sunday trips
to and from the City. The citizens had in previo.us years
opposed all Sunday travel, permitting no boats of any kind
to land at the pier. However, the pier having passed out
of their hands, they had no longer any jurisdiction, and the
increase in population and the general public dP.manded
Sunday boats.
. Dulling the Fall, stone sidewalks were, for the first
time, laid on First Avenue, from the pier to Center Avenue.
The local election, in April, brought about somewhat
of a change. Thomas H. Leonard retired, and Join E.
Foster was elected in his place. Edward Hooper retired
and Pete11 S. Conover, Jr., was elected to fill the vacancy.
S. T. White took the place of George Mackey. John E.
Foster was selected president of the commission.
Stout's Electric and Storage Battery Company, in May,
erected a building on Highland Avenue, for the manufact-
ure of electric batteries, with George Radley, the elctrician
oThf the New York Electric Company, as superintendent.
ey, however, failed in their efforts, closed the business,
•Thin~ the building was sold and removed to Bay Avenue.
s was the third attempt to start a factory in the town.
. On the 15th of June, the first Board of Health was ap-
pReointed by the borough commissioners. It consist6d oi
verend E. C. Curtis, James H. Leonard, Dr. H. A. Clark,
Dr. GReorge D. Fay, Dr. J. H. Van Mater and J. B. Swan.
Th e everend Mr. Curtis was made president.
808 FROII INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

On the 19th of June, the Atlantic Highlands .Assoc-


iation held a public sale of lots, under the superintendence
of a special committee. consisting of President E. C. Curtis.
S. T. White, Robert Emery and J. H. Richards. It resulted
as follows--the Patterson farm. forty-odd acres. purchssed
by the president of the Association, Reverend E. C. Curtis.
for seven thowumd dollars.
On the following day, the l!&le was resumed, the first
offered being that of the Woodward f&lUII.. with forty-five
acres. It was purchased by lL L. Dolby, E. C. Curtis and
J.E. Ralph for $11,367.
Beside the farms, there was a large numbf!r of lots
sold. The total amount realized was about thirty-three
thousand dollars.
At the stockholden' meeting was read the report from
"The Independent." September 28, 1889: "At the last
meeting, the liabilities were $43,038.76; this year,
$17,816.11; showing that there was paid during the year
$25,222.11, beside paying to the stockholders, as dividends
$18,000."
Among the improvements, a dock was built out in front
of the bathing houses. at Bath Avenue, about six hundred
feet. for pleasure boats to land. Although not fini,hed ac-
cording to the original design, it was of gi,eat service, and
encouraged boating, bathing and fishing, and was one of
the greatest attractions. This dock and the adjoining
property, which was originally laid out for public use, was
finally secured by President Curtis.
The development of the borough under its lo,•al self-
govemment, and the wise handling of the ttmaining real
estate, still unsold, of the Association, produced good re-
sults to its stockholders.
In June, the first Directory made its appearance, com-
piled and published by George H. Stout. It was a neat
work, and a great benefit to the general public.
On the tenth of July, 1889, a meeting was held at the
residence of II. L. Dolby on FiJISt Avenue, to COIISlder the
feasibility of establishing a bank. Among thos-. present
were Dr. E. C. Curtis, J.E. Ralph, S. T. White, Reverend
0. A. Brown and Dr. J. S. Chadwick, both of New York
City, F. A. Ward of Freehold, N. J., Honorable S. B. Oviatt
of Asbury Pm, N. J., Hisses Leonard and Lingle of the
"Atlantic Highlands Independent," 11. L. Dolby, Webster
Swan of Navesink, N. J., J. lt. Johnson of Navesink. N. J.,
J. T. Stout, Peter S. Conover, Jr., R. S. Snyder, Kr. Horlett
of Syracuse, Counselor lloDermott of Freehold, N. J., and
G. llackey of Atlantic Highlands.
FROM: INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 309

The subject was fully considered and it was agreed to


foi,n a corporation, to be known as the "Middletown Safe
Deposit and Trust Company," with a capital of one hun-
dred thousand dollars.
· At the second meeting, it was deemed advisable to or-
ganize a "Safe Deposit and Trust Company." Thia waa
abandoned very abruptly by the leading promoten of the
enterprise, and a National Bank was started instead. to
prevent a similar enterprise, steps for which, had previous-
ly been taken by others identified with the organization
and development of the borough.
The ~ e r was duly secured. and on the 17th of SeP-
tember, 1889, they threw open their doors in the store of
Peter S. Conover, Jr. They immediately proceeded to
erect a bank building, having secured the corner of First
Avenue and Bay Avenue, and here erected a one-story
brick building, which in style of architecture is unique and
attractive. They took possession in April, 1890.
The following gentlemen were the first offl.t'ers and
directors: President. C. S. Holmes of Holmdel, N. J.;
vice-president, E. C. Curtis; directors, LA. Ward, of Free-
hold; E. C. Curtis. Justice E. Ralph, of Freehold; C. S.
Holmes. Peter S. Conover, Jr•• M. C. Loshen, of Port Mon-
mouth; William H. Posten, Sr., of Navesink; Charles T.
Leonard of Brevent Park; J. H. Williams, of Navesink;
cashier, C. H. Ely, of Freehold; bookkeeper, F. B. Rue. of
New York City.
During the latter part of September, 1889, E. H. Cook
bought out the newspaper "Independent" and changed the
title to the ":Monmouth Press."
The hotels and boarding houses were overrun with
guests this season; the meetings of the Association were
well attended, while many concerts and musical entertain-
ments were given at the Tabernacle and Grand View Hotel.
..310 FROM INDIAN TR.AIL TO ELECTRIC RAlL

CHAPTER LIV.
'ORGANIZATIONS OF DIFFERE?."T ORDERS
also the
'THIRD ANNUAL BOROUGH ELECTION-JOHN E. FOSTER,
PRESIDENT,
and the
'FIRST BUSINESS DIRECTORY-BY GEORGE H. STOUT. 1889

October 18, 1889, an order of the Knights of Pythias


'Was organized, the installation of officers oecurrin,r on the
:28th inst. The following are the first officers selected:
,C. C., S. T. Champion; V. C., John E. Foster; Prelate. Sam-
-uel T. White; M. at A., George D. Fay; K. of R. S., Thomas
.J. Emery; M. of S., George Mackey; M. of E., J. H. Leon-
-ard; P. C., Dr. John H. Van Mater; LG., Percy Falkinburg;
-0. G., Fred. Linden; trustees, L. D. Brush, Wm. P. Irwin.
Samuel T. White.
Since its organization, there have been at its head,
,as Chancellor Commander, S. T. Champion, J. E. Foster,
Samuel T. White and Dr. George D. Fay. The roll num-
bers over sixty members.
On the 14th of November, 1889, a large numbP.r of in-
fluential residents of this place, Leonardville, Chapel Hill
and Navesink assembled in W. J. Leonard's law office, to
take action towards establishing a cemetery. It appears
that in order to hold title it was necessary to first form a
company to acquire lands, and then convey them to the
cemetery company.
The first company was organized, with ex-Judge Sick-
les 'in the chair, and William J. Leonard secretary. It was
~ to name the association the "Bay View Land Im-
1)l'O'W!ment Company, Limited." Webster Swa::i, R. A.
Leomud, C. T. Leonard, Peter J. McClees and William H.
Posten, Sr., were elected a board of managers, and this
board elected the first three on the list as president, secre-
tary and treasurer; William J. Leonard, attorney. The
shares of the company taken up were sufficient to pay for
the land required, at fifty dollars each, forty per cP.nt down
and twenty per cent each of the three succeeding years.
The "Bay View Cemetery Association" was orgsnized,
R. S. Seyder presiding, with P. J. McClees, secretarY-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 311

Fifty-two acres of land were secured on R. A. Leor,ard•a


farm. for $13.300. on the south side of the road that turns
westwardly toward Chapel Hill. a few hundred ya!'ds south
of R. A. Leonard's dwelling.
It was agreed that the partners in the company should
subscnl>e for the purchase of lots, the amount of said sub-
scriptions to be devoted to work and improvements of the
ground.
Twelve trustees were elected, viz., ( one year term)
William V. Wilson. Haslett McKim, J. C. Mitchell. G.-H..
Sickles; (two years) N. H. Roberts. William J. Leonard,
T. T. Rogers. R. A. Leonard; (three years) William B.
Mount. Amzi M. Posten. Charles T. Leonard. R. S. Snyder.
Since it was cut up into lots, some fifty have been interred
therein, and there is every prospect of it being on~ of the
finest cemeteries in the county. Its present officers are:
president. Judge George H. Sickles; R. S. Snyder. secre-
tary; N. H. Roberts. treasurer; Richard A. Leonard. sup-
erintendent.
As the year of 1889 closed. there was organized on
the 30th of December an Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows Lodge. The meeting was presided over by George
Brannin. and twenty signed the roll. They resolved to call
themselves Anchor Lodge and were classified aa ;No. 218.
On the 29th of January. 1890. the installation of offic-
ers took place in their new rooms. "White's Hall.. Among
those present were Grand Master H. M. Jewett. Deputy
Grand Master Howard Sutphin. Grand Chaplin Reverend
Joseph K. Manning. Grand Warden James W. French.
D. D.• Grand Marshall W. H. Allen. Grand Conductor A.
A. lung. Grand Guardian J. Frank Treweeks. Grand Her-
ald William Biddle. accompanied by Post Grand Master J.
Frank Jennings and E. E. Cline, District Deputy Grand
Master No. 16. The following officers were installed:
Noble Grand. George Brannin; Vice Grand. Walter E. Cur-
tis; Recording Secretary. Edgar H. Cook; Permanent Sec-
retary. William M. Foster; Treasurer, Edward P. Magee.
Since the organization. George Brannin. Walter E. Cul'tis
and Thomas H. Golden have held the position of Noble
Grand.
The following were the officers and membertt at the
installation. January 14. 1891: Grand Noble. Thomas H.
Golden; Vice Grand. Edgar H. Cook; Recording Secretary.
Frank Morgan; Permanent Secretary. Otto L. Davis; Treas-
urer. Ed. P. Magee; Warden. William Mooney; Conductor,
Thomas B. Walling; Chaplin, Reverend W. E. Blackerwon;
R. S. to N. G., D. J. Roberts; L. S. to N. G., David Wester-
1112 FROM: INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

ftlt; R. S. to V. G. William E... Manning; L. S. to V. G.. Jos-


eph S. Smock; R. S.S., James H. Leonard; L. S.S., Wilaon
Stryker; L G., Joseph Carhart; 0. G., Jacob Swan. The
order now numbers nearly one hundred members.
The third annual borough election was held April 2,
1889. The following candidates were elected: John E.
Foster, Peter S. Conover, W. T. Franklin. S. T. White, N.
H. Roberts. D. L. Conover, William Savidge; money to be
:.raised for borough purposes, five hundred dollars; for bor-
ough road tax, two hundred fifty dollars. At their first
:regular meeting, the commissioners elected the following
-officers: John E. Foster, president; William T. Franklin,
acretary; S. T. White, treasurer.
Of the new members of the board, we would fi'l'81: refer
to the president, John E. Foster. Kr. Foster, though still
young, had had considerable experience with the world.
Being left an orphan at an early age, in the great city of
New York, he met life as it may be found, in a busy.bustl-
ing city, until he came to the Highlands. in company with
Kr. W. M. Foster, to cast his lot with us. He finished his
schooling here, the best the town afforded, and then, after
graduating at Columbia College, New York City, he enter-
ed the law office of William Pintard, at Red Bank, as law
student, often· walking daily the entire distance of seven
miles each way.
These experiences laid the foundation for a life of
patience and perseverance, leading to success, that e3nnot
be secured otherwise. His law business at Atlantic High-
lands ia all that can be desired. Besides, he is always
ready for any work of a public nature, for the betterment
of the town.
Kr. P. S. Conover, Jr., is a representative of whom the
town may feel proud. He also was left, by the death of
his father, largely to fight his way; which has developed a
character to whom the community can safely trust its
affairs.
Having first secured a hoeral education, that prepared
him for any position, he early came to Atlantic Highlands
and assisted as clerk on the steamer "Marion," later follow-
ing on other steamers plying between Atlantic Highlands
and New York, that required greater respoDS1oilities and
labor.
He later joined in ~e partnership of Hende:son,. A_p-
plegate and Conover, at Red Bank. Withdrawmg his m-
terests, he 1again came to this place, and became a partner
with J. H. Leonard in the hay, feed and agricultural imple-
ments business; at this time he became our postmaster.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 313

With such experience and acquirements, he makes his bow


aa commiaaioner.
Mr. S. T. White came from a large commission part-
nership business, with T. J. Roberts, New York City, where
he waa very successfuL He brought with him the energy
and activity of a busy city life, and engaged himself in a
general store, which became so extensive that he was com-
pelled to divide, discontinuing the dry goods de:,artment.
J. T. Pinckney continued as marshal; D. Lane Co:riover,
chairman of the street committee; N. H. Roberts, chairman
of the lamp committee; W. B. Savidge, chairman of the
auditing committee. Electric lighting was agitated at this
meeting by George H. Stout, Jr., of the "Stout Electric and
Storage Battery Company."
At a meeting of tbe commissioners, held May 13, 1889,
accommodations were secured from the Atlantic Highlands
Hook and Ladder Company, for rooms for all borough
meetings, elections and court purposes, at twenty-fivP dol-
lars per year. An ordinance was passed for the collection
of street licenses, May 27th. Marshall J. T. Pinckney,
~~ter two years of service, and receiving a benefit of only
fifteen dollars for the same, was this year put on a small
salary for four months.
The first borough Board of Health was appointf>d Jone
6, 1889, as previously stated, by the commissioners, as fol-
lows: James H. Leonard, J. T. Stout, Dr. J. H. Van Mater,
Dr. G.D. Fay, Dr. E. C. Curtis, Dr. F A. Clark and John B.
Swan.
The first stone flagging and curbing in Atlantic High-
lands was laid on First Avenue, between Center Avenue
and the pier, in November, 1889. Plank curbing and grav-
el walks were made on Bay View and -Center avenues, also
on First Avenue, south of Center Avenue, by order of the
c~nunissioners, at the property owners' expense. This
kind of walk and curbing had been previously ·introduced
by Hubbard and Hendrickson, on their tract, west of Many
Mind Creek. ·
"Father Neptune" claimed seven of our pleasure
Yachts, as the ftSUlt of a severe storm that occurred in the
summer of '89, as a penalty of a lee shore and no break-
water.
The following facts of interest and news are taken
f rom "The Independent."
October 5, '89. The local bank (Middletown Safe
DePosit and Trust Company) has been recognized llDd has
taken a National Bank charter. It is to be known as the
AtIantic Highlands National Bank; Mr. Charles H. Ely,
t e11er, of the Freehold 'Banking Company.
814 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

October 12, '89. Postmaster lames H. Leonard baa


moved the post office into the Swan Building, at the head of
Center Avenue, where he has made every convenient ar-
rangement for the public.
October 19, '89. Davis Brothers (George W. and
Manchester) have bought the property of S. T. Hendrickson
for twenty-five hundred dollars, for a fish market, on Bay
View Avenue.
October 19, '89. Postmaster Leonard has received
notice that the mail will be changed to the short route on
the 24th inst., via Keyport, instead of Red Bank.
October 26, '89. The locating of the Pavonia Yacht
Club on the Bay Shore and Bay View Avenue.
October 26, '89. Mr. Vincent H. Havens, of the High-
lands, will, on or about November 15th, open a furniture
store, on the corner of Mount and First avenues.
October 26, '89. The directors af the Atlantic High-
lands National Bank awarded contract for erection of the
bank building to G. C. Hulett, of Freehold; contract price,
f5,245; T. J. Emery, local architect.
The rapid growth of the new branch of the Baptist in-
terest at Atlantic Highlands proved so encouraging that on
the 21st of November, 1889, a special meeting was held in
the Navesink Church to take into consideration the forma-
tion of a separate church. This was resolved upon, one
hundred and six members taking their transfer, as follows:
Thomas Leonard James H. Leonard Ella Smith
Maria R. Leonard lfarJ' E. Allen W. B. Savi"e
William J. Leonard Chauncey V. Cook Richard A. Leonard
F. J. ()glee Ambrose Marks Lillian K. Leonard
~Savidce W. X. Roberti Delia F. Leonard
Emma Miller Ella Roberts Annie S. Leonard
B. Davia Ida V. Davia 11n. lhaie Leonard
Jlatth~w Brown D. Jones Roberta Susan M~"'We!ch
11n. Kate Conover Fn.ncea Conu,er Mrs. Conover Smith
Thomas H. Leor:ard Mrs. Emma T. LeonardMorton Sout!lall
llarJ' H. Lafbunow Mrs. Rebecca A. Francesl(azpret Holmee
Chu. D. Thorne Amy Southall 11n. W. C. Roop
E. F. La1burrow llarJ' Leonard E. We1Jins Leonard
Addie E. Roberti lfarJ' C. Mount Philip Leonard
Fred Roberta Johnnie Komit ~rge _T. Sherman _,.
Wilson Stryker Thomas H. Leonard, Jr.Gertllucle X. Scheu..
11n. Evie Patterson Albert S. Leonard 11n. Charles Cook
J'llli& Morris Cyrena Stryker Annie C. Southall
:Rebecca Morris 11n. P. Stnker llartha P. Savidge
Emma c. Savidge Charles E. llalph Edward W. Leor&K
Charles Conover Cornelia EL Leonard Jonathan T. Stout
Conover Smith Alice Parker P. S. Conover, Jr.
Kary A. ~nard Sadie X. Leonard llrliaa Emna StiTker
W-illiam Stryker Ada Leonard Sallie Johnson
11n. Ella Davis Frances X. Leonard John J. Leonard
Clara Leonard Mrs. Sarah J. Wagner Emma J. llcClees
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 315

Lizzie R. Leonard Charles Roop Eugene Schenck


Josie E. Leonard Willie W. LcoD&Jd Lillie Roo
Charles T. Leonard Mrs. J. S. Leonard Mrs. E. ~ Leonard
Miss Sadie Wagner Mrs. H. D. Schenck John S. Leonard
llliss Eunice Frances Amelia Carhart Emma S. Sherman
Mabel Leon:ird Abigail Leonard Charles Carhart
E.T. Smith Edith M. Leonard Eden Ewing
John Southall Mrs. Ella Roberts Mrs. Georgiann:i Stryker
William Guie Harry Southall
Mn. W. Boeckel Caroline Roop
On ,December 3, 1889, a meeting was held f_or organ-
ization in the new church building, James H. Leonard pre-
siding and John Southall acting as secretary. The church
was to be known as the "Atlantic Highlands Baptist
Church." The following deacons were elected-Thomas
Leonard, Richard A. Leonard, Jr., W. M. Roberts. John
Southall (chosen clerk), R. A. Leonard (chosen superin-
tendent of the Sabbath school), William M. Roberts (assist-
ant superintendent), E. F. Lufburrow (treasurer), Mary E.
Allen (assistant treasurer), W. W. Leonard (!:'ecretary),
Francis Conover (organist), Sadie Wagner (librarian),
Francis Conover (assistant librarian).
The Christian Endeavor Society was a ffourishinp- aux.
iliary. It was organized June 2, 1887, with the following
officers: president, Miss Josie Leonard; vic~presidPnt, Lil•
lie Roop: recording secretary, Mary Leonard; correspond•
ing SPcrota1·y. Ada Leonard; treasurer, Emma Savidge.
Among those who have had the honor to be president
of this little band of Christian workers are Josie Leonard,
F. J. Oglee, Walter Cottrell and Emma Savidge.
On the 6th of February, 1890, the memb~rs of the
church met to perfect the organization by recognition and
admission into the Trenton Association, delegates and pas-
tors from the following churches being present: Reverend
W. V. Wilson, of Port Monmouth, moderator; Reverend W.
G. Russell, Long Branch, secretary; from Navesink, Rever-
end W. B. Harris and two delegates; -from Middletown,
Reverend E. E. Jones, and two delegates; from New Mon-
mouth, Reverend W. V. Wilson, and two delegates; from
Keyport, Reverend Mr. Dexter, and two delegates; from
South Amboy, Reverend J. H. Dindley; from Asbury Park,
Reverend F. C. Colby; from Holmdel, Reverend W. W.
Carr; from Eatontown, Reverend M. L. Ferris; from Long
~!ancli, Reverend H. G. Russell; from Freehold, Reverend
.w.r. Stillwell. Reverend W. V. Wilson presided, and Rev-
erend R. G. Russell acted as clerk.
. A petition containing the names of one hund'"e<1 and
SIX persons was presented for the new organization, and,
after being questioned in reference to the profession of
316 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

faith. the association declared the Atlantic Highlands Bap.


tist Church an independent Baptist Church. In the after-
noon, a sermon was preached by Reverend Edward Loux
of Atlantic Highlands.
The right hand of fellowship was given by Reverend
W. B. Harris, of the Navesink Church, to Mr. Thomas
Leonard, as representative of the Atlantic Highlahqs Bap.
tist Church. The charge of the church was given by Rev-
erend F. A. Stater of Matawan.
The Reverend Mr. Loux continued as supply minister
until Hay, 1890, when he was called as the regular pastor.
The fi1"at suggestion looking to a water system f(\r the
town was made at a council meeting held January 28, 1890,
by a Mr. Dubois, for fire purposes and street sprinkling, of-
fering to furnish fifty hydrants at a yearly rental of two
thousand dollars.
The total expenditure, ending April, 1890, amounted
to $2,506.06; total assets, fl"'Om licenses and taxes. collect-
P.d and uncollected, $1,868.93; leaving a deficit of $637.13.
This amount was larger than the commissioners anticipat-
ed, but there had been honest work done with the money,
by which the borough was benefited for years afterward-
among which was the grading and graveling of First Ave-
nue.
The following is a report as it appeared in the "Inde-
pendent."
PINA.NCUL BTATZIIENT
AmlaalBeort
ol. tlNO
ATLANTIC MGJILAMDS BOJU>tJOB
COmKJSSJON
For ti.. NR adhac Jlarcll z,. 1no.
S. T. WJdte. -rr..,...., bl - t wltll
tba Atlaatlc Bl&lllaMa 8-sll
~
ltECEIPT8
Oooollar'-1889.
,.._Colllct«T.K.Jl-.llack
- •••••••••••••••••• SM.OS
Octobor u.
,.._ Collector, Lloa8N • • u.eo
»-bor 111.
Prem CoDoctw - - - -
Grissa ....•.••••••••.• 791.H
18M
,.._ Colleetor
~-
~ - .... i.i,' im,;'. u::::
Tata! ••••••••••••••••••• Sl,HT.11
Jfalcla 1.1190. ~ .... TN.ff
Total ·••·»~ Sl,HUI
lU9
Ma:,1.
)fa.
L hld1r.T.l'nulla.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 81'1

u.w. s. - -
~
lt. W. T. PNuUa,
1• 10.
lL1.
1-11.

---·············
.....................
1.10

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,1. W. T. Fraulbl. oa Kt.
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,.........,. 11.
.
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Octollar&. ,1. S. T. Wldto, oaamln • 11.N
11. S. T. W111ta. nadrlee •• •• ,7 "- Job Jloaat. --■ ••• 11:N
October a. r.-.,.Z7.
ZZ. N. 1. OD Co.. oil •••••• II.II ~I. E. B. C o o k . ~ •• 11.11
ZI. F. Jllomlas,, aaalMr
plat.a .•••••••••••••••• 11.U "• J. T. ~ . -■laoll 11.CI
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ZI.W.T.J'nalllla..-. •• H.17 ,1.
Job Jloaat. lamp■ ••• 11.N
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Octobell. ,a. D. J. Bolaorto. -- 1.11
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. 17.10
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'9. N. B. Bolaorto. o...-i..
60. Bnt ............... .
I.ti
11.00
Z7.l>e7 6 Ba..tt. ........ 171.18 11.Dlaeoaat ........... . ,0.11
N-IMrn. 12. 1>e7 AJloant.
Rafttt.lamp■
- · •••
•• 11.11
ZB.lob 11<nmt. lampo •••• 18.00 II. .Jolla 11.00
Zl.1.T.~. H. W. P. Felldalrars,
-.ball .•.•••..•..•.• 1.00
J>ecem1Mr7.
30. J. T. Stoat. -■ •••
11.00
7.10
Ollndrioe • , ••• •• •••• •••
H.W.P.lrwla.onadrlee. ,.u
.71
IL .Jolla Geu7, - - •
Deeembar :n.
11. W. T. PNuUa. . - . . 110.00 11.111,U
12. Job Jloaat. lamp■ •••• 18.0D
II. N. IL Bolleto 6 Co.. To - t - . . . t ...... Sl.117.01
■'DIMlriea •••••••••••••• 17.ZI 117 amonnt Ezpndod • • • • • 1111.U
14. Job A■11. lamp■ •••••• 11.00
Deeembar II.
IS.1.T.~.
~ - - ........• •
Amonnt of t1-5d BUia &ad
.so
manllall •••••••••••••• SO.OD N- • ... •• • • •• •• • • ••• Sl.Zll.11
»--IMr 11. Amo11ntfrom t1-W Tua.
IL C. L L of N. 1~ 1888 • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • S Ill.ta
f>elsllt ••••••••••••••• Dw from t1-5d
Amoallt
Tun. 1881 I 141.11
17. N. J. ~
1190.
1. .....,. 17.
Co.. oil ••••• 1 n.11
......,_t
of Cull OD Band • I .It
1 . .....,. 18. Total ••••••• •• •• ••• ••• •• S lff."
18. 1olm Jloaat. --■ •• 11.ff
Jaa_,. I&. Amoaat of De8elnc7. • ••• S la'l.11
It, P. S. Ccmoftr, tool■ ••• 1.841 S. T. wmn:, or-a-.
Jlorell II, 1810.

The following is the first "Directory of Atlantic High-


lands." It was compiled by George H. Stout, Sr., with con-
siderable expense and labor. We will publish it entire
(with his consent) as it may be of interest to many in years.
to come.
DntECTOBY
of
ATLANTIC mGHLANDS, N. J.
COMPILED BY
GEO. B. STSltJT.
181-1890
PBICB 10 CENTS.
Sol4 At Effl7 Ston In Towa.
U:ONAJID a LINGLE.
JNJ>BPIDIDBNT STE&JI PJIDIT,
ATUJITIC mGJIL.&JII)8, N. 1.
.818 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

"W1I. Jl. POSTER AND CO. BENTI.EY'S .


h a - Accnu. ltal Eatate. IAaDe. Popular Batbl111t • Boatlq Gl'01111da.
Flnt Awe.. opp. c.nter A•e. A.
PUBLIC PLACES LEWIS SCU1.THORP
Hotel• D.aler l11 Boote &Ad Sbon, Oh door
A ........,
Hlllalde: Gra11d View, Bay abo-.. Poat O!llce.
View A•e.: Wl11daor, Bay v1... A•e.: KISS B. GAFFEY
S. View, Hisblend Place: S-a•bars: D.aler ID FIIDcy IIDd llillll,ff>' Gooda,
Ba7 Att.: Bay View, ~ View A .... : Store 011 Flnt Awea.ae.
~~ Flnt A•.. : TIie NOl'lll&Ddl-. .JOHN E. FOSTER
AttornOl' at Law, NotazT Pablle, Ku-
NEWSPAPE!tS ter ill CbllDCOl'J', Flnt A•nae, Oppoatt•
TIie ladeDendent. 111Pa Ella S. Leonud Ceatre.
ud C..01111• G. Lla,rle, Editon 11Dd Pab-
l!::.""- Pabilabed ttOl'J' Satar<lal' lloni- Boardlq Stablea alld s-
W. T. FRA.'llCLIN. PROP.
JloaH.
Corner of Jloaat and oecflnd A .......
cmntcm:s THOS. JE.'ININGS
Baptiat. Leonard A ..... Ketbodln J:.. Dttorator. Hou"• Paiatrr. P&J)ff Hans•
=i!"-.. Boman Catbolle. W. C. T. U. er,
D'Oe
ICallomiDOI', Ceater A ...., DMr A.,._
B.
W'ILLL\lll .1. LEONARD
Pabllc, Scbool, 11<;.1!~~ Prof. Oslee. Att'l' at Law, Sollcl-, llaater ill Cbu•
fti"; a!:!~i. Scbool, s-aabars c. Cff>',
Law Olllcea In Briclc Balld1111t 01> Flnt
U. S. ~~
AY... •dJohunc tbe Pri11tllllr Olllce.
.f.Oa.
Station. THOMAS .1. SlllERY
Sucttuor to T. T. Bo,rera, Real Eotata
Poot Otlce. Pint and Ba,. A...a.. J.B.
1-ard: Ballna4 Statlo11, Waab!nsto11 As't ill AtlllDtlc Bia:blalld•. Bal Sa•
A-.. llldclletowa Safe D - l t • Truot tate IIDd lllaaraDee, Arebltect.
Co.. Flnt A•._: W. C. T. U. llall, lloa1>t W. T. FltANICLIN
,l,•e.: Boolt 6 Laddor Co.. T-1>elt BouN, Wbolnale IIDd Retail o.Jer hl Coal
and Wood, Corner of MoaDt ud Second
~tlcA•~~:::T~ti!:'t~ A••n:aa.
W. JL POSTEN, .1L
~ - ~ e a t . Olllee at rwld- SacceHor to Leourd Broa.. Dealer ID
1
JOBNSON'S ATLANTIC PIL\JtKACY Hardware. Palllte, Olla, Cordase. Flnt
J. II. .JOHNSON, H. A. CLABJC aad Bu A•a.
;:-l~~!~·" Eotabu.bed 1m. R. S. SNYDSB .1. C. llllTCBSU
11>•-·· As...u. Real Eatate. I.Ma■•
NEWSPAPERS OF MONJIOUTB Juaranee. Fint A•enu•. near ~ View
CO'ONTY An.
Atlantic Bla:blanda JAKES IIARTIN
TIie Independent. Oldeat Clsv ,t Tobacco Store, and Bar-

---
Aab111T Park and 0.... Groft ber Sbop. Flnt A.-.11ae.
J. T. STOUT
i=:t i':!i.r:..~~s!"':~Dfr. Gneral Co11-.tor, Li•Ol'J' alld Board•
b,Jr Stabln. Stable on Ceater A -re1111e.
Eato11town . G. IIACEEY
Cea-i lllarket
Preab 11Dd Smoked Meats. Poaltn', V es-
Old T...,.mt. Enalhobto_,,

=•
-bin. C.D11od Gooda, Pickle-.
Preel>old D. 1" CONOVER. Pros,rietor
LITOl'J' • Sxclwlce Stablea
~ t b Democrat. Jlomnoatb 111-
FNeboJd Trallaeript. llo1UD011tb
Ceater, opp. llallroad A,,.. Honn kept
on LIT.,.,.. Sold and El<cba...,..t.
x... Eut .1, II. SJIARTS, Proprt.tor.
B-b Cottan• OD the Beach. F labor•
lt.,. Note.
men•■ ud Caa.o~bta• a..ort.
"1SS BERST

~-
li:zitapr!oe, W e e ~ ~ - .1astlee.
baa ODeDed • Select Board!Dtr • D•J'
N...._ - . I , o q Bra,,cb ScbooL Stnaabarc Cottatr• on Bal' AYO.

--
S. T. WHIT£
t>.mocrat. Star. S. Side. GroceriH a11d Dn- Good•

~=
JlataWIID Car. Flnt a11d Ba,- View Ana.
.Joana!. LEONARD BBOi3•
Jlclator, Standard. ~~Tbe
b e r ,I Baii'ci1~

~= ~,!i- J~.t_
. S• B~bt Sea View HonN
S...tlMl. Ia 011• of tbe moat clella:btfal sammc
SDrillc Lake
GeHtte 1111d llln-or. POPS
LUMBER AND COAL 1" D. BBtlSH 6 «;0.
.t..c.ou..... . . _ . D.alffll ID Gueral l'aDcJ' Goodt, !!'Int
Oppoelte tbe L IL Statioll. Att.. ODP-~~UFBUIUlOW
GBNEJIAL MEBCBANDI!!S
Edward W. 1-D&rd, LeoDard.W. Poet Corner of Flrat IIDd Center AffllDH,
Olllee, l)alft ID Dealer ID Boob, ~ ud Babba'
DrF Gooda """ ~ Goode.
FROM INDIAN TRAll, TO ELECTRIC RAIL 319

P. C. CJIANDALL 6 CO. G. E. JENJCn."SON,


Tb• ONra Pba:-11111"7 >tiu,u!acturtt:- oC Ire Crnm. Whole,aale
A Flnt Clue J>rus Store. Cor. ht and end Retail Dealer In ConftttlonttT, Sta-
lloant A•n. ti,,nffJ'. New York Papen and Book ■•
:r.tRS. E. HOOPEB. Pros>rl.-n. Fint A•eaue.
The Wind•or H:>tel C. W. TALLMAN. Prop.
The Wind.or Bot.i,I and Cottas:e,. Flab. Clam•, and 0,-otere. lllarket Oil
Tb• ti,• pier.
XIDDLETOWN SAFE DEPOSIT Tb• Hotel Normaa,tle,
and Bay A •e. and A Tfflt1e A.
TRUST COJIPANY KRS. H. C. BOTH, Proprietre11.
Flrat and Bay A..-n., Atlaatlc Hlsb· An All•th..,7ear-roand Rffort.
land•. N. J. DAVIS BROS ..
Olllett-E. C. Cnrtla. D. D .• Vice P,n.. Dealen In Flob, Clamo and 0,-oten.
!dent. Atlaatle Hi,rblande: T. A. Wan!. :Ce:,ot on Ba,- View Awe.
Treunrer. .Fnebold: Joe. lleDffmott. PERCY FALKENBURG.
Seeretar,-, F....,bolc!. Sto..-ee, Rana,ea, Tinware, etc. Flnt A..-..,
JACOB ROHDE'S near Center.
~taaraat a:nd lC"e Cream Saloofl. Flnt JOHN ELLIS
Ave.. nnr &,- A•• Wboleaalo aad Retail Dealer In Teu,
CAPT. J. H. S!tIJ>llORE Coffee• and Spleea. °'Tb• Wavelft."
it now ready to take 7ou. JlaJ' Vlow A..-e.
Call at die GroTe Cottas• .J N. PAl>l>OCK.
For p!euure ulllna and tl•hiDI". Flnt AT.nae, c,ppo■ ite Center. o.aerat
Repair Sbop.
Ll•t of RealdenU.

Addlaon. Jobn, dri..-er, HUlalde Park.


Allen, Xre. II. E., Prealdent W. C. T. U., Center and Flret Aoee.
Alexander. PauL watchmaker. Flnt A.Te, near pier
Anderaou. C. A.. Jou.rnaliat.
Aab. Jou. dri..-er. A..-.. B aft!' Cooter
Androwa, W Ill. botel. HIUaldtt.
Atwater. Ellu. -tennan. Cttnter A..-o.
Atwam-. Albert. - - Cttnter An.
Balle7. H.. - - Ba,. View Belsbte.
Barrett. Geom w., SoutJ, and Leonard A...,•.
Bortloaon, G. Fl'ank. exs>rnamaa. Jlonnt and Second A..-.o., H.. Fint An., :Ellleldtt.
BartlHon. Samuel B., Flnt A..--. Hlllalde.
Benaon, Fred.. 6 CoL N. Y. State JllUtla. A..-e. I) and BaJ' Sbo..,.
Bent!.,., W. H.. -tln,r and batblns. BaJ' Sbore aear BaJ' An.
Bent!.,., W. W .. Prof. of music. Bay Sbott near Bay A..-e.
Bennott. Jira. A. E.. Seuld• Home, Soatl, A••· n..., Leonard.
Bennett_ Geo. W .. ■tableman. Jlou11t &Del Third ATa.
Bersen. Jobn IL. painter, B,.....,.t Park.
~~K~ ..1a;;:~ ::~..-ii:'i.!~-.;.:; A..-.. A.
:~:.'7;,d%:"'.Jl:~=':in~ter AY•. aad A..-.. A.
Bowne, Ed-.4, lee dealer,,..... Leonard A..-.
Bowne, Jin. JI. A •• Atlantic Hl,rhlande Laundr7, HIUaldtt.
Brown. Wm.. u.Jnman. Flnt A••· near C.Uter.
Brown. F. 0., Reporter for Bradotreeta, ProepttCt A..-e.
Brown. Re..-. OU..-er A., Ba,. View Aoe.
Bru•b. L D. and Co•• f&aeJ' sood• aad notions. Flnt A..-.. oppoaJte C...ter.
Brn•b. J. T., fane,. ,rood, and aotlono, Flret A..-... ow. Center. House. Second
ATe._ betwttn Ba,- View and Mount.
Brnah, Lambert D., faae,. sood• and notlona. Flnt A..-.., ow. Center. '!lollHo
Secoad A"'•- between Bay View and Mount.
Bard,re. Edwin E.. clttk, bollN, Locuat Po!Dt.
Bard,re, B"11Ju,la. farmer, Leonard...W•.
Burd,re, Ed-,4 T., farmff, lAoaardYille.
Bard,re, Jam... clerk, Leoaard..-W..
Barrell. Jin. Bu View A..-..
l~~•ju~~=:it~~~~- ~~ n-:a:i.. D.
B7"1e. Edward. Bay View A..-.. a...- Snenth.
~~ll.lll~ ~.:~.Bl';..,~ f;•.Y.
~oi~ ::.~:rlooc:~• Sixt!, AYa., aear BaJ' View.
Chapman_ Cbrie-ber, ba.-bor, Flnt Har Bay View.
gJ:t t.::: ~ t a n - : 4 S : l e . t . . - ~ View and Secolld A....-.
Cnndall 6 Co. dralrlriata. Flnt and lloDDt A..-.._
~ndalJ. P. C.. Pbarmadat and cumlet. Flnt aad llollllt.
~~to, A. V. S.. ...,...tar, Waahlllstoa A..-e.
320 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil, 321

Bal,......-. aupentar. Bay A•--. -


BaJam. Gard!Hr. - - Soatll Aft.
C.
~ - A J1orND. -..,. and -oetionerJ', Pint aad Centar A"9.
~bacll. Frank. bakn7. CODf--,_, Pint _ . C...tar A..._
HallaaD. Patrick. blacbmitli. Loonard A,,._
BalM7~-tl'ark.
- - .....
Hanu. WIii.B..
, Jolua B..- -•
Bllblde Tlalrd A•--. -
Part. • - A,,._
HadelcL Jin. E. T .. ElsJatJa A-.
llom7. Jolm. - Bllblde.
Bor!D. Cbu.. boroasll lamp llslltar, C...tff A,,.._ &1141 A••• C.
~ . Jin. Edward. W - Hotel. Bay vi... &1141 Slstll and Sneatll A,,..,
~ . Edward. 8 - - - . Bay VMW A•-.. - G- VMW Hotel.
Jfflud. Joe...,.-.,. C...tar Aft.
Irwin, Wm. P .. w--.icllt. Soatla A,,.._ ....., A-. B.
IrwlD, Olladlall. 8oDt1a A,,.._.,.... Aft. J>.
Jnnh,p. Tllomu. pah,tar, Centar A,,.._ lloaN. Cent. A•e.
Jonldnaoa. Georse. ............. rHtaaraDt. Flnt A•-.. lloaN. Blllalde Part.
Jonldnaoa. Jin. G-. ~ - Park.
Jezu,y, A. IL ballclff, C - - An. _. A,re. C.
Jo""- A Clark, dnnlata. Atlantic P . . . _ . BQ VMW and 8-ad A,r.._
Jolmaon. J. IL dranlat. IIIIY vi... and 8ecoad . A . - - . . . Na...&ak.
Jo""-, J. IL Jr.. cJat. Flnt &1141 Bay A - laoue, Na,rau,t.
Jolmaon. J-11 ..,,..table. at Foeter'a o!Bm. Flnt A•--. opp. Centff. Bouae..
Na•nbak.

-kt-.
Jolmaon. J. P .. waterm,m. Celltff A•e. &1141 Aft. B.
Kocll. Cllu.. i,ah,tcr, pliotosraplMr, Bay Aft. and A-. A.
Luis, Jolm. ~ . E4-■ I>nclsiDc Co.. Bay vi... A-. Bou-. Central
Boaae. Flnt A,,._
Larrabee. Walter A. W. A. I.enrlnc'• Lamlllr Co. Hou-. Center A-.
Leonard. Cllu. T .. tanner. B....,ent Part.
L■oD&rd A Li1lclL priD-■• pabllallen of Atlantic Blcllluda ~ d e l l t . brick
'balldmc, Flnt and lloant Aft■•
IAonud. Ella S.. joarna]lat. Flrat and lloant AffL
Leonard. E. w.. - - • pn-1 merclwullu. Leonard'rille.
Leonard. Jamea B.. - • Pint and Bay A...._ Boaae, BlcllJancl. and 1-uN
A-.
L■oD&rd
Broe. balldlnc -tarlal. Flrat A .... - · Bu View A-.
~ JoJm. J .. balldlnc -tarlal. Flrat ........ c,pp. Ba)' View A,,.. eoa.._ Bu
An.. - A - . B.
L■onanl. Tllomaa. - - t ollee at Loonardrille.
t:::=: fi-~i::-•..=::
olllce In
~ Pint A,,.._
bntJdlnc. Boaae, -
Swan
SQ VMW A•e..
bloct. Pint .A.-.
opp. prl-te-
l.etu.W.. lce.W~A,,..._Tlalrd.t.-.
~~~-c:r8i!: ~ - B,
J:Jndei,, Praderict. - - - - · u - i . ....... - 8natla A-.
Linsk. CuoUne, Joarnallat. Pint - lloant A....
1-1<-, Geo. w.. -..itns - . . . SQ vi... - Jl'oartll A••·
Lafbarrow, Ecbert P .. - - . - . Flnt - em- A-. ?.oca•• Boue.
Lafbarrow, J - b ; -

=
market. Bay vi..., ...... Pint .A.n. Boaee
Jlack.,., Geom. - t &1141 •esetable market. Flrat An.. .,.... poatolllce.
~=t•:;=,
....... A...._ near poeto1llce.
Point.

Boaae. Blclllan.t n - Tlalrd


~ l e . 1>anlel.
~=-· w. E..
ii;;""""le• William. aupentff, Bisbland.
drl,rer, Leonard .......
D-
milk doaler, Woodward farm. near Grand A•e.
Snentll A.Ye.

11arU: =._ w ; _ ~ ~.. A::.. A,re. B.


~ Alozander, blackam1tb; Cen- A,,.._ _,. A,,.. A. Boaae. Leonard'IIDe.
=:
---11a11. ..,. L.. -■maker, Flnt ....... - · Center .......
Jin. C. &. SQ vi... Boaae, SQ v..,. and Tlalri
~~•~=A£-.
A•-.

=~- -··
llauon,J=- Claapel BIii..
11~:J;j.;"--■- • - • Pint &1141 Cn- A.,,.._
• " - Own. , - , Soatll
drl,rer, A....
· - &1141- A-. C.
- -A,re.
. ~ ~ ~ : . " ~- t . ad ot . . .
~ i~ Nal - - . Pint A .... - Bay A.... Boaae. J'oartll. - ~
~A.~ ~
- - - - 11117 '911w - 8leoad ..._
~ ~ -■111er .......... Pint .a..... w - Bu -
- en-
llllllor~ ~~ A.,,.._
. _ , ~ Flnt ........ - ~
II-.; Wllllam. Tlllrd A-. - ■-t Aft.
322 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

llonell, WUllam. bakff7, Flnt and Center A•n.


Jlorri■• S. S .• waterman. Center A.,,e.. near A••· B.
Koant. Charin, A.. oaJH.....,. W. A. Lnerlnc Lumber Yard. Bouu, Na•nlnk.
Kount. WWlam F" - k k - and clerk. Flnt and Bu Vlnr A..-. Bouu. Fl.rat
and Gar6eld Ans.
Mount. • Jointt. South A•e.
Murray, Capt. Tbomu. Fl.rat and Center An•.
Nobln. Kn. IL A. Hoaae. Sr,entb A•e.. near Ba~ ATe.
Nelson. Chrbtopher. 11shennan. Bu Shore, near Bu An.
Nelson. .1" Jaw,dry, Fl.rat A••·
Ochs, B11111'7, carpenter, Fl.rat. near Ba,- An.
OU•er, A. C., lumber, n - railroad depot. Bou■e. Fifth A•"" near Bu View An.
Olat■n. Chrl ■, 11.._ Center An.
Owen■ • Jin.. widow. BNTent Parle.
Paddock. .1. N" encln.,.., machlnl■t and i:eneral repaln, Fl.rat A"°" 01)11. Center
An. BoHe, Bill■ ldL
Pattenon. Gordon. C.. clttk. Houu, Leonard An.
Palmer A Whltne,o, Grand View Hotel,. Ba,- VI- An.
Palmer, W. W" Grand View Hotel. Bu View An. 191 Chamben S~ N. Y.
Parent. J'ohn, carpenter. Center A•e.. near A•e. B.
Pattenon. S. F" railroad ticket and frelcht acent and telecra1>h Ol)ff&tor. railroad
■tation. Wuhinct,on A•e.. Boaae. Center A•e. and A•e. B.
Patter■on. WUllam. 11■h market. Fl.rat An. and pier. Boan, Second A••" near
Mount.
Perrine, .John ~ arpenter, Monmouth Bou■e. Blshland An" near Flnt An.
Pf&nnenmiller. John. confectioner. Flnt and Center A•n.
Picket. Sam. drl•er. Hooper Bome■ teed. Fl.rat An.
Plncklle,'• .Jonathan T" policeman. Third and Kount A•n.
Po■ten. WWlam L .Jr" hardware, paint■, oU., etc" Flnt and Ba,- View An■•
Powell, E. ~ plumber. Second A•"" near Bu View An.
Quackenhuah, .Jaeob. Center An.
Ralph, .1. E., clerk. main olllce C. 1L 1L. New York. Bou■e, Crn■on Cottase. (,outer
A•e. and A•e. A..
RaT&tt. C. E.. Unry, Center and RailTO&d A •u.
RaT&tt. W. S" U,rery, Center and Railroad Ana.
RaT&tt. William, -terman. Blll■ lde Park.
Ra,-11eld, E. .1" carpenter, Fl.rat An" near pier.
Rhode, J'acob, rntaurant. Flnt A•e.. near Bay View AYe.
BJcllmot1d. J'allua. Firat A•e.. near pier.
Riddell, Charin l.ewb. tile ■etter. Sea View Hoa••• Bu View An.
Richards, .Joaeph L attoruOJ' at ad•ertl■er.
R.Ue7. J' obn. driver. Mount and Second A •n.
Riff, .John, Y'atch•- Flnt A•"" opp. Center.
Ritter. Heun-. machine ■hop. end of pier.
Rlttorbancl. J. S. Bou ■e, Elchth A.•e. Attorue,' and coun■ellor at Jaw, N. 'i.
Rhein. Erunt, arpenter. B..,,eut Park.
Robert. D. J" architect and builder, Center A.n. Bouse. near Leonard An
Roberta, Frederick. Ice dealer, Flnt AT°" near Garfteld A•••
Roberta, N. H. A ~ coneral men:handlae, Flnt An.
Roberta, N. H., merchant. Fl.rat A ,re.
Roberta, WWlam, encln-, Flnt A••·
Roberta, William JI" merchant. Flnt An. Boa••• Second A•e.
Jtobertaon., Kia■ Blanche D.,. ma■lc teacher. Hooper A,e.
Robertaon. Kn. Eleanor C.. Hooper An.
Rocen, T. T. Bouae, Flnt AT"" near Konnt.
Roop, Charin, clerk. Bu View A•e.
Roog, Cono..er lL. _ . . , _ Brnat Park.
Ran7on. A. S. Hoaae. BaJ' View and Thi.rd A•n.
Sanford. Re,-uold, macnlnlat. Center An" near A •e. A.
SaTldce. W. B" railroad eudneff, Blshland An" near A,re. C.
Sean. Charles Pa,-ne. art!■t. Point Lookout.
Sharu. .1. ~ ,rrocerlea, -tins.
Seare, Stephen. Point Lookout.
bathlnc. Ba,- Shore. near Ba,- An.
Simona, Jin. America. PaTIUOD Hotel. Flnt An. and pier.
Skidmore. Capt. J'obn B.. GroT• Cottace.. Flnt A •e.. nn.r Center Awe.
Skidmore, Thomae. earpenter, HDlaldL
ScuJthorp, ·Lewis, - u and • - • Flnt and Bu A•n.
Smltb. Cono•er. tanner. Leonard A•e.
Smith, WWlam, lallorer, llowDe A..-L
Smock. Charle■, farmer, LeouardTIIIL
Smock. .Joaeph, tanner, LeonardTllle.
SIU'der, R. S.. towu■hlp u-■or. nal atate and Insurance, Fl.rat An., opp. B~Y'
A••· Bouae. New Monmouth.
SoathQI, Barry, earpenter, Soath An. and A,re. D.
Southall, .John. e&rPeDter, South A•e. and ATL D.
Southall, Moreton. artlat. South Aft. and A•e. D.
Stebhlna, Ro■well 0- dentist. South An" near ATL D.
SWlwell, WWlam, bntcher, Bu View .A~ near Flnt.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 82lt

Stollt. Jacob T .. eoatractor u4 llftr7, Catff Aft. u4 Aft. A. Boa-. Tlllnl


udlloultA•N.
8told, c.-p L Br.. Joanallat. Pint and JI011Dt A•n.
8-t. c.-p L Jr_ 81l11Nt Cot1an. Jlaple Plaee, Jllsblmul Aft.
Stoat, Jolm, llftl'7, Catff Aft. ud A•& A. BoDM, Tblrcl &Dd JloDDt A ...•.
Stnur, J - . - oaw mlll. A-. A.. - S011Ua A•e. Boa-. Seuide.
Striker, W8- - - S011Ua A ..... Har Ba,-.
Stnker, Wllllam, - - 801lth A••- .,..., !IQ.
8tr7hr, C,....u, clri-.er, !IQ View ,..,.._ Dar Flnt.
8 - Jin. A...., - P a - . i :.......
8 - Jllu Jlallel. ~ . Soc~nd Aft., - Ba,- View.
s - Edward IL. pabater, enter ,....... - Brnnt Park.
8 - Elmer, ~ I I _.tor, raihoa4 apot. Bo11N, Na-...olDIL.
S _ J , B . , - A - . - J?a,- View,
8 - - . Jollll, llolMnDaa. - Ff"t A•e.
TaDmaz,, C. w.. a.b marut, Pint,......... pier. Bou.... 8ecoDd A••- D.... 1(01111•.
TallmaD. Jolla E.. nsi-, S.CODCl Aft., - JlollBt.
Tallmu,. William, - - • Tblrcl a.ncl WaalllDstoD AT.■•
TborDe. Cllarla. clerk, lamber ,-an!. - railrMd depot. BoDN, BlltoD Park.
~ llark, - • clri-.er. BORN. N- Ko-11th.
T - Wllllam, blltcber, Pint A-.... aar !IQ V-.
t1Dlted 8tatn 11:zpreu <:c,a,paa,-, Samul PatteraoD, qeat. at ralJro■cl depot.
ValleaD, J,N.IL.C..pamtff,
ValntlM, --• aar
Jlaple PatteroOII
P1aee ~ Aft.
aar Snnth
Vaaderbllt. B-.
Vaaderbllt..Fraak. nsi-. llall!oad &Dd Seeoad uad Jlo11at ATeo.
farmer, LeoD&rdTW..
V&Ddelrilt, 8am11el IL, CUPeDtff, IAoDard'l'llle.
Vaad.._a. Jin. Kar,-, Wladoor Hotel.
Vuuke, Ardlle. _ _ , , . aa,. vi-,..,.,..
Vua B1ae A -ball. lllb..._ drNamal<ero. Flnt A••- opp. C.,,tff A ....
Vaa BIN. &11.i. A. L -•maker, Flrat A••.. ...,.. Cnter A ....
Vua Kater, Jolla L p"""1claa, Flnt A,..., opp. Catff.
Vaa Pelt. B11117, _ _ , , , WaablactoD A•e.
Vua Pelt. C. W- CUPeDter, Jl-ath BouH. Jllsllland A•e_ Dar F"ant.
Vua Scbolck, P. B., llarHo ■• Pint Aft- DOU' Jloaat.
W-atta. WIWaa. ban.... Flnt AN. near lloDllt.
Walllq, C-... CUPeDtff, Blllolde.
Welcll. C-... clerk, Pint a111d Cntff .A•n. BoDH, A•e. D, uad. Ba,- Aft.

:=.r,
Welda, Jerome. - - lAoDard'l'llle.
C.. tuld.;_~=dc:,.:::
William■• Fndfflc:k, bqpn - • South A•e.
!;:; JlollBt.
Wbiek-. J., farmv, Cnter A•e.
:l.'::[.:!:.,~•=• ~ ~~ Fourth A•e.
:t:::: ~: ~~~~-.: ;:.:.;t..t -
Awe.. near llollllt.
0
Ba,- View A-.... BOllH, :t.lsllth.
;ti~ Geo,-, cle,-lt, Flnt alld Ba,- View ........ HoaH. El,:bth ......
w.....iwut r:::~.;.::::.~J;~d VI.,. Hotel. Ba,- View ATe.
~":it i:_~_,i:i-:rn;,i~•--b:k Rood, - Billalde.
324 FROlll INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTERLV.

EFFORT KADE BY WILLIAK E. ANDREWS AND OTHEBS FOR


A BRIDGE TO CONNECT LOCUST POINT WITH OCEANIC
1890

The year of 1890 was one of considerable activity,


especially in the building line. Early in the spring, the sub-
ject of water supply for the town engaged the attention of
the borough, but the project was abandoned, owing to the
lack of proper support.
On the first of April, Leonard Brothers disposed of
their lumber business to James P. Hopping and Hemy J.
Ely. Leonard Brothers established an office on First Ave-
nue. near Center Avenue, for the transaction of their dif-
ferent business interests.
Dr. Henry A. Hendrickson came to Atlantic Highlands
January 1, 1890, to engage in the practice of medicine.
For a time he was in partnership with Dr. John H. Van
Mater, but soon opened an office of his own on First Ave-
nue. On October 18, 1893, he married Clara Leonard,
daughter of Thomas H. Leonard of this place.
The borough's fiscal year commenced on the seventh
day of April, when an election was held, as the law re-
quired. The primary produced quite a change in nomina-
tiom from the year previous. President John E. Foster,
after his year's experience, much preferred to "remain
without the fold;" as did Mr. White, Mr. Conover and Mr.
Roberts. Thomas H. Leonard accepted a place on the
ticket again, after a year's vacation, as did also Percy
Falkinburg, Jacob T. Stout and S. T. Champion, as new
candidates.
The election that followed resulted in the appointment
of the Board of Commissioner as follows: William B. Sav-
idge, D. Lane Conover, Thomas H. Leonard, William T.
Franklin, Jacob T. Stout, Percy Falkinburg and Somers T.
Champion. The new members, for the first time on the
Board, were Jaco)> T. Stout, a descendant of Richard Stout,
one of the most prominent men in early New Jersey history,
his name appearing among the first, and connected with
Indian traditions in Salter's and Eilis's Histories of Port-
land Poynt. Commissioner Stout's experience was extensive,
in public affairs, he having served on the Township Com•
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 325

mittee.aa treasurer for five years, also as township assessor


for many years; and in numy other ways he had served the
people.
S. T. Champion, not so long known in oar locality,
comes to us after serving as captain in the Civil War, in
other ways of a peaceful character, he has come to ua from
the southern part of the State. Immediately after coming
to Atlantic Hig_hlands, he filled the position of superinten-
dent of the Atlantic Highlands Association, and has been
active in all of oar local affairs.
Mr. Falkinburg, the youngest man to serve the town
as commissioner, thus shows the possibilities of a determ-
ined spirit, by his own efforts placing himself abreast of
those of far greater opportunities.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing
year: President, T. H. Leonard; Superintendent. W. T.
Franklin; Tre881lrer, Percy Falkinburg; Marshal, J. T.
Pinckney; Counsel, John E. Foster; S. T. Champion, Chair-
man of the Street Committee; W. B. Savidge, Lamp Com-
mittee; J. T. Stout, Auditing Committee. The following
amounts were voted at the election for bol'(lugh purposes:
:Borough tax, $500.00; borough road tax, $1,000.00. 'l'he
treasurer gave a bond for $4,000.00, as required by the
commissioners.
On the 21st of Apnl, an order of the "King's Daugh-
ters" was organized at the residence of Judge Hooper, they
taking as their motto "Willing Hands." They selected as
officers: Mrs. Elizabeth Hooper, president; Mrs. Sarah L.
Stout. vice-president; Mrs. Mary B. Flumerfelt. recording
secretary; Mrs. Mary Vanderpool, corresponding secn-
tary; Mrs. Martha Van Mater, treasurer. Ml'S. Hooper still
remains president.
The organization baa done much charitable work in
Atlantic Highlands and the vicinity. It now numbers near-
ly one hundred. The charity fund received by the Mayor,
Thomas H. Leonard, and turned over to the Society,
amounted to abo.ut $500.
A reorganization of the Cornet Band was perfected in
Mat, the following ofilcen being elected: president, Obie
Irwin; secretary, Charles E. Ralph; treasurer, Tanis Kut-.
W; sergeant-at-arms, Valentine Pfister; leader, Charles
.a.och: teacher, Henry Ochs.
On the 15th of May, a number of young men formed
themselves into a baseball club, taking "Atlantic" for their
~e. They have proved themselves experts at the bat,
~~g. in 1891, won the championship of the league. Their
"'"'" game was ,ioith the Kea11Sburg club, which they won
326 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

with but little effort. The first nine was formed with John
Lang, captain; short-stop, C. M. Slayton; catcher, Murray
E. Foster; pitcher, Frank Rue; first baseman, Charles Con-
over; second baseman. Robert Zebley; third· baseman, E.
R. ::Mills; right fielder, John Johnson; center fielder, Gilbert
Chapin.
There had been for years an effort made for a bridge
across the Navesink (North Shrewsbury) River. People
friendly to the enterprise had contended from which point
in the river the bridge should be located - from
John H. Patterson's point, known as "Blossom Cove," near
Red Bank, different points had been considered, to Locust
Point and Oceanic.
Mr. John H. Patterson and Mr. William E. And.--ews
had been the most active in the matter, each favoring the
extreme point named, as their interests indicated. Much
hard work was done, and it seemed in vain, although auch
is generally the case in all large movements.
The Central Railroad, in 1889, through President
Adams and his Assistant Superintendent Justis E. Ralph.
finally took the matter in hand, sending the writer several
passes, to assist in securing influential citizens to meet the
Board of Chosen Freeholders at the regular meeting at
Freehold. A good!:r number consented to take the trip
and were on hand at the time and place indicated.
All at once it occurred to the party that speeches were
in order---and who should make them? There was a joint
caucus called in haste at the Court House door, and
things were desperate. Mr. R,-lph tried with all his native
eloquence but with poor success to persuade Mr. William H.
Posten, Sr., that he was an orator of the first magnitude.
While all this was transpiring, the meeting had been
called, and the opportunity for the Freeholders to con!'ent
to authorize the biiilding of the bridge across the river from
Locust Point to Oceanic was passing. The writer, in desp-
eration, passed into the meeting room (leaving Mr. Ralph
r.till wrestling with Mr. Posten, endeavoring to persuade
him of his latent gifts), and stood up before the Board, and
presented the case in a manner that would have caused
Chauncey Depew to have recoDSidered his calling :&a a
epeechmaker. He waa followed by R. S. Snyder, in his
usual impressive strain, and backed by Mr. W. H. Posten,
Sr., Joseph Lufburrow, John E. Williams, Webster Swan
and others. It is needless to say that the Freehol<lers
granted our request.
A meeting of the Assembly Committee on the Oceanic
Bridge bills was called at Trenton in February, 1890. There
was great opposition to the bridge by the :Merchant Steam-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 327

boat Company and others. The call for Atlantic Highlands


to meet the committee. came from the Hon. John S. Apple-
gate, backed by a large delegation from the ..Old Portland
Poynt" territory, that was in sympathy with the bridge
scheme.
On March 4th another call was made by Mr. J. E.
Ralph, to come to Trenton as another snag had been en-
countered. Messrs. Sickles, Posten, Swan, Van Mater, and
Leonard were included in the party.
Objections were made by those not favoring the bill
in every ,,·ay possible. &&-interference with the channel,
the kind of draw, the Oceanic and Locust Point landings.
The bill was passeci in the ..House" and a call was
made from our chosen Freeholder, Jehu Cooper, to meet
him at Trenton, to preYent its being stopped in the Senate.
"i'iiis matter was met as usual, and victory was ours. thanks
to all cooperating in prcducing a coni.ienence uniting so
closely two such townships as Middletown and Shrews-
bury, with all their developing interests.
The work of asking, receiving and accepting bids was
now assumed by the committee appointed from the Board
of Freeholders, assisted by Civil Engineer George Cooper.
which resulted in the contract being gi,en to Dean and
Westbrook.
On May 29th, the matter of street lighting was again
presented to the board through H. S. Lufkins, general agent
for the Electric Motor Company, New York, proposing to
furnish the town with electric lights for street lighting.
On June 5th, it was decided by the board to :iccept
the offer of the Atlantic Highlands Hook and Ladder C->m-
pany, for the use of sufficient ground back of their building
for a lockup. It was agreed to accept the report of the
committee on lockup, Messrs. Stout and Falkinburg. and_
have a building erected on said ground-price not to ex-
ceed $60.
At this meeting, Mr. Joseph W. Gardner was appoint-
ed assistant marshal, at $25 per year, with a fee of $1 each
for all anests. Marshal J. T. Pinckney's salary wa:. in-
creased to $75 per year, with extra fees for each arrest.
qn June 24th, J. E. Ralph paid the first hotel (Cres-
sbon) license fee of $175, his house toeing previously licensed
Y the County Court. Judge J. C. Conover presiding.
Ed .At the.August 28th meeting oi the board. Mr. Jo~ph
wards came before them and explained how a good
fat!r supply could be procured and was ready at any time
o IPVe us the benefit of his experience.
828 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

On June 11th. the Atlantic Highlands Asaociation held


a public sale of lots. Quite a number attended, this sale
showing that a greater interest was being man;fested
among the people for rear lots.
The first greenhouse was erected here by William A.
Bridle and Mrs. .E. H. Latham, in June. They created a
large hot-house on Bay View Avenue. corner of Grand. and
fitted it up with beaters and water tanks. This branch of
the company's bllSiness flourished and was a great accom-
modation to that part of the town. until the destruction of
the Grand Viel'V Hotel by fire, when it was discontinued
and removed to Navesink.
The Fourth of July was celebrated with g&-eat pomp
this year, the hotels and boarding houses being crowded
all the season. .
On November 25th, a G. A. R. Post of Veterans was
formed at White's Hall, which took the name of Clinton
B. Fisk Post. and was classed, upon the installation of of-
ficen, as No. 114. The following were the officers elected:
Commander, S. T. Champion; senior vice-commander, Wil-
liam M. Foster; junior vice-commander, S. H. Powell, chap-
lain, Robert Emery; quartermaster, John B. Swan; adjut-
ant, Joseph W. Gardner; officer of the day, Fred Snyder;
officer of the guard, Lewis M. Parker; sergeant major, J. D.
Liming; quartermaster sergeant, Matthew Brown; inside
guard, John Scofield; outside gua?JI, Jacob H. Parker.
On the 29th of November, the comer stone for the new
Catholic (;hurch was laid at the comer of South Avenue
and Avenue C. The Rev. John K. Fox of Seabright, who is
superintending the erection of this pretty little edifice, of-
ficiated, assisted by Father M. E. Kane of St. James Church,
Red Bank.
The day being fine, a large crowd was present, among
them members from the Protestant churches. The church
will seat three hundred. It was dedicated the following
year as "St. Agnes Church."
On the 19th of December, the organization of the
Presbyterian Church took place at White's Hall, the Rev.
Di,. Dashiel and Rev. H. G. Smith officiating, Mr. Dasbiel
acting·as Moderator of the session until the appointment
of Rev. Mr. Price as pastor. The following were elected
trustees: S. T. White, E. H. Cook, Frank Bartleson, Caleb
Patterson, J.M. Quackenbush. The trustees elected E. H.
Cook as their clerk. He was also elected elder for three
years. .
The following were chosen officers of the new Sunday
School: superintendent, E. H. Cook; assistant superi.'lten-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 329

dent, J. M. Quackenbush; secretary, Amzi Quackenbush;


hl>rari-n, John Perrine; assistant librarian, Eddie Quack-
enbush; treasurer, Mrs. Whittingham.
The following were the charter members: E. H. Cook,
Lizzie Whittingham, Sarah E. Van Pelt, V.irginia L Patter-
son, Alida Cook, C. A. Quackenbush, Caleb N. Patterson,
:lllarJ, L. Patterson, S. T. White, Hannah A. Quackenbush,
Mar.1 V. Patterson, Cecelia Patterson.
The Atlantic Highlands Hook and Ladder Company,
No. 1, February 4th. was presented by Mr. Genin (whose
father, "The Great New York Hatter,'' claimed the honor
of purchasing the first ticket to Jennie Lind's first concert
in Ne.w York City), with fatigue caps, for which he received
a rising vote of thanks.
On August 23rd, C. R. Snyder was appointed receiver
for the Monmouth Press. Tunis Muller moved bis black-
mrith shops from Leonardville to the vacant lot on the cor-
ner opposite S. T. Bloodgood's livery stables (corner of
Center Avenue and Avenue A).
J.M. Quackenbush opened bis grocery store on Center
Avenue and Avenue B, on Saturday.
On November 29, 1890, was published "Atlantic High-
land's Growth,'' as follows, ti.ken from the "Monmouth
Press":
"Who says Atlantic Highlands is not growing? We
say it is. To sustantiate our assertion, we quote statistics
gleaned from the data of Township Assessor R. S. Snyder,
for the last four years.
"At the organization of the town (May 20, 1887). the
assessment was $225,000; in May 20, 1888, $387,175; in
May 20, 1889, $494,050; in May 20, 1890, the present
year, the assessment had increased to $553,865; and at
the present writing, November 29th, with the addition of
thirty-eight houses, if the assessment was now made, it
would amount to ,600,000."
The "Monmouth Press" was first started as the "At-
lantic Highlands Herald,'' by J. C. Nobles and Peter Y.
Everelt, in 1881; afterward, Mr. Nobles withdrew and
Rev. Thomas Everett took bis place, the company being
known as Everett Brothers.
The paper. was purchased March, 1885, by Ella S. Leon-
ard and Caroline G. Lingle, the company being known as
Leonard and Lingle. The name of the paper was changed to
the "Atlantic Highlands Independent" by them (May 9,
1885). They first occupied the printing house built by them,
on Bay View Avenue, between First and Fourth Avenues, on
the bluff, from which they remoYed to the brick building
:SSO FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

on Homestead Block (November 27, 1885), they having


the honor of building the first brick building for business
purposes in town.
They were succeeded by Edgar H. Cook, who changed
the name of ti!-: naper to its present one, "Monmouth Press,"
.and the publisnmg office adjoining, and west of the W. C.
T. U. Temple, where it still remains, 1897. Through a
Jegal difficulty in the settlement of the details of the trans-
fer from Leonard and Lingle to Mr. Cook, the paper was
placed by the court in the hands of a receiver, as s~ted
;above.
When the matter was finally adjusted, the paper was
placed in the possession of, and is still edited by, William
J. Leonard, at present writing, 1897. His editorials are
.such as tQ profound the just and confound the unjust, by his
-depth of thought and fearless pen.
Township Justice of Peace .Tohn Ellis, being deputized
by the President of the Board to act as Police Justice, made
hls report for the first time July 30th, by handing in $4.50,
amount of fees collected from arrests.
The advisability of reorganizing under a new act for
Borough Governments had been considered through the
latter part of the fiscal year, by the commissioners and
their council, also by the general public; but thus far action
bad been deferred in bringing it before the people for their
-decision.
The report of the treasurer, as printed below, places
:a balance on hand (after all taxes were collected and bills
paid), of $58.93. (Report as published in the "Monmouth
Press.")
ANNUAL REPO:&T ;s...,IUU'J' •• 1881.
ot the Treaaurer of tbe Pol:Ce Co11rt. • . • • • • • • • • . . • • • . %5.00
BOROUGH OF JanuatT 15.
ATLA.,"TIC HIGHLA?,"DS. N. J. DcnJamiD Crli:,ro. tasn for 19,0 1.$00.00
For 1890-81. FobnJar7 5.
Georre Jlorford. taxn for
:PffC'J' Falkinbursr. Treuanr. in account 1887°88 • • . . • • • • • • • . • • • • • . %52.10
with the Borousb Commia•loa ot At- Ceonro Morford. taxes for 1889 ~20.n
lantic Hichlanda. N. I. Jlareb %1.
RECEIPTS &. I. Ray11old. Dote ID fllll for
April 16. 1890. »toae. Fint AYIL.......... 15.71
8al&Dce from S. T. White •••• S .50 April 7.
Now ••••••...•..••.••..••• ,aa.oo S. T. Cbam11lon U poou....
0 1.SO
Jane U.
~- E.. Ralph. hotel U-o. . . . 115.00 wile!;.!~.~'..... 10.00
· June :s.
:S. I. Oil Co~ -pt,, harrob. • lZ.0% Toto! ••••••••.•••••••••• • SS,%'7.5S
·II. L. CoaoYer. Ileen... • • • . . . • 10.00 IIISBURSEXENTS
Jane 10. <Old BW.)
I. T. Stout. liceaM.......... 10.00
:Dey A aa...tt Bros~ Ucenae..
.Police Court. . • • • • • • • • • • • . • • •
10.00
4.50
E. H. Cook.~':tD!!-s~~~~:
1
.. .S UO
Soi-bor 3. ~~n!:l.°ua. "=!: ::::::: sfm
Wa.ate lumber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . • .1~ W. H. Po.tea. au.pplln. . • . . . . 11.01
w. T. rraDklla. oecret&r7.
-.. • •• •. •• • •• • •• . •• •• • %06.00
T. T. Jloiren. rood•.......... H.75
October 10. J. T. PIDCkDOJ'.A~~:...... 47.%5
..Berm.au Booth. bote.1 Ucen.N.. . 1:;0.00 J. T. PiDckDO)'. manbol f-.. 71.11
FF.OM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC R.4.IL 331

J. T. Stoat. -.to .......... . ;1.u


W. T. Fru,klln. road• ....... . :&.Iii
J ......,... ao.
J. Jlount. Jampa •••••••••••.• 18.00-
J. Smock.-•- ............ . 6.:1.
Febra&r7 17.
J. Mount. lamp• •••.•••••...• 18.90
N. H. Robffu A Co.. ouppliH 10.1,
W. C. T. U~ for uoe of ball .. 5.00
C. R. Snyder. printlnc ..... . a.6~
W. H. Po•te-n. ,.t1pplln •••••• 11.74
6.00 Ropplna A Els. JumbeT ••••••. 9.18
9.60 E. H. C0<.1k. printi.nc tor board
or bnlt!i ..••.....•..••••.• C.50
2.00 S. T. Wbite. ouppileo •••••••• 1.21
,s.oo A. Hartin. iron for lockup •.•• 1.00·
W. T. Frant!!:i. road■ •••••••• 5.66
6.75 ~7 A BaY:.tt. road~ .... , ...•• 11.00
F.,br•JA'7 23.
1.,5 H. ti: L. C.:-,. ::o. 1. borou:-h hall ao.oo
3.00 Board of 1-:ultb .....•....•.• ~5.00
.t, T. Plnrkn.,-. road• •••••.•• 17.8'1:
J. T. Plncb<7, mcslaal fen .. 715.00
u.,2 J. W. Gardner. a- ■ iatant marahal 25.00
D. L. Co'!':ove:-. plank •..•••••• JI.IC
18.00 J. E. Fo~te-r. co1.1:1•el fen ••••• n.oo
C. F. Bartl~11c:1, 11CraY~I. ••••• s, 2S
J. Mol'nt., lamp• ••••••••••••• i8.90
3.87 F. Sml~. ro=.d" .•...•.•..•••• 2.62
M:trrb 21.
W. T. Fni.nklin. cart.&&"e of
18.25 aton~ .... ·,;~~h. !7: .....
,.,o Leonard Dros.• •tone ••.••••..•
lll&rcb 28.
21.H
:&.00 J. Kut.flt.. lamp• ••••••••••••• 18.90
Perc:7 Fa!kirlbu~. ,:upplln .•.• 4.80
April 1.
20 •.G S. T. White. e-Je-ction board ..•• 6.00
C. A. Fort. e-Jtt:tion board ••••• 6.00
18.00 J. Quackenbiuh. el«t!on board a.oo
E. F. Lurburrow. eI~tion board a.oo
;,2.,8 W. JI. Robt-rt•. election board .. 6.00
J. S. Smock. elfttion board •••• 6.00
S. T. '\\.. hite. ■ uppUe,1 .•.••... 11.01
G.58 N. H. P..obert, le Co.. ■ uppliea 1.68.
Jo■a,b W. Gardner. 7 arred• 7.00
'8.27 W. T. Franklin. road• ..••...• Si.19
P. S. Conover• .Jr•• eupplies .••• .60
2G.23 .J. T. Pinckney. 2 &fffft■ ••••.• 2.00
!?5.00 J. Qaackenbu,h. l'uppllea ...•.• 12.0,
5.2G Boppinr a Eb. auppJie■ .••••• 1.10·
A. Martin. auwliea .•••..••.•• J.2S
J. T. Pinckney. roadA ...•.••.. 10.87
J. E. Foater. to aer,icff on tax
adju-;tml'nt. etc. •...•.•.... 50.0~
J. T. Sto:.it. road11 ••.•.••...•• 85.05
Di<1:co,!~.t on note ••.•...•.... ~8.12
N. J{. Robe-rt<1 I;, Co•• 11upptie!I 56.38
S. T. Il!ood1:ood. road!I ••.••.•• J.75
S. T. 1:luods:o:>u. ro:1.d.1 .••.•••• 6.75
To~I ....•.......•....•.. S3.::o.zo
Rttt'ipti. ..•••...••••••.••••. $3.~.C7.SS
Dbb:J:-•.cml'nts •.•••.••....•. 1.:uo.20.

Cn-.h o~ h:md ................ $ Zi.33


Vut! from Township Col:ttto!'.
TRx,·:-1. 1~89 .•••••.••••••.• I 56.4!)-
T:1u·11. l!:J~O............... 660.11
S 716.60
Note in bank. . . • . . • . • • • • • . . • G85.00
&!nnt"C ...••• , ••.••• , ••• ,$ il,6C,
Amout in Trea3urer•• hand•.. :7.13
G.00
18.60
332 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

PDCT PALJCDIBU&G. u bl Illa _,.1111 , - t - a.I -


TNuanr. -•tobecmnct.
We the A11dldas CommlttN al tM .lACOB T. STOOT.
Atl&Rtlc Blcbluda ......... C-ml•- 8. T. CKAXPION,
- b y nport tat - ...... - - WJL B. SAVlDGZ.
- accoallu ud ...,..-. of l'ero Audltlq Committee.
1'alldabars. TNuanr, .. ,....,_ to
The "Directory of Atlantic Highlands," compiled by George H.
Stout, we prize very highly, and. with his consent, we continue and
add the growth and interests of the borough, aa taken from his second
Directory of 1890-1891.

BOROUGH OFFICERS OF ATLANTIC mGHLANDS


Annual Election-First Tuesday in April, from 2:00 P. llL to 7:00 P. M.
COMJIISSIONERS
Thomas H. Leonard, President; William T. Franklin, Secretary; Percy
Falldnburg, Treasurer; William B. Savidge, D. Lane Conover, Jacob
T. Stout, S. T. Champion.
Street Committee-S. T. Champion, D. Lane Conover, Jacob T. Stout.
Lam~~~William B. Savidge, William T. Franklin, Percy
mg•
.Auditing Committee----.Jacob T. Stout, William B. Savidge, S. T.
Champion.
Attorney and Counsel to the Board-John E. Foster.
Kanbal-Jonathan T. Pinclcney.
BOROUGH BOARD OF HEALTH
Dr. E. C. Curtis, President· Capt. James H. Leonard, Secretary; J. B.
Swan. lnsJJector; Jacob T. Stout, Member; Dr. J. H. Van Mater, Mem•
ber; Dr. George D. Fay, Member; Dr. H. A. Clark, Member.
HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY, NO. 1.
Track House, Center, opposite Railroad Ave.
Timothy llL Jlaxson, Chief of Middletown Fire Department.
Ollcers:
~rp_ Mackey, President; Charles A. Fort, Secretary; William T.
Franklin, Treasurer; Percy Falkinburg, Foreman; Martin Dowd, First
.Assistant Foreman; Lamber D. ~ Second Assistant Foreman.
THE ATLANTIC mGHLANDS SAVINGS FUND AND
BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION
Jacob T. Stout, Presidentj· William B. Saviclge, Vice.President; Edward
W. Leonard, Treasurer; ohn E. Foster, Secretary.
THE BAY VIEW CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
Ollce: First Ave., opposite the Bank.
George H. Sickles. President; R. S. Snyder, Secretary; N. H. Robertl!,
Treasurer.
Meetings, second Tbunday in November, Feb:rua:ry, May, and
August,· at the mperintendent's ollice, at 10 o'clock, A. M. .Richard
.A. Leona.rd, Superintendent, Leonardville.
CHURCHES
Baptiat-Bbdiland and Ave. D. Rev. Edward Loux, Pastor.
Methodist-l'int and Mount Aves. Rev. L. B. Edwards, Pastor.
Episcopal (All Saints' MeJDorial)-Near High1ands-of-Navesink. Rev.
Haslet McXbn, Jr., Rector.
Boman Catho~W. C. T. U. Temple. Rev. John llL Fox, Rector.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 3~

ll(ISCELLANEOUS
United States Express Coml)llny, at railroad station. Samuel F. Pat-
terson, Agent.
Postofll-Fint, opp. ~ter Ave. James H. Leonard, Postmaster.
Railroad Station-Washington Ave.
National Bank of Atlantic Highlan~Fint and Bay Aves.
W. C. T. U. Temple-KoUJ1t, opp. Railroad Ave.
Hook and Ladder Co.-Truck House, Center Ave., opp. Railroad Ave.
Tabernacle-Bay View Ave.
Atlantic lwtblands Association-Rev. E. C. Curtis, President. Office
at resiaence. Bay View Ave.
White's HaD-Firat and Bay View Aves.
Atlantic Hishlands and Navesinlc Stage Boute to boats and ~
Charles H. Green, Proprietor.
Atlantic Hishlands Cornet Band-Ave. A. and Bay Ave.
SOCIETIES
LO. O. F.-llrleet at White's Hall, First and Bay Aves., every Wednes-
day night. Georee Brannin, N. G.; E. H. Cook. Secretlary.
Knights of Pytbju-llrleet at White's Hall, every Monday uirht. S. T.
Champion, District Deputy; J. E. Foster, C. C.; T. J. "Emery, K.
of R. and S.
Som of Temperan-llrleet at White's Hall, every Thmaday. James
H. Leonard, W. P.; Robert Zebley, R. S.
Pavoni& Yacht Club-Bay View Ave.
W. C. T. U.-The Temple, MoUJ1t, opp. Railroad Ave. Mrs. M. E.
Allen, President.
The "Y'll"-The Temple. Mias Hattie Vail, President.
Loyal Temperance Legion-The Temple. Hrs. E. Hooper, President.
The King's Daupter&-The Temple. Hrs. E. Hooper, President.
334 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER LVI.
LOCATING LEONARDO STATION
and
THE OPENING OF THE NAVESINK BRIDGE
1891.

. Early in January of 1891, the following call was issued


by a committee, who had met in December of the year pre-
.ious, having in view the formation of a Board of Trade.
To the Business Men of Atlantic Highlands:
You are invited to a meeting of business men of At-
lantic Highlands and vicinity, to be held in the Truck House
on Thursday, January 8, 1891, at 7 :30 P. M., for the pur-
pose of perfecting the organization of a Board of Trade,
and transacting other business.
Yours truly,
THOMAS H. LEONARD, Chairman.
JOHN E. FOSTER, Secretary.
P. S. CONOVER,
C.H. ELY,
JOSEPH E. RALPH, Committee.
Dated, January 2, 1891.
The hall was crowded, and great interest manifosted.
After many speeches in favor of the object, the following
officers were duly elected; the chairman appointing the
several committees: President, James H. Leonard: First
Vice-President, Jacob T. Stout; Second Vice-President, Dr.
E. C. Curtis; Secretary, William T. F!-anklin; Treasurer,
Percy Falkinburg; Board of Directors, Thomas H. Leonard,
N. H. Roberts, S. T. White, P. S. Conover, Dr. J. ,L Van
Mater, George Mackey, J.E. Ralph, W. M. Foster.
The following is the list of the Standing Committees:
Arbitration-T. H. Leonard, Wm. H. Posten, Sr., Webster Swan.
Manufacturers and New Business-P. S. Conover, Jr., Wm. ~- Foster,
J. H. Richards, A. C. Olivt:r, 'E. F. Lufburrow.
Statistics and Publications-Joseph E. Ralph, S. S. l\Iorri~, John ll.
Sbarts.
Public Improvements-Wm. M. Roberts, John Dey, C. T. Leonard,
Wm. P. Irwin, D. L. Conover.
Commerce-S. T. White, Charles H. Ely, Joseph Lufburrow.
Legislature-John E. Foster, S. T. Champion, Edward Hoo,;cr.
Complaints and Credits-N. H. Roberts, R. S. Snyder, John M. Joh11son.
Sanitary Interests---Dr. H. A. Hendrickson, T. J. Emery, Matthew
Brown.
- -:-. ,,

::f- -~~
'~-.· ·.:. .
~- ..
·!j• • ·:
'.
;~- f
-....... ::~-~
,

(:~:'.:
;~~~~~~- .

.": ~-!~~ ~'- -~--- .


=
...
0
C"l
>
:!:
z
f
00
"'
c:,
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 385

Educationa1 -W. J. Leonard, John B. Swan, Dr. George D. Fay.


Township Interests-John E. Williams, Richard A. Leonard, Jr., Theo-
dore Burdge, Thomas Jennings, Edward W. Leonard.
Railroad Interests-Wm. T. Franklin, John J. Leonard, George F.
Bartleson.
National Board of Trade-Dr. E. C. Curtis, James P. Hopping, Dr.
H. A. Clark. •
On Re-Organization of the Borough-J. E. Ralph, W. M. Foster, P. S.
Conover, Jr., T. J. Emery, George F. Bartleson.
On Cruelty to Anima)s--John Dey, J. M. Quackenbush, Jonathan T.
Stout.
On the 24th of January, the installation of officers
of the new organization, known as the Sons of Temperance,
took place, under directions of District Deputy E. P. Holmes
of Keyport. The following officers were installed:
P. W. P.-Walter CottrelJ W. P.-Morton Southall
W. A.-Will Leonard Chaplain-Harry Southall
R. S.-0. B. Irwin A. R. S.-Albert Leonard
F. S.-Chauncey Cook Treasurer-Mrs. M. A. White
Conductor-Charles Thome Ass't Con.-Char]es White
L G.-George Smith O. G.-John Mount
The financial aff~irs, regarding road tax, between
the township and the borough, having been in somewhat
of a tangled condition for some three years, a meeting was
held at the office of Mr. John E. Foster, by the two bodies,
on the 9th of Februuy. It resulted in straightening out
all difficulties, to the entire satisfaction of both parties.
The borough election, held as usual in April, 1891, re-
sulted in the introduction in the political field of three new
commissioners.
William M. Foster, who was early on the ground to
cast his lot in the enterprise of developing a new town,
makes his bow to the public as a war veteran, being among
the first to enlist in our Civil War. Not only on the battle
field, but in the peaceful lines of developing a town, he has
~hown his ability to handle his thousands ( excursionists)
of men, and with the greatest skill. I never knew him to
have the least disturbance or difficulty, nothwithstanding
the facilities for entertaining a crowd were very limited.
Commissioner S. S. Morris was a resident of Port Mon-
mouth, but as our town on the hillside developed, in the
Eastepi horizon, his sagacious mind grasped its possibilities.
Lhi~avmg his village and school district duties, as trustee, be-
nd, he joined us in our undertakings here.
Commissioner Thomas Jennings came of English stc ck.
tevelop~ng in man,r_ ways the characteristics of his 1ace.
fie, ta_king the position of painter, soon came to the fron~
nani:ially and otherwise. With the assistance of his faith-
f u1 wife, he soon outstripped many of his fellow men.
-336 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

At the first meeting held by the new Board, April 9,


1891, ThomaG H. Leonard was elected president; 8. T.
Champion, secretary; Percy Falkinburg, treasurer. His
bond was put at $5,000; the collector's bond, at $3,000.
Mr. John E. Foster was appointed counsel at $25 per year.
At the meeting of April 23rd, inst., the following were
appointed chairmen of committees: Streets, W. M. Foster;
Lamps, W. T. Franklin; Auditing, S. T. Champion. Mar-
shals Ptnckney and Gardner were re-appointed at the May
21st meeting, at an equal salary of $50 per year.
Much thought and consideration was expenued in ref-
erence to the permanent location of the first station west
of Atlantic Highlands. There had been a platform erect-
ed at the crossroad leading from Chapel Hill to Applegate's
Landing--called "Bay View Station." After years had
passed, it became evident that for the westerly develop-
ment of Atlantic Highlands it was too far away, and was
finally located between Leonard and Thompson Avenues,
though the Chapel Hill mail continued to be received r.nd
delivered at the former place up to the present writing,
1899.
I secured a plot of land of Charles T. Leonard, 150 by
350 feet, which was deeded to the Central Railroad for a
passenger station, April 21st of this year, the railroad of-
ficials agreeing to make it a flag station, with platform and
shed accommodations, and to discontinue Bay View Sta-
tion. Charles T. Leonard deeded ample freight grouI'.dS
on the .opposite side of the track. Time will determine
whether this was wise, but I think it is evident that the
Leonard Avenue site was as long a step between stations
as practical in the development of the town. Charles T.
Leonard's property was located on and near Leonard Ave-
nue, joining with Brevent Park and Atlantic Highlands.
On of the greatest features of the year, in which the
people of Atlantic Highlands played a most conspkuous
p&i'rt. was the opening of the new Navesink Bridge. It b~
ing Decoration Day, many of the buildings were beauti-
fully festooned with flags. Stages left the postoffice ,vith
the members of the Board of Trade about 11 :00 A. M.,
headed by the Committee of Arrangements, President
James H. Leonard, John E. Foster, Peter S. Conover, Jr., D.
Lane Conover, Thomas H. Leonard and Webster Swan.
They drove immediately to the bridge, where they diseJ?-
barked and crossed over to Oceanic. Here they found in
waiting the Board of Freeholders and guests.
A rather informal reception was held by the Board
of Trade at the Oceanic end of the bridge, when under
FROM INDIAN TRAil., TO ELECTRIC RAIL 337

escort of the same Board, headed by Marshal Pinckney,


the guests were escorted over the bridge to Locust Point;
then re-entered the stages and proceeded to the Colonial
Hotel, where was in waiting a most sumptuous dinner pre-
pareci by Woolman Stokes and given by the Board of Trade
of the borough.
President James H. Leonard, after the good thmgs
had been disposed of, arose and said, "I have the ple&dure,
in behalf of the Board of Trade of Atlantic Highlands, to
extend to you Freeholders and ex-Freeholders of Mon-
mouth County the hospitalities of the hour. Although the
Board of Trade was not yet in existence when the Navesink
Bridge was commenced, yet I assure you its value was im-
mediately appreciated by us, and we proceeded to do :what
we could toward the building and completion of the Middle-
town approach.
"Sixty years ago, when the inhabitants of Middletown
and Shrewsbury desired to cross the river, the almanac
bad to be consulted to find the condition of moon and tides.
The now city of Red Bank. was then only a small village
with two or three stores. Judge Patterson, the grandfather
of our present Middletown Freeholder, and other men of
enterprise, made up their minds a bridge was needed. Con-
tributions were asked for, the people responded. Locusts
trom Atlantic Highlands, chestnuts from Nut Swamp, and
timber from other parts of the country were brought to-
g~ther. The result was, a one track bridge was built.
Smee then several have been built across the river, but the
greatest of them all is the Navesink Bridge, PI"l:!Sented to
us today.
"Thank God for Freeholders with broad minds and
wisdom, who can see the needs of the people. As has
been said by Senator Applegate in his letter to us today,
the _new bridge will be the means of opening up a large
~ection of beautiful country in the eastern part of our coun-
tTy, and will also be of great benefit to the whole county.
he11e~ore the citizens here assembled, join with us in
thankmg you for building the Navesink Bridge."
The director of the Board of Freeholders, Capt. John
~- ley~r, responded, and was followed by the Rev. E.
c· urtis, Mayor Thomas H. Leonard, Freeholder Jehu P.
ooper (the father of the Bridge), R. S. Snyder, T. L. Sea-
hrook, Hon. Wm. Pintard, Rev. W. B. Harris ·and others.
!dabnrli letters were received from persons regretting their
ma 1 ty to be present. The Mayor, in his closing remarks,
suggested "Navesink" as the name for the new bridge.
888 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS BOARD OF TRADE

BANQUET TO BOARD OF FREEHOLDERS

TO CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THE NAVESINK BRIDGE

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS. N. J., SATURDAY, MAY 30TH, 1a:ll

AT ANDREW'S HOTEL

TICKET NO.- ISSUED TO--

INVITED GUESTS
Monmouth County Board of Freeholders,
Atlantic Highlands Borough Commissioners,
Township Committee of Middletown Township,
Atlantic Highlands Board of Health,
Middletown Township Board of Health.
Hon. J. Clarence Conover D. B. Westbrook
Hon. D. S. Crater Rev. W. A. Price
Hon. C. A. Bennett Hon. Charles H. Haight
Hon. Pitney C:irtis Hon. H. M. Nevius
Hon. J. T. Haight Hon. W. S. Throckmorton
Hon. Rulif P. Smock E. W. Arrowsmith
Hon. Charles H. Ivins Rev. Edward Loux
Rev. J. M. Pringle Hon. Joh.i S. Applegate
Hon. Wm. Pintard Rev. John H. Fox
Jehu P. Applegate Jacob T. Stout
Rev. Jos. G. Reed Rev. W. B. Harris
George Cooper Joseph L Thompson
Rev. Hazlet McKim George H. Sickles
N. H. Roberts O. B. Collins
Rev. Wm. Blackiston D. W. Dean
D. G. Campbell Benj. M. Hartshorne
Wm. H. Posten
NAVESINK BRIDGE OPENING-(F:-om the Monmouth Press).
A Grand Gala Day.
The Navesink Bridge Formally Opened-A Big Dinner.

"One of the greatest events that has transpired in this


section of the county since the War of 1812, was the open-
i~g of the new iron bridge over the Shrewsbury from
Locust Point to Oceanic. For two years the work has been
p11>gressing, and today it stands a monument of iron that
reflects no little credit on the Freeholders of Monmouth
County. We cannot let the opportunity pass without say-
ing, that our representative Mr. Jehu P. Cooper, ha3 the
thanks of the people for his untiring labors in pushing for-
ward the work. It is a masterly achievement.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAU.. 339

"It being Decoration Day, many of our buildings were


beautifully festooned with flags. Stages left the postoffice
with the members of the Board of Trade about 11 A. M.,
headed by the Committee of Arrangements, President
James H. Leonard, John E. Foster, Peter S. Conover, Jr.,
D. Lane Conover, Thomas H. Leonard and Webster Swan.
They drove immediatedly to the bridge, where they disem-
barked and crossed over to Oceanic. Here they found in
waiting, the Board of Freeholders and guests.
"The Hotel Belleview, Alfred DeGaris, Proprietur, the
new Pavilion Hotel and Gus Legier's Hotel, adjoining the
bridge, were beautifully decorated with flags. W. C.
Towne's New Amsterdam Hotel, on the creek road, was
finely decorated, a large arch spanning the main entrance.
Several of the houses in Na\"esink had the American colors
flying. I
"A rather informal reception was made by the Board
of Trade at Oceanic end of the bridge, when under escort
of the ,:ime Board, headed by Marshal Pinckney, the guests
Y:ere ~scorted over the bridge to Locust Point, then re-en-
tered the stages and proceeded to Andrew's Hotel, where
was in waiting a most sumptuous dinner.
"It was nearly three o'clock when they sat down to
the tables, which were spread in the spacious dining rooms.
Mr. Woolman Stokes, the new proprietor, was the caterer,
and we must a<-'rnowledge that it bas seldom been our
plea!!..1re to enjoy so bountiful a repast. It was certainly
a credit to the gentleman and all enjoyed the feast."
The Fisk Post, G. A. R.'s observed the same day, for
the first time since their ol"ganization. In the morning they
~ecorated many graves, and in the evening held a recep-
tion at the W. C. T. U. Temple.
On Tuesday, June 1st, workmen commenced opening
the new avenue which would connect Navesink by the road
passing the M. E. Church. It was named "Blackiston Ave-
nue," after the pastor of the above-named church. The
avenue is now known as Navesink Avenue.
At a meeting held June 4th, a committee was appoint.
ed, consisting of J. T. Stout, W. M. Roberts, J. E. Ralph,
T.· J. Emery and W. M. Foster, to procure the necessar,-
Slgnatures for the reorganization of the borough under an
act of larger proportions, to correspond to our present size
and conditions.
+ ~e following is the treasurer's Financial Report of
.he borough, from April 4th to September 16th, 1891:
840 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Jl'JNANCLU. JUCPOltT
or-n-• or 8. T- lllooolSON. -■----•-·
.1,me Z1-
10-00
ATLANTIC JUGBI.ANDS Jlow■ff A Padtloek. lllll1J wark_ Z-11
Tnuve'■ Bos,ort 8. T. Bloodaoo,L road■ ____ • _• _ 11.to
Jtem....-.
8-,tof_,._._of_Bor-
-11 Comml■■loa of Atlaatle Blslalaad■
C. IL Sayder,
.lab- I.
;s_ "'- Cardncr. Jab
prlatb,c

bri.S..- •• -- - - -
'·"
1.00
for - :,ear eaclbas S.-bff llU,, 10.
1191.
Peo oFalkb,bms.
f ~ aad ,._. Dl■- __ In - W-. York. ...U- - - • _ - • - • - - • • 11.00
Jab 17.
- t wltll tlle Atlantic BiclllaDd■ Bor- T. Galre,,, ldl1mc foar ,lap_ - 4.60
- Comm!■-.,_ April 4tll ta
_ _ . . , lltll.1111. L Coacll, --■- - - - • - • -
Ja]y 11.
- - - - - ILSO
BBCElPT8 A. ;s_ Cook. - - - - - - - - - •• - .. 11.00
zo.
.._ -
April ..
llaDd. - - _____ • __ -• :n.aa
11-
De,. A •-tt. Jal)-
roads - - , - - - - -
J. Jloaat, --■- · - __ - • - - - - _ _
ZZ.00

:: ::: m:::
April :ti.II
f;..!~~- ~-~~=
5 - m Bank - - - - - - - - - - - - - __ 1.1171.ff
D. L. eoao..,, - - _- - - - - - - •
Ja]y 11.
T. Galre,,, t11ne <los■- __ - - - __
LOO
1.00
J_ T- Stocat, ,-,la .. - - - - .. .. %61.10
DJSBlJJlll!:JIEN n.ua.aa Ancaat_______
T. T- Jlocen. l'Ollda- 1- ,_ 17,14

5 - ---·- ----~-~~=-----·• u1_..


.brilH-
C. IL Sayder, Betti....- PriDtb,c 11.M
J_ Paftnt. - k on loek•IIP-.,,
Georp Cooper, - ~ - -- , _
Ancaat I •
J_ T. Plaeka-,., "°""- --■llal
.10
44.00

:S. Jlomat. lamp■~-~:: ___ ,_, 19.t0 :s. ,_


w_ ---·----------------·-
Cardncr, manllal ,___ 14.17
11.n
Aan■t 8.
T.Qde,,,-~-~=-----· 1-71 :,_ BartH,b, roads-._ - __ - .. , - 11-11
T. Dfflm. ..-.1• - , - - - - • - - .. - - 1.10 J. B. Valloaa. asot. manllaJ,,. _ Z.00
:,. T. Bi-to ..-.I■---- .. ,- .... 10_00 Aaca ■t 11-
v_ B. H..-em. sapplle■ ____ , __ 1,U
c-.. c:o-.
w-. Bafta -~eJ!c.
___ ,,_, ____ .. -..
,, __--
_ 70,71
.&O
D. J_ Bobens, _ , , _ ___ ,,_
Aaca■t 17-
18,1%
J. Xoant. lamp■ • ••••••.••••• 7_95
J. Biele,,. - ·Aaca■t
- -· -- .. 11.1%
G- )lark-. ..-.I• ... __ - . __ - - _. Z.IZ !1-·- -· --
June&. J_ T- Stoat. ,,_.._. ___ .. _... _ 46.&0
L Coacl,. llm,p■ .. _.. __ ... __ • _ n.oo
J.ll.le~--•·-·----
!Amp N>ad■•
JL L Carhart.
.. ----·
- - - - - ..
Co.. lamps, ___- ,_
11.U
7.10 Aanet 21.
~

A. SenL -.!•--··-· .. ------


110,0I
1.10
De,. A Ra..tt Bro■~ N>lld■, - ..
T- Galre,,, toar don- - - - - - - , -- ,.oo
&.80

Wm. T. Frankll"- fttbrbt IIID- 1.01 S.S.-bor •-


Jm,e 1Z. II. Brown. &Ht. manhal . .... . 2.00
D. J_ Roberts, eart>ftter wo,k-
;,_ Allll. ________ ., .. --·-•
17.10
11.ZI
~-7.
B- Cole. -.ls tor Pl'i■onff■- - - Uli
J_ Weber• ..-.I■- -- - - • - - ,,_. - - 1,71 114,pgmbor 1 o.
Dl■coant - .. ·--··· .. ,, _____ _ 44.15 J, w_ Gardner. ,.....Ila! fen - - %US
17.10 J. T- Plnekne,,. ,.....Ila! feet. - %6.11
J. Jlelle,,, - -J11D•
-- - - • - -· -- ...
18. w_ B. Poaten. for sapp11e■ ___ _ U.11
W. B. Falklnbarr, palnt!nc- •• _ Z.IO Hopplnc A ~ . lamber-, - - • - - 71.11
s-..._
J. II.A R..-att.
De,. --■-.
eloetlon ______
ro■4■ ,,_,
1.00
10-00
J_ ._ QuackODbasll. sapplift_,
S. T- Wblte. sappllff .. , - .... -
%Z.U
,z.u
J. T. Stoat, road•-. -------, -.
......,klin A llartlNon- N>lld•. , - •
10_00
%0.00
S. T- Bloodsood. roads. _____ .. %0.0I
W. T- Fralll<IIII. ,-,s. - - - - - , - - 10.00
:a.
._ L I:. Cullart,
Foeter. - roads
-- - - -______
• - - • - -_ 1.00
z_oo
.i-:o.
W, T- Ptukllll. -■ .. ------ IUl ~-■ -i:
J-:a. S.T- a.__,
J_ ~ - l'Ollda .. ---·-·-· 19_51 w-.JL-
w _ T. Jl'Naklla
.1 .... 14_
A1Mlitb,c ComalttN

· After the committee previously named had secured A


sufficient number of names, and all necessary requiremen~
had been provided, an election was held, which resulted in
almost a unanimous vote for a reorganization, under the
Act of 1891, regulating the government of boroughs.
Following this, was held an election for the selection
of office$, as the reorganization had set aside all officers
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 341

and ordinances previously elected and ordained. This oc-


curred on th~ 15th day of September, 1891. The regular
ticket nominated at the previous primary was elected, con-
sisting as follows:
Mayor-Tho- B. Leourd.
Com11:ilm-Peter S. Conover, Percy Falll:inlr11zg, William Letts, Dr.
John B. Van l!later.
Borough Clerlt-S. T. Champion.
Aslsesor-Jacob T. Stout.
Collector-N. B. Roberta.
Commissioners of Appeal-JiL L. Dolby, S. T. White, J. JiL Quacbn-
buah.
Jadge of Elec:tio-Wm. F. MoUJlt.
lmpec:tors of Elec:tio-Lewis Sculthorp, John B. Swan, John L.
Perrine.
Poanclkeeper-S. T. Bloodgood.
With this new organization, there were introduced
upon the political field, two new councilmen-William
Letts and Dr. John H. Van Mater. ·
"Capt. Letts,'' as he was generally known, was a
prominent business man of Hoboken, but became early
identified with the place as a property holder and resident.
becoming one of our earliest commuters. His sterling
worth gave him a prominency that placed him in the list of
councilmen, at this important stage of the town's devalop..
ment.
Dr. John H. Van Mater. needs no special introduction,
as he identified himself with the place as early as 1881. He
built a residence and connecting office on First Avenue,
which later was known as the Columbus Hotel, he removing
to Third Avenue. He held a prominent position as Town-
ship Committeeman, and he was one of the corporate mem-
bers of the Hook and Ladder Company. He held, and still
h9lds, a position as one of the leading medical physicians
in the town. His father, Garret Van Mater, was known aa.
the fim mayor of Hoboken.
The following is the Mayor's first annual message~
MAYOR LEONARD'S FIRST ANNUAL MESSAGE.
Mayor's Office, Sept. 24, 1S9L
Gentlemen of the Borough CoUDcil:
In entering upon the duties and responsibilities of the oflics or
MadJor under our enlarged form of government, it ill my privilege and
~ to suggest and ~oJIIJllend for your consideration and approval
~en measures and my views concerning the policy to be pursued dur-
ing ~e coming year, as I believe to be necessary or expedient for pro-
motm11; the development and welfare of the borough.
. First of all, I wo'llld recoJ11J11end the utmost care iu selecting the
vanous borough ofll.cials of whom you have the appointment.
Second-the present, future and permanent prosperity and de-
velopment of the borough largely depends on your administration of
342 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

ita finances and I trust that it will be your aim in all· upenditu'l'l!!t to
leC1l1'e the greatest gmn at the least cost and to increase oar benefits
and decrease our obligations without sacrificing any of the material
interest of the borough, and in this connection I would reco1DJ11end
that you adopt the low tax rate of the past year, which will, in my
opinion, produce sufficient revenue to meet all present obligations and
to properly carry on the necessary improvements for the balanc>? of
the fiscal year. This result has been made possible by the increased
valuation of the large tracts of real estate, the large increase in ;,uild-
ing and the growth of the borough, and above all by the thorough and
complete assessment of all property at its actual value for the lint
"time has been made. And I estimate that at the rate suggested, i. e.,
~003, about $3,600. would be realized instead of $1,500. as heretofore,
and this result can be obtained with but little if any increase to the
individual taxpayer.
Third-the streets and sidewalks of the town should command
.YQ'lll' early and careful attention. Our limited income in the past pre-
vented us from inaugurating and completing many improvements which
were regarded as necessary and desirable, "but now with our enlarged
powers and revenue all obstacles have been removed and I would
strongly recommend that you cause the grade to be fixed and estab-
lished on every public street and sidewalk in the borough limits; that
for the preservation of the road bed you cause suitable stone gutters
to be built wherever necessary and that yon cause sidewalks to be
constructed in all parts of the borough in which building operati.:>ns
liave been commenced or other improvements started.
Fourth-the increase in our population and particularly 1:1 the
number of our permanent residents has created a demand for an en-
Jarged police force, and while we have been fortunate in the past iu
n!quiring but little service from the force we bad, yet at our present
nte of development the need of a larger and more efficient police pro-
tection must be apparent to all and I recommend the appointment of a
Borough Marshal at a suitable compensation, who will be on regnlsr
duty, and two or more policemen at a low salary, for evening duty. and
that in making such appointments regard should be had to the v:uiom
sections of the town regarding the service of such a force.
Fifth-the public health of the borough has been excellent, a re-
anlt which is largely due to the efrorts of the board of health, who, iu
apite of limited means and without litigation, have secured the ol:.;erv•
ance by our citizens of their regulations and the provisions of their
code. Their e1forta for the future must depend in a large measure on
the appropriations you may make for their work and I feel that the
importance of the subject is sufficient to induce you to treat it with
the liberality which it deserves.
~ n o subject appeals more direc:tly to •our citizens than that
of street lighting. O'lll' exposed position on the Bay Shore unfortunate-
ly !urnishes too aevere a test for the present service of oil lamps which
on our principal streets have been found wholly inadequate to meet
the wants of the town, and I recommend you take under consideration
at an early day, the subject of a more modem and satisfactory method
of street lighting.
· Seventh-one subject that for a long time has claimed the atten·
tion of our citizens and whic-h has been brought to my notice on a
number of occasions is the introduction of water and sewerage systems
in our borough. This is a matter of vast importance to every resident
of O'lll' town and one that is entitled to :ind should receive the most
careful consideration and I would recommend that action be taken by
YO'lll' body to secure an expression of all our citizens on the subject
as a prelimin:iry step to your future guidance and action on the matter.
FROM INDIAN TRAil.. TO ELECTRIC RAIL 343

At the present time I am not aware of other matters to which I


would call your attention. As occasion and circumstances may require.
I shall present for your consideration such matters as then .:all for
action.
Yours respectfully,
THOMAS H. LEONARD.
On motion of Councilman Van Mater, the communica-
tion be received and spread upon the minutes and published
in the "Monmouth Press."
The Mayor then announced his standing committees.
as follows:
Finance--Conover, Van Hater, Letts.
Streets-Conover, Falkinburg, Van Hater.
Police--Van Hater, Conover, Falkinburg.
Public Health-Van Mater, Falkinburg, Letts.
Street Lightin~Letta, Conover, Falkinburg.
License&-Falkinburg, Letta, Conover.
Auditing Committee--Falkinburg, Van Mater, Letts.
Printing, Ordinances--Letta, Van Hater, Conover.
On September 24th, a communication was received
from the Board of Trade, recommending that the M.ayor
and Council take in consideration at the earliest opporiun-
ity, the introduction of a water and sewer system. On
motion of Mr. Falkinburg, the clerk was instructed to re-
quest the Board of Trade to appoint a committee to co-
operate with the Borough Council in the matter of said
improvement.
At the meeting of October 2nd, on motion of Mr. Con-
over, it was ordered that the tax levy for 1891 be one-third
of one per cent.
.At the meeting held October 8th, the Street Commit-
tee reported that they had agreed with Wilson Stryker for
him to work on the streets, as superintendent, for $45 per
month. He was also to act as assistant marshal when not
occupied on the streets.
It was ordered that the design of the corporate seal
of the borough should be as follows: "The Borough of At-
lantic Highlands, N. J., incorporated, 1887; reincorporated,
September 15, 1891."
On motion of Commissioner Van Mater, the Mayor
was directed to consult George Cooper as to the
of setting grad22 upon the several streets of the borough.
expense
The Mayor reported that the cost would not exceed $300.
t: a meeting held October 15th, it was decided to engage
.Lill. Cooper to place official grades on all the strieets. A
complete borough map, with grades thereon, also a field
bfooh~ of same, was to be furnished by him at the completion
o IS work.
844 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

At a meeting held October 22nd, on motion of Com-


missioner Conover, the Street Committee was directed to
procure and put down stone crossings on Firlst Avenue,
·where flag sidewalks had been laid.
The following are pages from George H. Stout's Di-
·rectory of Atlantic Highlands and vicinity, for the years
1891-92:
NEW JERSEY LECISLATOltE Coatable9-J-h W. Gardiner. Atlall•
llloamoatll Comltr tic Hlchlucb: tffm upfrea 1812.
no-. s. JL
1914. Snator.
Brq,n,. - ezplru. J-la Johaoa. Na..alak: t«m G•
'Pi- 18H.

Ta-Ta-
AaNnl E. Johatoa. Aaaembl7m8D- Charla Van IClrk. lllddletoWII: term
Claarln H. Ina, ~blymaa. uplrw 1894.
STATE comrrs A. C. WIiiia. Jl:-bnrc: tum aplrn
1814.
Cll&Deer:,-nnt 111 F"""'"'• I>anlel Clffeacer. Seulde: term .,..
third Taoaday IA 11&7. third Tuood&T
ID October. Jrirnl8H.
Special ~ for the Towulllp-
8 - • Coa..-Thlnl ID Feb- Charlea IL Green. Jr_ C. JI.U JolaD•
1'111U'7. lint Tneoday IA Ju- - - . Wm. Calalll.
TDacllly IA N-"&ff.
Court of Erron-Flnt Toffda7 ID TOWNSHIP BO.ARI> OF HEALTH
llan:la. tlllnl Ta-,, ID Jane. third Jacob Swan. Praldent. Atlantlc Hlsil•
TDna7 ID NOTalber. Janda.
~ Jlorford. N. . J l - t h .
COUNTY OFF1CEU. J. H. Van - • II. I>- Atlantic Hlch•
Jlonmoatll Comltr. JandL
:s. C]a,.._ eono...... Law Jadp. Rataen S. SDJ'der. 8-tarJ'. Atlantic
Charla A. Beanett. Sr- La,- Jadp. Hlclalanda and N- JI-th.
PltM7 Cartla. La,- :Saqe. B. A. H ~ II. I>- Town PhJ'·
Claarln Haldat. ProNentor of PS-.. alclan and Healtla ~ . Atlaatlc
John T. Balsht. Clerk.
Ila•ld S. Clster. S ~ t e . Hlc~BOUCB Ol"FICDS
Jtalll P. S - . Shedir.
... s. Tlaroekmortoa. Colloctor.
c-.1,,«men..
ELECTIONS
l'aD-Tlle lint Tnftda7 after tlle lint
11-,, 111 No..-ber.
~ T h e HCOD<I TaHda,- ID llarch.
Polla .,-,,_ from I A. IL to 7 P. IL
Baroasla election of Atlantic Illclalanda
tlle lint TaHda>' 111 APriL 2 to 1 P. II.
~--
Tlaomaa B. 1-D&rd (fOC' -
C11W Coae-fe ■ 'oftff.
p_,, l"aildDIMuz (for -
Thomae :Sem,lnp (for tllrw ,....,.
Som.,. T. Claamplon (for two ,....,.
s.!::~·Jlama (for two
,....,.

,....,.

,-ean>.
TOWNSHIP OFFICDS William II. Foater (for - ,....,.
TOWII Clerlt-C-S. BraDD!n. Nansiak WIUmm T. Fraak1la (for - ,-->.
ud Atlantic Hlchlucla.
Aa--ltauen S. NathaDJal 8H. --■• Collector.
SDJ'der. N. . Jloa.
moatll and Atl&Dtlc Ilichlancla. J~ :"i.-'",:::·For bonmsll
~..!i..lll>t. lleaj. Grfsp. Port - SHO: for boroaela , _ - .
PNueldff< Jello P. Cooper: term a- n.o:gROUGH BOARD OF HEALTH
pfrea 18112. P. O. Bed Bank. Dr. E. C. Cartla. PNaldeat.

J-
Town Coa11111t--.lohn H. Van Kater. (;apt. Ju,.. H. 1-Dard. SecretarJ'.
II. I>- Chalnnan. Atlantic HlshllUlcla: J. B. Swan. 1 - .
t«m aplns 189%.
0-S. Jlorford. ,._._ N.,. Jlon.
aoatll: - . . aplra 1894.
Dr. J. H. van Ila-.
Jacob T. Stoat. Jl-ber.
Jlambor.
Dr. Ceo. I>. Fa,-. Kamber.
Swan. Atlantic Illchlanda; t«m
aplrw18U. ~~ ~~~JUDI>LETQWN

=--
Appolated bJ' ~~ Committee.
Camml11alonon of ~ N . H. Ilob-
- . Stoot S. Comi>toa. John JlorfMd.
Snn.,..,n of Hlsla-,-.-.Joa. S, Clark. I>latrict 1-Haddn°a Coraor. Cllarld
Jolla L Slckle,,. Van IClrt.
o...r...r of tlle P-Wm. P. Irw1D.
Atlantic HishlaDda.
:SutlcH of tlle P...-.John Ellla. Atlan·
t:=-;~w~·c.
tic Hlshlancla: term ap(rw 1894.
8 - a T. Champloa: term aplra
I>latrict 4--Port ._th .
Sh«9. -
1894. I > = ~ ~ 1 - Johll I. Ta,-lor.
0-S. H. Slckla. Nanalllk; - . . .,.. s - . J-la Apple-
I>latrict -Nat
~ 8::..~..m.. z - BrsJ'. Jr.
piral8H.
J - H. Stoat. Hicblaacla: tanD a-
pfrea 1891. I>latrice I--Qlapel J111L Aac1Nw Willtor•
Hem7 C. Tulor. lllddletowD: - Dlatrlct -Hlchlancla. TMmu S-t.
ftP(N91896. I>latrict lo-oat Hill. Patrick SalaoL
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 345
346 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHllltCBES IN JIJI>DLETOWN arv.


TOWNSHIP Enc:ampmnt of L O. O. F-JIMtlllca,
1laptiat. MCOlld and fourth FridaJ' Dislata ooch
Atlantic B i s - B r < . Eclwvd Loaz. month. C.O. Bnm11l11, C. P.: S. T.
pastor. Center and AffllH D. Wblte. B. P.: E. B. Cook. S. W.; Amz1
a.-1 Hill-8-. E. E. J - putor; Poaten, J. W.: T. B. Walll11c, R. S.;
raldenc:e. Jllcldletown. C. Cbapman, F. S.; W. JIL F - ,
a.-1 at Port JIODJDOll-8-. Wm. V. Treuurer.
WU.On. putor. B:111,rbta of PJ'th-WNklJ' meetillca,
~ a - .Wm.
Nnnlllk-8-. E. E.
B. J -. -
Hanu, -·
putor; Jlo11daJ' 11isbta, at Wblw'a Ball. Dr.
...W-. Hlllakle. G. D. hJ', C.: p_,. Falkl11barir. V•
New llo--Bn. Wm. V. WU.O... C.: G. F. Bartl_,,_ P.; S. T. Wblte.
pptor. P. C.: &. B. Cook. R. S.; Geo. Macker,
1-da..W-Bn. J. X. Jlamwic of Bed IL F.; Jamff H. 1-na-d. IL of E.;
Bank. Wm. JI. Foater, IL of A.
Cathollc. Grand ArmJ' of tlw :a.s.ublle-](Mtlnca,
Atlantic BlcblaDcl--st. Ann, Jtn,. llnt and third FridaJ' Disbta, ooch
JobD H. Fox. Netor, Third and Soatla month. S. T. Cbamplcm. Commander:
A.Yell.UH,. Wm. IL Foater, S. V. C.; Stes>beu
ElcblaDda--()ur LadJ' of P - - 1 Help, PowelL J. V. C.; Bobt. EmffJ', Cbap.
8-. JobD B. Fox. nctor. laill; Joaopb W. Gardh,er, Adjutant;
New Jlonmoutb--SL x.r,,••• Our Lady J. B. Swa•,, Quanermuur: Frederick
of the Ancela, Bn. J. J. F. O'CoDDor, ~DJ'der, Olllcer of the DaJ': L. JL
nctor. Parker, Ollicer of the Guard.
JlorrinlU.-St. Cather!ne'a. Bn. J. A. Sona of TemPff&ll-l!e,rular mfftln,..,
l.aWNDce, nctor. Tband&J' i.iclata, at the Temple, WU.
Epiocopal. Ile Leonard, W. P.: O. lrwln, R. S.:
Na•~All Sal11ta' Jl...,orial. Bn. Cbanuc:eJ> Cook. F. S.; Walter Cottrell.
Baalet .i,;a!!:lm. Jr~ and Rn. J. IL Treuurer: Wm. IL Foater. Cbaplain.
PrillSle. ncton, near Blchlanda of Lo:ral Leclon-Prflld..,t. Kra. E. Hoop.
Na....tnl<. er; Vi«-PrHldent. Kn. Ecbert T.
Union. Lufburrow; 5ecretan, Jira. PffCJ'
Baclclal'• Cornn--6upplled. Falklnburc; treasurer, ](iaa ](arsella
Jlethocllat. Macke,..
Atlantia B l s - B n . J - l a G. W. C. T. U.-Prflldeut, ](ra. Jl&rJ' E.
R<led. paator: A. IL E. Zion. Bn. Allen: Vlce-Prffldeut, Mra. A. E. Ben-
Rol>fft B. Coleman, J>Utor. nnt; R«ordl11c SecretarJ', ](ra. E.
Na..eair>k-Re-r. W. E. Blac:klato11, putor. Hooper; Correapondi11,r s.cntary, Kn.
Pon !4c.omouth-ReY. Jame■ 8W"D■• C.O. H. Stnut; Tnuattr, Mn. Wm.
paator. B. Falkl11b11r,r.
s.-sid-Bn. Jama Moore. putor, Younc Womn•• Chrt.tian T~l)ff&Dce
!'Nab,.-.._ U11io-Prfl!dent. Mar)' LeoD&rd:
Atlantic Blchlanda-Rn. w. A. Price. Vlc:e-Prflldenu, Mamie Martin. Ella
putor. Vanderbilt; Correapo11dl11c Secntan',
Beform<ld. Grace Vaieutlae; RecordiDC s.ctetarJ',
Jlidclleto..-Jln,. Cbaa. D. Buck. pastor. Emma Sa•ida:•: -rr.aurer. Emma
S--S1---Sapplied. s-11; Flower Department-Bertie L.
SCHOOLS Stout. A1111aal mNtl11c la NO"Hmber.
Publlc Scl,ool-Waab!Dctoa and A. .11ae ltl11c'a Daucb--Preoldeat. ]Ira. E.
C. Tactier-B. F. Bardl111r, Pr111° Hooper; Vlce-Prflldeat. Mn. Geo. H.
clpal; ]llaa Josie 1-D&rd and LllllaD Stoat; -r.-.urer, Mra. J. B. Van
Wblttl11cbam. aaalatant tacbera. Mater: Recordl11c SecretarJ', Jira. A.
Prl.ate Scbool-Straabourc Hotel. Ba,. F. Flammfffelt; Correapo11dl111r Sectt-
and A•nue B: ]llaa M. Bent. Prln- tar,,, "'""· J. E. Foater. A1111aal meet-
clpal. l111r, MaJ' !ht.
Truatfta of Dbtrlct Scbool (No. '9 ) - TP'F. ATl../l '-"TIC HTGHLANDS SA VIN GS
S. T. CbamploD, Dlatrlct Clftk; Samul FUND AND BUILDING AND LOA."
A. Foatcr, Jllcbard A. 1-nL ASSOCIATION
SOCIETIES .1-b T. Stoat, l'Naldent.
LO. 0. F-KeetlDca. Wed...-,. Dislata, Wllllam B. Sa..tcl,re. Vlce-PrNldeut.
at Wblte'a Ha1L TlaM. Golda,, N. G.; Edward W. 1-1,ard, ,._.....,._
E. H. Cook. V. G.: Jl"raDk Korsu. B. Job11 E. Foa-. SecntarJ'.
S.: Bn. W. E. Bladdatoa, Cl,aplaill; A1111aal 111eet1111r, third Wed11nd&J' ID
Otto DaYla, T. S.; E. P. ~ Tlaa- No.-ber, at Atlalltlc Blcbi&Dda.
Local events and improvements of the borough, for
the "yeal! 1891, as collected from our local papers and other-
w~: ;
Mr. Edward Magee opened his meat market on Thurs-
day, January 1, in the postoffice building.
The erection of the St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church
was begun in January of this year, under the management
of Michael Morgan, contractor, of Long Branch.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 347

February 4th, (1892), a committee on public improve-


ments for the town met at the office of John E. Foster. The
business was the selection of a route for a wide avenue
between Atlantic Highlands and the new bridge at Locust
Point. The present Valley Dri,e w&s the line decided upon.
On Wednesday afternoon, April 1, the citizens· pri-
mary was held at the truck house, and a regular ticket was
selected. Capt. James H. Leonard was chairman of the
meeting. An independent primary was called by J. E.
P.alph, named the "People's Primary," which met at the
truck house Saturday evening, April 4th. At the ensuing
election, the regular ticket was elected.
The St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church was dedicated
Sunday, May 31st. The ceremony was in charge of Right
Rev. M. J. O'Farrell, Bishop of Trenton, assisted by Rev.
John H. Fox, pastor of the chureh.
At a meeting of the Board of Freeholders, June 10,
by resolution offered by J. P. Cooper, that the name of the
bridge across the Shrewsbury from Oceanic to Locust Point
should be Navesink Bridge, w::i.s carried unanimously.
In June of this year, Mr. E. H. Cook completed a fine
photograph gallery, in No. 1 Leonard Block.
President Maxwell, with a number of the directors of
the Central Railroad Company, paid a visit to Navesink and
At,Iantic Highlands on June 25th, with a view of inspecling
the new route for the terminus at this place.
On the 30th of June, a new organization was formed,
entitled the United Order' of American Mechanics, which
found the names of most of the young men in the place on
the roll. The new lodge was installed as Portland Council
No. 105. The State Councillor. S. C. 0. Mills of Rah\\ ay,
with others, conducted the installation of the following
officers:
Councillor, C. R. Snyder.
Vice-Councillor, William Wells.
Recording Secretary, William Leonard.
Assistant Recording Secretary, Murray Foster.
Financial Secretary, Thomas Owen.
Treasurer, Charles Stuart.
Conductor, Geo. Jenkinson.
Warden, Lewis Foster.
Inside Sentinel, John Oliver.
Outside Sentinel, Geo. Dominick.
I. P. C., George H. White.
Trustee for 6 months, J. Wells.
Trustee for 12 months, Gordon Patterson.
Trustee for 18 months, J. M. Quackenbush.
Rep. State Council, 1 year, George H. White.
Rep. State Council, 2 years, R. S. Snyder.
348 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

On Saturday afternoon, September 12, 1891, the At-


lantic Highlands baseball team, the "Atlantics," proved
themselves to be the champions of the New Jersey Coast
League. All the Atlantics did excellent playing, especially
Chauncey Slayton, pitcher, and Oscar Brown. Credit was
due to Manager N. H. Roberts, for the harmony that pre-
vailed among the team.
On November 7, 1891, work commenced on the rail-
road terminal at this place. The new pier is to be 2,400
feet in the bay, and 400 feet wide at the boat landing, with
railroad connections from the main station, also along the
beach to the Highlands. The contract for building the pier
has been awarded to Cofroed & Saylor, of the Central
Railroad Building in New York ; and the contract for filling
in, awarded to parties from Scranton, Pa.
The building of Valley Drive, 100 feet in width, 1.'rom
First Avenue to Peter's Brook, was accomplished by Messrs.
Dolby, Curtis and Ralph, of the Atlantic Highlands Im-
provement Company, and William M. Roberts and Bros.-
the two interests controlling the right-of-way. The balance
of Valley Drive, 66 feet wide, from the Borough line to All
Saints' Memorial Church, was accomplished mainly through
William T. Fr.anklin and Thomas H. Leonard. They, an-
ticipating township appropriations, secured the money on
loan, and completed the work.
November 12th, John Oliver was appointed night
watchman and policeman. He assumed his duties Novem-
ber 19th.
At a meeting of the Council, November 12th, an offer
of salary was tendered the Mayor. He refused the offer
on the ground that his real estate interests and interest in
the town was sufficient to guarante-e his best efforts in his
position.
On December 24th, the first provision was made for
the preservation of public documents, etc., by the purchase
of a safe, at a cost of $80. It was properly inscribed as
the property of Atlantic Highlands, and placed in the hands
of Borough Clerk S. T. Champion.
On the same date, arrangements were made to put
down stone street crossings. John L. Moon of Port Mon-
mouth was employed. Mr. Moon was the first man em-
ployed on public works in Atlantic Highlands, in laying
street flagging and curbs.
Also, at this meeting, the residents on Second ~nd
Third Avenues, between Mount and Bay View Avenues,
were ordered to put down c111'f:>ing and grade sidewalks.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 349

The opening of Valley Drive, and the building of the


Navesink Bridge, which had occurred this year, was the
beginning of a new era in that direction. The new bridge
was the opening up of communication between Middle-
town and Shrewsbury townships, with the most gratifying
results-accommodating thousands of the traveling public
that heretofore had either to go over Cooper's Bridge, at
the west, or the Highland Bridge, at the extreme east end
of the above townships. The amount of money expended,
though necessarily large, was never regretted by the tax-
payers of the county.
The Freeholders, especially the committee selected by
the Board, after months of an.iciety and toil, clothed them-
selves with honor in the completion of this grand structure.
Many thanks are due the individual efforts of private cit-
izens, who, without reward or compensation, assisted in
the successful completion of one of the grandest improve-
ments in the county.
The carriage driving, between Atlantic Highlandl3 and
Rumson Neck, over Navesink Bridge, via Valley Drive,
proved greater than the most sanguine hopes of its
promoters.
The following is the report of the treasurer, for the
fiscal year ending March 5, 1892, beginning with Septem-
ber 16, 1891-the time of the reorganization of the
borough:
lteport of tbe Collector and TNu11nr of the Borousll of Atlantic BlclalaDcla for tu
year ndlDC Karch lat. 18H, of ncelpu &Dd d l a ~ u .
N. H. Roberts, la acco11at with the Boroasll of Atlantic Hlslalaad1 from Ses>temller
16, 1891 to Karell 6, 1892.
BECEIP'IS
1 891
Balance ....,rind from Percy F:i':::1;:'. ~~ . • • • : •.••••••••••••••••••• S 1.66
Geo. lllorford. back tu:u ••••••••••~.~.~:......................... 500.00
Geo. Februar7 16, 1892.
lllorford, baek tun • • • • . . • • • • • • • • • .. • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • .. • • • • .. • • • • 172.1&
5s;_ T. Champloa, for clerk llceaM.. • • • .. • • • • • • • • • • • . • . • • • • • • • • • • • . • . • • • 1.10
s. "Tnsb. tu: collected. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 4.llO.M
1oeo.·x~,l°~J•~°i8t~.~.~~~:::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 1tt::
15.517.95
DISBUBSEKENTS
:::nm Aa per warrmot
bank •••••••••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• $1,8711.0411
Robert Coach. lamp lla:lltias .................................. 11, 15 70.!5
Jo,. w.=-.,;:•!!;:1:S.:"muai.ai::::::::::::::::::::::::ici...£,·:i:
~ • n.-ti... Asac7 ..................................... H
6~~:
aa.os
~ ••Bo,ffn, work OD llrwta ..................................... 14 IZ.U
J lllllan.tt Broa., • - · ...................................... 8 1%.00
/1,O Deyoon' -•k OD atrwta •••••••••• •• •• •• ..................... 11 9.75
DO t • work OD • - . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •••• • • • • ••• • • • • • • • • • • • 5
~ ~ • • lamller ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 21
6.00
1.81
~ ..._ ....~ work oa • - • •••••• •• .......................... 64 2.10
S. A. ~ - - - , oD ...._ - · •••••• •••••••• ••••••••••••• ,z 11.'15
C. .. ~,=;.~~:::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::: :;i 'tl:
350 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

llorton Southall••..•....••...•••••...•••....•••.•.......•.•••••• 40 .so


J. H. Skidmore. atone •••••••••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 80 20.0I
:S. T. Pinck11e,-. marahal fee1 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••....• 32 ZS.31
John B. Swan. balth Inspector ••••••••••••••••••••••••.••.•.•...• 56 68.9!?
Georse Coo~. aettins cradn •••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••••• 155 160.00
.John .1. Leonard. ,.,.,.el .....................................
64. 89 43.9!?
Bell A ConoTer. atone cros■ ins •••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••.••.. 75 115.68
Smith A Field. wa11te •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.••••••••••.•• iS 6.10
Geo. W. BuHtt 6 Co.. lamp auppllea .••.••••••••..•..••...••• ii. 103 64.90
:S. II. llo11nian, aaf'e .•..•••....•.•••••••••••••••.••••••....••..• 62 80.00
N. H. Roberta & Co- bookl. etc:. •••••••••••••••••••••.••.••••. 85. 99 7.36
Forman Smith •••••••••••••••••••••••••.••.•••..••.•.....•..•... 93 .38
John OliTer, a&lary as police •••••••.••..••••••.••............ 65. 98 21.00
a.ors• llarks. work on ■ treeta ..•.•••.••••••••.••••••••.• 60. 68. 72 2:?.20
Jo■,e,ph llark ■, work on road11 •.•••••••••.•••.••••••••••••• 67, 7 .&, 94 11.10
Wllaon Stryker. Street Superintendent. oalaey ....•. • 29. '1, 79, 8,,102 210.00
S. T. Champion. book.a and paper ••••.••.•.....•.....••.•.••..• 31. 36 17.0!?
.John Rice. lamp 11,rhtlnc .••..••.•.••••••••••••••.••••• ss. 51, 66. 95 140.00
Jacob T. Stout. work on ■ treets ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 8:? 21.04
Jacob T. Stout. usn ■on fee■ .•••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• S l 60.61
.Ju. H. Leonard. Yitai atatlatlca to State •...••••••••••....••.••••• 22 5.,o
.Joa. E. Ralph. borouch aeal •• •••••••..••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 21 1.25
Geo. John ■on. work on ■trftta .••.•.•••••••••••••.•••••••••••••.•. 46 1.05
Borden Hampton. work on ■ tree-ta •••••••• 59, 53, 34, 38. 43, 45, 70, 73 49.05
Alfred G&mff, •·ork OD 1treeu •••••••••..• .; .10. as. 39, 44. 52. 61. 69 37.4!?
S. T. Blood.soocl. work on 1trttt■ •••••••••••••••.••••••••••••••• 6. 58 88.37
P. Cono•tt. Jr.. hardwatt, ploash, etc. ••••.••••••••••..••••.••. 7, 76 36.60
Atlantic Hlchlanda Hook and Ladder Co- rent •••.•••••.••••••.• 16, 100 30.00
J.E. Fo,ter, ■ ervicn and di1bur■ ementa on reorsranization of boronsh.57 150.00
John E. Fo•tC!T'. counHI fees •••••••••••••.••••••••••••••••••• 19. 103 90.00
Wm. T. Franklin. work on ■trftt■, cart.lair. etc. ••••.•••.• 1%, 26, 49, ~, lii.64
C.R. Snyder, receiYtt, printinc, •••.•••.•••••••••••••••• 10, 17, 50, 88 66.H
N • .1. Oil Co- oil •.••.•..••.•..•.•.•••.•••••..•••••.•••.••• 9, '-• 83 69.26
3. IL Quackenbuah. Commi ■ -ioner of Appeal, and lamp ■ applln •••• '• 13 6.70
Hoppln,r and Ely. lumber •••••.••.••.••••••••••••••••••••••••• 2. 105 ,3.30
Wm. H. Po■ ten, Jr.. hardware .••..•.•••••••••••••••••••••• 1. 17. 106 53.95
S. T. White, Commi ■■ ioner o[ Appeal, lamp ■ applln. etc •••••• s. 86, 97 26.09
N. H. Roberta. coliectoni fen ..............•..•................. . 91 60.61
A. C. Watroua. ■tone •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 92 10.00
IL L. Dolby, Commi.■ 1ioner of Appeal ••••••••••••••••••••••••.•.•• 90 3.00
3ohn L. Moon. labor on 1treet cro■■ inc •••••••••••••••.•••.••••••• 107 9.90
A.Jez Martin, iron wc.,rk on 1leeper •••••••••••••••..•••..••••••••• 104 6.00
S. T. Champion, 5 7ia: month ■' ■alary ••••••••••••.••••••••.••••••• 101 46.50
Jo■• Mark ■• work OD atrttt ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 109 3.90
T. T. R.osen, work OD atrttt and atone ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 96 9.38
Dlacount ••••••••••.•••.••.•.•••••••••••.••••••.••.••••.••..••••• 20.91
$5,56..95
Statement
Balance on hand •••.••.•••••••••••..•.••••••••••••••..••••.....•.•• $1,1,f,9.35
Delinquent taxe,. • . • • . • . . • • • • • . • . • • • . • • • • • • • . • • • • • • . • . . . . . . . • • . . • • • • 38S.S2
Sidewalk account unsettled. . • . . • . . • • • • • • • • • . . . . • . . . . • . . . . . . . • • • . • • . . • 73.19
11.60,.86
N. H. ROBERTS. Collector and TNa1urer.
Paned by Auditinir Committee ai correct on tbe 2nd day of Karch, 1892.
J. H. Van Mattt
Perey Falklnburc
P. S.. ConoYer, Jr.
Sworn and •ubacribed before me thla ■econd day of Karch. 189%.
s. T. Champion, Ju•tice of th• Peace.

The following is the annual report of the trustees of


the "Atlantic Highlands public school, ending March 15,
1892. It will be seen by this report there was an urgent
demand made by its officers for greater seating capacity
than the present school building was capable of. Their
repeated demands resulted, in time, in the construction of
the grand brick building on Washington and Lincoln Ave-
nues, which will be referred to later.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 351

AIDHJAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF


ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS PUBLIC SCHOOL-DISTRICT NO. 69.
Annual report of the trustees of School Dist. No. 69, Monmouth
County, New Jersey, to annual meeting of March 15, 18!12.
On making this our annual school report we desire to state that
immediately following the close of the annual meeting at which Samuel
A. Foster was elected trustee for three years, S. T. Champion was duly
elected District Clerk for the ensuing year. At a meeting held on the
first day of August, 1891, the District Clerk presented several applica-
tions for the position of Principal of the school Mr. B. F. Harding,
the Principal of the last year w:is unanimously elected for the coming
year as was also Miss Josie Leonard and Miss Lilian Whittingham for
the intermediate and primary departments. Mr. Harding's salary was
fixed at $85 per month and Miss Leonard's and Miss Whittingbam's
at $40 per month, upon the condition that no school be held during the
holiday week and no salary paid for that time.
On the 7th of August, the resignation of Mr. Harding was received
and accepted and E. H. Cook was elected to fill the vacancy at a salary
of $80 per month. During the year we have purchased and had placed
1n the l'rincipal's room seating capacity for twelve more scholars. We
are compelled to again call your attention to the fact that we now have
enrolled in the district 261 children between the ages of 5 and 18 and
our seati~ capacity in the present school •house is for 170. The pri-
mary and mtermediate departments are so crowded that we have been
compelled to advance classes from the intermediate to the Principal's
room and from the primary to the intermediate, when really they were
not sufficiently advanced to justify these advancements, but on account
of the increased seating capacity of the upper room w.i could do no
better. By so doing we increased the number of scholars so largely
in that room, that we were compelled to employ a monitor to assist
the PrincwaJ at a salary of $10 per month. We would again urge the
necessity of providing more room to accommodate the increasing de-
mand made upon us. Our financial condition at the present is as
follows:
Amount on hand at the !,ecinnins of tbe •ehool year. Sept. 10, 1891 ... .. . S 482.19
Amount received from the State of N. J.............................. 1.,41.75
Amount ra!Hd by apeclal dlotrlct tun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380.00
s:,sos.u
PAID OUT
352 FROM INDIAN TRAll.. TO ELECTRIC RAIL

T-1 amount for net,.__ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 12.168.00


T-1 paid out and bo.lanft ntlmatecl ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 1,120.n
To be paid for balaDCe of tlm ,,_. • • .. • • • • • • • . • . • • • • • .. • • • • • .. .. • .. • 775.00
12,096.51
Would lea.Te 01 balance to commence new year .....•••.........•..• s 26S.OO
:l!ffpwctfal17 011bmltted bJ'
S. T. Champion. Dlotrlct Clerk,
:a.A. Leonard
S. A. Footer, Truotftt.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 353

CHAPTER LVII.
MISCELLANEOUS EVE!li"TS-1892
OPE:Nn;G OF THE CENTRAL RAILROAD

The question of a water supply for Atlantic Highlands


became a prominent matter ea11ly in the year. Mr. William
B. Parsons, son-in-law of Mrs. Reed of Locust Point, sub-
mitted plans and offers for franchise of putting in the plant,
for a private company made up largely of New York City
capitalists. They guaranteed to have the system in opera-
tion for summer use. They offered to furnish the town with
thirty-five hydrants, at $40 each.
The matter came before the Board of Trade by special
meeting, February 23rd, and was discussed; which result-
ed in a committee being appointed, consisting of Peter S.
Conover, G. F. Bartleson, W. M. Roberts, Wm. T. Franklin
and Charles A. Fort. This committee was to secure signers
to a petition to the Borough Council, to call a special elec-
tion for the citizens to vote for, or against, bonding the
town. By this action it was desired t;o ascertain how the
people stood on the matter of bonding the town, or letting'
a private company put in the system. The matter of sew-
erage was also proposed and considered.
Commissioner Conover moved that a consulting en-
gineer be procured to pass upon the proposition of Mr. Par-
sons. The committee procured from the secretary of the
State Board of Health the names of several reliable civil
engineers. known to be experts in all matters pertaining to
water and sewer systems for town supplies. From this
number, they secured the services of Mr. C. P. Bassett,
Civil Engineer, of Orange, N. J.
The subject of a town water supply furnished by a
private company was forever laid aside at the May 7th
meeting'. How the water system was prpcured and estab-
lished will appear later.
The spring election of borough officers resulted in the
re-election of the previous officers, as follows:
Ma:,or-Thomaa H. Leonard.
Council-Peter S. Conover, Johll H. Van Mater, William Letts. Percy
Falldnb~.
Clerk-S. T. Champion.
Assessor--J. T. Stout.
Collector &Dd Treasurl!l'-N. H. Roberta.
354 FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAn.

Commissioners of Appeal-M. L. Dolby, S. T. White, J. M. Quacken•


bush.
Judge of Election-W. F. Mount.
Inspectors-Lewis Sculthorp, Jonathan T. Pinckney.
Pound-Keeper-$. T. Bloodgood.
Appointments.
Solicitor-J. E. Foster.
Street Superintendent-Wilson Str:rker.
Police--Wilson Str:rker, John Oliver.
Street Sprinkling-John Reily.
Garbage-5ilas Reeves.
Board of Health-E. C. Curtis, H. A. Hendrickson, S. T. Champion,
W. T. Franklin, J. H. Leonard, G. S. Fay, J. H. Van !\later,
Inspector-$. T. Champion.
Mayor Leonard's second annual message to the Council
of the Borough of Atlantic Highlands:
Mayor's Office. March 23rd, 1892.
To the Members of the Borough Council,
Gentlemen:
In accordance with the provisions of the law under which our town
is incorporated and for the purpose of informing our taxpayers and
residents in a general way, of the nature of our expenditures for Bor-
ough purposes, and for the purpose of recommending to your consider-
ation certain matters which I regard as having a great influence in the
proper development of onr town, I herewith present my second annual
message. -
The taxable property in the Borough for the past year amounted
to $1,351,367.00 and our tax rate was (.03 1-3) three and one-third
mills on the dollar. At the close of our last fiscal year the treasurer
had a ·balance on hand of $27.33; during the year just closed our re-
ceipts from hotel licenses were $175, from peddlers, etc., $342.50. We
were able during the year to adjust with the Township Committee all
question relating to back taxes, and in settlement received from the
Township treasurer, $672.13. The amount repaid us by the township
for the general road tax collected in the Borough was $711.69, while
the amount received from the general Borough tax and sidewalk ac-
count was $4,175.97, making our total receipts for the year ending
March 8th, 1892, $6,104.62. Our disbursements for roads, lighting,
police, and other borough purposes amount to $4,955.27, lea,ing a
balance in the Borough treasury of $1,149.35.
In all branches of our borough government it ,bas been our aim
to secure the best possible service at the least possible expl!nse, and
this is particularly true of onr police force. Great care was taken in
selecting and appointing suitable men as marshals and policemen, and
we have been able, with the co-operation of our business men to have
the business portion of the town patroled every hour of the night and
day. The streets of the town ,have been kept quiet and orderly, and the
service generally approved by our residents. The disbursements in this
department amounted to $587.23.
The eighteen miles of streets within the Borough limits have pre-
sented the most difficult task the Borough government has had to
contend with. Many of these streets at the beginning of the year
were entirely undeveloped, and many others called for the expenditure
of large sums of money in order to maitain them in proper condition.
Shortly after our re-organization the plan was devised and adopted by
tlie Council, whereby the residents in various part of oar town, were
enabled, by their own action, to secure equal recognition and attention
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 855

with all others in the matter of atreet making. Blanlcs were israecf.
in which the owners of property on a street agreed to construct the
llidewalb, and requested the Council to place the road bed of such
street to grade and in proper condition. When these blanb were prop.
erly signed they were filed with the Borough Clerk, and the work was
done on the various streets in the order in which the applications were
filed. The total amount expended during the year in the construction
and maintaining of streets was f2,087.43. I would recommend that
this system of written applications for street iJnprovement be continued
in force, as it gives every section of our town an equal opportunity to
eecure a part of the amount expended for public purposes, and at the
same time oft"ers to enterprising property owners a special inducement
to construct and maintain side\, alb in front of their respective prop-
erties.
The subject of street ligbtin~ bas called for the greatest c:2re and
attention on the part of the BorouJh government, and in the absence
of any oft"er from an electric lighting company which the interest of
our citizens would justify the council in accepting, we felt constrained
to continue the present system of kerosene lighting. We have bad
about 100 street lamps in use the year round, and have spent for this
service $796.19. I would recommend that the present system of light-
ing continued in force until a more modern system of lighting, on
reasonable terms, can be secured, and that a competent man be em-
ployed, at a proper compensation, to keep the present lamps in the
best order po!sible.
Varioas incidental matters have called for the expenditure of
quite a large sum of money. The expense of printing, elections, etc.,
connected with the reorganization of the Borough, a safe, appropria-
tions for the Board of Health, altogether required the sum of $1,484.42.
The interest manifested in the large attendance at our recent
school meeting, and the steps taken at that meeting, looking to the
erection of a new school house east of the railroad, calls for the support
of the Council, and our citizens generally, to the action of our school
trastees in thur eft"ort! to enlarge the school facilities of the district.
I wou!d strongly recommend that you urge the importance on our
Board of Health of a strict enforcement of their ordinances, and that
You furnish the Board with an appropriation sufficiently large to enable
them to maintain the present excellent sanitary condition of the town.
The questions of a water supply :ind a sewer system continue to
he agitated by our citizens, and I believe the Council should in the near
future submit the qu~on of bonding the town for this purpose to a
vote of the people.
A ws~er supply 'W'Ould off'er special inducements to those con-
templating a eettlement in our town, in the increased protection it
wohoul-i a1f.,rd from fire, and the convenience it would a1ford house
lc!ers.
. There are various other matters calling for action on your part
which will be brought to your attention at the proper time.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS H. LEONARD,
Mayor.
William F. Mount was selected as chief marshal, and
was duly sworn in.
On April 20th, Commissioner Conover, chairman of
the street committee, reported the new road machine had
done very satisfactory work on Bay, South and Highland
Avenues.
'356 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Engineer Cooper completed his work of grading, map.


ping and flll'Dishing a book of grades and bench marks for
all borough streets, on May 4, 1892.
The necessity of a Baptist Sabbath School, to be locat-
ed in the town east of the railroad, became apparent,
(1892). The matter was agitated by the most progressive
of that locality, and it resulted in a meeting at the house
of Thomas H. Leonard. The pastor, Edward Loux, Mrs.
Mary E. Allen, Thomas H. Leonard and Mrs. Thomas H.
Leonard were present.
The next meeting was held at the house of Egbert F.
Lufburrow, at which time a petition was prepared and
given to the clerk of the Atlantic Highlands Baptist Church,
signed by the following persons, members of said church,
living on the east side of the town:
lfary E. ADen Th01IIU H. Leonard William Roberb
Egbert F. L11fl11mow Karia R. Leonard Addie Roberta
11:ary H. Lufbmrow and others.
The petition read as follows:
"We the undersigned request the church to consider
the advisability of establishing a Sabbath School east of
the railroad. We feel the Lord's cause and the Baptist
interest call for this. To that end, we would ask that a
committee be appointed by the church, to investigate and
report to the church the result, at a meeting appointed to
-consider the matter."
The church took prompt action in the matter and ap-
pointed a committee with power to organize a Sunday
School. They met at the house of Thomas H. Leonard, and,
by reason of the impoSS1oility of Mr. and Mrs. William M.
Roberts being there, the committee adjourned to their
lloase. This was the 27th day of February, 1892. All were
present but the pastor, Rev. Edward Loux, and Peter S.
Conover.
After considering oar needs, we organized the meeting
by selecting. for chairman, Thomas H. Leonard; secretar;,
Mary E. Allen. The appointment of Sanday School of-
1icers was as follows:
S11perintende11t-Thomas H. Leonard
Assistant Superintendent-William Ill. Roberta
· Sec:retarJ'-Charles R.. Snyder
Organist-Evelyn R. Snyder
Treasmez--Egbert F. L11f1111rio,r
In the absence of a Sanday school library, the libra-
Tians were not appointed at this meeting, bat at a subse-
•quent meeting Mary Ella Roberts and Clara Leonard were
appointed.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 357

A committee for collecting fonds for purchasing a


h"brary and supplies was appointed at the first meeting, as
follows: Thomas H. Leonard, William M. Rober.ts and E. F.
Lufburrow, to report at a second meeting, which was to be
held March 1st at the same place. The collection amoant-
ed to $51.25. The committee had also procured supplies
amounting to $36.24, and from that time antil the present
writing, 1897, the school has never lacked financial support.
The Sanday school was presented with a very neces-
83?'Y article of furniture, which consisted of a library case.
Ml'.. D. Jones Roberts furnished the material and Frederick
Linden the workmanship. The case still remains in use at
the present time.
The Sunday school was started March 6th, fully
equipped with officers, teachers and supplies, and with
good attendance. The school made satisfactory advance-
ments from that time until the o[3'&nization of the church
the following year, 1893.
The friends of the school did not feel very secure in
their quarters, for in case of fire, or other reasons, they
would be compelled to leave the Temple. With this in
mind, and with the firm conviction that the Baptist cause
had a definite and distinct future in that part of the town,
efforts were made to secure property of their own. There
were two lots on Mount Avenue, facing Second Avenue, that
were offered for $1,500. The people were satisfied that
the lots were in a good location for a school home, if for
no other purpose; and the low price seemed to guarantee
the purchase. On August 5th of this year, Mrs. Mary E.
Allen and Mr,i. Thomas H. Leonard canvassed the east side
of the town, soliciting subscriptions, that resulted in the
purchase of the lots.
There had long been an agitation among the property
owners of Atlantic Highlands, caused by rumors that the
Central Railroad wu soon to change their temunus from
Sandy Hook to this place; and it was a great satisfaction
to all the friends of the borough when it became a fact that
such .would be the case. The right-of-way was procured
through the influence of Dr. E. C. Curtis and Mr. Edward
Hooper, along the bay shore, from Atlantic Highlands to
Highlands of Navesink, and arrangements were made with
the Freeholders that they should make a bridge jointly for
railroad and other travel, from Highlands to the beach, to
connect with the Sandy Hook route at Highland Beach.
Running contemporary with the question of water and
sewer, was the lighting of the town. For several years past,
gentlement engaged in that line of business had made offers
858 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

to the town. The first was Stout's Storage Battery Com-


pany, that for a time was located on First Avenue, corner
of Washington. They asked for a franchise, covering elec-
tric light, heat and power, in all streets of the town.
Another offer was received from the National Electric
Manufacturing and Constructing Company, asking for fran-
chise for lighting streets; and, again, from the Atlantic
Highlands steam mill, which would furnish the current, and
the town do the rest. The two last companies applied April
6, 1892.
At a meeting held May lS, a petition was presented by
Mr. Pendegust, representing the New York and New Jersey
Globe Gas Light Company, offering to put up forty lamps,
furnishing light and a man to take care of them, at the rate
of $16.50 each, per year; the lamps to be placed on First
Avenue, Center Avenue, Bay View Avenue, and one in front
of each church in town.
This offer was accepted by the Mayor and Council
and continued with satisfactory results until 1896, when
the gas lights were replaced by electric lights.
At a meeting held June 15th, the street committee re-
ported the purchase of an Erreckson hot-air pump, at a
cost of $218.75. It was put up on Raih-,,ad Avenue, and
connected with the old historic Brown's Spring, by the big
willows. This proved to be a great convenience for filling
the water cart, which labor had heretofore been done by
hand&
The following was taken from the local "Press," per-
taining to the railroad opertitions:
THE WORK ON THE RAILROAD TERMINUS RAPIDLY
PROGRESSING.
"The operations on the new railroad terminus and the
new route by the way of Highland Beach, then along the
Jersey coast, has excited no little interest, and a review of
the operations will be, no doubt, appreciated by our read-
ers. There were many months of suspense among resi-
dents as to whether the terminus would be Atlantic High-
lands. Some were anxious and some were fearul, and very
little information could be ascertained as to the movements
of the railroad company.
"In due time, however, several large carloads of pile-
driving machinery arrived and a few days later three or
four water pile-drivers were seen approaching our bay.
Then it was, that our people began to be somewhat relieved
in mind as to the place of the terminus.
At this juncture very little right-of-way along the bay
front had been secured. The railroad officials and the
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 359

property owners could not see the values in the same light
and several times it looked as though there would be much
difficulty in making satisfactory arrangements with the
property owners along the bay front. It has been strongly
argued that the new railroad line would ruin the bay front,
while others think it will be
of little, if any, disadvan-
tage, and it is the impres-
sion of many that it has
cost the railroad company
pretty dearly for the right-
of-way.
"The long steamboat
pier was commenced the lat-
ter part of October and for
a long time the work seemed
to go very slowly. The cold
weather in December also
hindered the work on the
pier to a great extent. At
one time the pile drivers
were disabled by being
wrecked by the severe
• storm. Since then thou-
sands of piles have been
brought here and the work
has progressed rapidly,
Map of C. R. R. of N. J. Piles have been driven Sun-
days and moonlight nights when the weather would
permit.
"While there have been a few minor accidents the Pile
Driving :Company can congratulate themselves th&;t no
serious accident has thus far occurred. Many of the men
have had cold baths, but so far as we have been able to
ascertain, with no serious results. At the end of this week
the piles fon the long pier will all have been driven. For
several weeks workmen have been engaged in preparing
the piles for the reception of the railroad track, and in two
week's time the ties and rails will be laid so that trains can
be run out into the bay over fourteen hundred feet, some-
thing that has never been seen before in the history of our
town.
"Still the pile drivers are not through with their work.
The 'Y' or 'L,' as it is familiarly known, has yet to be made.
A track will be run in front of the Hotel Avon and inter-
sect with the bay front road, and a track will also be nm
from near Champion's bathing pa\ilion across the old pier
360 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

to the boat landing. Two months remain. however, and.


with the good weather we may expect during the spring,
the work will undoubtedly be completed in due season for
next summer's travel.
"Simultaneous with the commencement of building·
the piel\ large gangs of workmen began filling in across the
meadows. This work, like the work on the pier, was not
pushed till after the holidays. Gangs of men were also
working on the lower end of the route near Seaside and
were working toward Navesink Park.
"The Borough Council gave the railroad company p~
mission to run their trains temporarily across First Avenue.
The franchise is only till April 1st, 1893, after which the
•y, in front of Mr. Rayfield's will be completed.
"The first engine to cross First Avenue was Engine·
No. 511, on Monday, January 25, 1893. Engineer Thomp-
son had hold of the throttle and Jeff Graves, fireman, looked
after the steam, and 'Chic' Skillman applied t"': brakes..
Principal Edgar H. Cook, John Mount, Gus ear· .rt, L. D.·
Brush and Peter Y. Everett, the venerable newspaper, man,
were also aboard the train. Another incident which inter-
ested many w.as the transporting of a small locomotive from
here to Seaside. The plan, although not very rapid, was
a novel one. The rails of the main line had at that time
been laid only as fat as Dr. E. C. Curtis's residence; from
there a section of rails was laid down and the little engine
was run over the section of track. Then the track was.
taken up and relaid and thus it was that a locomotive was
transferred from Atlantic Highlands to Seaside, a distance
of three miles. The object of this was to have a locomotive
pull the 1m1-vel train at that point and this was the only
way to accomplish the purpose.
'"For three weeks large quantities of slag have been
brought here from Pennsylvania, to make the road bed
along the bay shore. As many as two hundred cars have
arrived daily and it is wonderful to see the rapidity with
which the work is progressing. The slag is used in filling
in. Then there is another force of men to level up the track
and lay the rails. Lastly, but the most important part of
the work, is the protection of the road bed. The company
has a good idea of building a railroad. A great many car
loads of large boulders have arrived this week. They
weigh many tons apiece. They form a bulwark that will
take many a hard storm to affect. The cost of erecting the
road in this manner will be many thousands-hundred
thousands-of dollars, and likely millions.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil. 361

''Several buildings along the route. have. of a nece&-


aity, to be removed. The Curtis bathing pavilion has to be
moved out one hundred feet, also the Champion bathing
pavilion goes out the same distance, and :Mr. Champion ex-
tends bis pier out two hundred feet. The trains on this end
of the line are now able to run down within one-half mile
of the Navesink Park pier.
"It is authoritatively stated that a steam shovel is to be
put in operation early next week. There is a large excava-
tion to be made a little beyond the Navesink Park pier,
and with the aid of the steam shovel. it is said a car can be
filled with one shovelful It is expected that the work will
move marvellously along during the week that follows."
The following are additional local happenings. show-
ing the progress of the town during the year, 1892:
Messrs. W. D. Stout & Co.• successors to S. T. White,
opened their extensive stock for business in January of this.
year. The new firm was composed of young, energetic men,
who were well qualified to conduct the grocery business.
The Observatory Land and Improvement Company of
Atlantic Highlands sent out an interesting pi,ospectus in
the "Press" of February 6th.
March 14, the first landing made by any boat at the
new railroad pier, was that of the schooner "L. S. Pollard.'►
In March, Mr. C. T. Leonard began to erect a three-
sto:qy building-store and dwelling house combined--at.
Leonard Avenue Station.
On March 11th, the Township Committee met to
organize at Middletown. John J. Leonard was chosen
chairman of the new board.
In its March 19th number, the "Press" announced that
the Atlantic Highlands post office was soon to become a.
money order office; which change was due to the large in-
crease in business. Postmaster Leonard was a very efficient
officer, and the patrons were well pleased with bis manage-.
ment of affairs.
On May 30th, the Pavonia Yacht Club opened their
clubhouse for their first summer season.
In April of this year. a council of the Royal Arcanum
was formed at Atlantic Highlands. Those at the head of
the organization of the council were Dr. H. A. Hendrickson►
George Brannin and John E. Foste~.
In April, S. T. White purchased the stock in trade of
E. F. Lufburrow in bis boot and shoe business. He took
P0ssession June 1st.
. On December 19, 1890, a few persons of the Presby-
tenan faith, ten in number, met in Mr. S. T .. White's Hall
362 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

and organized what is now known as the First Presbyterian


Church of Atlantic Highlands. Mr. White's Hall was used
as a place of worship. During the summer of 1891, it was
found that more commodious quarters were needed, and
the W. C. T. U. Temple was rented.
The society seriously considered the advisability of
erecting a house of worship and solicited financial aid for
that purpose. Its efforts were highly successful, and in
June, 1891, they purchased two lots on the corner of High-
land and Third Avenues, for the sum of fifteen hundred
dollars. Since that time, it secured a sufficient amount to
erect a church, which would cost about two thousand
dollars.
The cornei, stone was laid, with appropriate cere-
monies, on May 3, 1892. Dr. A. H. Dashiel, Missionary of
the Presbytery of Monmouth; Rev. Mr. Smith of Freehold,
Dr. Knype of Oceanic, Rev. B. S. Everett of Jamesburg, Rev.
Mr. Symmes of Tennett, Rev. Mr. Harbange of Red Bank,
Rev. George Swayne of Allentown, Rev. Charles Everett of
Englishtown, Rev. T. Wilson of Shrewsbury, Rev. W. C.
Alexander of Matawan, and Rev. Mr. Bowsall of Keyport,
participated in the services.
The following is a detailed account of the church or-
ganization and of other circumstances connected with it,
and continuance, up to the pastorate of Rev. William Mc-
Nair, as appeared in the illustrated edition of the "Press":
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
"This church was organized in the latter part of 1890.
During that year, Messrs. J.M. Quackenbush, E. H. Cook,
Caleb Patterson, Mrs. Lizzie Whittingham and several
others, desiring a church home of their own denomination,
had applied to the Presbytery of Monmouth for a church
organization. The Presbytery at its fall meeting appointed
Rev. A. H. Dashiel, D. D., of Lakewood, and Rev. Henry G.
Smith of Freehold as presbyterial committee to organize
.such a church 'if the way should be opened.'
"The 19th of December, the birthday of the church,
is celebrated each year by a business and social gathering
of the congregation. On this date, 1890, the above named
committee of the Presbytery met and organized the chura:h.
Those ·who joined the organization at this time are as fol-
lows: Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Cook, Mrs. Lizzie Whittingham
and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Amzi Quackenbush, Mrs. Sarah
I:. Van Pelt, Mr. and Mrs. Caleb N. Patterson and daughters,
-E.nd S. T. White. Later, J. M. Quackenbush with four other
members of his family united, their latters not having ar-
r.ived at the organization.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 363

manse iiund of $216.43 to its credit. It has been the pride


of its trustees and people to close each year with every bill
paid, or to provide for such at a moment's notice. Its active
Ladies' Aid and Christian Endeavor sc,cieties have always
been ready to meet any emergency. Its active chuch mem-
bership has increased to 77. The present pastor, Wilmer
McNair, was installed May 8, 1894."
In May, Mr. V. H. Havens moved into his own new
sto:-e building at the corner of First and Highland Avenues.
During the same month, Mr. William J. Leonard pur-
chased the "Monmouth Press" in his own right. The office
was located, as at present, on Mount Avenue, opposite the
station.
The summer branch of the Western Union Telegraph
was placed under the care of Miss Emma Savidge, who
transacted the business with the public to their entire satis-
faction. The office was located in the Mayor's office.
"The first board of trustees consisted of Messrs. E. R.
Cook, S. T. White, George F. Bartleson, C. N. Patterson,
J.M. Quackenbush, Asa Dilts and John Perrine. The only
change in this board is Mr. J. M. Demarest in place of S. T.
White. The congregation thus organized worshiped in
White's Hall until the latter part of January, 1891, when
the W. C. T. U. Temple was secured for that purpose. They
depended upon students in the seminary for supplies from
week to week, until April, 1891, when the services of Mr.
W. A. Price, a theological student from Princeton Seminary,
were secured, who filled the place of pastor during his
vaca!:on. In the same month a committee of the trustees
purchased the two lots on which the chapel now stands,
corner of Third and Highland Avenues. The purchase of
these and the subsequent building were largely made pos-
sible by the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Duvale
of Navesink Highlands. The building was completed and
dedicated on July 24th, 1892. It is a neat and attractive
chapel building. Though designed for a Sunday school
room and lecture hall, it is an acceptable substitute for a
church building, until the future growth and nature of the
town shall be sufficiently established to warrant the erec-
tion of a suitable building. During the spring and summer
of 1892, while the chapel was in process of erection, the
congregation secured the regulars services of student F. F.
Blessing. It is due to his energy and tact that the building
":as so completely furnished as it is. Mr. Duvale added to
h1s previous generosity by presenting the church with one
c,f Mason & Hamlin's best organs and a fine-toned bell.
"The church was dedicated free of all debt and a
364 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

A company of enterprising business men introduced to


the public a new venture in journalism, the "Atlantic High-
lands Joumal." The first paper was published on May 25,
1892; Mr. A. F. Flumerfelt, manager. He had previously
been connected with the "Monmouth Press."
THE NEW YORK WORLD PUBLISHES A TWO-COLUMN ARTICLE
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE LONG PIER.
MAY 8, 18tl2
"Down at Atlantic Highlands, where Old Neptune in his angry
mood vents his wrath by throwing great breakers against the pictur-
esque New Jersey shore, the Central Railroad of New Jersey is spend-
ing a large fortune in perfecting the finest deep-water terminal in the
State.
"Last year the Federal Government· decided that it would reclaim
the long Sandy Hook bar and transform it into a practice station for
heavy guns.Up to that time the Central Railroad, in connection with
the New Jersey Southern Railroad, occupied enough of Sandy
Hook for a terminal at the "Horse Shoe" and right of way for tracks
through it~ center for over four miles until the bridge was crossed to
the main land. The company bas occupied the Hook for several years
and the mandate of the Govem~ent bas forced a change.
"In order that the railroad company might continue its water and
rail route in the summer season to the Southern New Jersey coast re-
sorts, it was necessary to locate its tracks elsewhere in the vicinity.
The only available spot was Atlantic Highlands, because the deep water
in the Sandy Hook bay made it possible for the big steamboats to land
safely. The property owners at Atlantic Highlands and other public
spirited citizens who appreciated the benefit to be derived from having
the railroad company establish its terminal there, assisted materially in
aiding the company to secure the necessary land on which to begin
operations, and now the most magnificent piers built, in recent time,
are nearing completion and soon will be ready for the ftood of summer
travel
"The topography of the land at Atlantic Highlands is of such a
nature tba: the improvements began could be completed successfully
only after a very heavy expenditure. It was at first thought feasible
to build the road thro~h the valley back of Atlantic Highlands, but if
that plan bad been earned out it would have deprived Highland Beach,
Navesink Beach, Normandy and Rumson Beach, all facing the ocean
and on the old Sandy Hook route, of railroad facilities; so it was de-
termined to secure the right of way for a distance of four miles along
the base of the Highlands, across the Shrewsbury River on a draw-
bridge, and continue on as before, taking in all the est3blished stations.
Many of the property owners conceded the required territory to the
railroad people.
"Some of it was found necessary to condemn and more of it has
been not fully settled yet. Last Tuesday a struck jury from Mon•
mouth County went down to the place to settle all disputes, and it is
said their decision -.rill conclude all dif!erences ~nding. Injunctions
to restrain the railroad company from continuing its work were secur•
ed by Messrs. Duval, Kay and Cornwall, who have given the enterprise
more trouble than all others concerned.
"The spot where the improvements are in progress is on almost_ a
direct line with the old Sandy Hook station and is three miles from it.
It will make but little ditference to the railroad company, and when the
advantages to be gained in the way of more room, liner facilities for
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 365

handling the large l!UmDler bwsiness and the additional traffic secured
from Atlantic Highlands and the immediate vicinity are con.~dered, the
change will prove beneficial, notwlthstanc:iing the expense, which will
be little short of $1,000,000 when all is completed. ·
"Several contracts were awarded to do the work, which includes
dock building, driving piles, dredging and blasting. Messrs Cofrode .t
Saylor, proprietors of the Philadelphia Bridge Works, have done the
pile driving and are now finishing the long pier. All the pier work is
in the hands of these contractors, and in addition to that they have
built the new drawbridge across the Shrewsbury River. F. A. Bowen
is the superintendent for the firm and has been on the ground since
work was begun last November. Mr. Bowen superintended the con-
struction of the Long Island Railroad terminal at Oyster Bay, N. Y.,
which was built in connection with the Eastern States line. The dred;;-
ing was done by Burke Bros. The automatic switches and signals are
in charge of the Union Switch and Signal Company, of Swissvale, Pa.
The plans, specifications, etc., were done by the railroad company's
engineer corps, nnder the direction of Chief Engineer J. H. Thompson.
S. H. Kupp is the engineer in charge of the company's portion of the
construction work.
"The first object that attracts the eyes of a visitor to Atlantic
Highlands at the present time is a small army of men moving about
the pier, the two "Y'', and the approach to the terminal from the old
station, which is the terminus under present conditions of the Atlantic
Highlands branch from Matawan. The puffing of enlP.nes attached to
the construction trains is heard from morning until evening. The
quiet village on the fo~lad bluff overlooking Sandy Hook and the
ocean never before in its ,history saw such genuine activity as is going
on there now. It has inspired the permanent residents with a desire
to bestir themselves, and everybody seems to have fallen into the spirit
of the enterprise and taken as much interest in what is going on as the
railroad officials themselves. The town has taken a wonderful boom,
and within the village limits those who own green acres and plots of
smaller dimensions are blessing the Government for establishing a gun-
Practice station at Sandy Hook. In some parts of the town lots that
sold for $200 might be bought now for $400, but sometimes more is
asked. Directly on the rise of the blulf is the exclusive private sum-
mer cottage section. No one short of a coal baron or life insurance
President could look seriously at some of the pretty plots that command
an uninte~pted view of the river and ocean. Instead of having an
occasional boat in summer, the place will now have, it is said, boats at
half-hour intervals. All the towns as far as Red Bank can send their
train loads of passengers via Atlantic Highlands instead of by the all-
rail route, and no one doubts but a large percentage of business men
will choose this course, with the pleasure of a cool ride, by boat up
the bay thrown in, during the morning, and the same on the return
at evening.
"The New Jersey Southern trains will transfer their pass.?ngers at
the Highlands. In an interview, Proprietor Morton, of the Grand View
Hotel, which is the largest hotel at Atlantic Highlands, said that the
conveniences now being established are attracting attention, and he
has already booked a ~ t many guests for the season Wlho want to
get rooms early to avoid being crowded out altogether when the rush
begins. The smaller hotels and !:>oarding-houses report the same bright
~utlook. Supt. Bowen explained the manner in which the terminal work
JS being conducted.
"It was in November last when the force of men was first put on.
Tbe dreciginc and pile driving were conducted while the grading and
fillinc in was started from the shore. Six pile drivers have been work-
866 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

ing up to very recently and as.all the piles are driven, excepting those
on which the north end of the "Y" will be built, aome of them have
been withdrawn. These pile drivers averaged 200 piles a day. There
are 7,000 piles in the entire work. All the llllpporta under the pier
floorinc have been creosoted to prevent rot from dampness. The pier
itself is the longest in the country with the exception of one in one of
the cities on the great lakes. Its length is 2,400 feet, and width for the
tint 200 feet from the end, 270 feet. It decreases gradually in width
until it reaches the shore. A one-story shed will cover the front end
and extend back 200 feet. This will be used for waiting roo1115, bal:-
gage rOOIDS and ticket offices. At the upper end, where the boats will
la_nd, two spa.ces have been left about twenty-five feet • ~ Bridges,
something after the style used in ferry sli~ will be built in them and
can be nused and lowered with the tide to allow passengers to land
from the boats. In addition to that a series of portable steps will be
kept on the pier which will be run up close to the string piece for the
convenience of passengers landing from the upper dec:b.
"The pier will contain ten tracks with covered platforms sixteen
feet wide between them. These tracks lead down to where the ''Y"
branches off to the left. A signal tower there controls them. This
tower is built on the north side of the pier. It is a two-story structure.
The upper story contains twenty-eight levers, which control ten signals
and fifteen switches, the longest of these being 1,300 feet distant from
the signal house. It will make no difference bow great the traffic over
the tracks, all trains can be readily controlled by the signalman in the
tower. The pier beyoi:d where the "Y" branches to the left, is on a
lltraigbt line with the Atlantic Highlands station. The land has been
graded ao that a train can run direct from the head end of the pier on
to the Atlantic Highlands branch without any inconvenience to passen-
gers. When a train is despatched on the New Jersey Southern division
it is shifted from any one of the ten tracks to the left turn of the "Y",
which is double tracked. The end of the "Y" running to the right en-
ables trains to run continuously from the New Jersey Southern's main
tracks around on the Atlantic Highlands branch without change. In
buildinJ the right turn of the "Y" it was found that the old Avon Hotel
came directly in the way.,The company purchased the hotel, and it will
be demolished. Particular care baa been taken to preserve the wood
on the pier and on the "Y". Every tie on which the tracks are laid
have been creosoted with the exception of those on the curves, where it
was necessary to place ties that had not been subjected to the prepara•
tion, which is said to soften the wood somewhat and the spikes do not
take so strong a hold. In the construction of this work it has taken
300,000 feet of Georgia pine. To prevent accidents happening through
a train coming in too fast the company baa adopted the use of the El·
lis patent bumper. One of these will be placed at the end of each
track.
"When soundings were taken for the location of the terminal it
was found that a small ledge of rock came directly in the way of the
boats and it was necessarY to remove it. A diver was employed for
two weeks and by the use of dynamite the obstruction was removed.
The boats draw a little over eleven feet of water and will be able to
land at the end of the pier without difficulty even when the tide is low-
est.
"The first station will be called Bay View Station. It is beyond
the shore end of the pier and will be more for the accomodation of the
patrons of Curtis's bathing pavilion than anything else. Probably ~e
most wonderful feature of the improvements is the new line extending
from the pier to the drawbridge, opposite Highland Beach. Without
this little four-mile road the improvements would not count for any-
...
-~,,
..,
,.,,,; ,.
'"l. :~~.-

. 'Ju''
-~~~,
...
•''.
FROM rnDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 367

thing, as by any other plan than the one adopted four stations north of
Seabright would have been left without railroad communication. Had
it not been for that a more feasible rout<: could have been selected back
of the Highlands. As it is, it was r.ecessary to construct a roadbed
along at the foot of the Highlands in the water. When the work was
begun three construction trains were commissioned to haul rock, sand
and slag for this line. A large force of men were put on the job with
derricks to assist them. The material to a great extent came from
Scranton, Pa. The road is virtually a stone wall wide enough to per-
mit the laying of double tracks. . The rock that form the outside of the
wall weigh several tons each, and the prediction of some of the old res-
idents of the Eighlands that a storm will come along some day and
wash the entire roadbed away does not seem to have any justification
to back it up. The drawbridge connecting the mainla:id with Highland
Beach is 1,700 feet long with a draw 200 feet long, leaving intervala
of 100 feet at either side when it i3 turned f•Jr vessels to pass through."

A NEW I!:UDGE DRAW.


The old draw on the Highlands bridge was tom down
on April 25, 1892, and the railroad company at once began
building the new draw. The ~ilroad bridge has been
built across the river diagonally, crossing the wagon bridge
near the Middletown side and the draw will be a little east
of the old draw. The channel has shifted a little and the
draw was changed accordingly. The railroad will build a
bulkhead, and will fill in the river between the old wagon
bridge and the railroad bridge. They will build the High-
lands bridge on the land thus made. Work is being push-
ed and the railroad expects to run trains across the bridge
next week. The new draw. has openings of one hundred
feet. The openings of the old draw were eighty feet.
The railroad built a new wooden wagon bridge from
the Middletown side to the place where the railroad and
wagon bridge diverge. This will leave the county only
about four hundred feet of bridge to build in order to have
an entire new bridge all the way across the river. The
n~w part of the wagon bridge has two wagon tracks, each
rune feet wide. It is expected that the county will rebuild
the old part of the bridge within a year or ~-
Our communication with the city had, in all these
years, been a source of great anxiety to us, and also a great
expense.
In the establishment of the water and land routes
from our town, it had cost many thousands of dollars, be-
yond what could be conveniently spared.
. . The town's existence and growth was now, not a possi-
bility, but a fact. It had put on an air of permanency that
could not be questioned-though many times the wise ones.
had _prophesied a failure. Now, capitalists and railroad
officials were not afraid to place their money here.
-368 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

'!'hr. first accomodation offered us by the Central Rail-


l"oad Company was their running boats, in 1882, across
from Sandy Hook, while making their trips to and from
New York City, to accomodate their terminal at that place.
Our accomodations in this manner were increased from
season to season, until Sandy Hook was abandoned by or-
der of the Government; at which time, the railroad was
compelled to secure another terminal. The railroad facil-
ities (of which much has already been mentioned) kept
pace with the water route in conveniencing Atlantic High-
lands, both for passengers and freight.
TMs brings us to the winter of 1891-92, at which time
work was commenced for the construction of the railroad
terminal at this place, which progressed with astonishing
rapidity, being favored with an open winter, and also by
the selection of Mr. Bowen, the contractor.
It did not seem possible the work could be accomplish-
ed in time for the season's traffic. The work included the
building of the pier, the construction of the road along the
north side of the Highlands, consisting of two tracks, with
their connect.fag "Y's", with the pie~; also, with the shore
end. They also built, at the same time, a branch running
out beyond Navesink. The shore track was secured by a
battered wall of heavy stone or slag. Arrangements were
made with the Freeholders of the county, whereby the same
draw in the Highland bridge was used for both-the rail-
road rebuilding the same, and maintaining and operating
it at their expense.
Decoration .Day, May 30, 1892, was selected for the
grand opening of the road. The Board of Trade decided to
make it a memorable occasion, and about ~2,500 was col-
lected by its committees to carry out their plans. Invitations
we1'e sent out to all the state and county dignitaries, rail-
road officials, and to many others who honored us with their
presence. The conception and completion of the entertain-
ment was carried out in a faultless manner, regardless of
expense. The excursion trains, coming in from the west.
and the palatial steamers, brought hundl'eds of delighted
people, to enjoy the day's festivities.
The first event of the day was a carriage drive, fol-
lowed by a parade of the different organizations, both ~oca~
and invited. The procession was cheered by the. natio?a
airs, furnished by several bands from the county, mcludmg
our own local band.
After the drive, a large number repaired to the Grand
View Hotel, where a sumptuous dinner was provided by
Messrs. Morton and Obermeier, proprietors. The menu
FROM INj)IAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAil. 369

was of that character and extent, that it required two hours


to exhaust it-being encouraged by the enlivening music of
the bands. Tables wer.e spread also in the Tabernacle, to
accommodate the vast assemblage.
We will insert the report as given by the "Monmouth
Press," containing the after-dinner speeches by the Presi-
dent of the Board of Trade, James H. Leonard, and others.

OUR HISTORIC FESTIVAL


Nature Smiles-The People Attend in Crowds. A Complete Success.

Speeches by the President of the Board of Trade, the Mayor, Dr.


Curtis, Hon. Henry S. White, Hon. Henry S.
Little and others.

"Early on Monday last, the various committees of the


Board of Trade and citizens were at work completing the
preparations for their celebration, under smiling skies
which seemed to increase the popular conviction of divine
approval of the occasion. The reception comtnittee divid-
f:d into three parts, and respectively met the guests at New
1ork, Matawan and Red Bank, and the intermediate points.
Great delegations came from everywhere, nothwithstanding
the other demands r.eculiar to the day.
"Soon after eight o'clock the crowds gathered on First,
~ay View and Center Avenues. A parade of the councils of
tne Ordar of American Mechanics formed at the depot
when the 10 o'clock train arrived, with plenty of good
m~sic. There participated in this the Portland council of
this town, the Ashland of Seabright, the Bayside of Bel-
ford, and the Onward council of Red Bank of the junior
order, and Monmouth of Belford, of the senior order. The
throngs enjoyed the music and display, which helped to
r,ass the time pleasantly until the ai:rival of the 11 :30 train.
from the New York boat with its additional company. The
stages and conveyances in charge of Mr. J. T. Stout were
ren filled with invited guests, and the immense parade of
orsemen, footmen and carriages formed and passed tri-
U!Jlphally over the line of march. A brigade of Italians that
aided in constructing the new railroad joined in the parade,
so that the orders of American Mechanics deemed they
d?Uld not participate in the general parade, much to the
lSSappointment of their friends and admirers, including
fuany_ of the pretty girls that lined the sidewalks and filled
e piazzas everywhere, as well as to the giteat regret of
those parading. The stores and houses along the line of
370 FROM INDIAN TRAil.. TO ELECTRIC RAIL

march bore ample testimony to the artistic genius and


decorative zeal of the people. The procession finally halt-
ed at the grand stand near the Grand View Hotel, where
Hon. Robert Emery, Dr. Curtis, Mayor Thomas H. Leonard
and others addressed the multitude.
"The Banner Presentation to the Clinton B. Fisk Post,
G. A. R., was here made by the Mayor. The multitude
cheered the handsome flag enthusiastically, and Wm. M.
Foster, post-commander, responded with brief but hearty
acknowledgement of the gift. Then Rev. E. C. Curtis pre-
e~nted a bible to the post, which was responded to in behalf
of the m'c!mbers by Mr. Robert Emery with appropriate re-
marks. The procession then took up the line of mar.ch to
the tabernacle, where E. Cooper Swan and others had
spread a sumptuous collation for all. The vast crowd were
seated without the least confusion and music was discoursed
by the band, while knives and forks played a contented
accompaniment.
"The reception committee and the railroad, county
and state officials, press representatives and others found
a banquet to satisfy both body and soul at the Grand View
Hotel, where Messrs. Morton and Obermeier had done all
that was possible to delight fastidious guests.
"The banquet was a series of delicious courses, skill-
fully served while the musicians played, now dreamy, and,
anon, inspiring airs. The compliments lavished upon the
cate11ers were numerous and gratifying.
"After the guests had enjoyed the bounties of the
banquet, came the after-dinner speeches. Hon. James H.
Leonard, President of the Board of Trade, arose and wel-
comed the railroad officials to Atlantic Highlands in a neat
address, of which we quote a portion:
" 'Officers and representatives of the Central Railroad
of New Jersey. In behalf of the Board of Trade and cit-
izens of Atlantic Highlands, I welcome you to this banquet,
on the occasion of the opening of the new railroad and
steamboat route. Many changes have occurred here within
a few years. For two hundred and sixty yea1'8 the only
communication we had with the outside world was by sail
vessels.
"~According to the souvenier before us the command-
er of the first was Henry Hudson, and our fellow-townsman,
Capt. J. H. Skidmore, was the last. The farmers seeing the
need of a steam vessel for the transportation of their pro-
duce to New York City, a few formed themselves into a
company and in the year 1878, built a wharf, purchased a
small steamer, and on the first day of May, 1879, com-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 371

menced to make trips between this place and New York


City. There was much farm produce to carry to the city,
1,ut the down freights were light and passengers few. Pn
the return trip, May 2nd, only four passengers took passage
1.nd although they were charged only twenty-five cents
each and received nearly two hours and a "half of sailing,
they did not seem satisfied. The only freight on that trip
was brought by A. C. Watrous of Chapel Hill, and the
records show us that the freight bill amounted to the sum
of two dollars and two cents. The trade increased in every
way so that the wharf was lengthened and a larger steamer
purchased. But it was soon found that it was impossible
for one steamer to make both freight and passenger trips
and give satisfaction to all. In 1881, an association was
formed by the name of 'The Atlantic Highlands Associa-
tion.' They purchased about 350 acres of the surrounding
lands and also the wharf, which they lengthened, and ar-
rangements were made with the Central Railroad of New
Jersey to run their steamers here in connection with the
Santly Hook Route. That insured the success of the town.
At this time we have a borough government and a large re-
sident population.
"'About 1,000 acres of the surrounding country has
been surveyed out into lots and plots and a large proportion
covered with cottages. We appreciate the great work you
have accomplished and when the question of celebrating
the event was spoken of, the citizens all with one consent
said, 'Let us ce!~brate.'
"Applause frequently interrupted the speaker, who
finished by calling upon the Mayor of our borough to wel-
tome the railroad magnates and other invited guests.
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS
"'We have the honor today of offering the hand of
~elcome to the representatives of one of the greatest civil-
izing and progressive, motive and moving powers on earth,
centraliZ!ng within its folds more force, capital, intelligence
and possibilities than all the combined schemes of the hu-
ll!an mind. Blot out the railroads of today, and we would
be subm<?rged in all the barbarous realities of the dark
i.ges.
" 'We also extend our hand of welcome to the repre-
sentatives of the press. The influence of the Editor's de.sk,
&nd his staff of correspondents and reporters, is as far-
reaching as the sunlight. Delving in the bO".\"els of the
earth; joining hands from pole to pole. thi>y t-av..rse the
globe. With Kane, they search among the Etern:-i.l Zeros of
372 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

the North. With Stanley, they brave the fevers of the


jungle. They stand in the fore point of the battle and with
the peace makers of the earth, they may be found, smoking
the pipe of peace. But for the total failure of the railroads
to make connections with our sister planets we might,
through the enterprise of the press, in our morning gowns
sit and read the nine o'clock editions of the Jupiter Tribune
r.nd the latest extra from Mars, at our breakfast tables.
" 'To the clergyman, the lawyer and the agriculturist
and others we extend our hand, thanking you for giving
us your presence. The clergy are the salt of the earth, the
element of creation uniting the material and spiritual.
" 'The law is the sword in business life, dividing with
its double edge between the joints and the marrow, search-
ing out the ways of justice, giving us wise counsel, actuat-
ed by the highest motives.
" 'To the agriculturist we, as a town, are much indebt-
ed. It was he that gave it the first throb of existence. The
crack of his whip sounded like music in the ears of transpor-
tation company, as he brought the products of his lands
to the town for transportation to the city. His purse was
always open to advance the new enterprises of the day, and
later on, when the spiritual developments needed quicken-
ing, his hallelujahs and amens were as sweet incense in the
spiritual camp.
" 'The growth of our town has been wonderful, re-
minding us of some western city. Twelve short years ago,
it commenced its development on October 25, 1879, that
first fiscal year ending with about $100,000 assessment. To-
day $3,000,000 is a fair assessment for the property, about
us and for our use.
" 'I would congratulate the town for the benefits it
must secure from having the East Jersey terminal of the
Central Railroad within its borders. I also congratulate
the Central Railroad for the wisdom it bas displayed in lo-
cating here.
" 'The first hand of welcome was extended to the
Central Railroad of New Jersey, in the person of Mr. Henry
l;taft"ord Little and Mr. Anthony Reckless, now deceased.
It cam.e about in this way-the citizens formed themselves
into a body for the town's better developments. It was
desired among other improvements to have a railroad com-
municati~n with the outside world. To that end there was
a meeting called at Foster's Pavilion, kept by our worthy
townsman, Gov. Foster. In this informal organization could
have been found the Wilsons, Snyders, Bownes, Nobles,
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 878

Lakes, Champions, Hoppings, McClees, Woodwards, John-


sons, Leonarda and others.
"'We thought ourselves WISer than the railroad men,
and planned to invite them down, and give them a 'point.•
We thought we would ask them to a big dinner, and while
under the influence of fresh products from the briny deep,
and while fanned and stimulated by the ocean breezes, we
would ask them to build us a railroad. Well, we remember
the supreme moment as Mr. Henry Stafford Little arose to
his feet. Moments seemed like hours as he slowiy and
Quietly unfolded himself and rose to an erect position. He
posed a :r::i.oment, with all the grace of a Chesterfield, his
countenance beaming with that mellow light that reflects
only from a guiltless soul. He looked over us as a good
shepherd looks over his peaceful flock and said, 'If you
want a railroad, do as I and Anthony Reckless did with the
N. Y. & L. B. R. R. Go and build it yourselves.'
" 'We caJled this railroad advice; then came the ex-
perience. The next thing was to build the road. We called
in an honored and distinguished son of New Jersey, who
had had some e."'i:perience in railroad building. We con-
tracted with him to build a road out to Port Monmouth
spur. We paid him half cash and half in stock, which we
could very well spare. He gave us a good job. But I never
had the courage from that day to this to ask him ho.w he
made out with his stock. But now I intend to, and I think
he will say he turned the stock into lots and realized hand-
somely, as one of the results of our connection with the
Central Railroad. That gentleman's name is Mr. Sherman
B. Oviatt. But the railroad was buil.t and a contract made
with the N. J. Central to run it. We had now made up our
r.::inds to give the railroad men another 'point.' And I think
we did, in joining a contract, the terms and conditions of
which were such that we never thought it worth while to-
fi~e out the amount of the profits that came to us, and'
I think it will remain so, until Gabriel sounds the trump.
for the quick and the dead.
" 'The next stage in the work was our withdrawal from.
the circle of railroad magnates. The railroad men sent
around a messenger, saying that if we would kindly pass.
around the hat and place therein a controlling amount of
stock they would kindly accept it and complete the rail--
road system.
" 'This they have grandly fulfilled.
'.' 'Bleat be the ties that bind them to us.
" 'Behold today the lion and the lamb, in fond embrace.:
and may we ever remain united in interest to the end.'
~74 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil.

"Great cheering greeted the Mayor at every pause.


"His reminiscences and allusions were fully appreciated by
his co-workers of the last decade. At the close of his re-
marks, the president of the day introduced Rev. E. C. Curtis,
D. D., the toastmaster of the occasion.
"The well-chosen remarks of Dr. Curtis delighted
everyone. He called upon Hon. Henry S. Little to respond
to a toast to the N. J.C. R.R. Company. Mr. Little briefly
recalled the difficulties of the railroad enterprise, and kind-
ly acknowledged the courtesy of our people on that and
other occasions. Hon. Henry S. White, U. S. District At-
torney, responded to a toast to the United States very brief-
ly and wittily. He said the United States Government
merited the first thanks of our people for driving the rail-
road off Sandy Hook. Without that we would have had
llOthing.
"Mr. White also pointed to the defensive equipment on
the north and the new mortar battery on the east as a com-
plete protection to both town and railroad.
"Rev. Dr. S. L. Baldwin responded for the Association,
and Rev. Dr. G. S. Strowbridge's theme was 'Our Heroes,
Grant and Lincoln.' On behalf of the press, Mr. J. Townley
Crane of the New York Tribune, made an entertaining
speech.
"Mr. Chas. E. Crowell read an original poem at the
close of the toastmaking. On account of the seductiveness
of the dinner, not enough time remained for all the toasts
contemplated, prior to the departure of the trains and boats
with the guests. Many were therefore omitted. Our space
this week will not permit a fuller account of the speeches
and the really elaborate :poem of Mr. Crowell.
"Among the prominent people present were noticeable
Mr. H. P. Baldwin, General Passenger Agent of the N. J. C.
R.R.; Mr. W. H. Thompson, Chief Engineer; Mr. W. S. Sue-
den, Assistant Engineer; Hon. John H. Patterson, keeper
ef our state prison; Hon. Fred W. Hope; Hon. Wm. Pin-
tard; Hon. Robert Allen; Hon. Dan H. Applegate; Hon.
:Wm. V. Clark, Supt. N. J. S. Division; Hon. Maxey Apple-
gate of the Monmouth Inquirer; Hon. Ferdinand Fish of
New York; Prof. A. T. S. Clark of Metuchen; Sheriff
Smock; Mr. Chas. McClees, of Toms River; Counsellor Ar-
rowsmith of Freehold: County Clerk, John T. Haight; the
members of our Board of Chosen Freeholders; members of
our Township Committee; and five or six hundred more.
President Harrison, Governor Abbott, Chief Justice Mer-
cer Beasley, Judge Conover and a few others were unable
to be present on account of prior engagements, and most 0t
them sent to the committee their sincerest regrets thereat.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 376

A REMINISCENCE
By Thomas T. Rogers.
(Composed for the Board of Trade Banquet last Monday).
I think in eighteen hundred eighty-one,
Some of us first came here and had begun-
But we felt so lonely! What a pity
That there was no fast line for the city.
True, a steamer sometimes crossed the bay,
Till the owners found it did not pay,
So we drove to Red Bank, or walked around;
Or else took Franklin's stage to Middletown.
But now, thanks to the Railroad Company,
We have both all-rail routes and boats you see
Aud now from here we can reach any place
That has e'er been known to the human race.
Kay 30, 1892.
The summer schedule for the running of trains, con-
necting with the Central Railroad boats, to and from New
York and Atlantic Highlands, included frequent trains to
;iccommodate the Red Bank travel and the south, which
was entirely in keeping with the practical necessity, both
of the traveling public, and of the railroad. This occurred
soon after the opening of the new terminal at this place.
The trains were well patronized, as the people were quick
to recognize the convenience and pleasure connected with
a trip over the beautiful bay.
But they were soon doomed to disappointment. After
about ten days' running of the trains, they were discontin-
ued, to Red Bank, connecting with the boats; and it was
thought the Pennsylvania road gave the Central Railroad
a gentle reminder of the agreement made between them in
connection with the New York and Long Branch Railroad-
in effect, that neither company should diver:t travel from
that road. This contract was made before the recognized
exi&tenc.? of Atlantic Highlands, and has been a great dis-
advantage to us in preventing our receiving what must
eventually be our own; as I recognize that, in years to come,
Atlantic Highlands will be the New York and New Jersey
ferry line for all the territory south of us.
In June of this year, Charles R. Snyder was admitted
to practice as an attorney-at-law, having served the requi:.
site four years clerkship and passed the examinations be-
fore the Supreme Court, on the 8th and 9th of June, 1892.
On September 19th, Miss M. Berst opened a select
boarding and day school, on Bay Avenue.
The Atlantic Highlands M. E. Church property, cor-
ner of First and Mount Avenues, was sold September 18th,
to Mr. Edward Jansen, for $10,000; the church building
being reserved by the church. The property purchased by
~376 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Mr. Jansen consisted of two lots on First Avenue and one


on Mount.
Richard A. Leonard opened a coal yard, near Leonard
Avenue Station, in August of this year.
Mr. Webster S. Davis, son of Mr. George B. Davis, had
long determined to devote his energies to foreign mission
work. On September 21st, 1892, he left his home, with
his wife and child, for his chosen field in India. They sailed,
together with other missionaries, from Boston.
Mrs. M. B. Roberts, after operating a laundry in a
small way for some time, erected a large building on
Middletown Avenue, Hillside. Within it was placed the
best modern machinery for laundry purposes, the product
-of the Troy Laundry Machinery Company. Mr. Luke, Mrs.
Robert's father, was manager and ran the engine and ma-
chinery. The plant did an extensive business for a time,
·but was finally burned, with the building, in the summer
·of 1896.
The Borough Council, at their meeting, August 22nd,
passed an ordinance (after considering and accepting the
petition, representing one-half of the taxable property with-
in the borough limits), calling a special election, to be held
by the legal voters of the borough, on Monday, the 26th
day of September, in the truck house on Center Avenue.
The purpose was to determine the question of issuing im-
provement bonds, to pay the indebtedness that might be
incurred in providing and constructing for the borough
complete and adequate water, drainage and sewer systems,
to the extent of $100,000; $60,000 of this for water works
.and $40,000 for sewer system.
A company was organized, under the title of the
•'1Jighland Park Improvement Company," with a paid-up
capital of $75,000. The first meeting of the stockholders of
the company was held at their office at Atlantic Highlands,
on Tuesday, August 2nd, 1892, when the following directors
were elected:
L T. Heyer J. W. PriDcJe A. L. Condron
Andrew S. Little J. Wertheim E. L. Spellman
D. B. Hart Mr. MacLeod John E. Foster
At a subsequent meeting of the Board of Directors, the
:following officers were elected :
President--Isaac T. Merer Treasurer-Jacob Wertheim
Vice-President-J. W. Pringle Secretary-John E. Foster
They negotiated with Mr. E. T. Burdge for the pur-
chase of his beautiful farm, which lay in close proximity to
Atlantic Highlands. It had been in possession of the Burdge
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 377

family for a grept number of years, and its recent owner,


Edward T. Burdge, was born, and had lived on the farm,
for over half a century. It contained 116 acres, and its
location was, and is, one of the best, and commands one of
the finest land and water views in the United States.
On September 9th, a "Press" reporter called on the
Mayor, regarding the water and sewer question, and he
made the following statement:
"The culmination of about two years' consideration of
the question of water works and sewerage, and the more
immediate demand, resulting from our summer experience
and requirements of the toW'D, and the application made to
the Council by petition representing about one million of
property and signed by a large majority of the residents
and property holders, the Council felt it their imperative
duty to call for an election to be held on the 26th inst., that
the people might express their views by ballot, on the im-
portant questions of water and sewerage. That all might
be made familiar with the subject. the Council has em-
ployed an engineer, recommended by the State Board of
Her.Ith, to make a preliminary examination and estimates
and report the same at the next monthly meeting of the
Board of Trade, where the public is invited to hear the re-
port and ask for any information and discuss the subject
in every particular, thereby giving the public about two
weeks, before election, to digest the facts as they appear."
The reporters then making a house to house canvass
we propounded the following questions:
(1) Do you consider water works and sewerage sys-
tf!m necessary for Atlantic Highlands?
(2) Are you in favor of the town being bonded and
owning and controlling its own water works and sewerage?
Or do you favor the Council giving a franchise to a private
company for these purposes?
Our reporters .were kindly received, and in only one
<'r two instances did we find citizens directly opposed to
the proposition of water works and sewerage, although
many seemed to be undecided as to the best method of
ef,tablishing the systems. We will, for want of space, be
compelled to make our interviews brief, still we wish to
~press the viei.vs of all, so as to bring this matter prom-
mently b~ore the public.
A large number of citizens and property owners were
next interviewed, and we have selected the reply made by
Mr. Michael Murray, a summer resident and large property
owner, as expressing the views of the townspeople.
378 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

"That the borough of Atlantic Highlands should have


an abundant supply of pure water is so apparent to every
"ne having any knowledge of the present condition of af.
fairs, that argument on the subject is not necessary. The
community has clearly outgrown the present system. Un-
less something is done immediately to procure a proper
supply the interest of the town will be injured by the neg-
lect. The dangers that confront us are many. Among the
more pressing ones may be named those of contamination
of wells from cesspools, thus causing the spread of disease
c1mong the people. An epidemic of any character trace-
able to such a cause would do the town more injury than
the entire water and sewerage systems would cost. Then,
again, suppose a fire were to start in the thickly-settled
part of the town. A few hours would suffice to wipe out
the greater part of the town. These are not hypotnetical
questions, presented for mere argument. They are real
dangers which confront us, and every citizen and taxpayer
Phould lend his aid toward removing the threatened dis-
2ster. What does the introduction of a proper supply of
pure water and an adequate sewerage system mean? First,
they mean the removal of these impending dangers, second,
they mean enhancements of values; they mean increase of
new buildings, new life, new enterprise; and third, they
mean that the borough of Atlantic Highlands shall continue
on that road to prosperity which today makes it the most
charming town on th<' coast of New Jersey. A vote for this
new enterprise is a vote for future gain and prosperity. A
vote against this is a vote in favor of destroying the town
and endangering the lives and interests of the community.
"The question whether the franchise should be given
to a private corporation is purely a business proposition.
The town should own and control its own water supply.
Why should so important a matter as our daily supply of
water be farmed out to a private corporation? Very few
towns or cities in the country have tried this experiment,
and some of these doubtless find the experiment expensive
&nd unsatisfactory. No private corporation would u&der-
take the contract if there were not large profits in view.
'Ibis being the case and it cannot be questioned, then why
should not the people reap the benefit of such profits? Give
us a supply of pure water under our own control.
"To give a franchise to a private corporation means
dependence upon others, means inadequate supply and
additional expense.
"Remember, the dividends must come out of the pock-
ets of the consumers."
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 379

That terrible and much dreaded disease, cholera, agi-


tated the inhabitants of Atlantic Highlands and adjoining
towns, beyond any question that had ever preceded it. It
seemed to be life or death to the beautiful summer resorts
of Atlantic Highlands, Lower Highlands, Seabright and
Long Branch, that a quarantine should or should not be
placed on Sandy Hook, by the United States Government.
The State Board of Health, assisted by the local
branches of township and borough boards, did all that was
possible to prevent the landing of individuals from incom-
ing steamers, quarantined in the lower bay, or prevent such
steamers from throwing dangerous matter, such as boxes
and bedding, into the waters of the lower bay, where it
might float to our shores.
The condition can best be explained by a telegram
sent to Washington by the Governor of the State. Mayor
Leonard was hastily called to Governor Abbott's office in
New York City, by request of Secretary Hunt, of the State
Board of Health, on the morning of September 10th. The
Mayor selected a delegation from among the passengers
on the "Monmouth," and repaired to the Governor's office,
where was held a warm debate over the Sandy Hook quar-
antine question.
After a full dlscussion by and with all present, we
thanked him for the courtesy extended by him in the inter-
view and departed, feeling that his Jersey backbone had
been strengthened thereby.
On the 12th inst., the Mayor received the following
note, from Governor Abbott:
"Dear Sir:
"At your request, I send you, for the inspection of
yourself and those interested in Middletown Township, a
copy of the telegram prepared and sent to President Har-
rison, while you were at my office. I send you also, a copy
of his reply."
(Copy of telegram from Leon Abbott to President
Harrison.)
Trenton, September 10th, 1892.
"Hon. Benjamin Harrison.
"President of the United States,
Washington, D. C.:
"In view of the public announcements on behalf of the United
States Government that Sandy Hook will be used by it for quarantine
Pll?poses, I desire to call attention to the terms upon which jurisdiction
was vested in the United States by the State of New Jersey under the
act of March 12, 1846.
"The land was given by the State to be used for military purposes,
and the use now' contemplated was certainly never within the minds
of the Legislature at the time of the grant. I deem it my duty at this
380 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

time to call your attention to this position of this State. If, however,
the United States intends to use Sandy Hook for quarantine purposes,
it cannot be contended that it bas any power to grant the use of the
ground for quarantine purposes to the State of New York without
a11lrmative action on the part of the State Board of Health of New
Jersey.
"As Sandy Hook is not an island but a part of the mainland, I also
desire to call attention (if the United States authorities proceed) to
the necesaity for extraordinary precautions being taken by them by
land and water patrol to prevent any of the steamship passengers
landed at Sandy Hook, or any one coming in contact with them, from
going_ into any other part of the· State of New Jersey; also, that if
the United States assumes quarantine powers it will have proper ves-
sels to take up all :floating matter thrown away from any of the in-
coming steamers and destroy such refuse, and that that it will prevent
in the future such steamers from throwing this dangerous matter into
the waters of the lower bay, where it :floats upon our ahores. Boxes
and bedding from these steamers have al!:.eady been found upon the
shores of the Township of Middletown, between Keyport and Atlantic
Highlands. In former visitations of cholera our people who handled
matter :floating on the shores from cholera ships were attacked with
this disease, and those now living there are, therefore, naturally anx-
ious lest the same result flow from like causes now existing. If the
United States assumes 9uaraontine control of these vessels its officials
can secure the people living upon the shores o! this State from this
danger. .
"Our State and local Boards of Health are doing everything pos-
sible to ~ d against the entry of cholera into the country through
their jurisdiction, and desire to act in harmony with all other author-
ities working for like ends.
(Signed) "Leon Abbott."
(Copy of the reply from President Harrison.)
September 10th.
"I have directed that if Sandy Hook is used for the ~ of
landing passengers from the ships in quarantine that absolutely safe
precautions be taken against co-unication by them with the shore.
The Attorney Genen.l will consider the question of the ript of the
United States to make such a 1ISe of the reservation. You may be
assured that your people will be protected by every poaible aafegua.rd.
Will call Secretari Foster's attention to your complaint about infected
articles being thrown into the bay and aee that it ia prevented."

The regular meeting of the Board of Trade met in the


truck house, September 10th, President James H. Leonard
presiding. The only business before the meeting was to
listen to the report of C. P. Bassett, the engineer engaged
by the Borough Council to investigate the feasibility of a
water and sewerage system for Atlantic Highlands.
The following streets and avenues were proposed, by
the Council, to be piped with water and sewer mains, with
the $100,000, in the event of a vote in favor of the issue of
improvement bonds, parsuant to Engineer Bassett's report:
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 381

Lincoln Ave.
Washington
Highland
.
from
.
Grand
.
to
.
First
Ave. D
Mount Stand pipe Creek
Prospect Entire
Eighth Entire
Seventh B,~Y V!;W Garfield
Sixth Mount
Fifth
Fourth
Third
.
Entil'e
Mouut
Garfield
Second Mount
First Doclt Valley Drive
Bay View First Hooper
Ave. A B,~Y South
Ave. B Hig~d
Ave. C.
Ave. D
Bay Ave.
Centel'
South
First
Creek
"
"
Ave. D
.
Garfield Grand " Third
Hoopu " Bay View Stand pipe-
Asbuey G:rand " First
This arrangement will include all the territory in the;
borough in which buildings have been erected and will ·
furnish house service to nearly every building in town and
fire protection for all.
The Observatory Park Improvement Company gen:..
erously offered to give the borough Lot No. 20 in Observ-
atory Park, valued at i2,000 for the location of the stand
pipes. This lot is one of the highest, most convenient and
accessiole points for the location of the stand pipe in town.
ana this gift to the borough will save the taxpayers fully-
$2,000 in the estimated cost of the construction of the prer-
posed water works.
Mr. Bassett stated that there was no question baf that·
the entire work could be easily completed by June 1st. He·
said it would take nearly six weeks to complete the pre-
liminary work preparatory to the construction w-0rlc,. This·
Preparatory work would consist of establishing- the grades •.
locating the stand pipe, the pumping station, testing the
'!Velis, having the quality of water analyzed and ascertain-
~g the quantity of the same, making plans and specifica-
tions that bids for the construction of the works might be;
received. ·
An arrangement was made continuing Mr. Bassett as:
consulting engineer, and the work of the survey at once
co:mnrenced.
September 22nd was a red-letter day in tile history of
Atlantic Highlands, and it is believed by- m&1JT that the-
382 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

result of Monday's election will be the turning point in


the future development of Atlantic Highlands as a town,
when it was decided by a vote of 200 to 5 to issue Improve-
ment Bonds to establish a system of water and sewerage.
Water wor!cs and sewerage have been much discussed here
during the past two years. Public meetings have been re-
peatedly held and our people were practically a unit upon
the necessity of having a system of water works and sew-
erage. There was, however, a little hesitancy as to the
b~ methods of establishing the systems. Some favored
the granting of a franchise, while many advocated that the
borough should own and control its own system.
THE ELECTION
The special election for or against the issuing of Im-
provement Bonds to the amount of $100,000 for water and
sewers, attracted much interest and there was a large vote
polled.
At 6 o'clock A. M., Judge Ellis swore in the Election
Board as follows: Judge, Wm. F. Mount; Inspectors, Lewis
S. Sculthorp, J. B. Valleau; Clerk, S. T. Champion. The
polls were kept open from 6 A. M. to 7 P. M., with short
intervals for meals.
The early vote was large. Among the incidents was
a voter who had not voted before for nine years.
When the votes were counted there was a large at-
tendance of prominent citizens interested in the outcome of
the ballot box. It was evident after the first five minutes
that the water and sewer improvements were a certainty.
The total number of votes was 205 and the announce-
ment made at the close of the canvass was:
In favor of Improvement Bonds .•............................ 200
Against Improvement Bonds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . • . . . • . . . . . . . . . . 5
The result as announced was received with uproarious
applause, and three cheers were given for Atlantic High-
lands, while a i.annon boomed out a salute on the avenue.
The work of survey was commenced immediately, at a
point in front of Charles A. Fort's premises on Washington
Avenue, corner of Central Avenue.
At the October 5th meeting, the Hose Company No. 1
requested their admittance und~ the borough control,
which was accepted.
At this time, Surveyor George Cooper laid out the ex-
tension of Valley Drive from First Avenue to Leonardville.
Peter S. Conover, with a large force of men, cleared
up the property lately purchased from Thomas Leonard.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 383

The Highland Park Company, through its president.


Isaac T. Meyer, made great improvements on their property,
with a large number of men and teams, superintended by
D. Lane Conover.
The fifth annual report of the secretary and treasurer
of the Atlantic Highlands Savings Fund and Building and
Loan Association, for the year ending October 19, 1892,
showed assets amounting to $49,897.24.
Mackey's new hotel, on First A\"'enue, was completed
in the fall of this year. It contained twenty sleeping apart-
ments on the second floor; hot and cold water throughout
the house. The entire building was heated by steam.
Bridle and Latham's greenhouses were remodeled and
improved under the supervision of George Walling.
October 21st-We here refer to the death of a dimin-
utive tan dog that always accompanied William M. Foster
in his walb through town. He had the honor of being the
first dog that was ever brought to Atlantic Highlands.
"Little Tray" lived to the good old age of thirteen years,
"And was ever faithful;
Grief could not drive him away.
He was gentle, he was kind,
And you never will find
A bette::- friend than 'Old Dog Tray. "
The borough percentage for tax rate for 1892, was
placed at one-third of one per cent.
On November 2, 1892, the Atlantic Highlands Hook
and Ladder Company made application to be taken under
the control and supervision of the Borough Council. The
applicition was accepted. Application was made by Hose
Company No. 1 for suitable quarters for their equipments.
George H. Stout, Sr., came before the Council and
presented an application for a franchise for a light, heat
and power company. The petition was laid on the table.
In the fall of 1892, the Na\"'esink School District erect-
~d a new school building. The work was under the super-
intendence of Architect A. W. Oliver, and District Clerk
J?hn I. Sickles. It was an edifice worthy of the age and
did credit to all concerned, including the taxpayers of the
district. .
. At the annual meeting of the Atlantic Highlands Build-
1Eng and Loan Association, on the 20th of Novemb-er, John
· F'.oster, secretary, and Edward W. Leonard, treasurer,
declined a re-election, and were tendered a unanimous
vtinote of thanks for their services in the past, that had con-
ued from the formation of the Association. Charles R.
884 FROM ~IAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil,

Snyder, secretary, and J. M. Quackenbush, treasurer, were


elected in their stead.
There was a closing-out sale of the Atlantic High-
lands Association's property, by auction, on December 12th.
The remaining lots lay on Hooper Avenue, Auditorium
Road and Pathway; also, the Tabernacle and the two lots
on which it stood. The latter property was located on Bay
View Avenue.
On December 14th, Mr. C. P. Bassett was placed in
charge of all engineering-to commence and carry to full
completion the water and sewerage systems.
On December 28th, on motion of Commissioner Van
Mater, it was ordered that a direct discharge pipe for the
proposed sewerage system be laid on lands of Thomas H.
Leona.:d, provided satisfactory arrangements could be
made for so doing. The Mayor offered a strip ten feet
wide and eleven hundred feet long, from high water mark,
in front of First Avenue, free of cost, to the borough, which
was accepted.
The new bell in the Presbyterian Church did its first
ringing on Thanksgiving Day. It was donated to the
church by some unknown giver. The bell came from Troy,
N. Y., and weighs 1,100 pounds.
'Messrs. Roberts Brothers increased their business fa-
cilities by an addition of a building, twenty-five feet in
width, to be used for the dry-goods business of the firm.
Messrs. Hagenbuch and Morrell's building for new
baking purposes, was completed at the same time.
ROYAL ARCANUK
On December 16th, a lodge of the Royal Arcanum w,as
organized at White's Hall. The new l<idge was Jmown as
Monmouth Lodge, No. 1378, and had eighteen charter
members, with the prospects of large additions to the mem-
bership. S. T. Champion, who w&F a member of Pleasant-
ville Lodge, No. 817, joined by card. G. V. Regent S. J.
Kallman, instituted the lodge. The following officers
were chosen for the remainder of the year:
Regent-W. D. Stout. V-ice-Regent-C. lL Hil1iken. Orator-
A. S. Wooding. Cbaplain--J. L Sickles. Put Regent-Charles R.
Snyder. Secretary-Charles B. Woodrmr. G'llide-Ezra R. Champion.
Collector--5. T. White. Treuurer-W. lL Posten, Jr. Warilen-
Amzi J,l Posten. Sentry-Asa Dilts. Traatees-P. S. Conover, Jr.,
ReD17 Attison, J. IL »-rat.
White's Hall was secured as the meeting place.
A post office at Leonard Avenue was established in
December of this year, through the efforts of Charles T.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 385

and William J. Leonard, it being a Republican (President


Harrison's) Administration. It was discontinued in Presi-
dent Cleveland's Administration, in February, 1894, but
was re-established in 1897, during President McKinley's
term. The name Leonardo was given it, as it was desired
to preserve the name Leonard and yet distinguish it from
Leonardville.
386 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER XLvm
ORGANIZATION OF CHURCHES
AND THE
ESTABLISHING OF THE WATER AND SEWER SYSTEMS
OF THE BOROUGH
1893.

Mention has p eviously been made of the Atlantic


Highlands M. E. Church property. The offer of a large
sum, ($10,000,) for their property was very attractive, and
resulted in their disposing of their birthright, so to speak.
The location had been selected as being the best for a
church in town, and the conveyance made to them by the
Atlantic Highlands Association and its president, J. E.
Lake, free of cost.
They moved their church building in the spring of this
year to the corner of Third and Mount avenues, on lots pre-
iously purchased by them. The building was placed in the
best possible condition and was occupied for church pur-
poses until their new edifice wae completed, on Third Ave-
nue, between Mount and Bay View, December, 1894. The
Reverend Joseph G. Reed occupied the pulpit as pastor un-
til the spring of '94, when he was followed by Reverend
J. B. Haines.
The Baptist interest, with the growth of the town, also
required attention. The Sunday school that had been
started by the Atlantic Highlands Baptist Church as a
branch school, manifested such success and steady growth
that it soon dawned upon the minds of many of the Baptist
faith that it was necessary for the church interest to follow
up its school work. Several families already had strayed
from the fold, either to other churches or to the neglect of
all church interests.
There were three ways to meet such a question: first,
to disregard duty's call; second, to establish a prayer meet-
ing and such additional attention as might be provided; or,
thirdly, to establish an independent society. After pray-
erful consideration and the thorough canvassing of the
East Sioe by Mrs. Mary E. Allen and Mrs. Thomas H. Leon-
ard, it was ascertained that there were eighty-one in the
immediate vicinity who cheerfully pledged themselves to
support an independent society.
FROM INDIAN. TR.All, TO ELECTRIC RAIL 887

A petition, dated January 7, 1893, was sent to the At-


lantic Highlands Baptist Church, signed by forty-four mem-
bers of the same church, asking for letters of dismissal to
form an independent branch of the Baptist faith, on the
east side. The request was made in the interest of the
Lord's Cause, that the Baptist persuasion might reach a
territory unprovided for, in this age, where distance is so
closely considered.
Their request was granted and a meeting was called in
the W. C. T. U. Temple, January 14, 1393, for the purpose
of taking the necessary steps to organize and incorporate
a Baptist church. A communication from the clerk of the
Atlantic Highlands Church granting letters of dismission to
the forty-four members, for the purpose of organizing a
new church, as aforesaid, was received and accepted, and
they took official part in the deliberations of this new in-
terest.
The first step taken in organizing was the selection of
a name. It was moved and carried that they should be
known as the "Central Baptist Church" of Atlantic High-
lands. A committee was appointed to ascertain how much
money could be secured by pledge for the support of the
new church.
It was decided to accept the offer of the W. C. T. U.
for the use of the Temple, including heat, light and services
of janitor, at $10.00 per month, from January 1, 1893.
The following are the names of those forming the con-
stituent membership at its organization meeting:
Mary E. Allen Maria R. Leonard E. F. Lu!burrow
Williani M. Roberts Thomas H. Leonard Peter S. Conover
Robert Couch Emma E. Couch Sarah a Stout
Mrs. D. L. Conover Francis Conover Addie B. Robertt
Mary H. Lufburrow H. A. Hendrickson Clara Leonard
Mabel Leonard Edith !IL Leonard Bertha L Stout
Jennie Winter J::mma Winter Ella Roberti
Fred Linden W. M. Andenion Mrs. Geo. W. Da*·
Mrs. Otto Davis · Mrs. C. Stryker Edith S. Ravatt
Harriet E. !4artin Fred Roberta Nellie Packer
Alice M. Packer Rebecca Morris Julia Morris
Lizzie Linden Eden Ewing Robt. P. Zebley
James H. Leonard Emma T. Leonard Mary Leonard
.Albert Leonard Jonathan T. Stout George Couch
Mrs. Jacob T. Stout Charles Thorn
The meeting then adjourned.
The second adjourned business meeting was held Jan-
uary 26th for the purpose of electing officers for the newly
constituted church. The following members were receiv-
ed at this meeting: Rutsen S. Snyder, Elizabeth R. Sny-
der, Evelyn R. Snyder, Charles R. Snyder and Louise M.
388 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Snyder, from the Port Monmouth Baptist Church; Ran-


dolph Martin and Mena Martin, from the First Baptist
Church, Pasadena, Cal.; and Samuel F. Patterson and Eva
C. Patterson, from the First Baptist Church, Atlantic High-
lands. •
The officers elected were: Deacons. James H. Leon-
-ard, Rutsen S. Snyder and Thomas H. Leonard; Clerk,
Charles R. Snyder; Treasurer, Randolph Martin; Trustees,
Peter S. Conover, Jr., H. A. Hendrickson, Randolph Martin,
Samuel F. Patterson, Jonathan T. Stout, Fred Linden, E. F.
Lufburrow; Organist, Evelyn R. Snyder; Assistant Organ-
ist, Mrs. William M. Roberts. The first services were held
-on Sunday, February 5, 1893, at the Temple.
An adjourned business meeting, February 10, 1893,
was held, when some detailed matters were disposed of.
The third adjourned business meeting was held Feb-
ruary 24th. After the minutes of the last meeting were
read and approved, twenty-seven new members were re-
-ceived by letter from Navesink Baptist Church and Broth-
-era George B. Davis and Nathaniel H. Roberts were made
.additional deacons, this completing the organization of the
-Central Baptist Church, making eighty (80) constituent
members.
The church property at Navesink, consisting of the
-church building and plot and the parsonage and plot, were
tendered to the Central Baptist Church of Atlantic High-
lands, and the church there disbanded, uniting with the
Central Baptist Church. Tuesday evening prayer meet-
ings were continued in the Navesink building, with oc-
-casional extra meetings, as the spiritual interest indicated.
Recognition Council met on April 5th of this year, the
:sermon being preached by the Reverend Mr. Stillwell, af-
ter which application was soon made to be received in the
Trenton Baptist Association.
At a business meeting, September 18th, it was moved
.and carried that the Reverend F. C. Colby should be called
to become our (first) pastor, which call was accepted by
him, September 29th, and he entered on his duties October
1, 1893.
THE BOROUGH WATER SYSTEM.
The location and supply of artesian water was decid-
ed upon by Mr. Bassett after long and weary efforts by the
-engineer and committees-fully investigating all possibil-
ities in connection with the matter. All practical sources
-of surface supplies from running streams within a reason-
able distance were examined and the water analyzed by
.careful chemist experts. Every poasible supply of spring
FROM U,TDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 389

water or shoal wells was examined, and all failed to meet


their recommendation. Land, finally, was procured for
artesian wells, between Lincoln and Garfield avenues, join-
ing "Many Mind Creek," for the purpose of a water supply
station, location for engine house, pumping station and ar-
tesian wells.
The selection was made by engineer C. P. Bassett and
councilmen Peter S. Conover, Dr. J. H. Van Mater, Captain
William Letts and Percy Falkinburg, at a point where coal
could be side-tracked to the engine-house from the main
track; also, that the water from the wells could be siphon-
ed into the receiving well without cost.
On January 16, 1893, engineer Bassett was authorized
to have printed necessary specifications and blanks needed
for securing proposals from contractors for proposed con-
struction of the water supply and sewerage systems design-
ed by him, and to have advertisements inserted in the local
papers and two trade papers published in New York City.
Arrangements were made with Messrs Kisner and
Bennett, of Belmar, N. J., to drive a system of artisian wells
to provide the necessary water supply. Three wells were
driven, ranging from 120 to 463 feet, with a natural flow of
four feet above the ground, which made siphoning in the
receiving well, possible and profitable.
The receiving and opening proposals for water, and
proposal for sewerage, occurred on February 8, 1893.
There were twelve received for the water contract and sev-
en for sewer. Messrs. Hillpot and Ayres, of Bound Brook,
secured the water contract, and proceeded promptly with
their work, completing it satisfactorily in manner and time,
according to their agreement with, and the wishes of, the
Council.
Messrs. Conover and Newton, of Orange, N. J., receiv-
~d the sewer contract. They met with greater difficulties
m encountering springy grounds and quicksands, but their
greatest difficulty was in the two miles of subdrain, which
~aused them long and continuous labor, to produce an un-
mterrupted flow, at the foot of First Avenue, in a ma.1;ner
satisfactory to Engineer Bassett-but the work was finally
completed, to the satisfi..ction of all parties. The subdrain
proved of great value and paid for itself several times over,
m draining the streets and adjoining properties.
John H. Geary received the contract for building the
pumping station and receiving wells. In building the wells,
he encountered quicksand to such an extent that it seemed
almost impossible for him to finish his contract, but the
matter was finally adjusted, so that it gave the best results
for the town, with a satisfactory completion of his contract.
390 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Messrs. Tippit and Wood secured the contract for


building the stand pipe, which they completed in ~ satis-
factory manner. The plot of land where it was situated
was donated by the Observatory Park Improvement Com-
pany. It was the most desirable situation in the borough,
as it had the greatest elevation.
The property, containing about 561100 of an acre, was
donated, providing the borough woud make it possible fo.
the Park people to receive a water supply from the stand
pipe, as would residents in other parts of the town. Engi-
neer Bassett accomplished this at very little additional ex-
pense to the town by a form of stand pipe nowhere else in
use, but which secured water takers at that elevated point,
where water was so much desired by the property holders,
also, at the same time, securing a very valuable plot of land
free of cost.
In the chemical tests made for pure water, we encount-
ered a percentage of iron beyond what was desired, as was
the case at Keyport, where they provided themselves with
a water supply at this time. After some time was spent
in examining filters for the removal of iron, we selected the
Continental Filter, which has accomplished the work, and
has received from us a recommendation that has resulted
in their receiving orders for filters from other towns in our
vicinity.
WHY THE BOOM?

Captain John Skidmore, the "Poet of Hillside," con-


tributes some practical remarks for our consideration, as
follows:
The boom of Atlantic Highlands--
Our townspeople are in pain to know
Bow far in the future that boom will go.
A voice to each and to every one
Would say, this boom has just begun.
WHY!
The beautiful bay with open sea
Foretells where comforts and pleasures be;
The hills and valleys all show their wealth,
The location· is such as to give you health.
Clear running w:itcr, pure :i:i tho :mow,
From these beautiful bills that strer.ms do flow,
The forest mid-summer with her evergreens
Protects from the sun these cooling springs.
Oh, stranger, tell us, where, 0 where,
If you find a place with this to compare!
I pause to rest I am growing old,
One-half of its beauties have never been told.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 391

ELECTION.
Memoranda taken from the Borougn l;ierx·s boo1rs,
March 15th. The Clerk presented the election returns,
showing the election of the following officers:
Mayor-Thomas H. Leonard.
Council, Peter S. Conover and William Letts.
Holdover Councilme~ohn H. Van llriater, Percy Falkinburg.
Clerk-S. T. Champion.
Commissioners of Appeal-S. T. White, Edward Hooper, J. M. Quack-
enbush.
Judge of Election-William F. Mount.
Inspectors of Election-Louis S. Sculthorpe, J. B. Valleau.
The :Mayor appointed the Messrs Conover and Falk-
enburg a committee on water; Van Mater and Letts, on
sewerage.
There were four bids received at the March 16th meet-
ing for pumping station machinery. The Barr Pumping
Company, of Philadelphia, received the contract, the; bid
being the lowest and the most satisfactory in all oth.:r re-
spects to the Council.
The placing of the $100,000 bonds had been a matter
of much consideration, accompanied with considerable aruc-
iety and work, to the Mayor and Council. It seemed dif-
ficult to place them in our own state, and the financiers of
New York City did not especially favor receiving bonds
from a town of our size, representing only about 1200 per-
manent residents. The borough as yet was not known and
had no financial standing in the business world, which
caused us considerable delay.
The financial panic of May, 1893, found us with the
bonds unplaced and the contracts all given out. The pay-
ments were bridged over by the Mayor and Council secur-
ing monies, by their personal endorsements, from their
friends.
Governor Werts and William Walton, of Trenton,
through the Trenton Banking Company, furnished us
$25,000; Messrs T. E. F. Randolph and Company, $10,000;
William H. Montanye, $10,000; T. J. Roberts, $5,000; with
smaller amounts from others. This was secured without
any expense to the borough. Their kindness was greatly
appreciated.
In the meantime, the validity of the bonds was thor-
. oughly examined by Judge Walling of Keyport and Judge
Vredenberg of Freehold, who pronounced our borough
organization, and all the succeeding records of elections,
perfect They gave us a paper that was entirely satisfactory
to financiers in proof of the legaUty of our bonds, after
392 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

which, through the kindness and energy of Mr. B. B. Ogden


of Keyport, the bonds began to find takers in Raritan Town-
ship. Some were placed through Mr. J. E. Foster, among
his personal New York City friends. After supplying our
own borough and township, the balance was taken in Red
Bank and Shrewsbury Township.
The bonds were of the denomination of $500, and $1,000,
payable in five years, with interest semi-annually, payable
at the Atlantic Highlands-National Bank. The Mayor and
Council were very much relieved after placing the bonds,
and satisfied with the conditions, as the five-year term sim-
plified the possibility of the payment of the $40,000 sewer
bonds, at the end of the five years, by a levy on property
holders, on sewer streets, which was thought desirable, thus
leaving the $60,000 water bonds, only, to be replaced at
the end of that time, under more favorable conditions--
when the borough would be better known financially.
We record the sudden death of our esteemed towns-
man, Mr. M. L. Dolbey, on March 7, 1898. For the last five
or six years he was a resident of Atlantic Highlands, and
became identified in many ways with the interests of the
place, and, with Dr. E. C. Curtis and Justus E. Ralph, pur-
chased the Patterson and Woodward farms and developed
them by making avenues corresponding with the adjoin-
ing avenues of the borough. At the time of Mr. Dolbey's
death, he had under construction a large building on First
Avenue, known as the Dolbey Block.
On March 16th, the C. R. R. Co. purchased the land
between Mount and Center Avenues, on the east side of
the railroad track, for the location of the new Atlantic
Highlands depot. It contained about 40,000 square feet.
This gave the railroad a frontage on Center Avenue of 223
feet, with a street 60 feet wide to the east, oi)ening into
Railroad Avenue midway between Mount and Center Ave-
nues. A handsome station was soon erected, which did
credit to Superintendent W. V. Clark and the Central Rail-
road.
In the spring of this year, Mr. Charles H. Duvale of
the Highlands presented the Atlantic Highlands Hose Com-
pany, No. 1, with sufficient funds to purchase the entire
company a .full uniform. Below is an account of the first
entertainment given by the Hose Company, as taken from
the "Journal."
THE HOSE COMPANY'S ENTERTAINMENT
Town Talent Delight a Large Audience-An Evening of Song,
Recitations, etc.
"The W. C. T. U. Temple was filled with an anxious
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 393

aumence on Tuesday night in anticipation of the very ex-


cellent programme that had been prepared by the Hose
Company No. 1, in the event of their first entertainment.
Long before the hour appointed for the entertainment to
commence the people began to arrive, among whom were
many of the most prominent people of the town. Shortly
after 8 o'clock the curtain rose, much to the delight of the
audience, who were already impatient, even though it was
but a few minutes after the appointed time.
"The programme, as given, was one that beggars des-
cription, but in justice to the participants, we feel in duty
bound to give all the credit they so justly deserve.
"First on the programme was an overture by Messrs.
Lodge, Allen and Fowler, who responded to an encore.
"Next in order was an address for the company by Mr.
J.M. Quackenbush, who in behalf of the Hose boys, wel-
comed the audience and thanked them all for their liberal
support. Miss Leola Magee then delighted the audience
with a vocal solo, and, upon encore, sang a sweet little love
song, after which the audience reluctantly gave her up to
listen to a recitation by Miss Celia Patterson. Miss Patter-
son proved conclusively an able elocutionist, and her reci-
tation was well selected and exceedingly well rendered.
Her clear voice, so well adapted to the selection, delighted
the audience, who listened intently from beginning to end.
Messrs. Lew Foster and Bonnie Aimer, who appeared in a
comic piece entitled 'A Deaf Man's First Lesson on a Banjo,'
next entertained the audience. Those who had never heard
Lew in the role of a darkey, knew what to expect-they
expected fun, and they were not in the least disappointed.
Mr. Aimer was comparatively a stranger to the audience,
!nasmuch as he seldom appears on the stage, and he was
indeed a delightful surprise. Miss Jennie Winter then re-
cited in her usual entertaining manner, a piece entitled
'The Old Front Gate,' which received the merited approval
of the assemblage. Next on the programme was a song
entitled 'Misfits,' by Mr. George Jackson, dressed as a
darkey, and he acted to perfection. His song about bis
'Luthey' brought down the house, and upon encore he sang
another very comical darkcy song which was also well re-
ceived. The audience would not give him up till their
attention was called to the fact that he would appear again.
later in the evening. The pantomime, by Miss Leola Magee~
Messrs. George Brannin and Harry Allen, was then pre-
~ented with credit to the participants. The first selection.
lD Part 2 was an overture by Messrs. William Lodge, cor-
netist; Harry Allen, pianist, and James Fowler, harmonic-
394 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

ist, who are all superior performers. The quartette, con-


sisting of Misses Mamie Martin, Emma Savidge, Messrs.
William Lodge and Fred White, then sang, to the great de-
light of all.
"This was followed by a recitation, entitled the 'Fire-
men,' by Miss Julia Gaffey. The selection was very ap-
propriate to the occasion, and Miss Gaffey did herself great
credit in its rendition. Next in order was a solo by Miss
Mamie Martin which was beautifully rendered. Her rich,
clear voice had a wonderful effect on the audience, and at
tlie close of the song she was presented with an elegant
bouquet of roses. Eph and Ike then favored the audience
with an instrumental duet in a pleasing manner.
"This was followed by a solo by Mrs. William B. Leon-
ard, whose singing pleased every one and merited the ap-
proval of the entire gathering, who rapturously listened
to her beautiful voice. Mr. George Jackson again came on
the stage and told the people all about his poetical brother.
He also proved himself to be none the less a poet, and his
productions convulsed the audience with laughter. Last
but not least, was a farce by Messrs Charles Conover, Lew
and Murray Foster, who performed in an able and com-
mendable manner, ·and acted in true darkey style. Al
though the entertainment lasted fully two hours, no one
grew weary, but expressed themselves as being loathe to
leave. In conclusion, we congratulate the Hose Company
for the able manner in which the whole affair was arrang-
ed and carried out and wish them continued success.''
The arrangements had now been perfected for all
parts of the water system and contracts were well under
way. The artesian wells, the receiving wells, the pump-
ing station, the filtering system, seven and one-half miles
of water pipe reaching almost every dwelling in the bor-
ough, and the stand pipe were making satisfactory ad-
vancement toward a completion.
The sewer system, comprising about the same mileage
as the water system, with its accompanying subdrains and
outlets, was all that the borough could desire, but the dis-
posal of the sewer was a question that presented difficulties
experienced by this as well as all other towns and cities of
greater or less magnitude from the beginning to the end of
time. Of the different ways suggested for its disposal, it
was finally decided to convey it in the bay, a considerable
distance from the shore. The right-of-way, ten feet wide,
was secured off First Avenue, extending out in the bay
eleven hundred feet. from high water mark.
FROl\I INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 396

Lewis Sculthorp removed his shoe business to his new


store on First Avenue, adjoining the Post Office, on April
first of this year.
Mayor Leonard built an office on Railroad Avenue for
his own occupancy.
In June, the first train made its regular trip over a
new road, between Atlantic Highlands and the Stone
Church. This was at first planned as the route to connect
us with the ocean. But it was, at the last moment, decided
to run the C. R. R. trains along the shore. This branch was
used for a short time, until the track was leased by the C.
R.R. Co., to the Jersey Central Traction Co. Messrs. Web-
ster Swan and Charles Green, passengers, by way of salute,
held up a large cedar tree, in their enthusiasm. They
were accompanied by Master Willie Swan, and, getting
on at Navesink Avenue, rode to the Stone Church and back,
A NEW CORPORATIO~
Sixteen Atlantic Highlands men incorporated under
the name of Grand View Hose Company No. 2, of Atlantic
Highlands, N. J. They were Michael Morton, Edward
OakeS', Charles Conover, John J. Mulligan, Wilbur 1A.
Campbell, C. F. Fox, William Conover, H. 0. Todd, Frank
B. Woodruff, Mark Tiernan, Charles D. Thorne, W. A.
Gehlhaus, Charles Payne Sears, F. J. Widmayer, James B.
Stout, J. M. Johnson, Jr.
In Jul_y, a Young People's Society of Christian En-
deavor was organized in connection with the Central Bap-
tist Church. Officers were elected as follows: President,
Robert Zebley; Vice-President, Mrs. Charles Woodruff;Sec-
retary, Miss Edith M. Leonard; Treasurer, Frank B. Wood-
ruff; Corresponding Secretary, Miss M. Louise Snyder.
The "Atlantic Highlands Journal" changed its owner-
ship from its previous proprietors to Mr. A. F. Flumerfelt
and Messrs. Potter and Putman of New York City, in July.
At the Council meeting of June 21st, W. W. Roberts
was made engineer of the Pumping Station.
Mrs. E. Hooper, in behalf of the circle of "King's
Daughters," applied for permission to erect a drinking
fountain on First Avenue, opposite J. B. Swan's building.
The Mayor and Council accepted and held the same in
trust for the organization, agreeing to furnish water free
for the use of the said fountain; also, an invitation was
extended to the Mayor and Council to be present at its
unveiling on September 2nd. The following is the account
of the exercise, as it appeared in the "Journal" of Septem-
ber 6th.
396 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

DRINKING FOUNTAIN
Presented to the Borough in Trust by the King's Daughters-Dedicated
at Swan's Grove ~ Saturday.
"A gathering of about 250 witnessed the dedication of
the drinking fountain erected by the King's Daughters last
Saturday afternoon.
"Promptly at 3 :45 the assemblage sang the coronation
hymn, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," after which
Reverend J. G. Reed invoked divine blessing. Lizzie Smith
and Myrtle Walling then cut the cords which held the em-
blem of American liberty about the fountain, exposing its
beauties to the public gaze.
"Mrs. E. Hooper, president of the King's Daughters,
then presented the fountain to the Mayor and Council to
be kept in trust. Mayor Thomas H. Leonard responded
and read a poem appropriate to the occasion.
"The water was then turned on by Ella Cynthia Zebley,
after which Reverend William B. Harris made some very
fitting remarks. The privilege of the first drink was then
sold at auction, and was bought by John G. Smith for $1.00.
Jonathan T. Pinckney was the first to pay twenty-five
cents for the second choice and Master Willie Foster gave
ten cents for the third.
"A collection was taken up amounting to $16.00.
"The fountain is of handsome bronze and cost $315.00.
It is so arranged as to provide water for both man and
beast, and the King's Daughters are to be congratulated
upon being the promulgators of so worthy an object which
connot but prove a benefit; only a spirit of human sym-
pathy could have actuated their motive.
"It has already proven a great convenience to many
who have heretofore found it difficult to water their horses
while on the streets. Its location is central, being on First
Avenue, directly opposite Center Avenue.
MAYOR LEONARD'S ADDRESS
"Ladies of the 'Willing Hand Circle, of the King's
Daughters,' of Atlantic Highlands! Representing the Coun-
cil of the Borough of Atlantic Highlands, we have the hon-
or of receiving in trust this practical and ornamental Drink-
ing Fountain from your hands; you have done honor to
yourselves and to the Borough, in the conception and com-
pletion of this, what will prove to the world that the foun-
dation of our commonwealth is strengtheued by this evi-
dence of your broadminded a;d unselfish desire to benefit
others.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 397

" 'The standard of power, worth and greatness has


been scaled and measured through all ages by self-sacri-
fice for others' good. The high mark was set, which is as
high as the universe and as long as time, at the Cross. We
see in this Fountain a desire, in a practical and useful way,
to benefit and provide for the people, one of the three great-
est blessings in nature's storehouse. Light, air and water
are the essential things of life. The citizen will be grate-
ful, also the stranger that may sojourn for a time in our
beautiful town, and the impression that he may receive
will go a long way in his mind, in determining to settle with
us, if in search of a home. I ha,e placed the character in
this form:
A POEM
I came to a town not far from the s<-a;
Wllat vigor, the air tonic, what else can it be.
The land views enrapturing enchanting, they were,
Look seaward, breeze fluted, the sun's golden glare.
My eye sought the portals of the peaceful abode,
The lawn, porch and parlor peopled with beauty enrolled,
With swift pace through avenues, firm to step and hoof;
Can here be the fountain of perpetual youth?
I came to the street, that busy men tread,
In the distance, all ages, to care firmly wed;
They pause 1lt a shrine, then seek its cool shade,
They place to their lips, a glance upward is made.
Yes, there halts a Coach, the reinsman in black,
Gets down from his perch, like an auctioneer's rack.
The steeds are impatient, with a prayer for release,
Plunge eye deep in bubbles, Oh! when will they cease?
A littie dog trottin~ his endless rounds
Passed up to his pnvilege, with a sideway bound;
Methinks, to his mind, as he laps the cool drink,
Its the funniest Old Rock, as he gives it the last wink.
God bless the daughters of ever "Willing Hands,"
"In His Kame," is their motto, may it reach e\·ery land,
Aid the hungry and thirsty, as many as can,
In the name of the Master, the Mighty, "I Am."
On July 19th, application from Hose Company No. 2,
!lccompanied with a list of members, was received, request-
mg the Council's recognition of the company, and that they
b~ accepted as under the jurisdiction of Mayor and Coun-
cil. The communication was accepted and the request
complied with.
A chemical engine was procured and the major part
of the money furnished by the Hose Company No. 2, from
the proceeds of an entertainment held at the Grand View
Hotel for that purpose. It proved to be a very valuable
addition to our fire department equipments, as proven at
398 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

the Wooding Cottage, where it completely subdued the


flames that seemed to have engulfed the building.
The borough now possessed a fire department that any
country town could have envied; first, the Hook and Lad-
der Company, with all the appurtenances necessary for that
branch; then, Hose Company No. 1 and Hose Company No.
2, each equipped with carriages and five hundred feet of
hose, to be supplied from seventy-five properly located
hydrants. The water pressure was all that could be de-
sired, from the stand pipe, located 210 feet abo,e First Ave-
nue, with the stand pipe itself 35 feet in height; and last,
but not least for quick work at an early fire, may be added
the above chemical engine.
LOCATING CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH BUILDING
At a meeting held December 15, 1893, it was decided
to purchase the two lots on the northeast comer of Third
and Highland Avenues, of Mr. S. B. Downes, (purchase
price, $3,600.), for the erection of their church building.
This was accomplished, after much difficulty and labor.
They desired a corner as a location, and every one owning
a corner seemed to be fully aware of that fact, and very
promptly came forward tendering us their comers, occu-
pied by buildings of such a character and condition as to
make the price asked range from $6,000 to $7,000. As the
contents of the lots were of no use to us, we were compelled
to select the present location, which proved to be the best
and cheapest of them all.
The original planing mill of the town originated and
was continued by Captain Thomas M. Woodward, until his
his death and was situated on Avenue A, near South Ave-
nue. Th was afterward continued by James Stryker of
Parkertown. It did not prove a very profitable investment
for either proprietor, and the enterprise was finally given
up.
This enterprise was followed by another, in the same
line, by Messrs. Houser and Paddock, on West Valley Drive,
near First A venue. This concern had the financial support
of Mr. Paddock's brother of New York, and proved to be of
great service and convenience to the town, through its
energetic proprietors. They did an extensive business in
all lines pertaining to their department. They continued
for several years, but were finally compelled to succumb,
through tli:e financial depression of the times, which caused
a lack of business in their line.
These men were ingenious, and found ready employ-
ment in almost any line of mechanical work. Mr. George
OONIJ?::HK ERECT!!!> BY T?'.? BoROUCH ...,., ....,.,.
Sl'IIUTll> ClTlZeN-5. OUICHS AMD ~sl'l?ltl.rn!NOtl> 'II'( (;£0. F. l.AWR.lf:.
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FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 899

Mackey erected a machine shop on Washington Avenue.


between First Avenue and the Central Railroad freight
station, for their use.
John Rouser's time was occupied for some years in
that. together with Mr. Mackey's fertilizing and oil factory
at Belford, N. J. J. Nelson Paddock was more in attend-
ance at the manchine shop, doing work for the residents of
the town, in all kinds of mechanical repairs and construc-
tion.
Meanwhile, he developed valuable patents of mech-
anism. The most prominent thus iar was the construction
of a water power engine, that seemed to combine economy
and efficiency. The result of this invention was divided
among J.M. Quackenbush, Percy Falkinburg and Mr. Pad-
dock, who intere.~ed themselves in its development. The
amount of capital necessary to place it on the market was
so great that it was thought best to sell the patent. which
was done, for the sum of $1,500, to N. J. Johns of Hunting-
ton, Vt.
At the close of the present year, 1893, negotiatfons
were entered into by Paul Buchanan of Newark, through
his nephew, Robert Boa, which resulted in the establish-
ment of another planing mill on property purchased of
Thomas H. Leonard. The site selected was located on, and
comprised part of, a plot between Washington and Lincoln
Avenues, West Avenue and the Central Railroad, and ad-
joining the pumping station. This plot had been divided,
by the purchase of the right-of-way of 11,675 feet, by the
Navesink Railroad, October 1, 1889.
The planing site purchase occurred January 27, 1894,
and contained 5,000 feet. Upon this property was erected
a planing mill, by Mr. Boa, which was continued in opera-
tion to April 4, 1895, when 12,000 more feet were pur-
chased, of the same plot, by the same party, for the purpose
of ei.-tending their business, but which eventually proved
to be the locating of a lumber yard, which was called the
Corning Lumber Company. This produced additional busi-
~ess for the planing mill, in addition to the business furn-
IShed by the original lumber yard, now owned and operated
by Hopping and Ely. But the condition of the building
~usiness for the town, for the following years, gave it var-
ied success.
Mr. Boa finally gave up the business and it was con-
tinued by Leo J. Aimer and others, until 1897, when it came
under control of the Corning Lumber Company, sttperin-
tendei:l by John L. Ingling, until the present writing.. 1898.
400 FROM INDIAN TRAil, TO ELECTRIC RAIL

We should not close the year without recording the


unexpected and severe storm that occurred on the night of
the twentieth of August, of this year, and did great damage
to the yachting interests of the town. The morning light of
the following day revealed the wreckage of twenty of our
beautiful vessels. Among the losers were Colonel Benson,
Captain Letts and Mr. George Lawrie.
FROM INDIAN TRAll, TO ELECTRIC RAIL 401

CHAPTER LL"'{.
INSTANCES OF 1894.

On January 15th, there was a Hook and Ladder Com-


pany organized at Sea Side (Parkertown).
On January 20th, ground was broken for the erection
of the New A. M. E. Paul Quinn Church of Hillside, on lots
purchased of Mr. M. C. Lohsen of Belford, N. J.
This year a second attempt w-as made to establish a
free public library. The first was a commendable effort
made by a group of young ladies, but, like many other new
enterprises, it seemed a little ahead of time. The present
was made, backed by Mrs. Emma Hatfield, who interested
several wealthy people of New York. The library was
supplied with 600 or 700 volumes and, beside this liberal
donation, Mrs. Hatfield had been guaranteed a subscrip.
tlon of $100 from a New York lady. ,
A room was secured, after much difficulty and delay,
in the Bartleson Building on First Avenue. It was called
the "Forest Library and Reading Room," and placed under
the supervision of Miss Emma Crate. This enterprise, we
are sorry to say, had a limited existence, though this fact
should not detract from or place any discredit upon the
faithful efforts of those who were immediately interested
in it. Its location, on the third floor, and the stringency of
the times, financially, caused its discontinuance.
The following is a poem composed by Miss Marie
Brush, a former resident of our town, for the 22nd of Feb-
ruary of this year:

WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY POEM


AU hail, to this day of all days!
The hearts, full of tire from the past,
Send forth to the new world of praise
A message of truth from the last.
Let the Nation around us rejoice
And tell of its hero so brnve.
Let us honor his name, though his voice
Has long been asleep in the grave.
Mark ye! at the hour of death,
He murmured so faintly and low,
"I die hard " said he, with his last breath,
"But I am 'not afraid to go."
402 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

The hero of heroes we know


Father of his country was he.
Hold high, then. our fla;;, honor ao,
That ever oar hero aW be.
Of all the great men of the past,
Of him, alone, we can relate--
Bia birthday can never recast
But cast for our peace as he mete.
First in war, first in peace, was he,
And we know that's not all, for then
He was, what is far better to be,
The first in the hearts of all men.
The progress of wisdom, we owe
To mm, whom we ever adore,
And here, honor all high and low,
So will honor his name, evermore.
And, beautifully aaid, by a friend,
The father of country still lives.
This country he'd ever defend,
All men, his defeme, ever gives.
The last of oar old hero band,
Who fought for the state, yet ao dear,
Tbe Union, throughout all the land,
Will honor our vetenins here.
Our soldiers we ever will praise,
As long as the armies still last;
The peace we enjoy in these days,
Is now the result of the past.
Then peace to all strife in the land,
The army, which fought bravely through,
Our soldiers all honor demand,
Such praise where just praises are due.
Then hail, to this day of all days!
And honor till work here is done,
Yes, honor, and ever give praise,
To the name of oar George Washington.
MARIE BRUSH.
At a borough meeting held on March 6th, the writer
handed in his resignation as Mayor, after six years' con-
tinuous service, from 1887 to 1894, with the exception of
1889, when Mr. J. E. Foster occupied the chair. It is_a
simple fact, though I would prefer some one else to say it,
that during my six years of service, I had never missed a
regular or special meeting.
My resignation from the Mayorship, one year before
the expiration of the term, was admitted by my friends as
proper, considering the years of incessant labor made nec-
cessal"Y by the small amount of money appropriated for
borough purposes, at this early stage of the town's develop-
ment.
FROM INDIAN TRAil, TO ELECTRIC RAil.. 403

The rate of assessment for the first years was one-third


of one per cent, then one-half of one per cent, and finally
one per cent. This was a low rate, and it required the
greatest economy on the part of the officials to keep out of
debt, with the demands on every hand for new and better
road beds, reaching out to new residents, in all parts of the
town.
The last years, more than any, had taxed my energies
and time, in the construction of the water and sewer sYS-
tems. Much additional labor developed, and devolved
upon me, from the fact that the Borough Clerk was not
available except at the appointed meetings of the Board.
As he had no permanent business in town, much labor fell
upon me which he would gladly have done, had he been
differently situated.
The amount expended for the completed systems was
kept below the amount appropriated ($100,000), although
unforeseen outlays presented themselves as the work pro-
gressed, such ~ the filter plant, to remove the excessive
amount of iron from the artesian water, and construction
c-f a separate stand pipe adjustment on the main stand pipe
to pro,ide water for the Hill property in completeness..
These two items amounted to about $8,000 (see En-
gineer Bassett's report). This, with other things that were
not in evidence originally, were provided for with the $100,-
000, with a balance of several thousand dollars over.
The wonderful growth of the town at this time, pro-
duced by the financial condition of th ... country, and the
impetus produced by the introduction of the water and
sewer system, made it necessary to make some extensions
that amounted to about one and one-half miles of water
main, and about the same of sewer extension, to reach the
new residences erected or being erected since the mapping
out of plans in 1892. Both of the additional expenses were
met by the very convenient balance still remaining in the
treasurer's hands, of the $100,000 appropriated, and the
borough receipts from taxes and licenses, which left us
with almost an even balance sheet (see N. H. Roberts',
treasurer, report, 1894.) This was made possible by the
sa,ing on our street expenditures of that year, while they
were occupied by the water and sewer contractors.
The treasurer's report of that year developed a long
lis! of delinquent taxpayers and water takers, tha; still
exists at present writing (1897), that compelled him to
b?rrow by notes, for an equal amount. I~ was no f~ult of
his, that the people did not pay him, and m explanation on
404 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

the part of the people it was stated that the connecting of


their houses for both water and sewer in one year (1893),
produced a lack of means to pay their tax, and, with the
financial conditions since May of that year to the present
time, the unpaid tax list has steadily increased and the
treasurer's loans have correspondingly increased.
As everything had now been completed, and was in
as good shape as possible, I decided to vacate the chair to
receive a needed rest.
The following is the financial report of the borough for
the year ending March 7th:
STATEMENT Diabunement■ over &Het■ • • • • 10 606.61
13alance on hand ............. I 66':'.35
Unpaid road tax, 1891-92.... 264.6' 19.600.00
Unpaid road tax. 1893. . . . • • • • 702.84 Liabiliticc, 1:.ote ■
in ba.nk ..... $9,500.00
Unpaid borou,rb tax, 1893 •.•• 1,503.86 N. H. ROBERTS,
41 oil burel ■ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 52.50 Collector and Treuurfl'.
Unpaid •idewalk account in ~au.cl by tbe Audltinir Committee
band or trea ■ urer. . . . . . . . . . 18F .49 ac.Q !cund correct on llarcb 7 1894..
Water and ■ewer Hnt due for Perey Falldnburc.
,-_,. endln,r July l, 1894 ••.. 3,063.1' William Letti.
tl'npald aidewalk account. in 1trttt J. H. Van Mater.
■ uperintendent"• band•. . . . . 4 78.82 Sworn and aub11cribed brf'ore me thl•
Centrlfu,ral pump. • • • . • • • • • • • 500.00 aeventb day of Karch. 1894.
lron pipe on band, • • . . • • • • • . • 438.00 S. T. CHAIIPION,
Vitrified u,pe on band. . . . . . . • 68.69 Justice of the Pesce.
COST OF WATER AND SEWER SYSTEMS TO DATE
Water di•tributlon •Y•tem, 8.45 mi.. Hlllpot 6 A7rea. (le■ a ,tock on
bnr,d) ••••.•••••.•.•••••••...•••••••..••••.•••..•••••.••.•••. I 29,377.71
Sewace •Y•tem, '1.5 ml: ■ewtt■ , 1.9 mi.: drain ■ , Conovff 6 n~on.... 36,74'.'9
Combination atandpipe and foundation, Tippett A Wood.............. 7,S00.00
Cono,rer A Newton .... ........... , ........................... , . . . . l,OS0.91
Pumpin& ■tation. Jno. Gear,o... .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,16.&.40
Pumplnr machinft'J', Barr Pumpln& En sine Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,212,89
Filter plant and air nislne, Continental Filter Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,850.00
Well•:
Artnlan, Kiener a n.nnett......................... . . . . . . . . . . . 1,421.S&
Recei,rlns well. Jno. Gear,-, etc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . t,430,00
Sundrie■ :

~:o~ ~1t~~c~~:::: ::: ::·. ::::::::::: ::: ::: :: ::: ::: :::' i~t:~
1
J. S. Edwardo le Co.. • . . . • . . .. • • • • • • . . . . • • • • . • • • • . • • • • 700.00
Xacknet A Doremu ■ •••••••••••••••••••••.••••••••••••• 21.1,
Flu11b tank.a. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765.00
Sundrie11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84.!G
Jn~J:n.•tC.:;::·iBa~~~i~:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
En,rlneerill&',
.:•.i~. tltt:~
BaHett........................................
Pb. 4,701.19
0
:~~

Total coat •••••••••.••..••.•••••••••••••••••••..•••••••••••••• IJ 03,468.88

The following extensions were made to the water and


sewer systems after proposals were received from con-
tractors, and were in excess of the estimated work to be
done by the borough for the $100,000 authorized expendi•
ture.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 405

SEWERAGE SYSTEK
Street Pipe 8 ln.Y 11.H. L.H. F.T. Caatlnc
Cmtu Al"nue. 8 inch...... 166 a
Railroad A venue. . . . . . . . . . . . 250 15 1.5 1611
Shore Line ................. 1.218 26 2.3 27.5 l,'60
To Mrs. Pope••·........... 113 9 7.0 7.0
7., 1. au
Fifth Avenue............... 161 11 7.1 1 166
Blrhland Annue,.......... 682 21 26.0 1,095
Crand ATnae... . . . . . . . . . . . 176 6.8
Sneath Avenue............ 970
Third Annue.............. ,52
'
18
17
13.5 2
1
166
710
Hoo~ ATenue............. 199 16 U.6 1 7IO
B'th A. Drn. 6 Inch. . • .. .. • '45
"' "' "' ................ Ul 25.5
Ba,- View A•enue. 6 inch.... 160
MInch pipe, ,.976 feet. at .n ......................................... 12,119,68
8 Inch Y, 160 feet. at ,60 •.•• ., ....... ., • • • • • • • . • • . • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 96.00
t11~ r~:s ~r:..~. .~-~t.:~?: ::::::::::::::::::: ::: ::: ::: ::::::::: ::
L. H., 7'.D, at a.......... . . . . . .. . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . ..
m::g
1,s.so
F. Tanka, 7 at 77 ................ ::-; • . . • • • • • • . • • • . . • • • .. • • • • • • • • • • • • 519.00
Ca ■ tlnl'•. 6,476 pound,. at .01........................................ 164.25
Stonn. cott.n.c:tlon extra............................................. '7.&0
llanhole buckets. .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . 2Z.08
Total ....................... •. ·•. • • • • • • · • • .. • · .... • .. • .. · • • · •
Total, both • ., ••••••• ., ... ., ......................... ., •••••••• ,$5,001.81
.is.w:i'i
T STATEME.'IT
T~ ::~ :~ -:;!:::~.~::i=•c!:t:;~~.:::::::::: :: ::· 98:.iis'.i,iSlOS.468.88
Exten■iona of •Y•tem• to date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.003.83
Sl0l,'68.88

In the spring of '94, the Government constructed a


i-ailroad between Sandy Hook and Highland Beach. A part
of the space was placed on piling.
The regular borough election was held March 13th
oi this year, and resulted in the election of the following
officers: Mayor, Jacob T. Stout; Councilmen, Jacob M.
Quackenbush, D. Jones Roberts; Borough Clerk, Frank A.
Morehouse; Assessor, Edgar H. Cook; Collector, Nathaniel
H. Roberts; Commsisioners of Appeal, Samuel T. White,
Edward Hooper, John B. Swan; Judge of Election, William
F. Mount; Inspectors of Election, Lewis S. Sculthorp, John
B. Valleau; Poundkeeper, Chas. Conover.
. The organization of the new Council met to be sw.om
in on the 20th inst. We will record it as stated by the
"Press":
"A quiet company of citizens assembled in the truck
house on Tuesday afternoon, about 3 o'clock, to witness
the ceremonies of inducting borough officers-elect into their
offices. Mayor Thomas H. Leonard, Clerk S. T. Champion
and ex-Councilman Falkinburg were of the number.
"The Mayor called the meeting to order and requested
the clerk to administer the oath of office to the officers-elect.
Accordingly, Clerk Champion read a report of the late
borough election and proceeded to administer the oath to
Jacob T. Stout, Mayor; D. J. Roberts and J. M. Quacken-
bush, Councilmen; N. H. Roberts, Collector and Treasurer;
406 FROM INDIA,.'i TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Frank A. Morehouse, Clerk; E. H. Cook, Assessor; Lewis


S. Sculthorp, Inspector of Election; S. T. White, J.B. Swan
and Edward Hooper, Commissioners of Appeal. The Judge
and one Inspector of Election were absent. After admin-
istering the oath of office, the ex-Clerk formally surrend-
ered the books and papers of the borough to the new Clerk,
and ex-Mayor Leonard escorted Mayor Stout to the official
chair.
"No speeches signalized the occasion. The Council
proceeded at once to business. Treasurer Roberts' bond
was fixed at $5,000."
The new Mayor needs no introduction, as he had served
:already in official capacities, and has previously been re-
ferred to in this book, as a Councilman.
Mr. J.M. Quackenbush, one of the new Council mem-
bers, is a man of mature age and experience, born and
reared in old Monmouth, and near its old battle fields of
Revolutionary times. He may have imbibed in a degree the
.spirit of Washington and his subordinates in the histories
of Old Tennent Church and Freehold. He came to us
.about 1890. He left the fertile fields of Englishtown to
-engage in the mercantile branch of our commonwealth
.and soon became one of our leading grocery merchants.
Mr. D. Jones Roberts, another new member of the
-Council, is from one of the original families of this place,
.and needs no special introduction. His father owned and
-cultivated for many years what is known as the "Roberts
:tract" in our borough limits. Reverend Thomas Roberts,
the grandfather, did more for this section of the county
in· its sp;ritual uplift than any other man. Mr. Roberts,
:since leaving the farm, has been engaged as building con-
tractor, and has shown that aptitude in his profession that
:his family possesses.
Hoff and Chamberlain of Brooklyn, purchased from J.
:M. Johnson, the drug store, formerly owned by Dr. H. A.
ClaJ:k, and established the business, about May 1st.
Ground was broken on March 23rd for the new Meth-
<idist Church on Third Avenue.
Tlle laying of the corner stone with appropriate cere-
monies occurred on May 1st. The following is the account,
taken from the "Journal":
"On Tuesday afternoon the corner stone of the hand-
~ome new M. E. Church in course of erection on Third Ave-
nue in this town was laid with appropriate ceremonies. The
:attend-ance was large, and the weather delightful for out•
door ceremonies. The pastor of the church, Reverend J.B.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 407

Haines, led the exercises, aided by Reverend W. P. C.


Strickland, Presiding Elder. Other ministers present were
Dr. E. C. Curtis, Reverend Robert Emery, Reverend F. C.
Colby and Reverend Edward Loux."
THE FIRE BELL
Dr. E. C. Curtis donated the Tabernacle bell, and D.
Lane Conover the timber for the erection of a tower. With
these, and a donation of $50, the Fire Department was for
the time provided with a good substantial fire alarm.
On May 14th, the ground was broken for the new Cen-
tral Baptist Church, corner of Third and Highland Avenues.
The work of excavating for an iron bridge on Center
Avenue, o\"er Many Mind Creek, was beitUn on May 20th.
408 FROM INDIAN TRAil.. TO ELECTRIC RAil..

CHAPTER LX.
INCREASING THE BOROUGH WATER HJPPLY AND
THE DEDICATION OF THE M. E. AND C. B. CHURCHES.
1894.

As the water and sewer systems of the borough are


things of a permanent character, and the details of this
construction will ever be of interest to the residents, I will
insert the report of our engineer, Carrol Ph. Bassett, as
i>ublished by him at the commencement of the work. (See
Bassett's report.)
As recommended by the outgoing Borough Council, the
new Board in May, '94, commenced to increase their water
supply in anticipation of more takers for summer use and
the large supply that might be necessary to furnish the
Central Railroad.
REPORT ON COMPLETED PUBLIC WORKS,
ATLANTIC HIGHLAJl.'DS, N. J.
CARr.OL PH. BASSETT, M. Am. Soc. C. E.
1894.

Summit, N. J., February 28, 1894.


llbyor and Borough Council, Atlantic Highlands N. J.,
Gentlemen:
Now that the final plans, records and estimates of the completed
water and sewerage systems in your borough have been delivered to
:you, the plants are in smoothly running condition, and a settlement
has been made with the various contracto?ll, a rapid review of the
projects and their history may profitably be made a permanent record.
On September 13, 1892, before surveys and detailed plans bad
been made, at a public meeting called by your direction to consider
the desirability and feasibility of introducing water and sewerage in
the borough under the provisions of existing legislation, I outlined the
situation, as I saw it after a preliminary examination, as follows: Two
sources ·of water supply are apparently available--(a) Ground water
collected in large dug wells in the unpopulated highland valley south
of the borough; (b) artesian water from beneath the marl strata from
wells bored on the flats near tidal level Without electing either source
until further examination, it was stated that, for $60,000, a competent
supply could be developed from one of these sources, substantial pump-
ing station and machinery erected, and stand-pipe, holding from 150,-
000 to 200,000 gallons, constructed on the high land within the bor-
ough, and seven miles of mains laid with fifty hydrants and necessarY
valves and appurtenances. This cost was further itemized as follows:
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 409

Wells, pumping station and pumping plant .•.•.•••.•••••• $15,000.00


Stand-pipe • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 5,000.00
7 miles of mains, 4 in. to 10 in. and appurtenancesr. • • • • • • • 35,000.00
Incidentals, supervision and engineering................. 5,000.00
Total ••.•••••....••..••••.•.••.••••••••••.••••• $60,000.00
Concerning sewerage,· it WIIS stated that a separate system, re-
ceiving house sewerage and embracing six miles with its various appur-
tenances, could be constructed as follows:
Six miles at $4,500 ••••••••.•.••••..•••••••.•••••••.• $27,000.00
Incidentals, supervision and engineering. • . • . • • • • • • • • . . • . 5,000.00
Total •.••.••••....•.••••••••.••.•..•..•.•••••.• $32,000.00
It wss remarked that if works for the partial purification of the
sewage or a long line of outfall sewer in the bay were found necessary,
additional allowance would have to be made.
It will be interesting to note how well these preliminary estimates
have been justified by more complete..information and later experience.
Under date of October 4, 1892, I submitted at your request a
proposition to take complete charge of the design and construction
of water and sewcrsge systems for your borough, but not until De-
cember 14 w:is I informed of your acceptance of my proposal, with
slight modifications. The acceptance of the proposition was coupled
with a request that the work progress as rapidly as possible. In the
meantime an agreement had been made under my direction, with
Messrs. Kisner & Bennett, of Belmar, N. J., to sink a test well on
property on the south side of Lincoln Avenue, near the railroad, to
determine the availability of artesian water. This agreement wss so
drawn that if the prospecting were successful, the borough would se-
cure the advantage of as low rates for the work as if the entire work
to be done had been contracted in advance. Before the well-sinking
began, it was thought, from the known depth of the Keyport well, which
bad just been constructed, and a knowledge of the dip of the clay marl
strata as ascertained by the State Geological Department, that an
efficient supply of v:ater could be secured at a depth between 450 and
470 feet. After passing through a few feet of vegetable deposit, 14
feet of marl ""re met, and then more than 30 feet of fine gray sand
containing considerable water were passed, when six feet of clay were
met. Bel'Jw this depth considerable uncertainty existed in the record
of strata passed on account of the difficulty of collecting samples with
the process adopted in sinking the wells, but it is believed that alter-
nate strata of close, water-soaked sand and varying clays were passed
until, at a dept of 423 feet below tide, a stratum of water-bearing sand
was encountered 45 feet in depth, and in this stratum 40 feet of screen
were placed in the well The natural flow, of this well approximately
fhour feet above tide was fifteen gallons per minute; the maximum
. eight _to which water rose was 6'f.a feet above high tide, a~d it was
unpomble to lower the water more than sixteen feet below tide when
pumping at the rate of 100 gallons per minute. The analysis of water
from these wells indicated a high organic purity, but the presence of
considerable iron, in the form of bicarbonate. A certificate of an=>l;$is
made by Prof. Leeds of Hoboken, is given herewith:
CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS.
When received, Dec. 22d, 1892.
Source of sample, well 464 feet deep, AU11ntic li::;hl::.nds.
DATA OBTAINED BY ANALYSIS.
410 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Parts in 100,000
No.1 No.2
1. Free ammonia. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 0.008 0.008
2. Albuminoid 1UDJ11onia •••••••••••••••••••••• 0.0045 0.0035
8. Oxygen required to oxidize organic matter .••• 0.179 0.125
4. Nitrites ••••••••••••.••••••••••••• · •.. ·•
5. Nitrates ••••••••••••.••••••••••••.•.•••••
6. Chlorine ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.••• 0.225 0.225
'1. Total hardness ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 6.125
8. Permanent hardness. •••••••••••••••••••••• 2.25
9. Temporary hardness••••••••••••••••.•••••. 3.875
10. Total solids ............................... 6.00 5.00
11. Mineral matter ••••••••••••••••••••.•••••• 4.80 3.90
12. Organic and volatile matter •••••••..•.•.••. 1.20 1.10
13. Other data •.•.•.•.•....•..•.•......... Much iron No iron
No. 1.-Analysis of water in its original condition. Color, reddish
yellow; taste, earthy, of iron; smell, none.
No. 2--Analnis after treatment recommended below. Color, none,
·brilliant; t.:;te, pleasant; smell, none.
In inter]lretiJ!g the results of this analysis, Prof. Leeds further
uid: .
"This well water contains a large amount of iron, which is held in
■olution in the state of bicarbonate of iron. On exposure to the air the
compound of iron is decomposed and oxide of iron is formed, rendering
the water more and more turbid. This process is gradual, and even after
filteration the colorless water again becomes rust colored from the ox•
idation and separation of more iron. But by the addition of 1 1-3 grains
of lime to the gallon, oxidizing by means of air and then filtering, a bril•
liant, p!easant-tasting water is obtained, which remains permanently
clear and contains no iron.
"The original water would not be fit for laundry use, but after
removal of iron could be employed for this and all other domestic
purposes."
The results thus obtained were considered Sll11iciently satisfactorY
to warrant the selection of an artesian source rather than the com•
paratively limited supply to be obtained from ground water in the
manner already ■uggested. Kisner & Bennett were, therefore, direct-
ed to proceed with three other tube wells, one at least of which should
be sunk only to the stratum approximately 120 feet below the surface,
the others to enter the deeper stratum, the top of which is about 423
feet below the surface. The results from these two strata appear to
be almost identical, both v.ith regard to the character of the water
and the height to which it will rise, while it is probable that the sup-
plies to each stratum are entirely separate. It was thus poSS1l>le to
sink two wells wit.bin fifteen feet of each other, one into the upper
and one into the lower stratum, without either d e ~ the other.
This principle will, of course, be adopted in 11t1ch exte11S1ons llll may
be made in the future to the plant aa now coDStracted. Nearly double
the quantity of water now available can thus be secured from wells
to be sunk along the line of the pi_pe now connecting the existing wells.
While it wu thought that pumping water from the wells would
radically improve the character olf the water 11t1pplied by them, it was
believed that some process of artificial purification would be needed to
e111ciently prepare the water for delivery to consumers. Proposals
were, therefore, received from the New York Filter Company for
purification to be effected in the method suggested by Prof. Leeds, by
the use of lime; bnt local objections arising to the use of any chemicals
in the process, the Continental Filter Company of New York proposed
FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAIL 411

to enter into con'l:ract to erect a plant competent to purify 400,000


gallons per day, freeing the water entirely from iron and rendering it
in all respects as pure as a sample prepared and analyized, :(ll!rment
for the P,lant to be conditioned upon a 60-day test, during which time
the specified resultll should be obtained. The principles of purification
in their plant as erected are the slow passage of the water thro~h a
filter containing crushed quartz, and then through a bed of animal
charcoal Both filtering media, supported on perforated plates, are
contained in wrought iron boiler shells and equipped with the neces-
sary washing pipes for cleansing the media. Filters operate under a
pressure approximately 135 lbs. per square inch with a loss of 2 or 3
lbs. During the early operation of the filter the company insisted UJ>0.11
the necessity for introduction of air into the media during penods
of cleansing. The borough was unwilling to pass the air through the
large water pump, and a Knowles air blower, 8 inches by 18 inches by
12 inches, was therefore secured and set up at a cost to· the borough
of $350. The results obtained from the filters have demonstrated
their ability to completely remove the iron during continuous use for
twenty-four hours. I believe that the water now supplied gives gen-
eral satisfaction.
If proper care is taken in this•.work, the borough can supply to
its water consumers a quality of water seldom excelled i:i municipal
plants.
It should be thoroughly understood, however, that the capacity
of the filter plant is 400,000 gallons per day of twenty-four hours, or
at the rate of about 280 gallons per minute, and this rate must not
be exceeded if efficient purification of the water is to be ettected. The
importance, also, of most thoroughly washing the filters at intervals
o! not more than t~enty-four hours is emphasized as imperative.
Reference is here made to plan--showing arrangement of filters
in the pumping station, and to the cut showing elevation of filters.
Copies are here given of the certificates of analysis of water secured
from the filters, nnd correspondence relati'\"e thereto:
New York, June 26th, 1893.
Mr. Carrol P. Bassett, C. E.,
My Dear Sir:
In response to your inquiries of MT. Anderson about the presence
or carbonate and oxide of iron in the filtered water from Atlnntic
Highlands, it gives me pleasure to state that all injurious quantities of
such salts have been removed by the filtering process, and that no salts
or iron have been left in the water in sufficient quantities to attect its
potable or domestic use.
Believe me
Very sincerely yours,
(Signed) Charles E. Pellew, E. M.
New York, June 5th, 1893.
CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS
Sir:
The sample of water from the Continental Filter Co., marked
"Highlands, Filtered," submitted to ns for examination, contains in one
U.S. gallon:
Appearance in two-foot tube ••••••.•.•..•.•.• Clear, colorless
Odor .•...•...•.•....•••.•..••••...••••.• None
Taste ....•..•.•.•.•••••••••.• , .....•.•..• None
Chlorine in Chlorides •.•..••..•.••....••.••• 0.1933 grains
Chlorine equivalent to Sodium Chloride ..... . 0.3189 "
412 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

P~o!::phates •.•.••••.••.••••••••••••••.•..• Trace


Nitrites .....••••••.•••••••••••••••••••••• None
Nitrogen in Nitrates •.•••.••••.•••••••••••• Trace
Free AmmoniL •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 0.0081r-aina
Albuminoid AmmoniL •••••••••••••••••••••• 0.0069 "
Hardness equiv. to: before boiling •••••••.•••• 1.3341 "
Carbonate of Lime: after boiling •••••.•••••• 1.3341 "
Organic volatile matter ••••••••••••.•••••••• 0.7289 "
Mineral matter .•.••....••.•.•••.••.•.•••••• 3.4407
Total Solid Residues, at 110 degrees C•.•..••. 4.1696 "
This water seems per.fectly 511tisfac:tory !or both drinking and
manufacturing purposes.
Respectfully, _
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) Charles E. Pellew, E. M.
To Mr. H. B. Anderson.
Chemical Laboratory
College of Physicians and Surgeons
Medic:al Department of Columbia College
437 West 59th Street.
C. F. Chandler, Ph., D.
C. E. Pellew, E. M.
New York, Dec. 12th, 1893.
The Continental Filter Company,
Gentlemen:
I have carefully analyzed the sample of filtered water from At•
lantic Highlands submitted to me by Mr. Anderson on the 6th inst.
I am glad to say that the water is \·ery pure and is unusually free
from any evidences of contamination. It is also quite a soft water,
its hardness being about the same as that of the Croton water, and,
as the iron which it originally contained is entirely removed by the
filter, the water is extremely well fitted for both drinking and manu-
facturing purposes.
Indeed, not only has your Filter Company come up to the terms
of its agreement, but the borough of Atlantic Highlands is to be con-
gratulated upon the possession of such an excellent supply of water.
From some details of the analysis I am led to believe that the
source and nature c,f the unfiltered water has changed somewhat since
last spring. The slight difference in the analysis resulting from this
has had, however, no injurious effect upon the good quality of the
water.
Believe me,
Very truly yours,
(Signed) Charles E. Pellew, E. M.
Reference is here made to the accompanying topo~aphical map .>f
the borough to assist in comprehending the description of the work
herein mentioned.
On February 8th, 1893, after proper advertisement, bids were re-
ceived separately for the construction of the Water and Sewerage
Systems, it being specified that the work should be completed by June
1st, 1893, The work upon which proposals were received was as
follows:
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM.
Furnishing and laying 42,290 feet cast iron pipe, from 4 in. to
10 in. diameter; 10 tons of special castings.
75 double-nozzle hydrants.
106 valve gates.
Brick pumping station.
FROM INDIAN TRAil.. TO ELECTRIC RAil.. 413

SEWERAGE SYSTEM.
Furnishing and laying 36,460 feet vitrified sewer pipe, 8 in. to
18 in. in diameter.
Constructing 115 manholes.
Constructing 30 flush tanks.
Constructing 75 ft. lamp holes.
Furnishing 65,250 lbs. castings.
1,100 ft. outfall 12 in. cast iron pipe in Sandy Hook Bay.
The length of piping in both syste~ UJ>on which bids were re-
ceived was in excess of the mileage originally suggested as poSS1"ble
within the $100,000 authorized expenditure, and provision was made in
the contract that the work might be decreased at the option of the
borough authorities, as it was then thought possible that the eight
miles of water mains and seveu miles of sewers might be completed
within the prescribed limit of cost, and lower prices would be likely to
be received in direct proportion to the aggregate of work to be done.
For the water distn"bution system, seven bids were received; the total
of each bid upon estimated quantities, including the pumping station,
was as follows:
J. B. Foley ••...••••. $30,801.40 Conover & Newton ...• $35,620.20
Inman Bros........••• 30,940.70 'ii:. J. Regan ••.•.•.•• 38,607.50
P.H. Harrison ••.•.••• 33,189.90 T. & B. Brady .....•. 47,269.32
Hillpot & Ayres •.••.• 33,612.75
Upon investigation it was not considered to be the interest of
the borough to award the entire work to any of the three lowest bid-
ders, and accordingly the contract for the water distribution system
was awarded to Hillpot & Ayres, of Bound Brook, N. J., and a separate
contract for the pumping station was made with John Geary, of At-
lantic Highlands. Reference is here made to the map of the borough
showing water distribution system as constructed.
For the construction of the sewerage system twelve bids were
received, aggregating for the estimated quantities as follows:
Warren & Carroll .•.. $23,213.82 Billpot & Ayres .•••.. $37,065.60
Conover & Newton ••.. 30,677.10 P. J. Plunket .•.•.•.. 37,946.85
P. H. Harrison ..•.... 31,546.00 McKiernan & Bergen •• 41,319.58
O'Reilly & Smith •...• 35,729.90 McTaguc & Wells •••.. 42,093.23
Morgan & Mitchell ..• 36,884.20 T. J. Regan ...•.•.••• 48,803.75
Gardner & Barnet. . . . 36,982.85 T. & B. Brody. . . • . • • • 67,831.50
The lowest bidders were glad to withdraw their bid when oppor-
tunity offered, as their figures were far below fair cost for the work,
and the borough accordingly entered into contract with Conover &
Newton for the construction of the work, making a change in the plan
for outlet sewer, increasing its stability by a double row llf piles and
additional bracing, in place of a single row, as originally designed, and
making pro\i.,ion for the possible insertion of an additional line of
piping upon the frame work supported by the piles. For section of
this work see plan. This change in design increased the price of out-
let $2.50 a running foot. Reference is he'!'e made to the map of the
borough showing sewers as built.
On March first, 1893, proposals were received for furnishing and
erecting a combination stand-pipe for the high and low level districts
and pumping machinery, consisting of two 50 H. P. boilers and one
three-quarter million gallon pumping engine, with pipe connections
and appurtenances.
In the design for stand-pipe an entirely novel feature was intro-
duced to meet the special topography of the borough.
414 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

The highest summit lies at the eastern end of the borough. About
2,000 feet west of this is another and lesser one with an elevation of
120 feet above tide water. It would naturally appear, upon a prelim-
inary study of the situation, that these two summits atrorded excellent
locations for high and low service stand-pipes, tanks or reservoirs, and
this arrangement was considered. The lower summit is at the top of
an almost c:ircnlar knoll, and is the location of a small private park,
all rights in which are held by the owners of the dwellings which en-
tirely surround it. Their consent to the location of a stand-pipe in
this park would be given only upon condition that it be an ornamental
one provided with an observatory and staircase, and to this the public
would be refused access. On the other hand, the owners of the land
on the eastern and higher summit olfered as a gift for the purpose of
a stand-pipe and reservoir a lot 100 ft. by 275 ft. upon the very sum-
mit of the hill, practically free from all restriction except that the
structure erected be ornamentaL The high-service area to be supplied
from this point was small, and only a small tank would be required.
However, the natural and topographical conditions already referred to
called for an observatory at this place, and the stipulations of the
donors of the land for a more or less ornamental structure. Should
a single stand-pipe be built upon the highest land, it must of necessity
be at least 45 feet high, the water level never falling below 30 feet, in
order that the high-service district secure adeqwite domestic pressure.
But, for the low-service the water pressure could be radically reduced,
in fact, when the increased population warranted it, a reservoir sunk-
en beneath the surface of the knoll would furnish abundant bead. It
was, however, calculated that the cost for the combination stand-pipe,
which was finally adopted, would be less than for two perfectly plain
stand-pipes in separate locations, while the ultimate economy of the
design would be more material If it is also kept in mind that any-
thing adding to the attractiveness of Atlantic Highlands to summer
visitors should be looked
upon in the light of
capital, the advar,.tages
of a permanent observ•
atory on the highest
land in the borough be-
come apparent.
For these and other
reasons, in place of two
separate stand-pipes,
one combination pipe
upon the higher summit
was decided 1:. -.,n; this
embodies a high-service
tank, a low-service tank.
and an observatory 50
feet above the surface,
reached by spiral stair-
cases on the tanks.
Only one proposal was
received for the coa-
struction of the stand·
pi:t>9, although all the
pnncipal manufacturers
in the East were direct-
ly apprised of the work.
On account of the res•
sonableness of the 11ro-
Standpipe poaal and the h1gb
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 415

standins of the firm from which the IJTOposal Willi received, a contract
was made with Tippett & Wood, of Phillipsburgh, N. J., for the erection
of the stand-pipe upon a foundation to be constructed by the borough
for $7,300. The foundation was constructed by Conover & Newton
by contract for $1,030.91.
A firm natural foundation of compact "8Ild and gravel is found at
the site of the stand-pipe. The artificial foundation consists of con-
crete thoroughly rammed in layers of six inches, tnlrty-six feet in di-
ameter and four feet deep, three feet six inches being below and six
inches above the surface. Conc:?"ete is thoroughly packed around the
inlet, outlet and overflow pipes. That part of the foundation under
the bed plate o! the central column is of Portland cement concrete.
The concrete is composed of one, two and three parts af cement, sand
and broken stone respectively.
By reference to the accompanying ilustrations, the details of the
stand-pipe may be under.otood. Resting upon the concrete foundation,
is the low-service stand-pipe, directly connected with by far the larger
portion of the system of water mains. This tank is thirty feet in di-
ameter and thirty-five feet high, having a capacity of 178,000 gallons.
Restinf upon the same foundation, and imbedded one foot in the con-
crete, is a four-foot square cast iron bed plate carrying a hollow cast
iron pillar extending vertically through the center of the low-service
tank to a height of thirty feet above the foundation. This supports
the high-service tank, fifteen feet in diameter and twenty feet high
(having a capacity of 19,800 gallons below the overflow pipe); the
upper fifteen feet of it is, therefore, elevated abo'l"e the top of the
lower tank. Spanning the space between the top rim of the lower tank
and the side of the upper one is an annular ring of sheet iron, the joints
of its plates with each other and with the sides of both tanks being
water tight under pressure. In the bottom of this upper tank is a fillp
valve opening upward through which water from the lower may enter
the upper tank, but preventing reverse passage. An overflow pipe with
its funnel mouth at present five feet below the top of the upper tank
extends downward through both tanks and discharges into a waste
drain; and a ventilation pipe carried upward from the top plate of the
lower tank to a point slightly above the top of the upper one gives free
communication with the air and permits the emptying or filling of this
tank independently of the other. From the pumps a ten-inch main
leads into the bottom of the lower tank, serving as both inlet and out-let
point slightly above the top of the upper one gives free communica-
tion with the air and permits the emptying or filling of this tank
independently of the other. From the pumps a ten-inch main leads
into the bottom of the lower tank, serving as both inlet and outlet
for the low-• ervice. Parallel to this, for a distance of about ten
feet from the tank, and connected with it a four-inch cross-
over, is a four-inch pipe leading up through the hollow cast iron
pillar into the upper tank and serving as both inlet and outlet for the
high-service. Valve gates are placed in the cross-over, and in both
the four-inch and ten-inch mains between it and the stand-pipe, to con-
trol readily the delivery or discharge.
The operation may be explained as follows: Both tanks being
empty, the valve in the ten-inch main will be opened and those in the
four-inch main and cross-over closed. The pumps being started will
then force the water tbrong'I:. the ten-inch main int9 the lower tank.
When ~ has been filled to a depth of slightly more than thirty feet
the valve in the bottom of the upper tank will open automatically,
admitting water into this tank, which will in turn be filled to the level
of the ove.-ftow, when pumping should stop. If the valve in the four-
416 FROM INDIAN TRAil, TO ELECTRIC RAIL

inch main is opened, the connecting service pipes will be filled and
both high and low service be ready for use.
When the pressure from the pump is lowered the weight of water
in the upper tank will close the flap valve in the bottom as soon as
COIISlllDption begins on the low service, thus shutting of all connection
between the high and low service, as the valve in the cross-over bas
remained closed. The high-service tank, will, of course, require filling
infrequently on account of the small district it supplies. The fre-
quency will vary with the increase of population in this district, which,
from its desirable location, is expected to be com~letely occupied by
the wealthier class of citizens, with small population per acre. The
area of this high-service district is, however, small, and for several
years the upper tank need be filled but once or twice per week. In
case of fire on the high-level district, in addition to the protection fur-
nished by the water stored in the upper tank, water may be directly
pumped into the mains supplying the district by operating the proper
valves (closing. the ten-inch 1111d opening the four-inch in the cross-
over). By closing the valves in either the ten-inch main or four-inch
JU&in, either tank can be cut off fro111 the system and cleaned or re-
paired.
A spiral stairway on the shell of the tank furnishes means of
ascent to the annular platform on top of the lower tank and to the
circnlar top of the upper tank. Entrance to this stairway is controlled
by a locked gate at the top of the first flight.
The lower stand-pipe bas nine plates in circumference; the upper
one five. The first two plates of the lower stand-pipe are 9-16-inch
thick, the next two 7-16-inch thick, the next three 5-16 thick. The
bottom is 3-8-inch thick, and the top plate of the bottom stand-pipe is
5-8 inch thick, supported oi,._ angles and braces as shown on the plans.
All horizontal seams are single riveted, lap joints; all vertical
seams are double riveted, lap joints.
A m:inhole is built in a lower sheet of the bottom stand-pipe.
All wrought U'OD is tough, fibrous, and of uniform quality, that
for plates and angles showing a minimum ultimate tensile strength of
48,000 pounds per square inch.
Supporting the top plate of the lower staud-pipe, which acts as
the floor of the lower ooset'Vatory, are two sets of braces inside the
tank, numbering 34 in alL Railings surround the observatory.
The lo:id upon the concrete transmitted by the foot plate suppc,rt-
ing the upper tank when it is full is about eighty pounds per square
inch. Bolted to and resting upon this foot plate is a hollow cast iron
pillar, one foot interior diameter and one inch thick, rising vertically
to a height of about thirty feet above the foundation. Cast on this
pillar are three rings against which butt .twenty-four angle iron braces,
serving to support the beallll! upon which the top tank rests, the braces
being also bolted to the column.
Five-inch by four-inch steel tees, eight in ntunber, radiate from
the cast iron pillar upon which they rest, and are connected by a circ-
ular wrought iron plate to which they are riveted. Resting upon these
beams and forming the im111ediate support for the upper tank are four-
inch steel I beams spanning the spaces between the T beams and ar-
ranged as chords of three concentric circles. The upper tank has a
bottom of ½I-inch and sides of ¼-inch iron, is twenty feet high and
surrounded by a wrought iron railing. The top of this tank, also 8UP-
ported by five angle-iron radial braces, is ¼-mch iron and serves as
the upper observatory, 800 feet above tide. The circular orifice of
the flap valve riveted to the bottom of the upper tank has a diameter
of ten inches. Where all pipes pierce the bottom of either tank a
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 41'l"

water tight ~"'nnection is made by means of a cast iron flange sur-


rounding the pipe, riveted to the bottom plate and caulked with lead>
arolll1d the pipe.
As the stand-pipe is placed at one aide ol the borough, while the
pump is near the center; and as the p ~ main also serves as a
distribution main, this is practically a direct pumping system; the
stand-pipe, in its character as a reservoir, acting mainly as a reserve-
for fire aud other emergencies, and for supplying the night consump..
tfon, when the pumps will be idle.
An area of ground adjacent to the stand-pipe is held, sufficient
for a covered reservoir, should this at some time be needed, in which
case the pumping main would lead directly into the reservoir, and
a branch from this main connect with the stand-pipe. The necessity
for this additional storage may be created by future extension of pop-
ulation into districts south and east of the stand-pipe which are out-
side the present borough limits.
Reference is here made to the detail plan-showing the interior-
arrangement of the pumping st:ition, the machinery, filters and con-
nections. The accompanying illustration shows the exterior elevation
from the east.
The building and chimney were erected by Mr. John Geary under-
contract for $5,164.40.
In requesting propo~ls for furnishing and erecting the pumping
machinery, the specifications were so drawn as to secure from manu-
facturers such special features as they were specially competent to
furnish, the main features and results being specified. Four bids were
received, as follows:
Barr Pumping Engine Co.• $4,928 Henry R. Worthington ••.• $6,360
H. B. Merrill •••..••••..• 5,575 Deane Pumping Engine Co. 6,496
On account of the low price of the proposal submitted by the Barr
Pumping Engine Co., objection was raised to that company. Com-
petitors cited its inability to furnish good workmanship for the price
and complained of the lack of experience of the company. For these
reasons and because it was felt that the pumping machinery was one
of the vital features of the proposed plant, and ehould therefore be of
unexceptional character, considerable time was spent in investigation
of the sumding of and work done by the Barr Co., and even in com-
paring its works with that of their more solicitous competitors. The
result of these investigations deepened the conviction that there was
no occasion to pay to any other manufacturer larger prices for his
workmanship so long as the Ilarr Pumping Engine Co. stood ready to
assure the results to be secured by it.
The very excellent plant erected by this company under the con-
tract with the borough has more than justified the decision of the bor-
OUJh authorities. It has a c:ipacity considerably in excess of the re-
qlllrements of the original specifications, and is in all respects taste-
fully and well constructed.
The pumping machinery consists of one three-qunrter million gal-
lon coma,ound duplex condensing engine; two 50 horse-power hori-
zontal tubular boilers; 1 feed pump; 1 Berryman feed water heater; 1
surface condenser and vacuum pump.
The pumping engine has:
High pressure steam cylinder, 14 inch.
Low pressure steam cylinder, jacketed, 20 inch.
Stroke, 18 inch.
a
all thoroughly brass fitted. With piston speed of 60 feet per minute,
the pump is capable of delivering 760,000 gallons in 24 hours through
418 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

4,950 feet: of 10-inch east iron pipe to an elevation of 290 feet above
foundatiom.
Tihe boilen have a length of 12 feet and diameter of 54 inches.
Steel shell 5-16 in. thick in 2 plates.
Steel heads 7-16 in. thick.
Sixty-four 3- in. tubes.
Aetna shaking grates.
Dome 30 in. diameter, 34 in. high.
Manholes, one on front head below tubes. One on top of steam
dome.
Boiler fittings:
2 "2 in. pop safety valve.
1 ~ in. blow-oft'.
1 "2 in. check valve for feed.
3 in. stop valve for :;team.
The boiler feed l>ump has:
Steam cylinder, 4 'h in. diameter.
Water cylinders, 2~ in. diameter.
Stroke of 4 in.
Piping:
Steam pump, 3 in.
Exhaust, 4 in.
Suction of pump, 10 in.
Discharge of pump, 8 ir..
There was also furnished an Edison recording
gauge, and steam, vacuum and water gauges with a
clock of uniform design set on an ornamental walnut
clover leaf gauge board.
As has been stated, only four tube wells were
constructed. It was believed that the supply obtained
from them would be inadequate for the season's needs,
and it was thoi:ght wisest to defer the construction
of additional wells until the eXJ)el'ience obtained with
the first could be utilized. Practical oper-
ation would suggest the best depth of well,

·-
l_ size of strainer-mesh, etc. After the
'-
wells were
construct-
..____ ed branch
pipes, cou-
troll ed by

____.--:-:"' -.___ ..,, . ~

--··· ~--
The Pumping Station.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 419

valves. were cQDJlected from each to a 10-in. cast iron main leading to a
small shallow brick suction well close to the station, from which the
pump drew its supply. The well end of this 10-in. pipe turned down to
a pomt near the bottom of. the well and remained sealed by water, thus
affecting a s:vpbonic action on the system of wells to such depth as the
pumps drew the water in the suction well This arrangement was made
rather than a direct connection of the pump suction with the main
pipe from the wells, as it was desired to discover and intercept sand,
should it be delivered by the wells, before it reached the pump
cylinders.
Soon after the pump w:is started, in the latter part of June, and
the draft upon the wells was considerable, it was discovered that one
of the wells was defective and was feeding sand into the system. This
well was disconnected and examined, when it was discovered that \,je
sand strainer had been badly torn and allowed the sand free entrance
to the well, etrectually choking it. This well was permanently aband-
oned. The loss of one of the four wells, reducing the supply supposed
to be available 25 per cent., was unfortunate, particularly since the
consumption of water on the system was much greater than antic-
ipated.
It thus became necessary to draw the water lower in the three well&
remaining for use than the syphon drnft as arranged, and a 4-in. cen-
trifugal pump, fed by steam from the station boiler, was connected to
the main pipe from the wells and water delivered into a temporary
trough above the surface leading into the brick suction well, partial
aeration beii:g elfec~~d in tr:msit, and from there was taken by the
large pump for delhery to the mains.
Considerable difficulty and e:xtra expe~ were occasioned by the
necessity of delivery water to consumers from a plant only partially
completed continuously after July first. Residents had relied upon the
supply, and it was felt that it must be given. Although the mains
were filled on June 28th, the stand-pipe was not ready to receive water
until August, and the filters were not ready to purify the water con-
tinuously until early fall. The result secured from a plant thus handi-
capped could not be so satisfactory as desired, but with the completion
of the various appurtenances entirely efficient and economical results
followed.
Experience with the tube wells led to a decision to construct a
large suction we!! into which the syphon from the artesian wells should
discharge. It was also proposed to so construct the wells aa to secure
such water as was avaiiable below the shallowest clay marl bed at a
depth of about 20 feet. A well 20 feet in diameter and 20 feet deep.
with bottom floored with timber and a thick layer of broken stone and
sides of brick laid in hydraulic cement mortar, was accordingly con-
structed recently by Mr. John Geary under contract for $1,080.00, and
a ventilated roof placed thereon at a cost of about $300. The water
collected in this well is of good quality, and is protected from pollu-
tion by a practically impervious stratum of clay marl 15 or 16 feet
below tidal level, which it is believed extends throuchout the surround-
ing district.
Connections with the sewerage system were made aa early aa June
17tii, and as desired after July 1st. About 140 properties, including all
the larger hotels, availed themselves of the pnvilege during the year
(1893), but it waa not until December that Conover & Newton, con-
tractors, had sufficiently completed their work to make it fit for final
acceptance. The underdrain on First Avenue was allowed to becom&
choked during construction and occasioned the greatest trouble before
it was finally made efficiently operative. The amount of ground watl!l'
'420 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

found in the sewer construction was much greater than the original
information indicated. All of First Avenue and Valley Drive, and
parts of Washington, Bay View, Highland, Lincoln, Asbury, Eighth
and Center Avenues, were underdrained and large quantities of ground
water were encountered. Permanent outlets for these drains are
arranged at the foot of First Avenue through an iron pipe on the bulk-
head and over tbe bluft' north of Bay View Avenue above the Grand
View HoteL The ground water along the line of these drains has in
some cases been permanently lowered as much as six feet. The porous
character of the soil makes the drains especially effective. The total
length of underdrains laid-the length of. wet streets made dry-ap..
proximated 10,000 feet.
The results thus secured are worthy of special mention as being
probably the first successful attempt in the State, on a large scale, to
secure ground drainage beneath public sewers. The success attending
this eff'ort is therefore, especially gratifying.
In the water distribution system a considerable amount of 4-inch
cast iron pipe was laid. This was possible, without the objection
ordinarily raised to 4-inch pipe furnishing inefficient fire service, by
feeding such pipes, whose longest independent length approximates
1,200 feet, on each end by a pipe of greater diameter. Such design
effected material economy in construction cost without jeopardizing
the service rendered. Very few hydrants are located on mains of
diameter as amall as four inches.
The system of charges for service rendered to premises connected
with the water and sewer systems secured a revenue of $1,687.75 for
the first year from tbe sewers and $4,122.34 from tbe water system,
as reported by your superintendent, Mr. S. T. White. In a very short
time, therefore, the investment made by the borougn in these municipal
improvements should become self-supporting and leave a large credit
balance from the increased value of property and a substantial increase
of population and private-unprovement that invariably follow judicious
public betterments.
Summarizing the work done and its cost, we find as follows:
Water Distn"bution syste~ 8.45 miles, Hillpot &: Ayres
(less stock on hand) .•••••..••••....••.•••••..•• $ 29,377.71
Sewerage System, 7.5 miles of sewers; 1.9 miles of drains,
Conover &: Newton •.•••.••.•••.•••..••.•..•.•.•• 36,744.49
Combination Stand-pipe and Foundation. Tippett &: Wood. 7,300.00
Conover &: Newton ••••••••..•.••••••.••••.••.•.. 1,030.91
Pumping S::ation. John Geary .••.••.•.•.•.•.•.•.••••. 5,164.40
Pumping Machinery. Barr Pumping Engine Co...•.•••• 5,212.89
F:.lter Plant and Air Engine. Continental Filter Co••.•••• 4,850.00
Wells:
Artesian, Kisner &: Bennett ...•...•.•.•.....•...• 1,421.35
Suction Well, etc., J. Genr:r ....•.....•.• $1,080.00
Well Cover............................. 300.00 1,380.00
Sundries:
l\fanhole Bu::kets ..•.....•...•....•.••... 243.00
Nason Manufacturing Co.•..•...•••.••••• 166.63
Joseph S. Edward&: Co•.•...........•.•.• 700.00
Macknet &: Doremus •..•.•.........•.••• 27.14
Flush Tanks ....••............••...•..•. 765.00
Assorted ......•.••.........•.....•...• 84.26 1,086.03
Land a:id riparian rights .........••.•••.••.••..•..•.• 2,750.00
Inspection, C. Ph. Bassett •..•....•....•.•......••.... 1,500.00
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 421

Engineering, C. Ph. Bassett.......................... 4,701.19


Total .•.••••••••..•.••.••••.••..•.•••.•••.•••• $103,418.97
In comparing this work with the e:stimate ($92,000) originally
proposed in September, 1892, it will be seen that the additions secured
are as follows:
Water pipe, 1.45 miles at $5,000 •...••.••••..•.•.•.••••. $ 7,250.00
Sewerage, 1.5 !!llles at $4,500......................... 6,750.00
Engineering, inspection and contingencies on above. . . • • • • . 2,000.00
Extra cost of combination stand-pipe................... 3,331.91
Total ••••.••••••.••••••••.••••• ,..•••.••.••.•.•• $19,331.91
which, added to $92,000 gi\"es $111,331.91 as the cost of the work
which has been built on the basis of the original estimates, without
taking into consideration the cost of filter plant ($4,850), the neces-
sity f'lr which was not then anticipated, and cost of land and riparian
rights ($2,750) not included. It will thus be seen how well the original
estimates have been justified and how reasonable has been the cost
of work done under the contracts made. Fr:>m other indications it
appear3 probable that none of the contractors made any considerable
profit.
Another somewhat different compnrison it seems well to make.
Early in 1893, after detail plans and estim2tl's were made, and the
question of $100,000 bond issue to pay for the proposed works was
submitted to a public vote, it was thought that more mileage of water
and sewer pipes could be laid than was indicated by the preliminary
estimate. A circular was therefore issued to the voters, setting forth
the proposed extent of the systems. Of course, at this time the neces-
sity for filter plant had not appeared nor had the combination stand-
pipe been decided upon. The work on street mains, which has actually
been constructed in excess of this prospectus i3 2s follows:
WA TEP. SYSTEMS
6-inch pipe, 112 feet. at .595 ......•...................... $ 66.64
4-inch pipe, 2,185.G feet. at .395 .......................... 857.81
111.4 lbs. specials, at .025............................... 27.85
$952.30
SEWERAGE SYSTEM
Cast-
Street Pipe 8 in. Y M.H. L.H. F.T. ings
Center Avenue, 8-in............. 155 3
Railroad Avenue............... 250 15 1.5 1 385
Shore Line ••..•......•.•...•.. 1,218 26 32.3 27.5 1,460
To Mrs. Pope's................ 313 9 7.0 7.0 1 365
Fifth Avenue................ . . 361 11 7.1 7.4 1 365
Highland Avenue.. . . . . . • • . . . • . • 682 21 26.0 1,095
Grand Avenue ••••.......•....• 176 4 6.3 365
Seventh Avenue................ 970 38 13.5 7.5 2 730
Third Avenue..••.••......•.... 452 17 1
Hooper Avenue................ 399 ,16 14.6 1 730
Bath Avenue. Dr. 6 in.. . . . . . • . . 445
6 in............... 441 25.5
Bay View A\"enue, 6 in.. . . . . . . . 150
The cost of w.hich was:
422 FROM INDIAN TRAll, TO ELECTRIC RAil,

8 inch pipe, 4,976 feet, at .43 •.••..••.•••••.•.•••.•.• $2,139.68


8 inch Y's, 160, " .60........................ 96.00
6 inch pipe, 1,006 feet, " .40. , • . • • . • • . . . . • . . . • . . • . . • 402.40
llL H., 108.3 feet, : 3.00........................ 324.90
L H., 74.9 feet, 2.00........................ 149.80
F. Tanks, 7, " 77.00........................ 539.00
Casting, 5,475 lbs., " .03............................ 164.25
Stones connection, extra............................... 7.50
Manhole buckets. . . • . . • • • • . • • • • • . • • • . • . . . . . • . . • • . . . • . • 22.00
Total .•••....•.•...•••.•••.••.••..•• ·....•......• $3,845.53
Total both ....••••..••.••.••.••••..•.•.•••..•.... $4,797.83
If to these figures we add (as not anticipated):
Filter plant •.•.•..•....••..••.•.•.•.••.••••.••...... $ 4,850.00
Chrtlet riparian right and pumping station property. • • . . . . • 2,750.00
Extra cost combination stand-pipe. . . • . • . • • • • • . • • • . . . • . • 3,331.91
A total of ••.••••..••.••..•..•••.•.•.•.•••..•.•• $15,729.74
taken away from the actual cost of the works ($103,418.97) gives
$87,789.23, which, compared with $100,000, shows how much better
the borough authorities have done than they proposed in securing the
endorsement of the voters. This is manifestly an enremely creditable
showing. ·
To >i:m up; the borough has a substantially construc-"..ed water
system embracing 8.5 miles of street mains, a unique and useful com-
bination stand-pipe, a durable pumping station well equipped, abundant
water available, and a filter plant competent, if properly maintained, to
turn out exceptionally good water in quantity to supply the legitimate
consumption for several years; it has a well built sewerage system 7.5
miles in length, with two miles of operative underdrains.
Thus equipped the plants should be self-supporting at the rates
for service charged, and no very expensive extensions to the system
will be needed for several years.
T.banking you for courteous treatment during my association with
you in designing, and during the more ,·exatious period of constructing
these public improvements, I beg to remain
Yours, very respectfully,
CARROL PH. BASSETT.
EDITOR'S NOTE-The plans and drawings referred •o in Mr. Bas-
sett's report were in such condition that we have omitted them with
regret.
Sign boards were put on the street corners on June 1st,
which was considered a great convenience.
The matter of extending Avenue A, from Bay Avenue
to the Bay, was agitated at this time. The question of a
public right-of-way between "Many Mind Creek" and Ave-
nue D was a difficult one.
The·difficulty commenced when Me~srs. Hubbard and
Hendrickson laid out the James H. Leonard property, ad-
joining A. J. Campbell's. The avenue immediately in ques-
tion was Bay Avenue, which they wished to run from First
Avenue to Avenue D. They called on Leonard Brothers,
through J. C. Nobles, their representative, to open the ave-
nue through their lumber_ yard property, which they grant-
FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAIL 423

-ed. at a loss and inconvenience, that the West side be de-


veloped. That brought them to Many Mind Creek, and
from there to Avenue D.
Mr. Campbell. as above .stated. owned the property.
He. at that time, was not enthused with a spirit of develop-
ment and prefeITed to take no part in extending the ave-
nue as desired. This naturally compelled Hubbard and
Hendrickson to leave five feet as protection between Mr.
Campbell's property and the avenue.
This unfortunate condition of things occUITed in 1882.
It was soon realized by all concerned that a mistake had
been made in thus shutting off the West side of the town
:from the Bay.
The most active property owner to endeavor to co1Tect
the mistake was Mrs. A. Bentley, through her son, W.W.
Bentley, who had no outlet to the town but the circuitous
road via Avenue n.
Mr. Campbell offered his land for a fifty-foot avenue.
Mr. J.M. $harts. adjoini:lg property to Mr. Bentley, offered
his share of the land; but their hands were tied, by reason
of tht! five feet. The difficulty has occupied months of time
and labor, both ·by the property owners, with their councils,
and the different Mayors, Councilmen and other officials
in the county, but still the difficulty remains and the five-
foot strip continues intact, at the present writing, 1897.
The first commencement exercises held by the Atlantic
Highlands school, conducted by Professor Oglee, Principal,
occurred on June 7th. There were six graduates, namely
-Mr. Frank Crane, MissP.s Maud Edgar, R. Blanche Leon-
ard, Alice G. Leonard, Lulu Robin Newman and Mr. Harry
Vanderbelt. Professor Enright, County Superintendent.
was present; also, Pastors Haines and McNair. The essay
of Miss Maud Edgar was "True Womanly Woman"; Miss
Lulu R. Newman's, "Music the Soul"; Frank Crane's, "Prac-
tical Education"; Miss B. Leonard's, "The Seals of Fate and
Prophecy"; Miss Alice Leonard's, "Art Development."
A new iron bridge over Center Avenue and Many Mind
Creek was built in the summer of this year, by the Board
of Chosen Freeholders, under the immediate direction of
D. Lane Conover.
The following is an account of the organization of the
. A. M. E. Church.
THE A. JL E. CHURCH KNOWN AS THE PAUL QUINN CHAPEL
Dedicated May 20th, 1894--A Neat Edifice, 30x50 Feet.
424 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

The new edifice of the African Methodist Episcopal


Church is situated just outside of borough limits on Pros-
pect Avenue. The congregation is not so large as many
others, but the church is a growing one, having received
16 new members within a year. The membership now num-
bers about fifty. Reverend F. S. Cox is pastor and began
the second year of his pastorate last April. The Sunday
school is flourishing.
ORGANIZATION Al-'D OFFICERS.
The church was formally organized in 1855 by Rev-
erend J. R. V. Morgan after the completion of the old meet-
ing house on the heights, with Eli Hall as pastor. Most of
the founders are now dead. Some of the survivors are Mr.
and Mrs. Isaac Wales, Miss Elizabeth Stillwell and Mrs.
Elizabeth Stillwell. E. J. Hawkins succeeded Pastor Hall
in 1858 and was followed by J. P. Shreves, pastor for one
and one-half years; Cyrus Rogers, two years; John .A.
Jones, two years; W. A. Winder, three years; Henderson
Davis, Sr., two year~; E. B. Lewis, one year.
The officers of the church are, besides Pastor Cox, the
Board of Trustees, Messrs. Isaac Wales, George Brown,
Elias Brown, Lewis Jones; the Stewards, Joseph Green and
Elias Brown; S. S. Superintendent, Joseph Green; Secretary
and Assistant, Augustus Wales and Anna E. Stillwell;
Treasurer, Elizabeth Stillwell; Librarian, Lucinda ThomP-
son. :
CALLED PAUL QUINN CHAPEL.
The church name is the Paul Quinn Chapel of Nave-
sink, adopted in honor of Reverend W. Paul Quinn, a prom-
inent bishop of the A. M. E. Zion Church.
THE ?."EW CHURCH EDIFICE.
The comer stone of the new church was laid on Feb-
ruary 5th, with appropriate ceremonies, and the building
completed and dedicated on May 20th last.
The structure is modelled after the Presbyterian chap-
el on Third A venue, Atlantic Highlands, and cost $2,950.
Its dimensions on the ground are thirty by fifty feet with.
a basement under the whole. The exterior presents a very
neat and attractive appearance. The windows of the main
audience room are large and filled with stained glass. The
tower is square, and situated at the south end of the church.
The lots upon which the building stands cost $800, making
the whole investment $3,750.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 425

OLD CHURCH PROPERTY SOLD.


The old church property on the heights was sold to
Mrs. Mary E. Tillotson for $5,100 January 12, 1894. The
money derived from the sale was devoted to building the
new church, purchasing grounds for a cemetery and de-
fraying other expenses.
On July 14th, by a special borough election held at
the school building, it was decided by almost a unanimous
vote not to unite the borough school district (as the law
permitted) with the township school district.
The corner stone of the Central Baptist Church was
laid July 26, 1894. A large number of people were pres-
ent. The Reverend Mr. Crumley, Reverend P.A. H. Kline.
W. H. Hillier, Edward Loux, W. B. Hanis, W. McNair, J.
B. Haines, J. K. Manning, William H. Parker and H. F.
Stillwell took part in the exercises. Professor W.W. Bent-
ley led the singing, assisted by Percy Falkinburg, Sr., with
the cornet.
In August of this year, the "Journal" was purchased
by A. C. Hart of Freehold, and continues under his manage-
ment at the present writing, 1897.
On the night of September 22nd, the town was aroused
by the ringing of fire bells, and the continual blowing of the
locomotives, to witness one of the largest conflagrations the
town had ever beheld, consuming the largest hotel in the
town. Recognizing the prominent position it has occupied.
we insert a picture and the account as stated in the "Jour-
nal," -September 27th:
THE GRA::-.."D VIEW HOTEL IN ASHES.
Flames Consumed the Largest llotel at Atlantic Highlands Early
Last Saturday Morning.
"Heaps of ashes and charred embers today mark the
spot where until last Saturday morning stood the Grand
View Hotel, the largest in Atlantic Highlands and the pride
of its inhabitants. So furious and successful were the flames
that scarcely a piece of lumber remains of the once magnif-
icent structure. It was early Saturday morning, scarcely
8 :80 o'clock, when the shrill shrieks of the C. R. R. engines
and the clanging of the fire bell broke the solemn silence
of the night, awakening our residents from their peaceful
slumbers and startling the community for miles around.
HOW IT WAS DISCOVERED.
"The hotel was a large one with a main hall dividing
the east and western section. No guests were within its
426 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

walls but on the first floor of the western portion slept


watchman McDonnell with his wife and child, all uncon-
scious of the impending danger until the flames came in
such close proximity to their sleeping quarters that they
detected the fumes of smoke which already had a suffocat-
ing effect upon them. All fled from the burning building
in great haste, McDonnell running downtown giving the
alarm. His wife in her fright ran towards the Obermeier
cottage shouting fire! fire! Proprietors Morton and Ober-
meire, who were sleeping in the cottage, were aroused by
the woman's cries and hastily proceeded to the building
wherein Hose Company No. 2 kept their apparatus. Being
near to the hotel they soon had a stream of water pouring
on the burning building with a hope of checking the rapid
progress of the onrushing flames.
"In the meantime the nightwatchman had succeeded
in alarming the entire town and immediately all was con-
fusion. John Mount sounded the first alarm from the rail-
road engine and soon the noise was deafening, three engine
whistles and the town fire alarm blending in one mighty note
of warning. Hook and Ladder Company and Hose Com-
pany No. l were soon on their way to the scene of the con-
flagration and from every direction came men, women and
children. The alarm was heard as far as Port Monmouth,
Chapel Hill, Navesink and other near-by towns. All the
fire companies were now at the scene of action but theirs
was a hopless task. It was clearly apparent that all efforts
on their part could but prove futile. That the building
burned down was no fault of the firemen, though, for un-
daunted by the magnitude of the fire fiend and the knowl-
edge of failure, they displayed a spirit of true heroism and
even endangered their lives in their efforts to stay the
flames. But before they arrived, the entire east wing was
ablaze and rapidly falling to the ground. The flames made
marvelous progress and the steady advance they made was
watched regretfully by the multitude that had gathered.
The heat was intense and even those who had gathered
along the bluff, about one hundred yards distant, were
made uncomfortable, and were forced to Tetreat.
"The scene was quite dramatic. The flames that shot
up into the air lit up the entire surroundings. The bay at
the north was illuminated as if by the rays of the noon-day
sun, revealing to the gaze of the interested spectators the
numerous craft upon its glassy surface. The woods at the
rear and to the westward formed a sombrous background.
"The firemen worked on with a will Hose Company
No. 2, under the foremanship of Edward Oakes, was sta-
FROM: INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 427

tioned in front of the hotel near the large dining room, and
with a persistence seldom equaled kept a stream on that
part of the building until the stifling heat forced them to
reluctantly retreat. In the rear, near the kitchen, Hose
Company No. 1 did good work. They kept a continuous
stream on that portion of the threatened structure and
succeeded in saving a small section containing the boiler
and engine. The members of the Hook and Ladder Com-
pany were also prominent in the crowd, and gave whatever
assistance was in their power.
"Unable to save the hotel the firemen turned their
attention to Mr. Obermeier's cottage and Edward Hooper"s
barn. Through their efforts both were saved. These two
were the only buildings threatened.
"The appalling disaster is due neither to the incompen-
tency of our tire department or the lack of water, but to
the contrary the ability of the companies was made. even
more apparent and the efficiency of our water supply estab-
lished. By six o'clock the hotel had been entirely con-
sumed, and the crowd began to disperse.
"In the absence of Chief J. H. Van Mater, Assistant
Chief J.M. Quackenbush directed the department.
"Mrs. E. H. Hooper showed a commendable spirit by
serving the firemen with hot coffee.
"A valuable watch dog chained in the office, was con-
sumed by the flames.
NOTES ABOUT THE HOTEL.
"The Grand View Hotel had a situation unexcelled
by any on the famous New Jersey coast. It was located
on a beautiful terrace, overlooking the waters of Sandy
Hook Bay. It contained in all 215 rooms, including ser-
vants' apartments. Its erection dates back to the year 1882
when Atlantic Highlands was in its infancy, and has proved
an important factor in the growth and development of our
town. Williamson and Parker were its first owners, who
after conducting it two seasons leased it to William L.
McIntyre. It afterwards passed through the hands of W.
J. Pennoyer and Simon Haberman, until November 15,
1891, when it was purchased by Messrs. Morton and Ober-
meier. Since coming under their control it has met with
the success that enterprise of the owners merited. Every
year it has been filled with the best class of people, which
has enabled Messrs. Horton and Obermeier to expend h"b-
erally in improvements.
428 FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAIL

VALUE AND INSURANCE.


"The hotel was purchased by Messrs. Morton and
Obermeier at a cost of $65,000. Since then, they have add-
ed the eastern wing, appearing in the cut at the left and the
aining room extension at the right. These improvements
and other minor ones cost the management $30,000, mak-
ing the total cost of the property in the neighborhood of
$100,000. But since the hotel was purchased at the above
named figure, the Central Railroad has made this their
terminus, and in consequence the town has enlarged to such
an extent that property values have increased in all sec-
tions. 1n view of these facts the owners consider that the
increase in value of their property made it worth to them
not less than $125,000.
"The insurance on both building and furniture was
$50,000, placed in 23 companies by R. S. Snyder of this
place. :
"The insurance on the building in the 17 different com-
panies is as follows:
Liverpool and London and Glc>be ....................... $ 2,500.00
Phoenix of Brooklyn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,500.00
American of Newark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . 1,500.00
Niagara of New York................................ 1,000.00
Continental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,500.00
Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,000.00
Phoenix Assurance of London. . . . . • . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . G,500.00
Hanover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,500.00
Citizens . . . . • . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,500.00
British America...................................... 1,500.00
United States Fire........................ . . . . . . . . . . . 1,600.00
Sun Office.. . . . . . . • . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . 2,500.00
St. Paul Fire and Marine....................... . . . . . . . 1,500.00
Farragut . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . 1,900.00
Aetna . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,500.00
Royal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000.00
Insurance Company of North America.................. 2,500.00
Total ..•..........•..........................•.. $40,000.00
"The insurance on the furniture to the amount of $10,-
000 was placed in the following companies:
American of New York ............................... $ 1,500.00
North River......................................... 1,500.00
Commercial Union................................... 2,500.00
Liverpool and London and Globe....................... 2,500.00
Prussian National'.................................... 1,000.00
Security of Connecticut............................... 1,000.00
HUGH McDONNELL'S STATEMENT.
"Mr. McDonnell was seen at the ruins by a 'Journal'
representative early Monday morning, and the following
FROM INDIAN TRAIL 1·0 ELECTRIC RAU. 429

statement elicited: "With my wife and six-year old boy. I


was sleeping on the first floor in the rear of the .west wing.
The first knowledge I had of the fire was when its raya
were reflected through my bedroom window. awakening
me from my sleep. My first impression was that some one
was passing the window with a lantern, but further investi-
gation revealed the startling fact that the hotel was on fire.
I hastily summoned my wife and child, and all prepared to
leave the building. I ran downtown and my wife gave the
alarm at the Obermeier cottage. In the meantime my little
boy had become bewildered in his fright and in attempt to
leave the building became lost to us for a time; when
found he was nearly suffocated by the smoke. There was
no light in that portion of the building where the fire was
first discovered and, in fact, none in the entire building
except in the office as is the usual custom. To us the origin
of the fire is a mystery."
!>IR. OBERMEIER INTERVIEWED.
"Mr. Obermeier said that the loss sustained by him
and Morton was fully $75,000. His first knowledge of the
fire was the alarm given by Mrs. McDonnell as previously
stated. He and Mr. Morton rushed to the Hose House of
Company No. 2. and with the aid of Mr. John Schmidt
hauled the apparatus to the building and attached the hose
to the hydrant. The other companies arrived shortly after.
When questioned as to re-building the structure. he said:
'We certainly intend to if the insurance is promptly and
satisfactorily adjusted. When this is done we will im-
mediately commence, and hope to be able to receive guests
next season.' It is their desire to build a more commodious
hotel and more modem in architectural design. As to the
origin of the fire. he could advance no idea. Having oc-
curred at a time when no one was about and starting in a
quarter where there was no fire of any description, the
mystery will probably never be solved. That the hotel is
to be rebuilt is a most gratifying fact. The loss of such a
hotel to Atlantic Highlands would be irreparable. The
erection of a new one will make an active winter for our
mechanics and tradesmen as well.
"Besides the large number of guests they bring here
the proprietors personally contribute largely to the success
of our town. and the sympathy of its every inhabitant goes
out to them in this their time of great financial loss.
CROWDS WITNESS THE RUINS.
"All day Sunday people from all over the township
thronged to the scene of disaster, and gazed on the spot
430 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL
where the hotel had but recently stood majestically. Turn-
outs of every description, from the handsome barouche,
mounted trappings and liveried footman, to the rickety
vehicle and old 'skate.' lined the avenue leading in the
direction of the hotel Not until towards evening did the
influx cease and the number of witnesses diminish "
A meeting to form a tribe of I. 0. of R. M. was held
in White's Hall on November hlth. Thirty-five signed the
charter and officers were elected as follows: W.W. Roberts.
S.; W. B. Savidge, S.S.; Fred Linden, J. S.; J. L. Inglingp
P.; William Tilton, C. of R.; Earnest Ingling, C. of W.;
George Manning. K. of W.; Thomas Skidmore, Charles
Steward and H. Warden, Trustees.
Four chime bells were placed in the tower of the new
M. E. Church, November 2nd. The bells were inscribed
with the date of donation and name of the donor, Mr. 8. B.
Thorpe. The largest bell weighed 1,200 pounds.
On November 14th, President Cyrenius Holmes of
Holmdel, resigned the presidency of the Atlantic Highlands
Bank and Thomas H. Leonard was elected to succeed him.
Ct.ptain Benjamin Griggs was elected vice-president.
In December of this year, Kisner and Bennett of Bel-
mar were given the contract for the boring of three more
artesian wells, which they did, and gave very satisfactory
results, locating them as were the original three, upon the
pumping station lands. The wells were about 120 feet in
depth and similar in quality and flow. The location was
selected by Mr. Bassett.
The new M. E. Church was dedicated on Sunday, No-
\"'ember 25, 1894, with very impressive ceremonies. In an
edifice of great axchitectural beauty, situated on Third
Avenue, the avenue for churches; it was designed by archi-
tect J.B. Valk of New York City and th, -.:onstruction sup-
erintendent Thomas J. Emery of this place. It is construct-
ed of brick in colors of old gold and mottled gray, and has
a roof of slate. At the northeast corner, it has a tower 89
feet high, and of a design that causes general admiration.
The entrances to the church are the same on either side.
The interior is divided into three sections--main room, Sun-
day school room and infant class department. The audi-
torium and Sunday school room are divided by means of
sliding doors, and can be thrown into one without obstruc-
tion, as can also the Sunday school and infant class rooms,
making a total seating capacity of about 800.
The church has three large memorial windows, and
several smaller ones. The large and handsome stained
glass windows at the south have memorial inscrip!:ions to
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 431

Reverend J.C. Nobles, Ann Amanda Hammond and David


Collins, all deceased. On the same side is a smaller win-
dow in memory of W. H. Falkinburg. On the large win-
dow on the north side is an inscription in memory of Mary
Butcher, and the names of Edward and Mary E. Magee
and Thomas T. and Mary Rogers. In a smaller window on
this side are the names of Daniel and Mary Champion and
Simon and Sarah Lake. In the large windows at the west
are memorials to Reverend Jacob Fort, Rachel Dibble and
Jessie A. Champion. Alfred H. and Leola Magee have a
window at the right, and at the left a memorial to Forrest
Hatfield and Emma I. Powell. In the rear of the pulpit,
on the stained glass windows, is inserted the names of
Reverend John B. Haines and Reverend Joseph G. Reed.
The pews are of beautiful carved oak, and are pro-
vided with soft velvet cushions of olive green. The carpet-
ed floor, the decorated ceilings and side walls, the stained
glass windows, in fact, the whole interior, harmonizes in
one grand and beautiful effect.
The organization of the Methodist Society dates back
to the organization of the Association. Its existence was
a helpful necessity in the development of the town, and it
came by practical and natural evolution to be one of the
leading religious societies of the place. The first families
to assist in its organization were T. T. Rogers and family;
S. T. Champion and family; Misses Downes and William
M. Foster. The first pastor was the Reverend James E.
Lake, followed by Reverend J. H. Conover and later by
Reverend L.B. Edwards. He was followed by Reverend J.
G. Reed and then by the present pastor, Reverend J. B.
Haines, who rendered great assistance in the erection of
the present building, having had previous experience in
that direction.
The financial part of this consummated and beautiful
::>.chievement was assisted by the sale of the First Avenue
lots for $10,000, and in the liberal donation of Dr. E. C.
Curtis and I:.cverend Robert Emery of lots, the site of the
ne,,.- building, and by many others, who helped with liberal
hands, the good work was accomplished. The dedication
exercises were conducted and assisted in by the following
gentlemen: Bishop Andrews, Presiding Elder Strickland,
Dr. Hanlon~ Dr. Curtis, Reverend Joseph G. Reed, Reverend
W. McNair and Pastor Haines.
The dedication of the new church building of the Cen-
tral Baptist Church occurred on the 28th of December,.
1894. The location of the church gave the exterior &P-
pearance of the edifice a striking character. Its dimensions
432 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

and ornamental design, combined with the site, forms a


beautiful picture. It covered 98 feet in length on Third
Avenue and 60 feet frontage on Highland Avenue, with an
increased dept]i of 70 feet when 38 feet from front line.
The tower on the southwest corner was 12 by 12 feet
square, with a height of 72 feet from the ground. The
tower contained no bell but was lighted on service eve-
nings by a large gas light. The general height of the roof
and extensions was 42 feet from the ground. Handsome
windows of opalescent stained glass throughout adorned
the structure, from main audience room to the Ladies' Par-
lor. The windows in the main room were each 14 by 20
feet in size, and were, in the evening, a marvel to all be-
holders.
Four spacious entrances, two for each avenue, lead
into the structure, the corner entrance having ten steps
to overcome an elevation of about six feet from the ground
to the base line. On the east side, a private door admits
the pastor to his study.
The interior description was taken from the "Press."
"The plan is admirable. Indeed the general idea is
too perfect to ever be excelled. The main audience room
and Sunday school room are side by side, arranged to
front one common semicircular rostrum and separated by
sliding doors. Thrown together, the rooms make a single
auditorium of capacity sufficient for all present needs of
this town, without serious disadvantage to architecture or
acoustics.
"The main audience room seats about 450 people in
handsome oak pews of semicircular design. The ceiling
is a .triumph of decorative art and the stained glass win-
dows are very pleasing in pattern and tinting. There are
a marvelous number of windows and all uniform design
without the least attempt at symbolism. The effect is a
charming one, which rich carpets and tinted walls serve to
intensify. The pews are cushioned with olive velvet.
"When the Sunday school room is open with the audi-
ence room, nothing seems to mar the effect; the sliding
pa:r:tition bas only disappeared to disclose a complimentary
part of the auditorium, arranged to face the same pulpit
and of a harmonious plan. Its galleries and spacious floor
seated with chairs would accommodate probably 800 people
and most of them would be in full view and all in easy
hearing of the speaker.
"On the northeast corner of the room is the church
parlor, used on Sunday afternoons by the primary depart-,
ment. It is separated by handsome draperies on rods of
.
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FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 433

brass. In the parlor is an open fire place, giving it a quaint


and cheerful appearance. This room opens into a vestibule
leading to the ba.~ement, main Sunday school room, jan-
itor's room, baptistry, pastor's study, the stairs to gallery
and choir room, and also the outside doorway. The gal-
leries have a stairway on the west side leading from a vest-
ibule accommodating attendants to the main audience
room, the Sunday school room, the basement and the Sun-
day school library. The galleries also have a space in
front, and in the rear are divided into nine rooms, into
which as many classes can be accommodated during the
study of the lesson. The basement is as complete as other
parts, being finished in hard wood.
"Besides the main room, which is the same as the room
above in size, there are the cloak rooms, kitchen and toilet
rooms. The basement also contains the storage room, with
its gas machine and coal bin. Two very large furnaces
with ample power for zero weather are also in evidence.
The work of constructing the building was superintended
by contractor Frank J. Davis; the architects, Weary and
Kramer of New York City."
The dedication services began at 2 o'clock Friday af-
ternoon and continued in the evening and guests were
hospitably enter..ained by the ladies of the church before
the evening service, with refreshments in the lecture room.
The church was well filled. Reverends F. C. Colby,
J.B. Haines, H. W. Hillyer, H.F. Stillwell, Wilmer McNair,
W. B. Harris, R. S. Fisher, J. B. Cromely, F. A. Slater, W.
H. J. Parker and others occupied the platform.
Music was furnished by a choir led by Mr. W. D. Lu-
trell. An address was given in the morning by Dr. Mac-
Arthur and in the evening by Dr. Perry of Peddie Institute.
484 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTERLXI.
EVE."lTS OF THE YEAR 1895.

A visit to tbe stores of Atlantic Highlands at this time


would have resulted in finding an increased ·and varied as-
sortment of goods, corresponding with the growth of the
town-large stocks to be selected from, at resonable prices.
S. T. White and Son's shoe store, corner of First and
Center Avenues, had a very extensive and popular reputa-
tion as also had L. S. Sculthorp, located near the post office,
with a corresponding line of goods.
The dry goods trade was represented by N. H. Roberts,
who maintained his well-established reputation in that line.
The gentlemen's furnishing department was represented
also by Tumen's clothing and furnishing store.
The merchant tailors included Caleb Patterson, the
original tailor, who had his headquarters in the brick store
of J. M. Quackenbush. The business of the town, in this
line, was divided between Mr. Patterson and A. Gorlin, who
occupied one of the stores in Leonard Block, corner of First
and Bay View Avenues.
The grocery line was in the hands of several compet-
itors-J. M. Quackenbush & Sons; G. C. Williams, succes-
sor to Theodore Watts & Company; Messrs. Stout and
Demorest, successors to S. T. White and J. G. Brookes &
Company.
In the millinery department, Mrs. William B. Kelly
displayed a fine selection, as did also the Misses Briggs, who
kept an attractive line of goods.
Vinton H. Haven's, the original furniture store, rivalled
those in the same line in other towns, both in stock and in
prices.
In the line of hardware and house-furnishing, William
H. Posten, Jr., successor to Leonard Brothers, held a prom-
inent place. He, with W. P. Irwin, whose establishment
was located on First Avenue, sustained the reputation of
the town.
The bread and general bakery supplied were fur-.
nislied by Charles Gehlhaus, Sr., J. C. Cruser and John
Rise-their business extending into territory formerly SUP-
plied by Keyport and Red Bank bakers.
The town had three pharmacies-the Atlantic Phar-
macy, on Bay View Avenue, formerly Clark's, successor of
J.M. Johnson, of Third Avenue fame, was now owned by
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 435

A. W. Hoff, who maintained the high reputation of that


popular store. Antonides & Cooper, established on First
Avenue, in the Dolby Bloek, was a leading dispensary of
medicines and soda water. The Anchor and Shield Phar-
macy, comer of First and Center Avenues, with Bartleson
and Moore, proprietors, held a central position opposite the
post office, and did a large out-of-town business.
The jewelers were represented by the original Paul
Alexander, who bad as his competitors F. D. Woodruff and
Phil. Sblewin.
The harness emporium was at Charles Frost's, adjoin-
ing N. H. Roberts.
There were two newdealers-George Jenkinson, locat-
ed in the Williams' building, who held the reputation of be-
ing the successor to the original dealer, William M. Foster.
Mr. Jenkinson had a competitor in Randolph Cole, whose
store was located next to the Atlantic Pharmacy.
The lumber business was in the hands of Messrs. James
P. Hopping and Henry J. Ely, successors to the original
firm of Leonard Brothers.
The leading real estate business was carried on by Wil-
liam M. Foster and Company, who claimed to be the oldest
agency; also R. S. Snyder, who has made a record in real
estate; Thomas J. Emery, successor to T. T. Rogers, and
F. A. Morehouse, with his city partner, Philip Jeselson---all
prominent in their departments.
Atlantic Highlands bas always been favored with
flourishing livery stables. Among those prominent up to
this year were D. Lane Conover, J. T. Stout, S. T. Blood-
good, J. A. Sage, William Ravatt and Lawrence Gaffey.
The frJit and confectionery business was well repre-
sented by J. 3. Cruser, near Mount Avenue, D. Bemero, near
the post office, also Joseph Monteverde, in the Dolby Block.
The blacksmiths of the town were Alexander Martin,
Patrick Halleran and Tunis Muller, each located on Center
Avenue, and doing a flourishing bus:riess, being well sup-
ported by the livery stables and the watermen.
Messrs. Cottrell and Venable were dealers in granite
and marble.
Amzi 1\1. Posten, Sexton & Newman, were firms e:!1-
gaged in the upholstering and undertaking business.
Our butchers challenged the world for steaks, cho-..s
and roasts. They were Joseph Lufburrow, Edwara· Ma;~e
and William Hopla.
James Martin and Charles Stenzil were the tonsorial
artists.
436 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Clarence Tuttle, William Tallman and George W.


Davis supplied the town with sea food in such a manner that
it added individuality to the place. ·•
Peter S. Conover and Andrew W. Bowne were our
flour, hay and feed merchants.
Charles E. Wilson, Thomas Jennings and Frank W.
Muir distinguished themselves in the line of wall paper and
house decorations. .
Of the painters, almost without number, Fdward Swan,
the original painter, Julius Bush, Thomas Jennings. Fr:mk
W. Muir, Charles E. Wilson, Harry Clark and Juhn P.
Bergen were the leading knights of the brush.
Thomas Skidmore, F. J. Davis, D. Jones Roberts, John
Geary, Charles A. Fort, J. L. Ingling, John Southal and
sons, Robert Emery and Hugh Warden, were some of the
leading contractors and builders.
The foundations were laid by Nimrod Woodward. the
original mason, John Woodward and Wells Brothers.
The plumbing was represented by E. L. Powell, the
original plumber; the Atlantic Highlands Plumbing Com-
pany, Percy Falkinburg, manager; J. J. Mulligan and John
Gorman.
The coal and fuel supply of the town was furnished
by '\Vllliam T. Franklin, successor c,f Leonard Brothers, lo-
cated at the Atlantic Highlands Station; also, by Richard
A. Leonard at Leonard A venue Station, and by Gro,·cr S.
Briggs, at Navesink Station.
'?he planing mills and sash and blind factories were
owned and run by Houser & Paddock, and Boa & Miller.
The stove dealers were the Atlantic Highlands Plumb-
ing Company, J. J. Mulligan and V. H. Havens.
Space will not permit further details and busineto,; oc-
cupancies.
One of the few wealthy re~idents of our hill country,
Ephraim Tillotson, died January 5th of this year, 1895. His
residence with us had been short, yet it bad resulted in the
completion of a very expensive and a very beautiful resi-
dence. It is situated on Bay View (Gillett's) Heights.
A Boys' Brigade was organized in the basement of the
Central Baptist Church, January 19th, with twenty-seven
members. Adjutant General Kenyon assisted in the organ.
ization, with bis lieutenant, Malcolm Barrett. The object
of the brigade was to correct the boys' habits and instruct
them far a proper and useful life.
We are called upon to record the death of James H.
Leonard, which occurred on February 2, 1895. No man
was better known or more beloved. The funeral services
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 437

were held at the Central Baptist Church on Tuesday, the


5th, where but a few days before he, with others, had met
in the dedication services, looking forward to an active and
useful church life, but destined, instead, to become the
first to dedicate the building to that solmen service, prep-
aratory to entering the grave. The platform was occupied
by Reverend William B. Harris, R. B. Fisher, H. W. Hillier.
Edward Loux, J.B. Haines, E. C. Curtis, W. H. J. Parker.
F. M. Slater, Mr. Adams, J. H. Manning, Arthur Lucas and
the pastor, F. C. Colby.
Words will not convey, nor space pe;:-mit, an adequate
testimony of the Christian, citizen, neighbor, friend and
brother, all combined in one character and life of self-
sacrifice for others' good. The details of interest connect-
E:d with his many characteristics and life work, would be
sufficient to fill a book itself. In religion, politics, educa-
tion, finance and agriculture he was a leading spirit and in
the development of the objects and plans of the writer, he
was a prominent and an indispensable factor; so much so,
that the writer has often said that without the assistance
of James H. Leonard, as well as the co-operation of Thomas
Leonard, Atlantic Highlands would have been, in all prob-
ability, still a prospective place of the future.
Chapel Hill with its advanced and progressive ideas
found vent in the dedication of a pretty new school build-
ing, on February 22nd of this year, having vacated the old
building that ran contemporary with the Revolution, and
still had an existence as a building on the north side of
Chapel Hill, on the road leading to Bay Shore. The pres-
ence of County Superintendent Enright gave special dis-
tinction to the exercises. The children of the school per-
formed their part very creditably, under the r.anagement
of their teacher, Miss L. Brown.
The Junior Order of American Mechanics of Belford
attended and presented the school with a new flag. Rev-
erend B. C. Lippincott, Jr., made the presentation address
and Reverend F. C. Colby of Atlantic Highlands responded
for the school. After the exercist!s, the visitors were in-
vited across the street to the old Chapel, which gave the
place its name, where they were treated to a bounteous
collation served by- the ladies of Chapel Hill.
The borough election occurred on March 12, 1895, and
resulted in the re-election of the Mayor, Jacob T. Stout,
and Councilmen, William H. Posten, Jr., and Dr. J. H. Van
Mater, taking the places of the retiring Councilmen, Wil-
liam Letts and Peter S. Conover, who refused a re-election;
Overseer of the Poor, Thomas Jennings; Commissioner of
438 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Appeal, Edward Hooper; John B. Swan and S.S. Morris;


Judge of Election, William F. Mount; Inspectors of Elec-
tion, J. B. Valleau and Charles A. Fort; Pound-Keepers,
Otto Davis and W. L. Conover.
The only new Councilman who needs introduction is
William H. Posten. His early life was spent in Navesink.
After acquiring a good English education and assisting his
father in his various mechanical lines, he. accepted a posi-
tion with James H. Peters, dealer in hardware and furni-
ture, of Red Bank, thus preparing himself for his own
active business in Atlantic Highlands. He became the suc-
cessor of Leonard Brothers, occupying their building, with
certain additions, on the corner of First and Bay A venues,
from which he removed March 13th to his new store on
First A venue, opposite Homestead Block. The store was
well stocked with all lines of hardware, paints and house
iurnishing goods, comparing· favorably in character and
kind with "Peters' " in Red Bank. He was well qualified
in character and disposition for a business man, as he was
ior a member of the Board of Councilmen.
On April 16th, the G. A. R. held their annual Camp
Fire at the W. C. T. U. Temple. The leading feature, after
the veterans, was the grand march by the Baptist Boys Bri-
gade. Joseph W. Gardner was commander; Chauncey
Slayton, captain; Howard M. Colby and William Dawson,
lieutenants. An address was made by the Reverend J. B.
Haines, after which the audience was treated to pork and
2>eans in true military form; Senior Commander J. B. Swan
~nd Vice-Commander A. J. Cook "setting the pace."
An election was held January 21st for the purpose of
,deciding as to the advisability of procuring a new site for
the erection of a school building, to better meet the require-
:ments of the town, which was done, by a majority of 2 to 1
,of the votes cast, and for the accomplishment of that im-
;provement it was decided to bond the town for $30,000. A
:more complete report of matters pertaining to the Board of
:Education will appear hereafter, through the kindness of
its president, Mr. M. E. Curtis.
At a special meeting of the Baptist Boys' Brigade, held
April 23rd, the following officers were elected: William
Dawson, captain; Richard Connard, first lieutenant; How-
ard Colby, second lieutenant; Charles DeVesty, first ser-
geant; Rufus Savidge, second sergeant; George Couch,
third sergeant; George Stewart, first corporal ; George Con-
over, second corporal; Harry:• Tallman, third corporal~
Arthur Connard, quartermaster; J. B. Stout, president;
Chauncey Slayton, vice-president; Charles R. Snyder, treas-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 439

urer; L. D. Brush, secretary; Joseph Gardner, drill-master.


The Brigade filled its niche, in the social and moral uplift,.
for a season, but at present writing (1895) is not an active
organization.
The Corning Lumber Company, of Corning, N. Y.,
opened a branch yard at Atlantic Highlands, on the rail-
road, between Washington and Lincoln A venues, with
George W. Foster as manager, succeeded by William Clark.
We herewith record the obituary of Cooper Swan, or
Navesink, on May 3, 1895. His name has previously aP-
peared (in 1878), in connection with this work, as chair-
man of the first meeting to consider the advisability of a
freight dock being built at Brown's Landing.
Valley Drive, at this time, was made into a fine thor-
oughfare by the addition of a heavy coating of gravel.
The entrances to Highland Park, from the Leon2rdville
road, were made beautiful with flowers, shrubs and orna-
mental trees, by nurserymen James McClogan and Com-
pany, of this place.
l\!r. Letson, of the firm of DeHart and Letson, pho-
tographers. of Red Bank, located a branch gallery on First
Avenue, near Center A,·enue.
The following is an artcle concerning the "Water
Witch Club."
THE WATER WITCH CLUB.
Pursuant to call, a meeting of the Water Witch Club,
was held at the Surf House, Highland Beach, on Saturday,
June 1st, for the purpose of electing officers ana adopting
by-laws. Forty odd of the fifty charter members were pres-
ent; much enthusiasm was manifested, and the meeting was
harmonious and successful throughout.
Some discussion arose as to a provision in the Con-
stitution imposing restrictions. The Club proceded to the
election of officers. The ticket presented by the Special
Committee appointed on Decoration Day was unanimously
elected.
Evan Thomas, President
Stevenson Constable, Vice-President
F. A. Dunham, Recording Secretary
Frank A. Wright, Corresponding Secretary
J'obn H. Duncan, Treuurer
Charles W. Humphreys, Assistant Treasurer
Charles A. Rich, Commodore
G. F. Bulen, Vice-Commodore
Ferdinand Fish, Rear Commodore
W. Atwood French, Fleet Captain
J. J. Reed, M. D., Fleet Surgeon
J. P. Hayward, Measurer
440 FROM Th"DIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil..

BOARD OF GOVER.'WRS
Evan Thomas, Chairman
-Stevenson Constable John H. Duncan
-Cbnrles A. Rich Frank A. Wri"bt
Francis L. Ellingwood Jnhn L. Pari;l;
.F. A. Dunliam W. Atwood French
HOUSE COMMITTEE
Fr:mcis L. Ellingwood. Chairman
Howard Constable Charles P. Newton
Bradley J. Bloodgood H. Harmon Neill
A. C. Morris W. V. Clark
FIELD COMMITTEE
W. Atwood French, Chairman
Harold V. Cleaver Charles E. Nammack
F. R. Warley Tbornss A. Brockhur;;t
.P. Iiall Packer D. N. Carvlllho
REGATTA COMMITTEE
John L. P:irish, Chairman
H. C. Bardge F. W. Hope
P. S. Treacy T. C. Campbell
J. L. Osborne F. C. Poucher
The High School Commencement of this year was held
at the W. C. T. U. Temple, June 12th. The stage was
.artistically decorated, and seated upon the platform, be-
sides the graduates, were John B. Swan, President of the
Board of Education; Trustees Barrett, Franklin, Oliver,
Allen, Magee and Curtis, Reverend Dr. Andrews, Reverend
Edward Loux, Reverend J.B. Haines, Reverend H. W. Hill-
ier, Professor Frank J. Oglee, principal of the school, and
assistants Mrs. Clark, Miss Brown and Miss Lacey. Miss
Castler presided at the piano.
The program was as follows:
Invocation, Reverend E. Loux; Lord's Prayer chanted;
Essays--"Humor in Real Life" (salutatory), Eva Loux;
•'The Farmer Must Feed Them All," Peter McClees; "Live
for the Future, the Past is Gone," Vivian Cottrell; "Wo-
man's Work,'' Lillian Paddock; "True Service," Samuel
Wattrous; "Independence from a Girl's Standpoint," Julia
A. Gaffey; "Architecture an Art." Wilbur A. Conrad; Song,
"The Hunter's Call"; "Home$, the Strength of a Nation,"
Maggie Crate; "The History of a Rose," Mildred Frank-
lin; "The Power of Cultivation," May Truax; Oration, "The
Rank of Our Nation," William Dawson; Class Prophecy,
Minnie Warden; Class Poem and Valedictory, Marie Brush;
Class Song, words by Marie Brush, music by Lillian Pad-
FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAU.. 441

dack; A warding Diplomas and remarks by Board of Ed-


ucation; Song, ..Sleep While the Soft Evening Breezes";
Benediction by Reverend J.B. Haines.
The graduates are Marie E. Brush, R. Wilbur Conard,
:Margaret H. Crate, Vivian E. Cottrell, William C. Dawson,
A. Mildred Franklin, M. Eva Loux, Peter 0. McClees, Julia
A. Gaffey, Lillian E. Paddock, Mary M. Truax, Minnie J.
Warden and Samuel Watrous.
The Atlantic Highlands Journal moved into its new
quarters on Mackey's Block, First Avenue, where a new
building had been erected for their use by Peter S. Conover.
The Forrest Library was obliged to close at this time,
but we hope only temporarily, as was the case with the
i. M. C. A. The lack of necessary funds, caused by the
financial condition of the times, made this course impera-
tive. May the condition and growth of the town soon
change this.
The preliminary meetings for the purpose of organiz-
ing a council of the "Daughters of Liberty" were held June
25th and July 3rd. It was an auxiliary of the Jr. 0. U. A.
M. of this place.
The "Squatters of Sandy Hook" were ejected, by order
of the Government, on July 16, 1895.
The Casino Club that materialized at this time was the
natural result of a project that had long occupied the minds
of John E. Foster and others. Hts first idea was to have it
located on the shore, where now stands the "Leslie Bathing
Pavnion" and adjoining property; and then again, on Sev-
enth Avenue, between Washington and Lincoln Avenues.
But, for suffic:ent reasons, it was decided to place it on the
bluff near the Hooper Homestead, on the east. On this
site, in 1896, a grand and commodius building was erected
and the grct.nds graded in such a manner that it presented
an ideal picture in its external appearance, and its interior
was all that could be desired in its completeness.
'lne "Casino Opening" was of such interest to Atlantic
Highlands and its summer people that we will insert des-
criptive quotations as published by the Atlantic Highlands
Journal. The Casino occupied the old Tabernacle building
in this season of 1895.
CASL"'O OPENING
One o! the Most Fashion:1ble Gatherings Ever Witnessed at Atla::.tic
!:ighlands--Many Summer Guests and Townspeop!e Present.
It :Marks an Epoch in the History of the Place.
"Atlantic Highlands boasts of many new features this
summer, chief among which is a casino which was formally
442 FROM INDIAN TRAil.. TO ELECTRIC RAIL

opened last Saturday evening. Without meditation it can


be pronounced a great success, and the committee can just-
ly claim a triumph achieved. For such we congratulate
them and introduce them to the public as George F. Lawrie,
chairman; Charles E. Crowell, J. M. Lehmair, J. Ehrman,
William H. Botjer and William M. Foster.
"Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. Oscar
Strauss, Mr. M. Benjamin, Mr. J. Ehrman, J. H. Lehmair, M.
Murray, Judge Blair and lady, Mayor Stout, Counselor Fos-
ter and wife, William M. Foster, Charles E. Crowell, wife
and daughter, George F. Lawrie, Chairman of the Casino
Committee; P. S. Conover and wife, Postmaster and Mrs.
D. L. Conover, Isaac T. Meyer, Hanford Crawford, William
H. Botjer, wife and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Mills
and daughter, Miss Mamie S. Obermeier, M. Morton, Miss
Morton and other distinguished townspeople and summer
guests.
"The grand march was led by Peter S. Conover, presi-
dent of the association, and Mrs. John E. Foster. Many
prominent people were present. The gentlemen wore full
dress and many of the ladies were bedecked with rare and
l-eautiful gems. It is claimed that the diamonds adorning
those present represented a half million dollars. The most
costly ones were worn by Mrs. J. M. Stockton. Dancing
was the principal attraction of the evening, but many found
enjoyment on the verandas of the Octagon, where they
were served with choice ice cream and soda by Proprietor
Curtis' courteous attendants.
"Saturday evening was but the beginning of a series
of such delightful occasions, as it is the purpose of the
casino committee to arrange for a hop every Saturday eve-
ning. This plan was at first suggested in order to induce
large subscriptions to the fund, as only those contributing
$25 are eligible to membership. The members are priv-
ileged to issue tickets to five friends. The opening occasion
was merely an experiment, but the management and all
present were so thoroughly delighted that it would not be
at all surprising if a casino building should be erected be-
fore next season on a scale that will rival any of the fash-
ionable summer resorts. It will add to the already very
agreeable life at Atlantic Highlands. The summer people
and permanent population in thus mingling together will
become better acquainted, and finally be as one large family
circle. Success to the entire enterprise ! A good beginning
has been made. Relax not your efforts, gentlemen of the
committee, until you place this cherished spot of earth in
the front ranks of the watering places of the world. A
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 448

bright future awaits us. Speed the day when our expecta-
tions will be fully realized!"
Messrs. Boom, Wycherley and Howard enlivened the
business portion of the town in the season of '95 with a
"Merry-Go-Round." They located it on Homestead Block,
and dispensed free music to the public, to a point beyond
a sufficiency. To prove to the public that they were not a
nuisance, they incorporated other attractions, such as the
"Balloon Ascension" and bicycle and baby parades.
The ascension occurred on July 21st, and was wit-
nessed by about two thousand people, many of whom had
never attended such an exhibition. It was pronounced a
success. The ascension was followed by a parsichute de-
scent by the aeronaut from a height of about 1,000 feet.
The professor (La Strange) landed in the watt:r, having
provided himself with a life preserver, for just such an
emergency.
The bicycle parade occurred on August 17th of this
year, which drew the public attention in a little different
channel-less exciting, but perhaps just as profitable and
interesting. We will insert the "Press" account.
THE BICYCLE PARADE.
Another unique E...-ent in the History of the Town.
"The bicy.:le parade, August 17th, was carried through
by its managers successfully. The line formed at the Casino
at 3 :30 P. M. included a number of handsomely trimmed
wheels. There were fewer bicycles in line than were ex-
pected. No clubs from other towns participated. It was
a purely local affair and not so well patronized by wheel-
men or bicycle girls as it might have been.
"The line of procession was down Bay View Avenue,
across Third and back Second Avenue, around to First and
Center Avenues; up Center to Avenue D; along Avenue D
to Highland; down Highland to Avenue C; along Avenue C
to Center; thence to First and Highland to Fourth Avenue
across Fourth to Bay View and the Casino.
"The prizes were awarded at the close of the parade
as follows:
"M. E. Foster, for the most original design represent-
ing a boat, prize a fountain pen. The design of Mr. Fos-
ter's bicycle was extremely original and the result of much
labor. It was a unique thing and commanded applause all
along the line of march.
"William A. Sweeney, for the best decorated wheel,
trimmed with white with a white umbrella over it, prize a
china smoking set. Mr. Sweeney, who is on the "Journal,"
444 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

attracted much attention dressed in white from top to toe


on a white decorated bicycle surmounted by a white um-
brella, which he carried successfully in spite of a rather
brisk breeze.
"Frank Muir, for the second best decorated wheel,
trimmed with patriotic colors, prize a cyclometer. Mr.
Muir's use of red, white and blue in decorating his wheel
was attractive and patriotic.
"Of the ladies, Miss Hazelton of the Prospect House
for the best decorated wheel, representing the Goddess of
Mercury. Her wheel was trimmed with oak leaves and
flowers, prize a five o'clock tea set. Miss Hazelton of the
Prospect House made a pretty goddess on her leafy wheel.
She is not yet fourteen years old but took the first prize.
The design represented much taste and work.
Miss Carrie Brown of Claypit Creek, for the second
best decorated wheel, trimmed with blue and white flowers,
prize a tea set. Miss Carrie Brown's wheel was handsome-
ly and showily decorated with flowers. Her costume was
in harmony, combining, with skillful riding, to make her
one of the most striking figures of the parade.
"Under fourteen, George Gumpert, decorated by the
merry-go-round company with vegetables of all kinds, prize
a cyclometer. George Gumpert's decorations were a novel
display of the vegetables now in season.
"For girls under fourteen years, Ella S. Leonard, an
afternoon tea set. Miss Ella S. Leonard's design was yellow
and white with clusters of sunflowers.
"The high wheel ridden by Charles Loux was a fetch-
ing affair draped in black. It took the prize for the oldest
style of wheel, winning as a prize one-year subscription to
the 'Journal.'
"Those who rode on decorated wheels were as follows:
"Misses Lillian Hazelton, Carrie Brown, Jessie Stearns
and Ella Leonard and Messrs. Asa Dilts, William P. Irwin,
William A. Sweeney, Edward R. Powell, Murray E. Foster,
John L. Sweeney, George Gumpert, Frank Muir, Harry Van
Mater, Richard Leonard and W. J. Leonard. Following,
without other adornment than themselves, were John
Geary, Fran_k Davis, Edward Welch, Harry Southall, James
Burdge, Norris Pippit, Thomas Owen, Joseph Clark, George
Magee, Frank Thiel and S. C. Gumpert.
"The judges were Mrs. P. S. Conover and Mrs. Caro-
line Williams, Messrs. John P. Shorts and M. Morton. They
reviewed the parade at the merry-go-round."
The baby parade was participated in by a large portion
of the town and was of an interesting character. It was
l''ROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 445

only one in the many entertainments of the season. The


day was all that could have been desired, and its success
compared favorably with the world-renowned "Bradley's
Baby Parades," although on a smaller scale.
The laying of the corner stone of the Atlantic High-
lands new school building occurred September 2nd, of
which more will be said.
The Knights of Pythias of this place commenced the
erection of their building in August, under the supervision
of John L. Ingling, G. F. Bartleson, Percy Falkinburg, S. T.
Champion and Jonh L. Perrine. The hall was 25 feet by 90
feet, two stories. It presented a fine appearance. It was
used almost constantly by the Knights, and also by the other
orders of the town. The corner stone was laid October 5th,
with appropriate ceremonies, and dedicated December 21st.
The exercises were conducted by Grand Chancellor Ralph
Donath.
The Casino Club (previously referred to) organized
in the following manner, as stated in the "Journal,'' SeP-
tember 12, 1895.
CASINO CLUB ORGANIZED.
"A number of gentlemen met at the casino, September
6th, and regularly organized the Casino Club of Atlantic
Highlands by electing George F. Lawrie, president; Wil-
liam M. Foster, vice-president; Charles Van Mater, treas-r
urer; and A.G. Hall, secretary. A board of governors was
elected as follows: J. Ehrman, W. H. Botjer, J.M. Lehmair.
George Lockwood, Chas. E. Crowell, Peter S. Conover, Jr.•
and Jacob T. Stout.
"It was decided that stock for the new Casino shoultl
be placed at $100 per share.
"The Board of Governors was instructed to recommend
a site for the proposed Casino and report at a meeting to
be held at the Casino on Tuesday evening.
"A constitution was adopted at the Friday night meet-
ing.
"The meeting Tuesday evening was largely attended.
A list of subscribers, numbering 68, was read, representing
as many $100 shares, to which amount stock is limited.
"Mr. Curtis withdrew his proposition to sell the present
Casino property (the Tabernacle), and the Board of Gov-
ernors recommended the site in front of the Grand View
Hotel, and it was unanimously voted to purchase three lots
there at a cost of $6,200. The association has also a year's
option on one lot adjoining.
"Attorney John E. Foster was instructed to draw art-
icles of incorporation.
-446 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

"The building committee was then appointed as fol-


Jc,ws: William M. Foster, E. Jansen, J. T. Stout, S. J. Nathan
and A. G. Hall.
"Plans and specifications are to be advertised for, and
the contract will then be given out, providing, of course,
the necessary funds are forthcoming."
The fortifications on Sandy Hook are now known as
Fort Hancock, in honor of General W. S. Hancock, the hero
of Gettysburg. The order was issued ori the 30th of
October, 1895, by Secretary Lamont.
A beautiful stonebridge was arranged for, on Mount
Avenue, crossing Grand Avenue, between the borough and
the property owners in the vicinity; the borough to pay
$800 and the rest to be obtained by private subscriptions.
Mr. George F. Lawrie was the moving spirit in this enter-
prise. Through his energy and liberal purse, the grand
work was occomplished. A more complete report will be
made at the completion of the work.
The Firemen's Relief Association of Middletown Town-
ship held a meeting on December 21st at the Truck House.
It was unanimously agreed by the representatives of the
five companies, constituting it to divide the funds equally
between the present Association and the proposed new one
of the borough; the new Association having three of the
five companies, constituting it, to divide the funds equally
The town had every reason to be proud of its fire de-
partment. The original company (Hook and Ladder) was
organized several years before the organization of the town,
at Foster's Pavilion, foot of First A venue, and experienced
many discouragements and the need of proper equipment.
We now have a fire department composed of three well-
equipped companies, consisting of three carriages, 1,000
feet of hose, chemical engine, hook and ladders, and water
hydrants in all parts of the town, with a water pressure
second to none.
We were pained to learn on December 16, 1895, of the
death of our friend, George Cooper, C. E., which occurred
at his home at Red Bank, on the above date. Mr. Cooper
bad been employed in his profession, by the people of At-
lantic Highlands and the adjoining properties, for nearly
fifteen years. ·He followed Ezra A. Osborn and, from 1881,
bad al.m'ost the entire business, including the Atlantic High-
lands Association, Hubbard and Hendrickson, John Edgar
Bowne, George Davis, William H. Posten, Sr., Andrew's
Estate, Brevent Park, Joseph Bowne Estate, C. T. Leonard's
property, Highland Park and Leonard Park, and other
smaller tracts in the vicinity.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 447

In 1887, upon the organization of the borough, he be-


came Borough Engineer, and continued as such until his
death in 1895. Although his skill and taste appeared in!
other towns---Red Bank, Keyport, South Plainfield and
Elberon-and on many a beautiful landscape, including
Rumson Neck and the Vanderbilts', on Staten Island, the
writer thinks he erected here at Atlantic Highlands his own
and highest monument, to hi$ ability, at the cost of many
a weary step and sleepless hour.
Mr.. Charles T. Leonard, during this year (1895),
caused an artesian well to be driven on his Leonardo prOP-
erty, near the highest elevation, which proved to be very
good water, which he furnished to all those desiring it in
that locality.
448 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil.

CHAPTER LlaI.
"THE ATLANTIC WGHLANDS"
AS IT APPEARED TO WILLIAM J. LEONARD, THE EDITOR OF
THE "MONMOUTH PRESS" IN 1895.
Views and Fact3 About thia Thriving, Beautiful Town.

One writer says: "If the views from Atlantic High-


lands were to be had from some point on the English or
European coast, 'Baedecker' would devote a page of des-
cription to it. It might be exaggeration to say that this
green hill by the sea is unique, but it seems as if it must be.
This bold headline has the peculiarity that it is not directly
in the path of the ocean's billows. Some six miles further
south, a long, sandy peninsula, ending in Sandy Hook, about
opposite Atlantic Highlands, makes out from the main. It
is about two-and-a-half miles across Sandy Hook from At-
lantic Highlands to this peninsula. Property, therefore, is
not exposed to the ravages of the severe storms which some-
times break over the coast and have wrought so much dam-
age on the beaches. The peninsula also serves an important
purpose in the grand prospect from Atlantic Highlands.
It forms a most picturesque middle ground in the panol"-
ama. One realizes this when emerging from the woody
shades of Bay View .Avenue upon Point Lookout, when the
'lriew bursts upon the beholder in all its grandeur. On this
point a Block House Fort was erected during the War of
1812. At the foot of the bluff the waves are ever breaking;
yachts, clamming sloops and other small craft are spread-
ing their white wings to the breeze or riding lazily at anchor
in the Horseshoe or in Spermaceti Cove (so called because
a whale was captured there in 1668) on the peninsula side.
To the east a bold projection of the Highlands meeting in
perspective the low line of the beach closes the ,iew. To
the northeast, across the bay, lies the Sandy Hook penin-
sula, whose gray dunes are streaked and studded by lines
and clumps of stunted, wind-twisted trees, with their dark-
green foliage, among which can be seen near the point the
lighthouses, the life-saving station, the granite fort and the
tower from which vessels are signalled to New York. A
streak of glistening white on the eastern strand marks the
line where the surf is breaking. Then comes a narrow
ribbon of green shoal water and beyond it the blue of the
deep sea, with its endless procession of ocean steamers and
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 449

sailing \"essels, and the light-ships, Sandy Hook and Scot.


land, ever rearing and plunging and tugging at their cables.
It is easy to imagine what this view is during the ocean
yacht races, or in a storm.
"To the north lie the Narrows. Long Island spread
out to the east, with the blue hills of Staten Island to the
west, and in the extreme northwest Raritan Bay and the
Amboys are plainly seen. On the Long Island shore Coney
Island is most conspicuous. The fireworks set off there
during the season can always be enjoyed from Atlantic
Highlands. In the extreme north the Statue of Liberty is
distinctly seen on clear days. There is no view to equal
this panorama of land and sea anywhere ir. this section of
the United States, and probably none in this country-and
it is only one hour's sail from New York."
Another, eschewing prose, sings enthusiastically~
Rapt midst the matchless scene mute stand&
The Urban Goddess e'en! Whose hands
Shape this Queen City of the Sands-
Charming AU1mtic Highlands.
Italy boasts of the beauties of Naples. Rhode Island
of its Newport. New York its Niagara Falls. But New
Jersey has at length discovered her own peerless scenery
and founded Atlantic Highlands.
HENRY HUDSON'S OPINION OF IT.
The first white man to behold what is now Atlantic
Highlands was Henry Hudson. In his log-book he made
this entry: "A very good land to fall in with and a pleasant
land to see."
Nearly three hundred years ha\"e elapsed since Hud-
son put his first impressions of the Jersey coast on paper.
and as yet they remain uncontradicted. They are the im-
pressions that every vistor to Atlantic Highlands bears
away.
Then, as now, the soft green hills of the Highlands of
Navesink rose from the water's edge. They were covered
by an expanse of forest unbroken save where the Navesink
Indians had made clearings for their wigwams. Sandy
Hook, the Horseshoe and Spermaceti Cove were there then
as they are to-day. Indeed, it was in the Horseshoe Hud-
son anchored.· For water he pulled across the bay to a
spot at the foot of the Highlands where the Indians bad
told him there was a fine spring. "The Spout," as the
spring is now called, still supplied abundant fresh water to
450 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

the shipping of Sandy Hook Bay. It lies but a short dis-


tance below Atlantic Highlands. Think how many genera-
tions of human beings it has refreshed !--among them the
Indians, the intrepid explorers of the seventeenth and the
clam-chuggers of the nineteenth century-many sorts and
conditions of men.
If Hudson could again anchor in Sandy Hook Bay he
would have no difficulty in recognizing the environs of his
old anchorage. Man has wrought changes, but without
marring the beauty of the hills. Taste aside, it was to his
own manifest advantage to preserve the natural beauty of
the Highlands. He has in fact simply made their beauty
more accessible and more easy of enjoyment. We han
not only the bold front of the Highlands of Navesink to
gaze upon but we can penetrate along good roads in among
the hills and discover their latent charms, so that if Hud-
son were to make an entry in the log-book of another "Half-
Moon" today, he might write of Atlantic Highlands: "A
pleasanter land to see."
ITS DEVELOPME:t,,"T.
A part of what is now known as Atlantic Highlands
was first laid out and opened to the public as a summer
resort under the name of "Bay View" in 1879, by Thomas
H. Leonard.
In 1881 the Atlantic Highlands Association was
formed for the purpose of developing this and other tracts
into a sea-side resort founded for Christian purposes. This
original purpose, though not entirely lost sight of, has be-
come an incidental instead of the main feature of the place.
It is now both a summer resort and a place of permanent
residence, without special religious meetings held during
July and August under the auspices of the Association. A
large number of New York business men have recently
made this their residence throughout the entire year.
THEN AND NOW.
In 1881 the Atlantic Highlands Association purchased
most of the unsold balance of Thomas H. Leonard's farm,
Edward Hooper's farm, Thomas Leonard's farm, part of
the Nathaniel Robert's farm, Charles S. Woodward's farm
and John L. Patterson's farm. These tracts were then
literally farms. What a change a dozen years have
wrought. Not an original tract is traceable today. Streets,
stores and cottages instead of cornfields, orchards and
vegetable patches.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil.. 451

The Association flourished. then waned until Edward


C. C. Curtis. D. D., took the leadership and an influx of pur-
chasers bought up every lot at length. owned by the As-
sociation. Its obligations were all met; its mission ac-
complished successfully. A town was assured. Borough
government was adopted. The corporate influence of the
Atlantic Highlands Association is now a thing of the past.
Of its original tracts Homestead block on First Avenue is
still largely the property of Thomas H. Leonard and the
Hooper homestead and the Robert's reservation identify
original owners with present improvements.
Quite a business street is First Avenue today from the
pier to Highland Avenue. The bank is perhaps the pret-
tiest structure architecturally and was designed by Archi-
tect T. J. Emery. The Dolbey block which was planned
by the late M. L. •.Dolbey and completed by Mrs. Dolbey,
his widow and trustee .of his estate, is a popular office build-
ing. Most of the stores are frame structures. A few brick
buildings are erected near Mount Avenue. The lack of
uniformity in architecture adds to the picturesqueness of
the town. Already enterprise of the capitalists is fore-
shadowed in talk of a great four-story brick block to cover
Homestead block. Soon doubtless stone fronts will prevail
over the more modest architecture of the town's first de-
cade. The business street will certainly keep pace with
the growth of the residence sections.
WEST OF MA?\"Y MIND CREEK.
Soon after the Atlantic Highlands Association pur-
chased the several tracks on the east side of the town in
1882, Captain James H. Leonard's farm was purchased for
Mr. John S. Hubbard and other Red Bank gentlemen for
improvement. Streets were opened and cottages sprang
up quickly. This company was unable to secure the shore
properties on the west in spite of tempting offers of cash.
Avenues therefore could not extend to the water. a fact
which had its influence in giving east side property present
advantages and special popularity. However. expectation
that the shore front property would sooner or later be
opened has been confident and several avenues are lined
with houses. Center. Bay. South and Highlands Avenues
on the west side are very popul:u- residence streets.
The original company that developed the James H.
Leonard farm, like the Atlantic Highlands Association. has
sold nearly all the property. The school building is locat-
ed on the tract. Several popular boarding houses. the First
Baptist Church and the Roman Catholic Church are on the
west side of town.
452 FROM INDIAN TRAn. TO ELECTRIC RAn.

Quite a number of new houses were built in this part


of town the past year. The convenience of the main depot
~ in the favor of this neighborhood.
The water front property is owned by Ex-Sheriff CamP-
bell of Brooklyn who has had his country seat here for
many years and has preferred to devote his land to agri-
cultural uses rather than town lots. However a movement
to open Avenue A through the property recently was en-
couraged by Mr. Campbell and a similar policy may soon
remove the check which the west side early received by its
lack of avenues to the water and give the west such an im-
pulse that it will catch up to the east. The land is elevated
and the soil is good.
THE TOWN GOVE&..,"MENT.
The town was governed by seven commissioners from
1887 to 1891. In 1891 a Mayor and four Councilmen were
chosen under a new charter. They were Mayor Thomas
H. Leonard and Councilmen P. S. Conover, Jr., J. H. Van
Mater, William Letts and Percy Falkinburg, who held office
till 1894; then the Mayor resigned. Honorable Jacob T.
Stout succeeded Mayor Leonard, Jacob M. Quackenbush
and D. Jones Roberts succeeded Percy Falkinburg and Dr.
Van Mater, who refused to be renominated for office.
ATLANTIC HIGHLA.',"l>S-West.
Improvements at Leonard Avenue, Chapel Hill and Other Tracts.
Suburban Residence3 Lately Built--New Tracts P~hing into
Prominence-Opportunities Open Today-•;Vh.:t Has
Been Done to the Westward.

As Atlantic Highlands grew, adjacent properties were


opened for residence. Cottages were built and streets
opened westward on the tracts of Thomas H. Leonard,
Charles T. Leonard, J. E. Ralph and Conover Roop. In
1890 the Central Railroad established a flag station for the
convenience of this thriving section known as Leonard Ave-
nue, which name is applied to all the properties mentioned.
All trains stop on signal at this station. It is just one mile
west of the main depot. Already a number of annual and
season commuters use the depot besides less regular trav-
elers.
Ex-Mayor Thomas H. Leonard purchased the fine
depot site and presented it to the C. R. R. Company for
passenger purpose. On the opposite side of the railroad
are ample grounds for freight purposes also deeded to the
FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAIL 453

C.R. R. in gift by Mr. Charles T. Leonard. The promoters


expect that this company will erect a handsome station
there very soon.
LEONARD A VENUE.
Extends from Conover's Beacon-by-the-Bay southward
to the depot and the famous Leonardville road- which equals
any road in the state for smoothness and uniform driving
qualities. It is the favorite drive for Atlantic Highlands
people and bids fair to become another Rumson road in
point of residences. For Highland Park lies on the south
side of its first half mile and there are desirable sites on
either hand for three miles westward. Near its junction
with Leonard Avenue is the handsome residence of Mr. J.
J. Leonard, also the new cottages of Messrs. Edward T. and
Theodore Burdge. Further west is a group of cottages oc-
cupied by old residents of this beautiful locality. All these
houses are occupied by all-the-year-round residents.
TROLLEY LINES IN VIEW.
Already projects are on foot to establish a trolley line
connecting Atlantic Highlands and Keyport more closely
with this desirable section. Center Avenue will probably
soon be used for this purpose and the wide awake real
estate interests of this vicinity will aid the enterprise as
much as possible.
On Leonard Avenue Charles T. Leonard has built a
large store and apartment building by the depot which is
always occupied. Two pretty cottages a block or two north-
ward also bear witness to the enterpr'..se of Mr. Leonard.
One of these has been the residence for three years of Mr.
Jas. H. Mayo, a New York business man, whose admiration
for the scenery, air and neighborhood is shown by his choice
of home. He is a yearly commuter. Mr. B. B. Burdge oc-
cupies a cottage opposite Mr. Mayo, also a yearly resident.
On Washington Avenue, between Leonard and Thomp~n
Avenue, are the cottages of Mr. Charles Frost, Mrs. A. M.
Dunn and Mrs. Isabella Scott. Mr. Frost is an Atlantic
Highlands business man and the others summer residents
from Jersey City. Mr. Morton Southall, of John Southall
& Sons, contractors, built a cottage on the next avent:{e
northward, close to Thompson Avenue, last spring and lives
there. In fact all the cottages mentioned are new. On
Center Avenue west of Leonard is a $2,000 cottage built
last summer by Mrs. C. J. Thom:;,son. Another handsome
cottage was built on Leonard Avenue north of Center by
Mrs. ·D. Tompkins last spring and rented by a New York
454 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

family who were so well pleased with the locality that they
purchased lots in September to build for themselves next
summer. The handsome $5,000 villa of Mr. Charles T.
Leonard adorns the water front west of Conover's Beacon.
This Beacon, by the way, is one of the range lights to guide
vessels through the Narrows straight to the city.
Near the shore east of Leonard Avenue are twenty-
five new cottages, occupied by Brooklyn and New York
people and others. Many of them are permanent residents.
The Thomas H. Leonard tract lies just a b!ock east of
Leonard Avenue an<! Bellevue Avenue, extending from the
bay to Leonard Avenue station, is a very desirable residence
street. A few cottages are already built upon it toward the
bay. The Conover Roop tract, now owned by Mr. Fred-
erick Roberts, is on the west side of this avenue next to the
bay and the J.E. Ralph tract on the east from Center Ave-
nue northward. Many of those lots are already sold. Mr.
Ralph's Jots have been put on the market recently through
R. S. Snyder's real estate agency and a number of sales
effected. Many negotiations are still pending for prop-
erties here.
At this point Center Avenue maintains a delightful
elevation with a grand outlook over the bay. Near Belle-
vue Avenue it curves round northward off a pretty knoll
on the Thomas H. Leonard tract, marked on the maps as
a hotel reservation of about four acres, and certainly a
prize for some investor who might secure it now at modest
prices for immediate improvement.
THE LAST WATEI: FRONT.
One important fact about Leonard Avenue properties
is that all the shore front eastward is taken up. Chas. T.
Leonard has about two thousand feet at this point which
comprises almost all that is available now for residence use
west of the borough.
AMONG THE NEW RESIDENCES.
At Leonard Avenue should be mentioned two cottages
of Mr. Charles Carhart on the Thomas H. Leonard tract.
Here Lawrence G. O'Brien has his summer home. Here
Judge Bernard F. Martin has recently bought a fine plot.
Here H. D. Tompkins, general passenger agent of the Old
Dominion Steamship Company, resides all the year round.
Messrs. Albert Spear, Henry C. Mandeville and Mr. G.
Trask, prominent Brooklyn business men, have summer
cottages here.
FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAU.. 455

AVAILABLE TRACTS.
Just west of Leonard Avenue is the Thompson farm
of 115 acres with fine views of the bay and surrounding
country. The property belongs to the estate· of the late
Joseph I. Thompson and affords an opportunity for some
man with capital to amass a fortune by opening it for
residence.
Chapel Hill is the site of the lighthouse which ranges
with Conover's Beacon-by-the-Bay for the Narrows. It is
well worth a visit even in a neighborhood of such universal-
ly charming scenery. From this height the ocean, Long
Branch, Rumson Neck and the Shrewsbury river can be
seen southward as well as all the magnificent panorama of
landscape, bay, ocean and island, northward. Over to the
northwest rises gracefully the height known as Garrett's
Hill, while unguessed treasures of scenery are locked up
southward toward the Shrewsbury River, waiting for the
magic wands of culture and capital to open them to the
world.
THE HISTORIC NAMES.
Before Chapel Hill was, before Leonardville and long
before Leonard Avenue and Atlantic Highlands this whole
region was known as High Point. From Middletown vil-
lage to the Hartshorne estates, called Portland Place, this
name was applied.
The first railroad to waken the region from rural
lethargy was the old Raritan & Delaware Bay Railroad
which had its long pier at Port Monmouth and ran boats
to New York City. It was finally succeeded by the New
Jersey Southern which transferred the terminus to Sandy
Hook where it remained until removed to Atlantic High-
lands in 1892.
ATLANTIC HIGHLA.'-"DS-East.
Part Qf the Old Associ:ition Tract.
The Atlantic Highlands Association once owned Ob-
servatory Park and sold the tract to the present proprietors
subject to their restrictions. These well-known covenants
forbid sale of liquor, and many other nuisances, upon the
property. No additional restrictions are added by present
deeds but the objects of the new company are promoted
by exclusion of all not in sympathy with the plan of de-
velopment.
The New York office of the Park proprietors is at 155
Fifth Avenue. Mr. William Baldwin is President and Mr.
Hanford Crawford, Secretary and Treasurer.
456 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

THE SEARS ESTATE.


To the northward of Observatory Park, but with little
difference of elevation, lies a fine tract known as the Sear's
estate. The entrance to it from Bay View Avenue at Point
Lookout is an approach impressive to lovers of picturesque
nature. The abrupt pitch of the bluff here-almost a
precipice at points--the great height from the bay that
laves the crags below, and the still higher elevations to be
scanned southward arouse the visitor to the fact that an
event lias been experienced and the threshold of a wonder-
ful creation crossed unawares. The beholder stands in the
presence of nature's own magnificence.
There bas been a movement to develop the property.
So the opportunity offers to obtain here a summer home
also. The chance to some seems the most welcome of
privileges. They find it easy to conceive of heaven, purity,
holiness and religious claims amid so exalting surroundings.
To others, however, the place assumes the attractiveness
of a shrine memorable for :ts Presence as well as its beauty.
A spot to be sought for inspiration rather than every-day
abode. A kind of wonder may first possess a stranger how
humdrum, routine existence could be brought into the scene
without sacrifice and dissonance or challenging grotesque-
ness.
ATLANTIC IDGHLilU)S-South.
Southward the improvements are marked as well as
east and west. The borough is less than a mile wide from
the bay southward ·and a half mile more cannot for long
afford room for the town to grow. Every tract directly
south has therefore of necessity become the scene of de-
velopments. Hillside Park and the Bowne tract were first
opened.
The Bowne farm originally contained hundreds of
acres, including Hillside Park, G111ett Heights and the
Davis and Andrew tracts, besides the tract opened by the
late J. Edgar Bowne. Quite a colony was early established
on the last named property which adjoins the borough east
of First Avenue and west of the Davis tract.
The Bowne Homestead has been purchased for $5,000
by Mr. Freel. Orth of New York who has erected a spacious
villa on the site of the old farm house and spent thousands
of dollars in beautifying and improving the property.
John Bowne, who originally owned all the tracts south
of 'the borough, was one of the first settlers here and came
from Long Island. He was a member of the first Assembly
ever held in this state. The property was divided up and
FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAil. 457

sold piecemeal from time to time until J. Edgar Bowne. the


heir of the estate, found himself owner in 1882 of about
twenty-five acres, bounded by First Avenue westward;
Many Mind Creek, northward; the Davis tract, eastward,
and Hillside Avenue southward. He divided up the prOP-
erty into lots and opened avenues through it. Sales were
so rapid that before his death in 1885 nearly all the lots
had been sold and other adjacent tracts were bidding for
Sfttlers.
About thirty-five cottages have been built on the J.
Edgar Bowne tract. Among others John Leslie has a coun-
try seat there. H. B. Zebley is a permanent resident. So
is Contractor ~homas Skidmore, Frederick Neff resides at
the Neff villa each summer and Edward Sentenne has his
country seat there.
The A. M. E. Paul Quinn Church is a pretty structure
built last year on the tract.
GILLETT HEIGHTS.
South of Hillside Park the land rises with somewhat
abruptness to a considerable elevation. The original Bowne
estate, which included all these heights, was long ago par-
celled out to purchasers. A few years ago Senator J. R.
McPherson, B. F. Gillett and others bought up the hills
from Monmouth Heights on the west, to the Tillotson place
on the east, and opened an avenue through the property,
which has been since known as Gillett Heights. Mr. Frank
M. Gillett is the present owner of the Heights, and lives
in his cottage there during nine months of the year.
The scene from Gillett Heights is a memorable one
and possesses an individuality that distinguished it among
all the wonderful scenery of the vicinity. No attempt has
been made to put the property upon the real estate market
heretofore. But Mr. Gillett, before leaving here for the
west, completed arrangements with Agent T. J. Emery to
open the Heights and sell lots for residence purposes to a
select class of people.
A handsome house will be erected on the easterly part
of the property near the Tillotson residence in the spring.
The tract comprises about 100 large cottage sites vary.
ing in size from l00xl00 feet to 300,x300 feet, and was
plotted by Henry Field, C. E., of Red Bank.
Gillett Heights have a breadth of only a few hundred
feet and hence possess a double view and remarkable ad-
vantages for drainage and pure atmosphere. A delightful-
ly cool locality in summer.
458 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

TTIE ANDREW ESTATE.


Russell Andrew, M. D., and W. E. Andrew own the
eommodious Andrew Hotel on the south side of Hillside
.Avenue adjoining the Bowne tract. A fine tract of three
acres belonging to the Andrews heirs was sold a year ago
to Ephraim Tillotson for $17,500. This lot is on the same
elevation as Gillett Heights and just east of Mr. Gillett's
tracts. It is a beautiful place and the late Mr. Tillotson
superintended the erection there of one of the handsomest
1·esidences in Middletown township which was completed
last summer. The price paid for the land shows the ap-
preciation and values which these exceptionally beautiful
sites command.
THE DAVIS TRACT.
East of the J. Edgar Bowne tract, George B. Davis was
formerly owner of 16 acres of land, bounded by Hillside
Avenue south and Many Mind Creek north, which he
opened for settlement in 1891. So rapid was the sale of
these lots that very few were left unsold after two years.
Ten cottages, some of them very handsome. have been
erected on the tract already. One of the handsomest is the
:residence of Mr. George B. Davis on Hillside Avenue.
AN HONOR ROLL.
Men and Newspapers Identified With the Development of
Atlantic Highlands.
Work was begun on Atlantic Highlands, October 25th,
1879, by Ezra R. Osbome, employed by Thomas H. Leonard,
who first conceived the idea of the town and has been help-
ful in every stage of its progress. Mr. Osborne made the
first survey. Most of the subsequent surveys have been
made by George Cooper, C. E., of Red Bank, who is the
town surveyor at present. The movement to build a town
brought in men like William M. Foster and John J. Leon-
ard who are still part and parcel of Atlantic Highlands
history. Moses M. Babbington was also early attracted
here. .
Thomas J:,eonard, R. A. Leonard, James H. Leonard
and others united in establishing the Bay View Transpor-
tation Company to obtain steamboat communication with
New York at the outset. The impulse of development led
by these gentlemen crystallized into the Atlantic Highlands
Association in 1881, which purchased the properties on the
east side of Many Mind Creek. On the west, Hubbard and
Hendrickson of Red Bank led the developments. Mr. Ed-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 459

ward Bowne and Miss Letitia J. Bowne, who owned a finf!


tract west of Avenue D, have seconded the efforts to ex-
tend Atlantic Highlands by opening their property. Con-
tractor D. J. Roberts built his residence on the Bowne tract.
The First Baptist Church is located here. Mr. John M.
Sharts has a cottage there on South Avenue. Also Mrs.
Barrett and Mrs. A. E. Bennett have houses on the same
street. On Highland Avenue on the Bowne tract Mr. Wil-
ham Manning lately built a cottage and the house of Mr.
David P. Smith of New York was completed in August last.
Between 1881 and 1885 some of the influential men
who were engaged in making history here were Reverend
James E. Lake, president of the Atlantic Highlands Associ-
ation; Reverend J.C. Nobles, president of the Citizens As-
sociation; Reverend Robert Emery, Thomas H. Leonard,
James H. Leonard, Holmes W. Murphy, Thomas Leonard,
T. J. Roberts, John E. Foster, Jacob T. Stout, J. J. Leonard,
~- T. Champion and William M. Foster. All but one of
these men are living and interested here today.
In 1885, Dr. Edward C. Curtis became president of the
Atlantic Highlands Association and conducted its affairs
to a successful termination.
In 1887, a borough organization was effected through
the efforts of Mr. John E. Foster and others. In 1891, the
borough reorganized under the new act with enlarged
powers.
RESULTS OF A DECADE.
Last year the borough assessment was $1,250,000
against ~225,000 in 1887, on a fifty per cent basis.
In business every department is well represented.
There are five lawyers in town and as many architects and
&rocers, but only three doctors, whose practice is largely
out of town. The Atlantic Highlands school leads the
township and ranks high in the county. The bank stands
well among county financial institutions. Thomas H. Leon-
ard is its president and Charles Van Mater, cashier.
A strong branch of the W. C. T. U. with a handsome
Temple which seats 500 people, is an honored institution of
the town. Mrs. M. E. Allen is its president.
Their Temple is located on Mount Avenue, close by
the main depot, and adjoining the office of "The Monmouth
Press." It is used for public entertainments of an unobjec-
tionable character.
Six churches of five denominations are well represent-
ed in town.
'i'he poiit.:c court record of the town is cleaner than that
of any borough in the state. An arrest or a "drunk" is a
460 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

sensation. The lock-up is seldom required and is not a


very prominent institution.
THE LOCAL PRESS.
The first newspaper established at Atlantic Highlands
was the "Atlantic Highlands Herald," edited by P. Y.
Everett, in co.njunction with the Atlantic Highlands Associ-
ation. Ella S. Leonard and Caroline G. Lingle, two young
ladies just graduated from Vassar College, bought the old
"Herald" in 1886 and changed the name to the "Atlantic
Highlands Independent." They enlarged the paper and
plant and made many improvements, including a steam
engine and boiler. The young ladies built up a flourishing
job printing and newspaper business.
In 1887, they purchased a lot on First Avenue at the
corner of Mount, and erected the largest brick building in
town here. Thither they removed their printing business,
where it attracted the attention of Mr. E. H. Cook, who pur-
chased the "Independent" from them in 1888. Misses Leon-
ard and Lingle went to Washington, D. C., soon afterward
and assumed the management of "Kate Field's Washing-
ton."
Mr. Cook changed the name of the "Independent" to
the "Monmouth Press." In 1890, Charles R. Snyder was
appointed a receiver in Chancery of the newspapers and
business.
Mr. Snyder conducted the business successfully until
May, 1892, when William J. Leonard bought the property
and bas since edited the "Press." The best interests of At-
lantic Highlands are always loyally supported by the man-
agement ·
A company organized to establish a second newspaper
in 1892 which was called the "Atlantic Highlands Journal•·
The gentlemen interested sold out their venture to the At-
lantic Highlands Power Company in 1893, and that com-
pany in turn sold the "Journal" to Mr. A. C. Hart, a veteran
journalist of Freehold, who is its present editor and pro-
rrietor. Under the new management the "Journal"' has
vastly improved in tone and usefulness.
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS--Southeast.
Navesink Locust Point P.iverside Drh·e
All Middletown township deserves to be the pleasure
ground' and the summer resort of the nation's well-to-do.
Nature has fitted it marvelously for the purpose. Nothing
elsewhere in Monmouth County or perhaps in the country
can conu>a.re with its hills and valleys for country resi-
dences.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 461

The township is a peninsula with the bay and ocean


north and the Shrewsbury Rh·er south. On the east the
Atlantic Ocean is skirted by Sandy Hook, which guides the
Shrewsbury round Rocky Point into the bay. All the town-
ship coast is thus shielded from the fury of old Neptune
while the beach is close enough for easy access. River and
bay affords all the facilities for bathing and boating.
Heights of marvellous beauty furnish sites for residence
which the gods that dwelt on Mount Olympus might well
envy.
The advantages are not confined to one spot or any
square mile. The whole peninsula abounds in varied
c-harms. Atlantic Highlands, with its hotels, cottages and
social privileges in the foreground, the wooded heights of
the Highlands in the background, and all the attractive
valleys and hills in every direction fill up the picture framed
in the silver of river and bay.
NAVESINK ON THE SOUTH.
On the south of the borough of Atlantic Highlands
r.estles the pretty village of Navesink, which delights sum-
mer visitors with its quaint attractiveness. Its long, strag-
gling streets terminate at the post office and grocery stores.
The business center contains quite a group of build-
ings and nearly all the merchants have been long estab-
lished. Messrs. J.M. Johnson, Webster Swan, William M.
Bennett and the late Joseph Leonard have been in business
there for many years and Messrs. Swan and Johnson have
been active in Atlantic Highlands improvements. The At-
lantic Pharmacy on Bay View Avenue there, was founded
by Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Swan is the owner of valuable
real estate on First Avenue and elsewhere.
Navesink is the home of ex-Judge George H. Sickles,
William: H. Posten, Sr., John E. Williams, R. G. Andrew,
M. D., Amzi M. Posten, Coroner John I. Sickles and Rever-
end W.W. Ridgley.
The Methodists have quite a strong church in the vil-
lage and the Central Baptists of Atlantic Highlands, main-
tain services here in their Chapel. All Saints Episcopal
Church lies a little east of the business center. Navesink
Hall affords the residents a place for public entertainments.
msTORICAL VIEW OF NAVESINK.
The village is considerably older than Atlantic High-
lands. It was formerly called Riceville after Rice Hatsell,
who went there in 1830 and opened a general country
grocery store. His business venture was not successful and
462 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

he left the place soon to avoid obtrusive attentions from


New York creditors. But Hatsell had the honor of fur-
nishing the name for the community. A school house had
been already built there on the John Bowne lands, in 1825.
The only dwelling house to be seen from the school house
at the period was Julia Stillwell's, which is standing today
at Navesink, near the Navesink M. E. Church. At this house
the school children used to buy home-made candy, nearly
seventy years ago. About 1830, Joshua Robbins and Joseph
Maxson built houses near the Stillwell house. Before 1835
Joseph Davis, Henry Saddler, Obadiah Davis and William
Davis founded homes in Riceville.
There were occasional religious services held in the
public school house there by Reverend Thomas Roberts,
pastor of the Middletown Baptist Church, as early as 1830.
About 1832, the Middletown Baptist Church built the
Chapel at Riceville which is used by the Baptists there to-
day. Reverend Thomas Roberts continued to preach there
until 1837, when Reverend D. B. Stout succeeded him. He
preached at Riceville until 1853, when the Second Middle-
town Baptist Church was organized there, with Reverend
Wniiam V. Wilson as pastor. The successive pastors were
Reverend William V. Wilson, Thomas Roberts, S.S. Browe,
William B. Harris, J. J. Baker, C. T. Douglass, Filmore Lee,
J. H. Boise and William B. Harris. In 1892 the Baptists
disbanded to unite with the Central Baptist Church of At-
lantic Highlands.
In 1854 the :l\Iethodists sold their chapel at High Point.
now Chapel Hill, and built a church at Riceville. Reverend
Bromwell Andrew was its first pastor. In 1891, during the
pastorate of Reverend W. E. Blackiston, the church was
enlarged. Reverend W. w; Ridgley is the present pastor.
All Saints Memorial Episcopal Church was built in
1863 by John H. Stephens, Eleanor P. Stephens, James A.
Edgar, Charles E. Milnor and others connected with the
Stephens' family. The parochial organization was effect-
ed the same year and the church was consecrated in 1864.
Re,.,·erend John C. Lord is the present pastor. Reverend
Haslett McKim, Jr., has been rector for several years pre-
ceding Mr. Lord.
The village bad grown considerably meanwhile. About
1850 George H. Sickles kept a grocery store there and Max-
son Robbins kept a shoe shop. William H. Posten soon
afterwards set up a blacksmith business there and the late
Adolphus Irwin established a wheelwright businc;:;:;. Other
men gathered there and set up new firms or sue.:::::::!:::! t~;::
old until the day of the present well-known business men.
6

The NAVE.SINK

PUBLIC Llf>RARY •II ,1,-·

fie"" 11a11e GDl


FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 463

The post office was early established here and its name was
changed from Riceville to Navesink in 1867. A new school
house was built in the fifties which served the wants of
Navesink until two years ago, when a fine new school build-
ing was erected, the finest one in the township.
THE OLD TIME SCHOOL TEACHERS.
Were peculiar in their habits or would be so consid-
ered today. They were generally intemperate and in-
dulged in periodical sprees. At such times the schools were
often adjourned early in the day so the teachers could sober
up. It is said that at Navesink a spasm of reform occasion-
ally inspired the pedagogues to give up the bottle and take
to the rod and book with wonderful vigor. These epochs
were known in the community as "break the bottle days•r
and were usually occasioned by fear of discharge.
The pessimist ought to take note of these little his-
torical incidents and renew his faith in human progress.
The then and now of Navesink may but typify the then and
now of creation generally.
WONDERFUL FIRE RECORD.
Navesink has a marvellous fire record. The only fire
in a half century preceding 1894 occurred about 1850
when the school house was burned by incendiaries. There
is a strong fire department in the village of which T. M.
Maxson is chief. A convenient truck house accommodates.
the fire equipment.
AT LOCUST POINT.
A number of prominent New York people are already-
located. Reverend Haslett McKim has a fine summer resi-
dence there on the river. Mrs. Sylvanus G. Reed, the well-
known educator of New York City, has a large property
here and a country seat, where she resides in summer. Mr.
\V. B. Parsons has a villa on the river bank at Locust Point.
Lawyer L. G. Reed's cottage is located on the slopes over-
looking the river and ocean. Among others appreciating
this locality for residence are Henry Wright, Joseph Luf-
burrow, Charles Lufburrow, Mrs. M. E. Gibson, Thomas
Barton, Peter Young, H. Amy, LaMarche Brothers, George
Wildes, William Burdge, Nehemiah Brower, George Brow-
er, C. A. Mount and C. Mell Johnson.
Locust Point is practically a peninsula lying Between:
Claypit Creek and Shrewsbury River. The claims of the
locality for summer residence are well recognized. The
fishing, crabbing, bathing and boating are un.excelled. A
464 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

large number of transient pleasure seekers have learned


the advantages of the place and flock to Locust Point every
;summer. But few inducements are offered to this class by
the leading property owners.
NAVESINK BRIDGE.
Mrs. Sylvanus G. Reed aims to promote developments
at Locust Point on a scale corresponding to Rumson Road
and Elberon. In pursuance of such plan the Navesink
Bridge was built in 1890-1 connecting the residence por-
tions of Shrewsbury township with Locust Point and At-
lantic Highlands. This bridge was a great and costly un-
dertaking which would never have been consummated with-
out the united efforts of a large number of citizens of two
townships in conjunction with the Central R. R. officials
who undertook to build a railroad from Seabright to At-
lantic Highlands on condition that the Navesink Bridge be
erected previously. Prominent residents of Rumson Road
backed the movement strongly in order to secure a depot
at Stone Church for their own convenience and use.
The erection of the bridge has made the scenery and
drives of Middletown township accessible to the residents
of Seabright, Long Branch and elsewhere. The drive
through Oceanic to Stone Church, Atlantic Highlands,
Leonardville, New Monmouth and Red Bank is one of the
finest. While, for pretty forest drives, nvne compare with
those of the Highlands, winding through the Hartshorne
estate along the river, or through Navesink Park along the
bay. A won:lerful country is thus opened to admiring visit-
ors from the levels of the sea shore, a charming relief for
the tameness of plateaus.
RIVERSIDE DRIVE.
From Locust Point westward toward Red Bank is a
fine drive over grand hills from which the kingdoms of the
earth appear to burst upon the view in a grand panorama.
Beginning at Reedmont, the country seat of Mrs. Sylvanus
G. Reed, the ascent is rapid, reaching a climax at the La-
Marche place. The river flows along in full view from this
drive at almost every point. Beyond to the south lies Rum-
son Road, Oceanic, Fair Haven, Red Bank, Long Branch,
and further east, the ocean. Homes of wealthy New York-
ers can be counted by scores in full view from these heights.
Windmills are numerous enough upon the landscape to sug-
gest to any modern Don Quixote armies to be vanquished
by his knightly onset. ·
Onward toward Red Bank, Riverside Drive passes over
a series of similar elevations. The estate of the late An-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 465

drew Brown lies on this avenue n.!ar Brown's Dock, named


after him. The extensive property of Mrs. H. H. Duryea
adjoins the Brown estate. Mrs. Mary H. Lufburrow of At-
lantic Highlands, is owner of a fine tract westward of Mrs.
Duryea's and then the farm of Charles Allen, Jr., Charles
Allen, Sr., Peter J. McClees and John McClees. All of these
are river front properties with magnificent outlooks.
It is worth while to pause at any of these residences
and learn something of the Shrewsbury oyster industry
which flourishes here. For Shrewsbury oysters have now
a national reputation and each of the riverside proprietors
makes the oyster culture an important source of income.
1he McClee's and Allens and Browns are well known in
the oyster trade. .
The extensive property of the Winter brothers, Messrs.
Andrew and William E. Winter, adjoins the McClees tract
on an estuary of the Shrewsbury called McClees creek.
Westward of this creek Riverside Drive passes through the
Guion estate and the farms of Henry McClane, John H. Pat-
terson, the late William V. Conover and Jos. Patterson. At
the junction of Riverside Drive with the Middletown turn-
pike is the Cooper estate and the farm of Jehu P. Cooper.
ONE GREAT MUNICIPALITY.
The growth of the various villages of the township and
the rapid opening of property in all parts for summer resi-
dence, convinces obsening people that the entire peninsula
between the river and bay will ultimately be incorporated
into one grand municipality with Atlantic Highlands.
The prevalent confidence in the speedy and general
development of the township irito a summer city is attested
by frequent investment in unexpected quarters by shrewd
capitalists. For an unfortunate investment seems impos-
sible anywhere in the path of progress so comprehensive
and inevitable. Atlantic Highlands is extending very rapid-
ly westward, southward and eastward. Farther away also,
the sound of hammers is heard building residences along
the Shrewsbury River at Locust Point, along the bay at the
various villages, across the Highlands as rows of cottages
are rising to meet the extending streets of the central town,
Atlantic Highlands.
466 FROM INDIAN TRAll, TO ELECTRIC RAll,

CHAPTER LXIII.
1896.
THE ATLA...-...TIC IDGHLANDS PUBLIC SCHOOL.
DEDICATION EXERCISES.

The new school building was formally opened on Jan-


uary 2, 1896. The building did great credit to the ladies
and gentlemen composing the Board of Education, whose
names will appear later. This was the second building
erected by the borough for educational purposes. The
original building was located on the corner of Washington
Avenue and Avenue C, on a plot of four lots, and did good
service through the first nine years of the town's existence;
but the demand soon outgrew the seating capacity of the
building and the location was not all that could be desired.
The new building was constructed of brick, three stories
in height and capable of seating about 500 pupils.
The opening exercises were witnessed by about 400
people, who gathered in the assembly room., which occupied
the entire third floor. On the platform were seated the
members of the Board of Education-Messrs. J. B. Swan,
M. E. Curtis, William F. Mount, E. P. Magee, George W.
Barrett, William T. Franklin, Mn1. L. Whittingham, Mrs.
A. C. Oliver and Mrs. Mary E. Allen; also the President of
the Township Board of Education, William B. Mount; and
Reverend F. C. Colby, Reverend J.B. Haines, Reverend W.
B. McNair, Reverend Robert Emery, County Superintendent
Enright, Mayor Jacob T. Stout and ex.Mayor Thomas H.
Leonard. The music was led by Professor Oglee; Miss Lil-
lian Paddock, organist. The choir was made up of young
ladies as follows: Leola Magee, Mamie Martin, Julia Mor-
ris, Delene Swan, Mabel and Edith Leonard; with a chorus
from the school.
The meeting was called to order by the president, J.
B. Swan; prayer by Reverend F. C. Colby. Trustee M. E.
Curtis made .an address in behalf of the Board of Building
Committee, reviewing the work of building and the suc-
cesses achieved. He then formally handed over the key
of the building to President Swan, of the Board of Educa-
tion, signifying thereby the consummation of the enterprise.
County Superintendent Enright made a dignified and forc-
ible address, in which he congratulated the Board of Ed-
ucation, teachers, people and parents of Atlantic High-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 467

lands. Reverend J. B. Haines followed, emphasizing the


value of system and methods in the educational district.
Clerk William F. Mount made a financial report as follows:
Coat of land ..••••••.•••..•.••.•.••..•...••••.••.•••. $ 6,476.75
Cost of building •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•• 1 7,330.00
Cost of heating and ventilation. • • • • • . . • • . • . . . • • . • • • . • • • 3,250.00
Architectural tees, plans and school furnishings.......... 2,747.66
Total ...•...•..••......••••..•...•.••.•.•.....• $29,804.41
Balance in hand ...••.........•..•...•...•..•...•...• $ 195.59
The report was followed by Reverend H. McNair, who
represented the Jr. 0. U. A. M., which presented the school
with a bible. He was responded to by Mrs. L. Whittingham.
Reverend Robert Emery represented the G. A. R., which
body presented the school with a flag. Mrs. A. C. Oliver
responded to Mr. Emery.
After the exercises the audience was dismissed and the
opportunity was offered for an examination of the school
building. The stairway on the west side was selected for
the girls and the east stairway for the boys. There was
also a private stairway leading from the assembly room to
the second floor, for the faculty. This floor was partitioned
ott" into light and comfortable rooms for the use of the sixth,
seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh grades; also, a
laboratory and library and six cloak rooms, with an extra
one for the teachers.
After this, the spectators, assisted by Professor Oglee
and trustees, passed down to the first floor, consisting of
kindergarten, second, third, fourth and fifth grades. This
floor also was provided with six cloak rooms, also a teach•
ers' cloak room. Both floors have corridors of ample di·
mension. The basement contains all the necessary accom~
modations for the convenience and comfort of the school,
including two large playrooms. This entire equipment was
admired and appreciated by the public, composed of par.
ents and friends of the school.
18!>6.

There was a Choral Society organized at the First Bap.


tist Church, January 23rd, called the "Atlantic Highlands
Glee Club." The membership was compose!! as follows:
rhilip Leonard, Rufus Savidge, Bert Southall, Harry Sav.
1dge, Charles Loux, William Dawson, Charles McClees,
John West, George B. Clark, Lewis Merigold, Peter J!,Ic.
Clees, Edward Burdge and W. Clarence Howitt. Presider,t,
Philip Leonard; Vice•President, Bertram Southall; Treas--
urer, Peter McClees; Secretary, Lewis Merigold. Their
object was--"The Advancement of Musical Cult:.ire." ·
468 FROM INDIAN TRAIT, TO ELECTRIC RAil,

On January 30th there was a meeting of the Atlantic


Highlands Firemen's Relief Association for the completion
of the organization and the election of officers. The of-
ficers chosen were: J.M. Quackenbush, President; Edward
P. Magee, Vice-President; E. H. Cook, Secretary; S. T.
White, Treasurer; R. S. Snyder, W. M. Foster and Charles
Van Mater, Trustees; George Brannin, Collector; Commit-
tee on by-laws, C. R. Snyder, E. H. Cook and George Bran-
nin.
We are informed, first, through the New York City
papers of the death of P. Y. Everett, who, with J. C. Nobles,
published the first newspaper here, the "Atlantic High-
lands Herald." He was also our first postmaster, as has
already been stated. Mr. Everett collected many incidents
of the early history of Portland Poynt, but it was left for
others to complete the collection, from the time of the
founding of the present town. We are indebted to Mr.
Everett for many acts, in the advancement of the town's
growth, for which he well fitted, by the Great Creator, who
causes all our diversified gifts to blend, for the accomplish-
ment of His great purposes.
THE BOROUGH ELECTION.
MARCH 10TH.
There were 238 votes cast, out of 356, as given by the
Board of Registry. The Councilmen elected were: Full
term, William B. Savidge; Jacob M. Quackenbush to fill
unexpired term of J. H. Van Mater; D. Jones Roberts, with
William H. Posten, holdover; Spencer S. Morris, Commis-
sioner of Appeal; William; F. Mount, Judge of Election;
Lewis S. Sculthorp and Charles A. Frost, Inspector of Elec-
tion; Pound-Keepers, Charles M. Conover, V. M. Ander-
son, C. M. Slayton and Jacob Rhode.
At a meeting held ·on April 14th, Jacob M. Quacken-
bush was made president of the Board ; also the following
committees were appointed: Finance, street, police, Iiglit-
ing, water and sewer, licenses, auditing and printing. The
appropriations for the year were as follows:
Water and Sewer •••••••.•.•..•••••••••.•••..••••..••• $3,000.00
t,ighting • . • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • . • . • . . • . • . • • • • • . • • • . . • . • • • • . 5,050.00
Board of Health...................................... 200.00
Fire Department...................................... 100.00
Police • • • . • • • . • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • . • . • • • . • . • . . • • . • • • • • • • . 800.00
Poor • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • . • • • . • • • . • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • 150.00
Incidentals • • • • • • • . • • • • . . • • . • • . • . • • • • • . • • • • . • . . . • • • • • 2,700.00
There was an election held for the purpose of ascer-
taining the wishes of the people regarding the bonding of
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 469

the town for $15,000, for constructing a municipal electric


light plant. It was decided in the affirmative. There was
a call made for bids for the bonds to be received by May
15th, which resulted in the following: N. W. Harris and
Company, New York, $15,009; Fourth National Bank of
Columbus, Ohio, $15,250; W. E. R. Smith, New York, $15,-
309.37½; Berton and Storr, New York, $15,463.50. These
cffers were made on the basis of five per cent interest pay-
8.ble annually, May 15th and November 15th; the bonds
to run 1:en years, from May 15, 1896; principal interest pay-
able at the First National Bank, New York.
After three elections called by the Township Board
of Education, it was finally decided to appropriate $3,000
for the purchase of a plot and the erection of a school
building thereon on the Leonardville road, near Leonard
Avenue Station. Architects Emery and Moore prepared·
the plans for the building, which was to cost $2,175; the
remainder of the $3,000 being the price of the lot. The
contract was awarded to Johnson and Pease. Professor
Gerardus C. Morris was engaged as teacher of the new
school.
The commencement exercises of Navesink public
school were held in the Hall, June 29th. The graduates
were Bertha Swan, Bertha Leonard, Bertha Thorne, Emma
Zebley and Howard De Vesty.
THE ELECTRIC LIGHT PLANT.
There were several competitors for the contract, but
the bid of George H. Stout, Jr., was accepted by the Mayor,
Jacob T. Stout, and Council. The plant was to be in opera-
tion by July 20th. Postmaster D. L. Conover furnished the
poles.
On First Avenue and Valley Drive, the telephone poles
oi the New York and New Jersey Telephone Company
were used for electric lighting. The two top arms of said
PC\les were placed at the disposal of the borough.
Mr. Stout completed his contract promptly and in a
manner that did him credit, giving the borough a good
electric light plant, with the careful attention of the elec-
trician, Fred Linden.
The location of the arc lights on the streets was desig-
nated 1,y Councilmen Quackenbush and Posten, who had
the enviable reputation of placing the sixty lights in such
localities as produced but little criticism and much praise
from the public.
The graduation exercises of the public school, on June
11th, were well attended. The platform was occupied by
·470 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

the graduating class and Professor Oglee. The following


.is the program.me:
Instrumental music. Invo!'Jltion, Rev. H. W. Hillier. Lord's Prayer
thant, Chorus. Song ot Welcome, Chorus. Salutatory, "lndnstr:v
the Road to Success," Abbie Leonard. Oration. "The Press," Fred-
erick R. Wenger. Essay, "The Happy Home," Leona Patterson. Ora-
tion, "A Bundle of Habir..," Daniel Leonard. Oration, "Physical Train-
ing," George Chester Ralph. Recitation, "Natural Perversities," Bertha
Leonard. Oration, "The Unseen Power that Moves the World," George
Nicholas Magee. OratiO'll, "Patience Perfects Time :ind Inversely,"
Arthur Nelson Davis. "Merry Minstrels Are We," Chorus. Oration,
..Man," Richard L. Sherman. Recitation, "The Flower Girl," K. Eliza-
])etb Patterson. Oration, "Proverbs and Idioms," Edward Carhart.
,()ration, "Labor versus Capital," George A. Conch. Song, "Summer,"
,Chorus. Essay, "A Dream," Sarah McClees. Valedictory, "The Honse
that .Jack Built," Edith Ceceola Curtis. Address, President of Board
-of Education. Awarding diplomas and remarks, by the County Snp-
·erintendent. Graduates' farewell song, Class of '96. Benediction,
- Rev. J. B. Haines.
At the close of this year Professor Oglee handed in his
-resignation as principal.
There was an application made by the Atlantic High-
]ands, Red Bank and Long Branch Electric Railway Com-
pany for the privilege of laying a track and running cars
-on First Avenue and West A venue for the purpose of con-
necting Atlantic Highlands with Red Bank, Long Branch
and Asbury Park, a privilege Atlantic Highlands had never
enjoyed, by reason of the agreement between the C. R. R.
an6 Pa . .R. R. that prevented the running of trains, from
Red Bank and the south, to their water terminal at At-
lantic Highlands.
The first knowledge we bad of an electric road en-
<leavoring to cross Middletown township to a water term-
foal at the pier at foot of Avenue A at Atlantic Highlands,
11:o connect it with New York by steamer at that point, was
:at a meeting called by the Freeholders at Oceanic, at Le-
gier~s Hotel. At that meeting, which occurred in 1895, we
-were introduced to Mr. A. G. Greenberg, represented as
being president of the Atlantic Highlands, Red Bank and
Long Branch Electric Railway Company. The company
was composed principally of Brooklyn capitalists.
The meeting was attended by a large number of the
millionaire residents and property owners of Rumson Neck;
also, many gentlemen from Atlantic Highlands and Nave-
sink.
The arguments advanced for and against the construc-
tion of an electric railway from Long Branch to Atlantic
Highlands via Rumson Neck and Navesink Bridge, were
many and of an interesting character. Although the right-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 471

of-way had previously been secured by Dr. R. G. Andrew.


from the Navesink Bridge, through Navesink to Atlantic
Highlands.
The efforts put forth against such an enterprise were
so many and so formidable that the Freeholders refused
the request of the Electric Railway Company the use of
the draw on the Navesink Bridge.
When such a result seemed inevitable, the writer, at
the close of the meeting, suggested to the Electric Railway
Company their crossing the Navesink (Shrewsbury) River,
at a point above steamboat navigation, near the New Jersey
Southern Railroad bridge, at Red Bank, thus avoiding all
hindrances and objections. They were guaranteed a wei-
come reception in the crossing of Middletown township, to
tide water. The accomplishment of this suggestion proved
very near a reality the following year.
The Electric Railway Company commenced operations
at Red Bank, and endeavored simultaneously to construct
a road to Long Branch and Atlantic Highlands. They met
with many discouragements and expensive right-of-ways
and trestles, going south from Red Bank, but finally com-
pletecJ their road to Long Branch, forming a junction with
the Atlantic Coast Electric Railway, at the corner of Broad-
way $.nd Second Avenue, Long Branch, in 1898.
The completion of the Atlantic Highlands end has been
longer deferred. Writing this in the winters of '98 and '99,
I predict its future and final construction.
For the purpose of quick completion, a temporary
lease was secured of the New Jersey Central, for the New
Jersey Southern Railway bridge across the Navesink River,
at Red Bank, and the use of their road to Chapel Hill sta-
tion. A corp of engineers, headed by Engineer W. S. Sned-
en, endeavored to determine upon a route from that point
to tide water at Atlantic Highfands, February, 1896. Much
time had been spent previously in general surveys. Three
lines were surveyed: From Chapel Hill station to Sunset
Lake, to Atlantic Highlands via Brevent Park; the second,
from the same point to Atlantic Highland via Leonardville
road and Valley Drive; the third, to Atlantic Highlands
via Highland Park.
It was finally determined to apply to the town com-
mittee of the township of Middletown for the right-of-way
over their public roads at the several crossings. They met
at Columbus Hotel and the franchise was granted. The
terms asked by the township officials were very satisfactory
to the railroad company, but the franchise was never ac-
cepted, for the reason that satisfactory terms could not be
-472 FROM INDIAN TR.All, TO ELECTRIC RAIL

-procured from the Atlantic Highlands borough officials;


and the satisfactory and expensive labors of the railway
company and township officials proved fruitle.--s, although
the right of way had been secured by the writer, free of
cost, from NPvesink River, at Red Bank, to the foot of Ave-
nue A, Atlantic Highlands.
An endeavor to obtain a right-of-way through the Bor-
ough, both by First avenue, West avenue and South avenue,
was met by the property owners in a cordial manner; two-
thirds cf the entire lineal feet were easily obtained.
Mr. Greenberg, had previously through hfa Brooklyn
acquaintance, procured the right-of-way throu:th Anthony
Campbell's propert-,;, looking to a steamboat :ianding west
of the Central Railroad property.
After weary weeks and months of meetings and ad-
journments of the Borough Council, and the difficulties and
-obstacles augmented by the introduction of a talented legal
.adviser from Red Bank, made familiar with all points of
electric railway law and proving the possibility of acquir-
.ing a better franchise than had previously been given to
-other towns, the whole business ended in a failure of a com-
promise between the Borough officials and the Electric Rail-
-way Company.
At a meeting held on July 9th, the Electric Company
-offered the Borough officials as follows: To extend the
-water and sewer pipe connections, at their expense, from
the mains, on First avenue, to the curbs; also, to macada-
:mize the entire street, from Bay to Jacksor.: Bridge, and
.maintain the same. At a meeting held July 11th the Coun-
-cii declined the offer of the Electric Company, and on July
17th the Electric Company withdrew.
·This deferred, and end£~ for a time, an enterprise
-wbicb would best serve to develop and enlarg,. Atlantic
Righlands--namely, another steamboat route, sustained by
.a trunk line of the Electric Railway for freight and passen-
gers from New York to Long Branch and Asbury Park, via
.Atlantic Highlands. The mistake has been recognized
:fully by many of the business men and others of the resi-
dent population, in the stagnation of business enterprise
during the years f.ollowing. But we hope soon to see a ful-
1illment of our hopes and predictions, in a manner more
.advantageous to the town, to make up for the long delay,
when all will be well.
THE NEW CASINO.
"On the eve of July the fourth occurred the consuma-
tion of the most notable social enterprise in the history of
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 473

the town. It was the formal opening of the new Casino


and the beginning of the regular concert programme for
the season of 1896. The new Casino has been architectur-
ally the theme of congratulation for months past. It fills
a place in the gap caused by the burning of the Grand View
Hotel, so gracefully as to please the eye, particularly as a
place of pleasure.
The men most prominent in the Casino movement,
many of whom occupied the platform of the music hall at
the opening Friday evening, are G. F. Lawrie, W. M. Fos-
ter, A. G. Hall, J. T. Stout, J. Ehrmann, W. H. Botjer, E.
Jansen, C. E. Crowell, P. S. Conover, Jr., G. A. Lockwood,
J. E. Foster, Harold Montanye, R. S. Snyder, Julius Dietz,
C.R. ~fayder, J. H. Telman and J.M. Quackenbush. From
these men, the Board of Governors was chosen. The arch-
itect of the edifice was Frank T. Lent and Messrs. Quack-
enbush and Brown were the builders."
(From an account as it appeared in the "Journal" of
of July 9th.)
The formal opening of the new bridge on Mount ave-
nue, spanning Grand, was formally opened on Saturday,
August 15th. The following is an account as it appeared
in the "Press".
OONUEHXOI OPENED.
The Bridge Dedicated Formally on Saturday Afternoon with Music
and Speechmaking.
Casino Orchestra Present-Mayor and Council and Other Officials
Participate--Name Bestowed on the Structure--The Bridge
an Ornament to the Town and Eighth Wonder.
"On Saturday afternoon, according to announcement,
th~ town and township officials and a goodly coJll1Pany of
pnvate citizens assembled at the new Grand Avenue Bridge
to witness ceremonies attending its formal opening to the
public and a,:ceptance by the borough. A speaker's plat-
form and seats for invited guests were prepared at the
bridge.
Exercises opened with "America" sung by all under
the leadership of Professor W.W. Bentley. Reverend J.B.
~aines offered the prayer of the occasion, followed by mu-
sic by the Casino orchestra.
Mr. George F. Lawrie, whose energy, liberality and
enterprise have been the foundation of the undertakin~.
!D,ade a speech recounting the history of the bridge up to
its completion. He complimented the town on expending
$245,000 on public improvements within a few years and
474 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

poin~ed out the opportunity for further expenditure for


good roads. The bridge at which they were met was not
the least of these public improvements and had cost the bor-
ough but $800, private generosity furnishing most of the
:money used in its construction. The structure spoke for
the work of the builders and would do so for centuries per-
haps. Mr. Ni:rnrod Woodward, the well-known contractor,
received eulogistic notice from Mr. Lawrie.
The speaker asked permission of the Mayor and Coun-
cil to name the structure "Oonuehkoi" commemorative of
an Indian tribe once dwelling here.
Mr. Lawrie was frequently applauded and at the close
of his address Mayor Jacob T. Stout accepted the bridge on
behalf of the town. '\Ir. John E. Foster, borough solicitor,
made a forcible and ·..i:ty speech i:::t which he remarked the
enterprise, courage and perseverance of Mr. Lawrie in con-
ceiving the bridge idea and then consumating it in the sub-
stantial and beautiful structure now open to the public.
The approach to Observatory Park should never more be
termed "break neck hill".
Mr. Charles E. Crowell, whose property adjoins the
brid 0 e on the west, as does Mr. Lawrie on the east, spoke of
the bridge as a landmark of progress for the town. Neith-
er Europe nor the United States contained a bridge more
beautiful of its size and cost. It is a gem which will adorn
Atlantic Highlands forever; of inestimable value to adver-
tise the town. Once known, it must become a point of in-
terest for tourists and pilgrimages.
Mr. Hanford Crawford eulogized bridges as a means
of unity and neighborliness and "Oonuebkoi" as the idea}
bridge for the purpose. He spoke also forcibly for ideal
roads to match ideal bridges. He advocated a movement
to make streets correspond with this structure by an outlay
of $1 per fro:::it foot for the imprc>vement. Applause greet-
ed all the speakers.
Dr. E. C. Curtis, who has been closely identified with
the east side of Atlantic Highlands as President of the At-
lantic Highlands Association, was also invited to speak.
He reviewed the development of the east side of town and
expressed belief that a small deficit between cost and sub-
scriptions for "Oonuehkoi" would be made up so .us to no
further tax the measureless generosity of Mr. Lawrie.
Mr. A. P. Bollor of Observatory Park spoke :flattering-
ly of the bridge as a work of engineering, and dubbed Mr.
Lawrie the Supreme Bridge Builder of Atlantic Highlands.
Mr. Bollor is prominent in engineering circles and his judg-
ment therefore is of practical as well as of rhetorical value.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 475

After the exercises, Mr. George F. Lawrie entertained


a number of the guests present, at the Casino.
The necessity for the bridge was occasioned by the lay-
ing out of Grand avenue, which contained a summit with
its intersection with Mount avenue, and it required a cut
at that point to bring it to a grade.
It is necessary to go back to about the year 1868 to re-
cord the circumstances that produced the conditions at that
r,oint. It was about the year above named when Mr. Sam-
uel C. Hubbard, a summer resident of Leonardville on prop-
erty now owned by the Speyers estate, did two things to
record his name in the history connected with this place.
He was the leading spirit in producing that beautiful drive
west from Atlantic Highlands known as the Leonardville
road, leading from Leonardville to Hopping Station. By
his means and his influence with the neighboring property
holders, the road bed was rounded up and gravel procured
from the Sherman farm for top-dressing, that produced a
drive unsurpassed as an all-year-round road in the country,
at that time. He was also the means of surveying what
was known as Mount avenue, from Leonardville to the
Highlands of Navesink, at a point intersecting Navesink
avenue, known as "Young Orchard Hill". This road serv-
ed the purpose of the public until superseded, later, by the
Ocean Boulevard.
About 1870, it was made drivable from a point now
known as First avenue, winding up "Break-neck Hill" to
Navesink Park, principally through the efforts of James H.
Leonard. The cutting-down of Grand avenue summit by
the Atlantic Highlands Association and the necessity of a
continued travel on Mount avenue at that point, made a dry
bridge necessary. The work of construction was accom-
plished by Robert Emery, for the Association. It was a
rough but substantial structure, made of chestnut timber,
which served its purpose and carried safely over many a
weary traYeler.
In 1895, Mr. George F. Lawrie, with commendable
energy and ability, attempted and carried to completion in
1896 one of the most beautiful structures that our town pos-
sesses. By his persuasion, and realizing the necessities of
the case, the Mayor and Counca appropriated $800 toward
the stone bridge, as did neighboring property owners, by
private donations, but the burden of the cost, which was
$3532.89, fell heavily upon Mr. Lawrie; but the structure
stands forth in its magnificent grandeur, an enduring mon-
ument to his enterprise.
The annual reunion of the 29th Regiment was held in
476 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

the Central Baptist Church, September 8th. There were


about 125 veterans of the Civil War present. In the ab-
sence of the President, Major Field, the first vice-president,
James Campbell, of Long Branch, was chosen to preside.
The exercises consisted of a speech of welcome by Mayor
Jacob T. Stout, followed by Reverend F. C. Colby. During
the afternoon session, the following names were proposed
and accepted as honorary members: ·.Reverend F. C. Col-
by, Ira K. Morris, Charles R. Snyder, John E. Foster, Steph-
en Sears, John Meskill, Thomas H. Leonard, Jacob T. Stout,
Dr. H. A. Hendrickson, W. M. Foster, Aaron C. Hart and
S. T. White.
The following is the history of the regiment, as it aP-
peared in the "Journal" of September 10th:
"The Twenty-ninth Regiment was organized under the
provi!lions of an act of Congress, approved July 22, 1861,
and under existing orders governing the enrollment of
troops. A draft for 10,478 men, to serve for nine months,
unless sooner discharged, bad been made upon Governor
Olden of New Jersey by President Lincoln, August 4, 1862,
and soon after full instructions for conducting it were re-
ceived from the War Department. The draft so ordered
was not to interfere with orders governing recruiting, and
all enlistments up to September 1, 1862, would be placed
to the credit of the State. A general desire manifested and
expressed by the State authorities, as well as by prominent
citizens throughout the State, to avoid the draft, gave an
enthusiasm to recruiting which caused the entire quota to
be raised by voluntary enlistment, and in camp by Septem-
ber 3rd, the time appointed for commencing the draft.
On September 20, 1862, the organization of the Regi-
ment having been fully completed, officered and equipped,
it was on that day mustered into the service of the United
States for nine months, at Camp Vredenburgh, near Free-
hold, by First Lieutenant Frank D. Howell of the Seven-
teenth Infantry, U. S. A., having a full complement of men
--officers, 39; non-commissioned officers and privates, 909;
total, 948.
The Regiment left the State September 28, 1862, went
to Washington, and encamped on East Capitol Hill, but
soon after crossed into Virginia, and was assigned to a
Provisional Brigade, Casey's Division, Defences of Wash•
ington. It remained there, employed at various duties, un-
til November 30, when it proceeded to Aquia Creek, Va.,
and was assigned for provost duty, guarding the railroad,
and other duties.
FROM-INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 477

In January, 1863, the Regiment was assigned to the


First Army Corps, and joined the Army of the Potomac.
The Regiment continued its organization and remained in
active service until the expiration of its term of service,
when it was ordered to return to New Jersey for discharge.
The Regiment was mustered out of service at Freehold,
June 30, 1863, by First Lieutenant Robert P. :King of the
Fifteenth Infantry, U.S. A.
In January, 1863, the Regiment was assigned to the
First Arm,y Corps, and joined the Army of the Potomac.
The Regiment continued its organization and remained in
active service until the expiration of its term of ser:vice,
when it was ordered to return to New Jersey for discharge.
The Regiment was mustered out of service at Freehold,
June 30, 1863, by First Lieutenent Robert P. King of the
Fifteenth Infantry, U.S. A.
The Regiment took part in the following engagements:
Fredericksburg, Va., December 13 and 14, 1862; Chancel-
lorsville, Va., May 2 and 3, 1863.
The Regiment was made up almost entirely of Mon-
mouth county men.
Below may be found the names of the Field and Staff
and the Non-Commissioned Staff of the Regiment, and the
officers and men of Com;pany D. (the company furnished by
Old Middletown), together with the record of the command
as it stood when mustered out of service.
FIELD AND STAFF
Edwin F. Applegate, Colonel; resigned January 16,
1863.
William R. Taylor, Lieutenant-Colonel; Colonel, vice
Applegate, resigned.
Joseph K. Davison, Major; Lieutenant-Colonel, vice
Taylor, promoted.
Joseph T. Field, Captain Company D; Major, vice Dav.-
ii;on, promoted.
Edgar Whitaker, Adjutant.
Peter J. Hendrickson, Quarter Master.
Henry G. Cooke, Surgeon.
Judson G. Shackleton, Assistant Surgeon.
Ezra M. Hunt, Assistant Surgeon; discharged January
7, 1863.
Elijah W. Lawrence, Assistant Surgeon.
Rev. Lester C. Rogers, Chaplin.
478 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF
Robert P. Miller, Sergeant Major; promoted Second
Lieutenant Company E.
Burk C. Stout, First Sergeant Company E; Sergeant
Major, vice Miller, promoted.
Jacob R. Schenck, Quartermaster Sergeant; promoted
Second Lieutenant Company I.
Charles S. Erickson, private Company E; Quarte?L-
master Sergeant, vice Schenck, promoted.
Peter J. Aumack, Commissary Sergeant, vice Aumack.
Michael M. Cook, Hospital Steward.
COMPANY D
(THE MIDDLETOWN COMPANY)
Joseph T. Field, Captain; promoted Major, February
23, 1863.
Charles Lufburrow, First Lieutenant; Captain, vice
Field, promoted.
Larue N. White, Second Lieutenant; First Lieutenant,
vice Lufburrow, promoted.
Joseph J. Taylor, First Sergeant; Second Lieutenant,
vice White, promoted.
Harvey Jenkins, Sergeant; First Sergeant, March 1,
1863.
John L. Applegate, Corporal; Sergeant, March 1, 1863.
Albert W. Wells, Sergeant.
Thomas J. Herbert, Sergeant.
Samuel T. Frost, Corporal; Sergeant, March 1, 1863.
Corporals-Isaac Story, Spencer S. Morris, Joseph S.
Swan, John Grant. Charles M. Patterson, James Seeley, Jr.,
Gordon D. Thompson, Robert H. Lewis.
Edward W. Lobdell, Musician.
William Campbell, Wagoner.
PRIVATES
Antonides, Sidney Covert, John L. Jagoe, Samuel
Atwater, Elias Crowter, David Johnson, Edward T.
Bennett, John H. Curley, Michael Johnson, John G.
Brown, Matthew Davis, Tbomas L. Johnson, Robert
Card, Thomas Foster, Henry H. King, John H.
Carhart, Richard . Griggs, Edgar Kipp, John G.
Carhart, Thomas Grover, Joseph Kress, John
Carman, James H. Hallem, Marvin H. Layton, Edward P.
Chatten, Joseph A. Hillhouse, John T. Layton, Jacob
Clayton, Cyrenius Hoff, James Lee, Asher M.
Compton, Thomas Hough, John Lewis, George W.
Cottrell, William C. Irwin, Harrison Little, George L.
Covert, Henry L Irwin, Henry B. Little, Robert W. C.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 479

Luker, Brazillia Pease, CO'rllelius Snyder, Frederick


L'lyster, Henry N. Reynolds, Fr:incis ::ip.:.rling, John H.
l!ilarks, George W. Runyon, Robert Stoneman, Peter G.
.Matthews, David R.wh, Patrick Sw:in, John B•
Moore, John Schenck, John G. Taylor, J:imes G.
Morris, Gerardus C. Schureman, Irving Tilton, Horatio
.Morris, John B. Scott, Holmes T. Truex, Henry
Mount, Johnson Seeley, Uriah Van .Elrunt, Wm. P.
Nowlen, William A. Smith, Charles H. Vieing, Francis
Parker, Charles A. Smith, Hendrick H. Welch, Edgar B.
Parker, Lewis M. Smith, William M.
The year 1896 was madE: memorable to the people of
this vicinity, also to the Sandy Hook pilots, by the return
of a sea encroachment known as Sandy Hook Inlet. Tradi-
tion says that the inlet occurred every twenty years, com-
mencing at the mouth of the Shrewsbury River near the
site of the old Ocean House, kept by one Captain Hag-
gerty. From this point it would continue its encroachment,
working north, continuing about a uniform width, by filling
up of sand on its south side. The last one occurred about
forty years ago and, in conversation with an old Sandy
Hook pilot, he gave me an incident of its final closing up.
. It occurred from the wrecking of the vessel "North
America" in a violent northeast storm. The vessel lodged
in the middle of the inlet and on a line with the Hook and
there remained. The shifting sands gathered around it,
completely burying it, thus eventually closing the inlet. The
remains of the vessel can be seen at the present writing.
If the twenty-year tradition was founded on fact, old
Neptune omitted one repetition within the last forty years;
but he may be pardoned on the ground of intereference by
cbstacles placed in his way, at the expense of thousands of
dollars, by the protection erected by the N. J. S. R. R. Co.
Many a wintry storm has occurred that would have dis-
couraged the defensive efforts of individuals, but this cor-
poration, backed by the C. R. R., has met an encroachment
with a determined occupancy.
The present inlet is located in the neighborhood of the
derelict "North America" on Government property. This
was the case where a deed would not guarantee the hold-
ing, as the narrow beach was swept into the mouth of Nave-
sink River and Sandy Hook Bay, injuring the navigation to
the extent that it was estimated that to remove the sand
would cost $200,000. The damage extends still farther,
as the ocean waves now beat on the shores of the quiet
little hamlet called Sea Side (Parkertown). The Jackson
Club House was undermined and the property of Messrs.
Ray and Cornwall was placed in imminent danger. Cap-
tain Charles M. Peterson, with a gang of men and a steam
480 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

pile driver, endeavored, by the erection of bulkheads, to


protect the many valuable properties.
The new Leonardville school building was completed
in September, 1896. The school opened on Monday, the
28th inst., with forty-nine pupils. It was well equipped
with modern school furnishings. It made rapid advance-
ments and increased in numbers through the efforts of its
efficient teacher, Mr. G. C. Morris.
In October, contractor J. T. Stout made excavations for
a brick store-building, corner of First and Mount Avenues.
The building was rapidly pushed forward, and in January,
1897, the central and main store was occupied by grocers
Stout and Demerest. The architects were Emery and
Moore; the plans were prepared for a one-story building,
with all necessary provisions in strength and character as
the growth of the town might justify in the addition of
other stories. This wise provision was conceived and car-
ried out by the owner, Mr. Edward Jansen, who, by his
very generous outlay as a resident and business man, very
plainly confirmed his faith in the ultimate growth and pros-
perity of Atlantic Highlands.
The "Water Witch Park" is located at a point of th~
Highlands commanding a magnificent view of the ocean,
Sandy Hook Bay and Sandy Hook proper. It also possesses
an ever-changing scenery occasioned by the commerce of
the world to the metropolis. Its central moving spirit was
Mr. Ferdinand Fish, who is still its president at this writ-
ing. The conditions of the financial world since the or-
ganization of this company have been much against its
rapid growth. In spite of these opposing conditions, there
have been erected and constructed the Water Witch Sta-
tion, with the real estate office of President Fish in the im-
mediate neighborhood, many beautiful drives and several
princely residences, adorn the hill tops at various points
of "Water Witch Park."
The Park seems like a thing of life, lying, as it were,
in restless composure, ready and waiting to leap out into a
degree of development that would attract the eager eye of
the ocean-tossed traveler, giving him his first and enchant-
ing view of our free America.
THE ORIGINAL ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS WHARF.
The wharf that was originally built still remains in
existence at this time, having apparently fulfilled its pur-
:i;ose ; first. by the use of the inshore runway and bulkhead
for freight purposes; second, in the use of the second run-
way and bulkhead for freight, passengers and excursions;
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 481

third, runway and bulkhead for freight, passengers and ex-


cursions providing sufficient depth of water for the large.
class of steamers used in the excursion business, also to
meet the requirements of the C. R. R. boats that used this
wharf from 1881 to 1893, in connection with their Sandy
Hook route. This wharf was also used by the "Edwards
Dredging Company," of which Mr. Dolbey (now deceased)
was a part owner, being used as headquarters and tying-up
place, while completing contracts with the Government in
dredging out the channel connecting New York City with
the ocean. Later used, in part, by the "Pavonia Yacht
Club."
After the building of the new wharf, making the C. R.
R. terminal at this place, the old wharf was practically
abancloned; wagons were prohibited, but passengers on
foot were allowed to pass over it to and from the steamer
at the other wharf. This was made possible by the erec-
tion of a crossing bridge connecting the old wharf with the
new at a point at the inshore end of the outer bulkhead.
The old wharf had accomplished a good purpose in its
use up to this point of the town's development, although at
great expense to the original owners, who had largely sup.
plied the means for its construction. The wharf was sold
by the Atlantic Highlands Association to the C. R. R. and
repaired by them from time to time as the necessity re-
quired for its preservation. The greatest expense incurred
in the year of the present writing (1896) was the placing
of m·any new pilings. It was rumored that this was done,
not only for keeping the wharf in repairs, but also for the
purpose of running an electric railway to and from the
steamers. Time, only, can tell if this was the prime motive.
Again we are called upon to record, in 1896, the work
of a summer storm on our lee shore, that destroyed ten
more of our yachts, followed by five more in 1897.
The opening of bids for the expensive army buildings
to be erected at Sandy Hook the coming spring occu1Ted
at the army building in Whitehall Street. New York City,
on Monday, November 25th. Captain Devol opened and
formally announced the respective bids. There were six-
teen bids on construction alone. Thirteen buildings are to
be er~ted, all of stone and brick. The cost of individual
structures vary from: $2,100 to $20,000. The barracks are
the most costly of the structures to be built and the bake
shops the cheapest.
On the evening of December 22nd the Glee Club gave
their first concert in the W. C. T. U. Temple. The.re was
482 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

a large attendance and the entertainment was very credit-


able to the club. After the concert they were given a recep-
tion ·at the home of Miss Emma Savidge.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 483

CHAPTER LXIV.
OLD TIMES I!<. OLD MIDDLETOWN.
1897.

The following is a letter written by the original Richard


Hartshorne to a friend, dated September 12, 1675, from
Middletown, New Jersie, and may be of interest at this
time.
OLD MIDDLETO~ 221 YEARS AGO.
A Letter Written by Richard Hartshorne in 1675.
His Impressions of Old Middletown and New Jersey-",\ Rare Place
for Any Poor Man"-How the People Fared in Early Timl'S.
Mr. J. Holmes Hartshorne of Freehold has given to
"The Transcript" an ancient letter, which is worthy of
publication as showing the condition of New Jersey when
first settled and the generous manner in which the first
settlers fared. The letter was written from Middletown
over 221 years ago. The Richard Hartshorne signing it
was a member of the Society of Friends, and was the orig-
inal settler of that name, and the ancestor of a numerous
progeny now widely scattered throughout the United States.
The letter is as follows:
THE LORD'S GOOD::-.ESS ACKNOWLEDGED.
Dear Friend: My Love is to Thee, and thy wife, desir-
ing your welfare, both inward and outward; and that we
may be found steadfast in that truth which is saving, for
the welfare of our immortal souls. And, dear friend, the
desire of my soul is, that we may know true Love; and I
should be glad to see thee and thy wife. I have partly a
remembrance of thy wife. And I have thought of thee
many times with tears in my eyes. The Lord has done
wonderous works for me; unto Him return thanks and
praises, who is God over all Blessed forever.
THE W1UTEll LIVED WELL
Now, Friend, I shall give some information concerning
New Jersie, but time will not permit me to write at length.
Thee desireth to know how I live. Through the goodness.
of the Lord I live vecy well, keeping between 30 and 40
head of cows, and 7 or 8 horses to ride upon.
484 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

SEVEN TOWNS IN THE PROVINCE.


There are seven towns settled in this Province, viz.:
Shrewsbury, and Middletown, upon the Sea Side, and along
the River side, and up the creek there is Piscattaway and
Woodbridge, Elizabethtown, New Coake, and Bergen. Most
of these Towns have about 100 families; and the least 40.
The country is very healthful.
MIDDLETOWN A HEALTHFUL LOCALITY.
In Middletown, where I live, in 6 years and upwards
there have died but one woman about 80 years old, one man
about 60, a boy about five years old, and one little infant
or 2. There are in this Town, in twenty-five families about
95 children most of them under 12 years of age, and all
lusty children.
PRODUCTS OF THE SOIL.
The produce of this Province, is chiefly, Wheat, Bar-
ley, Oates, Beans, Beef, Pork, Pease, Tobacco, Indian corn,
Butter, Cheese, Hemp, and flax, French beans, Strawber-
ries, Carrots, Parsnips, Cabbidge, Turnips, Radishes, On-
ions, Cucumbers, Water-mellons, Mush-mellons, Squashes;
also our soile is verry fertile for Apples, Pears, Plums,
Quinces, Currans red and white, Gooseberries, Cherries,
and Peaches in abundance, having all sorts of green trash
in the summer time.
PRODUCTS OF THE WATERS.
The Country is greatly supplied with Creeks and Rivers
which afford stores of Fish, Pearch, Roach, Baste, Sheeps-
heads, Oysters, Clams, Crabs, Sturgeon, Eels, and many
other sorts of Fish that I do not name. You may buy as
much Fish of an Indian for half a pound of Powder as will
serve 6 or 8 men.
DEER PLENTIFUL.
Deer are also very plenty in this Province. We can
buy a fat Buck of the Indians much bigger than the Eng-
lish Deer for a pound and a half of Powder or Lead or any
other trade equi"alent; and a peck of Strawberries, the
Indians will gather and bring Home to us for the value
of 6 pence.
A GOOD TOWN TO LIVE L~.
Our Beef and Pork is verry fat and good. The nat-
urale Grass of the country is much Uke that which grows
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 485

in the Woods in England, which is food enough for our


Cattle; but by the water side we have fresh meadows Salt
Marshes. We make English Bread and Beer; besides we
have several sorts of other Drink.
In traveling in the country, and coming to any House,
they generally ask you to eat and drink, and take Tobacco,
and their several sorts of drink they will offer you as con-
fidently as if it were Sack.
Here are abundance of Chestnuts, Walnuts, Mulber-
ries and Grapes, red and white, our Horses and Mares run
in the Woods, and we give them no meal Winter nor Sum-
mer, unless we work them; but our cows must be looked
after.
Our Timber Stands for fences about the Land we
manure; we plough our land with Oxen for the most part.
Husband man here and in Old England is all one, making
moust of our utencils for Husbandry ourselves, and a man
that has three or four sons or servants that can work along
with him will down with Timber, and get corn quickly.
The best coming to this country is ~t the Spring or
Fall. We make our soap and candles, and all such things
ourselves. In the Winter we make good fires and eat good
meat; and our women and children are healthy; sugar is
cheap, venisan, Geese, turkeys, Pidgeons, Fowls and Fish
are plenty, and one great happiness we enjoy, which is we
are very quiet.
I could give thee more information concerning this
country but time will not give leave. In short, this is a
rare place for any poor man, or others; and I am satisfied
that people can live better here than they can in Old Eng-
land, and eat mpre good meat. The vessel is going away,
I have no time to copy this over; therefore take the sens~
of it. My love salutes thee. Farewell.
RICHARD HARTSHORNE.
New Jersie, Middleton, 12th of the 9th Month 1675.
The following is the list of officers of some of tl>e or-
iranizations of the town for this year, 1897, as appeared
in the January issues of the "Journal."
ROY AL ARCANUM OFFICERS.
At the recent annual meeting of the Royal Arcanum
of Atlantic Highlands, these officers were elected:
Regent--W. D. Stout. Chaplain-J. S. Cruser.
Vice-regent-William Moore. Guide--J. T. Stout.
Orator-Gordon Patterson. Warden--George Beakes.
Past regent-A. S. Wooding. Sentry-John Dowd.
Secretary-C'!iarles R. Snyder. Trustee-Randolph Martin.
Treasurer-J ohn M. Demarest.
486 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
THE NEW OFFICERS AND THEIR INSTALLATION.
The Atlantic Highlands Lodge, Knights of Pythias,
elected new officers for the ensuing term as follows:
Chancellor commander-F r a n k Master of. P.Xchequer-A. V. S.
Muir. Crate.
Vice-commander-Calvin Miller. Mnster of finance-E. H. Cook.
Prelate-$. T. Champion. Inside guard-Edward Quacken-
Master at work-W. T. Franklin. bush.
Master-at-arms-I.. H. Foster. Outside guard-A. C. Hart.
Keeper of records and seals-C. Trustce--James A. Sage
A. Fort.
Representative to grand lodge-Percy Falkinburg;
alternate, W. F. Mount.
On Monday night of this week the officers were in-
stalled by Dr. W. S. Whitmore, the Deputy Grand Chancel-
lor, of Oceanic.
An election for three school trustees of the borough
of A~fantic Hi6 hl::!nds to succeed W. T. Franklin, J. B.
Swan .!nd Mrs. M. E. Allen, was held at the school build-
ing on Tuesday evening, commencing at 8 o'clock. M. E.
Curtis was chosen chairman, W.F.l\fount. clerk, and George
Brannin and Edward Powell, tellers. W. T. Franklin and
Mrs. Allen were candidates for re-election and Charles Van
Mater was on their ticket in place of J.B. Swan, who had
refused to be a candidate. John Ellis and W. P. Irwin were
also candidates. The total number of votes polled was 114.
At the annual meeting of the Hook and Ladder Com-
pany last Thursday night the following officers were elect-
ed: president, E. H. Cook; secretary, Charles A. Fort;
treasurer, W. T. Franklin; foreman, George E. Jenkinson;
1st assistant foreman, John B. Valleau.
ANCHOR LODGE OFFICERS.
The following officers were installed in Anchor Lodge
of Odd Fellows of Atlantic Highlands by District Deputy
Joseph S. Clark on Wednesday evening:
Noble Grand--J'ohn Oliver. Chaplain-William M. Foster.
Vice-Grand-John Hageman. Supporters to N. G.-W. V. Stryk•
Recording Secretary-F. D. Loux. er, Wm. Wagner.
Permal!ent Secretary-Walter E. Supporter to V. G.-William Card.
Curtis. Scene Supporten-Jacob Swan,
Treasurer-:&cfward P. Magri. Thomas Walling.
Warden-Hugh Warden. Inside Guardian--John Parent.
Conductor-James H. Bills. Outside Guardian-Abram SiegeL
AMERICAN MECHANICS' OFFICERS.
The following are the new officers of the council of
American Mechanics of Atlantic Highlands, recently elect-
ed:
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 487

Junior Past coun:illor--Randolpb Financial secretary-C. N. Pip-


Vorhees. pitt.
Councillor-Lewis H. Foster. Warden-Charles Samuels.
Vice-councillor-William L. Wells. Conductors--Charl1!3 Combs.
Recording secretary-F r e d D.
Lou.
JR. O. U. A. M. INSTALL OFFICERS.
The semi-annual installation of Portland Council, No.
105, occurred on Tuesday night. The officers installed are
as follows:
Jr. Past Councillor-Lewis Foster. Treasurer-H. 0. Todd.
Councillor-Fred D. Loux. Conductor--C. D. Thorne.
Vice-Councillol'--Charles Samuels. W :irden--John Bergen.
Recording Secretary-0. B. Irwin. Inside Guard-Harry Tompkins.
Assistant Recording Secretary- Outside Guard-Robert Lewis.
Charles Loux. Trmtee-Robert Lewis.
Financial Secretary-C. Norris
Pippitt.
At the annual meeting of the stockholders of the At-
hmtic Highlands National Bank, held at the banking house
on Tuesday, the old Board of Directors was re-elected as
follows: Thomas H. Leonard, president; Benjamin Griggs,
vice-president; Charles Van Mater, cashier; N. H. Roberts,
J. E. Foster, P. S. Conover, Jr., J. T. Stout, W. T. Franklin
and John J. Leonard.
THE LAKE SUBMARL.';E CO.
The annual meeting of the Lake Submarine Company
was held in Atlantic Highlands last week, at the office of
J. E. Foster, the counsel of the company. The following
officers were elected :
President--Simon Lske of Atlan- Secret.u-)·-S. T. Champion o! At-
tic Highland~. lantic Hi11:hlands.
Treasurer-W. T. Mat.,ter of Bal- Directors--J. B. Stanford, W. T.
timore. Malster, J.C. Lake, S. T. Cham-
pion and Simon Lake.
A submarine boat is now in course of construction at
Baltimore for the company.
The officers of the new masonic lodge here installed
last week arl! W. M., Walter E. Curtis; S. W., George D.
Fay; S. W., George Brannin; Treas., T. H. Mickens; Sec.,
C. A. Cruser; S. D., J.E. Ralph; J. D., W. C. Clark; S. M. C.,
G. F. Bartleson; J. M. C., J. H. Van Mater; Tyler, C. H.
Snedeker.
The Atlantic Highlands Knitting Mills are in operation
on the third floor of the Bartleson building. A number of
young women are employed there already, finishing the
488 FROM INDIAN TRAIT, TO ELECTRIC RAIL

knit goods, besides the corps of knitters. The samples of


sweaters, leggins and so forth on exhibition speak well for
the skill and success of the enterprise.
In honor of one of the earliest pioneers of the town,
William M. Foster.
January 14, 1897.
SURPRISED BY BROTHER K.-.."lGHTS.
William M. Foster Honored on the Event of His Sixtieth Birthday.
The Knights of Pythias Lodge, oi Which He Is a Member, Gives a
Banc:uet in His Honor-Presented With a Valuable Gift--
Cong-ratulatory Remarks, Etc.
The Knights of Pythias lodge room, famed for its many
enjoyable social events, never witnessed a more brilliant
affair than the bar.quet given as a surprise to our distin-
guished citizen, Mr. William M. Foster, in honor of the six-
tieth anniversary of his birth on Monday evening last. The
affair was a complete surprise to Mr. Foster. He came to
the lodge room, as usual, and at the close of business start-
ed to leave the room, but found the door securely fastened
en the outside. He was kept in suspense for a few minutes
with all sorts of explanations, when presently the outer
door was opened and in marched about seventy-five ladies
and gentlemen. It gradually dawned upon Mr. Foster's
m,ind that it must be in honor of his birthday, and a more
surprised man than he you never saw in your life.
The affair had been planned and carried into execu-
tion by George E. Jenkinson and Edgar H. Cook, with the
hearty co-operation of every member of the lodge. To keep
the secret from reaching Mr. Foster was a very difficult
task, but it was done in a wonderfully successful manner.
After extending congratulations to the gentleman, in whose
honor they had gathered, the guests conducted thmselves
in an informal manner until called to order by Past Chan-
cellor George E. Jenkinson, to whose lot it generally falls
to preside on such occasions.
The exercises opened with a recitation by Miss Letitia
Bowne, who rendered "Barbara Frietchie" in a manner
highly creditable to herself and pleasing to the audience.
Dr. W. S. Whitmore was next introduced, who in a
few well chosen and appropriate remarks, presented to Mr.
Foster, in behalf of his brother Knights, a handsomely
bound autograph album, in which all present afterwards
inscribed their names.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 489

Those present as they -were seated at the table are as


follows: Roger Fort, Professor W. T. Whitney, Maud L.
Shaw, Delene G. Swan, Mr. and Mrs. Sculthorp and daugh-
ter Ethel, Sophia Walling, Mrs. Drake, John B. Swan, Sr.,
Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Zebley, Mr. and Mrs. George E. Jenk-
inson, Dr. W. S. Whitmore, Mr. and Mrs. F. A. White, T. J.
Emery, Mr. and Mrs. C. Samuel, Fannie Ravatt, Mr. and
Mrs. A. C. Oliver, Miss Emery, Julia Morris, Evelyn W.hite,
F. C. Moore, Miss Lacey, Lillian White, Mrs. M.A. White,
Henry VanNote, B. F. Champion, W. C. Clark, Bertha
Powell, Blanche Spinning of Red Bank, George Mount, Mr.
and Mrs. E. H. Cook, Mr. and Mrs. Henry VanPelt, Edith
Sickles, May Hart, Frank Muir, Leola Magee, Mr. and Mrs.
E. R. Champion, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Foster, William M.
Foster, Letitia Bowne, Mr. and Mrs. S. F. Patterson and
daughter, Leona Patterson; Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Sweeney,
'.Mr. and Mrs. John Perrine, Charles D. Thorne, Phil. Shle-
win, Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Tumen, Mrs. Henry Ritter, George
Mackey, J. M. Quackenbush, Percy Falkinburg, Fred Lin-
den, W. F. Mount, Tunis Muller, J. E. Foster, J. S. Quack-
enbush. Clarence Quackenbush, Charles Stenzel, A. Quack-
enbush,, John Parent. Morris Siegel, J. E. Quackenbush,
C. A. Fort, Calvin Miller, S. T. Champion, James A. Sage,
A. V. S. Crate, J. L. Ingling, Thomas Dawson, W. B. Sav-
idge, W. T. Franklin and John Hegeman.
A letter of regret was read from Reverend J.B. Haines.
A..''•lXUAL REPORT OF BOROUGH.
STATEMENT.
The follov.-ing are the receipts and expenditures of the borough
of Atlantic Highlands for the year ending February 20, 1897:
RECEIPTS.
Balance on hand, March .•.•...........••....•••....•.• $ 141.79
License ..........•.....•.•...•.•.... • • • • • • • • • • • • • · · 816.10
Water rents ..••..•.......••.........•.•... • • • •. • • • • • 5,773.82
Sidewalk accounts ................................... . 382.22
Sale of lamps and timber •..•••.•...•....••...•....•... 24.50
C. T. Leonard an account of lease of electric light poles ...• 200.00
County Collector, State R. R. tax ..................... . 820.91
Back taxes .•.•••••••••••••.•.•••• •.•.••••••·••·•···· 1,340.61
Taxes, 1896 ••••••••.••••.•••....•••••. • · • · • • · · • · • · • • 24,357.30
Interest on back taxes ••••..•.••••.••••••••.••..••.•••. 150.78
Revenue from electric lights .••.•.•.••••••.•...•.•••••• 204.83
Sale of electric light bonds ••...•...••.••.••.•..•....•• 15,463.50
Notes •..•.•••••.•.•.••·•••..•.•••••....•••..••••...• 36,000.00
$85,676.36
DISBURSEMENTS.
Ways IUld means ••.••.••••••.•••....•••...•.....•.•.. $ 3,920.51
County <;ollector for school and county tax, 1896 •..•.•..•• 11,648.66
Balance to school fund account of special school tax, 1895.. 1,863.35
490 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

School fund account for interest •••••••••..••••••••••••• 750.00


On account special achoo} tax, 1896 •..•.•••.•••..••••••• 1,550.00
Interest on improvement bonds ••••••••••••••••••••••••• 6,000.00
Notes •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••••••••••• 31,500.00
Water department. ...•••••••••••••••.•••••.••..••••.. 2,851.32
Streets and sidewalks •••.•••••.•••.•.••••••••••••.••.• 3,863.02
Police department •••••••••••.••.•••••.•.••••••••••••• 488.84
Fire department ••.••••••••.•.••••..•••••••••.•••••.• 34.89
Poor account ••••••••••••••.••••••..•...••••.•..•••••• 79.05
Board of Health ...••••••.••.•••••..•.•.•••••••..•••• 186.49
Sewer account ••.•••.•..•••••••••....••.•...••.•••.•• 34.95
Lighting streets with gas and oil ..•...........•.•.•••..• 988.91
Cost of electric light plant •••...••.••.••••••••••••••••• 15,735.88
Cost of runninJ electric light plant ••••.•••.....•..•..... 1,844.87
Cost of extensions to electric light plant ••••••..••.•••.•• 790.67
Balance on hand February 20, 1897 ••......••..•.•.•••. 1,545.85
$85,676.36
At a meeting af the Mayor and Council of this borough it was
deemed advisable to set the following appropriations for the ensuing
year to be voted on at the coming election:
Incidentals ..••••.••••••••••••....•.•.•..•.•••...... $ 6,000.00
Water and Sewer.................................... 3,000.00
Lighting • • • • . • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • . • • . • . • • • . • • . . . • • . • • • 3,000.00
Streets • • • . • • • . . . • • . • • . • • • . . . • . . • • • . . • . • . . . . • . • • • • • • 3,000.00
Police • . . . • . • . • . • • • • . • • • . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . • . . • . • • • • . . 800.00
.Fire Department..................................... 100.00
Poor . . . . . . • • • • . . • • . • . • . • . • • . . • . • • . • • • . . . . . . . . • • • . • • 100.00
Board of Health. . . • • . . . . . • • . . • • . • • . . . . • . . . . . • • . • • • • . 200.00
Tot3l ••...•.•...•.••••.••.•.........•.••....... $16,200.00
This statement is made in accordance with the borough act of
1878. See Sec. 75 of the general State laws of New Jersey, VoL 1,
page 192.
Signed this 24th day of February, 1897, at Atlantic Highlands, N. J •
.F. A. MOREHOUSE, Clerk. JACOB T. STOUT, Mayor.
Samuel T. White removed to his large building, locat-
-ed on the northeast corner of First and Bay View Avenues,
where he did a large grocery business for years. In about
1910 his son, Charles H., assumed charge of the business,
l.t the retirement of his father. Messrs. Stout and Demerest,
two imterprising young men of the town, moved from the
White building to the Jansen building, comer of First and
Mount Avenues, and continued their grocery business there,
under the title of the "Atlantic Grocery Company."
Messrs. E. P. Magee and Son removed their butcher
vusiness from the north side of the Swan building, by the
post office, to their building, which they had purchased
from S. T. White, located on the southwest corner of Center
and First Avenues.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 491

In March of this year, the Reverend F. C. Colby. the


first pastor of the Central Baptist Church, resigned his
pastorate, the resignation to take effect about the middle
of April.
The drinking fountain that had been presented to the
borough by the "King's Daughters" of the town was re-
moved from the sidewalk near the post office to the broad
avenue leading to the railroad passenger station, and the
avenue, 62 feet wide, was called Fountain Avenue from
that time.
We experienced a loss at this time in the death of
Julius Ehrman. He was missed by the community, as he
was a spirited and honored citizen.
Samuel Goodenough died on April 10th of this year.
He was one of the many who left our community and
crossed the continent in the great gold excitement of the
''forties," experiencing untold suffering in treading his way
to California, hoping to be of the lucky ones in the great
struggle for gold; crossing the country with an ox-team and
on foot to participate in the exciting conditions of the time
and place. Upon his return, he assisted in the organization
of the renowned "Harlem Savings Bank," and continued as
a prominent official in that institution until his death.
The borough election of officers for the year 1897 was
very interesting and exciting. The previous Council, con-
sisting of the Mayor and four Councilmen, was tied, from
the fact that two of the Councilmen were considered as the
"Regulars" and two were more in sympathy with what had
been known as the "Antis" party. This condition of affairs
had produced some bitterness and had interfered to some
extent with official operations. and had often handicapped
Mayor Stout in what he considered the best interests of the
town. This feeling culminated at the spring election. Ex-
Mayor Leonard was made to feel it his duty to stand at\
the head of the regular ticket. For Councilmen were nom-
inated S. T. White. L. S. Sculthorp, T. H. Mickens, C. A.
Quackenbush, William Mooney and W. C. Clark. The op-
position ticket consisted of J. M. Quackenbush for Mayor;
for Councilmen, S. T. White, S. T. Bloodgood, Franklin Pat-
terson, D. J. Roberts, William Mooney and John L. Perrine.
The following is the result of the contest and election, quot-
ed from the local paper.
NEW OFFICIALS SWORN IN OFFICE.
Mayor Leonard Takes Hold of the Reins of Government.
The New Mayor and Council Organized Monday-A. C. Hart Chosen
Borough Clerk and J. E. Foster Counsel-Regular
Session Tuesday Night.
492 FROM INDIAN TRAil, TO ELECTRIC RAIL

"The newly elected officials of the Borough of Atlantic


Highlands took the oath of office at the truck house on
Monday afternoon, at 3 o'clock. At the appointed hour
the Mayor and Councilmen elect arrived in a body. Im-
mediately Mayor Stout called the out-going "Council to
order, those present, besides the Mayor, being Messrs.
Posten and Quackenbush. Clerk Morehouse read the re-
sult of the election, after which Mayor Stout asked that Mr.
Leonard, having received the highest number of votes,
come forward and take the oath of office. · The oath was
accordingly administered by Clerk Morehouse.
"Ex-Mayor Stout then arose and addressing his suc-
cessor said in substance: 'No one knows, Mr. Leonard, bet-
ter than you, the duties involved as Mayor of Atlantic High-
lands-the labor, the pleasures and the hire. The labor is
sufficient, the pleasures few and salary little, but honor still
remains. It is an honor to be chosen for office, be the
municipality in which you are chosen, large or small, inas-
much as it signifies in either case that you have the good
will of a majority of your fellow men. It is particularly
an honor in your case being elected, as you were, solely
upon your merits. No matter how solicitous you may be
for the welfare of the people during your administration
there will be some people who will kick-a good many are
constituted that way-and the best way to pursue is aptly
illustrated in a story about a dog and the moon. It was
the habit of the dog to bark every night at the moon, but
to no avail, as the moon moved on just the same. Take no
heed, therefore, of the small dogs who will continually
bark at your heels but continue to the end as your best
judgment dictates.' The Mayor and ex-Mayor shook hands
and the new Mayor took his seat.
"The remaining officers were sworn in by Clerk More-
house in the order that follows: Councilmen, S. T. White,
Lewis S. Sculthorp, W. A. Mooney, C. Amzi Quackenbush,
T. H. Mickens and W. C. Clark; Collector, N. H. Roberts;
Constable, John Oliver; Commissioners of Appeal, Edward
Hooper, S.S. Morris and Jonathan T. Stout; Pound-keeper,
A. J. Cook. The absentees were surveyors of the highway
Martin and Sage, Overseer of the Pnor Jennings, Assessor
Cook and Pound-keeper Gaffey.''
The following appeared in the "Journal."
BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION.
A Word or Two; About the New Mayor and Council.
"The newly elected Mayor, Thomas Henry Leonard,
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 493

is a real estate operator and largely identified with the in-


terests of the town. He held the offi::e of Mayor previous to
Jacob T. Stout's election.
"S. T. White is a grocer and shoe dealer and an en-
terprising merchant. He is treasurer of the Firemen's Re-
lief Association of the borough and a Justice of the Peace.
"Lewis S. Sculthorp is a boot and shoe dealer and
one of Atlantic Highlands' most prosperous merchants. He
comes under the head of the 'young men of the Council.'
"C. Amzi Quackenbush is a contractor and builder by
occupation and a property owner in the borough. He has
been a resident of the borough about five years.
"Thomas H. Mickens came to Atlantic Highlands from
New York several years ago, became interested in the place
and today is among the largest holders of real estate in
the borough.
"William Mooney is an engineer on the C.R. R. of New
Jersey, and if he is as carefui in his official capacity as he
is in his profession, will make an excellent councilman.
"William C. Clark is connected with the Corning Lum-
ber Co., having entire charge of the Atlantic Highlands
branch. He is the youngest member of the Council and
the only one of its members enjoying single blessedness."
A joint meeting of the Boards of Health of the town-
ship and borough occurred on April 3rd, to inspect Many
Mind Creek. It was decided to widen and deepen said creek
from the shore to Jackson Bridge and George B. Davis's
line. The township committee consistt:d of Messrs. George
E. Jenkinson, George F. Bartleson, D. W. Van Note, Omer
Sickles, and Dr. 0. W. Budlong; of the borough, Messrs.
E. H. Cook, Percy Falkinburg, A. C. Watrous, W. T. Frank-
lin, Thomas Jennings and Thomas J. Emery.
The death of the writer's father, Thomas Leonard, oc-
curred on May 9th of this year. I feel that I will be par-
doned if I insert the obituary as it appeared in the local
paper, "The Atlantic Highlands Journal," May 15th.
OBITUARY.
THOMAS LEONARD
"Thomas Leonard, a prominent resident of Middle-
town township, died at his late home at Leonardville on
Sunday morning of this week. He had been sick for about
six months prior to his death, gradually succumbing to age
and infirmities. Mr. Leonard was born September 5th,
1815. His father attained the age of 86 years. His par-
ents were William and Elizabeth Leonard.
494 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

"Thomas Leonard was one of six children of whom the


late Richard A. Leonard, Sr., was eldest; the late Mrs. Mary
McClane, next; Thomas Leonard, third; John S. Leonard of
Red Bank, fourth; William Leonard, deceased, fifth, and
Elizabeth A. Leonard, deceased, sixth. A singular fact
about the family is that all the members have lived and
died within a radius of a few miles.
"Like his brothers and sisters Thomas Leonard was
devoted to religion and was always active. in church work
from his youth. He was the youngest member ever re-
ceived by the Middletown Baptist Church at the time he
united with it, about 1830. He was later one of the organ-
izers of the Second Middletown (Navesink) Baptist Church
about 1852, of which he was made a deacon, trustee and
treasurer; offices that he filled ably and faithfully until the
Atlantic Highlands Baptist Church was organized. He
was also one of the charter members of the latter organiza-
tion and filled like offices for it until his last illness com-
pelled him to resign about four months Lefore his death.
"As a church member he was a faithful attendant of
all appointed services and an active participant in regular
and special prayer meetings. He loved the favorite old
hymns and especially enjoyed congregational singing. His
purse was always open to supply needs of church and pastor
and to benefit the poor.
"As a business man he began life as a produce sales-
man in New York, selling the products of his father's farms.
About 1849 he purchased the store and business of his
father, now conducted by his son, Edward W. Leonard,
and also bought the homestead farm of 50 acres ·where he
resided until his death. He subsequently added the De-
bowe farm, afterwards owned by his eldest son, James H.
Leonard; the Brown farm which he sold to his second son,
Thomas H. Leonard; and the major portion of the Bowne
farm lying south of and adjoining the borough of Atlantic
Highlands. The two farms which he sold to his sons now
constitute the central and thickly settled portions of At-
lantic Highlands, and indeed all the property is available,
for town lots. His estate has been reckoned at about one
hundred thousand dollars, a large part of which, however,
he distributed among the early private and public enter-
prises of the town during his lifetime.
"Thomas Leonard married Mary A. Hopping February
5th, 1840, who survives him after 57 years of happy marital
experience. Three sons survive him, Thomas H. Leonard,
Mayor of Atlantic Highlands; Edward W. Leonard, post-
THE MAXALAY PIER AND STEAMBOAT CASTLETON.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 495

master and merchant at Leonardville, and John J. Leonard,


who resides on Leonardville road. His eldest son, James
H. Leonard, died in the year 1894.
"Impressive funeral services were conducted at the
Atlantic Highlands Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 11th,
at 2 :30 p. m., Reverend William B. Harris, a former pastor,
officiating in the :\bsence of Pastor H. W. Hillier, in Europe.
Reverend E. C. Curtis, D. D., J. K. Manning, D. D., Edward
Loux and W. H. J. Parker assisted in the services. The
church was crowded with relatives and friends of the de-
ceased. A quartette consisting of Miss Emma Savidge, Mrs.
Moreton Southall, Mr. J. C. Moore and Mr. Rufus Savidge
sang the favorite hymns of the deceased; Miss Letitia
Bowne presiding at the organ. The interment was made
in the family plot at Fair View. Ex-Mayor Jacob T. Stout,
A. C. Watrous, Edward T. Burdge, John Southall, Andrew
Bowne and J.oshua Van Pelt were the pall bearers.
"Mr. Leonard took great interest in public questions
an"d improvements but never aspired to hold political office.
He was a reader of the "New York Tn1>une" from its foun-
dation until his last illness. One of the pioneer enterprises
encouraged by Mr. Leonarq's aid was the location of the
depot known as Hopping sta6on and establishing and main-
taining the old stage route from this point to Leonardville,
Navesink and Highlands until the Sandy Hook route was
opened. He co-operated with his sons, James H~ and
Thomas H. Leonard, and other public spirited citizens in
founding the Bay View Transportation Company which
maintained a steamboat line between Atlantic Highlands
and New York about four years.
"Thomas Leonard was one of the principal organizers.
cf the Atlantic Highlands Association and was director and
treasurer of the company for about five years. He was a
member of the Citizens' Association, representing the pro-
gressive inl:ercs~ of Atlantic Highlands, which secured an
extension of the N. J. Southern R. R. from Hopping station
to this town. Mr. Leonard was treasurer and director of
this new railroad company until it was consolidated with
the present Freehold and Atlantic Highlands R. R. Com-
pany.
"Gencologically, Mr. Leonard is of English descent.
c!aiming lineage through Thomas Leonard of England.
"The family settled in two branches in New Jersey.
coming here from Massachusetts; James Leonard -settling
in the northern part of the state and Henry Leonard buying
land and settling in Monmouth county about the year 1668.
496 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Thomas Leonard's grandfat!ler, also Thomas Leonard, own-


ed the family homestead in this vicinity.
"His unselfish and untiring efforts for the development
of the place knew no bounds.
THOMAS LEONARD.
( Clipping from the "Press.")
Death of One of Our Oldest and Foremost Settlers.
"Thomas Leonard, whose death occurred on the 9th
instant, was born on September 5, 1815, in the old home-
stead at Leonardville, where he died, having lived contin-
uously in the same house for nearly eighty-two years. In
his long life he builded, not for himself, but for others. It
can be truthfully said, but for him, the present Borough of
Atlantic Highlands would not have had an existence, as he
was one of the few whose individuality gave it birth."
The memoirs from his own pen, about the last act of a
long and active life, as recorded in chapter fourteen, are
very dear to me (his son), and to all interested in the found-
ing and development of Atlantic Highlands. They save to
future history many facts that would otherwise have died
with him, as he was about the last of his generation. His
loving wife often wondered at his persistency, but his hand
was guided by an unseen power, for it was so unlike his
own dear self to confine himself to the pen. But few knew
his character as I, and I never knew him to study his own
comfort or benefit, but simply to push on to perform his
part an"d to do it well.
On Sunday morning, ?,fay 9th, the Central Baptist
Church extended a unanimoi;s call to the Reverend W. H.
~hermer of Elizabeth to become their pastor.
The G. A. R. held their memorial service in the Central
Baptist Church on Monday, May 31st; speakers, Honorable
Frank Sutherland and Reverend W. H. Shermer.
The death of the Borough Superintendent, W. Percy
Falkinburg, which occurred July 13th, took from our midst
one of the best and most useful citizens. The following ap-
peared in the local paper:
"The funeral of the late Borough Superintendent W.
Percy Falkinburg, was held at the Methodist Church on
Thursday afternoon, and was very largely attended. The
Mayor and Council were present, and the Knights of Pythias
and firemen of the borough, and also a delegation of
Knights from Red Bank. The floral offerings were num-
erous and very handsome. During the time of the funeral
all the business places in the borough were closed. The
funeral was under the direction of A. M. Posten. The pall-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 497

bearers were F. Muir, C. A. Fort, Hugh Warden, Calvin


Miller, Fred Linden and Joseph Gardiner. Reverend E.
Loux read the opening hymn; Reverend W. H. Shermer,
A. M., of the Central Baptist Church, offered prayer; Rev-
erend Dr. Curtis read che Scripture selection; Reverend
W.W. Johnson of the A. M. E. Church read a hymn; Rev-
erend J. B. Haines, A. M., preached the sermon, followed
by Reverend Joseph G. Reed of Ocean Grove (a former
pastor), who delivered an address. The interment was at
Bay View Cemetery. Reverend Mr. Haines officiated at
the grave, assisted by Re\"erend E. Loux. The burial service
of the Knights was recited by S. T. Champion."
Gates were erected in July by the C. R. R. at the
Center Avenue crossing, as serious accidents had occurred
there.
A BANNER PRESENTATION.
An interesting feature of Monday morning's exercises
was the presentation of a large banner to the Casino by
Mr. S. J. Nathan, one of our most progressive summer resi-
dents. The banner is a blue one, of large dimensions and
inscribed in white letters "Atlantic Highlands Casino." The
donor made some very appropriate and pleasing remarks
in making the presentation, to which Mr. George F. Law-
rie, president of the Casino, ably responded. The orchestra
played inspiring airs and everybody had a good time. The
banner will float daily from a large flag staff yet to be
erected, but which is now on the ground.
The prospects for the season are very flattering, there
being a large increase over last year in season tickets, be-
sides several new members. The new plan of admission is
becoming quite popular, and besides giving everyone an
opportunity to enjoy the privileges, will yield some addi-
tional revenue. Hanford Crawford, the new chairman
of t:lle House Committee, is sparing neither time nor pains
to make the season both a social and a financial success.
Daily concerts at 10 a. m. and 8 p. m. are now in
progress.
Our worthy citizen, George F. Lawrie, bought twenty-
nine acres of land at Chapel Hill, owned by the Mrs. Sarah
Stout estate.
Mr. Webster Swan assumed the duties of postmaster
at Navesink, N. J., at this time.
The following is from the pen of Report\!r George H.
Stout, for "The Journal," relating to the highest point in
Atlantic Highlands:
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THE SUlWIT OF OBSERVATORY PARK.


A View from the Tower.
220 Feet Above Water Level-A Magnificent View of Ocean, Bay and
Landscape-A Popular Resort for Sightseers.
Mr. George H. Stout-Reporter for "The Journal."
"The other day I sauntered lazily hillward with intent
to seek a change by inhaling the fragrance of the woods
and undergrowth. Way up the hills, almost bidden by the
tall trees, there was situated the large observatory. Climb-
ing its forty-seven steps skyward there was spread a scene
of incomparable beauty, scarcely to be described. The top
of the tower is forty feet above its base and the ground
descends from it on all sides. The platform at the top,
which is about 10 feet square, has a bench on one side and
a rail to protect the observers and to afford them needed
rest after their weary ascent cloudward.
"Looking northward, or in fact, in any direction, the
scene is sublime. Toward the east is the ever changing
panorama of the great sea, bearing upon its bosom thou-
sands of crafts from the great stately ocean steamer, the
large merchantmen, down to the humble sea skiffs of the
fishermen which at that height and distance seem to re-
semble sea fowl skimming merrily hither and thither over
the waters. It is very pretty to gaze upon.
"Turning the eye toward the north there is to be seen
far off Rockaway Beach, then Coney Island with its mam-
moth hotels and other attractions; thence South Brooklyn,
the towers of the bridge, Trinity's spire, the Statue of
Liberty, Staten Island's villages and shores, including South
Beach, the Kills; then Raritan and Middletown's shores
and the pretty villages fringing them and the railroad line
-Lorillards, Keansburg, Port Monmouth, Belford, Leonard-
ville, and last from the western direction, Leonard A venue
station, etc., Brevent Park with its ever-growing increase
of cottages, till down nearly to your feet lie the symmetrical
avenues of Atlantic Highlands' Hubbard tract and the fair
Atlantic Highlands itself, with its pretty cottages and its
avenues, crossing at direct right angles, or in sinuous form
upon the bill,s, to give variety to scenery in enchantingly
romantic views.
"Turn your eyes again to the southwest and they meet
the great chain of wooded hills back from ancient Middle-
town to and beyond Holmdel Now let the aspect change.
Look southward, the lovely, charming Hillside, dotted with
tasteful cottages and backed on the bills with dense growth
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 499

of woodland that forms a magnificent frame for a natural


picture of wondrous beauty, the lower lands seeming to be
'Stretching in pensive quietness between'-
that is, between the tall chestnuts and oaks cresting the hills
and the sure and certain approach of the cottagers seeking
'pastures new.'
"Let the eye continue further to the southeast, the
silvery ribbons of the Shrewsbury Rivers, dotted on their
banks with incomparable villas, on perfect roads, relieved
with patches of woodland that make it a vast park ap-
parently planned on a most comprehensive scale. Further
yet, the great hotels of Long Branch and the wide, endless
sea, the invigorating air from which seem to stimulate the
lungs with new energy, the heart to enjoy new sensation;
famous Rumson Beach, Seabright-the mind to say 'God is
infinite.' The brain becomes intoxicated with an indescrib-
able pleasure in viewing this vast picture painted by nature
in its happiest of moods. At last the east, a primeval for-
est of altitudinous oaks and chestnut, wild, untrodden,
reaching seaward. It hides the view. It itself is a view
of quiet grandeur and peacefulness.
" 'How lovely,' is the first and often expressed sentiment
of the panting woman visitor on reaching this elevated
perch, not for the first time only but at" every repetition of
her visit. Her male companion echoes, but in other words,
'How grand,' and sits on the rude bench for reflection and
contemplation of the vastness and the varied beauty that
nature provides for him, free of cost, far excelling all the
works of art accomplished or even attempted by the ex-
treme in fancy.
"Such is the outlook. I gave myself to reflection and
a reverie. Hours passed. Fair women and gallant attend-
ants sought the eyrie in midair. Their exclamations were of
delight.
"This tower, built on the high land of Observatory
Park, was a gift of Mayor Leonard, and it is free to all
seeking its advantages. Hundred and hundreds go up its
stairs and descend them with feeling of absolute satisfac-
tion.
"I was roused from my pleasant reverie by thunder
in the southwest. The pure, clear sky, with O<'cac:fonal
mackerel clouds, had given place to billows black, threat-
ening, rolling with swiftness, and angrily toward the ob-
servatory. Then the wind came, gently at first, then with
increasing powerful force, threatening the total wrecking
of the structure. Suddenly it struck it. The ships at sea
500 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

disappeared as if immediately sunken in the depths, for the


clouds, wind and sea met in furious embrace.
"The last visitor had left the upper platform of the
observatory. I remained. The strength of the winds con-
tinued, causing the structure to tremble. It did not sway
or rock for on every one of its four sides were heavy braces
of oak trees. The lightning seemed to be indulging in a
play spell, darting hurriedly into the woods and more fre-
quently into the disturbed turbulent water. Yes, it was a
grand party, a pretty sight of heavenly electrical pyro-
technics, thrilling to look upon, and showing the greatness
superior to the art of man and bewildering in impression.
By and by the clouds softened their angry edges and black-
ness. The rain stopped and the winds withdrew their
vengeful motion. The sky became clear and the 'incon-
stant moon,' pale and pearly, asserted her pleasing pres-
ence. The woods and house tops reflected her radiance
and art also asserted itself, for of the electric arc plant
there were to be seen and counted over the avenues forty
of the lamps that could guide the wayfarer in weak imi-
tation of the power of the illimitable and the everlasting.
"During the sunny light of the day I had seen on the
benches many names and initials of people who seem to
think fame is to be attained in a cheap way, common to
many people, whose only fame lasts as long as the cuttings
and shavings that disfigure a tower.
"Some figures may be appropriate. From the base of
the tower down to the water level is about 220 feet. The
visitors are large in number. One day a week ago, there
were thirty-three men, women and children occupying the
slender space on top of the observatory."
The sea bursting an inlet through the narrow strip of
land connecting the Sandy Hook with the main land at a
point back of Island Beach caused great damage and sur-
prise to the "Sea Side" portion of the Lower Highlands (as
it is sometimes called). It occurred on the 22nd of October,
the sea breaking over and submerging this part of the town.
'Ihe breakwaters and bulkheads were flanked as complete-
ly as ever an enemy flanked an opposing force.
The tide ·began to rise early in the day. The sea be-
came furious and dashed against the piling that served
a~ the only protection to "Sea Side" with unrelenting force.
Finally the bulkhead near the Jackson Club gave way and
the sea rushed over the streets of the village. Miller Street,
the main street of the town, presented a watery appearance,
as well as the cross street, Bay Avenue.
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The good housewives of the town submitted to all


necessary innovations, such as the temporary substitution
of their back piazzas for the swine family. Shopping was
largely placed in the hands of the "Lords of the House-
hold," with an occasional exception where no "Lord" ex-
isted. Then was displayed the gallantry and courage of a
"Knight of Old England," and the good "Dame" was land-
ed safe and sound, by pig-back methods, at the doors of
the "Macys" and "Wanamakers" of the town.
The following clipping will show the activities of Free-
holder Amzi M. Posten and others in Navesink:
( October 7th.)
"The new bridges recently erected in this vicinity by
Freeholder Posten, three in number, are, besides being sub-
stantial structures, very attractive in appearance. Iron cul-
verts are used for the waterways and the side walls are
rustic stone. The bridge near the Bloomer property, the con-
struction of which was superintended by Frank Despreaux,
is the most attractive in design, the coping of the side walls
being very artistic indeed. The mason work on all the
bridges was done by Mr. Frank Hower."
(The Jolll'Ilal-October 7th.)
"The annual meeting of Grand View Hose Company
No. 2 was held on Monday evening, and the following of-
ficers elected: President, Charles Van Mater; Vice-Presi-
dent, George Br3nnin; Secretary, Wilbur A. Campbell; As-
sistant do., F. B. Rue; Treasurer, H. 0. Todd; Foreman,
Edward Oakes; 1st assistant, James B. Stout; 2nd do., Ira
Antonides, Jr.; Standing Committee, Benjamin Jennings,
J. J. Mulligan, Jacob Rohde. Frank E. Price was elected
a member."
The following de:ith requires more than passing notice
as it sunders the past from the present by methods that can-
not be replaced. Mr. William A. Maxson, a resident, whose
iife almost spanned a century, passed away in sight of his
"Old Homestead" in "Lufburrow Locust Grove." We have
often looked with veneration at the ruins, left by a fire, mark-
ing the house of one of the earliest families, many members
cf which have taken such aii. active part in our local affairs.
OBITUARY.
WILLIAM A. MAXSON
(October 16tl.)
On Saturday last, William A. Maxson of Navesink died
at his home there, aged 92 years. He saw the early years
-"502 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

of the century and its latter years also. His father, John
Maxson, was a revolutionary soldier. When a prisoner of
war at Freehold his sister exchanged clothes with him in
.his prison enabling him to escape and save his life. John
Maxson died in 1830. His son, William A. Maxson, married
in 1836 Margaret Mount, daughter of Timothy Mount, who
:survives him. Of five children three are living; Mrs. A.
-COnnor, Timothy M. Maxson and Edwin E. Maxson.
Funeral services were held at his late home on Tues-
day, Reverend J. C. Lord officiating. The interment was
in All Saints Cemetery. The pall-bearers were Messrs.
George H. Sickles, J. H. Patterson, William Bennett and
William Burdge.
Mr. Vincent La Marche of New York gave out the con-
tract for a large dwelling on the river side, to cost about
$12,000. Frank J. Davis recoived the contract, with our
old veteran mason, Nimrod Woodward, to do the mason
work.
Reverend George W. Winrick, of Ringoes, N. J., was
called to the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church of this
town, to assume the position about December 1st.
The Reverend W. H. Shermer, pastor of the Central
Baptist Church, died suddenly in November 19th at Pro,.;-
dence, R. I. He had been under the care of a specialist for
eome time there. He was brought home to his own church,
where a very long and interesting service was held, the
Elizabeth First Baptist Church uniting with his own in the
service.
An interesting banquet was held, which was recorded
as follows:
K. OF P. ENTERTAIN.
EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED WITH A BANQUET.
S_peech Making-Vocal and Instrumental Music-A Novel Plan to
Entertain Guests.
The eighth annual banquet given by the Atlantic
Highlands Lodge of K. of P. in celebration of the anniver-
sary of the organization of that lodge, was held on Monday
night. Covers were laid for 150 guests but owing to the
stormy weather only about 100 appeared.
A novel plan, originated by William M. Foster, was
adopted. The hall on the first floor of Castle Hall was
measured, and it was found eight tables, each table seat-
ing ei,rhteen persons, could be accommodated. Eight
brother Knights then volunterred to each take a table, with
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 503

the assistance of three ladies, and furnish the linen, silver-


ware, etc. Consequently each put forth their best effort to
make their respective tables attractive, and they all suc-
ceeded.
'I.lie tables as arranged with the brothers in charge,
their patronesses and guests, were as follows:
No. 1-Fred A. White. Patronesses-Mrs. F. A. White,
Mrs. M.A. White, Misses Evelyn and Lillian White; guests:
Mr. E. A. Champion and wife, W. A. Sweeney and wife,
S. T. Champion and wife, Frank E. Champion of Ocean City,
and wife, Jos. Tumen and wife, Messrs. Charles White, Phil.
Schlewin and Barton Champion.
No. 2-Thomas J. Emery. Patronesses-Misses Min-
nie Emery, Eleanor J. Brewster, Nellie Thorpe; guests:
Messrs. S. B. Thorpe, Jr., Charles K. Champlain, Fred Frick,
Henry Van Brunt and John Parent.
No. 3--Frank Muir. Patronesses-Misses Leola Ma-
gee, Christina Rhode, Lillian Paddock; guests: Edward
Quackenbush and wife, Murray Foster and wife, Miss Josie
S. Norcross of Lakewood, Mrs. Rennie, Messrs. Calvin Mil-
ler, Al. Magee, H. B. Hart and Charles R. Grover of Red
Bank. .
No. 4-William M. Foster. Patronesses-Mrs. George
White, Miss Julia Morris; guests: Mr. John E. Foster and
wife, Mr. Peter S. Conover and wife, Messrs. George Mount,
A. C. Hart, A. V. S. Crate, Fred Linden and Harold Green.
No. 5-C. Norris Pippitt. Patronesses-Mrs. Pippit,
Mrs. J. E. Van Pelt, Miss Flossie Van Pelt; guests: John
Perrine and wife, Thomas Dawson and wife, J.E. Van Pelt,
Henry Van Pelt and wife, Misses Minnie Warden, Susie
Dawson, Messrs. Charles De Vesty, Will Dawson and Rufus
Savidge.
No. 6--Edgar H. Cook. Patronesses-Mrs. E. H. Cook,
Mrs. George E. Jenkinson, Mrs. Louis H. Foster; guests:
Mayor Thomas H. Leonard and wife, George E. Jenkinson,
Louis H. Foster, Mrs. A. Bowman and wife, Tunis Moller
and wife, Mrs. Gorman and Edward Walling.
No. 7-Asa Dilts. Patronesses-Mrs. Dilts, Mrs. Wall-
ing, Mrs. Palmer; guests: Mr. Albert Perrine and wife, Mr.
Everett Packer and wife, of Metuchen Lodge, No. 145, Mr.
John Geary and wife, Mr. Lewis Sculthorp and wife, Mr.
C. A. Cruser and wife, Mr. W. B. Savidge and wife, Messrs.
George Walling and C. A. Palmer.
No. 8--W. C. Clark. Patronesses-Mrs. A. S. Wood-
ing, Miss May D. Hart; guests: Messrs. A. S. Wooding and
Albert Leonard.
-304 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC.RAIL

Messrs. Charles K. Champlain, Fred Frick and Henry


:Van Brunt, members of the Mandolin Club of Red Bank,
furnished the music. Mr. Champlain sang several comic
songs, the first being "The Irish Jubilee."
Mr. A. C. Hart was elected toastmaster, and after a
few well chosen remarks called upon Mr. Edgar Cook to
deliver an address, but Mr. Cook could not be found. Lat-
i?r when it was discovered he was in the hall, being called
upon, he produced a ream of paper, stating his speech con-
sisted of fourteen chapters, the first chapter being then in
his hands. It was unanimously voted that he be excused.
Mr. S. T. Champion was neixt on the list with an address
entitled "Our Order" which was well received.
A disastrous fire visited the borough on the morning
of the 4th of November, destroying the block of stores
owned by Mayor Thomas H. Leonard, located at the cor-
ner of First and Bay View Avenues. The :lire was dis-
covered by nightwatchman John Oliver shortly before three
o'clock. He was making his round of the stores under his
charge trying the doors, etc., and when in front of James
Martin's barber shop heard a puffing report behind him
which sounded like the back draft of a stove. Looking
suddenly around he discovered that Gorlin's tailoring estab-
lishment was in flames, the fire beins- confined to the work-
room in the extreme northeast end of the building. He im-
mediately fired four shots from his revolver and then hast-
~ned to ring the fire bell at the truck house. Almost the
first tap of the bell brought several firemen and in a very
short time the hose carriage of Grand View Company No.
2, was hastening to the scene of the fire, closely followed
by Company No. 1 and the Hook and Ladder Company with
its truck. Though short of help, very few firemen having
heard the bell, several streams oi water were soon being
played on the burning building. By this time the fire in
the interior of Gorlin's store had gained considerable head-
way and the flames were creeping along between the ceil-
ing and tin roof toward the Dolbey block adjoining. The
fire was a stubborn one and considerable difficulty was ex-
perienced in getting the water where it would do the most
good. But the firemen were equal to the situation and in
less than one hour the flames were completely checked.
The truck house to change hands, as stated in records
of December 2nd:
THE TRUCK HOUSE TO CHANGE HANDS.
A Land Company Formed to Purchase It.
An Exempt Firemen's Association to Be Organized-Most of the Old
Members Will Join Jt--History ot the Company.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 505

A movement is on foot among the members of the Hook


and I.adder Company to form a l:i.nd company among the
members for the purchase of the truck house, now owned
by the Hook and Ladder Company. The reason why this
action is taken by the members of the Hook and Ladder
Company is to protect their interest in the building. Every
member of the Hook and Ladder Company is entitled to
exemption papers, having served seven years as volunteer
firemen, and the majority of such desire to withdraw. To
withdraw from the company, while the truck house is in
the name of the company, would be to lose their interest
in a building erectei'. by them. Hence, a land company
will first be formed among the members, the pr.:>perty deed-
ed to said company, shares of stoci issued, and then such
members as desire will withdraw and take out the exemP-
tion papers to which they are entitled. While these ex-
emption papers will enable the holder to get the usual tax
rebate, he will no longer be compelled to go on duty in case
of fire.
The Hook and Ladder Company, besides disposing of
their building to the Portland Land Company (incorporat-
ed) desires to sell its truck and apparatus to the town at a
very nominal figure. A few of the members who do not
desire to withdraw from the company, and such new mem-
bers as can be secured, will then continue the organization
on the same footing with the other companies.
The Hook and Ladder Company was organized SeP-
+.•mber 5th, 1S82, with headquarters at Foster's pavilion.
Willi:lm M. Foster was elected president and Dr. J. H. Van
Mater chief. It was then the only fire company in Middle-
town township. Of the original members those who now
remain in the company, in good standing are: John H. Van
Mater, M. D., William M. Foster, W. T. Franklin, W. M.
Roberts, Jacob T. Stout and George D. Fay, M. D. Others
now remaining in the company, in good standing, and the
years in which they joined are as follows: 1883--John B.
Valleau; 1884-Tunis Moller; 1885--Gcorge Mackey, S.
T. Champion, Martin Dowd, Thomas Jennings; 1887-Wil-
liam P. Irwin, George E. Jenkinson; lSSS-S. T. White,
Owen Meehan, Edward L. Powell, Charles A. Fort, James
Freeman, Frederick Roberts; 1889-S. S. Morris, •John
Rise, 0. B. Irwin, Fred Linden, Matthew Brown, E. H. Cook.
1890-James ?tlartin, P. S. Conover, John J. Dowd.
As no new members have been taken in since 18'.10,
all the members are entitled to exemption, and it is thought
that the most of them will avail themselves of the oppor-
tunity. All those above mentioned constitute the Portland
506 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Land Company, organized for the purchase of the truck


house.
The roll of the Hook and Ladder Company, since its
organization, is interesting to peruse. It has had upon its
pages, from time to time, upwards of 100 names. Some
have dropped out, others moved away and a good many
have died while members of the organization.
THE HIGHLANDS.
Closing the Inlet and Repairing the Trestle.
F. W. McNeal of New York, who has taken the con-
tract to construct a reef of stone in front of the inlet, has
commenced operations. The stone is brought down the
bay in bardges, and a wharf has been built at the end of the
trestle on the Sandy Hook side, at which the barges are
11Dloaded and the stone is then conveyed to the railroad
across the trestle and dumped overboard. The center of
the inlet for a space of about 1,500 feet is to remain open.
Whether this will be of any advantage to the river remains
to be seen. A large bar has already been formed in the
river by the inlet, and at the rate it bas advanced during
the past three months it will not be long before the bar will
reach across to Seaside and close the river.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 507

CHAPTER LXV.
1898.
A CALL LOOKING TO THE ORGANIZATION OF THE MONMOUTH
COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

The undersigned invite you to be present at a meeting


on Wednesday, October 12th, at 3:30 o'clock, P. M., at the
house of Mrs. Sylvanus Reed, for the purpose of organizing
'The Monmouth County Historical Society.' Patriotic cit-
izens of this County have long felt the need of such an or-
ganization to commemorate places and to preserve records
and relics which in number and interest are unequalled by
any other portion of this country.
The scope will not only cover the past but embrace
the present and prepare for the systematic preservation of
historic and interesting matter pert~ining to this region in
the future.
M?ll. Joel Parker, Freehold. Mrs. Joseph D. Bedle, Jersey. City.
Mrs. W. W. Shippen, Seabright. Mr. and Mrs. Hazlett McKim, Locust
Point. John S. Appicgate, Esq., Red Bank. Mrs. Sylvanus Reed, Nave-
sink. Mrs. Thomss Ward, Shrew.;bury. George C. Beekman, Esq.,
Freehold. :Mrs. William Warner Hoppin, Seabright. Rev. Benjamin
Franklin. D. D., Shrewsbury. Mrs. William C. Beekman, Perth Amboy.
Thomas H. Leonard, Esq., Atlantic Highbnds. W. Struthers Jones, Esq.,
Riverside Avenue. Henry S. Washington, Esq., Navesink. Gen. and
Mrs. Stryker, Trenton. Rev. William V. Wilson, New Monmouth. Wil-
liam E. Strong, Esq., Seabright. Rev. John C. Lord, Navesink. Miss
Katherine Mayo, Atlantic Highlands. William J. Leonard, Esq., At-
lantic Highlands. Robert Hartshorne, Esq., Highlands. Peter S. Con-
over, Jr., Esq., Atlantic Highlands.
R. S. V. P. Saturday, October 8th, 1898.
THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Formed !or the County of Monmouth at Navesink on Wednesday.
Enthwiastic Gathering at the Redemont, Summer Home of Mrs. Syl-
v:inus Reed-About Thirty Present--Many Letters of
Regret--Proceeded to Incorporate.
Monmouth county at length has an historical society.
The centuries have rolled by allotting important events and
personages to this grand old county without witnessing any
systematic and concerted attempt on the part of its sons
and daughters to preserve relics and records of events, in-
dividuals, or families. From time to time .individuals have
508 FROM INDIAN TRAil.. TO ELECTRIC RAil..

been inspired to dig over the remains of the past and pick
out a treasure or two. But the honor was reserved for Mrs.
Sylvanus Reed, known to fame as a successful educator of
young ladies of the highest social circles of the nation and
for thirty years past a summer resident or her fine property
at Navesink, N. J., overlooking the beautiful Shrewsbury
River, to bring together a number of people impressed with
the need of united and serious effort to preserve records and
mementoes of the glorious past, present and future of this
historic section. Mrs. Reed conceived the idea some time
ago, but only determined a few weeks ago to attempt the
achievement of organizing an historical society. She ad-
dressed many prominent ladies and gentlemen interested
in Monmouth by summer residence as well as members of
the old county families. The plan received approval on
every hand and co-operation was cheerfully promised. As
a result, an invitation was printed and signed by about
twenty-two friends of the movement requesting the recip-
ients to gather af Redemont on Wednesday afternoon.
At the appointed hour about thirty people had as-
sembled from Navesink, Seabright, Red Bank, Atlantic
Highlands and elsewhere. By request of the meeting, Mrs.
Reed presided and made a few interesting remarks relative
to the end in view. Her address was as follows:
"My friends, you might possibly think me presump-
tuous in heading a movement for the purpose of organizing
a Historical Society in Monmouth Count, but when you con-
sider that I have, for the past thirty years, been residing
among you and have long been familiar with organizations
of this kind you will, I hope, excuse my presumption. Since
I came to New Jersey, I have been interested in the history
of this state and in the preservation of its relics more than
in any thing of this character heretofore.
"When Mr. Ezra Osborn of Middletown was alive, I
learned as much as he could tell me of history and tradi-
tions of the surrounding community. Mr. Osborn was a
surveyor, versed in local records and genealogies. Mr.
Cooper, a surveyor of Red Bank, has also given me much
information along the same lines. Having also looked into
the face of Ramesis, seen the tomb of Ah,xander, and
learned how people of other countries and of other times
recorded their heroes' deeds on scrolls, tablets and monu-
ments--often the heroes took care themselves to sing loud-
Ir their own praises--it seems to me high time the people
of Monmouth county began to collect and preserve for pos-
terity history of deeds of valor preformed at home. For
this end are we gathered here today. No county is richer
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 509

in noble sons and daughters. significant events and acts of


heroism than Monmouth. They must not be forgotten. You
and I meet today to.do what we may to stop the prodigal
waste of historical knowledge here.
"About three weeks ago, I started to organize an his-
torical society. Then came the summons to go to China,
whither I go in a few days. Notwithstanding needful prep-
arations I have tried to make organization possible and my
labors have been crowned by seeing you all present here
today."
A form for certificate of incorporation was presented
to the meeting by ex-Senator John S. Applegate of Red
Bank, who made a short speech explanatory of the modes
of organizing. One mode was to incorporate by signing a
proper certificate of the fact, which should be recorded and
filed at Freehold or Trenton.
William J. Leonard of Atlantic Highlands was chosen
secretary of the meeting and read the form of certificate.
Discussion followed.
Mrs. Reed expl'essed approval of the permanent form
of organization which incorporation assured.
Mrs. W. W. 5hippen of Seabright favored un-incor-
porated organization at the outset. Let the society grow
until incorporation would serve some practical end.
William J. L~onard suggested that postponement of
incorporation would enable more people to sign the cer-
tificate, which would be an honor roll. Organization of a
business corporation was mere formality and few signa-
tures were required. But signing the certificate of incor-
poration for the Monmouth Historical Society is a privilege
not to be neglected. Many not present would wish to sign.
For the organization itself is an important historic event.
Besides this, un-incorporated organization would answer
present purposes effectively. Incorporation would follow
naturally at a future time.
Mr. Applegate said incorporation would give stability
and permanence. Corporations lived on after death or de-
sertion of part of the members. Incorporation could not
be effected at once. The certificate could be signed by
those present and held back to give others a chance to sign.
Mrs. Reed e::...--pressed a wish to have the organization
effected in a stable and permanent manner by proceeding
at once.
Rev. Robert MacKellar, rector of Trinity Church of
Red Bank, said. he would cheerfully agree with the major-
ity about incorporation.
610 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Mayor Thomas H. Leonard spoke about the need of


just such a society to preserve and collect records and
relics. He spoke of the old Middletown town book two and
a half centuries old which had disappeared and could not
be traced.
After further discussion the question of incorporation
was put to vote and decided affirmatively.
The secretary was requested to read the form of cer-
tificate prepared and it was considered and adopted clause
by clause. The society will be incorporated under the gen-
eral corporation law of New Jersey, its name to be "The
Monmouth County Historical Association." Its objects will
be according to the certifi~te adopted, "to discover, pro-
cure, preserve, and perpetuate whatever may relate to his-
tory, genealogy and biography, and more particularly to
the history of Monmouth county, and to the genealogies and
biographies of families, persons and citizens who have been
associated and identified with Monmouth county and the
state of New Jersey; and to collect and preserve for future
ages and records of residents and families who are now
entering this county and contributing to its history and
prosperity; current events, historical and biographical; to
take cognizance of the making of history; to be interested
in the organizing and naming of villages and post offices,
the preservation of landmarks and all that pertains to the
welfare and honor of Monmouth county."
The principal office of the society will be located at
Red Bank and John S. Applegate, Esq., was named as agent
in charge thereof for purposes of serving legal process, by
·rnte of the meeting.
Mrs. Reed read letters of regret from Hon. Peter S.
Conover, Jr., and Editor A. C. Hart of Atlantic Highlands,
Mrs. Hoppin of Seabright, Mrs. Joel Parker of Freehold
and many others. General and Mrs. Stryker of Trenton
wrote expecting to be present but were prevented at foe
last moment. Mrs. E. M. Bedle of Freehold expected to
attend but was prevented by a misunderstanding.
The meeting took a recess to sign the certificate of in-
corporation and Mrs. Reed invited all present to lunch
which had been thoughtfully prepared in the dining room.
Subsequently another meeting was arranged for Sat-
urday, October 22d, at the home of Rev. Robert MacKellar
on Maple Avenue Red Bank, when further steps toward
organization will be taken and officers chosen. Mrs. Reed
will not be present as she expects to sail for China on Oc-
tober 20th. In view of that fact and voicing the wishes of
those present William J. Leonard moved that Mrs. Reed be
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 511

chosen permanent president of the society which she has


been so instrumental in organizing. The motion was unan-
imously carried in spite of her protests that sbc months' ab-
sence would disqualify her. In fitting word Mrs. Reed ac-
kowledged the honor, stipulating that a vice-president
should do active service until her return.
With good wishes and congratulations to the hostess
the company dispersed, realizing that an important event in
Monmouth history had just occurred.
Among those who participated in the meeting or or-
ganization are Rev. and Mrs. John C. Lord of Navesink,
Mrs. Haslett McKim of Locust Point, Mrs. W. Struthers
Jones of Riverside Avenue, Rev. and Mrs. Robert MacKellar
of Red Banlc, Mrs. Henry S. White of Red Bank, Mrs. Eliza-
beth W. Church of New York City, Prof. Stephen V. Arrow-
smith of Red Bank, Miss Katherine Mayo of Atlantic High-
lands, General and Mrs. Wm. Barclay Parsons of Navesink,
S. Albert Reed of Navesink, Mayor Thomas H. Leonard of
Atlantic Highlands, Mrs. W.W. Shippen of Seabright, Wil-
liam J. Leonard of Atlantic Highlands, John S. Applegate
of Red Bank and others whose names were not obtained.
THE MAYOR'S MESSAGE FOR THE YEAR 1898.
Mayor's Office, :March 14, 1898.
Atlantic Highlands, N. J.
Gentlemen: In conformity with the provisions of the
Laws of New Jersey which impose upon me the duty of
recommending to your honorable body such measures as
I deem necessary and expedient for the best interests of the
borough, I respectfully call your attention to the following:
First, I would bespeak the almost universal sympathy
and hearty support of the taxpayers and residents of the
borough for your efforts in the line of economy and care
for the best development of the town. I will first remind
you of some of the duties, obstacles and results of the past
year.
THE POOR.
This department has been faithfully presided over by
Mr. Thomas T. Rogers, who has met every demand; al-
though some of the cases brought before him were excep-
tionally intricate and difficult. He closed the fiscal year
with a balance still to the credit of the appropriation.
THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
This department, for reasons not likely to be duplicat-
ed the present year, received an extra appropriation. The
512 FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAIL

cleaning out of Many Mind Creek from the bay to Jackson


Bridge, compelled advances which will be returned the
present year.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
This department is a credit to the borough for its care
and economical management of the property entrusted to
its use. Also for its quick responses to calls of duty.
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.·
This department bas run but little over its appropria-
tion. This economical service was made possible by joining
with the citizens and business men on First Avenue in pro-
curing a night watchman and policeman in one person.
THE WATER DEPARTMENT.
The water question is one requiring more thought and
consideration than any other, as it points more directly to
the health and necessities of the community. The condi-
tion of our supply at the beginning of last year is well
known. The quality was good, being pure and healthful,
but the quantity was limited to less than one-half of the
necessary proportions. To increase and retain the purity,
and at the same time keep within the appropriation, was a
question. Every point bearing on the case was considered.
The time was limited. :Your board was composed of all
new members and to grasp the matter of municipal govern-
ment in all its details, performing your duties justly and
economic!llly, at the same time arriving at the necessary
result, required on your part a great sacrifice of time, to
say the least. Two methods were agreed upon to increase
the water supply. They were pursued simultaneously as
the fast approaching season compelled it. The lines laid
out by your honorable body were heartily seconded by
your superintendent, Mr. Percy Falkinburg, now deceased,
who nobly and bravely met the obstacles that seemed for
him alone to meet and overcome. The compressed air-lift
developed astonishing results on a line of increasing our
supply by bringing into active life dormant energies in our
eight artesian wells. The filter plant, through Messrs.
Mooney and Falkinburg, recharged and improved upon it
far beyond .the conditions and recommendations of its man-
ufacturers. The pump was thoroughly overhauled the first
time since it was set up, having been in continual use since
the summer of 1893. The well, comer of Avenue C and
Leonard Avenue was difficult in its construction through its
size and the quick-sands encountered. The death of our
almost indispensable superintendent, occurring at this time,
made the work memorable and sad throughout its comple-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 513

tion. The quality of water procured from the well was


found, by the analysis of Professor Leeds, to be pure and
wholesome; and this addition to our already increased SUP-
ply placed us beyond want, as was proven at the First and
Bay View Avenues fire, where the pressure was increased
in the stand-pipe by three pounds, while the two hydrants
were opened at the fire. I would recommend the comple-
tton of the little unfinished work still remaining to complete
the wells.
The railroad siding, in the crowd of pressing business,
was passed by. I would recommend its construction at the
first opportunity, thereby avoiding the expense of hauling
the coal as was at first contemplated. I would also call
your attention to the advisability of charging the town with
a hydrant rental that all may bear alike the advantages of
:fire-protection. Also the universal use of water meters that
the consumer may feel that he is paying for the water used
&.nd no more. The meter system is very satisfactory in the
lighting system, both for the town and the consumer. I
recommend it for your consideration. I also recommend
the fixing up of the grounds around the pumping station,
that the exterior may harmonize more with the interior,
which is a credit to the town. The maintenance of this de-
partment was kept well within the appropriation. The ex-
tensions already enumerated, and which &.re of a perma-
nent character, alone drew from other departments and
appropriations.
THE ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTXENT.
Our system is a grand success, both in quality and
economy, made possible, by the wisdom of ex-Mayor Stout
E.nd his co-workers, by the proper locating of poles and
lines, for street lighting. I would call your attention to the
advisability of charging the town for its excellent street
lighting, tliat seems to carry with it the same conditions that
fire hydrants do. It would seem that a fair rental should
be credited to represent the general use by the public of the
arc lights. The incandescent light connections have in-
creased immensely, but I think the present plant should be
continued for this year. Doubtless by another year, anoth-
er dynamo, or a larger one, will be required. 1,000 lights
have been added since you have assumed the care of the
system one year ago. Nine house owners are now awaiting
their turns for connections. I would recommend for your
consideration, the advisability of at least two line circuits
to be constructed by your superintendent and electrician,
thereby giving your mechanical super.ntendent at the sta-
514 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

tion better control in cases of emergency. Also I would


recommend the examining of the plant by an electrical ex-
pert that the best and greatest results may be obtained for
the present year. The all-night lighting which you have
had in mind is almost unnecessary to name as I well know
your feeling in the matter. The wonderful development of
the incandescent plant calls for extensions and power that
remove the possibility for the time, of the all-night idea.
1 would recommend as soon as the conditions are favorable,
to bring about its consummation. You kept the approprin-
tion for maintenance well in mind and came out with a
balance, but as with the water department, the necessary
extensions compelled you to draw from other resources.
STREET DEPARTMENT.
I will close my recommendations with this the most
difficult question of all to confront you in this present year,
the care and management of the streets. The use of
bicycles has developed an interest in good roads that is
commendable, producing more interest in and greater
knowledge and criticism of their condition. There are
parts of six avenues in the borough running up and around
the side-hill that will be a care and annoyance until they
are stoned. Not even the disposal of the storm water will
prevent their washing. The best for the present is to care
for the trunks and gutters, keeping them free and protected.
I would rl?~ommend the betterment of Central, Grand and
Asbury Avenues. Also our avenues coming in from the
west, as follows: Highland Avenue from Many Mind Creek
to Freight Station crossing and west Valley Drive from
Many Mind Creek to First Avenue. I will add to my sug-
gestions the continuation of contracting your street work
as far as possible as you did last year, resulting in better
c,nd cheaper street-building also being more satisfactory to
tax and license payers who are so situated to bid on con-
tracts. I would recommend the more frequent use of the
street scrapers; also the streets to be gone over two or three
times with the weed scythe, especially resident streets where
use is not sufficient to keep them in order in this respect.
The larger use of the scraper and scythe will, at least re-
turn you thanks from all ages and sexes in their cycling
tours of the town. The frequent and exceedingly heavy
storms of 1897 required constant labor and expenditure on
our side-hill avenues. Fearing duplicate conditions and
also wishing for the steady betterment of our streets, I
added to our appropriations for the present year $1,000,
which you kindly endorsed and the taxpayers heartily sus-
tained at the polls.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil, 515

With these few suggestions. I will close. trusting your


honorable body will receive them in the same spirit in which
they are offered.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS H. LEONARD,
Mayor.
To the Borough Council of Atlantic Highlands, N. J.
Cable connection between the mainland and Sandy
Hook.
SANDY HOOK CABLE COMPLETED.
The Postal Telegraph Company's cable from High-
lands of Na,,.esink to Sandy Hook, forming the connecting
link between that company's observation tower at Sandy
Hook and their offices at 253 Broadway, New York, was
completed last week. The cable is 4,300 feet long, of 6
conductors, and weighs 4 pounds to the foot. It is armed
with 22 strands of number 6 b w g iron wire, which is the
same size cable as the six miles recently laid in Great South
Bay, from Fire Island to Babylon, for marine service.
The recognition services relative to the settlement of
Rev. J. O. Russel as _pastor of the Central Baptist Church
were held April 6th.
Rev. Percy Perinchief, who succeeded the Rev. J. B.
Haines as pastor of the M. E. Church, occupied his new
pulpit.
We are sad in recording the death of one of the grand
f,ioneer women of the town, Mrs. Phebe M. Roberts, Feb-
ruary 25, 1898.
OBITUARY.
Mrs. Phebe M. Roberta.
Mrs. Phebe M. Roberts, widow of Nathaniel Roberts,
deceased, died at her home. the Roberts homestead on Firstl
Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, on February 25th last. at the
age of 75 years and 4 months. She had been confined to
her. bed since last August and gradually failed until her
death.
Five sons and one daughter survive her and fourteen
grandchildren. The sons are Thomas J. Roberts of Brook-
lyn, ex-Councilman D. Jones Roberts of Atlantic Highlands.
William M. Roberts of Brooklyn, Collector Nathaniel H.
Roberts and Frederick Roberts of Atlantic Highlands. The
daughter, Miss Ella Roberts has resided with her mother.
The Adam Moore drug business on the corner of First
r.nd Center Avenues, was sold at this time to E.W. Brant
016 FROM INDIAN TR.All. TO ELECTRIC RAil..

c-,f Elizabeth and J. Stanley Matthews. formerly of Hage-


man's New York Pharmacy, who now will conduct busi-
ness under the firm name of E. W. Brant and Company.
under charge of Mr. Matthews. Wilber A. Campbell and
Arthur Davis, clerks in the establishment. have been re-
tained by the new management.
The annual meeting of the Bay View Cemetery As-
sociation was held at this time (January). The old Board
of Directors was re-elected, as follows: George H. Sickles,
president; R. S. Snyder, secretary; Richard A. Leonard,
superintendent; and treasurer. Directors, W. V. Wilson,
Amzi M. Posten, Thomas H. Leonard, N. H. Roberts, Thom-
as T. Rogers, William B. Mount, C. T. Leonard, R. S. Snyder
and W. J. Leonard.
Mr. Charles DeVesty succeeded Mr. Joseph Gardner
as deputy postmaster with the new year.
The new officers of the Clinton B. Fisk Post. G. A. R.
for the new year were as follows: W. W. Roberts. Com-
mander; A. J. Cook, Senior Commander; Fred Schneider,
Junior Commander; Robert Emery, Chaplain, S. T. Cham-
pion, Quartermaster; W. M. Foster, Ad_iu!:ant; Peter Haines,
O. D., Edward Layton, I. G.
The following are the business centers at this time:
N. H. Roberts, Dry Goods and Gents Furnishing; James A.
Sage, Express, Boarding and Livery Stable; W. C. Clark,
Corning Lumber Company; Frank J. Davis, Contractor and
Builder; Tunis F. Moller, Bla.:ksmith and Horseshoer; HoP-
ping and Ely, Builders' and Masons' Material; William W.
Leonard, Contractor and Builder; John Southall and Sons,
Contractors and Builders; William H. Posten, Jr., Hard-
ware and House Furnishing; William T. Franklin, Coal,
Wood, Brick, Fertilizer; Jacob T. Stout. General Contract-
or; C. Amzi Quackenbush, Matthew Brown, Plumbing, Gas
Fitting and Heating; Frost and Company, Harness and
Saddlers; William M. Foster, R. I. Snyder, C. T. Leonard,
Thomas H. Leonard, Real Estate and Insurance; Emery
and Moore, Architects; Waldemen, Market; George Mac-
key, Butcher; Richard A. Leonard, Coal and Wood Yard
at Leonardo; th.! Cottage Meat Market, E. P. Magee and
Son; E.W. Leonard, General Store, Leonardville; Atlantic
Grocery Comp&ny, W. D. Stout. Manager; J. Linzmayer,
Meat and Vegetables; Lastrum and Bridle, E. A. Palmer,
Florists; De Hart and Letson, Artistic and High-Class
Photography; F. A. Reiter, Fashionable Custom Tailor; D.
Lane Conover, Contractor; Dr. A. Edwards, Veterinary
Surgeon; Thomas Dowd, Ice; J. H. Rhode, Restaurant;
FROM INDIAN TRAll. TO ELECTRIC RAn. 517

"Bee Home," W. N. Snedeker, proprietor; O. B. Irwin, Car-


riage Manufacturer; Patrick Halleran, Blacksmith and
Horseshoer; David Bernivo, Fruits, Confectionery.
ELECTRIC LIGHT AT THE TWIN LIGHTS.
After June 30th, an electric light will be substituted for
the present oil lamp in the southerly tower of the Twin
lights at the Highlr.nds of Navesink. The new light will be
visible over 22 miles in clear weather. Since the beginning
of the war the southerly tower has not been lighted.
THE HIGHLAND LIGHT.
\\"hen homcwnrd bound, from distant shore,
The weary bark re:urns once more;
And knows the wished-for haven nc.1r,
Yet holds her cour,;e in d:,ubt 11nd fe:,r;
Landward the master turns bis eyes,
And when, far distant, he descries
Thy twin stars ftashin 6 through the night;
He blesses thee, 0 ll1gnl11nd Light!
So, when I tum my willing :f'eet
To find a calm, hccurl! ret:-ect,
A haven free from toil and strife
And ,·exing cares oi busy liic;
And when, 11t len~h. my longing eyes
Behold thy graceful turrets rise;
I welcome thee with stran~ delight,
And bless thee, too, 0 Highland Light!
For that thou tellcst of a stream
Brighter ar.d lovelier t!u:n II dre:,m;
lily re!uge erst in holiday,
lily h.lven fair-Fair !illvcn bay.
Dear Shrewsbury? on thy gentle tide
Again my snowy sail shall glicie
Down where the rivers twain un:te
To grace thy throne, 0 Highland Light!
I know no sunshine like the beam
That lights with gold thy azure stream;
No shade like that upon thy brink
Beneath the heights of N11vesink.
Again I'll waste the sultry day
Watching the fish-hawk seize his prey;
Or gazing on his circling ftight
High o'er thy towers, 0 Highland Light!
What reek I of the breaker's roar,
That thunders on the outer shore
Of the frail sands that scarce divide
Thy waters from the ocean tide?
518 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

All, all is peace and beauty here;


I hoist my sail without a fear
Beneath the shadow of thy height,
Thy mountain home, 0 Highland Light'
Fain would I linger here at rest,
Fair river! on thy gentle breast;
Content the Summer hours to pass
In idle pleasure; but, alas!
My holiday wi11 soon be o'er,
And I must leave thy peaceful shore,
Thy sandy beach with breakers white,
Thy bills of green, 0 Highland Light'
Yet oit., at night, I'll think of thee,
Lone watcher by the wintry sea;
For thou must sleepless vigil keep
When mortal eyes are closed in sleep.
And while, beneath, t'!iy river free
Doth ebb and flow be..cide the sea,
Shall still s!iine on, through storm and night,
Thy sister &ars, 0 Highland Light!
(Writer Unknown.)
Simon Lake, the inventor of submarine navigation, we
claim as our own, as he was with us in much of our pioneer
work and built the first submarine at this place and kindly
invited us all to go aboard to enjoy a trip in the waters of
the bay with him. It was a beautiful sensation to think we
were in the depths of the sea where, perhaps, the "Half
Moon" sailed about 300 years ago. For this invitation and
E>ntertainment, we thanked Mr. Lake-after we got out.
Lake's Submarine Boat Makes a Journey.
"THE ARGONAUT."
Travels 1,000 Miles Under Chesapeake Bay-A Complete Success.
Simon Lake's submarine boat has returned to Baltimore
after an experimental trip of two months down the bay.
The object of the trip was to show the practicability of
submarine boats of the Lake type for various purposes, and
Mr. Lake went along to put the vessel through various
manoeuvres for making a series of tests and to study the
varying condition of the bottom. He is entirely satisfied
that submarine navigation is now an assured success.
During this trip the Argonaut travelled considerably
over 1,000 miles under her own power on the surface of the
water, in all kinds of weather, likewise on all sorts of bot-
toms. She travelled while submerged over bottoms so soft
that the divers would sink in the mud up to their knees.
At Hampton Roads the currents were very strong, and the
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 519

bottom quite rough and hilly; in other places the bottom


was composed of very loose gravel, resembly shelled com.
On another trip, about five miles outside of Cape Henry,
on the bottom of the broad Atlantic, was found an ideal
bottom. It is composed of fine grey sand, so hard that one
could hardly push a fishing spear down into it.
We have to record the death of Mr. Edward L. Powell
(our first plumber), which occurred September 9th of this
year. He came to Atlantic Highlan:is in the employ of P.
Hall Parker of Seabright. Mr. Powell was the first work-
ing plumber of this place. We saw him first at the old
asparagus house of farm days, which he had transformed
into a plumbing shop. He was drowned while under con-
tract that called him to the United States of Columbia.
At this time William P. Irwin, one of our hardware
dealers, formed a co-partnership with John E. Williams, of
Navesink, to carry on a coal and wood business, corner of
First Avenue and Valley Drive.
Sandy Hook's colony is growing. This year Fort Han-
cock will have a school. The teacher has been engaged and
the educational hive will begin to hum on October the fif-
teenth. There are twenty-seven children of school age and
drawing school money at Fort Hancock. The school is
needed. Fort Hancock people are not the sort that do not
care whether school keeps or not. They wanted this school
so much that they have agreed to pay part of the teacher's
salary in order to get it. Hurrah for progressive Fort Han-
cock. In times of peace should not a regular ferry to At-
lantic Highlands and railroad car to Highlands make Fort
Hancock people our neighbors?
520 FROM INDIAN TRAil.. TO ELECTRIC RAil..

CHAPTER LXVI.
ELECTION OF MR. PETER S. CONOVER, MAYOR OF THE BOR-
OUGH-ORGANIZATION OF THE MONMOUTH COUNTY
msTORICAL SOCIETY.
("The Press"--J:inu:ry 2S.)
1899.
OBITUARIES.
Peter F. Schenck.
"On Friday, January 20th, occurred the death of Peter
F. Schenck of Highlands of Navesink in New York City,
where he has been ill for some time past. His age lacked
less than two months of 74 years. He leaves a widow to
mourn his loss. The only surviving descendants of the fam-
ily are Mr. Schenck's nieces, Mrs. Joseph Yetman of Nave-
sink, and her two children.
"His remains were brought to the East View House,
Highlands of Navesink, on Saturday and funeral services
were held there, Rev. J. W. Nickelson officiating, on Sun-
day afternoon. A large company gathered to pay the last
tribute of respect to the deceased.
"Interment was made in the family burial plot in the
churchyard of the Baptist Church at Middletown. The
bearers were Messrs. A. H. Bernadou, William Luke,
George Lewis, James Stryker, Timothy Maxson and Capt.
William Boeckel."
We congratulate our fellow townsman, Somers T.
Champion, upon his election to the high office of Grand
Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias of New Jersey. From
point of service and fealty to the order, no one could be
more worthy of the honor than is he or more richly deserv-
ing of it. That his administration will be fraught with :i: ,ch
good to this Grand Domain we have no doubt.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing
year by Highland Encampment, No. 26:
Chief Patriarch-Wm. Wagner. Recording Secretary-David
Treasurer--Wilson Stryker. Westervelt.
Financial Secretary-Walter S:-. Warden-Wm. Roop.
Curtis.
Last Wednesday ni5 'tt Anchor Lodge, No. 218, elect-
ed the following officers for the ensuing year:
Noble Grand-Wm. Wagner. Financial Secretary-Walter
Vice-Grand--Jos. G. Desprealllt. Curtis.
Recording Secretary--John Oliver. Tre:isurer-E. P. Magee.
FROM INIDAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 521

Clinton B. Fisk Post, No. 114, G. A. R., has elected the


following officers for the ensuing year:
Commander-A. J. Cook. Adjutant-W. llL Foster.
Sr. Vice-Commander-Peter Ch:iplain-Robert Emery.
Haines. Officer of the Day-Dennis
Jr. Vice-Commander-John Sebo- Sweeney.
field. Surgeon-Matthew Brown.
Quartermaster-S. T. Champion. Officer of the Guard-Job Liming.
On Tuesday evening Portland Council, No. 117, Jr.
0. U. A. M., elected the following officers for the ensuing
year:
Councillor-John E. Bergen. Treasurer-H. O. Todd.
Vice-Councillor-0. B. Irwin. Conductor'--George McC!iesney.
Recording Secretary-Fred D. Warden-John Oliver.
Loux. Inside Sentinel-Thos. Skidmore.
Assistant-Randolph Voorhees. Outside Sentinel-Chas. Samuels.
Financial Secretary-C. N. Pip. Jr. Past Councillor-Robert Lewis.
pitt. Trustees-O. B. Irwin, Chas.
Samuels and Thos. Skidmore.
The following officers have been elected by Monmouth
Lodge, No. 1378, Royal Arcanum, for the ensuing year:
Regent-A. S. Wooding. Treasurer-W. H. Posten, Jr.
Vice-Regent-Chas. R. Snyder. Cbaplain-F. A. Reiter.
Orator-F. A. Morehouse. Guide--J. J. Dowd.
Past Regent-F. W. Young. Warden-G. Patterson.
Secretary-W. D. Stout. Sentry-J. S. Cruser.
Collector-A. H. Heritage. Trustee for 3 years-David P.
Represent:ith-e to Grand Council Smith.
-Chas. R. Snyder; alternate,
A. S. 'Wo~ding.
("The Prefs"-February 11.)

OBITUARY.
Mrs. M::ry A. L~onard.

"Saturday night, February 4th, Mrs. Mary A. Leonard,


widow of the late Thomas Leonard of Leonardville, died at
her home at the age of 84 years, 3 months and 19 days.
Death was due to paralysis. Mrs. Leonard's maiden name
was Hopping. She was a daughter of James and Patience
Hopping. One brother, Edward Tilton Hopping, of Red
Bank, survives her, besides three sons. Her only sister.
Sarah F. Frost of Garrett's Hill, died in 1865. Another
brother, John J. Hopping, died in 1890. Mrs. Leonard's
mother lived to extreme old age and spent her last years
with her daughter, dying in 1884, aged 101 years, leaving
sixteen grand children, twenty-seven great grand children
and three great great grand children.
022 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

"The nephews and nieces and grand nephews and


grand nieces of Mrs. Mary A. Leonard are numerous and
lier surviving sons are Thomas H. Leonard, Mayor of At-
iantic Highlands, Edward W. Leonard, who resided with
his mother, and John J. Leonard of Leonardville Road. Her
eldest son, Capt. James H. Leonard of Atlantic Highlands,
died February 2, 1895.
"Mary A. Hopping and Thomas Leonard were mar-
ried on February 5th, 1840, and they lived together about
68 years, until :Mr. Leonard's death in 1897.
"Since the residence of Mrs. Leonard came into the
hands of her late husband's father, Capt. William Leonard,
about the year 1808, there have been six deaths there, all
old people, whose combined ages amount to 489 years,
making an average lifetime of 811/2 years for each. They
were, in the order of their decease, Mrs. Elizabeth Apple-
gate Leonard, wife of Capt. William Leonard, in 1836, aged
50 years; Mrs. Patience Hopping, aged 101 years; Miss
Elizabeth Leonard, sister of Capt. William Leonard, aged
90 years; Mrs. Mary A. McClane, sister of Thomas Leonard,
aged 82 years, and the last Mrs. Mary Leonard, subject of
this sketch, in the 85th year of her age.
"Mrs. Leonard joined the Middletown Baptist Church
in youth and was a constituent member of the Navesink
Baptist Church when organized in 1852, afterwards becom-
ing a constituent member of the First Baptist Church of
Atlantic Highlands, organized in 1890. Funeral services
were held at the last named church on Wednesday, Feb-
ruary 8th, Rev. H. W. Hillier officiating, assisted by Rev.
W. B. Harris, formerly pastor of Navesink Baptist Church.
The interment was in the family plot at Fair View Ceme-
tery. The pall bearers were Messrs. J. E. VanPelt, N. H.
Roberts, William Burdge, Edward Bowne, John Southall
and Matthew Brown."
("The Journal"-February 16.)
THE DEATH OF EDWARD HOOPER.
Occurred OD Tuesday at His Home in the Borough
Stricken With Paralysis on Friday While Walking OD Bay View Ave-
'nue-Was in the 79th Year of His Age, and
a Lifelong Resident.

"The death of Edward Hooper, one of the pioneers of


Atlantic Highlands, occurred on Tuesday morning, the re-
sult of a stroke of paralysis, sustained on Friday of last
week. He was stricken on Bay View Avenue, while on his
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 523

way downtown, and was found lying on the sidewalk by


Egbert Lufburrow. He was conveyed to his home and
medical aid summoned, but he gradually grew weaker until
death claimed him.
"Judge Hooper, by which title he was familiarly
known, was a son of Samuel Hooper, and was born at this
place on October 6th, 1820. The house in which he was
born stood east of First Avenue, between Washington and
Lincoln Avenues, on the site now used as a lumberyard by
Hopping and Ely. When he was quite young he moved
with his parents to the Hooper homestead on Bay View
Aevnue, where he has since resided. He inherited from
his father at his death about 100 acres of land, comprising
what is now known as the Sears and Chapin tracts. The
Atlantic Highlands Association, at the time of its organiza-
tion, bought 62 acres from Mr. Hooper for $31,000. Pre-
vious to this, he had sold the Sears and Chapin tract to
Charles Sears, father of Stephen Sears, and Seth V. Chapin,
father of Gilbert Chapin. Sears and Chapin bought the
land for its marl deposits and shipped quantities of it for
several years, building a long dock for that purpose.
F'reight rates took all the profits of the industry, and the
loss of several of their carrying vessels by storm ended it.
Mr. Sears and a Mr. Dey then built a factory along the shore
for the manufacture of fish scrap and oil, mixing marl with
the scrap, but the Atlantic Highlands Board of Health ord-
ered the manufacture discontinued in 1880.
"Previous to the organization of the Association, Mr.
Hooper was engaged in farm,ing, but since that time has
had no particular occupation. He was a familiar figure
about town, no weather being too severe for him to encount-
er, and there were very few days in the year, except Sun-
days, that did not find the Judge at his usual retreats. He
was a member of the first borough commission of Atlantic
Highlands, serving two terms in that capacity. At the time
of his death he was one of the Commissioners of Appeals
for the borough.
"Mr. Hooper, a great many years ago, was a member
of the Middletown Baptist Church and afterwards a con-
stituent member of the Navesink Baptist Church, of which
he was clerk for a number of years. He was a liberal con-
tributor towards the erection of the First Baptist Church of
the borough and also subscribed towards the erection of the
Central Baptist Church.
"Mr. Hooper was a man of more than ordinary mental
endowment and was well informed on all subjects of cur-
rent interest. He was of a retiring disposition and made
524 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

but few intimate acquaintances. Neither did he make any


enemies and he was respected by the entire community.
He married Elizabeth Mansfield in 1884, who survives him.
His sister, Deborah Hooper, died about 25 years ago. He
leaves no children.
"The funeral will be held on Friday at 10 :30 a. m. at
the Central Baptist Church. Rev. J. S. Russell will officiate,
assisted by Rev. W. B. Harris. Interment will be at Fair
View Cemetery."
("The Journal"-March 23.)
BOROUGH COUNCIL
Met and Organized on Monday Evening.
"The Mayor and Council met on Monday evening-
all members present except Mr. Mickens. Mayor Leonard
in the chair.
"The clerk read the report of the election held on the
14th, for the election of a Mayor, Councilmen, etc.
"Mayor-elect Peter S. Conover, Jr., was then sworn in
by the clerk. The retiring Mayor, T. H. Leonard, then
vacated the chair and made a few remarks of congratula-
tion to his successor. Mayor Conover occupied the chair
and made a suitable response.
"Councilmen Dr. J. H. Van Mater and Charles Van
Mater were each sworn in by the clerk, and took their seats,
Mr. Quackenbush (the only one of the two retiring Coun-
cilmen present) vacating his chair to Dr. Van Mater.
"Jonathan T. Stout, elected a Commissioner of Ap-
p~als, being present, was also sworn in by the clerk.
"Mayor Conover announced the following standing
committees:
Water and Sewer-Clark, Mooney, Licenses-White, J. H. Van Mat-
Sculthorp. er, Sculthorp.
Streets-J. H. Van Mater, Clarie, Auditing-Sculthorp, C. Van Mat-
C. Van Mater. er, Clark.
Finance-C. Van Mate:r, Clark, Police-White, Sculthorp, lllooney.
Sculthorp. Printing-Clark, White, C. Van
Lighting-Mooney, White, J. H. Mater.
Van Mater. S-.ipp!ies-l\Iooney, J. H. Van
Mater, ""bite.
"Mayor Thomas H. Leonard, who retires from office
this spring, has held that office for eight years out of the
twelve that the borough has been organized. He was first
elected in 1887 and served successively for two years, John
E. Foster succeeding him in 1889. In 1890 he was again
elected and served four ye~rs in succession, Jacob T. Stout
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 525

succeeding him in 1894. He was again elected in 1897 and


~ now closing a two-year term. During the entire eight
years he has not missed, with but one exception, a meeting
of the Mayor and Council, either regular or special. The
exception was during his last term, when illness detained
him at home for one regular meeting night. Mr. Leonard,
when in office, has always devoted his whole time to his of-
ficial duties. Nothing bas ever been too trifling for him to
consider or of too great a magnitude for him to attempt.
"Mayor Leonard's last term bas been particularly
creditable to him and his colleagues. When he entered
upon bis duties in 1897 the insufficiency of the water IJUPPlY'
had become a serious problem. Means were at once de-
vised to remedy this state of affairs, with the result that
the supply is now ample for all present demands and for
years to come. The improvements to the water supply
amounted to $2,000, but it was money well spent.
"The number of arc lights has been increased from 61
to 68, and the incandescent system, almost entirely unde-
veloped when the present administration went into power,
has been extended through all the principal streets of the
town, and the number of lights increased to over 1,600.
The extensions to the lighting system amounted to $3,000,
but. as in the former ca.c;e, it was work of a permanent
nature, and that adds to the value of the town's public
works.
"By reissuing the water and sewer bonds the interest
was reduced $1,740 per year and the principal $1,000, items
though seemingly insignificant are well worth taking into
consideration.
"In addition to the above, streets have been graveled
from curb to curb and stone guttered where the grade made
it necessary, a distance of 7,300 feet, while everything has
been done within the annual appropriation.
"T. H. Mickens and Amzi Quackenbush, the retiring
councilmen, have proven themselves faithful and conscien-
tious officials. Mr. Mickens, during his term of office, has
been chairman of the street committee and a member of
the committees on water and sewer and finance. To the
street department be has devoted considerable time and
attention, and has always done what seemed, in his judg-
ment, for the best interests of the town.
Mr. Quackenbush has served on the auditing, police
and printing committees. He has been faithful in attend-
ance, and as chairman of the auditing committee always
scrutinized carefully every bill for payment, refusing to
526 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil,

sign such as admitted of any doubt. They are deserv-


ing of the thanks of the people for the manner in which
they have discharged their duties."
("The Joumal"-April 13.)
WATER WITCH PARK.
"On the higher ground, away from the beach, more
important and permanent forms of improvement are under
way. Water Witch Park, the co-operative settlement of
the Water Witch Club, is an established success, with a
pretty clubhouse on a commanding location overlooking the
great Lower Bay and Sandy Hook and that section of the
Atlantic which is the common field for the international
yacht races. A dozen or more pretty cottages have been
built and occupied by the owners, and a number are in
process of erection. The success of the Water Witch Club
has inspired the original promoters and their associates to
start a new and similar co-operative enterprise on property
adjoiuing Water Witch Park on the west. The new enter-
prise is to be called the Navesink Country Club, and the
plan of its organization and distribution of building lots
is to be similar to that of the older organization. The mem-
bers will elect thf::ir own officers, who will manage the prop-
erty and the club. Membership entitles the member to a
site for a cottage in fee, to a share in the club property and
to all the privileges of club membership. The entire prop-
erty is · purchased originaJly by the club, so that all the
profit from the development of the property inures to the
members in proportion to their respective holdings. The
property slopes up steeply from Navesink Avenue, and is
l::iid out in park formation, with terraces and winding roads.
Water, sewers and gas are among the i:nprovements. The
club property is densely wooded and picturesque in ap-
pearance."
("The Press"-April 15.)
FUNERAL OF CHAS. R. HAVENS.
"The funeral of Charles R. Havens, who died at the
Highlands last Thursday morning, was held on Sunday af-
ternoon from his late residence and was largely attended.
The officiating clergyman was Rev. J. S. Russel of Atlantic
Highlands. assisted by Revs. J. W. Nickelson and Wm. B.
Harris.
"Mr. Havens was born at Shelter Island in 1813 and
moved to the Highlands when he was 21 years old. His
ucestors emigrated from England and settled on the isle
of his birthplace in 1600. They afterwards purchased it
The Middletown Township
High Sc.boo I - LEO.NARDO.

,'..'::I..\~TlC HlGiiL.\.~DS ":IG!I SCI!OOL.


--.....
........
0

"''·
FROM nmIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 527

from the Indians for a small sum, and their descendants


still own part of the original tract.
"Until fifteen years ago, when he was retired at full
pay, Mr. Havens was employed as marine observer at the
twin lights on the Highland Hills, and was considered the
most experienced and efficient on the coast. Before the
days of telegraphic communication Mr. Havens signalled
the arrival of all vessels by means of a semaphore. The
signal was read on Staten Island and repeated in the same
manMr to the Merchant's Exchange building in New York
City.
"Mr. Haven's son, Vinton H., has had charge of the
signal station since the retirement of his father and is con-
sidered an efficient operator."
("The Press"-April 29.)
BIG SALE OF REAL ESTATE.
The Sale of the Thampson Property Consummated.
Farm at Leonardo Sold for $19,350--Hotel at Highlands Sold for
$26,275 to John Riker-Other Parcels Sold.
"The sale of lands belonging to the estate of the late
Joseph L Thompson, which has been adjourned from time
to time, was finally consummated on Wednesday afternoon
at Thompson's Hotel, Highlands of Navesink. There was
a large number of people present from Red Bank, Matawan,
Atlantic Highlands, New York and elsewhere. The sale
had to be made to settle up the estate. Attempts to dispose
of the property at private sale had been unsuccessful and
it went under the hammer to the highest bidder.
"Thompson's Hotel was one of the properties sold. It
brought $26,275. John Riker, son-in-law of the late Joseph
I. Thompson, was the buyer, and, it is said, John I. Thomp-
son, who has run the hotel for many years, will retire from
the management. The hotel was built in 1852 by Joseph I.
Thompson and for many years it was one of the best known
resorts on the Jersey coast. Among the noted names fre-
quently on the old register are Chas. A. Dana of the "Sun,"
Horace Greeley of the "Tribune,'' James Gordon Bennett
of the "Herald," Col. Davis, Gen. Cook, Gen. Darcey, Dan
Ellis, Ray Throckmorton, Dr. Voright, Judge Naar, Gen.
Brewster, Judge Ruggles, Bob Lincoln and ex-Governor
Ludlow." .
An effort was made in 1902 to have the Government
built a "Breakwater" in the Raritan and Sandy Hook bays,
for µte protection of vessels of all classes; also for the pro-
!ection of the bay fronts. Much time and money was spent
in the effort by Mr. Franklin Patterson and myself, in se-
.528 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

curing 2,121 signatures and letters from those more or less


interested. Those letters and signatures were copied in
book form. The expense of printing, in part, was paid from
a generous subscription from the Ladies Improvement So-
ciety of Atlantic Highlands. The books were sent broad-
cast where they might do the most good to influence "Uncle
Sam" to make the improvement and give us the protection
needed.
A committee was appointed at a meeting held at the
office of Foster and Company, electing the following of-
ficers: president, Thomas H. Leonard; secretary, S. T.
Champion; treasurer, Chas, Van Mater; first vice-president,
G. Sidenburg; second vice-president, Col. F. S. Benson. The
work progressed from stage to stage, to that point where
Congress appointed a committee to meet the Breakwater
Committee in New York City.
. The committee met at the appointed time and place,
and a thorough canvass of the subject was submitted, which
resulted in a favorable report by the Congressional com-
mittee to Congress.
The following from "The American Shipbuilder" is a
sample of the letters, statements and petitions sent in from
Judge John E. Foster of Atlantic Highlands, State Senator
John S. Applegate of Red Bank, Secretary John R. Dewan,
New Jersey Commissioner of Pilotage, Jersey City, Captain
Tom. DuMont, Master of steam vessels, Navesink, N. J.;
the New York Tribune, August 15, 1902; the New York
Herald, August 15, 19(\2; the Keyport Weekly, the Atlantic
Highlands Journal of November 27, 1902, and very many
other valuable and pointed letters from distinguished and
experienced gentlemen.
BREAKWATER FOR SA.'>mY HOOK BAY.
(American Shipbuilder.)
"A most important movement is now being made for
the safety of shipping on the Atlantic Highlands coast, and
a petition, which is being circulated for signatures, will be
laid before the next Congress asking for a breakwater that
would at once afford a suitable harbor and protect the ex-
tensive wharfage and valuable frontage of Atlantic High-
lands, which is a great public necessity. While the im-
mense shipping of Sandy Hook Bay is sufficient to enlist
Congressional action in its behalf, the aggressive American
enterprjse of the town of Atlantic Highlands in making of
itself a seaport from central and eastern New Jersey, locat-
ed as it is directly in front of the Atlantic Ocean entrance
to Sandy Hook Bay, is commendable, though attended by
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 529

many losses. The shipping actually engaged or seeking


anchorage on the southerly and westerly shores of Sandy
Hook Bay is of large extent, owing to rich beds of oysters
and clams, employing 500 sail and 3,000 men, and the im-
mense extent of dockerage at the Atlantic Highlands, in-
cluding a $50,000 wharf, 2,000 feet in extent, constructed
by the Atlantic Highlands residents; the $250,000 wharf
constructed by the Central R.R. of N. J., 2,400 -feet in ex-
tent, used by the public to reach N. J. Central R. R. steamers
landing and occupied by the New York Yacht Club, Station
8, as a permanent landing for their immense fleet, number-
ing 486 vessels, valued at many million dollars, and the
steamers Sandy Hook, Monmouth and St. Johns, valued at
$700,000, make Atlantic Highlands a New Jersey seashore
terminus, carrying upward of 500,000 passengers yearly.
The continued and great loss of shipping by wreckage on
the southern and western shores of Sandy Hook Bay and
the immense damage to wharves and pavilions by the north-
west, north and northeasterly gales which sweep down fre-
quently and suddenly v.ith hurricane force over an unob-
structed arm of the Atlantic Ocean, twenty miles in extent,
certainly needs remedying. The shipping anchored or en-
gaged on the lee shore during such gales are without har-
bor or place of refuge, im·olving great risk to life and prop-
Erty, and during recant years in the actual stranding and
total destruction of about fifty vessels, including schooners,
steamers, yachts and working vessels, involving a financial
loss of upwards of one million dollars and the loss of lives.
During the year of 1895 thirteen vessels were totally
wrecked against and about the Atlantic Highlands piers;
also the sinking of the U. S. Survey tug Humphreys and the
dismasting of the U.S. Survey schooner Brenda. The losses
during the autumn and winter of 1901-02 on the Atlantic
Highlands and vicinity wrought by northerly gales, were
many, among which were the Central Railroad pier, in-
cluding the wharf occupied by the New York Yacht Club,
$10,000; Atlantic Wharf Co.'s pier, $4,000; Curtis' pier
and pavilion, $1,000; Champion's pier and pa\ilion, $500;
Foster's pier and pavilion, $800; steamer Wm. V. Wilson,
stranded and damaged, $15,000; 18 fishing and other craft
driven upon the shores and meadows totally or partly dam-
aged, $2,000; Warden's boat construction and repair works,
$1,000. To obviate this great destruction of property and
make a safe harbor for vessels, the citizens and residents
on the Atlantic Highlands coast, New Jersey, or actually
~ngaged in shipping, boating, or in the clam, oyster or fish-
ing industries on Sandy Hook Bay, are to urge Congress
to adequately protect their property and to provide a safe
530 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

harbor for the immense transient shipping incident to the


entrance of New York harbor, by constructing a break-
water of sufficient extent and sufficiently beyond pier heads
to afford depth of water and prevent congestion of ship.
ping in the anchorage and harbor. A few years ago there
was what was called Spermaciti Cove at Sandy Hook, but
the Government dyked the mouth of it for the purpose of
making better water at the mouth of Navesink River. Thus,
the Atlantic Highlands is without a harbor, and no vessel
drawing less than ten feet of water is safe there in a
storm, which is very unpleasant for many. Among those
who have signed the petition to Congress for the desired
improvements are Governor Murphy and ex-Governor
Voorhees, of New Jersey, and Senators Dryden and
Kean, and Representatives Benjamin F. Howell; also about
1,000 others, watermen, from Perth Amboy to Point Pleas-
ant and Manasquan. many sea captains and watermen of
all stations on our coast who know the needs of New York
lower harbor, which is Sandy Hook Bay. At a meeting of
the executive officers of the breakwater committee in the
office of Wm. M. Foster & Co., Atlantic Highlands, former
Mayor H. Leonard was instructed to call a public meeting
for tonight (Thursday), when the plan will be discussed
&nd E!nthusia3m aroused."
But the project failed, coming at a time when the
Government expenses needed curtailing. Some time in the
great future it may be done, but will never be attempted
by more earnest or more self-sacrificing people.
("The Press"-May 6.)
"N. H. Roberts has sold his dry goods business on First
Avenue to his brother and former partner, William M.
Roberts, and former clerk, Fred A. White. '!'he new firm
took possession on Wednesday. Messrs, Roberts & White
are enterprising young men and have had a great deal of
experience in the dry goods business. Miss May Truex will
retain her position as clerk. We wish Roberts & White
success."
("'The Jcurnal"-July 6.)
HIGRLA!\'"D PARK GOLF CLUB.
"The·links at Highland Park have been completed, and
the course is in readiness for all lovers of the popular game
-golf. A professional golfer, a Scotchman named Griffin,
has been secured and is now in attendance. The club has
issued the following rates for the use of the course: Per
day $1 ; per week, $5; per month, $1 O; subscription for
season, $25."
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 631

("The Jourual"--June 15.)


PUBLIC SCHOOL.
Closing Exercises at the CllSino.
"Last Wednesday e,ening the closing exercises of the
public school were held at the Casino. A large audience
composed of the parents and friends of the pupils as-
sembled. The exercises were in the hands of the smaller
children of the school, and were very entertaining and in-
teresting.
"The program of this entertainment was published in
full in 'The Journal' of last week, and was executed as
therein set forth.
"A pleasing feature in connection with the entertain-
ment was the presentation by Capt. Barre of two beautiful
silk flags to the school-one for the boys and one for the
girls. The captain made a short speech in presenting the
flags. They were received on behalf of the school by Mr.
W. T. Franklin, of the Board of Education."
Jonathan T. Stout, contractor. received the contract,
from the county Board of Freeholders, for the building of
about three miles of gravel road in the township, from Jack-
son Bridge, on the south line of the borough, through Nave-
sink to the Stone Church, and from the post office at Nave-
sink to Chapel Hill. His bid was $4,150, not including ma-
ferial, which was accepted, and the contract was completed
to the satisfaction of all concerned.
JOHN J. MULLIGA.._. •
Death of a Prominent Business ?,fan.
"John J. Mulligan, the plumber, who had been in fail-
ing health for several months past, died at his residence on
Center Avenue last Saturday night, aged 33 years. He had
been a resident of this borough several years, and by his
genial manners, good workmanship and sterling integrity
had built up a lucrative business."
("The Joumal"--July 20.)
THE PLUMBERS.
"Atlantic Highlands is now well supplied with plumb-
ers, and persons in town or the surrounding country des:r-
ing plumbing work will find our plumbers workmen of skill
and experience.
"Samuel, Bills & Co. recently located, and are mak:ng
a good start. Mr. Samuel was in the employ of the late J.
J. :Mulligan, and is experienced in all the deta:i, of the
work.
532 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

"J. S. Flitcroft of Red Bank has opened an establish-


ment on First Avenue. He comes well recommended, is
experienced in the line of plumbing, and has a reputation
for good work.
"On Tuesday evening the business of the late J. J.
Mulligan was purchased by Conover E. White, who will
continue the business at the old stand. Mr. White has a
practical knowledge of the business, having been in the
employ of Mr. Mulligan several years."
("The Press"-October 7.)
OBITUARY.
George B. Davis.
(One of the "Bay View Steam!>oat Co.")
"Geo. B. Davis of Hillside died suddenly Tuesday after-
noon of heart disease, aged 65 years, 1 month and 12 days.
The funeral was held on Friday at 1 :30 o'clock at the house,
Rev. J. S. Russel officiating. Interment was made in Bay
View Cemetery.
"Mr. Davis had been cutting down trees about bis ice
pend near Valley Dri~e during the afternoon. It is thought
he o\·er-exerted himself which brought on the attack of
heart failure. Two boys who were pla);ng near the pond
saw him stop work and sit down under :i tree. A few min-
utes after he had seated himself the boys saw him fall over
on his face. The boys rushed to the houses in that vicinity,
but he was dead before any help arrived. It is probable he
died as he fell.
''Mr. Davis was born at Navesink. He was the son of
the late Joseph Davis, an old resident of that town. He
married in 1861. His wife, Catherine, was the daughter
of the late Morgan Swan of NaYes:nk. This union was
blessed with eight children, six of whom survive the de-
ceased in addition to his wife. The children living are
Frank J. Davis, a building contractor of Hillside; Rev. Web-
ster S., who is an India missionary; Rev. George M., of Ham-
ilton, N. Y.; Mrs. Alice Falkinburg, widow of Percy Falkin-
burg, of Atlantic Highlands; and Misses Kate and Lillian
Davis, w·ho resided with their parents. Another daughter,
Lotta, wife of Herbert 0. Todd, died last spring. Four
sisters and two brothers also survive Mr. Davis. They are
Mrs. Susan Jenkins, Mrs. W. H. Posten, Sr., and Theodore
Davis of Navesink; Mrs. Charlotte M. Brown and Joseph
W. Davis of New York, and Mrs. Norman L. Rowe of Jersey
City.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 533

"Mr. Davis was a contractor and builder. He retired


about eight years ago and was succeeded by his son Frank.
Mr. Da,;s owned a large tract of land south of Valley
Drive, Atlantic Highlands, which he laid out in building
lots. The tract is known as Hillside Park. Many lots have
been sold and built upon. Much of this tract has been re-
tained and is considered very valuable.
"Mr. Davis was a deacon of the Central Baptist Church,
Atlantic Highlands. He was also member of the G. A. R.
post here, having served in the navy during the war."
The following is a record of the twentieth anniversary
of the founding of the town, and the subsequent organiza-
tion of the Atlantic Highlands Wharf Company, which re-
sulted therefrom, as written by Mr. H. O. Todd, secretary.
"On October 12, 1899, a meeting was called by W. H.
Posten, Jr., president of the Board of Trade of Atlantic
Highlands for the purpose of deciding on a form of cele-
bration to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the
founding of the town. The gentlemen present were Thom-
as H. Leonard, Peter S. Conover, Jr., Thomas J. Emery, Wil-
liam M. Roberts, ~!atthew Brown, John E. Foster and H. 0.
Todd.
"After a discussion as to the form of celebration to be
held it was decided to have an informal lunch at the Bay
View House, to which the property owners and others per-
sonally interested in the town should be invited. It was
also decided that at that time there should be a discussion
as to the best means for impro,;ng the town and bringing
back a portion of the prosperity it had enjoyed in the past.
"The gentlemen present formed themselves into a com-
mittee, with power to add thereto. Thomas H. Leonard was
chosen chairman; H. 0. Todd, secretary. At a subsequent
meeting of the committee held in the office of John E. Foster
on October 17th the following sub-committees were ap-
pointed, ,;z.,
Invitation Committee--J. E. Foster, chairman; ::-.. H. Roberts, Charles
Van Mater, T. J. Emery, Charles A. Fort, A. C. Hart, W. T.
~u~~ .
Luncheon C.ommittee-W. M. Foster, chairman; E. P. Magee, P. S.
Conover, Jr., George Mackey, Wm. P. Irwin, W. M. Roberts,
Matthew Brown.
Reception Committee-(consisting of the mayor and ex-mayors), P. S.
Conover, Jr., Thomas H. Leonard, J. E. Foster, Jacob T. Stout;
also, Dr. E. C. Curtis and Rev. James E. Lake, ex-presidents of
the Atlutic Highlands Association.
Programme and Finance Committee-Charles Van :.later, chairman, A.
G. Hall, W. H. Posten, Jr., Charles R. SnYder, J. E. Foster, M.
E. Curtis, Dr. P. A. Brown. .
534 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

"The sub-committees were successful in their work


and on Saturday, October 28th, the luncheon was held at
the Bay View House.
"The number present was about one hundred and
forty and after the luncheon was disposed of Thomas H.
Leonard made a few remarks, and was followed by Dr.
Baldwin, Dr. E. C. Curtis, Charles H. Lovett, Dr. 0. A.
Brown and others. The prevailing idea of those present
seemed to be that a public pier ,vas a necessity to the town
and would benefit it to a very great extent. Before the
meeting adjourned there were pledges to the amount of
$10,000 toward building a pier; this amount was increased,
by a subscription of $5,000 by D. W. l\facLeod, to $15,000.
"A committee consisting of Mayor P. S. Conover, Jr.,
chairman. Thomas H. Leonard, Dr. 0. A. Brown, Dr. E. C.
Curtis, J. E. Foster, was appointed to solicit further sub-
scriptions and to report a form of incorporation. Through
the efforts of the committee the subscriptions for stock was
increased to $28,600 by Saturday, November 18th, at which
time the Atlantic Highlands Wharf Company was or-
P~~d. .
"The committee reported a set of by-laws and a form
of incorporation, which was adopted by the stockholders
present.
"The following directors were elected, "viz.,
Charles Van lfater Dr. E. C. Curtis
P. S. Cono,·er, Jr. N. H. Roberts
George F. Lawrie D. W. JlfacLeod
Thomas H. Leonard Dr. 0. A. Brown.
. Fred. Benson Fred. Orth
John E. Foster W. H. Posten, Jr.
A.G. Hall Isaac T. ll1eyer
G. A. Ballin
"At the first meeting of the Board of Directors:
Peter S. Cono,·er, Jr., was elected president.
D. W. l'rlacLeod was elected vice-president.
A. G. Hall was elected secretary.
Charles Van l\1ater was elected treasurer.
"The following gentlemen were present and filled their
places at the banquet:
TABLE NO. 1.
:Mayor P. S. Conover, Jr.
Rev. Dr. Brown Joseph Edwards
Rev. S. Sargent John L. Perrine
G. A. Ballin Charles Frost
A. V. S. Crate George Frost
Rev. G. W. Wenrick l\latthew Brown
Rev. J. S. Rassel C. W. :Miller
W. J. Leonnrd W. W. Bentley
F. E. Price John L. Ingling
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 535

H.B.Hart A. C. Watrous
N. a Roberts George a Stout
J. S. Cruser Capt. T. H. Patterson
'Franklin Patterson Chas. Peck
A. G. Hall
TABLE NO. 2.
Ex-Mayor T. a Leonard.
Rev. Robt. Emery W. Morrell
E. L. Fox L T. Meyer
Jerome Welch W. M. Roberts
F. E. Price Thos. Dumont
John Ellis Dr. Chas. Reed
Dr. Griffin J. B. Stout
Randolph Martin W. D. Stout
Rev. J. W. Nickelson Hugh Warden
Rev. W. B. Harris Robert Couch
Joseph Tumen Geor.:;e Schmidt
H. V. Tompkins F. Hagenbuch
George Brannin S. B. Thorpe
a 0. Todd
TABLE NO. 3.
W. H. Posten, Jr., Pres. Board of Trade.
T. T. Rogers Dr. G.D. Fay
F. A. )lorebouse J. P. Hopping,
S. T. C:mmpion H.J. Ely
J. G. lirookes C. H. Lovett
W. S. Ravatt J obn Southall
S. F. Patterson T. J. Emery
Thos. Jennings Chas. Morlatt
Fred. Linden Capt. O. H. Day
G. H. Sickles Prof. W. T. Whitney.
A. M. Posten W. T. Franklin
B. F. Price W. P. Irwin
Ira Antonides Edward Oakes
W. H. Posten, Sr. J chn E. Fosteii,
TABLE NO. 4.
Rev. Dr. E. E. Curtis.
Rev. Dr. Baldwin William Moones-
William Baldwin A. C. Hart
John G. Garretson G. H. Davis
S. T. White Dr. W. D. Knecht
S. H. Powell C. A. Fort
H. B. Zebley R. S. Matthews
C. R. Snyder F. A. White
Murray Foster W. A. Sweeney
Lewis a Foster G. E. Jenkinson
W. N. Snedeker E. Lufburrow
0. a Snedeker E. B. Swan
F. B. Rue Amzi Quackenbush
J. S. Flitcroft A. C. Hurley
M. E. Curtis
TABLE NO. 5.
J. J. Leonard W. N. Burdge
L. S. Sculthorp Rev. Edward Loux
Geo. A. llfount Geo. F. Lawrie
H. D. Smith
-"536 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

"The tables were handsomely laid and an amateur


artist, Mr. Thos. J. Emery, took a photograph of the scene
inside and upon the porch before the feast from which cuts
have been made for publication. The arrangements were
under the direction of the Board of Trade, with ex-Mayor
T. H. Leonard, chairman and H. O. Todd, secretary. The
guests arose and joined in singing, 'l\ly Country, 'Tis of
Thee,' before leaving."
TROLLEY AXD STEAlIBOAT COl!PAXIES ALEP.T.
On Monday representatives oi two trolley companies
were in town investigating the trolley movement and try-
ing to advance the interests of their respecti,·e companies.
On Tuesday a representative of the Iron Steamboat Com-
pany was in town and desired his company to be put on
record as the fir.st steamboat company making application
for running a line of boats from the pier, foot of A,;1mue A,
this place and New York.
The new public wharf, which was built at this time,
from which much was expected, has resulted in failure, as
not enough interest was stirred to encourage a trolley con-
nection, and without that it could not hope for S'Jccess.
("The Pre.s"-::,,fovember 11.)
ATLANTIC HIGHLAl'.l."DS' NEW WHARF.
"The movemer:t for a public steamboat wharf at At-
lantic Highlands, which started off so vigorously at the
Founders' Day dinner, continues with e,·en increasing force
and enthusiasm. The subscriptions now exceed $30,000
and a meeting of the subscribers has been called at the Bay
View House for Saturday, November 18, 1899, at 1 :30 p. m.,
to organize the company. This movement promises the
business regeneration oi the place. Free access for steam-
boats and sail vessels will be afforded by the new wharf.
A trolley terminal will be a natural sequence. Reduced
fares and freight rates will be direct incidents.
"Indirect consequences will be no less significant.
Property will change hands. Houses will multiply. Big
business enterprises are sure to follow. Perhaps Steinbach
Company of Asbury Park will be led to establish a branch
store here to maintain their acknowledged business suprem-
acy in Monmouth. The plan to build twenty-five houses
before next season may materialize.
"Atlantic Highlands is preparing for the grand future
which is foreordained. The new wharf is not the least im-
portant of the various foundations of the coming prosper-
ity for not only the bo:-ough but for the entire township of
Middletown."
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 537

('·The Journal"-No\"ember 16.)


ASSEMBLYMAN-ELECT SNYDER.
Tendered e. Serenade on the E\"ent of His Election.
"On Saturday evening the Atlantic Highlands fife and
drum corps, accompanied by a large crowd of men and
boys, tendered Charles R. Snyder a serenade on the event
of his election as: a member of the next Legislature. The
procession formed in line on First Avenue and proceeded
amid wild enthusiasm to Mr. Snyder's residence on Second
Avenue. The crowd had carefully prepared for the event
by procuring a lot of fireworks, which for a while made one
think of the celebration of Independence Day.
"After the band had played in front of the house a few
minutes, Mr. Snyder appeared on the porch, and in a few
words expressed his pleasure at the manifestation of good
wm his townsmen had shown him, not only at this time, but
in the confidence reposed in him on election day. He said
that until his nomination his life had been to do the best
he could without hope of reward or fear of punishment, as
he had not expected to be a candidate for their suffrage.
He promised that his conduct in political life would be with
the single aim to so represent his constituents that he would
have their approbation as heartily at the end of his term
as it appeared at the beginning. In conclusion he said
that George Wshington and he both had to tell the truth;
while it was true that he did not know that he was to be
serenaded, he had m;erheard some talk that afternoon
about fireworks and had told Mrs. Snyder they had better
make a little preparation in event of a ,dsit. Several times
during his remarks he was interrupted by cheers and drum
beating. :Mr. Snyder then called for helpers, and they
passed coffee, cake, cigars and apples in abundance to the
serenaders."
("The Journal"-No\"ember 23.)
FORT HANCOCK.
Dedication of a Methodist Church-Ilishop 1IcFaul to Visit St. Mary's
Chapel-A Church Fair-Personal Items, Etc.
"The new Methodist Church at Fort Hancock was de::li-
c~ted on Sunday, November 12. Pre\·ious to the organi::a-
tion of this church, protestant religious services were cc::?-
ducted here by pastors from Seaside and Atlantic H:;;:1-
lands. Among those who held services were Rev. J. ::1.
Vannatta and Rev. C. V. D. Conover of Seaside . .-.::d Re·.-s .
•T. B. Haines and F. C. Colby of Atlantic Highh;:ds. S:r.ce
588 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Rev. Mr. Conover has been stationed at Seaside he has visit-


ed the Fort at least once a week-usually on Thursday eve-
ning-and held service. The Methodist society was or-
ganized by Rev. Mr. Conover and a few earnest and active
workers. An unused Government building was set apart
by the authoritiea for the use of the new society, and the
building was moved to its location, opposite the public
school, and fitted up at an expense of about $800 to the
society,, It is a very neat and comfortable building, and
will seat about 250 persons."
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 539

CHAPTER LXVII.
1900 TO 1908;

The Election of Mr. William M. Roberts, Mayor-The Building o! an


Ocean Boule\"ard and the Trolley Agitated.

The contract for the building of a stone road from the


foot of First Avenue, on the Bay, to the Navesink Bridge
was secured by Jonathan T. Stout and John Swackhammer,
contractors, for the sum of $16,264.39; work to commence
July 2nd of that year; work to be commenced on the river
end of the contracted route. This work was completed to
the satisfaction of the State Road Commissioner Budd. The
improvement meant much to Atlantic Highlands and the
other towns connected therewith.
We record the death of our old journalist in the person
of Mr. George H. Stout. His life work was mostly per-
formed in New York City. He spent several years with us
and within that tfme compiled and published a Directory
of Atlantic Highlands that required much labor and was
received with appreciation by his fellow-townsmen.
Mr. Charles !llorlatt succeeded D. E. Todd, in the
grocery firm of J. G. Brookes & Co., at this time. Mr.
l\lorlatt had been a former resident here, but had spent
some years at Little Silver in the grocery business.
The Corning Lumber Company of Corning, N. Y., in
1894, located here a branch of their business. William C.
Clark, a son of the treasurer, became the manager. The
company reorganized at this time, with a capital of $50,-
000. Ex-Councilman Thomas H. Mickens, Councilmen W.
C. Clark, Austin L. Clark and G. B. McHenry, Jr., were
included in the incorporators.
New Councilmen were sworn in as the result of the
election of March 14th.
A ~"EW COAL YARD AT THE HIGHLANDS.
John J. Leonard has been busily engaged during the
week perfecting arrangements for the opening of bis coal
and wood yard at Seaside and the Navesink Highlands.
Mr. Leonard contemplates buildinr.- the neces..c:iary switches,
coal bins, etc., on a large scale, and this yard when com-
pleted will compare favorably with any other coal and
w_ood yard in the county.
540 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

We record the death of William H. Posten, Sr. Mr.


Posten was the first to purchase lots at Bay View, as it was
then known, on this plan-to buy a lot, the money to be
used to extend the wharf from a freight to a passenger
wharf, which was done.
OBITUARY.
Willliun H. Posten, Sr.
"On Monday of this week William H. Posten, Sr., one
of the pioneer residents of Navesink, died at the age of 74
years. He has been a sufferer with paralysis for ten years
past, and at times quite helpless. For the last two weeks
of his life he was unable to leave his bed. Funeral services
were held at bis late home at Navesink on Thursday at
r.oon, Rev. J. S. Russel of the Central Baptist Church, At-
lantic Highlands, officiating, assisted by Rev. J. W. Nickel-
son of the Navesink M. E. Church.
("The Press"-March 17, 1900.)
IT IS TO BE POSTMASTER. S::-.1DER.
He Receh·ed Word Thursday Thst He Wou!d Be the Appointee.
"The long suspense o,,.er the Atlantic Highlands post
office v.as ended this week by official notice that Congress-
man Howell had nominated Mr. R. S. Snyder for postmast-
er. The strife was long and powerful influence was brought
to bear in the interest of the several candidates, but no hard
feelings were permitted to be engendered. Mr. Snyder
says that he has not had time to make any arrangements
as to office force or location, but it is thought no changes
will be made for the present at least, as Mr. Snyder intends
to make a number of improvements in the service and keep
the office as central as possible. He will probably not take
charge before the first of April. The appointment meets
with general approval, and Mr. Snyder has been the re-
cipient of much congratulation."
The following appeared in the local print as the fore-
runner of what was to follow some twelve years after,
kno·wn as the "Ocean Highway," running from Atlantic
Highlands over the hills to the Highlands of Navesink and
from thence along the ocean front the entire length of the
state to Cape May.
("The Preu"-March 10, 1900.)
AN OCEAN DRIVEWAY.
Bill to Create a Boulevard Alor.g the Monmouth Shore.
"Senator Francis and Assemblyman Kirkbride have
promised they will introduce a bill to create the continuous
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 541

ocean driveway along the Monmouth coast. The scheme


is to build a road from Atlantic Highlands along the bay
shore to the Highlands of Navesink, restore the famous
Ocean Avenue from North Long Branch to Asbury Park,
and build bridges across the lakes and continuing the road
through to the Manasquan River.
. "If the bill passes, the road will be built by the state
and the county and municipalities through which it passes
will bear part of the expense. Assemblyman Chas. R.
Snyder is heartily in favor of the scheme and will support
the bill."
("The Press"-January 13, 1900.)
FIRE AT HIGHLA!l."DS.
Railroad Station and Several Stores Burned.
F. A. Reiter's Building, in Which Three Stores and Post Office Were
Located, Destroyed.
"A fire occurred at the Highlands on Friday morning
which destroyed the railroad station, a grocery store, and
the building erected about three years ago by F. A. Reiter
at Atlantic Highlands, who used part for a branch tailoring
establishment. The post office, a fruit store and a shoe
repairing establishment were also in tRe building."
1901.
The death of Jonathan T. Pinckney occurred at this
time. He was the first marshal of Atlantic Highlands and
served in that capacity for se,eral years. He was the
brother-in-law of our townsman, ex-Mayor Jacob T. Stout.
The Honorable George H. Sickles of Navesink died
February 12th of this year. We note his death particularly,
as he ,vas a very prominent citizen of Navesink, having
filled, in our memory the following positions: first, grocery-
man, then school teacher, a successful farmer, and, finally
lay judge of the county. Through his efforts the post office
was first loc::t~d at RiceYille (NaYesink) as against Leon-
ard,,;Ue.
We rec;,rd the death of a wealthy citizen in the per-
son of Mr. D. W. MacLeod, who was always ready with
his means to assist in town enterprises.
1902.
Another attempt was made in this and the previous
year to get the trolley into Atlantic Highlands through the
influence of Mr. Frank Bell, of the Keyport and Matawan
Street Railway Company, but through one reason and an-
other it failed.
542 FROM INDIAN TRAil.. TO ELECTRIC RAil..

We record the death of one of the most active citizens,


at this time, both in local and church affairs. The follow-
ing appeared in the local paper, stating his death:
RUTSEN S. SNYDER PASSES AWAY.
Was Postmsster of the Borough and Prominent in Public Affairs.
"Postmaster Rutsen S. Snyder, a well-known and high-
ly respected citizen of Atlantic Highlands, died at his home
on Second Avenue, about 5 o'clock Tuesday morning, of
heart failure, aged about 67 years.
"Mr. Snyder had been ill since January 1st last, but
his death came very suddenly and is a great shock to his
large circle of friends and acquaintances. In January he
took cold, which turned into remittent fever, which left
bim very weak. For the last three weeks he had become
gradually stronger and his friends were sanguine of his
speedy recover:1, but on Tuesday morning his heart gave
away under the continued struggle, and he passed quickly
and without suffering.
"Mr. Snyder was born in Rhineback, Dutchess county,
New York, May 9th, 1835, and came to New Jersey in 1859
to teach school. After teaching four years he married
Elizabeth Roberts, daughter of Thomas Roberts, a highly
n:spected farmer of New Monmouth, with extensive con-
nections throughout Monmouth county.
"He was the son of Geol"ge and Mary Snyder and the
sixth of eight children, three of which sunive him; one
sister, Miss Catherine Snyder of Rhineback, and two broth-
ers, Robert S. Snyder of Rhineback and Jesse H. B. Snyder
of Elmhurst, Pa. He leaves a widow and three children,
Miss Evelyn R. Snyder who assisted him in his insurance
business; Miss M. Louise Snyder, who was assistant post-
master, and ex-Assemblyman Charies R. Snyder, who has
law offices in the same building which his father occupied.
"Soon after marning he began farming and contin-
ued until 1891, although not parting with the farm until
1895. While farming, in 1873, he was appointed a com-
rr.issioner of deeds, took up surveying, conveyancing and
nisurance and real estate, which he continued until his
c:eath. When Atlantic Highlands first started he opened
a branch office here, and in January, 1892, removed with
his family· ant made it his permanent headquarters. He
acquired some little property, and did an extensive business.
"When the Central Baptist Church was started Mr.
Snyder was made deacon, which office he held at the time
of his death. He assisted in the organization of the new
church and was especially active in church, Sunday school
and educational work."
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 543

1"03.
We record the burning of the Octagon where the camp
meetings were held in stormy weather. It then stood at
:i point near the foot of "Point Lookout Hill," on Bay View
Avenue, later moved to Bath Avenue and Bay View Ave-
nue.
ATLA?-."TIC HIGHLA..',DS FIRE.
The Octagon Burned on Sunday Morning.
Sea View House and Bryant and Champion Cottages Damaged-All of
the Property Was Fully Insured.
("The Jonrnal"-Au:;ust 10, 1902.)
"One of the most disastrous fires that has ever tisited
Atlantic Highlands occurred early Sunday morning. The
Octagon, formerly the old Tabernacle, was entirely des-
troyed and the Sea View House and Bryant cottage were
damaged. The Champion cottage was all destroyed above
tr.e first floor.
"Shortly after midnight Saturday the Octagon, owned
by M. E. Curtis, and situated on Bay View Avenue, was dis-
covered to be on fire. An alarm was immediately turned
in, and the firemen responded quickly, but by the time they
arrived on the scene the building was in ruins. The Octa-
gon was a wooden structure and consisted of an ice cream
saloon and hall, which was used during the summer season
for cake walks, fairs and minstrel shows. J. J. Kennedy of
New York has operated it for two seasons. He vacated on
October 1st and it has r.ot been occupied since."
END OF AN OLD BUSI~"ESS.
1903.
Edward W. Leonard's Store to Be Closed.
The Business Has Been in the Leonard Family Since 181:?-Three
Generations of Leonards Have Kept Store There.
"With the retirement from business of Edward W.
Leonard of Leonard..,ille, which will take place with the
sale of his farm stock and store goods on Wednesday and
Thursday of next week, the store business at that place will
pass from the Leonard family for the first time in almost
a century. The business has been in possession of the Leon-
ard family for three generations, it having been started by
Captain William Leonard, grandfather of the present pro-
r,rietor.
544 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

"The first store business in Middletown township was


started at a place along the shore known as Applegate's
Landing. This store was kept by Richard Applegate,
grandfather of John S. Applegate, Sr., of Red Ban"k.
"All of Thomas Leonard's sons, James H., Thomas H.,
John J., and Edward W., clerked in the store in their early
days. Edward W. was the only one who continued and he
has had control of the business for the past ten years or
more."
1903.
NEW TROLLEY ENTERPRISE.
Another Trolley Knock at the Borough Door.
Jersey Central Traction Com.pany Wants Charter in Atlantic Highlands
-Atlantic Highlands to Be Connected With State
Trolley System-Coming Slow But Sure.
"On Friday night E. D. Dubois made application to the
council of Atlantic Highlands for a franchise to use streets
m the borough for trolley purposes. This has been long
expected. But the council nevertheless said: 'This is so
sudden,' according to the usual formula. Mr. Dubois gave
a rosy account of the achievements and prospects of his
company. He said the franchise in Atlantic Highlands
must be obtained before the line would be extended toward
the borough from New Monmouth or Belford.
"The streets upon which franchises are asked for are
as follows: From the borough limits on the we§iterly end
of Valley Drive, through Valley Drive to the borough limits
at the easterly end. The other route begins at the borough
then to First and u,
limits and down South Avenue to A\·enue A, up A to Center,
First to Valley Drive. Both on Avenue
A and First Avenue spurs are mapped out leading to the
shore. Mr. Smith, the consulting engineer of the company,
was also present at the meeting.
"l\Iayor Roberts presided over the meeting and all
councilmen were present excepting Mr. Quackenbush."
A deed of dedication, from former Mayor T. H. Leon-
ard, of tweh·e foc,t path from First to Railroad Avenue, was
presented and accepted. The path was originally to be
ten feet, but Mr. Leonard added the two feet extra. It ad-
joins the south side of Robert's & White's building.
1903.
TROLLEY ORDINANCE.
Granting of Franchise Favored at Public Hearing.
Many Questions Asked and Answered-Resolution Adopted Instructs
Council
FROl\I INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 545

"The public hearing on the application of the Jersey


Central Traction Company to the Council of Atlantic High-
l~nds was held on Tuesday e;-ening and was attended by
abcut seventy-five persons. The meeting resulted in a
resolution being adopted requesting the Council to grant
a franchise with proper protection to the borough.
"Mayor Wm. M. Roberts presided and after stating
the object of the meeting asked for an expression of opin-
ion from the citizens. The 'expression' was not forthcom-
ing, and Mr. Dubois, who represents the company, stated
he hoped there would be some argument as there was cer-
tainly some opposition to the proposition, either as a whole
or in the route the company had selected. He stated he
wanted to act honestly with the Council, the citizens and
with his company. He had heard on the streets and in the
rtores that there were some objectionable features and if
the objections were not stated at the meeting it would plain-
ly show that some underhand work was being done.
"M. Murray stated there were three important ques-
tions to be answered, and they should be exacted in grant-
ing the franchise. The line should be built and in opera-
tion within a reasonable length of time; the streets through
which the company operated should be maintained at their
own expense and there should be a continuous operation
of cars.
"Mr. J. Lagree, the Vice-President of the company,
was introduced and made a few remarks.
"Jonathan T. Stout stated, 'We want the trolley, but
if granted when will we ha.-e it?' l\Ir. Dubois replied that
they expected to ha\·e the line from Keyport to Red Bank
completed by November 28th, and if the franchise was
granted ·work should be commenced here at that time, :md
if the winter weather y;as as favorable as last winter they
would ha,·e cars running through the borough d:.iring the
month of May, 190-:l."
The most prominent feature that v.-e recall in liayor
'\Villiam l\l. Robert's administration, at this time, was the
attempt made by himself and his Councilmen to improve
the meadows lying between what is often called the east
side and the west side of the town, and eJ..-tending from the
bay shore to Hillside, north and south. There was much
labor and thought expended, and some expense attached
to this effort, but it was honestly spent by the Mayor and
his assistants, to blot out this unsightly condition, placed
so conspicuously, by nature and circumstances, that every
i1:1comer to our beautiful town should get a better impres-
Blon of it. Their object was to dig out a sufficient portion.
546 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

thus forming lakes, and with the material creating mounds


and islands. located and formed in an artistic manner, re-
tuning and connecting all the avenues possible, running
east and west for the convenience and easement of the
traveling public. This effort failed, after the survey and
maps were completed, but the idea may be resurrected at
some time in the great future.
TROLLEY PROGRESS.
What t!ie Jersey Central Has Done Within One Year.
Are Rushing Work of Completing Line Within Township-New Com-
pany Holding Pier Interests Incorporated.
"The New Jersey Central Traction Company, which
has an application before the Atlantic Highlands Council
for a franchise, is rapidly pushing the work of building the
line between Keyport and Red Bank. Although remarks
can frequently be heard as to the length of time since the
company began work on the line, they have, however, made
remarkable progress as compared to the time it has taken
other companies to secure right-of-way, go through the
many legal processes, and untangle the many complications
before they began the actual construction of the road.
"One year ago today the Jersey Central Company did
not have the consent for a single foot of land on which to
construct a trolley line from Keyport toward Middletown
township. Surveys had been made, but it was not until
after October 1st that the company began to secure con-
sents and then they began on the Middletown turnpike, the
route they have since abandoned. Today they have cars
running nearly to Port Monmouth, and within ten days
they expect to ha,;e the steel rails placed on the ties at Bel-
ford. A gang of men are at work now on the street recent-
ly opened at Belford, which is about one-half mile long,
and yesterday they started work on the trestle o..-er the
meadow on Patrick Kenny's property.
"On Monday morning a large force of ::nen started at
work on Derrick Campbell's property at New Monmouth.
cutting through his corn field and grading the road which
will lead directly to the Morford property, where the com-
pany began work last winter. This strip is only about two-
thirds of a mile long and when finished the company will
have the line completed from New Monmouth to the
Shrewsbury River, where the bridge cross,ng over to Red
Bank will be built. At this point a large force of men are
working up timber into frame work for the bridge. Some
delay has been caused on account of piling, but that is ex-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 547

pected every day. The piling is formed in a raft and is


being towed down the bay. It may be necessary to cut the
raft in parts in order to tow the piling to the site of the
bridge.
$128,000 FOR LABOR.
"A member of the Jersey Central Company, in an in-
terview with a 'Journal' man, stated the company has al-
ready spent on this line for wages, including team hire, the
sum of $128,000, and while it is true there is less than two
i.nd one-half miles of road to build in order to complete
the line, it will require considerable more cash for wages
alone."
CHAPEL HILL PROPERTY SOLD.
L B. Hosford Purchased Eighty Acres ior Country Seat.
"I. B. Hosford, a business man in New York City, has
purchased the farm belonging to the Downs estate at Chap-
e1 Hill and some property adjoining the farm. He has pur-
chased a total of eighty acres at a cost, it is said, of about
$20,000. l\Ir. Hosford will greatly improve the property
and will occupy it as a country seat, and will not cultivate
any part of the farm. The property is near George F. Law-
rie's farm, and the Chapel Hill lighthouse is on part of
the property. The sale was made through Charles R.
Snyder."
1:)05.
POST~IASTER FOSTER.
A;,poi:::mc~.: Con!:rm~:i ::::-r:day-Wi!l Retain ..\so:ista::~
"President Roosevelt's appointment of William M.
Foster as Postmaster of Atlantic Highlands was confirmed
last Friday by the Senate and )Ir. Foster has received his
commission and will take possession of the office on April
1st. Mr. Foster has engaged George W. Conover, the pres-
ent assistant, as his assistant. Mr. Conover has been as-
sistant postmaster during part of the term of his father
and all through the terms of the late R. S. Snyder and Miss.
M. L. Snyder.
"No introduction is necessary for Mr. Foster, as he is
one of the pioneer resident,; of the borough and is well
~nown throughout the township and county. He was act-
mg postmaster after the death of Capt. James H. Leonard,
who died about three months before his term expired, and
Mr. Foster did not retain a cent of the proceeds of the of-
fice but insisted upon its being credited to Capt. Leonard's
estate."
548 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

OCEA."'l BOt,'LEVARD AGAIN.


Long Branch Eager for State to Build Ocean Avenue.
State Road from Atlantic Highlands to Cape May-Probable Route
Through Navesink-Per!laps via Highlands-Or via
Oceanic and Rumson Road.
"The movement for a drive along the ocean front of
New Jersey from Atlantic Highlands to Cape May has now
assumed definite shape and it is likely that at the coming
session of the New Jersey Legislature the State's participa-
tion in this project will be worked for.
"State Road Commissioner Hutchinson thinks the
ocean drive could be made one of the greatest roads of the
world. In an interview on the proposition he says:
" 'I could not give much each year for this project.
and therefore work would be slow. A little while ago I
was in consultation with rich land owners regarding the
possibility of this project, and agreed that it was a plan of
sufficient importance for the State to take action on.
"'It will be a pride to Jerseymen to have the finest
ocean drive in the world, and I believe that the legislators
can be made to see it that way, especially if only little ex-
pense is to fall on the State.
"'Built within the State road law, it could be accom-
plished in a few years, and no additional burden would be
put on the State; If one municipality desired to get the
benefits of the road ahead of the aid the State could give,
they could advance the money in anticipation of the money
coming from the State, in due course of time.
" 'It is possible that the reported syndicate which is
to build the ocean driveway may make bargains with each
County Board of Freeholders, in some way, to go ahead and
build the whole driveway, and when the counties get the
money, take their pay for the portion built in the county.
Bonds could be issued for a sufficient term of years to ac-
complish this.
" 'Backed by the law of the State, the projectors could
go ahead and connect the links of roads until the ocean
boulevard, 100 miles long, the finest in the world, would
come into existence. It has been the dream of Jerseymen
for years to see this a.::complished, municipalities having
been working toward this end by building good coastwise
roads.'
"The route for the ·proposed road is: Leaving Atlantic
Highlands the read would cross the Na,·esink River, touch~
ing the Atlantic Ocean at Seabright. Thence south the
FRO:M INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 549

highway passes through Long Branch, Elberon, Allenhurst,


Asbury Park, Ocean Grove upon the west, Avon, Belmar,
Spring Lake, Sea Girt, Manasquan and Point Pleasant. This
is a distance of about 30 miles, through all of which the
highway is in sight of the ocean." (The accepted route,
will be described, later.)
REV. W. B. HARRIS DEAD.
Grand Old Man Passed Away-Was Eighty-Two Years Old-Last
Pastor of Navesink Baptist Church-His Life.
"On Monday afternoon at four o'clock, Rev. William
B. Harris at his home at Hillside, Atlantic Highlands, passed
peacefully into eternity at the ripe old age of 82 years and
6 months. He had been gradually failing for a year or two
and had been confined to his bed for about two weeks past
with a severe attack of dropsy. In Mr. Harris' death this
vicinity is losing one of its best known and best loved citi-
zens. Mr. Harris was born in New York City, January 28th,
1823. He was converted when 23 years of age and joined
the Baptist Church, Bedford and Downey Streets, New York
City. Dr. Judson, of missionary fame, was pastor of this
old church at one time. Rev. Mr. Harris was ordained by
the Chawtaw Baptist Association of Mississippi in 1849
and was engaged in missionary work in the south for two
years following his ordination. In 1851 he was called to
the Cold Spring Baptist Church on Long Island, baptising
about sixty persons. He remained pastor of this church
three years. His missionary zeal carried him west, where
for sbc years he labored among the destitute churches of
that country. His unwaYering patriotism prompted him
to tender his service to the nation during the Civil War.
He joined the 20th Illinois regiment as chaplain, but re-
mained only a short time on acco"Unt of the critical illness
of his wife. After the retirement from the army he re-
ceived a call to serve the Na\"esink church, then called the
Second Baptist Church of :Middletown."
550 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER LXVm.
1908.
Mayor John H. Van Mater's :Message, and Trolley Franchises.
!li"EW BOROUGH COID.CIL
Went Into Effect on New Year's Day-Committees and Officers.
Excellent Message by Mayor J. H. Van Mater-Recommends Amuse-
'7!ents--Many Other Problems.

"The final meeting of the local Mayor and Council was


held on New Year's Day in the truck house.
"After the usual form the old Board retired and Pat-
rick Halleran took his seat, he being the only new member;
Mayor Van Mater and Councilmen Smith and Magee hav-
ing bee:1 re-elected had already taken the oath of office.
'·Following is the message presented to the Council by
Mayor Van Mater, which has received much favorable com-
ment:
Atlantic Highlands, N. J., January 1, 1908.
"Gentlemen of the Council:
"At the beginning of the New Year and a new term
as Mayor of Atlantic Highlands, there are a few suggestions
and recommendations that I wish to make to you. Atlantic
Highlands with its electric light and water plants and var-
ious other important departments, is a borough where much
is required of the Mayor and Council, and I believe that
through our united effort much good can be accomplished
in the coming year.
SEWAGE DISPOSAL
"One of the most important questions that confronts us
this year is the building of a sewage disposal plant. After
much inquiry into the various methods of sewage disposal
it is conceded by all that the science of disposing of sewage
and destroying the bacteria or poisonous germs is yet in
its infancy. The State Sewage Commii1sion until last year
was simply an ad\.isory board, but during the last session
of the legislature a law was enacted giving this board un-
limited power toward compelling the installation of sewage
disposal plants. The board recently directed all the boroughs,
towns, etc., in the State to construct sewerage disposal plants
by May 1st next, without giving them directions as to the
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 551

nature or cost of the nlant to be installed. So whatever


plant that we or any of the towns may install would be ex-
perimental. I believe that before the work is commenced
the Sfate Board should employ expert engineers and have
outlinM a certain method that would be adaptable to the
various municipalities. An organization of the boroughs
and towns along the shore has been effected for the purpose
of treating with the State Board as to time limit, a board of
expert engineers to investigate the matter thoroughly and
be in position to advise us what to do. We have taken steps
to co-operate with this committee and I recommend that
the efforts put forth along this line ½e continued. I believe
that one of the best things Atlantic Highlands could have is
a sewage disposal plant. We have long needed it, but I do
not think under the present financial condition of our bor-
ough, public money should be expended on a plant, the suc-
cessful operation of which, would be a question. I recom-
mend that the Council keep this most important matter con-
stantly before them that it m:iy be worked out to the ad-
\·antage of the borough.
Al\tuSE)!E::,,,."T FOP. SU~I:.!EP. YISITORS.
"Atlantic Highlands is a summer resort, and as such
depends almost entirely on its summer population for its
success, yet very little time or money is spent toward getting
people here or entertaining them after they come. We are
about closing the title to the riparian rights at the foot of
Fourth .\venue and of Avenue D. We also have title to
some shore property at or near the foot of Avenue A. Some
effort should be made to have the shore front opened to the
public. A pai,ilion could be erected on the Avenue A prop-
erty, and a recreation pier could be constructed at the foot
of Fourth Avenue. The borough might do this. If that
were impracticable, we should endeavor to interest private
capital in these enterprises: A publi~ park is a much need-
ed improvement and would seem to Le among the possibil-
ities at this time. I might suggest many things along this
line, but call your attention to these few that some effort
may be made toward making this a more desirable summer
resort. Other towns that have taken such action have
reaped the benefits.
STREETS A.;.',D SIDEWALKS.
"We have several miles of streets to take care of and
on account of the hills it is a difficult matter to keep them
all in shape. The past two years money has been take,n
from the street appropriation and used for other purposes.
552 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

This perhaps was necessary. I strongly urge, however, that


this year all money raised for streets be spent on the streets.
Good work has been done the past year considering the
limited appropriation. I would urge that if necessary, in
order to keep the streeti; clean, sufficient money be reserved
this year for that purpose. A man should be employed to
clean the streets every day during the summer months. It
would be a wise expenditure. I would also suggest along
this line that sufficient money should be reserved to sprinkle
the streets for a short time before the county commences
its work and for a short time after they discontinue their
service.
"I would recommend that when new culverts are to
be built they should be constructed with material that
would be permanent, such ·as iron pipe, sewer pipe or re-
inforced concrete. It may cost a little more now, but the
work would not have to be done over again almost every
year as at present.
":'.!uch has been done the past year along the line of
sidew~l'., and curb improvement. This is a matter that does
not cost the borough anything but a little work. The
property owners must pay for the improvement and in most
cases where the work affects all properties on a certain
street alike, the owners are willing and anxious to pay the
assessment. I strongly urge that the Council take up the
matter of having flagstone or concrete sidewalks laid on
the avenues most traveled. As an example, Mount Avenue
from First to Seventh; Highlar.d, from First to Seventh;
Washington, from First to Seventh; Third, from Bay
View to Valley Drive. All of this work could not be done
at once, but if taken up systematically much could be ac-
complished duringthe year. Some work on sidewalk build-
ing should be done every year, ar.d in a few years we could
have good sidewalks throughout the town. Another mat-
ter that might come under this head is the care and trim-
ming of shade trees. The Council should take up the mat-
ter of caring for our present shade trees and planting new
ones where necessary.
FACTORIES.
"Much has been said in the past in reference to obtain-
ing factories to locate here. I need not set forth the rea-
sons why we need factories; everyone knows that the sum-
mer trade is not enough to support our population for the
whole year. We need good, clean factories, such as would
not conflict in any way with our summer business, and there
are many of this sort locating throughout the State where
FROM INDIAN TRAL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 553

the shipping facilities are not as good as we have. I believe


the railroad company would make as reasonable freight
rates to large shippers as could be obtained in other towns.
A factory that would employ skilled labor and our young
people, and would bring people from out of town to work
and locate here, would be a blessing to this community.
There are many properties near the railroad that are of
little value except as factor:,· sites. While the borough can-
not build factories it can use its influence in encouraging
others to build. I would suggest that an earnest effort be
made by the Council to obtain a factory or factories to
locate here. The Board of Trade should also interest them-
selves in this work.
TROLLEY.
"We have been promised indirectly that the trolley
will come down First Avenue this spring. It is our busi-
ness to see to it that it does come downtown, and that all
cars on the main line run down First Avenue, instead of a
shuttle car running from the present line down and back.
It will be to the great advantage of the business men if the
cars are run into this town at once. I believe the trolley:
people are a fair lot of men, and I believe that with the ·~
sistance and some persuasion on the part of the Council
the long-desired trolley will soon be running down First
Avenue. This matter should be looked after at once, so
that the road-bed could be constructed before the summe::-
renters begin to come to tow:i.
ELECTRIC LIGHT A!'<"D WATER.
"The electric light and water plants are being managed
by efficient employees. The Chairman of these two most im-
portant committees should follow closely all that is being
done in these departments. I believe that a new system of
surface filtering would be an improvement over the present
one. The borough would make money if it extended its
electric light system to Brevent Park, and possibly Hillside
and Navesink. We have the power to supply the light and
we certainly need the revenue. The cost of construction
would be small as compared with the permanent income
it would bring us.
FINANCE, FIRE A."'-D HEALTH DEPARTMENTS.
"The Finance Committee have done good work this
year. They have had many problems to solve and much to
do along the line of holding expenditures down to appro-
priations, looking after bonds, notes, interest, etc. I feel
554 FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAil.

· sure that this department will receive the same good atten-
tion the coming year. The Fire and the Board of Health
Departments are import.ant ones of the borough govern-
ment, and I strongly urge that they be given our hearty
support and encouragement.
ECONOMY.
"I believe in the judicious expenditure of all public
money. I do not, however, believe that the word economy
should be so firmly implanted in our minds that it results
in meanness. I believe in spending money where it should
be spent and getting the best results possible for the money
used. There are many things that come up in our borough
that need to be looked into with a broad mind, always con-
sidering the welfare of our people to guide us and not to a
false standard of economy.
HACK LICENSES.
"The matter of regulating hack fares and drivers has
caused us considerable trouble during the past summer. An
ordinance should be passed making reasonable hack fares
and imposing a penalty for the violation of the ordinance.
This is a matter that requires our immediate attention.
APPOINTMENTS AND CO~ll\HTTES OF COUNCIL.
"In making my appointments I have appointed such
persons as I feel assured will conduct their various offices
to the best interest of Atlantic Highlands. Most of them
are re-appointments, and as they have made good in the
past I feel safe for the future.
"In fixing my committees I had in mind the men best
fitted to handle the various questions, men who in their
private walk have had to do with matters that in the Coun-
cil will give them understanding and experience.
"And so, gentlemen of the Council, I leave these few
thoughts with you, asking you to look well into all matters
that properly come under your various committees and to
all matters that are for the betterment of our borough,
whether t~ey properly come under your committee or not.
"I hope you will feel that you have the hearty support
of the 'Mayor in the various departments and I assure you
that the Mayor will feel that he has the support of all the
members of the Council, and that we are united in one great
effort and that is for the upbuilding of Atlantic Highlands.
"JOHN H. VAN MATER, Mayor."
FROl\I INT)I..\.N TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 555

We record the death of Dr. Oliver A. Brown of this.


place. He was always a welcome and prominent figure in
all of the town's interests. His powers as a speaker were
never more in evidence than at the 20th anniversary of the
founding of the town, (October 25, 1879), held at the Bay
View House, where he was the principal speaker.
REV. DR. O. A. BROWN DEAD.
Passed Away Friday-Funeral Monday.
30 Years in Ministery-Age 63 Years--Summer Resident Here 21
Years.
"On Friday afternoon, at thirty-four minutes past
three, Rev. Oliver A. Brown of this place, departed this life
in the sixty-third year of his age.
"Dr. Brown was taken sick just one month to a day be-
fore the date of his death. He was at first affected with what
seemed to be nervous dyspepsia. Later it became evident
that his heart was affected and Dr. Field of Red Bank was
talled in consultation with Dr. Van Mater of town. Heart
stimulant was administered and the patient seemed to rally
considerably, in fact so much that he was able to occupy
his favorite seat by his window overlooking the bay. How-
ever he had been ailing so long that the required strength
was lacking and the apparent improvement was due only
to the reaction of the stimulants. During the last few days
of his illness the deceased was in a coma from which he
never came out but peacefully passed away surrounded by
his entire family."
THE OCEAN BOULEY ARD.
An Excellent Communication on the Subject.
G. F. Lawrie Represents This Borough on Both General and Exccuth-c
Committees.
'l'o the Editor of The Journal:
" 'It is likely that at least a majority of your readers
in Atlantic Highlands, Highlands and Middletown town-
ship have not as yet realized the significance of the pro-
posed Ocean Boulevard jrom Atlantic Highlands to Cape
May, and the immense importance to this community of
the project if it can be properly carried through. The idea
appears to have originated in the mind of Governor Fort,
who in .a recent address said: 'The New Jersey seacoast is
n great, if not the greatest, asset of the State;' his con-
templation of that fact convinced him that an enterprising
development and utilization of that great asset would bring
people and money to the State and make its seacoast famous
556 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

-more famous than it has been. Progress and prosperity


follow closely the development of local attractiveness in
any community and the State as a community proposes to
develop its own particular great asset by constructing an
ocean lioulevard running along the coast from Atlantic
Highlands to Cape May. The Governor has been energet-
ically promoting this idea. An Ocean Boulevard Committee
has been organized from among residents along the pro-
posed route and much progress has been made. Mr. G. F.
Lawrie of this borough is our representative .on the com-
mittee, and he is also a member of the executive committee.
" 'Right here it may be said for the first time in many
years we have a Governor who proposes to have the State
give requisite attention to the interests and needs of the
coast. Also we have been fortunate in having Mr. Lawrie
on the committee; his energy and enthusiasm have already
counted for much. Please note that it has been definitely
decided to have the boulevard run from Atlantic Highlands
to Cape May, although when the committee was first or-
ganized the route was vague and uncertain in the minds
c,f the Governor and others. It is now obvious to all that
the most beautiful part of the boulevard, in its scenic and
panoramic features, will be that part running over the At-
lantic Highlands hills.
" 'Presumably 'The Journal' will furnish its readers
with information of the progress already achieved in the
project--how in the 127 miles of the route selected only
27 miles of new roads and seven brid~es will be necessary;
bow the $175,000 now in the State treasury from automo-
bile fees will contribute to the construction, and future fees
be used for maintenance, and so forth. This letter is only
for the purpose of commenting upon the probable effect
of the boulevard upon this vicinity and the reason for all
of us to be deeply interested in the project and enthusiastic
for it.
" 'There is probably no other thing that can be imagined
as practicable that would immediately upon its completion
bring into our locality so many new people with real money
in the bank as this Ocean Boulevard starting from Atlantic
Highlands. From all points of the compass this would
come-not only from New York and beyond by the boats,
but also by all land routes-if only to see it and go over it
once. Atlantic Highlands would be the starting point of
the attraction of the tourist trip, so to speak. In one sum-
mer there would be thousands. How many of those people
going over the hills from here to the Shrewsbury and seeing
for the first time the panoramic view and the multitudinous
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 557

beauties of the locality would ever forget it? How many


would want to come back and see it again, and mayhap
want to select a place to live?
" 'Is it not quite clear that this Ocean Boulevard pro-
ject is one to stir the deepest enthusiasm and anticipations
of your readers? All the force of the 'voice of the people'
should be devoted to its consummation by every one of us.
Think it. Talk it. Push it in any and every way you can!
"'Very truly,
" 'PROGRESS.' "
ROBERT EMERY DEAD.
Pioneer Resident of Atlantic Highlands Passes Away.
Had Been Ill Only Six Days-Death Due to Dysentery-Funeral To-
morrow Afternoon.
"Rev. Robert Emery, one of the pioneer settlers of At-
lantic Highlands, died at his residence, Hollywood Lodge,
yesterday morning shortly before seven o'clock. He had
been ill only about six days. Death was due to dysentery.
He was seventy-seven years and eight months of age.
"Mr. Emery was born at West Long Branch and came
fo Atlantic Highlands in 1881. He leaves two sisters--
Mrs. Margaret Reeves and Mrs. Susan A. West of Long
Branch, and one brother-Charles P. Emery of Shrews-
bury. Thomas J. Emery of Atlantic Highlands is bis
nephew and Miss Minnie Emery is his adopted daughter.
His wife died several years ago.
"In the early fall of 1879, Mr. Emery was the super-
ir,tendent of the Seabright Sunday school and be brought
his school on an excursion to Atlantic Highlands, which
was the principal factor in the organization of the Meth-
ful day being entertained by T. H. Leonard, John M. John-
son, Edward T. Burdge, Edward Hooper, Thomas Leonard,
N. H. Roberts, Sr., and families of many other pioneers.
Capt. Thomas Johnson also assisted in the entertainment
of the guests with one of his famous clambakes.
"The following season Mr. Emery brought Rei,•. James
:K Lake and Rev. Simon W. Lake to Bay View that they
might see the great possibUities in the direction of a camp
meeting association here. This resulted in the organization
of such a body on March 1, 1881. In the following year
the deceased was spiritually and financially identified with
the best interests of the town.
"In ·connection with his interests at Bay View, Mr.
Emery was engaged in religious work at Highlands. He
was the principal fact.or in the organization of the Meth-
558 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

odist Church there. He was the first pastor and built the
church at Seaside. Mr. Emery continued as pastor there
until the M. E. conference appointed a regular clergyman.
In the discharge of this duty, great self-sacrifice on his part
was required. Often he was obliged in very stormy weath-
er to walk back and forth to Highlands in order to fill his
appointments.
"Mr. Emery was actively engaged in contracting and
l,uilding for many years. He assisted in the construction of
the auditorium and tabernacle on Bay View Avenue, later
called the Octagon, which was destroyed by fire a few years
ago. This building was built for the use of the Camp Meet-
ing Association. He also constructed some of the finest
:::-esidences in Atlantic Highlands. After the Atlantic High-
lands Association had dissolved, Mr. Emery built a boat
house on the shore near Many Mind Creek and for many
years he was actively engaged in the construction of all
kinds of boats. He was always known as an honest and
1·eliable contractor and builder."
WILLIAM A. GEHLHAUS IN A NEW COMP.A..~.
$1,000,000 Paid-Up Capital in Brick and Other Clay Products
Company.
"Messrs. William Sandlass of Highland Beach, John
T. Hettrick of New York and William A. Gehlhaus of At-
lantic Highlands, have organized a stock company to man-
ufacture brick and other clay products and cement.
"The company is incorporated with an authorizecl
capital stock of $125,000 with a paid-up capital of $1,000,-
000. The incorporators also include 0. F. Gehlhaus, a
brother of W. A. Gehlhaus, and they completed the details
of organizing and began operation last week. This com-
pany has already taken a lease upon the Gehlhaus brick yard
at Cliffwood, which had an annual capacity of not less than
ten million brick under its old output. The new company
v,ill install modern methods and increase the capacity
n:aterially.
"O. F. Gehlhaus is president, John T. Hettrick, treas-
urer, William Sandlass, vice-president and W. A. Gehlhaus,
i;ecretary. These men are the board of directors of the
r.ew company, and they are in a position to command a
lnrge sale at the output. An order for three million brick
has already been received since the company was incorpor-
ated. Counselor C. R. Snyder of Atlantic Highlands- had
charge of the legal work for the company and incorpora-
tion."
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FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 559

THE TROLLEY FR..\..._CHISE.


Hearing Will Be Held on the 23d-App!ication Before Highlands
Council.
"The application of the Jersey Central Traction Com-
pany, for a franchise was presented to the Mayor and Coun-
cil last Saturday evening at a special meeting held for that
purpose.
"A special meeting will be held at Atlantic Highlands,
on Wednesday, January 23, 1908, when action will be tak-
en on the application.
"The route asked for is to begin on the western end of
Yalley Drive to First Avenue and down First Avenue to
the pier, then back First Avenue to Valley Drive, and con-
tinuing on down to the borough of Highlands. The com-
pany also has an application for a franchise before the
Highlands Council, and the application will be held on
January 14th."
TROLLEY FRA.....,_CHISES.
Granted by Both Atlantic Highlands and Highlands.
Traction Company Before Township Committee Today-Will Build
Extra Spur Through Highlands.
"At a meeting of the Atlantic Highlands Mayor and
Council last Friday, G. I. Brown, general superintendent of
the Jersey Central Traction Company, was introduced by
Lawyer Charles R. Snyder, who also represented the com-
pa:iy. The trolley ordinance was taken up and after dis-
c•1ssion it passed its third reading and was approved by the
Mayor.
"Before the ordinance was passed a number of ques-
tions were asked both by the Councilmen and citizens pres-
ent. Mr. Brown was asked if his company would not pave
the streets, especially First Avenue, with vitrified brick,
instead of macadamizing between the tracks and two feet
each side as provided for in the ordinance. Mr. Brown stat-
ed they were only asking for a twenty-year franchise, and
at the end of that term the company would be at the mercy
of the borough, therefore they could not afford to furnish
a brick pavement at this time.
"An objection was raised to a clause in the ordinance
which did not allow another company to construct tracks
within twelve feet of the Jersey Traction Company's, but
the objection was withdrawn when the Superintendent
stated they would allow any other company to use their
560 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

tracks provided the other company would pay part of the


cost of construction and part of the cost of maintenance.
"It was also stated that the company hoped to have
cars running by the first of July, and that as soon as the
right-of-way was secured they would start to work on the
construction and would run through cars from South Amboy
to Highlands with a spur from Belford to Red Bank.
"The Mayor and Council of the Borough of Highlands
passed an ordinance granting the company a franchise in
that borough Monday evening. As published previously
the plans of the company is to construct their tracks on the
hill at a point near the railroad station. At the meeting
of the Mayor and Cm:.ncil they requested an additional line
from that point through the borough to a point near the
Water Witch Station. The officials of the Traction Com-
pany agreed to construct a track over that route provided
1he Council would grant them a franchise without binding
them to continue to operate cars. In other words allowing
them to discontinue the cars over that route during the
winter in case it did not pay.
"The Highlands Mayor and Council also passed reso-
lutions asking the County Commissioners and the Town-
ship Committee to grant the company franchises.
"The Traction Company made application for a frar.-
chise between Belford and the Borough of Highlands of
the Township Committee this afternoon. As it is mostly
crossing roads and constructing poles and wires it is not
anticipated there will be much trouble in securing fran-
chises both from the county and township."
EXTENSION TO SCl:00L HOUSE.
Contract Will Be Awarded to L. S. Foster.
"Bids for the addition to the borough school house
,,ere opened by the Board of Education on - ·~onday eve-
ning. As stated before, the first bids were beyond the ap-
plication and it was necessary to change the plans and ad-
vertise for new bids.
"There were only three bidders on the last plans and
of these L. S. Foster was the lowest, his bid being $9,535.
Frank Johnson was the ne"-i: bidder, his bid being $9,635.
C. W. Miller was the highest with a bid of $9,800.
"The Board will have a meeting this evenil'lg and if
word is received that the plans have been approved by the
State Board of Education, the contract will be awarded to
?,Ir. Foster.
"Although there is more floor space in the new plans
nearly $2,000 will be saved over the first plans."
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil. 561

VALLEY DRIVE TO BE CURBED.


Council Passed Resolution to Have Street Cleaned.
"The local Councilmen held a short session on Tues-
day evening. A resolution was passed compelling the P?'OP-
crty owners on both sides of Valley Drive from First Ave-
11ue to Central Avenue, and on Seventh from Valley Drive
to Asbury Avenue, to curb their property.
"A resolution was also adopted requesting the chair-
man of the street committee to have First Avenue cleaned
up of paper and rubbish before seven o'clock on each morn-
ing." ·
STEAMER WM. V. WILSON BUR."IBD.
Old Sidewheel Steamer Burned at Port Monmouth Sunday.
Members of Crew Obliged to Jump Overboard and Swim Ashore--
Large Quantity of Freight Destroyed.
"The sidcwheel steamer William V. Wilson, which
plieu between Port Monmouth and New York for nearly
thirty years, was burned at her dock at Port Monmouth
Sunday morning shortly after midnight. The old boat
burned to the water's edge and sank in the channel fifteen
feet from the dock. A large quantity of freight on board
was destroyed.
"The flames were discovered by Vernon S. Vail, who
owns the fish factory at Port Monmouth. He came home
by the last trolley and shortly after reaching bis hou~ he
noticed the fire. Hastening to the dock he aroused the
crew, who were sleeping on board, by shouting and pound-
ing on the pier. He could not get on board as the gang-
plank had been drawn in. Finally all were aroused and
jumping overboard, they swam ashore. They lost all their
clothing but escaped injury.
"By this time the steamer was ablaze from stem to
stern. The blaze was seen for miles around and farmers
for a great distance came to see where the fire was. Armed
with axes and buckets they endeavored to extinguish the
blaze on the dock which had by this time caught fire. One
shed on the pier was destroyed, but another, filled with a
quantity of valuable freight, wlls saved through the efforts
of the volunteers. Finally the fire on the pier was extin-
guished, but the Wilson burned completely to the water's
edge before she sank in the channel.
"How the fire started is not known. It is believed
however, that some of the freight was piled too close to the
562 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

smokestack and that either a spark from the furnace or


the heat from contact with the smokestack ignited one of
the barrels and that the flames then spread with great
rapidity. By the time the fire was discovered, the vessel
was a veritable furnace and the crew, when they went to
get off the land side of the boat, found escape cut off. They
were obliged to jump off the side furthest from shore and
then swim in.
"In the hold of the burned steamer and on her decks
there were great piles of freight, including crates of straw-
berries, barrels of cantaloupes, and quantities of farm
truck from the numerous farms around Port Monmouth.
There was not a cent of insurancr on this cargo and so it
ie a total loss. The steamer was 1oaded, according to cus-
tom, on Saturday night and was to have sailed Sunday
afternoon for New York.
"The captain of the boat, Thomas W. Collins, did not
sleep on board the boat, but was at his home. He had
chartered the boat from the owners, the Monmouth Steam-
boat Company, for this season and for the season of 1908.
The engineer of the boat was Cornelius Collins, and the
sailing master was John Seeley. The night watchman,
"Block" Ludlow, who was paid to see that she was safe,
was asleep and was the most difficult of those on board to
arouse.
"The William V. Wilson was built on the Keyport ways
by James Wilson in 1880 and cost $30,000. A corporation,
of'which the Rev. William V. Wilson, D. D., was the head,
had her built and she was named after him, one of New
Monmouth's most eminent citizens, still active at the age
of 96. He is at present director of several banks, trustee
of Peddie Institute, at Hightstown, and interested in the
Baptist Church.
"The 'Wilson' was the last of a long line of old boats
that have plied between New York and Port Monmouth.
Even in the days before the Civil War, a number of farm-
ers in the vicinity had organized a mutual protective and
co-operative company and they built a number of schoon-
ers and other sailing craft to carry their produce to the
city.
"The officers of the Monmouth Steamboat Co., the
owners of the boat, are as follows: President, John G.
Schenck; vice-president, D. E. Mahoney; treasurer, C. Ack-
erson, all of Keyport; secretary, Charles R. Snyder of At-
lantic Highlands. Directors: John H. Willey, Christian
Hensen and Asbury Fountain."
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 563

TROLLEY PLAN CHANGED.


To Use Railroad Tracks Instead o! Valley Drive Route.
Will Probably Run From First A'"enue to Stone Churd1 on C. R. R.
Tracks.
"The work of building the trolley between Belford
and here is rapidly nearing completion. The grading for
the trolley road is finished as far as Valley Drive now and
the work of laying the rails and placing the poles is pro-
gressing very fast. The rails are already laid to B. Mills'
Hill.
"The trolley company has suddenly abandoned the
route as first laid out-namely to come down Valley Drive.
The company, from all indications, has leased the Stone
Church branch of the Central Railroad for a term of years.
The trolley will probably connect with the railroad near
First Avenue and run on their rails to Stone Church. Poles
are being carted alongside of the railroad tracks and the
general opinion is that the trolley will use the track.
"The Stone Church branch of the Central Railroad has
not been a paying proposition since it was built and the
railroa-d company is probably glad to abandon the road
and let the trolley be a "feeder" for its boats. In fact the
general opinion is that the Jersey Central Traction Com-
pany and the Central Railroad of New Jersey are prac-
tically the same concern.
"By Saturday night the Monmouth Contracting Com-
pany, who is doing the work, expect to ha,·e the rails laid
as far as the Leonard A"·enue station. The company expect
to have the road entirely completed and ready for opera-
tion to Atlant:.: Highlands by Saturday, July 20th."
564 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER LXIX.
LECTURE DELIVERED BEFORE THE Y. M. C. A.
APRIL 22, 1908.
By Mr. William III. Foster.

"One morning in the spring of 1879, I was on my way


to Washington Market, N. Y., when on West Street I met
James H. Leonard who, in coming up to me said, You are
just the man I was looking for. We have built a dock at
Brown's Landing and are now running a steamboat there,
the Thomas Collier, and we want you to come there and
start a hotel. I thought at the time it was a queer proposi-
tion. He said we are now calling the place Bay View. I
rather smiled and told him it required money to go into the
hotel business, be answered it would not require much
there, which future events proved true. After talking
awhile we made an appointment and he called on me at
Crooke's Hotel to name the day. I promised him I would
come down and look the land over. I did not come to see
him that summer, as I was engaged in another enterprise,
but in the fall of 1879 I made my first trip here with John
E. aild my two other boys. After going over the grounds
and \iewing the landscape o'er, my impression was that
with proper management there was a great future for this
place, and I have not changed my mind since. I shall never
forget that visit. To get here we left Port Monmouth about
2 o'clock in the morning, coming down in a pound boat with
my brother. All the boys were sea sick and rather dis-
gusted with any proposition to move here. Coming on
shore we were told we could get a good breakfast over to
Sharts, who kept a store, now called Leslie's. We walked
across the meadows and ordered our breakfast, consisting
of crackers, cheese and canned corned beef with a good
supply of rain water thrown in. Now that for a breakfast
after an all night trip was not just what we were accus-
tomed to. Mr. T. H. Leonard came over there and told
us, just as soon as the steamer arrives I will get you some
coffee. We went back to the dock and the steward gave us
a good breakfast that put myself and the boys in better
humor.
"In the fall of 1879 Mr. T. H. Leonard called on me
and made me this offer, if yo11 will come to Bay View and
help us you can select any sit.e you please and in any part
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 565

of the hills to start with. I thought the matter over for


some time then made my second trip and after looking
over the ground we decided to locate at the end of the
dock; the spot selected was then used as a coal yard. I was
to build a pavilion and restaurant and to go into the ex-
cursion business, and Mr. T. H. Leonard was to give me the
selling of his real estate, as Mr. Leonard was selling only
his own property at that time. · I then returned to New York
to advertise the place as an excursion place and made ar-
rangements to commence in April to improve the property.
I got out my circulars for the excursion business and sent
them to every church and society I could find in New York
City and met with great success. On my first trip in 1879,
it was only a short dock and the boat ran as a tide boat.
On the 19th of April, 1880, and a beautiful Sunday morn-
ing. I arrived here with a schooner load of furniture and
on Monday we commenced to unload and carted the goods
to the shore. The neighbors were kind and sent their
teams without any cost to me. We stored the goods in T.
H. Leonard's barn, standing where Thomas Jenning's house
now stands.
"Our first citize:is then were, Mr. E. Hooper and fam-
ily, Thomas H. Leonard and family, N. H. Roberts, Sr., and
family, John Sharts and wife, Peter :Moller and wife, J. H.
Leonard and family, James Martin and family, and Jacob
Swan and family.
"Our dwelling and my real estate office, was an office
Sxl0 called the coal office. I commenced to build on Tues-
day, Thomas Skidmore was the builder, Edward Swan, the
painter, and Nimrod M. Woodward. the mason. The build-
ing consisted of dining room 16x60, a kitchen and small
parlor, 4 bedrooms and a dancing pavilion, 30xl00. The
bath houses were my main stay, as bathers used them in
the day time and my boarders slept in them at night, and
fortunately, I had no grumbling about the accommodations.
The bedrooms and roofs were covered with paper, both
leaked when it rained and my guests bad to sleep with their
umbrellas over their beads to keep dry. You may ask why
did they stay, I could not tell then and will not answer now.
We had from 20 to 50 boarders all summer; small dinner
parties on the arrival of every boat, as we made a specialty
of sea food dinners. Clams and fish were cheap then, and
we had no fish dealers. We had excursions nearly every
day, with moonlighi: excursions and parties nearly every
night. The Bay View house was also open in July of the
same year and that also was filled with boarders, and it
was a common occurrence on Sunday to see 50 carriages
566 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

tied to the fences along the road way which is now First
Avenue. That was the beginning of the history of this
town.
"In the fall of that year, 1880, the Sunday school of
the Seabright M. E. Church came here through Mr. Robert
Emery, the pastor was James E. Lake; they spent the day
in the Grove on the same property where Mrs. Alexander
now lives. At that time there was quite a large gro,·e, now
washed away, with tables and seats to accommodate 150.
They were so pleased with the place at that time that the
Camp Meeting As.;ociation was concei'l.-ed, they went back
as the patriarchs of old and gave a good report of the
promised land.
"I did not expect to stay here in the winter but was to
return to New York and my family was to go up home to
Port Monmouth. John J. Leonard built his house where
the Dolby block now stands. That fall the Garfield and
Hancock campaign was then on, and my house then became
headquarters for all meetings, political, religious and so-
cial, and fate ordered that I should remain here. That year,
!880, we had 22 excursions from New York and Brooklyn,
all coming here by boat and everyone coming here was well
satisfied and many of them returned several times since.
We had a large Fourth of July celebration that year, with
a full band of music and dancing. It came on to rain, and
it. rained like a deluge and the place filled with people.
They had the choice to sit out under the porches or in the
house with their umbrellas. Our post office was a branch
of Leonard\·ille, our nearest railroad station was Middle-
town, the school at Leonardo in the building now called
Solomon's Temple. First A,·enue was a road 50 feet wide,
the road to Leonard\ille was Washington Avenue. At that
time we were proud of our city.
"The winter of 1880 and the spring of 1881 was a
very severe one, but we came out all right. Among the
many visitor.s as you will see by the hotel register were Mr.
and M:rs. Murray, F. M. Gillett and wife, l\lr. and Mrs. 0.
Lohsen, Dr. J. P. Jones, the specialist, and family, Gen.
Hancock, Gen. Veeley, Governor Werts, Mr. T. H. Patter-
son and our worthy ex-Councilman Franklin Patterson, who
then had aspirations to be Mayor of the town and has not
gotten over it since. I must not forget here Professor Bent-
ley and mother, ~s he has played a very great share to its
history and the success of the plare. The most of these
whom I mention are now the pioneers.
"The farmers supported the steamboat, and through
FROM INDIAN TRAL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 567

that sum-ner it was a very busy place. Our lumber yard


at that time was a very small affair.
"In the early spring of 1881 one day I saw a body of
genf,emen walking over the grounds headed by T. H. Leon-
ard and the Seabright Pastor James E. Lake. I met Mr.
Leonard and I was surprised to see how he had swelled
with importance. He told me great things were going to
happen and that these men were looking for a camp meet-
ing ground on a scale that would throw Ocean Grove out
of business. In a few days they came again with a large
force of Methodist ministers and laymen. They had a
meeting at Mr. Leonard's house and there the sale of the
land was made, and the camp meeting gro:und talked over.
In a short time they met again and formed the Atlantic
Highlands Camp Meeting Association. I was greatly sur-
prised when I met these gentlemen to find an old acquaint-
ance I had made in South Jersey several years before and
who ,,;as none other than S. T. Champion, the Hghtning
rod m:rn. At that meeting James E. Lake was elected presi-
dent, Tiromas Leonard, Sr., treasurer, and S. T. Champion,
secretary. The first purchase was Mr. Leonard's, Sr., farm
anci all of Hooper's farm, 150 acres, after that Roberts',
Woodwards' and Patterson's farms we!·e added, about 350
acres. The name was changed to m:,; great disgust from
Bay View to Atlantic Highlands. I thought it was a mis-
take then and think so now. Real estate men, speculators
and adventurers came here, and ·a new and strange life
rooted out and buried the old and in fact at this time we
had a little bit of all kinds; as I said before my business
was real estate and excursion business. In the real estate
business I succeeded T. H. Leonard.
"Early in the spring of 1881 and just after the Associa-
tion organized, John C. Nobles came here and opened a
real estate office with P. Y. Everett, and also established
the Atlantic Highlands Herald, the first issue was June,
1881. Mr. Nobles being a hustler and live man, certainly
as one of the first promoters, deserves to be honorably men-
tioned. I then had an understanding with Nobles & Co.
for me to give them my real estate business and they would
give me all their trade in the hotel. Mr. Rogers moved here
the same year, in April. Surely the pioneers will never for-
get of the first year of the Atlantic Highlands Association.
I have given you from memory from 1880 to 1881. I have
no doubt left many things out that would interest you, but
as I have so much to tell you and such little time to do it
in, I will have to go on.
"After June, 1881, I will give you both from memory
568 FROM INDIAN TRAI!.. TO ELECTRIC RAIL

and the Atlantic Highlands Herald. The Camp Meeting


Association was organized February 11, 1881. The first
officers I have mentioned before. The Board of Directors
were the Hon. John J. Gardner, the Hon. John Garretson,
and the Hon. H. W. Murphy, Revs. J.B. Faulk, S. W. Lake,
S. L. Baldwin, J. M. King, J. M. Philips and Robert Emery.
In their charter there was to be no liquor, no card playing,
no dancing, and no Sunday boats, and these rules were
rigidly enforced, so you can see we were compelled to be
a very steady class of citizens. The steamer Thomas Col-
lier was sold, and the steamer Marion was put on in her
place, James H. Leonard was made Captain and Peter S.
Conover, Clerk. The Association established a charge for
the picnic grounds of $10. The first religious sen-ice was
held at Foster's Pa,-ilion June 19th, 1881. As we were all
Christians then, and not given over to creed, it was union
service by both Baptists and Methodists. The association
had a large force of men opening up the grounds. The
boarding houses at this season wer2 Foster's, Bay View
and Rogers which was the Theo. Davis house on 3rd Ave-
nue. J. C. Nobles had his real estate and insurance office
in his new building the Herald, also the associatlon had
their headquarters there. The first camp meeting v;as held
August 2nd, Bishop Harris presiding. There were 125
tents, the camp meeting ground was the amphitheatre in
back of Foster's, r:e:;:t to Ballin"s cottage.
"Among the many improvements, we had the town
illuminated by street lights, I think ther~ were seven of
them. Jacob T. Stout had a restaurant on the camp meet-
ing grounds where Mr. Jansen's cottage now stands. The
Everett house stood where Krause's house stands now, but
on Sundays they still held meetings at the Grove or Foster's.
T. T. Rogers and family moved here in April of that year.
One of the rules of the association, was that no building
should be nearer the street than 10 feet, the side lines
should be 4 feet. We also had a steam ferryboat running
here, the Burdell. She was advertised as the fast and com-
modius steamer Burdell. I know she was fast when at the
dock, and failed to see the commodious part of it. One
time on a perfectly calm day coming from Sandy Hook we
met a colored clammer Frank Johnson, who some of you
used to know very well. Our captain offered to give him
a tow. He looked at us a moment and told us to go on as
he was in a hurry. When we got on board of this com-
modious boat we were sure of one of two things, either to
get nowhere or to get to the bottom. We also had another
ferryboat called the Raritanna, that ran to the Highlands
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 569

as a ferryboat. She started from here and must be going


yet, as we have never heard from her since. We now
thought we should have a post office and P. Y. Everett aP-
plied for it. To get here by rail, you came by stage or got
out and walked part of the way from Middletown. We
also had a grand Fourth of July celebration that year, such
I'm sure we have never had since. We had music, fire-
works, and crowds of people and had no trouble to raise
the money to pay for it as the people were of one accord.
As I have said, the first camp meeting was held August
2nd, and you would be surprised to see the interest and
the crowds of people that were here on the grounds at that
time. After the first sale of lots of the association, S. B.
Downes, Joseph Downes, S. T. White, Dr. Van Mater, Capt.
Babbington, Thomas J. Roberts, and Curtis J. Tallman all
commenced to build.
"I must not forget the Grand View, Mr. Emery and
S. T. Champion. The Hubbard tract, formerly the James
H. Leonard farm, was bought and laid out by J. C. Nobles
and Co. Mr. Nobles had moved here now and had become
h permanent resident, also P. Y. Everett. The first private
school was established with Miss May Rogers, now Mrs.
Oliver, as teacher; she had 14 scholars and two dogs, Shepp
and Tray, in attendance. In the fall Mr. T. Rogers with Mr.
Wm. T. Franklin bought the stage route between here and
Middletown; Charles Morlatt was the driver. We also had
a railroad sun·ey by the Pennsylvania R. R. Co., and the
railroad was to run across near where Valley Drive is now.
The depot was to be near where Robert Couch's house now
stands on Central Avenue. In the spring of '82 Burdge
Bros. opened their new store on Bay Avenue where Mr.
Little's place is now. Roberts Bros. opened a store on Bay
View Avenue, next to where the Lockwood house is. Mr.
Mackey bought and built a meat market on First Avenue.
At the annual conference of the M. E. Church in '82 there
was a-c application sent to it, with a request that a church
be formed here and that Rev. James E. Lake be appointed
its pastor, which was granted. The first regular organiza-
tion of the church was held at Foster's Hotel March 26th,
1882. Rogers & Franklin opened their livery where Sned-
eker's building now stands. Dr. Fay came here and opened
an office in Foster's Pavilion and also Thomas Martin
opened a barber shop in the same place. The commission
of the first post office arrived April 6th, with P. Y. E,·er-:?tt
a:> postmaster. The city was now booming, we had two
hvery stables, Stout & Conover, and Rogers & Franklin,
two real estate offices. J. C. Nobles and Wm. ir. Foster &
570 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Co., two doctors, Van Mater and Fay, two stores, Roberts
2.nd Burdge, also a Sunday school with S. T. Champion,
Superintendent. Stout and Conover built their stable on
Center Avenue as a sale and livery stable. P. H. Packer
had a plumbing store and Leonard Bros. had a hardware
store. Robert Emery moved here that year, and built the
Emery cottage. A meeting was held in John. C. Nobles'
office in reference to laying out a system of lakes, so you
see we had lake on the brain then as well as now, and the
lake question is not a new one by twenty years.
"On March 30th, the new M. E. Church was organized
as I said before, and held their meetings in Foster's Hotel.
The corner stone of the new M. E. Church was laid Decem-
ber 23rd, 1882. The first fire company called the Everett
Hook and Ladder Company was organized September,
1882. Wm. M. Foster was itg first president, and Dr. J. H.
Van Mater its foreman. I wili now pass to 1883.
"In the spring the new tire apparatus arrived, brought
here by the steamer Kilvonkul and housed in the building
in the rear of J. M. Quackenbush's store on Center Ave-
nue. The Jesse Hoyt was running then at Sandy Hook.
The f,rst fire occurred on February 9th, when all the build-
ings of Foster's were burnt. At that time we had a Young
Men's Literary Society, a Musical Society and a General
Society. Of the Young Men's Literary Society, John E.
Foster was President and Wm. J. Leonard the Secretary,
that was the time when the lamb and the lion lie down to-
gether. S. T. Bloodgood built his ·livery stable where it
now stands and Harry White's billiard room where Bailey
is now. Mrs. Pope's cottage was built, also the Grand View
Hotel finished at that time. The M. E. Church was dedicated
on December 24th. On April 5th, Rogers and Franklin
dissolved partnership on account of lvlr. Rogers' health
and Mr. Rogers opened his real estate business. The new
truck house on Center Avenue was formally opened and
dedicated with a large reception, at the same time the town
was organized in fire districts. On April 19th, the new rail-
road was organized in J. S. Applegate's office in Red Bank.
The cosf was to be $40,000 when completed in July. July
5th, the new railroad was opened and what a day. It was
estimated 5,000 people were on the ground. Keyport did
not then and has not since favored a railroad enterprise
here. On July 24th, the celebrated tornado came and
kno'cked the town to pieces, every house in town was more
or less damaged, and 11 were unroofed and 3 knocked to
pieces. Among the many new enterprises, the new school
was built, which was burnt some time ago. The Baptist
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 571

Church and Avenue D, the Windsor Hotel and ice cream


parlor were built and opened by Miss Thorns. Foster's
Pavilion and excursion place was built where Dr. Brown
lives, also a small dock was built there for a boat
landing. And among the many other improvements that
were sadly needed, was an undertaking establishment, by
William H. Posten. On November 15th, a meeting was
called to make some arrangements to dredge out and dike
Many Mind Creek as a place for boats. And this was to
be in connection with a system of lakes from Jackson's
bridge down. I also forgot to mention, that we had a train
service now, a train out in the morning and one back at
night. The depot then is the freight station now.
"About the first of October a meeting was held in the
Herald building to formulate plans to organize the borough
in connection with the Atlantic Highlands Association. Dr.
Nobles was appointed a committee to report on a plan to
organize the same. There was so much opposition to it on
account' of the great burden of taxes that the subject was
dropped for a while. It was asleep but was easily awak-
ened. The principal opposition was made by the Associa-
tion and the universal cry was taxation! taxation!
"In closing 1882 and 1883, I must mention Leonard's
hall, now Conover feed store; the opening of the new school
house with Miss E\"erett as teacher. We also had one lawy-
er, Charles Dorrance of Freehold, to locate. But on ac-
count of our great love, one for another, and peacefulness,
the poor fellow left in disgust, but we now boast of six, and
apparently all are doing well. Also Clark's or Johnson's
drug store on Third Avenue, in the house that Mr. Hilton
now occupied. I read to you the printed slip from the
Herald of 1883, the different societies.
"We come now in haste to 1884; James H. Leonard
was postmaster with the post office where Conover's feed
store now is; T. T. Rogers sold out his livery business to
Franklin and startea his real estate business. J. C. Nobles
started a bluing factory on the premises now owned by Col.
Benson, and Roberts Bros. opened a dry goods store in con-
nection with their grocery, in what was called Roberts'
Flats, this side of the Lockwood House. P. S. Conover was
the assistant postmaster, and was charged with reading all
postal cards that came through the oflice--as all postmas-
ters do even to the present day.
"On September 13th a meeting was held at D. L. Con-
over's house to agitate the question of a form of borough
government. H. B. Zebley was chairman and William Rob-
erts, secretary. This was about the commencement of "the
572 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

same old gang." We could get no satisfaction from the


Association. Our streets, what there were of them, were
growing up with weeds. There was no curbing, and it seemed
as if the Association was here to make money and nothing
else. As soon as the report of this meeting got out, it raised
quite a storm and the banner with the "Excessive Taxation"
was again flung to the breeze.
"A little while after, another meeting was called as a
Citizens' Mass Meeting, held in Leonard's Hall. James H.
Leonard was chairman, Wm. M. Roberts was secretary. It
was rather a spirited meeting, language was used by the
"no-improvement" contingent that would hardly be ap-
propriate for a Sunday morning sermon. The meeting vir-
tually broke up in a row. We found that the town was
nearly divided on the question . There were many who
held stock in the Association who were in favor of the bor-
ough, but the president and officers and what members of
the directors there were resident here, were bitterly op-
posed to it. Business was stagnant, house building had
ceased, real estate at a standstill, about the same as now.
"I take more time in the history of the formation of
the borough, as I think it was one of the most important
parts of our history. I will try to give the cause which led
up to its formation. A New York party bought a plot of
38 lots, also several shares of the Association. After he
bought these lots the Association levied and assessed a ta.-:.
on this property with several others. This party paid his
assessment. I, being interested in the lots, and being told
of this assessment being made, inquired into the matter and
found to my surprise that only a small portion of the lot
owners had been assessed.· In talking over the matter with
this party, he called John E. Foster, who then had just been
admitted to the bar, and requested him to look into the
matter, ~ it was a clear case of taxation without any rep-
resentation, and a favoring of the many against the few.
Another meeting was called in Leonard's Hall and reso-
lution was passed and money raised to pay expenses to in-
corporate a borough. Proceedings were commenced im-
mediately and the borough's name was the Board of Com-
missioners of the Borough Commission of Atlantic High-
lands. John P. Stockton and Applegate and Hope were
solicitors for State on the quo warranto proceedings. Wil-
liam Pintard and John E. Foster were the solicitors for
the respondent. The Association was defeated and the
borough was formed. This was in 1887. In 1888 the elec-
tion was called and the following was the ticket: T. H.
Leonard, Chief Commissioner; Wm. T. Franklin, Geo.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 573

Mackey, Edward Hooper, N. H. Roberts and William B.


Savidge were the Commissioners. The amount to be raised
was $500. A large figure to howl over. The ticket was
elected and then for a time! The Supreme Court held that
they were duly elected. I must call your attention as to
how the money was used by this extravagant Board of
Commissioners. Printing the ordinances cost $20; street
lamps, $157.50; lamp posts, $9; dressing the lamp posts,
$5.00; putting up lamps, $8.25; oil room for storage, $2.91 ;
stepladders, $2.13; raising Center Avenue, $157.50; rais-
ing Highlands Avenue, $50; retaining fee, $50; brief,
$24.50; total, $487.19. It was said at the time that these
Commissioners were grafters and were making lots of
money off the borough. That cry is red hot yet. These Com-
missioners worked without pay just as they do to-day and I
am sure none of them are rich from it yet.
"The first secret society organized in the town was The
Sons of Temperance. A Republican Club was formed here
in this year. J. E. Foster was president, W. J. Leonard.
vice-president. Ella S. Leonard bought the Herald from
the Everetts. The firm of Leonard & Lingle, two ladies,
was formed, to conduct the paper.
"I want to go back for a moment to 1885. The town
was dead and some of us thought beyond resurrection,
building had stopped, carpenters and masons were mov-
ing away, houses were empty, merchants had no sale for
their goods, surely the Atlantic Highlands was in a bad
condition, but as soon as the borough was formed and we
got in working order, building commenced, lots were sold,
our streets were cleaned up, people began to clean up
their back yards, lamps were lit and general prosperity set
in, some called it a boom, and for many years the success
of the borough seemed to be assured. It was found that
after three or four years the present form of the borough
government was not satisfactory and as a new law being
passed by the Legislature codifying all the laws that had
been passed previously, a meeting was held and a petition
authorized, asking for a re-organization of the borough
which was done August 13th, 1891, and was the same as
we are living under to-day. The judges of that election
were, Edw. Hooper, and J. B. Swan, and William Roberts
was the clerk. All the officers gave their services and the-
only paid officer was the Marshall, which was $15, but yet
the cry went out the same as to-day, that they were graft--
ers, grafters, grafters. The second year of the borough gov-
ernment they had $1,185.85. The principal promoters of alI
these improvements and interests which I must mention t<>
make history complete, were John E. Foster, T. H. Leonard,
-574 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Peter S. Conover, D. Lane Conover, George Mackey, N. H.


Roberts and J. T. Stout, who was the only one who ever re-
ceived any commission for his services, which I think was
$300 a year.
"There has been much said about what the Associa-
tion has done for the borough. To my knowledge, and I
have every opportunity to know, the Atlantic Highlands
Camp Meeting Association has never done anything for
the borough. You cannot show me the first foot of land in
the way of parks or even a lake that is open to-day as a
gift to the people. There was one time a sale on the bluff
in front of Bay View station, and at that sale there was a
plot of land to be given for the use of the people; myself
as auctioneer was authorized to read this to the people and
those- purchasing lots. There is to be a 50 foot reservation
in front of all lots sold this day on the bluff, with a guaran-
tee from the Association never to obstruct or allow it to be
obstructed. Afterwards this was taken away from the
people and sold to its president, and that was the only
piece of land that the borough ever owned for public pur-
poses. The amphitheatre was also to be reserved, but af-
terwards was also sold. I used to hear very often what
the Association was going to do and I remember one time
at a public meeting when one of its members said, Brother,
what we have we will now give to the Lord. A big crow
it1 a tree along side of the building yelled, caw, caw, caw,
he knew the man better than I did. I think the crow meant
naw, naw, naw, and to-day there is not one public piece of
ground where a weary stranger can put his foot.
"Among the many improvements made here and busi-
ness enterprises, was the Building and Loan Association
which is perhaps one of the best in the State, also the Ed-
wards Dredging Co., which put lots of money in the town,
and many others which I have not time to mention to-night.
"I wish I had time to give you many items that I am
sure would interest you more so than what I have given
you, as my paper must become tiresome.
"In closing I want to give honor to two or three men,
one in particular the Hon. Thomas H. Leonard, and I may
say there is no man in the town who has given more time,
more attention, and spent more money than he has, work-
ing for the public good and for the many, and to-day we
all say 'well done, good and faithful.'
"There is another one I want to mention, and he is
Percy Falkinburg, a young man brought up in this place,
and who died I think a martyr. There are many others
that deserve honorable mention, who have been public-
.........
..
:
t
"'
.~;~- _;,:~r,:
_., :-;J! .
I
••
r,.;. .. •. .

THREE VIEWS IN BELFORD.


FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 575

spirited, and have done perhaps all that they could and
perhaps will be rewarded by going up higher, also the
present Mayor, who I am sure has the welfare of the town
at heart.
"I also mention those who have been at the head of
the government as Mayors, T. H. Leonard, John E. Foster,
Jacob T. Stout, Peter S. Conover, Wm. M. Roberts and Dr.
J. H. Van Mater.
"I have here to show you, two photographs of places,
that were perhaps as well known at the time as any place
in New Jersey, also my hotel register, the firemen's roll of
the Everett Hook and Ladder Company, the bill of the
Steamboat Company, our first circulars, etc.
''You see I have only taken up the first eleven years
of the town's history; the balance the most of you know.
"Hoping I have not bored you, and hoping for a just
criticism on my paper. I thank you for your attention.
WM. M. FOSTER."
576 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER LXX.
1908 .o\11;"1> 1909.
THE ENTRY OF THE FIRST ELECTRIC CAR.
"The Journal" of August 13, 1908, recorded the entry
of the first electric car, resulting from the contract of the
Central Railroad of New Jersey with the Jersey Central
Traction Company, whereby the latter obtained the use
of the Stone Church branch of their system. This was. in
part, the long-wished for and the final entry of the electric
railroad..-in our community.
About thirteen years previous to this Dr. Russel G.
Andrews secured the right-of-way from the Navesink
Bridge through Locust Point and Navesink to Atl~tic
Highlands. The trolley people's plan was to come down
First Avenue to Bay Avenue, cross over to the foot of Ave-
nue A, and there build a wharf (where the present Manda-
ly Wharf now is located). The effort was a failure from
the fact that they could not get the right-of-way over the
Navesink Bridge Draw. The use of the electric road was
deferred for the above stated time.
All efforts failed and precious time was expended,
wlule the Trolley Company had the means to carry out
their plans successfully. But such is life. The knowledge
and experience of municipalities and their governing
bodies, at the present time, would cause them to grant
i;rivileges, for the public welfare, which in those early days
to them, seemed unwise.
An effort was finally made to get from Amboy to the
ocean, and we soon became aware of the fact that the
Trolley Company had the right-of-way and tracks of the
Stone Church branch of the Central Railroad of New Jer-
sey, from Leonardville to the Stone Church, thereby avoid-
ing any conditions from the borough. This was a great
surprise to the town, which had grown to feel, that about
any conditions they might ask for the use of our roadways,
would ha,·e to be accepted.
The right-of-way was located on the southerly line of
borough and about one-half mile from the business center
of the town. "What shall we do?" was the question asked.
The Trolley Company felt sure of the travel anyway, and
why should they build a loop in town at great expense?
'Ihey doubtless thought it would be good for our health
FRO)I INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 577

t-:i w .. lk that distance.After a prolonged effort, covering


the greater part of a year, the writer induced the General
Manager and Vice-President, Mr. George S. Brown, of the
Trolley Company, to make an appointment at his office at
Atlantic Highlands.
As .Mr. William Gehlhaus and the writer had been of
great assistance to him in getting the right-of-way for him
down the Leonard"ille Road, he doubtless felt under obli-
gations to us, sufficient, perhaps, to admit of one interview
at least.
He came down from his Keyport office in his auto-
mobile and stopped in front of my office. He came in say-
ing, "Well, what do you want?" "Just a moment." said
I and went to the telephone. Mr. Brown excused himself
while he went out to get a cigar. He soon came back and
much to his surprise the office was filled with prominent
townsmen, "cocked and primed," to read Mr. Brown the
"riot act," on the line of a proposed loop, at least, in the
town. We might say at this point the trolley people had
about given up the idea of giving us this accommodation.
The company in the office, so suddenly made up, con-
sisted of such gentlemen as the following: William Gehl-
haus, Charles R. Snyder, James P. Hopping, William H.
Posten, William B. Smith, Peter S. Conover, William M.
Roberts, Lewis S. Sculthorp and the writer. We had a
very friendly talk of about one hour's duration. The conver-
sation was very earnest and to the point on both sides.
Finally Mr. Brown sprang to his feet and to the telephone
and called up the main office at Keyport and said, "Tell
the boys to get ready to lay the· tracks into Atlantic High-
lands on Monday morning," and the thing was done.
"From Indian Trail to Electric Rail."
Now the electric cars pass and repass, where the
Indian trails once ran.
The space of three hundred years. from 1609 to 1909.
has been covered.

THE END.
THE MONMOUTH SHORE.
The Gateway of the Future.
From Cornfields to Cottages.
From Cottages to Communities.
Communities and Capitalists.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 579

AN APPENDIX.
So much has occurred since our time limit of three
hundred years has expired on "The Monmouth Shore,"
that we will tax, as little as possible, the patience of our
good readers, to give us time and space for a recital of the
actors and their acts since the three boroughs have sprung
up, principall3•, since our time limit, in our territory, name-
ly-the Borough of Highlands, the Borough of Keansburg,
and our own Borough of Atlantic Highlands. We will take
them in the order named, including the adjoining terri-
tories, thus to chronicle the events of the "Original Port-
land Poynt," as well as our space will permit.
We are proud of the honor of thus coupling the "Trio
Sisters" of these historic shores, all looking to the great
metropolis as the central figure, so near; also, in full view
of the World's Moral Motto, the "Statue of Liberty."
"Blest be the ties that bind" us in one common inter-
est-the Central Railroad of New Jersey, the Jersey Cen-
tral Traction Company, including the many local steamers
crossing the bays-each in their own way and method giv-
ing us our local intercourse and world-wide exchPnge, that
goes far in the making up of our beautiful suburban com-
monwealth.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil.. 581

APPENDIX.

CHAPTER I.
BOROUGH OF mGHLANDS, HIGHLANDS OF NA VESINK,
SANDY HOOK AND NAVESI!li"K-1909-1922.
Near the point where the rippling waters of the fa-
mous Shrewsbury River joins with the currents of Princess
Bay, there had grown a village unofficially known as Sea-
side, to distinguish it as apart from the Highlands of Nave-
sink, as the railroad station was named.
The people of the so-called Seaside became restless
at being under township rule, with its inequalities, and de-
cided to break away from the Township of Middletown
and adopt more of the home rule of Borough Go,·ernment.
They, therefore, appealed to the Honorable Charles R.
Snyder, of Atlantic Highlands, then a member of the Gen-
eral Assembly of the State of New Jersey, and through his
efforts and with the help of C. Asa Francis, of the New Jer-
sey Senate, the act creatin:; the Borough of Highlands was
approved on March 22nd, 1900.
The first Mayor to be elected under that act was David
R. Miller and the following members of the Council: John
N. Riker, Mahlon ButdRe. Lewis F. Parker, John T. John-
son, Richard Mount and Thomas Hennessey. With the ex-
ception of Richard Mount and Thomas Hennessey, who co-
incidentally were both employed on the draw-bridge by
the C. R. R. of N. J., all the members of the first Council
are deceased. .
Charles T. l\Iaison was elected Collector and Abram
J. Parker, Assessor and the latter still holds office, none
other ha,·ing been elected over Mr. Parker since the in-
corporation.
Jesse L. Sculthorp was appointed the first Clerk and
Thomas Derby became Chief of Police.
The total population of the new borough was 1,228
and the boundaries were as follows:
Beginning at a point in the west channel of the Shrews-
bury River, opposite the northwesterly corner of the
~ndrews and Thompson tract, so called; thence, running
m a straight line in a southwesterly direction to and along
the westerly line of the said Andrews and Thompson tract
across Navesink Avenue to the westerly side of North Peak
Avenue and lot No. 102 of the map of the Schencks estate
to a stone planted for a monument in the line of lands of
582 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Hartshorne; thence, in a southeasterly and southerly direc-


tion along the Hartshorne line to a monument in the north-
erly line of lands of Joseph Wheelock; thence, in an easter-
ly direction, along the northerly line of said Wheelock's
lands, and lands formerly of Robert Proudfoot, to the chan-
nel of the Shrewsbury River; thence, northerly and wester-
ly, following the meanderings of the channel of the river to
the place of beginning; excepting thereout, the lands owned
by the United States Government, whereon the Twin-Light-
houses are located.
The following may be quoted from Lewis' History of
Monmouth County:
"The Highlands, on the Shrewsbury Riv·er, is, at the
present day one of the most beautiful locations in the
world."
In 1914, by act of Legislature, the borough limits were
extended along wh.!f is known as the Portland Road taking
in the lnnds up to :.nd including the property of the Misses
Haines and to the westward to the new boundary of the
Borough of Atlantic Highlands, including the section known
as Shady Side and all of Water Witch except that portion
now known as Monmouth Hills or Monmouth Hills Club.
When the borough was first incorporated, the only
source of water supply on the lowlands was by a system
of pipe from which the springs in the hills were tapped and
the water flowed by gravity to a central water trough in the
middle of the town, then Miller Street, or from the springs
propei1; as no wells could be dug or driven unless they were
driven to an excessive depth. The selling and delivering of
portable water in forty-quart milk cans to various families
was a source of revenue to the school boys of the neighbor-
hood, they having regular water routes and patrons to
whom they delivered a stated number of cans per week.
Others met at the old water trough at various meal
times, and the news and gossip of the day was swapped.
At the present time the borough is supplied by artesian
wellr. with the purest water to be found and at a pressure
not exceJled by any town within the state.
The following Mayors were elected and held office in
the order named:
David R. Miller, one term, Charles T. Maison, one term,
Peter Cornwall, one term, Harry A. Brown, one term, Allan
R. Reed, two terms, Harry N. Johnson, two terms, Harry
A. Brown, one term, and Frederick Kieferdorf, now com-
pleting his second term.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 583

The borough has well-kept and well-lighted streets,


a modern, motorized volunteer fire department and a nine-
room grammar school.
The resident populatian is about 2,000, reaching per-
haps 15,000 during the summer months.
(Signed) GEO. W. HARDY.
OLD TI!\IES AT HIGHL.A.',DS.
The Recollections of a Former Resident.
Mrs. Eleanor Thomson Benton of Brooklyn, a former
resident of Highlands and Red Bank and one oi the oldest
subscribers of "The Register," has written a letter to this
p_apt. ab<?~t ol?- ...,_,:-,,-;::-,,.-/"'/-<-....-- -· J:P.YA=·HIGJll.J..~!:l.S.
time conditions m ~ '°"I', - . ;_ - .
this p art of the ~- --..,.. ·.
, . ... r,
, ~-~~;;:;-
c- ••;.-;,
coun.ty.. M rs. B;n- ~1;-\ 11 ,1, • ' ;.1, :,;
ton 1s m her _8ath ~ .'!:: i~Gi""'l .. _;111!-; · =-~
rear .adndHshe 1s an ~~,.,~1{..\.-1-., ~-'.:~,;-..--;- ;' 'l\··,\\W
mva11 . er 1etter . '~ , 'S,-·,:---~-_;~,I',- · ;; · - - ·
follows: -=-~!~~•~--:~-"~,~~. ·
,------... <~·.'=3--~· ~ - - - .~

''") .. -1·, "I came to



-~,:;;'.". · •r-.':.·~·-;.:t--
.,~;.,;.;. ...:.i-.~;;-;-
Highlands m
:1..'7---~=,.,,,,._:::.:: ·.'.. · 1846, when a child,
· moving from a farm
near Freehold. Sandy
Hook at that time
was an island, the1 e
being no beach op-
,,, posite Highlands as
Mn 1 ~B :r,-:- 1cali•~.., O!JNH n1'"'~"!.S- at present. The old
Ocean House hotel, which was destroyed by fire May 20th,
1862, stood on the northernmost part of the peninsub which
584 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

now forms the larger part of the Borough of Seabright. A


beach was made up in 1848, which joined the island of
Sandy Hook with the mainland.
"The steamboat Orus, plying between New York and
l,l)ng Branch, made regular stops for passengers. All per-
sons going to New York from Highlands had to cross the
river to the Ocean House at Rocky Point and then take the
steamboat. I took my first trip to New York on the Orus,
going outside of Sandy Hook in the inlet opposite Island
Beach, and well I remember how I lay seasick on the cabin
floor until I reached New York.
"The Highlands, when I first knew it, consisted of four
houses, three lighthouses, and a signal telegraph house.
Colonel Jones of New York bought the Water Witch prop-
erty in the early fifties. It was the scene of J. Fenimore
Cooper's novel, 'Water Witch,' and the old house referred
to in Cooper's novel was used for a time as a private school.
l was a pupil in that school. There was no public school
at Highlands at that time. This building was later des-
troyed by fire. Subsequently the Water Witch property
was divided into residential sites.
ftlGrtLAND .S IAtlON.

"The house I lived in at Highlands was bought by my


father from the Hartshorne estate. It was once occupied
by an old Indian doctor. It is nearly 200 yeau old. My
father enlarged thii; building in 1854. It is now occupied
by A. P. Riker and his sister. I saw the cornerstone laid
of the present lighthouse, which was built in 1861. Part
of Highlands took on the name of Parkertown, this being
caused by a large number of families of Parker coming
into that section. This part of Highlands was largely sub-
merged at high tides.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 585

"I cannot describe the rejoicing that came upon us


when the first railroad was built on the beach at Sandy
Hook. The government dock was built in 1860-61. When
the war broke out in '61, 500 or more soldiers were sta-
tioned at Sandy Hook and the government built barracks
for them there, but after the battle of Bull Run most of
them were removed. I walked on the government dock
before it was tinshed to board the Highland Light, a steam-
boat then running to P.ed Bank.
"In 1857 all water communication between New York
and this part of New Jersey was cut off. The river and
bay were frozen beyond Sandy Hook Point. The only way
to New York was the stage line through the Amboys.
Transportation facilities were mostly by water or by stage
in those times until the old Southern railroad was built
with its terminal at Port Monmouth.
"The winter of 1857 was the most severe that I can
remember. Sleighing parties went from Highlands to Red
Bank on the ice on the river and that winter I took my first
iceboat sail, going from Highlands to Red Bank.
"Highlands has been the scene of many historical and
spectacular incidents. The ship North America was
wrecked on the shoals opposite Island Beach and well I re-
member how I played on its deck. The wrecking crew re-
moved what was left of the vessel in 1848. When this boat
foundered 510 persons were lost and 89 were saYed. An-
other shipwreck which happened below Long Branch was
that of the G~rman immigrant vessel New Era. The coast
was strewn with dead bodies and folks went from High-
lands to Long Branch with carts and wagons to help re-
move and bury these bodies. I saw nine dead bodies on
the beach one morning.
"Tile burning of the hotel Sea View was another in-
cident to which my memory reverts. This tire occurred
shortly after Donnelly, the hotel bookkeeper, had killed a
l'lerk named Moses. An incident which brought many
people to Highlands was the death of two large whales
which lost their way in the Shrewsbury River in the early
fifties. They got on a sand bar opposite Highlands, where
they died. They were floated across to Highlands, where
they were placed in a large tent and sightseers had to pay
to look at them. They were a great curiosity to most folks
and people came from al: parts of the county to look at
them. They were later floated to 'Greenland,' about a
~le from Water Witch, and there they were sold to a ferti-
lizer manufacturer and made into fertilizer. I recall hav-
586 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

ing taken a bath in the river near where the whales were
exhibited.
"Members of the New Jersey Legislature and a big
lot of newspaper men on June 12, 1858, accepted an in-
vitation from Mr. Thomson to dine at the Atlantic Pavilion.
Tliis was a big day. The legislators came by way of New
York on the steamboat Long Branch, captained by J. P.
Corlies. With them was Sheldon's band. Every one had a
good time.
"There have been a number of steamboats plyinir in
foe Shrewsbury River between Red Bank, Highlands and
New York since I was a child. Among them were the Orus,
Constitution, Thomas G. Hunt, The Confidence, The Wil-
son G. Hunt, Golden Gate, The Cricl..ct, Highland Light,
Twin Lights, Ocean Wave, James Christopher, Alice Price,
Lv:1g Branch, The Laura, The Helen and The Meta. I well
remember the war between different boat lines in the early
fifties when the fare from New York to Red Bank was down
to ten cents a trip. This cheap fare brought to Highlands
and other landing places along the river a very promiscuous
lot of visitors who were not always desirable. However,
the rate war did not last long and we were relieved of this
influx of objectionable visitors."
SA!>."DY HOOK.
(From the pen of Mr. Howard X. Wadham, :::s 'Wall St., X. Y. City.)
"Presumably some few centuries ago there was open
water from the Atlantic Ocean across to Su-ten Island. Just
when the sand began to accumulate in the location now
known as Sandy Hook no one living at present knows. That
for many years there was a long strip of uninhabited land
there partially covered with cedar and holly trees many
of the old-timers do know. From the time that the United
States Government took over this tract of land to the pres-
ent, there has been a steady increase in human activities
there. As the most important defence post on the Atlantic
coast line this is quite a natural sequence. Normally one
thousand of Uncle Sam's best artillerymen call this their
l:ome post. During the World War many times this number
were located there. Since the authorities at Washington
have transferred the Ordnance Testing Grounds to Aber-
deen the great guns are seldom heard and barely enough
men are kept on the post to pre\·ent the guns slipping into a
state of inefficiency.
"Next to the giant beam of the Highland light, Sandy
Hook light is one of the first welcome sights to the navigator
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 587

coming in toward New York harbor. This lighthouse was


built in 176- by the English. There are those living who
remember when the Atlantic Ocean threw its breakers close
to the base of the present lighthouse. Today the beach is
half a mile eastward and over this present barren stretch
of sand the Ordnance experts have tested the heavy guns,
among them the huge 16-inch gun that during the war
time was transferred to the Panama Canal. At that time
it was the largest gun of its kind in existence.
"Among the institutions on the post designated to be
of service to the service men, perhaps none has so large
and useful a place as the Young Men's Christian Associa-
tion. About twenty years ago, Mr. Thomas S. Gladding,
a chemist of New York City built and presented to the
men of the army the handsome and substantial building
that now stands at one end of the Parade Grounds close to
the Army Headquarters building. During the war an ad-
dition was built to this, making still more commodius quart-
ers. There being no Protestant Church n e a r e r
than the Highlands, the secre tary of this associa-
tion is practically the Protestant pas-
tor of the commun-
ity. Men whose
lives h a v e been
588 FROM INDIAN TRAil. TO ELECTRIC RAil.

famous chief, 'Rain-in-the-Face,' who was charged with


having killed General Custer at the time of that notable
massacre. His name 'Pasquah' means 'fleet deer' in the
tribal language. The young man is well-named for he is
a famous runner. Pasquah for the first time heard the
gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ at the Fort Hancock Young
Men's Christian Association and became soundly converted.
These are ,but two of hundreds of similar lives that have
been reconstructed at this otherwise lonely and, in a sense,
forgotten place.
"The religious interests of Sandy Hook are further
provided for by the Roman Catholic Church, holding reg-
ular services in a commodious chapel, under the supervision
of the church at the Highlands.
"The Boy Scouts Troop at Sandy Hook has shown its
colors by carrying off nearly all the prizes and emblems in
the various Scout meets for Monmouth County for some
time past, which perhaps is an indication that the atmos-
phere, both spiritual and physical, is productive of sound
bodies and sound minds."
SANDY HOOK BAY POST OF THE AMERICA.'l' LEGION.
(From "The Atlantic Highla:uis Journai," October 9, 1919.)
"A large number of veterans of the late world war
gathered at the Leonardo School on Thursday to perfect
their organization of a post of the American Legion.
"Honorable J. E. Foster presided and after the conven-
ing of the meeting, the chairman introduced Reverend W.
T. Stinson, D. D., of Red Bank, who gave an inspiring ad-

'.I¥: '.PiQMPSQN l10JJ5E • NJ6HlNIDS


FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 589

dress on the prospecth·e achievements of the legion and


Americanism. He was given a hearty vote of thanks at the
close.
"An application for a charter was drafted and signed
by about forty prospective members.
"The question of a name for the new post brought out
much good-natured rivalry and the titles, Independent,

J'kr MoTr:L n..,a:r, N, MJGHLANDt


Middletown, Armistice, Sandy Hook and Sandy Hook Bay
were offered. On a vote being taken it was found that the
latter was the choice of the majority and the post will be
so named.
"The election, with this result in choice of officers,
followed:
Post Commander-Walter C. Leitch, Atlantic Highlands.
Post Vice-Commander-Harold P. Childs, Atlantic Highlands.
Post Adjutant-Edgar C. Cook, Atlantic Highlands.
Post Finance Officer-Maynard Card, Navesink.
Post Historian-Edwin H. Mulligan, Atlantic Highlands.
. Members of the Executive Committee-William E. Ellis, Nave.
sink; Stephen ll!urray, Highlands; Albert Johnson, Leonardo; Earle
Snyder, Atlantic Highlands; David Cosby, Keansburg; Wilbur Roberts,
N~w Monmouth; James Hubbs, Belford.
"The office of post chaplain has not been filled. Upon
the election of officers, Chairman Foster was given a vote
of thanks and Commander-Elect Leitch took the chair.
"The executi~,e committee will hold a meeting tonight
at which time organization plans will be more fully perfect-
ed and arrangements for a membership drive throughout
the post territory, which includes all of the Middletown
Township and the boroughs of Atlantic Highlands, High-
lands and Keansburg.
590 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

"A cordial invitation is extended to all who saw ser-


vice in the late war to send their application, together with
the annual dues of $2, to Post Adjutant E. C. Cook before
November 1st and become charter members of the post.
"The officers and John S. Woodruff as delegates were
selected to attend the State convention of the legion to be
held Saturday in the Prudential Building, Newark. Dr. E.
F. Failing is alternate delegate.
NAVESINK-1909-1922.
(From the pen of Miss Norma L. Swan, daughter of llr. Wesbter Swan.)
"The past twelve years have not mal.!e many changes
in the outward aspect of the village of Navesink. A few
new houses have been built and a number of old ones have
passed into hands of new owners who have found a charm
in houses that have long been occupied. The population,
unlike that of many towns and villages near New York City,
has remained for the most part, American, many of the
families having lived in the village for successive genera-
tions. Electricity has superseded gas as a means of light-
ing the highways, telephones are in use in many of the
homes, a few residents have established connection with
the great world by means of wireless, nearly every family
cwns an automobile, the use of the horse has become un-
common. With the improved condition of the highway,
every summer brings an increasing stream of motorists who
prefer the village roads to the crowded shore route.
"With the development of the township school system,
the Navesink school has benefited by closer supenision,
better organization, special teachers in music, physical
culture and drawing, a trained probation officer and school
nurse, a school dentist, a special class for the mentally de-
ficient, and psychiatric clinics supported by the Laura Spell-
man Fund of the Rockefeller Foundation. Pupils in the
first six grades attend the "illage school; those in the grades
beyond the sixth attend the Leonardo High School, trans-
portation being furnished by means of trolleys and school
automobiles. There are five regular teachers in the Nave-
sink school and the pupils number about 104.
"The Great War drew about fifty men from Navesink
and vicinity, not one of whom was killed in battle or serious-
ly injured. Their names are inscribed on a bronze tablet
in Navesink Library and a record of their services is also
preserved in the Library. While the men were at the front
the women at home worked for them constantly and un-
tiringly. The local branch of the Red Cross met weekly
at the Library and under the efficient direction of its presi-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 591

dent, Mrs. J. C. Lord, several thousand garments and art-


icles for the soldiers' use were prepared. The other officers
during the war were Mrs. Walter B. Conner, secretary, and
Mrs. Arthur G. Johnson, treasurer. The village and vicin-
ity, including Locust and Riverside Drive, responded patri-
otically to the drives for Liberty Loans. The Navesink,
Locust and Riverside Drii.·e subscriptions to the Liberty
Loans amounted to $123,000.
"The opening of the Na,·esink Library marks an epoch
in the history of the village. For several months a small
group of women met weekly at the home of one of their
number in the village to consider the problem of providing
a place where the young pe.:>ple of the village could meet
under wholesome conditions for pleasure and betterment.
The incorporation of the Navesink Library Association on
January 25, 1914, was the outcome of these women's
thought and prayer. Funds were raised, practically every
family in the village subscribing, and generous donations
were made by many of the summer residents at Locust and
along the river. The old Navesink Baptist Church building
was leased for five years and repaired at considerable ex-
pense. The quaintness and dignity of the old edifice were
preserved and its associations gave an atmosphere of quiet
and refinement to the environment of the new organization.
The original board of trustees consisted of Mrs. William
Barclay Parsons, Mrs. John C. Lord, Mrs. James May
Duane, Mrs. Louise D. Card, Miss Norma L. Swan, Mrs. E.
E. Maxson, Mrs. Charles Vanderhoof, Mrs. Joseph E. John-
son, Frank E. Sieh, James G. Timolat, Andrew Robertson
and William M. Roberts. The original officers were, presi-
dent, Mrs. William Barclay Parsons; secretary, Miss Norma
L. Swan; treasurer, Colonel William Barclay Parsons, and
thes~ officers and a majority of the original trustees have
r~tamed their connection with the Library continuously
smce its organization.
"It was not long before the Association outgrew its
quarters in the old church building. Mrs. Ellen W. Duryea
of New York City, the widow of Herman B. Duryea, a
sportsman of international repute, wishing to found a 1:1e-
~o~~l to her husband who spent his boyhood days in the
vicinity of Navesink, became interested in the Library and
pre~ented to the Association the very attractive and well-
equipped building which the Association now occupies. The
nhew Library was formally opened December 12, 1917. It
ouses a men's club of about a hundred members with
quarters in the basement, a boys' club which meets in the
gymnasium, a dramatic club, a tennis club which uses the
592 FROM INDUN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Library courts in summer, a women's gymnasiuo class, he-


sides meetings of the local branch of the Red C:·oss, neigh.
borhood dances, handicraft exhibits, lectures, musicals,
church suppers and fairs. During the first sr\"en years cf
its existence about 50,000 books were circulated.
''In June, 1921, the Middletown Township Public Li-
brary went into operation, having been voted for by the
citizens of the township at the general election of the pre.
vious November. By arrangement with the trustt?E!$ of the
Navesink Library Association, the collection of books be-
longing to the Township Library is housed in the Navesink
Library building and the Township Librarian has her head-
quarters there. An admirably equipped library car, the
gift of several public-spirite~ residents of the township,
conveys books to ten deposit stations and one branch li-
brary, and gives house to house service in remote parts of
the township. During the first eight months of its exist-
ence the Township Library has circulated about three thous-
and books a month. The original trustees of the Township
Library were· Colonel William Barclay Parsons, president;
Louise Hartshorne, Florence Mechlen, Florence Preston,
Clinton Loshen, R. H. Bowman, J. C. Hendrickson and How-
ard W. Roberts.
"The Navesink Li"brary has been pronounced by the
State Library Commission to be the best rural library in the
state and as such it has been selected by the Commission
as the headquarters of the State Library School for the
summer of 1922. A six weeks' session will be held for
librarians throughout the state, to whom instruction in
library methods will be given by members of the State
Commission.
"In connection with the Navesink Library an import-
ant and interesting project was the acquiring in 1921 of the
old De Vivo house and grounds adjacent to the Library
property for the purpose of providing a comfortable and
attractive home for the Librarian and the teachers of the
township schools while they are engaged in their work.
This enterprise is due to the initiative and enthusiasm of
Mrs. William Barclay Parsons and a board of directors as-
sociated with her, under whose supervision the Teachers'
Club is most successfully conducted.
"The last twelve years have seen the passing of sever-
al prominent figures from the village life-Russell G. An-
drews, for forty years the village doctor, Webster Swan and
John M. Johnson, both of whom served as postmasters,
business men and trustees of the village for many years, Jos-
eph Johnson, a picturesque old figure in latter years, w'ho
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 593

for nearly half a century was village constable and Mrs.


Elizabeth Latham, a woman of remarkable enterprise and
initiative, who established the florist's business in the
village.
"The community as a whole, and All Saints Memorial
Church in particular, sustained a great loss by the resigna-
tion of the Reverend John Crary Lord from the rectorship
of tbe parish in 1921, after having served for twenty-seven
years. Both Mr. Lord and his wife endeared themselves
to all those with whom they were associated by their gen-
erous support of every good work, by their devotion to the
best interests of the community, and by their graciousness
and truly Christian spirit."
Below is the list of World War Veterans, copied from
the bronze tablet on the front of the Library, contributed
by E. B. Arrowsmith, Librarian.
Edward Amy Jesse Green William Barclay
Henry J. Amy Edward Hatfel Parsons, Jr.
Louis H. Amy, Jr. Richard Hartshorne Lisle Patterson
Thomas T. Boecke1 Travis Hnnt Eugene Drew Polhemus
Marion Brainard Arthur G. Hurd Herbert W. Posten
Albert H. Lemarche Latham M. Reed
Alfred Brower Edward J. Lemarche Wbitmore Reed
C. Maynard Card Henry P. Lemarche Howard Samo
Asbnry Carney Reginald W. Lemarche Lloyd Sickles
William Carney Richard T. Lemarche Raymond Smith
Harold Childs Francis M. !rlacDuflie Raymond Taylor
William H. Davis Engf'ne Maxon Benjamin H. Trask
Victor L Cruser George R. Maxon James D. Trask
Lester Curtis Lisle Maxon Robert H. Trask
Olive M. Curtis Wilbur B. Maxon Morris Walsh
Thomas Curtis llarry Meyer Fred Werleman
John Wesley Davis Harry Morrow Henri Werleman
Frank Despreaux, Jr. C. Albert Mount, Jr. Stanlon Whitney
Earl De Vesty Parke Newby Harry S. Williams
Richard B. Duane Wm. Barclay Parsons John Woodward
Leo S. Ellill Willfam Woodward
594 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER II.
TBE BOROUGH OF ATLANTIC mGHLANDS AND VICINITY
SINCE 1909.
Reception Tendered Hon. John E. Foster.
The Community Club-The Women's Auxiliary of the Community
Club-Home Circle-And St. Agnes Club, Etc.

Within the time of the Appendix the Borough of At-


lantic Highlands has been presided over by three Mayors
and many Councilmen. We will take the Mayors in the
order of dates they occupied the chair-Dr. John H. Van
Mater, the Honorable Charles R. Snyder, and the present
Mayor, Dr. Henry A. Hendrickson.
With the entry of and during the period of service of
Dr. John H. Van Mater in the chair, as Mayor, there was
no looming up of ambitious aspirants for the position, which
gave him a long period of usefulness in that field. A mes-
sage delivered January 1, 1908, as appears in a previous
chapter, gives his complete recommendations to his Coun-
cilmen and to the public at large. Perhaps the most not-
able improvement that was made during his term· of office
was the extension of concrete sidewalks five feet in width,
and stone curbings, equally as permanent, which was paid
for by the individual property owners adjoining. The
Standard Gas Company organized in May, 1910, and con-
tinued its construction through the year, making an in-
crease to the borough assessment which was considerable,
as the plant enlarged. The annexation of "The Ballins-
wood Tract," "The Maxwelton Tract" and "The Navesink
Park Tract," opened up by the Ocean Boulevard, also add-
ed much to our assessment values, which was very gratify-
ing, not only to the borough officials but to the tax-payers
as well. The water system was extended into the annexed
district during Mayor Van Mater's administration, which
encouraged resident building in that beautiful locality.
The Mandalay Pier had been repaired in the last year
of Mayor J. H. Van Mater's administration, in 1915. It
was located at the foot of Avenue A. It was first built by
public subscription by the people of Atlantic Highlands,
the sum thus secured amounting to $25,000; and, to com-
plete it, the Company borrowed $11,000. It was built in
1900, but through lack of co-operation with the trolley
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAll. 595

companies and for other reasons, it was not used until in


the year 1915, when, having passed from the hands of the
original company to out-of-town people, it was taken up by
New York City capitalists with Mr. Guy A. Brantingham as
manager, and put in first-class condition.
The steamship Mandalay was put on the route, running
three round-trips between New York City and the pier at
the foot of Avenue A, Atlantic Highlands, daily. The
steamer carried thousands of passengers each day of the
season, composed principally of excursionists from New
York, come to -enjoy the pure air from the ocean and the
Atlantic Highlands Hills. During the next year, 1916, and
the years following to the present writing, the Mandalay
has done good service.
This enterprise doubtless encouraged Red Bank caP-
italists, known as the Land and Loan Company, to purchase
the "Campbell Property," extending from the Many Mind
Creek to Avenue D; which produced many attractions en-
joyed and required. This property ( with the "Bentley ProP-
erty," a small tract adjoining the pier), was known as "Bay
View Park," and later as "Joyland Park."
The borough assessment for taxes, which amounted
january 1, 1909, to $1,845;587, was increased to a valua-
tion of $2,685,016, January 1, 1922, showing an increase
of $789,429, in personal property and new buildings. This
valuation was made on a basis of a two-thirds valuation of
the properties. This ,·aluation and assessment was made
on properties actually within the borough limits, leaving
out our beautiful suburban communities, such as Leonardo,
with its Brevent Park, l\Iardean and Ocean View on the
west, and on the south Highland Park, Mandalay Park,
Leonardville and Hillside Park, all of whom look to At-
lantic Highlt!?,<ls as their main business center, adding to the
property Yal:.les of Atlantic Highlands and suburbs, at its
true value, a total of over a half million of dollars, occupy-
ing a territory where once echoed the tingle of the road
cow's bell, by day, and the refrain of the "Whip-Poor-Will''
in its evening call to its distant mate.
In addition to the assessed properties we have exempt
properties amounting to $882,400, in the borough, as
follows:
The Borough Hall property, corner First and Mount Aves..$23,500.00
The Lagoon and Grounds ..........•......••.•......•• 10,000.00
Other Lands and Buildings............................ 7,500.00
The Water Plant and System ...•.......•..•......•.... 90,000.JO
The Sewer System .............................•....• 62,000 00
The Electric Light System ............................ 34,000.00
The Fire House and Entrance......................... 8,000.00
596 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

The Fire Apparatus, in total ••••••••••.••••••••••••••• 15,000.00


The M. E. Church property, Third Ave. .•...•...••••.••.• 23,800.00
The Central Baptist Chmch, Third Ave. •••...••.••••••• 20,000.00
l'he St.Agnes Roman Catholic Chmch, South and Center Avea. 16,500.00
The Presbyterian Chmch, Third Ave.................... 8,000.00
The Episcopal Chmch, Fourth Ave.. • • • . . . • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2,100.00
The St. Paul A. Baptist Chmch, Highland Ave.... • • • • • • • 2,000.00
The Public School Building an-:1 Grounds, First Ave....... • 60,000.00
Also, Properties Outside of Borough Limits.
The F°ll'St Baptist Cllnrch at Leonard~ •••••••••••••••••• $10,000.00
The Leonardo Fire House and Apparatus, Center Ave.. • • • 5,000.00
The Leonardo Lagoon and Grounds.................... 5,000.00
The Ocean View Commnmty House and Share Improvements 5,000.00
The Hillside Zion M. E. Church, llliddletown Ave......... 3,000.00
Making a total of $5,410,400 worth of property within
the area named, on lands where, up to 1880, the honorable
but lonely farmer trod.
Among what are called the ''Secret Orders,'' the Anch-
or Lodge of I. 0. O. F. owns convenient and comfortable
home quarters, at the corner of Washington and First Ave-
nues.
The Atlantic Highlands Building and Loan Association
of the borough is considered one of the best in the state. It
was organized in 'November, 1887, as has been previously
stated. The amount of business transacted within the last
year, ending November, 1921, amounted to $564,899. Up
to the present time it has had a transient and unsettled lo-
cation but at this writing, January, 1922, we are informed
by its president, Mr. Louis S. Sculthorp, that they have pur-
chased of the Atlantic Highlands National Bank their prop-
erty at the corner of First and Bay Avenues, consisting of
grounds, building and safe, to take possession as soon as
the Bank can occupy their property on the Homestead
Block, consisting of eighty-one feet on First Avenue, run-
ning this width through to Railroad Avenue, and covered
by a fine three-story building, known up to the present time
as the Hartcorn Building.
The Atlantic Highlands Tennis Club organized and
purchased a fine property on the Bluff, between Bay View
Avenue and the Bay, and between the Atlantic Highlands
Casino and the Edward Jansen Homestead. The property
consisted of 250 feet on Bay View Avenue, running the
same width to the Bay. The property was placed in the
hands·of Contractor Jonathan T. Stout, who put the grounds
in fine shape for the enterprising club.
The great increase, in the number of ,automobiles
called for extensive accommodations for the residents and
traveling public. In looking over this field of development
the first in view as we go south on First Avenue is the Nor-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 597

man E. Paddock Garage being erected on Center Avenue,


opposite the Railroad Station. This, in size and location,
will be able to accommodate the commuters and their
friends with every convenience.
Passing on down First Avenue, south, we come to what
was formerly "The Naylors' Garage," corner of Highland
and First Avenues, now owned by James W. Shannon, and
enlarged by him to twice the original size. This fine garage
is conducted by Edgar C. and Robert G. Cook, as "Cook
Brothers," with great success.
Farther on we come to the southeast corner of Lincoln
and First Avenues, where is being erected a large garage
by Mr. E. Doughty-this with an ample-sized dwelling oc-
cupies the three lots purchased by Mr. Doughty.
On the northwest corner of Lincoln and First Avenues
Mr. Arthur Naylor has erected a fine garage as an automo-
bile supply service station. The building is large, well
equipped and is a credit to the town.
Near the corner of First Avenue and Valley Drive is
located the garage built by F. A. Morehouse, now owned
by Messrs. J. '\V. and J. H. Bowser, and later conducted by
"Oakes Brothers."
As we pass, east, down Valley Drive we come to the
large two-story building, with a garage on the first floor and
dwelling above, owned and conducted by George F. Bartle-
son.
·The above garages produce ample accommodations for
the traveling public and storage room for all-year patrons.
We would call attention to the enterprising boat build-
er, Mr. Joseph Banfield, who erected a building on the west
side of what is known at this time as "Wagners Creek."
The boat house gives him ample accommodation for his
business and fills a useful place in the community.
We record the transfer, about January 1st, 1922, of
"The Atlantic Highlands Journal" from the able hands of
"F. S. Berggren and Son" to Milton R. Shale, as editor and
publisher. May his success be as pronounced as was the
previous owners.
A Green House and all that goes with it, in the Nursery
business, is a necessity in any community. This depart-
ment has been well looked after by Mr. John Bennett, Flor-
ist, Hillside Avenue; also, by the Navesink Florists and
Nurseries.
The Central Railroad of New Jersey continues to give
us good service. With their steamers in the summer season,
the all-rail train service all year round is very much in our
favor. We can do no less than thank the dear Lord for
598 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

putting it in the heart and mind of "Uncle Sam" to order


the Central Railroad from Sandy Hook, as the Government
felt that they needed the property for their own use.
The motion picture business has been well cared for-
first by Mr. A. L. Gorlin at the Majestic and Lyric Theatres.
Mr. P. J. Kilcullen, at considerable expense, titted up a
large building at what is known as the Joyland Park for
motion pictures, for the winter of 1920-1921. After April
1, 1921, the Ocean Boulevard Garage was fitted up for mo-
tion pictures, with Mr. Harry Kridel as manager. This
last change seems to attract the public to such an extent
that the other picture places seem to be taking a vacation.
In the fall and winter of 1921 the Sculthorp Realty
Company was formed. Their first purchase was from Mr.
Justus E. Ralph-the unsold portions of the original John
L. Patternson farm and the Charles S. Woodward farm.
These farms were first sold, through the writer, to the At-
lantic Highlands Association, and by the Association at the
termination of their business, to Re\·erend E. C. Curtis,
Moses L. Dolby and Justus E. Ralph, jointly, and at the
. deaths of Mr. Curtis and Mr. Dolby it passed entirely into
the hands of Mr. Ralph and was known as "The Marge
of Monmouth."
The Sculthorp Realty Company purchased and re-
turned to the abo,·e named properties several lots and
plots previously sold therefrom. They also purchased a
i:,ortion of the adjoining Jacob Swan, Sr., Estate, thereby
being better situated for the laying out of their property.
The Realty Company made other purchases, including a
portion of the Thomas Leonard Leonardville property,
owned by John J. Leonard, -ind bounded as follows: On the
north by Valley Drive, on tile east by Forest Avenue, Man-
dalay Park. on the south by Oakland Avenue and on the
west by Portland Avenue-containing twenty acres.
Since the introduction of so many automobiles in the
country, or from some other cause, there has not been such
a demand for hotels and boarding houses, with us, as for-
merly. This department is now taken care of principally
by "The Sea View House,'' "The Lockwood House,'' "The
Bay View House,'' "The Cresson" and "The O'Keefe
House"; together with "The Brentwood House" and "The
Columb.:s Hotel" for a portion of the year.
The Standard Gas Company, with its chief plant here
at Atlantic Highlands, but supplying a large territory, after
being in a Receiver's hands for some time, passed into the
hands of a private company, January 16, 1922.
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At the present writing, January 1, 1922, we would


call att1mtion to onr PDE: hrge school buildings. The one
in the Borough of Atlantic Highlands is situated on First
Avenue, extending the entire block from Washington to
Lincoln Avenue, with a depth of two hundred and fifty
feet eastward; it is a large brick building valued at $75,000.
It has a seating capacity for about 500 pupils. It also has
a fine auditorium for general assembly, or for other pur-
poses.
The Navesink school building, with ample ~ounds.
gives the village a fine grammer school. The property, at
the present time, is worth $20,000.
Navesink, like the other communities of the township,
looks to the High School at Leonardo, of which much will
be said later.
The small school houses of past years have gone out
of existence and their places are filled throughout the town-
ship with fine large buildings fully equipped for study, with
grounds for exercise.
The school building at Leonardo surpasses them all.
The ample grounds for the large school building and green
house were provided, free of cost, by Mr. M. A. Rice. The
extensive ground, of six acres, for playground and athletic
exercise was the gift of Mr. Lewis S. Thompson. The equip-
ment for different kinds of sports and exercise was the gift
of Mr. John H. Cook. The school building is a fine three-
story brick structure, very modern and ornamental. The
cost was about $100,000, for the school building, and
about $10,000 additional for the green house (the gift of
Mr. Robert Hartshorne). The school building will accom-
modate about 800 pupils.
We cannot properly close the list of community enter-
prises without referring to the restaurants of the town.
"The Rhodes Restaurant" is known far and near for its
cleanliness, good service and reasonable charge. There are
also "The Columbus Hotel Restaurant," "The Burton," "The
Lily Rooms,'' "The Willmotts," and others, some the result
of the Mandalay travel in the summer season.
The following appeared in "The Atlantic Highlander,''
February 16, 1916:
RECEPTION TENDERED HON. JOHN E. FOSTER
About 150 Fellow ToWIIElllen Offer Congratulations.
"In honor of his recent appointment to the Vice-Chan-
cellorship of New Jersey, former Judge John E. Foster of
Highland Avenue, this place, was tendered a reception at
the Lyric Theatre last Thursday evening by the business
men of the borough. A conservative estimate places t4e
"600 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

-number present at about 150. That the reception was a


success in every sense of the word would be to put it in a
mild way. In fact, it was one of the most successful affairs
of its kind ever held in this section of Monmouth County.
The theatre was profusely decorated with flags bearing the
National colors and palms. One of the features of the gath-
•ering was the presentation of a handsome ebony gavel to
the Vice-Chancellor. A silver band bearing the following
inscription encircled the gavel. 'Hon. John E. Foster, from
his fellow townsmen in honor of his appointment as Vice-
Chancellor of the State of New Jersey, Atlantic Highlands,
N. J. February 10, 1916.'
"Shortly after 9 o'clock the Vice-Chancellor arrived at
the theatre accompanied by Mayor Charles R. Snyder,
members of the local council and members of the bar. As
the Vice-Chancellor entered the theatre, Hon. Charles H.
Van Mater, president of the Atlantic Highlands National
Bank, requested all to rise while a toast was drunk to the
new Vice-Chancellor.
"Col. Somers T. Champion, who acted as master of
ceremonies, offered the following toast: 'Atlantic High-
lands, the most Beautiful Spot on the Atlantic Coast. the
Picturesque Place of America.'
"The first address of the evening was by Mayor Snyder,
who spoke on 'Atlantic Highlands, the Beautiful.' He
lauded Vice-Chancellor Foste_r, telling of the big success
from little things, referring to the Prosecutorship of Mon-
mouth and later the Judgeship of the Court of Common
Pleas of Monmouth. He concluded his remarks by stating
that Mr. Foster is qualified for his higher duties.
"The next speaker was Attorney E. K. Camp, whose
address is receiving fa\·orable comment on every side. He
spoke of 'The Bench and the Bar.' He compared the new
Vice-Chancellor to Garfield and Lincoln and referred to his
early life and his desire to obtain knowledge under ad-
verse circamstances. In closing his remarks Mr. Camp de-
clared, 'It was his plugging that brought success.'
"The gavel was then presented. In accepting it Mr.
Foster said that in his rise to the Vice-Chancellorship he
did not take it with a feeling of personal compliment, but
one to AtJantic Highlands and to the township of Middle-
town. He gave credit to the men who in former years stood
by him. During the course of his remarks he outlined the
work of the Chancery Court. He further stated that he re-
gretted very much the fact that he will have to give up his
position of attorney for the township of Middletown, which
position he has held for the past twenty-six consecutive
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 601

years. In concluding his address he said that he always


intehds to remain a resident of Atlantic Highlands, which
town he descnl>ed as the Eden spot of this country.
"The closing address was made by Assessor Thomas
Henry Leonard of Atlantic Highland, whose talk was rem-
iniscent with history. Mr. Leonard said that he hoped in
the near future to see the name "Governor" attached to
the name of Vice-Chancellor John Early Foster. Follow-
ing Mr. Leonard's address refreshments were served and
a general social time was enjoyed. The Assessor read the
following piece of poetry, which is of his own composition:
"Early'' in the Eighties, in the little Town of Bay View,
There came a young man of promise, a second Chauncey M.
Depew.
He attended the school at Leonardville, the tutor's name wu
Morse,
l'he feeling was such between them, the ending was no remorse.
As he grew to manhood under the ''Fostering" care of "Gov.,"
He was barliered by Tom Martin, whom we all very much loved.
He was cared for in his ailments by the worthy Doctor Fay,
And in the pavilion meetings .he "Early" learned to pray.
"Judge" Hooper, the Sage of Monmouth, gave him much advice,
And llr. Sharts, the merchant, sold his wares at bottom price.
Patterson, the ticker, operated the telegraph news,
And Obie, Lew and Bunker delivered them so rapid, it called
for soda and ste'Wll..
But we must leave the old pavilion the scenes of "Early" days,
For he would be a lawyer, and tread the legal ways.
He has climbed the Hill of fortune, he h:is reached the hall of
fame,
And. may the rosy future add "Governor'' to his name.
The following committees were in charge:
General Committee-Charles Van Mater, F. A. White, E. K.
Camp, A. G. Hall.
Committee on Hall-C. Norris Pippitt, L H. Foster, T. H. Leon-
ard, Dr. George D. Fay.
Mnsic and Speakers-F. A. White, Edgar H. Cook, Ira Antonides,
Dr. B. E. Failing, Howard W. Roberts.
Decoration-W. J. Roberts, William Oakes, Ralph H. Garrison,
Dr. J. J. Martin.
Refreshment&-Charles Grover, Harry Posten, Ira Antonides,
Charles Mount.
Ticket&-Somers T. Champion, David Tumen, C. S. Chspman,
John R. Snedeker, Harry Kridel.
On the evening of December 2, 1915, a banquet was
tendered Mayor John H. Van Mater and Mayor-Elect
Charles R. Snyder at the Sea View House. Mr. Snyder, the
successor of Mayor Van Mater, took office on January 1,
1916, having been a member of the New Jersey Assembly
for two terms, attorney and secretary of the Building a!ld
Loan Association for many years, and chief of the Fire Da-
partment for the years 1913 and 1914. He was ~ member
602 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

of the Board of Education for several years and president


of the Board. He has always been interested in the wel-
fare of the borough. He has been clerk of the Central
Baptist Church since its organization in 1893.
All present acknowledged their friendship and prom-
ised their co-operation for the betterment of the borough.
Among those present at the dinner were: Councilmen-D.
L Bryant, J. S. Flitcroft, Frank Muir, William Conrow,
Frank Heimbold, Charles Grover; members of the Board of
Health-Reverend G. H. Gardner, Dr. H. A. Hendrickson,
A. L. Gorlin; guests-Dr. John H. Van Mater, Charles R.
Snyder; Councilmen-Elect--Leroy Carhart, P. Halleran ;
others present--Edward Oakes, M.A. Rice, J. S. Woodruff,
H. T. Sherman, William J. De Rivera, Walter Mickens, Nel-
son Bryant, Raymond Smith, S. A. McNear, H. B. Hart;
also, borough officials, as follows:
E. H. Cook. Borough Collector.
T. H. Leonard, Borough Assessor, ex-Mayor.
John L. Sweeney, Borough Attorney.
John R. Sned~er, Chief af Police.
H. 0. Todd, Borough Engineer.
W. T. Franklin, Borough Clerk.
I:l\•erton Doughty, Superintendent of Light and Water.
George Mardorf, Superintendent of Light and Water PoW8
Plant.
Ja.mes Ryan, Assistant Light Department.
William Stryker, Superintendent of Streets.
Amzi QuackenbUl!h, Overseer of the Poor.
Mayor Snyder remained Mayor of Atlantic High-
lands for four years, including the years 1916, 1917,
1918 and 1919. His administration consisted largely
in extensions of the water, lights, sewer, and other
of the borough systems; improvement of the High
School building; the purchase of the property at the
southeast corner of First and Mount Avenues for bor-
ough purposes; and the building of the Fire House, a fine
and substantial building, with an attractive entrance the
width of the building, extending to the street, giving a fine
effect to the building.
The second story of the Fire House was fitted up in
a complete manner !or social purposes or banquets, having
a seating- CJpacity sufficient for the three fire departments,
:with their friends, to meet, on business or for meetings of
a social nature. The building cost about i8,000. The first
story was well proportioned for the purpose for which it
:was needed. The three fire companies were well provided
with equipment for the work expected of them, and the
companies were composed of men able and willing to do
FROM INDIAN TRAIT.. TO ELECTRIC RAil.. 603

their part in the protection of the borough and its property


-which was shown on many occasions, upon the first toot
of the fire whistle. The fire app.iratus was provided by the
willing tax-payers, with the assistance of generous friends
of the borough and the fire companies. We refer especial-
ly to the large gift of Mr. Oscar R. Lichtenstein, which made
it possible to present an equipment for fire protection equal
or better than any borough of our size in the state.
An enterprise of much magnitude was attempted in
Mayor Snyder's administration, requiring much of the tax-
payers' money. It was known as "The Lagoon," located be-
tween Bay Avenue and the Bay. It was supposed at the
time the most part was procured from the Railroad and
from the Railroad's right-of-way to the center of Many
Mind Creek. The borough was to procure lands from pri-
vate individuals, located on the north side of the Railroad's
right-of-way, between Many Mind Creek (sixty-seven feet
in width), and the Hartnedy property, west of Avenue C.
This was to have been an exchange of property between the
borough and the Central Railroad which, I understand, at
present writing is not completed. The land on the west
side of the center of Many Mind Creek, extending from Bay
Avenue to the Leslie property and the Creek on the north,
to within 110 feet of Avenue A, was donated by the Land
and Loan Company, from the benefit they hoped to derive
from the "Lagoon." A contract was given to the Howland
Dredging Company of Seabright for the dredging out of the
meadows, as per contract with the borough-Mr. H. O.
Todd, engineer. The dredging was completed and the sides
of the Lagoon were bulkheaded, but on account of the na-
ture of the soil of the meadows the work was not satisfac-
tory. The Lagoon is used to a certain extent by the water-
men.
THE COMMill.TrY CLt,"B OF ATLA.~IC HIGHLANDS.
The Community Club was an outgrowth of the Red
Cross. (Of which a full account will be found in the chap-
ter following.) It was organized by those splendid women
who worked so hard and faithfully together here during
the trying days of the World War and who did such mag-
nificent work for their country through the medium of the
Red Cross. It offered them and the other members of the
Community just the social and recreational diversion which
they and the community generally needed after the tension
and strain through which they had passed and the strenu-
ous war work in which they had been engaged.
It was incorporated on February 17, 1919, under the
604 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

provisions of an Act of the Legislature of the State of New


Jersey entitled "An Act to incorporate Associations not for
pecuniary profit." Its objects and purposes as stated in its
certificate are: "to aid and stimulate the community of the
Borough of Atlantic Highlands and the immediate vicinity
in the development and organization of their social and
recreational resources in such a way as to be of the greatest
value to them and of the naval and military forces of the
United States in their neighborhood, to sui; ilement these
resources when necessary and to promote anl. carry on any
activities helpful to these ends."
The afl'a. --s of the Club are managed an I controlled
oy a board of 15 directors who are elected by t 1e members
of the Club. The officers are in turn elected by the directors.
Any residents of Atlantic Highlands, or its immediate vicin-
ity, over the age of 16 years may become members and those
under that age junior members. The annual dues of the
former are $6.00 and of the latter $3.00. There are no ad-
mission fees.
The rooms of the Club are those which were used by
the Red Cross during the War and are very convenietly
located. They have been used in common by both the Club
and the Red Cross and have been thrown open to the Grand
Army of the Republic, American Legion, The Boy Scouts
and Campfire Girls, the soldiers and sailors in the neighbor-
hood, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, the var-
ious churches for their cake sales, and other useful com-
munity purposes.
Interesting talks have been given by ex-service men
and others who saw active service on the battlefields of
France and elsewhere, and among other activities may be
mentioned lectures, authors' nights, concerts, debates, spell-
ing bees, charades, receptions to ex-service men and women
and to the incoming and outgoing principals and teachers
of the local schools, bird-box and bird essay contests for the
school children, bazaars, rummage sales, Christmas tree
and May parties, children's games, smokers, pool contests,
card, dance and cabaret parties, and various other kinds of
entertainment, at most of which refreshments have been
furnished free of charge. A Victory garden contest, a very
profitable Easter Sale, and Women's Exchange were also
very interesting features.
One of the most useful activities of the Club is its li-
brary. In the short life of the organization over 8,000 vol-
umes have been accumulated and cataloged. A reading
room supplied with current periodicals is connected with
the library, superintended by Miss Margaret A. Eadie.
FROM INIDAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAU. 605

The Club owes its success almost entirely to the splen-


did work and co-operation of its women members. They
have been unremitting in their labors and it is to them that
the credit is due for the successful results which have been
accomplished.
The Club has met all of its expenses for rent, heat,
light, furniture, and other current expenses.
The incorporators were Elisha K. Camp, George L. Bar-
rett, Walter C. Burrell, William E. Foster, Ann B. Waldron,
E. McHemy, George W. Stryker, Frank E. Wells, Ira An-
tonides, C. Norris Pippitt, Edward Hugh Mulligan.
The officers for 1919 were: Elisha K. Camp, president;
Mrs. George L. Barrett, Mrs. George W. Bristol, Edgar H.
Cook, Charles Gelhaus, Charles Grover, Charles Van Mater
and Miss Hulda Roberts, vice-presidents; Jonas Tumen,
secretary; Mrs. Edward B. Abel, financial secretary; H. C.
Van Note, treasurer.
The officers for 1920 were: Elisha K. Camp, president;
Mrs. George L. Barrett, Mrs. George W. Bristol, Edgar H.
Cook, Charles Gelhaus, Charles Grover, Charles Van Mater
and Miss Hulda Roberts, vice-presidents; Mrs. H. H. Bow-
tell, secretary; Miss M. A. Eadie, financial secretary;
Charles R. Snyder, treasurer.
The officers for 1921 were: Elisha K. Camp, president;-
C. C. Fields, Miss Helen McNear, Mrs. James H. Stryker,
David Tumen, Mrs. George W. Bristol, vice-presidents; Ed-
gar H. Cook, secretary; Miss Edith Whittingham, financial
secretary; F. A. White, treasurer.
The officers for 1922 were: Wm. Charles Cox, presi-
dent; S. T. Champion, Charles Van Mater, Mrs. James H.
Stryker, Mrs. J. H. Smith and Miss Helen McNear, vice-
presidents; S. T. Champion, secretary; Miss Edith Whitting-
ham, financial secretary; Fred A. White, treasurer.
THE WOM:E~S AUXILIARY OF THE COMMUNITY CLUB.
A short time before our participation in the World
War (perhaps the winter of 1914-1915), the Women's-
Auxiliary of the Community Club found its beginning in the
formation of a Cooking Class, which met in the Lecture:
Room of the Atlantic Highlands Presbyterian Church.
· Later, when the call for service came, Miss Ann Wal-
dron called a Mass Meeting in the Lyric Theatre. The same-
wo1119 responded, starting what later developed into the
Atlantic Highlands Branch of the American Red Cross,
which did such commendable work during the War.
606 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

With the War practically over and the cessation of


real Red Cross activities the bonds of union established
during those sad years seemed too valuable to be lost sight
of, which resulted in the formation of the Community Club.
In November, 1919, the women members of the Com-
munity Club of Atlantic Highlands organized the Women's
Auxiliary, with (Mrs.) Jane E. Camp, chairman, and (Mrs.)
Earline Snyder, secretary. Mrs. Camp served but a short
time and (Miss) Ann Waldron was elected her successor,
serving until the spring of 1920, when (Miss) Helen I. Mc-
Near was elected chairman, and (Mrs.) Winifred E. Stryk-
er vice-chairman, and (Mrs.) Earline Snyder secretary.
ANNUAL REPORT OF WOMEN'S AUXILIARY
OF COMMUNITY CLUB OF ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS
1921-1922.
In November, 1919, the women members of The Com-
munity Club of Atlantic Highlands organized the Women's
Auxiliary, and in May, 1921, the Auxiliary joined the New
Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs with one hun-
dred and two members.
The following officers were then in office (with the ex-
ception of Miss Mildred Droege, who followed Mrs. Anna
Van Note, the secretary when we federated), and have been
unanimously re-elected to serve during 1922:
President-Miss Helen I. McNear.
First Vice-President-Mrs. James H. Stryker.
Second Vice-President-Mrs. John E. Foster.
Recording Secretary-Miss Mildred Droege (elected Janu:iry,
1922).
Corresponding Secretnry-Mrs. G. P. McHenry.
Treasurer-Mrs. Fred A. White.
The Auxiliary helps maintain quarters (at $1,000 per
year rent), where a Baby Clinic, The Red Cross, The A~eri'"
can Legion, The Grand Army of the Republic, the W. ,.;. T.
U. and the Building and Loan Association hold necessary
meetings, and which houses a Library of from three thou-
sand to four thousand volumes.
The various churches, the Camp Fire Girls use our
rooms for their Cake Sales and Bazaars, during the summer
season.
By means of plays, cake sales, rummage sales, card
parties and bazaars we have raised $1,087.74 during the
year; $472.29 we have in an interest bearing building ac-
count. ·
We have contributed to the "Portrait Fund" for Mrs.
Yardley's picture to the Legislation Department of the
OCEAN BOULEVARD-LOOKING EAST.
See pasre 655
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Federation, to the Browsing Corner of the New Jersey Col-


lege for Women, and presented to the Community Club a
fine American Flag.
We have sent a delegate to the Conf~ence at Atlantic
City in 1921, have had representatives at the Third .Dis-
trict Conference in Perth Amboy, at the Women's Club of
Woodbridge Township, at the Legislature Conference in
Newuk and at th-e Woman's Club of Red Bank.
We had two candidates running for the Board of Ed-
ucation, and while they were defeated, they made an ex-
cellent showing.
Our meeting days are the second and fourth Wednes-
days of each month.
We can boast of a strong co-operative spirit; while
we are not an organization of strong club women we feel
that we have accomplished a great deal the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) HELEN L McNEAR,
April, 1922. President.
HO.ME CIRCLE.
Organized, May 10, 1917.
Place of business-SO Bayview Avenue. Mrs. W. S.
Auchincloss, President; Mrs. 0. A. Brown, Recording Sec-
retary; Miss E. R. Snyder, Treasurer.
Purpose-The preparation of Hospital Garments, etc.,
for sick and wounded soldiers. Made and shipped in the
first year, 2,119 articles or parcels.
New Name-In November, 1919, the war being over,
the Circle changed its name and has since been known as:
"Bible Workers for Neighbor's Aid." Place of business
and officers same as when organized.
Output-During year ending 1918-2,119 parcels, etc.
During year ending 1919-395 parcels, etc. During year
ending 1920--524 parcels, etc. During year ending 1921-
261 parcels, etc. During year ending 1922-220 parcels,
etc. Total-3,519 parcels, etc.
Distributed as follows: France, Scotland to the Conti-
nent, Garrison at Forts Hancock, Wadsworth, Hamilton,
Fortress Monroe, Camps Dix, Merritt, Custer in Michigan,
McClellan, in Alabama, Meade in Baltimore, Md., Zachary
Taylor in Kentucky, :Dr. Blake's Hospital in Paris, General
Hospital No. 9, Long Branch Hospital, Seaman's Church,
Navesink, Locust, N. J., Atlantic Highlands District Nurse,
"The Pines" at Vincentown, N. J., Troops at Seaside Park,
U.S. Marine Corps, Highland Light Infantry, Atlantic High-
lands, Lakewood. 25 different localities.
608 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

ST. AGNES CLUB.


St. Agnes Club was formed by Reverend William P.
Tighe, Pastor of St. Agnes Church, in October, 1916. The
object of the club is to promote the social interests of the
members of that congregation. Its activities are not con-
fined to the church, but play a prominent part in the social
life of our town.
Tlle club rooms were at first in the Dolby building, but
now it has beautiful quarters in what is known as the Lyric
Theatre. The first officers of the club were:
President-Peter Dunne Secretary--J'obn J. Mulligan
Vice-President-Hartin Dowd Treuurel'-Hrs. John Woodward
The present officers (1922), are:
President-George McVey. Secretary-Huie Savage.
Vice-Pres.-Edmund Limmayer. Treasurer-Kathr,u Graham.
The membership is composed of the parishioners of
St. Agnes Church, and it is a credit to the church and the
town.
("The Atlantic Highlands Joumal," February 23, 1922.)
GAS COMPANY IS REORGANIZED.
Standard Gas Company Chmiged to County Gas Company-$75,000
Improvements Planned.
"The name of the Standard Gas Company was changed
to the County Gas Company at a meeting of the new owners
in Philadelphia last Monday, when a company was or-
ganized.
"The officers elected for the County Gas Company are
R. L. Montgomery, president; William J. Clothier, of Phila-
delphia, vice-president; Howard A. Stockton of Atlantic
Highlands, vice-president and general manager, and Elbert
Williamson of Philadelphia, secretary and treasurer.
"The Standard Gas Company was recently sold at auc-
tion by the receiver, Joseph E. Stricker of Perth Amboy,
to its bondholders, for $25,000. The bondholders organ-
ized at Philadelphia last Monday and formed a new com-
pany, an!i also changed the name to the County Gas Com-
pany.
"The new company has contracted with the U. G. I.
Contracting Company of Philadelphia for plant improve-
ments for the plant in this borough. These improvements
will consist of new generating apparatus, a new 300 h. p.
boiler, new purifiers, compressors, oil tanks, blowers and
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 609

other auxiliary equipment. When these improvements are


completed, the production capacity will be increased from
800,000 cubic feet per day, to 2,000,000 cubic feet per day,
according to General Manager, Howard A. Stockton. This
will enable the company to furnish uninterrupted service
for several years.
"In addition to the above improvements, the company
contemplates installing 600 new meters and services. This
will be a bit of good news to the new applicants whose ap-
plications have been on file for several months. The com-
pany expects to start work on these applications just as
soon as the matarial, which has already been ordered,
&rrives."
610 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER ill.
msTORY OF
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP BRANCH
AMERICA.11l RED CROSS.

FOREWORD.
At an Executive Committee meeting of the Branch, held on
April 24th. 1919, it was decided that a history of the Branch and its
Amiliaries be written. Thu was in no spirit of pride of self-satisfac-
tion, but it was thought the work and activities of the Branch should
be recorded before many things were forgotteu; and that it will be
of ereatest interest, in the years to come, to learn what the Middle-
town Towmhip Branch had done during the years of the great World
W~l and how well the people responded to the Cllll of patriotism,
loyaity and service in the Red Cross.
J. H. Schaetter
Miss A. B. Waldron
Mrs. J. E. Foster
Mrs. E. B. Abel
Mrs. G. P. McHenry
Atlantic Higblands, N. J., September 10, 1919. Committee.
OUTLINE.
L Organization and Story.
IL Administration.
III. Work.
(a) Surgical Dressings.
(b) Hospital Garments.
(c) :Knitted Goods.
(d) Canteen.
(e) Publicity.
(f) Drives for Used Clothing.
IV. Finances.
v. Auxiliaries.
VL Membership.
VII. Summary cf Work and Finances

I.-ORGANIZATION A.°'\D STORY.


The Red Cross of Atlantic Highlands and vicinity was
organized and began its work in the momentous month of
April, 1917. The probability of America's entry into the
war was daily increasing, and it was felt that something
should be done. So a "Call to the Colors" was issued, and
on April 2nd, 1917, a public meeting was held in the Lyric
Theatre at 3:30 P. M. Miss A. B. Waldron presided, and
called upon Mrs. Rowell Edgar to explain the purposes of
the Women's Defense League, since it was decided to or-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 611

ganize a branch of that organization. Mrs. Col. Hamilton


read a letter from Colonel Scarrit of Fort Hancock, stating
what would be necessary in case of war; among other
things, the making of sandbags.
Mrs. John E. Foster was elected temporary chairman
of the meeting; Miss Agnes Lancaster, secretary, and Mrs.
E. H. Cook, treasurer. Contributions for memberships, etc.,
were solicited, and $55.11 was raised.
On Saturday, April 7th, 1917, another public meeting
was held in the Majestic Theatre, Mrs. John E. Foster pre-
siding as chairman. War having been declared by the
United States upon Germany on Friday, April 6th, 1917, it
was decided that the organization become a part of the
American Red Cross, to be known as the Middletown Town-
ship Chapter of the American Red Cross. The following
officers were elected:
Chairman-Miss A. B. Waldron.
1st Vice-Chairman-Mrs. John E. Foster.
2nd Vice-Chairman-Mrs.. John C. Lord.
Secretary-Mrs. Arthur Naylor, Jr.
Treasurer-Mrs. E. H. Cook.
Publicity Chairman-Mrs. H. B. Hart.
Chairman of Fin:mce-:l!iss Elizabeth Van Mater.
Mrs. S. S. Mickens was appointed chairman of a com-
mittee to secure a suitable place for the work of the organ-
ization. Mrs. E. K. Camp was appointed chairman of Mili-
tary Relief and Supplies; Mrs. Percy Roche, Canteen Ser-
vice. Application was made to National Headquarters of
the American Red Cross at Washington, D. C., for authority
to form a chapter. This authority was granted to the fol-
lowing persons, as a "temporary committee on organiza-
tion":
The names on the application follow:
Chairman-Annie B. Waldron.
Secretary-Mrs. Arthur Naylor, Jr.
Annie B. Waldron Aurilia B. Foster (Mrs. Wm. E.)
Alida Cook (Mrs. E. H.) Nellie Brannin
Gertrude A. r.aylor (Mrs. Arthur, Marjorie Wainright
Jr.) Flora N. Pinkus
Esther B. Naylor Jane Emery CIUIIJ) (Mrs. E. K.)
Lois H. Roche (Mrs. Percy) Edith Edgar Watkins
Luella E. Foster (Mrs. John E.>
The date of this "Authority to Form a Chapter'' waa
April 11th, 1917. The territory was "Keansburg, Atlantic
Highlands, Port Monmouth, Belford, Hoppings, Leonardo,
New Monmouth, Middletown, Water Witch, Highlands,
Locust, N. J., except parts of said territory as are now or
612 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

here after may be organized under seperate Chapters,"


and the chapter was to be called the "Middletown Town-
ship (Atlantic Highlands) Chapter." On May 16th, 1917,
a charter was officially granted by the Washington Office
of the Red Cross to the "Middletown Township (Atlantic
Highlands) New Jersey Chapter," •• "to have for its juris-
diction Port Monmouth, New Monmouth, Belford, Leo-
nardo, Locust, Highlands, Water Witch, Navesink, New
Jersey; except such portions of said territory as have al-
ready been organized." -
Work was begun at once. It having been suggested
that sandbags be made, burlap was purchased, Miss A. B.
Waldron agreeing to pay for the same if necessary. Mr.
C. L Duvale of Highlands made a donation of $200 to be
used for some foreign service, or some form of home de-
fense. As these sandbags were to be used at Fort Hancock,
Mr. Duvale was willing to have the money used for the
burlap. In all, 2,548 were made. Headquarters were
established in the Hartcorn Building. Mrs. M. H. McHenry
was elected secretary on April 18, 1917, in place of Mrs.
Arthur Naylor, Jr., resigned. The regular work of the
Red Cross was begun after the sandbags were completed,
and continued.
The most successful parade ever seen in Atlantic High-
lands was held on Registration Day, June 15, 1917, instigat-
ed and promoted by the Red Cross, under Miss Waldron's di-
rection. There were 69 decorated autos, over 1,000 chil-
dren in line, and about 8,000 people at the Amusement
Park. The speaker of the day was Honorable Elmer Geran.
Every organization was represented in the parade. There
were a number of :fl.oats, arranged by Miss Martha Hill, of
Navesink, two in particular provoking most favorable com-
ment. One showed the Red Cross relieving a stricken sol-
dier; the other represented all the allies. The Canteen
Committee, under Mrs. Charles R. Snyder, served over 400
people at the Amusement Park.
During May a First Aid Class for young women was
organized. This class was instructed Dr. B. E. Failing up
to the time of his entering camp at Fort Oglethorpe on June
13, 1917. Dr. J. H. Van Mater completed the course of
instruction. Miss Margaret Purvis, who some time later
went as a Red Cross nurse to France, taught a class in Home
_Nursing at the same time.
On August 6th, 1917, the Chapter was formally or-
ganized into the "Middletown Township Branch of the
Monmouth County Chapter," this form of organization be-
ing determined upon at that time. Under this new form of
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 613

organization "the territorial jurisdiction of the Middletown


Township Branch shall be all of the Middletown Township
excepting the ,illage of Middletown."
The first annual meeting was held on October 1st,
1917. On account of the burden of work, Miss Waldron
felt she could no longer serve as chairman, and J. H.
Schaeffer was elected in her stead. The other officers for
the ensuing year were as follows:
Vice-Chairman-Mrs. John E. Foster.
Secretary-Mrs. M. H. McHenry.
'l'reasllrer-Mrs. E. H. Cook.
Chairman of Adminismtion-Robert Hartshorne.
Chairman of Military Relief-E. K. Camp.
Chairman of Civilian Relief-M. A. Rice.
Chairman of Honse Committee-Mrs. Horace MoodY.
Chairman of Home Service-Wm. Reichman, Belford.
:Chairman Emergency in Dis:ister-R. H. Garrison.
Chairman Home .and Conntry Nursing-Mrs. E. K. Camp.
Advisory Committee-Hon. John E. Foster, Robert Hartshome,
M.A. Rice.
Committee on Junior Membership--M. A. Rice, G. H. Roberts,
New Monmonth; W. J. Roberts, Atlantic Highlands.
Chairmen of Auxiliaries--Navesink, Mrs. J. C. Lord; Leonardo,
Mrs. Philip Leonard; Belford, Mrs. Lanr:i Lee; New Monmouth, Miss
Anne Walling; Monmouth Hills, Mrs. Chns. Raymond; Highlands, Mrs.
C. L. Duvalc.
On or about November 1st, 1917, work on Christmas
packets was begun. The aim of the Red Cross was that
every man in the service, at home or abroad, should get a
Christmas packet. Middletown Township's quota was 120.
Mrs. H. H. Bowtell was chairman of the committee in
charge. About $187.50 was raised, the goods purchased,
and the various members from the auxiliaries came to the
Red Cross Rooms at Atlantic Highlands to make up the
packages. Fruit, candy, puzzles, games, handkerchiefs,
a trench mirror, nnd various other articles were put in, a
list being sent from Headquarters from which a choice
could be made. 150 were made and sent off on time, before
November 15th. These packages were part of the allot-
ment sent to France.
A Community Christmas Tree Celebration was held
at Fort Hancock on Christmas Day, 1917, under the auspices
of the Branch, since this post came within its territory. A
great tree had been erected near the gymnasium, strung
with colored electric lights. The post band played the
Christmas carols, the words of which were thrown on the
screen so all could sing under the directorship of Edward
Haeffel of Navesink. Colonel S. T. Champion made a stir-
ring address, and others spoke. After the exercises, the
614 FROM: INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

men filed into the gymnasium, where each received a Christ-


mas package. Over 3,300 packages had been requisitioned
from the Atlantic Division, sufficient for every soldier, in-
cluding those at the hospital, on guard duty, and in the
guard house. In addition, a quarter of a pound of candy
was given to each man. It bad been intended that a hun-
dred or more people from the Branch attend the exercises
and help in the singing. At the last moment, however,
passes were denied by the commanding officer to all but
e small committee. Those attending were Mrs. H. H. Bow-
tell, Chairman, to whose energy and work the success of
the affair was largely due; Mrs. A. F. Curtis of Navesink;
Mrs. Marion Hazelton; Miss B. G. Bowtell, Mrs. A. E. Hart-
corn, Miss Ruby Hartcorn, Edmund Hartcorn, Herbert
Hunter, S. T. Champion, Edward Haeffel and J. H.
Schaeffer.
On December 28, 1917, a disastrous fire broke out in the
Morrell building, First and Center Avenues, rendering eight
families homeless, the members of which escaped only with
the c1othing they wore. R. H. Garrison, Chairman of "Dis-
asters" saw that all found shelter. An appeal was made
for clothing, and under the leadership of Mrs. J. W. Cutler,
and Mrs. W. B. Kelly, before 11 A. 1\1. quantities of clothing
had been given. Chief of Police J. H. Snedeker and others
raised money to purchase food and necessities, and the
families were soon adequately cared for.
The days passed in greatest activity. The organiza-
tion took part in the Liberty Loan Parade of April 26,
1918, more fully described under the work of the Canteen.
They took part in the May Day Fete at Red Bank on May
18th, 1918, under the direction of Mrs. John E. Foster and
Miss A. B. Waldron. The summer of 1918 was one of most
intensive work, for the American Army was then in the
field. The great German drives of the spring, the increas-
ing number of our men in France, necessitated large quan-
tities of supplies, and the work was turned out quickly, on
time, and well done. Sacrifices were made and service
cheerfully given by all. Large quantities of raw materials,
gauze, wool and striped flannel were purchased in July, in
yiew of the urgent need ~nd probable future u:;e. Mr. M.
A. Rice advanced the money to buy about $10,000 worth
of goods, the same being refunded to him out of the
Branch's proportion of the Second War Fund. Much of
these suppljes was on hand at the time of the armistice.
During the following spring of 1919, the wool and flannel
were sent to the Atlantic Division. The gauze and cotton
were sent to the hospital at Lakewood, and also to the Long
FROM INDIAN TRAU.. TO ELECTRIC RAn. 615

Branch Hospital, the latter receiving the larger share. The


local physicians and the visiting nurse were given smaller
portions to be used in their work.
The great Morgan Explosion took place on October
12, 1918. Mrs. John E. Foster was at Red Bank attending
a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Chapter when
word came for assistance. She at once telephoned to At-
lantic Highlands, where the rooms were filled with work-
ers, and supplies were gotten ready. Two autos started
at once for Morgan with workers and supplies, in charge
of Chief of Police Snedeker and Commodore H. Taylor
Sherman. These two autos according to the Red Cross
"News Items" of November 11, 1918, were the first to ar-
rive with hospital supplies. Three cars followed bearing
volunteer nurses and doctors, viz: Mrs. E. K. Camp, Mrs.
Chas. R. Snyder, Dr. H. A. Hendrickson, Dr. J. H. Van
Mater and others.
In October, 1918, the influenza raged in Atlantic High-
lands and vicinity as in other places. The situation here was
serious. The local Red Cross did eyerything possible to
help. Co-operating with the Board of Health, :Mrs. E. K.
Camp was appointed assistant health inspector. She visit-
ed every home where there was a case of influenza, saw
that needed supplies of food and medicine were sent and
nursing sen·ice given. She gave much of her own time to
actual nursing. The Canteen Committee prepared food.
Medicines were purchased, in one case a tank of oxygen;
volunteer nurses were secured and everything possible was
done to aid. There were but two deaths in Atlantic High-
lands, the number being no larger because of the active
measure of co-operation and senice of the Red Cross with
the Board of Health.
A very interesting thing should be recorded. On the
day of the "false armistice" two tags from bundles of surg-
ical dressings were receiYed from Everard Ansley Wilcox,
Captain, M. C. U. S. Army (The Hill, Augusta, Ga.). One
bore the following inscription: "3rd Army Corps, A. E. F.
10-17-18. Used in the field with Pershing's Army on the
Verdun Front-Sept. 26 to Oct. 17, 1918, Battle of the
Argonne Forest. I am returning this with the thought that
it may be an incentive to help the good work. Have used
your triangular bandages on shell wounds of shoulder and
hip on scores of our boys."
The Christmas packets for overseas men in the service
were prepared under Mrs. Chas. R. Snyder's supervision.
Only three pounds could be sent in each package, and only
616 FROM INDIA..~ TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

upon coupon from the soldier. Cartons were provided by


the Red Cross, 72 packets being sent out from the Branch.
The Christmas celebration of 1918 at Fort Hancock
was in charge of Mr. E. K. Camp. Nothing elaborate was
attempted, but some good things were provided for the
boys. 580 packages were prepared at the Red Cross rooms
under Mrs. Percy Roche's direction, containing cigarettes
and tobacco. A large cake of chocolate and other things
were given. Every enlisted man· on the post was remem-
bered.
Interest slackened very perceptibly after the armistice.
Some knitting work was given, and a big allotment of
clothes bags. This last allotment was not finished, and
the unfinished work was taken over by the Chapter. Dur-
ing the summer of 1919 no work was done. As much as
possible of the material was disposed of, and records got-
ten in shape.
The Welcome Home Celebration to the men in service
from Atlantic Highlands and vicinity was held on Thurs-
day, August 21, 1919. A splendid supper was served to
all the boys, in the Majestic Theatre at 5 P. M. The whole
work of preparing and serving this supper was done by
the Canteen Committee of the Red Cross, under the lead-
ership of Mrs. Ella Roberts and Miss A. B. Waldron. About
480 men were present. There was food in abundance;
everything was done in the finest manner, and every one
enjoyed it. It was altogether a credit to the Red Cross,
and the efficiency of those who had the task in charge.
A Red Cross tent was erected on the park grounds, to
render first aid, if necessary. This was in charge of Miss
Margaret Gorman; Dr. J. H. Van Mater gave his services
as well. About eleven people were cared for during the
afternoon.
Some time in the early part of the year (1919) notice
was sent the Branch that awards would be given for ser-
vice. For workers giving 800 hours or more during a period
of six months, an emblem would be given with a blue rib-
bon; if a second period of si."t months of work had been
given, the blue ribbon would have one white stripe; for a
third period of six months, a blue ribbon with two white
stripes. All kinds of work were taken into account-
surgical dressings, hospital garments, knitting, motor ser-
vice, drives, administration and executive. The matter of
naming those entitled to these awards was most difficult,
for no record of time or hours had been kept. All gave
FROM INDIAN TRAIT, TO ELECTRIC RAil, 617

service cheerfully. The Executive Committee, after much


thought and with all the information possible, made out a
list as follows:
BLUE RIBBON WITH 2 WHITE STRIPES:
Mrs. Jane Camp, Atlantic Highlands.
Mrs. Mary J. Rei.":hmen, Belford.
Mrs. Jane Crane, Belford.

BLUE RIBBON WITH 1 WHITE STRIPE:


Mrs. Clara L. Hendrickson, Atlantic Highlands.
Mrs. John E. Foster, Atlantic Highlands.
Mrs. S. S. Mickens, Atlantic Highlands.
Mrs. Chas. R. Snyder, Atlantic Highlands.
Mrs. Walter J. Roberts, Atlantic Highlands.
Mrs. M. H. McHenry, Atlantic Highlands.

BLUE RIBBON:
Atlantic Highlands:
Mrs. E. H. Cook l\Irs. Marion Hazelton
Mrs. J. W. Cutler l\Iiss Beatrice Botjer
Mrs. H. H. Bowtell :Mrs. J. E. Flitcroft
Mrs. Geo. W. Bristol l\Irs. Ella Roberts
Miss A. B. Waldron l\Irs. Wm. B. Kelly
Mrs. Wm. Oakes :IIrs. E. B. Abel
Mrs. Harold Childs
Locust:
Mrs. Latham Reed
Navesink:
Mrs. J. C. Lord l!rs. Walter B. Connor
Leonardo:
Miss Helen I. McXear
Monmouth Hills:
Hrs. S. A. Brown
Belford:
Mrs. Edith Jeffers Mrs. Rudolph Lang
Mrs. Granderath Mrs. J. Edward Johnson
Mrs. Laura Lee Mrs. Frank Grant
New Monmouth:
Miss Anne Walling

FAWN.COLORED RIBBON:
Atlantic Highlands:
Miss Agnes Lancaster Mrs. E. R. Cham:pion
Hrs. Robert Flett Miss Edith Whittingham
618 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil,

Mrs. E. S. B. Loretz Mrs. A. E. Mount


Kn. John Geary Mrs. Ira Antonides, Jr.
Mn. M. M,.rigold Mrs. J. E. King
Mn. R. H. Garrison Mrs. Horace Moody
Kn. George Barrett Mn. John L Perrine
Jrlia Elizabeth Van Mater Mrs. John Keir
Jrlia Alice White Mrs. S. T. Cham_pion
Kn. Thos. Pelcher Mrs. James S. Mason
Jrlia Ruby Hartcorn Mrs. W. E. Manning
Mrs. Wm. L Wells Mrs. A. E. Hartcorn
Mn. L Falkinburg Mrs. A. J. Parvis
Mrs. J. H. Van Mater Mrs. A. C. Oliver
Mrs. Florence Duletto Miss Mamie Martin
Mrs. R. Farrulo Mrs. lll. Louise Conover
Highlands:
Robert Hartshorne Miss Mar:v Trask
Na\""esink:
Mrs. Elizabeth Clark l'tlrs. Arthur Johnson
Miss Muy Mount Miss Martha Hill
Walter B. Connor William Swan
W. S. Golden
Leon::rdo:
Mrs. Jessie Bennett Mrs. Philip Leon::rd
Miss Carie E. Harrison Philip Leonard
Mrs. Martha O'Keefe Mrs. A. D. :Me!oy
Mrs. Camilla Nelson Mrs. Ida D:ivis
Mrs. Charlotte Phraner Miss Lillian Larsen
Mrs. Ella Van Alstyne Mrs. Lillian Miles
Mrs. Henrietta Brown Crate Mrs. Elizabeth M. Noble
Miss Esther H. Johnson Mrs. Lillian Southall
M.A. Rice Mrs. Anna Leonard
Belford:
Mrs. 0. W. Budlong Mrs. Edward Bennett
Mrs. Geo. Keifer llliss Leila Budlong
Mrs. Frances Macconnell :r.Irs. Clarissa Hoyer
Mrs. Louis S. ·Richmond l!Irs. S. L. Palmer
Miss Jllaud Roop llirs. Irving Roop
Mrs. Oscar Lund Miss Ethel Runyon
Miss Lulu Eastmond l\Irs. M. F. Trimble
Mrs. Jennie Johnson l\Iiss Gertrude Richmond
Louis Richmond Edward Bennett
New l!Icnmouth:
Mrs. A. T. Sutphin ?.Irs. M. C. Cassilly
Miss Margaret Reddington Mrs. D. T. Hendrickson
Mrs. Wm. Morford Miss Gertrude Roberts
Miss Dot Seeley, Belford l\Iiss ll!ary E. S:ilmon
Howard W. Roberts
E\""crett:
Mrs. Emma Vernell Mrs. J. B. Stillwagon
Mrs. Margaret Stout Mrs. Lawrence Carton
Mrs. B. Hickey Miss Elizabeth Vernell
Mrs. Elizabeth A. Connor llliJs Helen Kelly
Miss R:ichel Stillwagon
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 619

Port Monmouth:
Mrs. John Eastmond llirs. J. H. Bade
All'!I. Henry DeGrote, Jr. Mrs. Chas. Rutt
Miss Ethel Wilson Mrs. John Maxson
Mrs. William Wilson Miss Lettie Wilson
Mn. Lida Hyers Mrs. William Carmen
Mn. Joseph Carter Mrs. C. A. Burlew
Mn. J. Howard Smith Mrs. Anthony Gibson
Horace G. Smith
Monmouth Hills:
Mrs. E. S. Atwood Mrs. Lawrence Hasbrouck
Mrs. Chas. W. Raymond Mrs. E. Price-Jones
Mrs. E. DeCoppet Mrs. Livingston llliddleditch
Mrs. H. H. Seabrook Mrs. Fred Mandeville
Miss Samuella Brown Mrs. Edward Holbrook
Mrs. Robert Winsmore Miss Alberta Brown
Atlantic Highlands:
W. J. Roberts H. H. Bowtell
E. K. Camp George W. Bristol
Hon. John E. Foster J. H. Scbaeff'er

IL-ADMINISTRATION.
The Branch was most fortunate in the selection of the
men and women who administered its affairs. A strong
organization was effected at the beginning, which accounts
for the efficient way in which the work was carried on.
The Chairman, Miss A. B. Waldron, was most energetic and
capable, and she was aided by a strong corps of assistants,
many of whom hold office at the present time. Some have
been compelled to resign because of ill-health, of for other
reasons. The names of the principal officers of the Branch
are as follows:
Chairman-Miss A. B. Waldron, :Crom the date o:C organization to
October 1st, 1917; succeeded by Rev. J. H. Schaeff'er, who has held
office to the present.
Vice-Chairman-Mrs. John E. Foster, since date of organization.
· Secretary-Mrs. Arthur Naylor, Jr., :Crom date of organization to
April 18, 1917, when Mrs. G. P. McHenry was elected. Mrs. McHenry
was compelled to resign by reason of a nervous breakdown on August
15th, 1918. Mn. E. B. Abel has been Secretary from October 1st,
1918, to the present.
Treasurer--Mrs. E. H. Cook, from organization to January 1st,
1918; succeeded by Mrs. Walter J. Roberts.
Chairman of Military Relief-E. K. Camp, elected July 24th, 1917,
serving at present.
Chairman of Civilian Relief-M.. A. Rice, elected July 24th, 1917,
• ~ at the present time.
620 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Chairman of Administration-Robert Hartshorne, from organiza-


tion to May 29th, 1918, when he resigned to go to France; succeeded by
H. Taylor Sherman.
Chairman of Surgical Dressings-Mrs. E. K. Camp, organizer of
Department, in oflice until October 1st, 1917; succeeded by Mrs. H. A.
Hendrickson, who served for one year, and was 1111cceeded on October
1st, 1918, by Mrs. John W. Cutler.
Chairman of Hospital Garments-Mrs. S. S. Mickens, from organ-
ization to October 1st, 1918; succeeded by Mrs. E. B. AbeL
Chairman of Wool Committee-Hiss Agnes Lancaster to April 1st,
1918; succeeded by Mrs. John E. Foster.
Chairman of House Committee-Mrs. Horace Moody elected
October 1st, 1917, serving until April 1st, 1918; succeeded by Mrs. T.
H. Patterson, assisted by llrlrs. J. E. King.
Chairman of Publicity-George W. BristoL
Chairman of Canteen-Mrs. Percy Roche from organization to
May 16th, 1917; succeeded by Mrs. Charles R. Snyder, whc, resigned
April 15th, 1918; Mrs. Ella Roberts was then elected, and has served to
the present time.
Chairman of Home Service-Philip Leonard, appointed February
28th, 1918, still serving.
Advisory Board-Hon. John E. Foster, ll. A. Rice, Robert Harts-
horne. Upon Mr. Hartshorne's going to France, Mr. William B. Kin-
ney of Locust was elected to succeed him.
Finance Committee-H. C. Van Note, Chairman; Ralph Garrison,
Fred A. White. Mr. Van Note was later succeeded by Mr. White as
Chairman, though still continuing as a committee member.
Purchasing Committee-William W. McMeekin, M. A. Rice, Mrs.
John E. Foster, Mrs. E. K. Camp. Mr. McMeekin and Mr. Rice were of
especial service on this committee became of their expert knowledge
of materials, and their ability and opportunity for purchasing same to
the greatest advantage.
Motor Service Committee-Mrs. H. H. Hazelton, Chairman; Mrs.
S. P. Harris, Mrs. A. D. Meloy, Mrs. J. W. Cutler,
Chairman Distribution and Supply Committee-Mrs. J. W. Cutler.

All these officers and committees served with excep-


tional ability and faithfulness, but it seems fitting to men-
tion a few in particular. The Advisory Committee was of
greatest service: Judge Foster, whose advice and judgment
were always good and freely given, and whose suggestions
were always valuable; M. A. Rice, who as chairman of the
Purchasing Committee and of all Drives was of exceptional
service to the Branch; and Robert Hartshorne, whose per-
sonal influence secured many members, much financial aid
and a valuable part of the territory. Mrs. John E. Foster,
Vice-Chairman, whose good judgment and able manage-
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 621

ment, great activity and tact contributed so much to the


success of the work; Mrs. G. P. McHenry, Secretary, ener-
getic and most efficient.
The chairmen of the various auxiliaries were most
faithful in the performance of their duties, inspiring their
fellow-workers to greatest effort, and promoting harmony
and co-operation. The successful work of the Branch is
due in no small degree to the loyal support of the auxil-
iaries. In almost every case the original chairman elected
has served the entire time. The names of auxiliary chair-
men are as follows:
Monmouth Hills--Mrs. Chas. Raymond from organization to Jan-
uary 1st, 1918; succeeded by Mrs. Samuel A. Brown, the present chair•
man.
Navesink-Mrs. John C. Lord, from organization to date.
Leonardo-Mrs. Philip Leonard.
Belford-Mrs. Laura Lee, from date of organization.
New Monmouth-Miss Dot Seeley of Belford; succeeded the sec-
ond year by Miss Anne Walling, the present chairman.
Port Monmouth-Mrs. J. Howard Smith, to October 1st, 1918;
succeeded by Mrs. Lida Hyers.
Everett-Mrs. J. B. Stillwagon, since organization.

m-WORK.
The spirit of the American people was never more
truly shown than by the manner in which they plunged
into the work of the Red Cross. The nation was at war,
each one must do a part, and the boys at the front must be
supported in every possible way. Those at home took up
the Red Cross work with a spirit of co-operation, patriotism
and sacrifice which was marvellous, and inspiring in the
highest degree. Throughout the territory of the Branch
the membership was most loyal. No effort was too great,
no demand too heavy, no quota too large; but with mag-
nificent spirit and power all turned to do their utmost. No
appeal went unheeded. All differences were forgotten.
All were red-blooded Americans, putting their force, their
patriotism, their consecration, into the work of supporting
the boys in service, and thereby helping to win the war.
The output of the work of the Branch is one of which it
may well be proud. No article was ever returned because
of failure to meet requirements, and every quota was fin-
ished on tiJl'.le. ·
The work in more or less detail is now presented:
622 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil.

(a)-SURGICAL DRESSINGS.

As soon as possible after organization of the Branch.


the Surgical Dressings department was started by Mrs. E.
K. Camp. A trained nurse herself. Mrs. Camp was of in-
valuable assistance in getting this department organized
on a splendid working basis. Through her efficient and
skillful management. tables were set in order. committees
appointed. and the workers arranged for on such a sched-
ule that the work went on continuously. She was super-
visor until October 1st, 1917. but a worker in the depart-
ment always.
Mrs. H. A. Hendrickson was appointed October 1st,
1917. and served one year. She was a most efficient work-
er herself, and her personality and tact did much to pro-
mote harmony and co-operation.
America being now in the war, the work was speeding
up. quotas becoming larger. In the spring of 1918. when
the great German drives were commencing. it was seen that
the greatest possible effort was needed. The large room
at Atlantic Highlands became entirely filled with tables,
and crowded with workers. Every particle of space was
utilized. Besides the usual workers. Mrs. H. H. Hazelton
bad charge of a group of young men. The High School
girls came in after the school bad closed for the day. In
the evening, St. Agnes Club, the A. M. E. Unit and colored
workers were kept busy, together with all others who would
come. The Leonardo Auxiliary came for one day a week.
Through the efforts of Mrs. Horace Moody, an electric cut-
ter was purchased, and this facilitated the work. On or
about November 1st. 1917, an Instructor in Surgical Dress-
ings was secured. who gave a course of lessons covering
ten weeks.. The class contained the full number permitted,
twenty.
In order, however, to fill the ever increasing and en-
larging quotas, it was seen that the auxiliaries must engage
in the work of surgical dressings in their own localities.
Hence the old Library Building at Navesink was fitted up
as a work room, and dressings made there by that Auxil-
iary. Dr. and Mrs. H. A. Hendrickson gave the use of their
house at Lenison. This. also, was equipped. Belford Auxil-
iary using the lower floor and New Monmouth Auxiliary
the upper. Here work was done every day except Sunday.
Mrs. Charles R. Snyder, who was a member of the class
above mentioned, was appointed Surgical Dressings In-
structor of the Branch, and later. Assistant Instructor of
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 623

the County Chapter. From April 15th to May 30th, 1918,


she instructed classes at various points, Navesink, Lenison,
Monmouth Hills and Atlantic Highlands, arranging a sched-
ule of lessons, instritcting, examining, encouraging, until
. she was almost broken down in health. Her services cannot
be too highly regarded or commended.
The rooms at Atlantic Highlands and of the Auxiliaries
were always filled with willing workers. As many as fifty
were counted one hot afternoon at Atlantic Highlands. Mr.
George W. Bristol, writing in the Atlantic Highlands Jour-
nau of June 5th, 1919:
". . . . a sight we witnessed one evening in the early spring
of 1918--a rainy, snowy night, the ground covered with
slush, the wind raw and cutting. Late that evening we haP-
pened along First Avenue--there was only one building
from which a light shone--it was the Red Cross Rooms, and
as we stood there on the sidewalk in the snow and rain,
we counted fifty-seven women and girls making surgical
dressings. There was no laughing or talking, each one
worked with a sober determination worthy that of a sol-
dier in thf: trench; and as we stood there and watched them,
we thought how in each pad there was wrapped a sweet-
heart's tear, and in each bandage there was rolled a moth-
er's prayer. It gave us a feeling of pride in the Red Cross
we had never experienced before, the same pride which
you experienced when Mr. Schaeffer held up in front of
you the two little tags which went out on a couple of pack-
ages of your dressings, and came back later with an in-
scription written on the back by the surgeon V"ho used them,
saying that your dressings, made here on First Avenue, had
been used on wounded soldiers in "No Man's Land," on
the Verdun front, and you wondered who the soldier might
be whose life had perhaps been saved by those bandages."
Thus the work went on with unabated vigor until the
armistice, and word was soon after received that the mak-
ing of surgical dressings was no longer necessary. Then
all realized how busy they had been, and also the high
pressure and strain under which they worked. The record
of the work done by this committee is found in the "Sum-
mary."
(b)-BOSPITAL GARMENTS.
Mrs. S. S. Mickens was appointed Chairman of the
Hospital Garments at the organization of the Branch, and
held that position until October 1st, 1918, when Mrs. E.
B. Abel succeeded her. The record of this department in
,624 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAU

·the "Summary" shows the great variety of articles made,


as well as the great quantity. The work was usually ap-
portioned among the auxiliaries, who never failed. Many
women gave much time, sacrificed pleasure and recreation
in order to help in the work.
(c)-KNITTED GOODS.•
No small part of the Hospital Garments Department
was that of the Knitted Goods. Large allotments were giv-
en the Branch, and filled. Wherever one turned, there
were knitters busy. • The high water mark of production
was reached in the summer of 1918, when the Branch
turned out 800 pairs of socks, besides 150 sweaters, 64
scarfs, 32 helmets and 19 pairs of wristlets, between Aug-
ust 1st and October 1st. This large order was apportioned
among the auxiliaries by the chairman of the Wool Com-
mittee, Mrs. John E. Foster, and every one of them "went
over the top."
Through money raised by Mrs. J. E. King by means of
flower sales during the summer of 1918, a sock-knitting ma-
chine was purchased and operated at Atlantic Highlands,
principally by Mrs. Percy Roche. Mr. Lewis S. Thompson,
of Lincroft, presented a machine to the Everett Auxiliary,
where Mr. J. B. Stillwagon became especially proficient.
Every boy in the service who went out from Middletown
Township, or that part of it co,ered by the Branch, received
a set of knitted goods, sweater, helmet, scarf, wristlets and
a pair of socks, or as much of the set he desired. Knitted
goods were also sent to Camp Dix, Camp Vail and Fort
Hancock, as need arose.
(d)-CA.'-"TEE~ COMMITTEE.
Mrs. Percy Roche was the first chairman of this com-
mittee, being elected on April 7th, 1917. The first work
done was to provide cots and other material comforts for
the soldiers sent here to guard our piers, stand-pipe and
station. She was succeeded by Mrs. Charles R. Snyder on
May 16th, 1917.
On Registration Day, June 5th, 1917, when the parade
disbanded at the Amusement Park, the Canteen Committee
served over 400 people with sandwiches; coffee, etc.
On Liberty Loan Day, April 26th, 1918, another large
parade was held. All the town organizations took part,
and also 250 officers and men of the 57th Company, from
Fort Hancock. A supper was served to these men, and
others, in the basement of the Central Baptist Church, and
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 625

consisted of roast beef, mashed potatoes, cake, pie, coffee,


cigarettes, cigars, etc. The manner in which the supper
was seri,ed, together with everything pertaining to it, re-
flected the greatest credit upon the whole organization.
Miss A. B. Waldron was chairman pro tem of the Canteen
Committee at that time.
Mrs. Ella Roberts now became chairman. During the
summer of 1918, and the following months, the committee
collected jams, jellies, fruit, etc., which was sent to the
Hospital at Fort Hancock. During the influenza epidemic
of October, 1918, the committee prepared food and broth
for the various patients, which was distributed by Mrs. E.
K. Camp.
The Welcome Home Celebration for Atlantic High-
lands and vicinity was held on Thursday, August 21st, 1919.
After the parade, the Canteen Committee served supper in
the Majestic Theatre, at five o'clock, P. M. A splendid
meal was provided, consisting of clam chowder; chicken,
ham, corn on the cob, potato salad, cake, pie, ice cream,
coffee, cigarettes, cigars, etc. About four hundred men
were served, three hundred of whom were service men,
and the rest the G. A. R., Y. M. C. A. secretaries, Mayor
and Borough Council, and guests. Most of the food was
given upon solicitation of the Committee, the meats and a
Lew other things being paid for out of the Welcome Home
Celebration budget. It was a most successful affair from
every point of view; and the many workers labored with
efficiency and good will. Miss A. B. Waldron was chair-
.ian pro tem of the committee, Mrs. Roberts not being phy.s-
·cally strong enough to assume the full duties of the Chair-
manship.
(e)-PUBUCITY.
Mr. George W. Bristol took care of Red Cross publicity.
His committee was composed of various members, one from
each auxiliary. These sent the news items to him, which
he incorporated in the "Red Cross Chat" in the local "Jour-
nal." This column was mainted each week up to June 1st,
1919, and each issue was eagerly looked for. News of the
work of the national organization, of the Branch and of the
auxiliaries was given, letters from boys in service appearing
from time to time. This Red Cross Column was of greatest
value to the work in that the various parts of the Branch
were kept in touch with each other, and in addition, Red
Cross work in general was kept constantly before the local
public.
626 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

(!)-DRIVES FOR USED CLOTHING.

Two "used clothing" drives were held, for the Bel-


gians and others, both being under the direction of Mrs.
W. B. Kelly. The first was held about September 1st, 1917,
and over a ton of garments of all sorts was collected.
These garments were packed in the rooms of the St. Agnes
Club, and shipped from there. The second drive, held in
the spring of 1919, brought great quantities of clothing and
shoes. Twenty-nine bags in all were collected.
The spirit of work and service manifested throughout
the B'ranch by its auxiliaries and entire membership was
most inspiring. Home duties and tasks were often neglect-
ed or postponed in order to do Red Cross work. No call
was unheeded, no sacrifice too great. There was co-opera-
tion and harmony as soon as all understood what the work
was like, all may look back with great joy and pleasure to
those days of anxiety, of hard work and strain, when all
"backed up the boys" in winning the war by service through
the Red Cross.
IV.-FINANCES.
One of the most important features of any work is the
financial part. Tl:e patriotism of the American people is
shown by the way they responded to all appeals for money,
and this is also true of the members of the Branch and all
the people living within its territory. On the very day of
its first meeting, April 2nd, 1917, as a part of the \\ omen's
'Oefense League, $53 was raised in membership fees. Mr.
C. L. Duvale of Highlands gave $200 to purchase burlap
for sand-bags, 2,548 of which were made. When the or-
ganization became a Red Cross Branch, efforts to raise
funds were continual. Several little girls, under the direc-
tion of Mrs. J. S. Flitcroft, gave an entertainment at t.e
Casino on July 23rd, 1917, which netted $62.69. Mrs. C.
F. Boughton gave $100 on June 23rd, 1917. Five men
paid the rental of the Headquarters Rooms, namely, Hon.
John E. Foster, Dr. I. Drummond, M.A. Rice, Robert Harts
borne and Dr. Symonds. The borough furnished all elec-
tric current for light and power, free of charge. A foot-
ball game was played on Thanksgiving Day, 1917, between
the local High School boys and a team from Fort Hancock,
the proceeds of which were given to the Red Cross. A
lecture "The Telephone in the World War," by G. F. Illen-
berger, was given on February 7th, 1918, at which time
other talent assisted. Pictures of the Liberty Loan Parade
on April 26th, 1918, were sold by Mrs. Bristol. On May
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 627

24th, 1918, Mrs. Flitcroft put on a large entertainment en-


titled "The Passing Show;" which netted $212.68. The
model of ship "Relief," made·by Mr. c.·E. West, was pur-
chased for $25, chances were sold on it throughout the
Branch, and over $500 was realized. This was in charge
of Mrs. Bristol. Mrs. l. E. King held flower sales every
Saturday during the summer of 1918. The Casino Unit
gave a "Garden Fete" for the benefit of the Branch, on
August 3rd, 1918, and $900 was added to the treasury.
These were some of the things done to raise money for local
needs, in addition to the amounts received from the
Branch's share of memberships and War Funds.
On or about the middle of February, 1918, the mat-
ter of an assured income to the Branch was deemed neces-
sary in order to carry on the work. So the first monthly
pledge drive was begun. Mr. H. H. Bowtell was the di-
rector, assisted by Mrs. W. J. Roberts, the very efficient
Treasurer of the Branch, who looked after the large amount
of clerical work necessary to keep the subscription lists
and payments in perfect order. Every family within the
territory of the Branch was visited, and a monthly subscrip-
tion for six months was solicited. Collectors were appoint-
ed to make monthly collections. The drive was most suc-
cessful; the people responded liberally, and over $800 per
month was secured, sufficient for all needs of the Branch.
The time limit was September 15th, 1918, when a second
drive was begun, the subscriptions to be given "until the
end of the war or to 1920." This was also successful, but
when the armistice was signed it became increasingly dif-
ficult to collect the subscriptions, and the whole matter was
discontinued about December 15th, 1918.
The first national War Fund Drive was held June 18th
to 25th, 1917. When the Executive Committee of the
Chapter, as it then was, met to plan for the Drive, it was
decided to wire National Headquarters of the Red Cross
at Washington that "Middletown Township Atlantic High-
lands New Jersey Chapter pledges $500 to the great War
Fund" (Minutes of June 13th, 1917). This was thought
to be a goodly sum, but so well did the committee in charge
do its work, and so liberally did the people respond that
when the drive was over it was found that Middletown
Chapter had given $19,225. The men in charge were as
follows:
Advisory Committee--Hon. John E. Foa:er, Robert Har~:icr:ie,
M.A. Rice. .
Member of Advi.;ory Committee in C!::iree of the D:::;;,-~. A.
Rice.
628 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

General Statf: William W. McMeekin, Oscar K. Lichtenstein,


Samuel Putnam, John Gemmell. Jr., Harold P. Childs, Walter Mc:Far-
lane, Ralph H. Garrison.
F'.nance Committee--Charles Van Mater, Herman J. Cook, James
W. Nichols.
The Second War Fund Drive was held May 20th to
27th, 1918. The officers in charge of this Drive, for the
Branch, were as follows:
Chairman-W.W.McM~kin.
Treasnrer-H. Taylor Sherman, Dr. H. A. Hendrickson, Rev. Wm.
P. Tighe, Dr. James D. Trask.
The Women's Committee was composed of Mrs. H. H.
Hazelton, Mrs. H. H. Bowtell, Mrs. M. E. H. Reed and Miss
Adaline Wolffram. The quota given to Middletown Town-
ship Branch was $12,000, and $16,603.26 was raised, item-
ized as follows:
Navesink ........................................... $ 417.30
Locust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . 2,363.50
Monmouth
Chapel
Hills......................................
Hill.......................................... 1,300.00
90.45
Eel!ord • • . . • • • • • • • • • • . • . • • • • • . • . • • • • • • . • • • • . • • • • • • • 307.10
New l\!onmouth. • • • . . • . • . • • • • • . • . • . . • . . . • • . • . • • • • • • . • 370.35
Port :1.!onmouth...................................... 218.76
Colored Auxiliary. . . • . . . • . • . . . . . . • . . . . . . • . . . . • . . . . . . . 140.65
Leonardo . • . . . • . . . . • . • . • . . • • • • • • . • . . • . • • • • . • • • • . • • • • 3,560.85
Atlantic Highlands................................... 7,843.30
l'ag Day. . • . . . . . • • . • • • . • • . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . • . • • • . • . • • • . 351.00
$16,603.26
Through the efforts of Mrs. Marion Hazelton and Mrs.
H.P. Childs, who held a tea and bridge on their lawn on
August 16th, 1917, to raise funds for the purpose, the
Branch acquired a considerable supply of sheets and pil-
low cases. These were held in readiness for the equipping
of an emergency hospital, should one be required.
V.-AUXILIARIES.
The work of the Branch has been accomplished be-
cause of the faithful service and work of the various auxil-
iaries. · Too much praise and credit cannot be given to them.
All manifested the true spirit of loyalty, patriotism and sac-
rifice, doing everything possible to held win the war. It
was a pleasure to see the spirit of work, and how all things
were forgotten in the great effort to help the boys in every
possible way.
The Chairman of each auxiliary has been asked to
prepare a short history of the activities of her auxiliary,
FROM INDIAN TR.AJL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 629

and these histories follow, as written, placed in the order


of the organization. Highlands having separated from
the Branch a short general account is given. One fact
should be stated regarding Navesink Auxiliary which does
not appear in its history: viz., Navesink was doing Red
Cross work in Library there for about two years prior to
the organization of the Branch, as a part of the Red Bank
Chapter.
The A. M. E. Unit, connected with the A. M. E. Church,
Hillside, did excellent work during the summer of 1918,
both in surgical dressings and hospital garments.
The St. Agnes Club Unit, connected with St. Agnes Ro-
man Catholic Church, was also very active.
The Casino Unit operated during the summer of 1918.
Besides knitting, they completed five hundred Layettes,
which were very finely made. Their "Garden Fete" netted
the Branch treasury over $900. Mrs. F. W. DuBois was
the Chairman.
Highlands Auxiliary was organized, Miss Waldron and
others going down to Highlands for that purpose. Mrs.
C. L. Duvale was the Chairman. E.'Ccellent work was done
along all lines-knitting, hospital garments,finance, mem-
bership and war drives. Some of the members came to the
Atlantic Highlands Rooms and made surgical dressings.
After a time, howeYer, more or less friction developed, and
after a conference between the chairman of the branch,
Miss Luella Parker, who was then chairman of the High-
lands Auxiliary, and Mr. Thatcher Brown, Chairman of the
County Chapter, at the latter's office in Red Bank, it was de-
cided that Highlands withdraw from this Branch and be-
come a part of Red Bank Branch. This action was officially
ratified at the meeting of the Chapter on March 4th, 1918.
VI.-MEMBERSHIP.
A few figures are here given of the membership:
October 1st, 1917-
75 Highlnnds
34 Monmouth Hills
35 Na~esink
25 Leonardo
58 New Monmouth
54 Belford
286 Atlantic Highlands
567
October 1st, 1918-
40 Monmouth Hills
220 Na~esink
630 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

244 Leonardo
270 Belford
249 New Monmouth
19 Port Monmouth
41 Everett
1,126 Atlantic IDgblands
2,209
-September 1st, 1919-
12 Monmouth Hills .•..•••• 37 lap~ea
165 Navesinlc . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 "
194 Leonardo ••..••...•••• 10
166 Belford • • . • • . . . • . • • • • 5
237 New Monmouth........ 4 "
91 Po1"t Monmouth ........ 17 "
6~ Everett • • • . . . . . • . • • . . 5
ll> Lincroft • • . • . . • . . . • . • . -
984 Atlantic Highlands ..... 91 ••
1,932 178
POSTSCRIPT.
We feel that the history of the Branch would be incomplete with-
out an especial word of appreciation of its present Chairman, Reverend
J. H. Schaeffer.
Energetic and untiring, he has given personal service regardless
of time or conditions, and to his tactful administration and never fail•
ing enthusiasm is due much of the successful working out of the
organization plans.
Mrs. John E. Foster
Miss A. B. Waldron
Mrs. E. B. Abel
Mrs. M. H. McHenr,
of the Committee.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 631

CHAPTER IV.

THE BOROUGH OF KEA...._SBURG AND VICINITY.


1913
REAL ESTATE NEWS AND VIEV'"
By Mayor William W. Ramsay,
The First and Last Mayor of Keansburg,
(at present writing, March 27, 1922.)
Keansburg, With Its 300 Inhabitants in 1877, Compared With Ita
Summer Population of 10,000 in 1913-How It Has Developed.

In the spring of 1877, or, to be accurate, Sunday morn-


ing, March 22nd, at half-past nine o'clock, I arrived at the
:Methodist Episcopal Church in Keansburg, as pastor for
the ensuing year. I soon learned that the hamlet (known
at that time as Granville) consisted of about 300 inhabit-
ants, whose occupation was devoted to that of clamming
and farming. At this period, I was in my 19th year, with
one year's experience as a preacher in charge. I found that
the youth of a preacher had a tendency to draw large con-
gregations. During the first year of my ministry, here, be-
fore the month of August, a revival broke out and many
conversions took place. The following January, another
revival closed with 127 conversions. My salary had been
fixed at $200 a year and I had the privilege of "boarding
around."
At this period in the history of Granville the most
prominent citizens were Martin Wood, John S. Lankenau,
William Tanner, Daniel H. Robinson, John Graves, Adam
Carr and James T. Chadwick, the latter being the light-
house keeper, a man above the average intelligence and
of fine Christian character.
On my second year, my salary was raised to $375, and
boarding among the people. During that year I was mar-
ried to Eliza S. Wood, on September 5th, 1878, my father
performing the ceremony in the Keansburg church. At
the close of the conference year I decided to settle in Keans--
burg and make it my permanent home. That year I trav-
eled for a large New York City wholesale house, my route
including the New England States. The following year I
632 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

conducted the Wood Farm. In 1881 I bought the family


property where the post office is now located and opened
a general store. Being desirous of developing the town,
l proceeded to have a post office established, a luxury which
-we had not hitherto enjoyed. At the suggestion of Dr. E.
F. Taylor, of Middletown, I got up a petition which con-
·tained the names of 132 signers, and called upon the Hon-
-orable John Kean of Elizabeth, who was a candidate for
Congress against Miles Ross. Before leaving his residence,
I had the assurance from Washington, D. C., that the post
office would be established, and the commission of Mrs.
Ramsay for postmaster would be in my hands Tuesday
morning, which turned out to be true. That year (1881)
the name of the village was changed from Granville to
Keansburg.
I then proceeded along business lines to bring to the
attention of the people the beauties of our magnificent shore
front. I engaged a photographer to come to Keansburg.
I had ten different views taken, and spent $70 to have
postal cards made. We sold the cards at price of two for
five, or three cents each. The post office also had the ad-
vantage of the cancellation system. The first year revenue
of the post office resulted in the · handsome sum of $65,
and there has never been a year since its establishment,
when the income has failed to make handsome returns for
the Government. The last quarter's receipts this year, of
the post office for the Government, reached the sum of over
$2,500. This shows the wonderful growth of the postal
service in this community. -
The following year I had twenty more Keansburg
views made for postal cards, and there being at that time
2. few of the ladies of the place who took summer borders,
I prevailed upon them to have their dwellings printed on
cards, and that they furnish to their guests the cards free
to advertise the attractions of house or location. My ob-
ject in this was to boom Keansburg, so as to bring purchas-
ers to locate among us. It worked wonderfully. More
boarders came constantly to our hamlet, and purchasers
began to drop in, looking for home sites.
The first real estate operations that started in Keans-
burg, and which e,entually caused the subsequent tremen-
dous boom, happened seven years ago last March (1906)
when ·wmiam A. Gehlhaus, Charles Peterson, Bernard
Creighton and the two Sculthorps purchased the Hendrick-
· son tract for development. Two weeks later the Keans-
burg Beach Company purchased the Thompson tract. The
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAll, 633

local people commenced their development at once. The


Keansburg Beach Company went into advertising very ex-
tensively, spending thousands of dollars. ·
This kind of healthy publicity indirectly interested
other large operators, who came forward and bought what
is known as the Granvme Park tract. Their operations
attracted to our village others, who purchased the Keans-
burg Heights land. This awoke some of our local people,
so that Charles Carr purchased from Lafayette Rainer the
Conover acreage, which was sold afterwards to the Ideal
Beach Company. Mr. Richard Carr, who has opened Carr
Avenue through his own property, began to see and to
realize the importance of laying out his farm.
Charles Carr, after the sale of his holdings to the
Ideal Beach Company, secured another investment known
as the West Keansburg property, and "promoted" that.
He also then bought the Cove property and started to give
that a suitable place in the realty market. He is now im-
proving the West Keansburg property, which was for-
merly the Conover farm, consisting of 184 acres. The
rapid growth made a wonderful summer resort, that has
reached a popularity unparalleled in the history of the
country.
The population of Keansburg during the past summer
averaged 10,000 during July and August. There ha\"e been
special days when we have had from 30,000 to 40,000 per-
sons in Keansburg this summer. There have been over
1,600 homes built, a fire house, ::.nd two fire companies
formed. We have large hotels, capable of accommodat-
ing from 100 to 150 guests, seventy-five boarding houses,
besides .ilundreds of tents.
A boardwalk, sidewalks and curbs have been put in,
telephones, electric lights, water plants, trolleys, railroad
and steamboats supply us with a new population. A new
school house, costing $30,000, has been erected, and, from
one teacher in 1890, six are now employed. This wonder-
ful expansion has been continuous in an amazing pace from
the original purchase of the land, and all the money wise-
ly spent in modern buildings has run into the millions.
Monmouth County has added to it hundreds of new
citizens who do their voting here. The tax valuation has
been increased one-half. Insurance companies have found
here a harvest in business. Clamming has been forgotten.
The natives are now "mechanics" and "merchants". From
the little "mustard seeds" of a few postal cards, with fahh,
energy and perseverance, Monmouth has witnessed the on-
634 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

coming of a future large city, and it takes no prophetic


guessing, after knowing what is going to take place in the
way of new docks, steamboats and other investments, to
predict that in time Keansburg will be a part of a large
city on the shores of Monmouth County.
Keansburg is in close proximity to New York City, has
fine, balmy air; magnificent views from our shore; a bath-
ing beach that cannot be surpassed anywhere in the uni-
verse; fishing, clamming, boating with canoes, sails, motors,
amusements that are destined to equal those of any other
resort, all making Keansburg one oi the finest of summer
resorts.
Mr. Thomas H. Leonard,
Dear Sir:
Since the above was written, a new school, costing
$65,000, with spacious grounds containing forty.four lots,
is about completed. Tax duplicate represents two million
two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. Three
thousand six hundred stores and houses have been built.
Two boat lines ply daily in the summer time between New
York. Newark and Keansburg. Eleven hundred voters
registered in the borough.
(Signed) W. W. R.

KEANSBURG.
~:ast K~urg and West Keansburg-From Union Beach to Belford
Being Developed.
Union Beach consists of the old Union City territory,
including the property on the west developed by Mr.
Charles Carr, who also opened the Lorrilards, about 1918,
and the West Keansburg property, building a pier about
eighteen hundred feet in length. Mr. Carr purchased the
steamer "Forest Queen" and established a route between
West Keansburg and Newark which was a great conven-
ience to the property buyers and home builders, who were
in a large degree from Newark and nearby cities.
The general enterprise has developed a wonderful
growth, changing the Union City condition of early years,
converting the adjoining fields and meadow shores into
country homes for hundreds of citizens, from the narrow
confines of the cities to the broad and healthful arena of
the llonmouth North Shores, since about 1910.
Messrs. G'ehlhaus and Sculthorp purchased a large
tract comprising the New Point Comfort Beach that repre-
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FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 635

sents the shore front of Keansburg proper in about 1906.


These gentlemen were among the first to see the possibil-
ities of this community.
The pier of about two thousand feet and the establish-
ing of an hourly route between Keansburg and New York
City made necessary a line of steamers, namely the "Keans-
burg," "Mob Jack," "Smithfield" and "Pocohontas" backed
by the New Jersey Central Railroad and the Jersey Central
Traction Company, which has produced a development
equal to any western enterprise.
Other gentlemen have followed suit with the "Keans-
burg Heights," developed by Mr. Paul Locari, the "Keans-
burg Gardens," developed by Messrs. Morrisey and Walker,
"Beacon Beach," "Ideal Beach," "Barrett Beach," devel-
oped by Mrs. Barrett, and the "New Keansburg" (Port
Monmouth), developed by Messrs. Gelhaus and Sculthorp.
There have also been recent developments at Belford.
In 1905 the writer, with our pastor, the Rev. Frank
H. Shermer, Charles R. Snyder and William H. Naylor, as
a committee from the Central Baptist Sunday School, visit-
ed the place in reference to a picnic. At that time there
was only a Pavilion, run by Edward A. Morris, at the foot
of Brays Landing Road, also Camp Jahn, a German Turn-
Verein Association. This Camp (a private enterprise), was
located back from the shore--a fine place during the sum-
mer months and very much enjoyed by its members. It
occupies a whole block, on wliich has been erected a large
pavilion for the accommodation of its members, and guests,
which often numbers over one thousand.
MONMOUTH'S NORTH SHORE FROM u:-.ro:-. BEACH TO
BELFORD.
(Souvenir Book of 1908.)
THE COUNTRY.
Every dweller in the City longs for a breath of the
pure country air, the ozone of the woods and enough land
upon which to build a place where at least a portion of the
year may be spent in health-giving pastimes.
For the past ten or twelve years, people have begun to
realize more and more the advantages of the beach at
Keansburg and vicinity and to spread the good news to
others. In 1906 a portion of the beach, a strip about thirty-
five hundred feet in length, with the wooded upland be-
hind it, consisting in all of over one thousand lots in area,
was purchased by the New Point Comfort Beach Company
for the purpose of offering to the public property upon
which homes could be built by the city residents who were
636 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

obliged to board in farm houses, some of them three or


four miles back from the beach, in order to enjoy the con-
ditions of this identical beach now thrown open for settle-
ment.
The ground is sandy, offering a splendid drainage free
from contamination as it is a free virgin soil, never having
been occupied by man, and never having received the drain-
age from sewerage, its purity commends it to the general
public. The location of this particular spot makes it adapt-
able of course for those seeking a country home. Its close
proximity to New York, which can be reached by rail or
water in a very short time and at frequent intervals, makes
an ideal spot for the business man to live in.
The drinking water is absolutely pure on account of
its coming through a great distance in the earth. It is al-
most fully equal to artesian water, bubbling and flowing
incessantly. Some of these springs come from a great
depth. Artesian wells were installed in 1907.
The mingling of the pine-scented air gives one con-
tinually a feeling of exhilaration. Very little is known of
disease in this locality. The sandy soil seems to absorb
the damp atmosphere.
PINES.
It is a well-known fact that wherever you find a sandy
beach free from shells and stones, it makes one of the best
playgrounds and healthful resorts for children.
Tne fact that so many boarders were occupying farm
houses and driving to the beach from a great distance, ap-
pealed to a company of gentlemen who had seen the ad-
vantages of real estate development where lots could be
purchased and homes built by the city denizen of average
:means.
No more ideal spot could have been selected than the
wooded and sandy tract at Keansburg and vicinity. This
property has been developed and is an ideal spot for all of
moderate means for summer home or place to spend one's
vacation. The natural attractions of the place for those
who are fond of water are unsurpassed, as the opportunities
of bathing, fishing, boating and picnicking in the woods,
etc., are excellent.
BOATING.
As boating is one of the pastimes, the company con-
structed at New Point Comfort Beach a steamboat dock,
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 637

a boardwalk, and also a breakwater for a safe harbor for


rowboats, sailboats and naptha launches and all small craft.
This is the only property on the entire Jersey Coast which
will have safe protection for boats and on account of its
natural location, having the main channel of the bay run
near the property, requires the building of a dock only
about two thousand feet in length to get a depth of twelve
feet of water at low tide. A breakwater extending in the
southwesterly drection from the end of the dock will make a
safe harbor from all west, north and east winds and storms.
This harbor will be of ample size to provide room for all
persons purchasing lots from the company. This innova-
tion is of great value to boat owners, as there is no other
safe harbor for pleasure craft in the bay.
FISHING.
The first settlers in 1906 bought their fish from men
who make a business of catching fish in the bay. They
never obtained fish in any other way than by buying them.
One of the old residents of Keansburg said to them one
day: "Why don't you catch the fish yourselves?" Two
days later the telephone bells were ringing in New York,
Newark, and Jersey City: "Come down, the fish are biting!"
The people had found their own! Raritan bay is famous
for its shad, blue fish, weak fish, black fish and butter
fish. Bass are also numerous. There are other fish, but
not so numerous as these. Weag fish are especially easy to
catch with the hook and line from the dock. Captain Wil-
son says that his average catch to a person for all-day fish-
ing parties was twenty pounds of fish during the season.
Fish, oysters, clams and lobsters are important articles of
commerce at Keansburg. Bait and boats are easily secured.
The fish are never so good as they day they are caught.
BATHING.
This is the feature that first attracted strangers to
Keansburg. Not only the residents of the city, but those
from the villages inland have taken advantage of this
beach. Three or four Sunday School picnics a day was
not an unusual sight on this beach. The reason for this is
that the beach is of pure sand, free from mud and snags,
and is of such a gradual slope that bathing can be indulged
in at any time except at low tide. The beach is one of the
finest along the coast, being uncontaminated by drainage
or anything from any large cities or towns. It is perfectly
safe for children to bathe in, there being no sea waves to
spoil the fun.
038 FROM INDIA.~ TRAil., TO ELECTRIC RAn.

The foregoing conditions are such as generally inter-


est a seeker of a summer home.
The great trouble with many new enterprises is the
difficulty experienced in reaching stores, churches, phy-
sicians, etc. Tradesmen are unwilling to go to a new place
and start business until they see the prospects of success.
'l'bis makes it very inconvenient for the pioneer who wants
to get in on the ground floor and at the same time desires
to live with a degree of comfort. This problem was very
easy for the New Point Comfort Beach Company for it was
already solved. All around its property was the flourishing
town of Keansburg, with its numerous well stocked stores,
meat markets, drug stores, hotels, etc. Here are all the con-
veniences needed in any well ordered community--doctors,
churches, schools, etc. The company's streets connect with
the principal street of Keansburg. This street, known as
Carr Avenue, was laid out a number of years ago, a most
beautiful wide avenue, with maple trees and hedges on
either side of it, but it did not extend to the shore, until in
opening the tract it was extended to the shore, making it
a most beautiful drive from the railroad station to the shore,
then connecting with the shore boulevard, making a beauti-
ful drive along the shore front.
THE lli-vESTOR.
How about the investor? The man who has a home
elsewhere and does not wish to come here? What is there
in it for him? If he invests his cash and helps build up the
town by this impersonal, but nevertheless potent, proxy?
In some respects there is more in this place for the investor
than there is for the home seeker, and that is saying a great
deal. The chances for ground floor investments at the sea-
shore are not increasing as rapidly as the numbers that
seek the seashore for recreation and health. There are
more people to go every year but there is not a correspond-
ing increase in the number of places to go to. Our shores
or water front do not increase. They are the same today
as when the world was created, and there will be no more
water front in a thousand years than there is today. But
on t~e other hand our large cities centered around New
York are increasing in population at the rate of two hun-
dred thousand a year. Just think of the demand for shore
property now and in a few years that is less than twenty
miles from the New York City Hall. This is why the in-
vestor finds a golden opportunity and why there is such a
stream of capitalistic gold flowing from the big money
centers to the coast of our state. Small and medium priced
FROl\l INDIAN TRAil.. TO ELECTRIC RAIL 639

houses here will rent from the start, as the demand in the
locality far exceeds the supply. This is an exceptional OP-
portunity to all who are in search of summer homes or a
place for a profitable investment.
Those who buy real estate thoughtfully, deliberately
and carefully, after personal investigation, have here a
chance that does not often come. Nothing is so safe as a
piece of land. It cannot bum up, it cannot be stolen, it
cannot be run away with. No cashier can take it away to
Europe with him. No syndicate can squeeze all the water
out of it. Just do this; study all of the reai estate facilities
carefully, read all that is said in the various advertisements,
trust nobody, see for yourself. Use your brains. It is just
as easy to make money in real estate today as it was fifty
years ago, and the profits come very quickly. Buy land
and then hang on to it. It is well to buy more than one
lot. When you buy a lot to build on, buy two or three more
adjoining if possible. These you can use for gardening,
keeping chickens or make a playground for the children.
Every time a house is built the land is bound to be more
valuable, so by buying three or four lots you make them
valuable yourself. If you buy land with judgment you can-
not lose your money. You must make money. Nothing
like land helps a man to save. He pays for it gradually.
He takes an interest in life. It makes him a better citizen,
steadier man. Do not buy more than you can afford. Do
not bind yourself to pay more than you can easily pay. Use
your own judgment. Be cautious, but buy real estate.
HOW TIDS PROPERTY CAN BE REACHED.
Railroad.
The railroad, trolley, steamboat facilities are excellent
and still improving. During the summer season the mag-
nificent boats of Central Railroad Company of New Jersey
make their runs from New York to Atlantic Highlands pier
in one hour, and from the pier to KeansBurg is covered by
train in a few minutes, making the total time from New
York a little more than an hour.
Trolleys.
The shore can be reached by trolley from any part
of the state, Trenton, Newark, Jersey City, and New York
City. You can talie the Turnpike line from Cortlandt
Street, New York, to Newark, then via Elizabeth, Rahway
Junction, Rahway, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, South Am-
boy, Keyport and Keansburg; also from Paterson, Passaic
640 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

and Nutley, via Newark, and so on to Keansburg; then from


Keansburg you can go to all the difff'rent summer resorts
along the coast, Atlantic Highlands, Highlands, Red Bank,
Long Branch, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Sea Girt.
You can see how convenient you can reach other places
from here and what pleasant trolley trips you can make
to all the popular resorts.
Beside the steamboats to Keansburg, to and from New
York City, hourly, we have the
RIVER BOATS.
The Patten Line and the Merchants' Steamboat Com-
pany run a fleet of seven popular steamers from New York
tc, Highlands. They connect with the Jersey Central Trac-
tion Company's trolley. There is also a direct steamboat, to
and"from Newark to the West Keansburg Pier.
PROPERTY.
The title to this property is absolutely perfect, as the
Company's abstract shows that the chain of title is without
n flaw. The doctrine of English law was that discovery
and conquest gave title, as to all heathen and uncivilized
countries, to the British Crown. When Charles Il took pos-
session of this country by his right of discovery, he took
possession of it in his sovereign capacity. Both discovery
and conquest have given the British Crown the title to New
Jersey. In 1664 the English re-conquered the territory and
cxpeiied the Dutch Government. The king then gained a
new title by conquest. On March 12, 1664, Charles Il by
Royal Patent granted New Jersey to his brother James,
then the Duke of York, afterward Charles' successor upon
the throne. He immediately took possession. Thus the
landed property of New Jersey is held direct from the King
of England. Then the chain of title passes down to the
present date.
Everybody knows what has happened to the land
around New York. It was cheap. Fifty years ago a lot on
Fifth Avenue, New York, could be bought for three hun-
dred dollars. Today the same lot is worth three million.
Why this property was so cheap is because it was inac-
cessible. There were no trolleys, no railroads. It took too
long to get there. You could buy land every cheap then.
What can you do now? Now every lot is worth thousands.
11. is too late to make money there unless with a big invest-
ment. The elevated roads, trolleys and subway have done
their work.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 641

GOOD ROADS.
Good roads for autos, bicycles and driving are here.
It is a pleasant auto trip of a little over two hours from
New York across Staten Island to Perth Amboy, across
the new Raritan bridge to South Amboy, then the stone
road to Keyport and Keansburg. There are good roads from
all the larger cities in North Jersey to the Monmouth Shore.
CHEAP LIVING.
These summer resorts are in the midst of a fruit, truck
and poultry-raising and fishing community, with a climate
and soil well adapted to the growing of all kinds of veget-
ables, all kinds of berries, asparagus, all kinds of fruit,
grapes, tomatoes, sweet and round potatoes, are raised on
the surrounding farms and sold to summer residents. Ice
is harvested right on the property, and plenty of milk can
be had from the surrounding farms.
VIEWS.
The water view at Keansburg and vicinity is magnif-
icent. Every ship entering or leaving New York Harbor
passes within plain sight; therefore, few places in the world
have such an endless procession of vessels of every kind over
the mighty deep as here. Sandy Hook with
its great fort, (Fort Hancock,) can plainly be
seen; Coney Island can be seen
plainly any day, and at night
the gleam from the millions
of electric lights across the
water, lighting up the sky
all round, produces a spec-
tacle which can hardly be
:.- _ de~cribed.
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642 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER V.
THE GREATER PORT OF NEW YORK.

On October 31st,, 1918, the following letter was sent


to Mr. B. F. Cresson, Jr., consulting engineer of the New
York, New Jersey Port and Harbor Developing Commission,
Engineers Office, 14 John Street, New York City:
Dear Sir:
I see in the "Newark News" an article on "A Central
Export Depot for Jersey." I would suggest a most suitable
location for same-the Monmouth County's north shore
from the Highlands to Amboy, which is the south shore
of Raritan and Sandy Hook bays. The space is ample. It
is largely unoccupied. The depth of the water, by the re-
moval of the sand, to the meadows, could be made to meet
any requirement. The purchase of the lands and cost of
filling, should be equal to or less than at any other point.
Its location, lying between the great West, the Southwest
and the Greater Port of New York, the ocean carriers could
meet the Western Railroad freight in the lower bay at the
above named point, thus saving time and expense for all
concerned.
Your s~.:erely,
THOMAS H. LEONARD.
November 29, 1918.
Mr. Thom2!'! H. Leonard,
Atlantic Highlands,
New Jersey.
Dear Sir:
Referring to your letter of October 31st addressed to
this Commission, I would be very glad to go over your
project with you at a time mutually convenient. If you
are to be in New York in the near future,would it be poss-
ible for you to call at this Office so that I might know just
what you had in mind.
Regretting the delay in following up your letter, I am,
Yours very truly,
(Signed) B. F. CRESSON, JR.
BFCJr-G Consulting Engineer.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 643

January 10, 1919.


Mr. Thomas H. Leonard,
Atlantic Highlands,
New Jersey.
Dear Sir:
I have delayed replying to your letter of December
28th until I could set a date to go or to be represented at
a conference with you at Atlantic Highlands.
I will write you early in the week suggesting an ap-
pointment.
Yours very truly,
(Signed) B. F. CRESSON, JR.
BFGJ'r-G Consulting Engineer.
THE PORT OF NEW YORK MEETING.
The first meeting for the advancing of the Atlantic
Highlands and Middletown Township interests in the Great-
er Port of New York was held in the office of Thomas H.
Leonard, Atlantic Highlan"ds, in January, 1919.
Tbe following officers were elected:
President--Thomas H. Leonard.
Secretary-John L. Sweeney.
Committe-Mayor C. R. Snyder, Dr. H. A. Hendrickson, Rev.
George H. Gardner and Attorney Wm. E. Foster.
After a complete discussion of the subject, the meeting
adjourned, subject to the call of the chair.
February 17, 1919.
Mr. Thomas H. Leonard,
Atlantic Highlands,
New Jersey.
Dear Sir:
I acknowledge yours of the 15th inst., enclosing two
maps of "Lower Bay."
I am arranging to come down to Atlantic Highlands
on Thursday, February 20th, arriving there on the 9 :59
train and returning on the 12 :03 train. ff, however, I find
later in the week that I will be unable to come, I will wire
you on Wednesday.
Kindly advise if this appointment is satisfactory to you,
and oblige.
Very truly yours,
(Signed) B. F. CRESSON, JR.
BFCJr-G Consulting Engineer.
644 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

The second meeting was held at Thomas H. Leonard's


office, February 20th, 1919.
The following gentlemen were present:
Mr. B. F. Cresson, Jr., Representative and Engineer of the Port
and Harbor Commission; Dr. H. A. Hendrickson, James P. Hopping,
Reverend George H. Gardner, Thomas H. Leonard, EdgR H. Cooi,
Fred A. White, Louis Sculthorp, John M. Manning, John L Sweeney,
H. D. Little, M. Mortenson, Postmaster Charles R. Grover.
While the above gentlemen were gathering, at the
meeting place, Dr. H. A. Hendrickson, Edgar H. Cook and
John L. Sweeney procured an automobile and gave the rep-
resentative of the Port Commission, Mr. Cresson, an inter-
esting and educational view of the harbor and bay, from
Navesink Park hills to the New Jersey Southern right-of-
way and terminal at Port Monmouth.
. Mr. Cresson was very much interested in what he saw
of the ocean and bay, with their possibilities.
Upon the party's return to the meeting place, the meet-
ing was called to order. Mr. Cresson was the first speaker,
giving a very interesting talk of fully twenty minutes. He
was followed by the gentlemen present, each speaking from
his own standpoint. In separating, we all felt there had
been two hours well spent, not knowing what effect it
would have in the great future.
At the request of Mr. Cresson a list of the names of
the gentlemen present at the meeting was forwarded to
him. The following letter is an acknowledgement of the
ssme.
February 21, 1919.
Mr. Thomas H. Leonard,
Atlantic Highlands,
New Jersey.
Dear Mr. Leonard:
I am just in receipt of your letter of February 20th
giving the names of the gentlemen who participated in the
conference at Atlantic Highlands yesterday.
I wish to thank you for the courtesies extended and to
assure you of my pleasure in visiting Atlantic Highlands
and in meeting the gentlemen.
Yours very truly,
(Signed) B. F. CRESSON, JR.
BFGJr-G Consulting Engineer.
February 1, 1921.
Mr. Thomas H. Leonard,
Atlantic Highlands, N. J.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 645

Dear Mr. Leonard:


I very much appreciate your courteous letter of Jan-
uary 25th, and I am sending you herewith copy of the Sum-
mary of the Report, together with four supporting chapters
particularly pertaining to the Manhattan-Hudson River
Problem.
The complete report will probably be ready within
two weeks and I will then send you a copy of it.
You will see that the Port District as it is laid out
?.-ould include the Raritan Bay Section of Monmouth Coun-
fy, and with a co-ordination of the railroad systems lead-
ing to the Raritan River it will be entirely feasible and prac-
ticable to consider the railroads serving your territory as
being an essential part of the belt line railroad system of
the Port, and as such serving your waterfront I can see
that there are many attractive locations on the Raritan Bay
for the activities of shipping, commerce and industry.
I recall the very interesting conference I had with you
and your friends in Atlantic Highlands and I am very glad
that you wrote and I would like very much to have the
opportunity of discussing and considering the particular
questions of greatest interest to your community at a time
that will be mutually convenient.
With kind regards, I am,
Yours very truly,
(Signed) B. F. CRESSON, JR.
BFGJr-G Consulting Engineer.
Below is an account of the death of Mr. Cresson, taken
from the Philadelphia Public Ledger, January 27, 1923:
"South Orange, N. J., January 26--Funeral services
for Benjamin F. Cresson, Jr., chief engineer of the Port of
New York, who died last nighf in the Mountainside Hos-
pital, Montclair, after an operation for appendicitis Tues-
day, will be held at his home here Sunday afternoon. He
leaves a wife and daughter.
"He was born in Philadelphia, October 23, 1873. He
was educated at Lehigh and the University of Pennsylvania.
He moved to New York twenty-two years ago and attract-
ed the attention of the engineering world by his work as
assistant engineer on the Hudson and Manhattan tunnels."
From the New York Tribune, January 27, 1923:
"Overwork in the public interest during the last five
years, resulting in nervous exhaustion and a lack of power
of physical resistance to the shock of the operation, is more
646 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAil,

directly responsible for bis being taken away in the prime


of life than the disorder itself which necessitated the OP-
e1·ation," the Port Authority says. "His death," the notice
adds, "removes from service to this community and indeed,
in a real sense, to the nation, one of the best informed men
in this country on the subject of modern port development
and engineering works in connection therewith.
"J. Spencer Smith, vice-president of the Port Author-
ity, said yesterday that Mr. Cresson was 'the foremost au-
thority on port planning and development in the world.
Plans he made to solve problems for the Port of New York
are so sound that even though he is dead they will be
worked out by others,' Mr. Smith added."
"In the removal of Mr. B. F. Cresson, Jr., an estimable
and scholarly gentleman, Atlantic Highlands and Middle-
town Township have lost a friend, but it is apparent that
his work was of such a character that it can be continued
by others."
(Signed) H. A. HENDRICKSON.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 647

CHAPTER VI.
THE EARLY HISTORY OF LENISON.
Which Includes Lenison Junction and Lenison Manor.

In the year 1906, Doctor H. A. Hendrickson and


Thomas H. Leonard made several journeys over the shore
district from Atlantic Highlands to Union City (now called
Union Beach). They made themselves familiar with the
conditions and appearances at that date. A broad and
open vision of the future was in the foreground.
They finally decided to purchase the old Daniel Bray
farm, of about one hundred and eighteen acres, located at
the junction of the roads leading to New Monmouth, Belford
and Leonardville. The farm was formerly owned by Daniel
Bray, a descendant of Reverend John Bray of Holmdel,
who gave the grounds for the Baptist Church of Holmdel,
assisted in the building of the church and was its pastor
for a period. The Bray farm previously referred to had
been occupied for sixty years by Daniel Bray's son-in-law,
Derrick G. Campbell, by virtue of a life right. At Mr.
Campbell's death, it was necessary to sell the property and
divide the results of the sale among over one hundred heirs.
The association of Doctor H. A. Hendrickson and
Thomas H. Leonard was at once increased by the addition
of George Morris, Superintendent of the Schools at Bloom-
field, New Jersey.
The length of time occupied (about ten years), in se-
curing so many signatures, collected from so many heirs,
located in many parts of the United States, was only
equalled by the undaunted persistency and patience of
Doctor Hendrickson in securing the signatures of the heirs,
he having in charge this department almost entirely. This
work was done in such a straightforward and business-like
manner that after it was completed each member of this
large family was perfectly satisfied with the settlement.
A perfect and guaranteed title, guaranteed by the
Fidelity Trust Company, Newark, New Jersey, was com-
pleted in 1916, which secured not only the partners and
those who had purchased of them, but the Jersey Central
Traction Company's extensive holdings, which consisted of
a thirty-five foot right-of-way from the Belford south line
648 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

on the Belford Road to the New Monmouth north line on


the New Monmouth Road. The Leonardville Road from
the "Junction" to a point near the "Old Hopping's Station,"
and a large triangular plot of ground at the "Junction"
were also included.
Ail of this property was deeded to the Jersey Central
Traction Company from the Bray farm by the owners, at
a nominal price. Certain conditions were named in the
deed, to complete a reasonable consideration for such a
valuable easement. These agreements have not been kept
by the Jersey Central Traction Company to date (February
22,1922). ;
As is the case w~th all the shore properties, Lenison
has felt the demand for plots and lots, and the influx from
the cities of citizens of comfortable and substantial incomes,
seeking healthful localities for the building of comfortable
homes. The result is that at Lenison, at the present writ-
ing, 1912, most of the located properties have been dis-
posed of, by satisfied sellers to satisfied buyers.

MAP OF LE!li"ISON, N. J.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 649

CHAPTER VII.
1916-1020.
MAYOR SNYDE?.'S ADMI?."ISTRATIONS.

In the 1915 electio~. Charles R. Snyder was elected


Mayor and Leroy Carhart and Daniel L Bryant. Council-
men, all without opposifion at the polls. Mayor Snyder is
a lawyer, and at that time was president of the local Board
of Education. He had also sel"\"ed two terms in the New
Jersey House of Assembly (1900-1901), and been active
in borough board of trade and political circles. In politics
a Republican, in religion a Baptist. Councilman Carhart
i<. a successful builder, and Councilman Bryant was pro-
prietor of the Sea View House. The other Councilmen were
William E. Conrow, Frank W. Muir, Charles R. Grover and
John S. Flitcroft. Mr. Gro,·er was appointed Postmaster
early in 1916 and Thomas Pelcher, who bad been beaten
by but one vote as a preceding election, was appointed to
fill the vacancy. William T. Franklin was borough clerk,
former Mayor Thomas H. Leonard, assessor, E. H. Cook
collector. The budget for 1916 was $31,650 and assessed
valuations $2,500,148. ,,
The first act of the Mayor was to have all year day-
and-night electric light sen'ice, so householders and stores
could use day-current motors, sweepers and lights. This
was so popular that when in 1920 a new committee thought
to abolish day service the service was continued after one
week of disuse. Water mains were extended to the recent-
ly annexed Navesink Park section, the most beautiful view-
point in the new world. The Council thought it was hav-
ing trouble o ,er coal when the price was advanced from
$3.25 to $3.50 per ton. Later, during and after war, when
it went to $13 and $15 temporarily, this old increase seemed
a joke. But it kept the Administration worried, for they
had promised to reduce the taxes. They did, too, some 30
cents per $1,000, notwithstanding a bond i2sue of $20,000,
was voted by the legal vott!rs to construct a dyke and boat
basin in the meadows north of Bay Avenue. The war came
on and this has never been fully completed, the contractor
not excavating to the proper depth and, according to re-
ports, not moving muc and clay from the bank as thrown
out. His excuse was lack of teams during the war. The
heavy weight of unmoved muck caved the east wall in at
650 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

one place and the Admiaistration refused to settle without


the verdict of a jury. However the basin is in constant
use; sometimes a dozen large sloops and a schooner or
two will be found in the harbor, as well as numerous power
launches.
In 1916 all houses were given numbers and in 1917
the post office established a free delivery system. The
borough was di'Fided into two election districts, No. 1 lying
north of Highland Avenue and No. 2 southerly thereof.
This street is the only one bisecting the town.
William T. Franklin resigned as borough clerk early
in the year. The Mayor appointed Corwin K. Linson for
the balance of the year and upon his resignation on Jan-
uary 1st, 1917, Fred W. Wells was appointed to this im-
portant position. At the electio:.1 in 1916 Councilman Pelch-
er was re-elected, for three years, and Andrew T. Heavy
for same term to fill the other place open. The shadow
of the world war in Europe was over the land, and Ameri-
ca was anxious to help end it.
1917.

Atlantic Highlands became earnest about the war. Its


young men began to volunteer for over-seas service. Fin-
ally America declared war in April and June 5th was Reg-
i..cttration Day. But many had gone before this, in ambu-
lance corps, aviation, cavalry (later heavy field artillery)
and naval branches. On Registration Day, Atlantic High-
lands held the greatest parade, civic, patriotic and military,
in its history, and probably the greatest in Monmouth Coun-
ty to that date, although the Welcome Home on August 21,
1919, was another record breaking event.
The local Red Cross was told to raise $5,000. The
Chapter included parts of Middletown Township (Belford,
Leonardo and Navesink), and Highlands, and raised $19,-
,600 instead. There were 828 members of the Red Cross in
the borough alone. On the first call for Liberty Loan bonds
$54,000 were subscribed, and for the second call $150,000.
Conservation pledges were made and kept and a lot of our
boys in the service were "Somewhere in France" before
the year was over.
In civics--for some years prior to 1916-the people had
voted down all bond issues except one for sewer extensions,
and in 1916 they :voted down a $7,500 Park issue submitted
without recommendation by the Mayor and Council.
Then the borough ,oted to buy a borough hall prop-
FROM INDL.\N TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 651

erty and decided to increase fire-fighting machinery. One


citizen, Mr. O. R. Lichtenstein, offered to contribute $3,500
towards the purchase of $10,000 worth of apparatus. The
people voted 171 to 15 on May 22, 1917, to raise $9,500,
which with the $3,500 donated, enabled the borough to
buy three up-to-date motor fire trucks, two hose and chem-
ical trucks (one with pump), and one hook and ladder
truck. These could not be duplicated today for fifty per
cenf increase in cost. A two-story concrete fire-proof fire
house was built on the Mount Avenue side of the i;ew
Borough Hall property, which latter fronted 105 feet on
First Avenue and 180 feet on Mount Avenue. This site
for the fire house enables the apparatus to be centrally
located, and to rush out without interference with trolleys
and main street traffic of First A venue.
The Borough Hall cost $20,000, and rents, from por-
tions not used by the borough, paid for current expenses
of the whole.
The bonds were issued at 4½ per cent. The 1905 five
per cent electric light bonds were renewed at 4½ per cent
also.
It was hoped by :Mayor Snyder and his colleagues that
a public library would be erected eventually on the First
Avenue open space of about 55 feet front.
The coal famine str.uck with force in the fall of 1917
and as the borough was operating its own water, light and
sewer plants coal was such a necessity as to make the au-
thorities "sweat blood." Cars consigned to the borough
were commandeered en route, until finally the government
gave priority to municipal ownership, and thereafter coal
was generally available in time, but at very high prices.
The new street signs were put up in 1917; each bore
the name of the avenue and the words "Atlantic High-
lands" underneath. Mayor Snyder said he had motored
through too many nameless towns to let ours go thus. The
extra cost was less than $20 to have the town name on
every street corner.
In the election in 1917 Mayor Snyder was re-elected
for two more years. With him were re-elected Councilmen
Conrow and Muir.
1918.
was looked on as one of the most eventful because so many
of our young men were in the World War and everybody at
home was engaged in supporting the numerous levies for
652 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

war loans, thrift saving, food saving, war stamps, Red


Cross, united war work and other drives, and the borough
went "over the top" every time.
A list of those in uniform is given elsewhere in this
History.
Fortunately the toll of life and limb demanded was
comparatively small to what some other sections lost. Two
of our boys paid the supreme price, a native. Captain F.
Paul Brunig, and a summer resident, William Friedlaender;
others suffered shell shock, or wounds or falls, but none
others resulted fatally.
The borough erected an Honor Roll giving name, rank
and branch of service of every local man known to be in
the naval or military service and training camp, and in-
cluded three uniformed women nurses or camp workers
ovez:-seas.
All non-military construction was held up by war work
and needs. Labor commanded high prices and commodities
soared in price. The great climax came with the news
of the Armistice, November 11, 1918, and everybody
breathed free with the knowledge that the blight of war
and danger, of shot and shell, was over.
1919.
was a year of reconstruction, of doing borough work on
streets and elsewhere, with less men and less money and
'\"nth a diminished purchasing power. Captain William
Stryker, whose natural ability and faithfulness as a road
worker had kept the borough streets in splendid shape for
years, failed in health and gave up. Others tried to take
his place but have not been able to do so much or as well
with the money available. Because of the shortage in hous-
ing due to stoppage of construction Atlantic Highlands
made plans for a large number of new homes.
On August 21, 1919, the great event of that year took
place-the "Welcome Home" to all our returned veterans.
It was a great and glorious event, joined in by all our neigh-
boring towns. Moving pictures were taken by A. L. Gorlin.
These are shown annually. The Citizens Gift Committee
presented, at the hands of General William Barclay Par-
sons of the famous fighting engineers, a special medal to
each veteran and also a framed testimonial. The "Wel-
come Home" occasion on the slope of Atlantic Beach Park
will ever be remembered by all who were in the parade
or on the grounds.
FROM INDIA:.~ TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 653

■HIS testimonial of gratitude end affection


from the Gtizens of ATlANTIC 1-IlGHIANDS,
Monmouth Coun~. New Jersey, to their fellow-
who gave their patriotic service in the Great W er, under
townsmen
the ~ Colors, and whose names are hereon insailied.

El>WAIU> S. B. ABEL JOS.R-'\"MOND HALI.ERA.Of JOHN ff. Pffll.LIPS


Fk.,NK C. BAILE\" JAMES R. HALLIDAY PHILIP J. PHILLIPS
MARSHALL A. l<.\RRETT \VILLBM HOPLA \Vil.LI !\II C. POSTEN
RA\"IIIONO F. RMUIETT RAYMOND II. IRWIN FRANIC POL1CHl."EEPSIE
AIITHUR.H. BROWN EDWARD R. POWELL
PAUL F. BRI/NIC
\\"INl'IF.LO l>O!'l.~ BRUNIG
~i~~R{g~~~:z
JOSEPH HAROLD I.El.LY
ARTHUR C. PURVIS"
FRANK A. OUACICENBIJSH
NELSO!'l S. BRY.,ST •"RANK W. KRAIJSI WIUJAII RF.ID
El/GENE IIIJRkF.LL C:EORGE B. KRAIJSI PAUL B. ROBERTS
ROSl:01:. Ii. CAMl'IIELL HAROU> P. LEONARD ANTONY ROSSI
WILLIAM F. CAMl'UELL •"RANK LESLIE: STANLEY F. SCULTHORP
CASTITINO CASO NORWOOD H. LINDELi. EDWIN A. SHEPHERD
L ST.,NLEY CHAMPIO!'l
GIHSDIN J. CHAl'M \N
NEILSON U. COSO\ Ell
,~m:~~- L~~"&EN
ICE!'.SETH LINZIIA\"ER
CEORGE SIEGEL
HAAR\" Y. SMITH
CIXJRGE II. SMITH
F.llG\R C COOK SORMAN A. Ll/FBURROW WILLIAM ).,MES SKIT1i
ROlll::IIT C. COOK RORERT A. LUFBIJliROW NELSON ~NEDECOR
F.ll N. CIJTLEI( ALFRED E. II ASNING EARi.£ SPADER SNYDER
JSO. WALLACE CUTLER. Ja. JAME..<; JAY MARTIN
OIA5. J. o.,NKE CARMINE M,t:RIELLO ~~N~i.~~:YD:R
~:.ti~i fl~~ERG JOSEPH MAZZA
ARTHUR S. MICKF.N<;
STERLING STRYKElt
~W:\.S~
JOH!'l DOWD WALTER H. MICK.-~"IS
JOHN II. ELLIS ALVIN H. MOU!'."T DAVID TIJMEN
~:~~~lN,t;~ .. C:EORGE A. MOL'l."T
WILi.BM L MOl'NT
JOHN VAN DE\'t:!ITEII
J.,MES 8. VAN NATER
kRAYTON E FAILING El>WARD HUGH ML"LLIGAN COSIMO VASTO
PERC\" D. FALKINBURG CEORGE H. Mt:LLIGAN FRANK E WELLS
JAMES W. FLETT
R.\\"MOSO L FLF.TT
F.DWARO H. FORSL,ND
~':.'Ub 't:'i:1#~N
DA\'ID 8. NIC"HOl..'5
FRED W. WF.t.L<;
LEO J. WHITEHEAD
IOHN !:. WOODRUFF
HAROLD II. FOWl.£R WILLIAM C. NOE GEORGI: WOODSON
WILLIAM H. FRAZIF.R DANIEL C. OAKES FLORENCE E CASE
How.,RI> R. GAFl-"E\" ALFRED C. OLIVER. Ja. DORIS N. CUTL£R
THOS. HENRY c.,FFEY WILLARD I. PERRll,'E MARGARET B. PURVIS
RA\"JIOND A. GEARY ARTHUR T. PHAIR FRANK L BAILEY

Tender.ed Auiun tLe Twent;»-First, NinetHn-NinetHn

TESTIMONIAL TO WAR VETERANS.


654 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTERVill.
1920.

MAYOR HENDRICKSON TAKES OATH OF OFFICE.

At twelve o'clock noon January 1, 1920, Doctor Henry


A. Hendrickson became Mayor of Atlantic Highlands, the
oath of office being administered by Vice-Chancellor John
E. Foster in the Borough Hall, comer of First and Mount
Avenues, in the presence of many citizens. Mayor Hen-
drickson is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery
in Atlantic Highlands and Middletown Township and has
served Atlantic Highlands as Collector and Treasurer and
as president and medical member of the Board of Health.
The following were the Councilmen for 1920: Frank J.
Muir, Craig Quackenbush, William J. Jennings, Charles R.
Mount, Jr., W. Harry Posten and H. Delford Little.
Following is an article from the Atlantic Highlands
Journal:
MAYOR HENDRICKSON JUBILANT AT THE PROSPECT OF A
NEW COUNTY ROAD.
"Dr. H. A. Hendrickson, who became Mayor of Atlan-
tic Highlands last Thursday, was jubilant at the outcome
today and he said there was great satisfaction throughout
Atlantic Highlands. He gave entire credit for the outcome
to the Association of Municipalities.
" 'Atlantic Highlands is thoroughly converted to the
idea of co-operative endeavor for the Jersey shore,' said
Dr. Hendrickson today. 'Atlantic Highlands supported the
comprehensive county road scheme and submerged its local
interests to the good of the shore as a whole, confident that
in our attitude we could demonstrate the necessity and
worth of the 'missing link' and First Avenue roads as im-
portant units in the whole scheme. We have won import-
ant local improvements because, by our attitude of partici-
pation in the whole county scheme, we have demonstrated
the importance of the local roads as a part of the county
program.'
"The 1920 building program of the freeholders now
provides a 'water route' for the Ocean Boulevard from
Matawan through to the Highlands and thus down to Wes-
ley Lake, Asbury Park.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 655

"The resolution calls upon the commissioners to de-


clare a zone of benefits under which assessments will be
levied aA"ainst property for the cost of the work above the
county allowance. The freeholders will contribute to the
improvement at the rate of $60,000 a mile for a 30-foot
pavP.ment. Ocean Avenue is 55 feet wide, leaving approxi-
mately 25 feet of roadway to be paid for by the city.
"There is a difference of opinion in the board, which
has not been debated, as to details. over the time in which
this work can be done. Mayor Hetrick and Mr. Winckler
are of the opinion that the work can be completed by June
1st. Mr. Pittenger and Dr. Pratt incline to the belief that
the work should not be started until after Labor Day be-
cause of the shortage of labor and materials, and the com-
plicated legal phases to be met. Mr. Hetrick's idea is that
by conference with Long Branch, Allenhurst and Ocean
townships, arrangements might be made whereby the con-
struction work could be speeded up."
The following is taken from the "Asbury Park Press,"
January 7, 1920:

"MISSING LINK" SECTION OF BOULEVARD IS AUTHO'D.IZED.

"ATLANTIC filGHLANDS, January 7.-Aseembled


here yesterday with the Mayor and officials of Atlantic
Highlands, the Highlands and delegations of officials from
nearby towns and boroughs, the freeholders agreed to build
the 'missing link' road over the meadows connecting Atlan-
tic Highlands with Keyport by way of Port Monmouth and
K~ansb11rg, and to pave First Avenue here its entire length
with a 30-foot concrete roadbed.
"The 'missing link' work will begin immediately and
will be completed by 1921. It will have a length of ap-
proximately three miles and will follow the bay lines, as
close to the water as practicable. This road joins important
Ocean Boulevard links and provides a direct route from
Keyport to Highlands, the present road being a wide de-
tour which does not traverse the shore sections.
"The freeholders and Atlantic Highlands officials re-
spected the route yesterday and decided for the road lead-
ing west out of Center Street in the most direct 'bay line"
to Port Monmouth and Keansburg. This route is acro1111:
meadow ground and requires ditching for the road and
careful preparation of the roadbed. The surfacing will
be of gravel as an experiment, to be followed by permanent
pavement if it is demonstrated that the roadbed will hold.
656 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

.Atlantic Highlands officials are positive the road will hold


for they declare that sand bars and deposits in the meadows
will provide a firm foundation for the thoroughfare.
"First Avenue in Atlantic Highlands is an important
'feeder' line for the Ocean Boulevard and has an appro%i-
mate length of three-(luarters of a mile. Both projects had
been urged upon the freeholders in the consideration of
the county road building program, and they had the sup-
port of the Association of North Jersey Coast Municipal-
ities, President Clarence E. F. Hetrick of Asbury Park hav-
ing attended the meeting here yesterday to help advance
the plans."
1921.
Below is an editorial that appeared in "'The Atlantic
Highlands Journal" upon the re-election of Dr. Hendric~-
son as Mayor in 1921:
"There is one thing the Atlantic Highlands Council of
1921 is richer for, and that is experience, and as the Mayor
and most of the board are hold-overs the promise is that
much of good will be accomplished in the year just dawn-
ing. The members have looked into things with serious
minds and are about ready to take up some things of trans-
formation wherein undoubtedly taxpayers and citizens will
be pleased to lend their encouragement. The 'Journal'
extends New Year's greetings to the Council board mem-
bers and to every officer and citizen of Atlantic Highlands.
Together let us make this year prosperous and ring with
the victorious note of accomplishment."
On April 14, 1921, the following appeared in "The
Atlantic Highlands Journal."
FIRST AVENUE IMPROVEMENT WILL MARK WONDERFUL
NEW PROGRESS.
"The Board of Chosen Freeholders are advertising in
today's 'Journal' for bids for the reconstruction of First
Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, with a sheet asphalt surface
on concrete foundation.
"The drawings and specifications for the proposed
work were prepared by George D. Cooper, county engineer,
and may be inspected by bidders at the engineer's office,
60 Broad Street, Red Bank.
"All bids will be opened and read in public at the
meeting of the Board of Freeholders at the Court House,
Freehold, on Wednesday, May 4, 1921, at 11 a. m.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 657

"The board gives local contractors opportunity to se-


cure the contract.
"It is gratifying to know that this improvement is
assuming activity. It will be the one marked improvement
in Atlantic Highlands that will indicate aspirations to be-
come a city.
"This improvement will relieve much work that has
hitherto been done on First Avenue, and will allow of ser-
vice and improvement elsewhere.
"When the Oceau Boulevard improvement is made a
fact, we will be as proud as a peacock. The world on
wheels will be glad to be invited to stop over here and view
our wonderful scenery-bay, ocean, river and woodland.
"Atlantic Highlands is a vantage spot on the map that
should encourage residents to use every means to promul-
gate and advertise the spot that we are fonmate enough
to live in and know about."
First Avenue is a county road and extends from Jack-
son bridge to the bay shore.
The following notice regarding the Atlantic Highlands
Building and Loan Association appeared in the "Journal":
BUILDING LOANS INDICATE PROFIT IN REAL ESTATE.
$30,000 Allotted at High Rate of Premium.
Atlantic :Highlands Building and Loan Association Has Many Applica-
tions for Loans All the Way from Highlands
to Keansburg.
"It was building loan night last evening when applica-
tions for loans were made to the Atlantic Highlands Build-
ing and Loan Association. Twenty-one borrowers were
satisfied, their properties being located all the way from
Highlands to Keansburg. Several interested parties went
away with~ut borrowing because of the high premium.
"The premium offered was large, but when it is taken
into consideration that Keansburg and water front property
is exceedingly profitable for renting purposes and tempor-
ary investment. it is hardly wondered at that men are will-
ing to pay 13 and 14 per cent premium for loans.
"The local association is one of the largest and best in
the state."
The Atlantic Theatre, formerly the Ocean Boulevard
Garage, opened May, 1921, with Harry A. Kridel as man-
ager. The following account appeared in "The Atlantic
Highlands Journal":
658 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

ATLANTIC THEATRE OVER CROWDED ON OPENING NIGHT.


900 Admissions and Many Are Turned Away.
With Everybody Guessing Only One Named the Picture That Flashed
the Screen Wednesday Night-First Presentation
Contracts.
·'The new Atlantic Theatre threw its doors open to an
unusually large crowd of motion picture fans at the grand
opening last night. No sooner was admission granted than
the house was packed to its full capacity with eager people
who had been waiting anxiously outside. The attendance
registered over 900 and a large crowd was turned away.
Automobiles were lined ~II along the street and the new
electric sign made a wonderful display of light which re-
minded one of the Great·White Way. The new $10,000
organ made a splendid impression on the audience. The
feature picture for the opening night was 'Sentimental
Tommy' with Gareth Hughes and an all star cast. the pic-
ture that has graced the Criterion and Rivoli Theatres in
New York to capacity gatherings for the ·past 10 weeks.
The reward of a $10 gold piece which was offered by the
management to the person guessing the name of the feature
for the opening night was won by A. S. Spear, who out of
nearly 1,000 contestants was the only one to guess it right."
1922.
At twelve o'clock noon January 2, 1922, Mayor H. A.
Hendrickson again took the oath of office. January 1,
1922, came on Sunday. On that day Mayor Hendrickson
took the oath of office at twelve o'clock noon, in private, at
his residence. Mayor Hendrickson's years of service as
Mayor of Atlantic Highlands are 1920, 1921, 1922, 1928.
We quote from his address of January 2, 1922, as follows:
"To the people of Atlantic Highlands, who have twice
eiected me Mayor, both times without opposition, I express
my grateful appreciation. • . . I wish to state that unless
something exceptional arises, I shall not again be a candi-
date for Mayor of Atlantic Highlands."
("The Red Bank Standard," March 10, 1922.)
ATLANTIC mGHLANDS RESIDENTS ORGANIZE.
Preliminary Steps Taken at Banquet Last N'ight.
Vice-Cttancellor Fostor Speaks.
Brief Remarks Kade Also by Other Representative Citizens and
Business Men.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 659

"Preliminary steps toward the organization of a per-


manent association of business men and other tax-payers
of Atlantic Highlands were taken at_a banquet held last
lliglit in Rhodes' Restaurant on First Avenue of that place.
At the re-organization of the Mayor and Council on Jan-
uary 2nd, Mayor H. A. Hendrickson appointed F. A. White
and Ira Antonides, Jr., a committee to make arrangements
for the organization of an association to be formed for the
purpose of improving conditions in the borough. Last night's
banquet was the result. Following the dinner Mr. White
and Mr. Antonides were appointed, together with Vice-
Chancellor John E. Foster, Charles Van Mater, Guy P.
McHenry, Harry Posten, Attorney Charles R. Snyder, Pat-
rick J. Kilcullen and Councilman William J. Jennings, a
committee to arrange for another dinner to be held at
Rhodes' Restaurant on Thursday evening, March 23rd, at
which time the association will be perfected. Without
further solicitation on the part of the committee those who
are interested in the movement, and wish to attend the
next dinner, are requested to leave their names, with $1.50,
with either Mr. White or Mr. Antonides, not later than the
evening of Saturday, March 18th.
"Colonel Somers T. Champion acted as toastmaster at
last evening's affair. The opening prayer was made by
Reverend Joseph H. Schaeffer, pastor of the Atlantic High-
lands Presbyterian Church. Vice-Chancellor Foster was
the first speaker. He advised those present to co-operate
with the Mayor and Council in making Atlantic Highlands
a better and physically cleaner town. He suggested that
the borough hall be renovated, both inside and out, and
asked that the streets and sidewalks approaching the bor-
ough be put in first-class condition. Upon motion of the
speaker it was unanimously voted to empower the Mayor
and Council to make a definite proposition to the County
Board of Freeholders whereby the borough will stand a
fair.share of the expense of completing the work of paving
First A venue.
"Reverend William P. Tighe, rector of St. Agnes'
Catholic Church, gave an interesting address on 'Our
Home.' He suggested that the 'Golden Rule' be adhered
to. Charles Van Mater, president of the Atlantic High-
lands National Bank, spoke on 'Our Opportunities.' He
told of the large number of buildings for commercial pur-
poses, and of the many dwellings that have been erec-::ed
during the past two years. He said he felt sure that the
borough is surging ahead and not going backward. Mayor
660 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

Hendrickson said that he views the growth of the borough


in a spirit of optimism. He paid a high tribute to the com-
mittee in charge of last night's banquet. Councilman Jen-
nings gave a brief outline of what the Mayor and Council
contemplate doing this year for the betterment of ·the
town. He said that forty large electric pole lights will be
erected to succeed the obsolete arch lights. He said that
the State Highway Commission will be requested to take
over approximately 880 feet of road, extending from Many
Mind Creek to First Avenue, connecting with Valley Drive.
The councilmanic board proposes to fill the roadbed be-
tween the trolley tracks on First Avenue with concrete.
At the suggestion of Mr. Jennings it was voted to have a
sign erected at James Hendrickson's corner in Middle-
town directing autoists and others to the nearest route to
the ocean, which extends from the Middletown turnpike
through Lenison Junction and Altantic Highlands and over
the Ocean Boulevard.
"Upon the suggestion of Attorney Snyder, a former
Mayor of the borough, it was voted to write the Central
Railroad Company of New Jersey a letter of thanks for
excellent winter train service given the town during the
past two years. During this time the railroad company has
run the Atlantic Highlands-Seabright express during the
winter. The company will be asked to continue the service.
Dr. John H. Van Mater, also a former Mayor of the bor-
ough, plead with his listeners to co-operate with the Mayor
and Council.
"Other speakers were Edgar C. Cook, Milton R. Shale,
owner and editor of "The Atlantic Highlands Journal,"
John O'Keefe and Leon B. Katz.
"A unanimous vote of thanks was extended to Post-
master Charles R. Grover, proprietor of Rhodes' Restau-
rant, and who was responsible for serving such an excellent
repast."
On March 28, 1922, another meeting was held at
Rhodes' Restaurant, at which time officers were elected
and tommittees appointed. The first matter considered
was a name for the organization. After some discussion,
it was decided the organization should be known as ''The
Citizens' Association of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey."
F. A. White was made president, Ira Antonides, Jr., vice-
president, Jonas Tumen, secretary, and Charles R. Grover,
treasurer.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 661

COUNTY TAKES OVER ROAD.


("The Atlantic Highlands Journal," March 8, 1922.)
Freeholden Take 0.er Road from Middletown to Atlantic Highlands
Line.
"At a meeting of the Board of Chosen Freeholders
held last night, they formally passed a resolution taking
over the road from the State Highway at James C. Hen-
drickson's Corner through New Monmouth to Lenison Junc-
tion and from there down the Leonardville Road through
Leonardo and down to Many Mind Creek at the borough
line.
"It is the intention of the board to take over the entire
road through to First Avenue, but the county law provides
that before a road can be taken over from a municipality, a
resolution must be passed asking the board to take the
road over and consenting to such action. The Township
Committee of Middletown Township passed their resolu-
tion last fall but the Borough of Atlantic Highlands have
not passed any resolution, so the board could not take over
that section known as West Valley Drive which lies be-
tween Many Mind Creek and First Avenue and is only a
few hundred feet long. If this is done by the next meeting
of fhe board, it is understood that that section will be form-
ally taken over also.
"This will mean that at last the Borough of Atlantic
Highlands is connected with the upper state roads 1by
through county roads, which many residents have been
many years trying to obtain.
"Howard W. Roberts, Township Clerk of Middletown
Township, with whom the 'Journal' reporter was talking,
stated that the Township Committee of Middletown Town-
ship had been advocating the matter at their board meet-
ings requesting this to be done."
Mayor Hendrickson and the Councilmen of Atlantic
Highlands have passed the resolution referred to above,
and the Freeholders have taken over the section of the road.
662 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

CHAPTER IX.
llISTORY OF THE BOY SCOUT TROOP NO. 22,
ATLANTIC mGHLANDS, N. J.

The date of the national organization of the Boy Scouts


of America is February 8, 1910. In the summer of 1911
a small group of boys in Atlantic Highlands, having heard
of the movement, wanted to become scouts. They came to
Miss Helen Brown, daughter of the late Reverend Oliver
Brown of Bay View Avenue, and asked her help, which she
most readily gave. They met at her house during the fall,
and• soon came to the point where they wanted to be of-
ficially organized as a Boy Scout troop. Miss Brown con-
sequently applied to the headquarters of the movement in
New Yor1c City for a charter for the troop and a commission
for herself as scoutmaster. She was informed that the
scoutmaster had to be a man, and so being "only a woman"
she could not qualify. Not discouraged at all, Miss Brown
set out to find a man to be the scoutmaster and asked Rev-
erend J. H. Schaeffer of the local Presbyterian Church if
he would undertake the work. Mr. Schaeffer having had
something of this sort in his mind, agreed. The official
date of the organization of the Atlantic Highlands troop
is December 1, 1911, and Mr. Schaeffer's commission as
scoutmaster, of the same date, is number 5,682. The troop
has gone on continuously since then with the exception of
an interregnum of about a year.
The original group of boys who formed the troop on
December 1, 1911, is as follows:
Fenwick Youenes William Heimbold
Frank Quackenbush Raymond Boise
Frank Poughkeepsie Paul Brunig
Frank Ewing Arthur Irwin
Walter Thompson Edward Abel
Bartlett Ely Robert Dorcas
Alfred Burns Edward Forsland
Ralph Cossaboom Howard Samo
Victor Cruser James Van Mate1
Willard Perrine Harry Smith
Kenneth Johnson Otis Smith
Earl Snyder
As the work has been carried on, members have come
and gone; the personnel constantly changing as the boys
have outgrown their interest in the work. The troop has
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 663

taken part in district and county rallies, and other activities.


It is a part of Monmouth County Council, and the immediate
district is known as the Sandy Hook Bay District, the ter-
ritory of which stretches from New Monmouth to Highlands
and Fort Hancock. Mr. H. H. Bowtell has been the ad-
ministration chairman for a number of years and has done
much to advance the interests of Boy Scouts in this part
of the county.
Various assistant scoutmasters have aided in the work.
Their names are as follows: B. E. Failing, M. D., Norwood
Lindell, Paul Roberts, Leslie Antonides. J. E. Armstead,
Fred Linden, Jr., Donald Posten and Richard Conard. Doc-
tor Failing was first aid instructor until he went into the
service in 1917. Doctor H. A. Hendrickson is instructor
now in first aid and bandaging.
During the World War the troop was ready for any
service. The scouts have acted as ushers, messengers;
have assisted at patriotic rallies, have aided the Red Cross,
took part in parades and demonstration, rendered com-
munity service. When a disabled aeroplane fell in Rice's
fiel4, some time during the fall of 1917, the scouts took
turns guarding it for three days, until it could be moved
away. Some had war gardens, each scout "trying to feed
!l soldier." The troop was a part of the Coast Defence un-
der the Navy Department and all suspicious activities on
land or the bay were promptly reported. Some real work
was done during the Liberty Loan campaigns. All scouts
throughout the country were called upon to help in selling
bonds and responded nobly. A small bronze medal was
given to each scout who would sell ten bonds, regardless
of their denominations. The record of the Atlantic High-
lands Troops is as follows:
1st Liberty Loan, 28 bonds sold, face valae •.•.•....•...... $2,450
2nd Liberty Loan, 26 bonds sold, face valae ....•.•......... 2,000
.3rd Liberty Loan, 39 bonds sold, face valae ...•..••.....•.. 3,600
4th Liberty Loan, 32 bonds sold, face valae. • . . . . • • . • . • . • . . 4,250
~th Liberty Loan, 52 bonds sold, face value. • . . • . • . • . . . . • . . 5,900
Total ..•..•. 177 $18,200

In the 1st Liberty Loan, Leslie Antonides sold ten bonds


and was awarded a bronze medal. He sold ten in the 2nd
Liberty Loan, face value $1,600, and was given a bar to
.add to it. In the 5th Liberty Loan, Kenneth Garrison, Wil,-
liam Nason and Elbert Mason each received a medal for
.selling ten bonds each. Kenneth Garrison and William
Nason each sold a $1,000 bond.
664 FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL

In the War Savings Stamps Campaign, 242 sales were


made, totalling $422.26, and Harold Haynor sold most of
any of the scouts.
Twenty-five scouts entered the nation's service. The
following wore the uniform of their country either in active
service at the front, in government service at home, or in
the training camps a~ school:
Frank Poughkeepsie Frank Quackenbush
Earl Snyder Willard Perrine
Paul Brunig Edward Abel
Alfred Burns James Van Hater
Victor Cruser Edward Forsland
Walter Thompson Harry Smith
Fred Katz Frank Ewin
George Krausi Harold Fowfer
Howard Samo Walter Crawford
J'ohn Woodward Philip Phillips
Harold Kelly Theodore Davis
Norwood Lindell, asst. 11. m. B. E. Failing, M. D., aut. 11. m,
Paul Roberts, asst. 11. m. (Major, :Dfedieal Corpa)
Our gold star scout is Paul Brunig, who was a member
of the original troop. He joined the Seventh Regiment,
New York, National Guard in 1915, and served with it on
the Mexican Border in 1916. When war was declared, he
was one of the first to volunteer, trained at Camp Wads-
worth, Spartansburg, North Carolina, and departed for
France with the A. E. F. in May, 1918. He was a member
of Company B, 107th Infantry, 27th Division, and was first
sergeant of his company. He saw continuous active service
in the American forces, associated with the British forces
under Marshal Haig. He was killed in action on the eve
of his 21st birthday, on Sunday, September 29, 1918, in
the attack of the 27th •Division which broken the famous
Hindenburg Line near Cambrai. He was brought to his
final resting place on Sunday, April 16, 1921, in Stone
Church Cemetery, where, on Armistice Day, members of
the local troop go to pledge allegiance to the flag for which
he gave "the last full measure of devotion." "Dulce et
decorum pro patria mori."
Thus has this small part of that fine organization, the
Boy Scouts of America, endeavored to render service. Ll"b-
erty, loyalty and patriotism are taught, the daily good turn
is practiced, and the aim is to train the scout in such a way
that he may "be prepared" for any service he may render
his country.
(Signed) J. H. SCHAEFFER.
Atlantic Highlands, N. J.
February 2, 1923.
FROM INDIAN TRAIL TO ELECTRIC RAIL 666

NAMES OF SCOUTS WHO RAVE BEEN MEMBERS OF TROOP.


NO. 22, ATLANTIC mGHLANDS, N. J.
Edward Abel Charles Huber Philip Phillipa
Leslie Antonides Lewis Hallam !gnazio Piacentino
George Alward Winston Hamper Edward Polhemus
.Milton Bennett John Hanson Donald Posten
Robert Bennett William Heimhold Frank Poughkeepsie
Raymond Boise John Hitchcock, Jr. Rutherford Porteus
Daniel Brandolph Edmund Hartcom Frank Quackenbush
Alfred Burns Arthur Irwin William Qluackenbush.
Paul B . Leonard B. Irwin Harold Raynor
Harold~ Kenneth Johnson Vernon Ralph
Leslie Carhart John Joslin Patsy Rosse
Louis Caruso Fred. Xahle Howard Samo
Elisha Camp Fred. :Katz Alfred Smith
Robert Card Harold Kelly Harvey Smith
Raymond Clark George Krau&i Harry Smith
Ralph Cossaboom Stanley Kusinski Eddie Smith
Norman Conover Edward Magee Otis Smith
Ellsworth Conover William Magee Waldron Smith
Harold Conover Leroy :Magee Albert Snider
Earl Cordova Dominick :Marmo Earl Snyder
Harrison Conrad Elbert Mason J h Stryker
Victor Cruser Vincent :McCarty J:;e~tout
Walter Crawford Harry :McCullom Walter Thompson
Frank Coratic Clifford Merritt James Van Mater
Theodore Davis Lewis Merritt William Van Note
Malcolm De Vesty Harold Merritt Ralph Watkins
William Dauster Arnold Martin Stailley West
Joseph Dender Roscoe Morin Dewitt Wells
Robert Dorcas Coleman Mullin Louis Wenger
Malcolm Drake Paul Muir Henry Wigginton
Edward Dunn Horace Moody Earl Williams
Malcolm Ferguson William Nason Grover Williams
Samuel Ferguson Henry Noe (mascot) Thomas W-ilson
Robert Flett Theodore Norcross John Woodward
Harold Fowler H · Ow
Edward Forsland Arcarnshibald Pearnks Walter Woodward
Albert Woodruff
Harold Flett Tony Pap_a Malcolm Woodnuf
Kenneth Garrison William Patterson Fenwick Youenes
Malcolm Garrison Willard Perrine Brent Youenes
Henry Gehlhaus "'--Id ""eif
Edmund Gehlhaus ......-v r.1. er Harvey Bowtell
George Gordon Louis Phillips (mascot)
COLORED BOYS, IN CONNECTION WITH ST. PAUL'S
BAPTIST CHUEH.
Edward Treadway Sterling Keyes
Henry Treadway Gilbert Smock
Timothy Treadway Joel Hall
David Treadway William S. Jones
Joseph Treadway Joe Bell
Fred. Woodson Jack Woodson
Alfred Keyes Arthur Larue
Joe Taylor
THE MONMOUTH SHORE.
The first to mark the white man's tread,
The first to bosom the white man's dead;
l'he first legislature, so the annals read,
l'he shores where the red-coated Hessians fled,
"l'he brave Captain Huddy, the sea echoes wed,
B:y the historic "Highlands of Monmouth."
"From Indian Trail
To Electric Rail"
History of
MONMOUTH'S NORTH SHORE

by

Thomas Henry Leonard

INDEX
Compiled by
Norma L. Swan

The author expresses to :',liss Swan his acl:nowledJ;:lllent for the manner in
which she has accompli3hecl the work.

January Atlantic Highlands


l!l:!1' ~c-w .Je!~f.lY
A boundaries of, 195; first sale of
lots at, 203-204; religious meet-
Abel, Mrs. E. B., member Red Cross ings first held at, 208; post office
Executive Committee, 610-630. established at, 218; boarding
Actors, colony of, nt Nnvesink High. houses at, in 1882, 218; First Ave-
lands, 73. nue widended, 223-224; railroad
African M. E. Church. 97. for.agitated, 225-228; stages,
"Alice of Old Monmouth. quoted, 23 schedule of, 22!); first fire at, 233-
Allen, Robert. Sr., family of 143-144 236; organizations in 1883, 250;
All Snints :\lcmorial Church, see improvements in 1883, 250-252;
Church. damaged by great storm in 188~.
American Legion organized nt At- 259-261; borough government pro-
lantic Highlands, 588-590. posed, 263-266; buildings erected
American :\Iechanics, Junior Order 1879-1890, 266-270; business be-
of; organized at Atl. Hg!ds., 347; ginnings in, 272-27-l; record of
organized Daughters of Liberty, events in, 272-27,l; borough organ.
441; officers installed in 1897, 487; ized in 11\87, 272-291.
officers installed in 1899, 521. Atlantic Highlands Association;
property restrictions of, 192-19_4;
Amphitheatre, natural, at Atlantic organization perfected, 201; bst
Highlands; description or. 194; of orii:-inal stockholders, 201-202;
dedicated, 205-206. camp meeting in 1882, 219-22~;
Andrews Estate, description of, 458 camp meeting attendance wanes in
Andrews, Re\·erend Bromwell; ac- 1885, 259: anniversary meetin~.
count of, 9!l; preaches at Navesink 280-28 I ; Reverend E. C. Curtis
155-156. elected president. 2!l 1-282; finan-
Apple cider, production of, 134-135. cial statement of. 281-282; meet-
Applegate's Landing, account of, 135 ing in 1885, 28-l: camp meeting
Applegate, John Stillwell; writes in 1886. 285: camo meeting _inter-
note on "The Little Red Short ests settled, 293-294: !'.ells pier to
Gown", 162-163; president board New Jer!'ey Central Railroad Col!'•
of directors At!. H1dds. R. R. Co .• panv. 307; holds sale of lots tn
243; address by, at opening of 11\89 308: meetings well attended,
Atlantic Highlands and New York 309 ••public sale of lots in 1890,
Railroad, 257-258; agent for Mon- 328: closes out real estate. 384;
.mouth County Hi•torical Associa- purpose of, 450: work of, in de-
tion, 510. velouing town, 450-451: purchase
Ap,plegate, Richard the first will of Hoooer tract. by. 523; referred
of, 161. to by William M. Foster, 574.
Applegate, Richard, account of, 130; Atlantic Hi2hlands. growth Olf, 1887-
farmer on Garrett Hill, 160. 18!10, 329; development of, de-
Applegate, Thomas, descendants of, scribed by William J. Leon-ard,
130-131. 450-4 65; growth of, 1887-1894.
Argonaut, The; Company formed, .l02-40-I: part of Greater Port Oif
487; successful triJ>s of, 518-519. ,aew York. 6-12-n46; prophecy con-
"Assistance, The." British man-of- Cf.rning, by William J. Leona~.
'War at Sandy Hook, 34. 4n5: proohecy concerning, in
Atlantic Highlands, (early history "Monmouth Pres•"· 536; sceneey
of); En,clish settlers on present of. dest'rihPtl by William J. Leon-
site of, 7; part of land onginally ard. 4-18--1-19.
Portland Poynt, 17; early sale of Atlantic Theatre opened, 658.
site of. 24; farms included in, 122-
125; i!avorable situation of, 167- B
169; attractive surroundings of,
168-169; pier at, financed, 172; Baby Parade at Atlantic Higblanda.
originally t'alled Bay View, 173; 445-446.
first sale of property at, 177-178; Bank, Atlantic Highlands National;
pier extended, 1 78; Atlantic Pavil- organized, 307-309; building erect-
1on, managed by Wdlliam Foster, ed, 309; becomes a national bank.
185-186; teleitraph service estab- 313; contract awarded for build-
lished at, 188; originally a relig- ing, 314; election of directors in
foas resort, 192-194; original 1897, 487.
Baptists, see Church election for 1897, 491-493; may.
Baseball Club organized at Atlantic or's message in 1898, 511-512;
Highlands, 325-326. election for 1899, 524-526; twen-
Battle of Monmouth, British retreat tieth anniversary of, 533-536; at-
from, 36-37, 159. tempts to improve meadows, 545-
Bay View; original name of Atlantic 54r.; extension of, along Ocean
Highlands, 173; Atlantic High- Boulevard, 594: increase in as-
lands first so-called. 567. sessmrnts in 1922, 595-596; im-
Bay View Cemetery Association; or- pro\'ements during mayoralty of
gnnized. 310-311; annual meeting Charles R. Snyder, G02-G03.
of in 1898, 316. nuwne, James. sells present site of
Bay View House opens in 1880, 189- Atlantic Highlands, 24.
l!l0. Bowne, J. Edgar. dh'ides property
Bay \"iew Transportation Company, into building lots, 253; de,·elop-
organized, 170-172. mcnt of his tract. -157.
P-<-aeon; first light at :-:a\'esink High- P,owne ( Bownes) John, early Enl!.'lish
lands, 77-78; at Wakake Creek, settler. G; leader of hand from
115; Chapel Hill. 1:JG. U!l; Con- Long Islancl, i: ::-.ichols patentee,
over. 136-137. is, JO; s,,ttles in :-:avesink High-
Beacon Hill Golf Club orw.ir.ized. 530 lands, 1664. 10; original estate of,
·Bentley. William Warren. 13:l-J:l4. di"ided, 456-457.
Bicycle Parade at Atlantic Highlands Bowne, Squire .Joseph, account of.
4-13-H4 .• 123-1:!4: estate becomes part of
Blackiston Avenue opened. 3:l!l. borough, 20!1; estate sold for build.
Blacksmiths at Chapel Hill, 148. in::: Jots, 253; de\'elopment of tract
Blizzard of 11'88 damages Atlantic .J;j8-459.
Highlands, 304. Bowne (Richard) farm. 1-12.
Boarding houses in Atlantic High- Bovs' Brigade, organized at Central
lands. 182, 218. 218-21!1. Dantist Church, 436; elects officers
Board of H<'alth. Atlantic Highlnnds; -t~R--t:~!l.
organized, :lOi: interested in '.\1any Bn,· Scouts, organized at Atlantic
Mind Creek. 4'.1:l. Hi:::hlancis, '1f12-6fla; in World
Board of TrnM ..~tlnntir Hi:!hlands: War service, 1,63-flr.4: list of mem-
organized, 33-1-3:Ja; gi,·es hanquet hc-r~. tJna.
to Board of Freeh'>lckr,;, 337-33!1. nr:iy'~ Lnndinl"'. pier at. 11 ;;.11 r..
Borough, Atlantic Hi'!hhnrls: prn- Brrakwater. Raritan and Sand,·
nosed. 2fi3-2f'Hi, ;';71-;)7:?: or~an- Hook, l'fTorts in hehaif of, 527-
i•ed. 272, 291, :;7:1.:;; I: voters at :;:io.
first Plection, 2!1-1: first commis- Brid:::e. C!aypit Creek (Locust) built
~ion(>r~ nf, 2!l5-29~: firi::t mC'etin~ 89.
of commis~ionC"'"~. 2fl!): ordinaTIC'e~ Brirl:::e, Xm·esink-Oc<'anic, hill for.
fir,;t nnssed, :rn'l: report of nrst introduced in State Legislature,
fiscal year. 302-:!03; second elec- :1:!fi-:127: opened. ~31J-:l3!): proves
t ion of. 30 I: r•nort for second imnortnnt mean~ or communica-
fisral year, 305-30r.: third ~lrction, tion, 349; account of, by William
:l12; report for !8!10. :i1r..:i1:: rc- .T. Leonard. -162 .
.nort for 1 R!l0-!11. 33n il~2; ,-,fficia!s Brid:::e. renter ,\\•enuP, o,·er Many
for 1s~n-n1. !1~::?: fi~:1.nr~:1-l i(•~'0r!. '.\Tind Creek, built, -123.
for 18!11, 3 IO; reor'!an;·:c•.1, :1.111- Bridge. new draw, built at Xa,·esink
:'l-ll: financial report io1· 1<;~1- Hig'ilands, 367.
1892, 149-3:;0; ,·otM "n issuing Pr:dge, Stone. on Grand Avenue,
lmpro,cment Ronds. 37fl, 382: n'n"n<'~. -1-lfi: opened. 4i:l-H5.
election for 1893, 3!11; Imnrov·>· Br'stol, Gcor:::c W .. word picture of
ment Bonchs nlaced, 3!11-392; re- "',."'ter evening in Red Cross rooms
,-,nrt for 1 ~'l3-!14. 40,1-405: elec-
~ion for 1 ~~-1. 405-406: election ri2:l.
f~r !R95. :::;; account nf, by Wil- Briiish arm~· on Sandy Hook, 36-37.
l'•m J. L 0on°rd. -152: rl<>ction for Br'•' 0 h gnrris<'n on Sandy Hook, 46-
1 ~9fi, 4fi8-41;9; bonded for muni- -17.
<>'nal liJ?ht plant, 4fi9; declines of- Brown. Andr<'w, account of. 144.
f0r of Electr'c Railwav, 472; 9n. Fr,,_wn. Dr;_01iver A., obituary no-
rua! report for 1897, 489-490; tice of, a.1a.
Brown, Helen E., organizes first Boy school building at, 145; first li-
Scout Troop in Atlantic Highlands censed hotel at, 145-1-16; second
662. hotel at, 1-15-146; first Methodist
Brunig', F. Paul, account of. 652, Society established at. 146; Total
66-1. Abstinence Society of. 1.:6, 149-
Building and Loan, organized at 152; business men of, 146-147;
Atlantic Highlands, 292-293; fifth -post office established at, 147;
annual report of. 38:l; located in blacksmiths at, 148; first called
Bank Buildini:-, 5!J6; success of, High Point, 154; new school
657. building dedicated at. 437; view
Buildings constructed in Atlantic from, 455; Downs Estate at, sold
Highlands in 1883, 250-253. to I. B. Hosford, 5-17.
Burdge, Edward T., account of, 12-1- Cholera feared at Atlantic High-
125; builds first residence in At- lanJs, 3i9-380. ·
lantic Highlands, 185. Church-,s, list of local, 30.
Burying grounds, family. 135, 1-16. Church sen;ces in Atlantic High-
nusiness beginnings in Atlantic lands •in 1886, 285.
Highlands, 272-27 -1. Church, African ;,lcthodist Episcopal
Business directory of Atlantic High- ::,,;avesink, 97.
lands, in 1886. 286; in 1895, -13-1- Church. African ::llcthodist Episcopal
-136. breaks ground at Hillside, -101;
Busine~s men's record of e,·ents in dedicated, -12-1--125.
1880-1888, 270-271. Church. Atlantic Highlands (First)
C. Baptist, account of, 216-217;
Camp meeting at Atlantic Highlands LadiPs' Aid Sot-iety organized,
see Atlantic Highlands. 217: members withdraw from
Carteret ::llanifcsto ignored by )lon- ::,,;a,·esink Church, 31-1-316: Chris-
mou~h Patentees, 1;;. tia:! Endeavor Society organized,
Ca,.ino Club at Atlantic Highl:mds, 31:,.
opens in Tabernacle building, -1-11- Churc,. Atlantic Highlands Central
443; organized. 4-15--1-16; opens Baptist, beginnings of. 356-357;
new building, -l 72--173; presented organization of, 3SG-3SS; constitu-
with banner, .in. Pnt membership of organization,
C.,mctery Association, B:iy View, :is7; forms Christian Endeavor So-
organized, 310-311; annual meet- ciety. 3D;J; buys ~ite for locating
-ing of, in 18!)8. 316. church, :l!JS: ground for. broken,
Center Avenue laid out in 1881, l!J2 -10,; corner stone of. laid. -125;
Central I!ailroad of ~~cw .rcrsey. huilding <le<licated, -131-133: forms
see Railroad, New Jeraey Central Boys' Brigade, -136; Bri~de
Champion, Somers T.. secretary of elects officers. 438-4:l!J.
Atlantic Highlands Association, Church. Atlantic Hii;:hlands :\Ietho-
202; interested in securing At- dist Episcopal. organ·:zation of,
lantic Highlands ,Railroad, 229; 21-1-215; dedication of, 215:
director of Atlantic Highlands pastors of, 215; Ladies' Aid
Railroad Company, 2-13; Com- Socie•.y ori;:anized. 213: Epworth
mander of Kn i:;:-hts o,( P,,-thia.", Lea•~ue organized, 216: property
310: commissioner of Atlantic of. sold, 375-376: moves to Third
Highlands Borough, 325; com- and ::llount Ave.. 386; breaks
mander of Clinton B. Fisk Post ground on Third A,·e .• 406; cor-
of G. A. R., 328: district clerk. ner stone laid. -107: building dedi-
~51; secretary of Lake Submarine cated, -130; description of, 430-
Company, 487; Grand Chancellor -131.
of Knie.-hts,of Pythias of New Jer- Church, Atlantic Highlands Presby-·
sey, 520; secretary of Breakwater terian. beginnings of, 328-329;
Committee, 528; toastmaster at organized and built. 362-364; pre-
Oitizens' Association banquet, 659 sented with a bell, 384.
Channel· of Lower Bay dredged. 292. Church, Atlantic Highlands (Ro-
Chapel Hill, Methodist service at, man) Catholic) St. Agnes, corner
84: early taverns at, 84; 'Beacon, stone of laid, 328; building dedi-
136, 149; originally High Point. cat<"d, 347: St. Agnes Club or-
138; farms of, 142-143; first ganized, 608.
Church, Harmony llethodist, incor- Sandy Hook Light, 36-37.
porated, 113. Conover ( Covenhoven) Mathias, sc-
Church, High Point (Chapel Hill) count of, 125.
Chapel House, 83. 138, 139, HG. Conover. Peter S., postmaster at
149. Atlantic ;iighlands, 188; director
Church. Xavesink Baptist, early of Atlantic Highlands Bank, 309;
,members, 83; church built, 84, 86; elected borough commissioner,
preaching at, by Father Roberts, :112; trustee of \Central Baptist
84, 95; constituent members of. Church, 388; governor of CIL!lino
in 1853, 95-96; 1further account Club. 445; mayor of Atlantic
of, 96-97; withdrawal from to Highlands, 524.
form (First) Atlantic Highlands Contractors. fil'!lt building, in At-
Baptist Church, 314-316; account lantic Highlands. 182.
of, by William J. Leonard, -162. Cooper. George, death of. -146-447.
Church, Xavesink Episcopal, All Cooper, Rev.rend John, becomes a
Saints Memorial, account of, 61; !llethodist, 138,139; preaches at
rectors of, 94; description of, 462. Chape I Hill, 14 6; originally a Bap-
Church, Xavesink Methodist, begin- tist trustee, 149.
nings of. 83, 84; building erected, Cooper's Still House, 146.
97, HG, 1-19; pastors of, 97; Corning Lumber Company, estab-
meeting house built, 1-19; history lished. :!99; opens branch at At-
of, by Will1am J. Leonard, -162. lantic Highlands, -139; reorganized
Churclles at :-.avesink Highlands, s:rn.
76 .. Cnrnwnllis. Lord, headquarters on
Church, ~ew llonmouth Roman Taylor Farm, 139; on Garrett
Catholic, St. llary's, account of, Hill, 157.
111. County Gas Company formed. 608-
Chuch. Port Monmou~n Baptist or- 609.
ganized, 111-112. Curtis, Re,·erend Ed\\-ard C., electe<l
Circuit Methodist ministers at Xave- J•resident Atlantic Highlands Asso-
sink, 154. ciation, 281-282; settles camp
Citizens' L:!.nd ImprvemP.nt Associa- meeting interests, 292-294: made
ation, organized, 223; interested president first Board of Healtli.
in land and water transit, 231- 307; superintends sale of lots of
232; improves First Avenue, 279. Atlantic Highlands Association.
Citizens' Aasociation of Atlantic 308; made first vice-president of
Highlands formed, 658-660. Atlantic Highlands Bank. 309; i.s
Civil War, local men enlisted, 26-27. toastmaster at opening of railroad
Clamming, a nimportant local in- terminus. 37 4; presents Taber-
dustry, 29; description of method nacle ,,,ith bell, 407; makes ad-
of, 133. dresses at opening of Stone Bridge
Claypit Creek (Locust) bridge -174.
built. 89.
Clark; Dr. H. A., druggist at Atlan- D.
tic Highlands, 220; promotes bor- Daughters of Liberty organized at
ough organization. 2S 1; forms Atlantic Highlands. 441.
,partnership with J. M. Johnson, Davis, George 'B., obituary notice of
307. 532-533.
Clinton B. Fisk, see Grand Army of Davis tract, description of, 458.
tbe Renablic. Debow farm, 124.
Clinton. Sir Henry, at Sandy Hook, Deep Hollow, location of, 77.
36-37. Development of Atlantic Highlands
Coleman •. John, killed by an Indian, in 1895, 450-465,
33. 43. Directories of Atlantic Highlands
''Collier". first steamboat between boarding houses in 1882, 218; cot-
Atlantic Highlands and New York tages, 286-288; business, in 1886.
189. 286; advertisers. in 1886, 288-289;
Community Club, account of, 603- ftnt. 317-323; directory for 1891-
605. 1892, 344-346; business men in
Conover Beacon erected, 136-137, 1895; 434-436; business places in
149. 1898, 516-517; 1111Lrages in Atlantic
Conover. Captain John, destroys Highlands, 596-597.
!Jolby, !',[. L., death of. 392. Falkinburg, Pi,rcy, death of, 496-
District schools, list of local, 30; 4lll; praised. as borough s~perin-
first at Navesink, 86; first at Navc- tendent, 512-513.
emg Highlands, 80. Family graveyards, local. 99, 135,
Doughty, John, first gunsmith in 146.
Middletown Township, 74. Farmers, names of prominent local,
Drew Theological Seminary, meeting 30.
at Atlantic Highlands in interest Farming, an important local indus-
of, 207. try, 30.
Drinking fountain of King's Daugh- Fay, Dr. George D., opens office in
ters moved. 491. Atlantic Highlands, 271; member
Duryea, General H. B., buys Johnson of first Board of Health, 307;
,property, H.J.. Chancellor Commander of Knights
Dutch claim to eastern )lonmouth of Pythias. 310.
County, -1-5. Fire Company at Xavesink organized
E. 99-100.
'·Eagle" capture of. War of 1812, Fire Department of Atlantic High-
26, 35. lands, Fire Company first organ-
Early schools in ::0-avesink, 82. ized. 220-221; Firemen's Benefit
Early school teachers. inebriety of. and Relief Association formed
463. 220; officers and members of Fir;
F:arly steamboat landings. 30. Company, 220-221; Fire Company
East Yiew Hotel. proprietors of. 70, buys new apparatus, 2H-242; At-
account of, 72. lantic lijghlands Hook and Lad-
E,lwards, Joseph, dregdes Lower der Company comes under bor-
Bay. 292. ough supervision, 383; Hose Com-
Electric Railway applies for privilege pany No. 1 presented with new
,,f layini::- tracks throui:"h Atlantic uniforms, :w2; Hose Company No.
lfi~h and~, -170--lil: is refused 2. Grand View, incorporated 395·
franc.-hi:;;e. -ti2. Hose Company Xo. 2 comes 'unde;
Ely, C. H.. first cashier of Atlantic borough jurisdiction. 3!.l7; growth
Highlands Bank. 309. of, 39S; account of. -146; Relief
Emery. Reverend Robt'rt. builds Association organized. -168; Hook
:.tethodist Church at ::0-avesink and Ladder Companv officers
lli<thlands. 76; proposes to make elected in 189i. •186; G·rand View
Atlantic Highlands a campmeeting Hose Company elects officers in
'tC'~nrt. 1 i7: builds re~id,ence lin 1R!l7. 501; Exempt Fireman's As-
Atlantic Higl:.l~!!d;•; 20S; death and socfr.tion formed. 504-506; Ho;k
ar·count of. ;,a; -.-,.,S. ~n~ _Ladde,: Comp:i.ny, history of.
En<'"lish Army embarks from '.\!any .iO,l-:"OG: tire comp:i.nie~ housed
:\!ind Creek. 25. :n . Fire House, 60:!-603; new
Er.dish buv land from '.1:nnsink enu1pment purehased in l!ll 7.
Indians. "· 6ii0-r.5 I ; Fire House built in 1917
Fpworth Lt'a<:Ut' of Atlantie High- ; 1,;,1. •
lands ;11. E. ori:"nniz<'d, 216. · Fire. first in Atlantic Highlands, ac-
Events in Atlantic Highlands in 1887. count of. 2:;3-236.
recorcf of. 272-2i -L First Avenue. widened, 223-224; im-
Ewrett. Petpr Y .. first postmaster of r,ro,·rd b,· Citi7ens' L"lnd Im-
Atlantic Hil!"hlnnds. 188-21S; <>stab- pro..-e>ment .As.o;:ociation. 27!l: ,part-
iishPs nPwsnaner 1t Atlantic Hi<t"h- !~· fhggecJ and curbed, 313.
iand .... 20:?-20::. 250: ~en~ AtlnTI-
0
Fir«t Bantist Church. • see Charch
~;~ 1--1;~hlands Heralcl", 28-1; death Firat Baptiat
1

o:, 468. Fisk. Clinton B.. Post. see Grand


T·>,erett Thomas. D.D .. preaches at Army.
cnmpmePtintr. 207: hecomP!; ptl- ForP<t. Libr Jry an<l R<>adino- Room,
itor of Atlantic Highlands Herald. opened at Atlantic Highlands,
211. -101; closes for lack of funds. 441.
F.xeursions to Atlantic Highlands in Forman, Da,'id. Re,·oluntionary Brig-
1880, 185-186. adiPr GenPral. 26.
F. Fort Hancock. name gi,·en to Sandy
Faet.n,.;,.. At. ). +1'lntir Highlands un- ffook fortification in honor of
successful, 307. General W. S. Hancock, 446, pub-
lie school at. organized, 519 · G.
Methodist Episcopal Church dedi:
cated at, 537-538. Garages in Atlantic Highlands, 596·
Foster, John E., president of Young 597.
Men's Literary Association, 250; Garrett Hill, elevation of, 139;
opens law office at At!antic HiJh- description of ~n New York Eve-
lands, 283; promotes organization ning Post, 157-161; departure of
of borough, 290-291; elected sec- British fleet watched from, 162-
retary of Atlantic Highlands 163.
Building and Loan, 292; retained Gas Company, Standard, reorgan-
as borough counsel, 301-302; ized. 608.
elected president of Atlantic High- General Assembly convened at Port-
lands borough, 307; Chancellor land Poynt, 1667, 19.
Commander of Knights of Pythias
310; re-elected borough president, Gillett Heights, description of, 457.
312; biography of, 312; fee as C.lee Club, Atlantic Highlands, or-
borough counsel, 336; director of ganized, 467; give concert, 481-
Highland Park Improvement Com- 482.
pany, 376; assists in d:sposing of Goodenough family at Xavesink. 83.
lmprovement Bonds, 392; pro- Goodenough, Samuel, visits Cali-
motes Casino Club, -1-11; director fornia for gold, 197; death of,
of Atlantic Hignlands Hank, -187; 491.
counsel for Lake Submarine Com- Goulding, William, lfonmouth ;pat-
pany, -187; appointed Vice-Chan- entee, 8; a founder of Middle-
ce11,,r of State of :-;'ew Jersey. 599; town Baptist Church, 12.
rcn,ptio"n in honor of, 5!!9-601; Grand Army of the Repub!ic, estab-
a~dresses Citizens' Assocution. lish<c>s Clinton B. Fisk Post at At-
6;,9. lantic Highlands, 328; first ob-
Foster. ;\lrs. John E., member of serves Decoration Day. 339; pre-
E,c<>cutiv~ Committ~c o! Red sPnted with tlal! and Rible, 370;
Cross, 610-G:lO. holds Annual Camp Fire. 438:
F0ster, \\"il!iam ll., attracts excur- holds reunion, 49G; election of
sions to Atlantic Highlands, 17-1; offaers in lS!lS, 51G; elects officers
comes to Atlantic High:ands, 180; for 1899, 521.
advertises Atlantic Hi,:hlands, 181- Grand View, first hotel built at At-
1 ~2; entertains ,excursion~, 185 .. lantic Highlands, 208; prepared
I 86; gives mackerel feast to his for season nf 1883,2-18; burns
fri<!nds, 205; elected president ot down, -125-~30.
first Fire Companv, 2:!0; loses Gra,·Pyards, local famil;·, 99, 135,-
hotd in fire. 2:l3-2:lf.; c>pens new 1-16.
pa,·i!ion, :!-l!J; pavilion \\Tecked in Greater Port of Xcw York and )[on-
i,:reat storm, :!GI; fits up new mouth's north shore, G-12-6-IG.
pavilion, 27!!; account of as com- G,eat War. list of met: from Nave-
missioner of Atlantic Highlands sink serving in, 593: list of men
borough, 335; mourns the loss of from Atlantic Hii,:tbnds scn·ing
his "Little Tray", 383; engages in. 65:t.
in real estate business, 435; mem- Gr<'en, Ch~rles H.. s'.::!:'e-drivcr at
her of Casino committee, 4-1:!; :-;'avesink. 87 ~8.
first vice- president of the Casino Grover. ,James. ;\lr,•1~1r-ulh patentee,
Club, -1-15; given banquet in honor 12; founds first iron works in New
of birthda~-. -187--188; appointed ,Jersey, 12.
postmaster c>f Atlantic Highlands.
54 7; gives interesting account of H.
early history of Atla,ilic High-
lands, 56-1-575, Half )loon, Jog of, 2; anchored in
Fraternal Organizations, see Ameri- Sandy Hook Bay, 32.
can Mechanica, Dauirhters of Lib- Hallenbake, Jesse early merchant,
erty, ICniirhts of PythiM, Masonic 110.
Lodire, Odd Fellows, Red Men, Harmony :Methodist Church incor-
Royal Arcanum, res-pectively, porated, 113.
Frost, James, home of, 109; account Harris, Re,·erend William B., obitu-
of. 1-11-142. ary notice of, 549.
Hartshorne family, account of, 66- m1ss1oner of Atlantic Hi:;thlands,
67. 295; obituary notice of, 522-524.
Hartshornes of the Highlands, ac- Hooper, Samuel, account of, 122-
count of in Harper'• Mairazine, 123.
58-65. Hopping family, account of 140-141.
Hartshorne, Benjamin M.. raises Hopping, James, home of. 109-110;
money for Highlands Bridge, 72- account of. 276.
73. Hopping, Squire James, 140; county
Hartshorne, Richard. settles near lay judge, 146.
Wakake, 12. 115; descendants of. Hopping. )!rs. Patience. one-hun-
12-13; buys Portland Place in 1671 dredth birthday of, 237-238; death
13; offices held by, 13; purchases of. 275-278. ·
Sandy Hook. 13. -13-44; interest- Hopping, Captain John J., 141-142.
ini: letter written by. 483--185. Hosford. r. B., buys estate at Chapel
Hartshorne, Robert. Chairman of Hill, 549.
Red Cross work, 613, 620. Hotels at Xavesink Highlands, 72.
Hatseil, Rice. storekeeper at Xa,·e- Hotels, first licensed at Chapel Hill.
sink. 83. 155. :-15-1-16: second licensed at Chapel
Hill. 1-15-1-16; Grand View opened
Jia,·ens. Charles R.. first telepraph at Atlantic Highlands. 219; Grand
operator at Xa,·esink Hii:hlands View prepared for season of 1883,
79. obituary notice of, 526-527. ~~S; Grand View burned down.
H:wens, Vinton H.. telepraph oper- -l:?~--130; :'>lackey"s. built on First
ator at Xa\"esink Highlands, SO. A,·en ue, :is:i: Thompson's. at
;fondrick,mn. Daniel C .• home of. 113 :S:m·esink Highlands. 5:?7.
H£>ndrickson, Dr. Henry A .. he~ns Hotels anc.1 restaurants at Atlantic
medical practice at Atlantic High- Highlands in 1922. 598-599.
lands. 32-1; made trustee of Bap- Houser anrl Paddock start planing
tist Church. :lRS; clcderl mayor '>f mill. 39f;-39!l.
Atlantic Hii:hlands, 65-1: part own- Hubbard and Hendrickson Company,
<>r of L<'nison. G-17-6-18. 2:25.
!ic•sians at present site of Atlantic Hu,!rly ..Joshua. Re,·olution:1ry patriot
Highbnds, 25 ~~- ::.~ . .:o: hanging oi, -17; wilr
Hi,:hlanrl Park Imnron•ment C"om- of. 1-15.
pan)·. ori:raniz<>d. 37r.; begins de- ilurlson, Henry. ent<-rs Sandy Hook
velopments. :lR:J. Bay. 1 -3: ,·isits :,Ion mouth Shorl'.
Hi!!hland Park Golf ("]uh organized. 2-:l: \"isit to :S:ansink Highlanc.ls
530. described, -1~9--150.
!-!ig~l~ncls of ~an•sink .. desc_i:\P!~on I!u:::,,r. C"ant:iin. repulses British
o. m Harpers :'>lagaz,ne. "-·",. so1cli('r~. 47.
"Highlands of Xavesink", poem by
Philip Freneau. 27. I.
High Point, extent of.. 10:l; Chanel
House. 138-139; earlv name for ··! Am Co1,1ing," verses b)· :\!rs. Ed-
Chap"! Hill, 1-1~. • war,I B:,rne. :?3S.
Historical Association. :',lonmouth !c·e dealers in Atl:intic Highlands in
County. organization of. 507-511. 1sso. IS!l.
Hook and Ladder Companies, see "lndcpl'ndent, Atlantic Highlands."
Fire- Department. editec.l by Leonard and Lingle. 2SJ
Holmes. cyreniug. resigns as presi- lnd<'pendent Order of Odd Fellows,
dent of Atlantic Highlands Bank. sec Odd Fellow•
-130. hrJ,,p,•ndl'nt Order of Red :'>Ien. see
Holmes. Re\"er<,nd Obadiah. :'>lon- Red Men.
rrouth oatPnte~. ~; son~ of, settle_, Indians at :S:avrsink Highlands. 1-3;
on Sandy Hook Bay. 12. encampm<'nt, >f, on Hii:hlands, -13:
Home Circle. reoort of. 607. in :\Ion mouth County. -I; ).a\"esink
Hooper, Deborah B., inter<!sted in 5-1; of Xa\"esink Highlands itreet
early progress of Atlantic High- the "Half :'.\loon". -12--13; sell land
lands, 190-191. to early English traders, 5.
Hoo.per. Edwarrl. estate of. 122-12'.l· Jneh~'~:y of early school teachers,
tract of becomes part of Atlantic -163.
Highlands, 196; account of as com- Inlets at Sandy Hook. see Sandy Hook
Irwin, Adolphus, wheelwright at I Lake Submarine Comp.my, organized
!l:avesink, 86. at Atlantic Highlands, 487; suc-
--rve Moved," verses hy Mrs. Edward cessful tri,ps of Argonaut, 518-
BlTne, 239-240. 519.
Landings, early boat, 128-129.
J.
La,-Tie, George F., first president of
, 1 ;.ckson Club, 7::. Casino Club, 445; active in secur-
.'ohnson, John )I. opens first drug- ing Stone Bridge, -146; helps se-
store at Atlantic Highlands, 22U. cure Casino building, 473; makes
Johnson, Lambert and Henry, 144. address at opening of Stone Bridge
J<>hnson, "Uncle Tom," promotes 473--175; buys property at Chapel
sales of Atlantic Highlands prop- Hill, 497; member Ocean Boule-
erty, 175. v~rd executh·e committee, 555-
Jor:;es, William, <>rerts first school 5a6.
building at ::--avesink Highlands 80 Lease, copy of first gh·cn at Atlan-
"Juet's Journal" quoted, 41-43. tic Highlands, 186-187.
Junior Order of American Mechanics Lenison, early history of, 647-648.
organized at Atlantic Highlands.
347; organizes Daughters of Lib- Leonard Avenue, account of, 453.
ertl·, 4-11; officers installed in 1897 Leonard Brothers open hardware
486-487; officers installed in 1899 store at Atlantic Highlands, 210.
~21. Leonard, James H., account of, 128;
captain of "Thomas Collier", 173-
K.. 189; postmaster at Atlantic High~
Keansbur~ and vicinity, account of l:inds, 188, 278; sells portion of
by William Ramsay, 6:H-635. his land, 209; superintendent
Keepers of :Savesink Highlands Navesink Baptist Sunday School,
Lights, 7~. 217; farm sold as building lots,
Keepers of Sandy Hook Light, 46. 253; tni!mber of first Board of
King's Daughters. organized at At- Health, 307; first president Atlan-
lant'c Highlands, 325; ,pr.,sents tic Highlands Board of Trade,
drinking fountain to Atlantic 334; makes speech at Railroad
Highlands, 395-397. terminal banquet, 370-371; elected
King's ?Highway. originally an deacon of Central Baptist Church
Indian trail. 100. 388; obituary notice of, -13G.
}:nights of Pythias, organized at At- : .t-onard, ,! ohn ,J., member of firm of
lantic High lands. 3: 0; erectbuild- Leonard Brothers, 182; interested
ing, -145; officHs electC'd for 1897, in early Atlantic Highlands, 185;
:~G: giYC' banquet. :-111:?-504. builds home in Atlantic Highlands
190; chosen first Chairman of
L Township Committee. 361; direct-
Ladies' Aid Societ,· of First Baptist or of Atlantic High)and8 Bank.
Church organized, 217. -IR7: op~ns coal anrl wood yard at
!.arlies' Aid SociPty of Methodist Highlands, 539.
Episcopal Church organized, 215. Leonard. Joseph, merchant at Chapel
I-'lP'oon. constructed at Atlantic Hill, 1-17.
Highlands, GO:~: account of, 649- Leonard. ,Joseph 2nd, merchant at
650. Navesink, 147.
L-,ke. Rev<'renrl .TamC's E., early pro- Leonardo, named, :!R5; post office
moter of Atlantic Highlands. 176; establishced at, 385
proposes a religious organization Leonard, Richard A., Jr., interested
1
at At antic Highlands, 192; chosen in securing "Thomas Collier", 173;
pre<ident of camn meetinst as~o- . superintendent of First Sunday
ciation, 199; appointed p-,stor At- School. 217; director of Atlantic
lantic Hkhlands Methodist Epis- . Highlands Railroad Co., 243.
copal Chur-ch, 214; director of 1 Leonard. Richard A., Sr.. de3th of,
Atlantic Highlands Railroad Com- 1
nany. 243. I 120-122; family of, 127; plead•
for young convert.•. 153-154.
Lake. Reverend Simon W., early Leonard, Thomas, memories of Nave-
promoter of Atlantic Highlanil,.. sink, 82-85; reminis~ncPs of
176; proposes a religious organi- !Pnnardville, 102-107: family of,
7.ation, 192. 128; reminil!Cences of concerning
local religious matters, 152-156; Leonardville, early history of, 101-
farm of oecomes part of Atlantic 107; old families of, 120-137; post
hignlands, 1!16; death of, 4!13- office established, 132; district
-l!lo; extended account of, 493--1!16 school established, 125-126; pub-
Leonard, Mrs. Thomas, obituary he school opened, 480.
notice of, 521-522. Leonard, William J., buys "Mon-
Leonard's store, passes out of owner- mouth Press", 363; describes At-
ship of Leonard family, 543-54-1. lantic Highlands. -148; editor of
Leonard, Thomas H., founder of At- ":l[onmouth Press", -1-18; "'-rites
lantic litghlands, 128; urges con- account of Atlantic Highlands
solidation of freight landings, 170- newspal?er. -163-46-1; prophesies
172; advertises Atlantic Highlands concerning Atlantic Highlands.
1 i -1; di,;des farm into building ,165; interested in Monmouth
lots. 177-178; member of firm ot County Historical Association,
Leonard Brothers, 182; farm be- 509-510.
comes part of Atlantic Highlands, Leonard, William, Sr., account of,
200; secures money to extend At- 125.
!antic Highlands wharf, 213-21-1; r.,;,rary. Atlantic Highlands, starte<l
:nter<:>sted in securing railroad for as a reading room, 282-283; re-
Atlantic Highlands, 229; director opened as Forest Library, 401;
-1f Atlantic Highlands Railroad closed for lack of •funds, 441.
Co., 2-13; elected first mayor of Library. :-;avesink, account of. 591-
Atlantic Highlands, 272; author 592.
~f verses in memory Patience Lic;hthouse. Chapel Hill. 136, 149.
Hopping, 277-278; promotes bor- Lighthouse, Bay Shore. 136-137.
~ugh go,·ernment for Atlantic Lighthouse, Xa,·esink Highlands.
Highlands, 291; account of, as J erection of, 35; description of, 54-
commissioner of Atlantic High- , r,,;, 78; list of keepers, 78; electri-
'ands, 295-297; re-elected presi- ' city substituted for oil in. 317;
'1ent Atlantic H;ghlands :>oroui:-h, poem on "Th., Highland Light",
32-1-325; joins in effort to secure ' 517-51~.
~avesink Bridge, 326-327; chair- Lic:hthouse. Sand)· Hook, built from
man of first Board of Trade meet- proC<.'<.'ds of lottery. -14--15; destroy-
inig, 33-1; re...,lected president of ed during the Revolution, 36-37 .
.-\.tlantie Highlands borough. :l3tl; -15--16.
first annual m(~~sa::::c as :\1:iyor. Lighting System. Atlantic Highlands.
1-t t.:> 1:>; t·efu~c~ salary as llayor. early str<.'et lighting. 300-301;
l-l~: ~el'on,: annual messaJ.:C as 1early difficulties of. 30-1-305: elec-
-naynr. :t:;.J.:);iil: speech at openinJ.: tric li~hts proposed, 327; gas in-
,f railro:ld ·,•rminus. 371-37:l; troduced. 358; <.'lectricity super-
,•k•ett•d ,h-acnn Central Baptist , sedes gas. 3.58; town bonded for
Church. :)XS; act·epts drinking i municipal light plant. 469; el<.'ctrir
fountain for horoui:h. :>U5-:J~tj: re- light department in 1898. 512-
•ii.rns as mavor of Atlantic High- ~ I :1; improv<>ments in in Thomas
lan.is. -102--10:l; elected president H. Lc•onard's mayoralty. 525;
Atlantic 1-1:ghlands Bank. -1:!0; re- )layor Van )lat<'r•~ su~~c~tion
elcet<.'d pr<.'sidcnt Atlantic High- concerning-. :;53_
:ands Bank. -l~i; re-el<.'ctcd ma~·or !.itcrary Society. You~,:,: Men's. or-
>f Atlantic Highlands. -191--1(1:l; ganized at Atlantic Highlands.
mtcrC>sted in formation of Histor- ] <i·> ·>R•> ''R'l
-R;d-
0

ical Associltion. "IO; tribute to. "Littl~ Short Gown", story of.
Jnon retircm<'nt as mnvor. 524- 162-166.
~t5; presi,l<.'nt of Breakwater Liquor, i,rice of. fixed by General
Committee. 528; chairman of 20th Assembl;·. 1667. 21.
.1nnh·<.'rsar\" of Atlantic Highlands,
0
Locust Point. account of. b;· William
533; tribu te tll. paid bv William .J. Leonard, 463-464.
~1. Foster. 57 4; successful in ef- Lo,·al Temneranee Lec:ion. 280.
forts to secure troJlev. 576-57i; Ludlnw. Brigadier General in War of
:irires inclusion of Monmouth's 1812, 26.
north shore in Greater Port of Lufburrow famil)· at Chanel P.ill. US
Xew York. 642-6-16; part M\'11<.'r of Lumberyard first establi•h<!d b;·
T.eniMn, 6-li-64R. Leonard Brothers. 182-184.
M. .Mount, Mark L., keeper of Conover
Beacon, 137; master in chancery,
Mail carriers, early, 101-102. 178-179; makes acknowledgements
Mail route from LeonardVJlle to of transfers of original tracts of
Navesink, 132. land, 200-201.
:Many Mind Creek, Dutch and Eng- l!ount, Timothy, blacksmith and
lish meet at. 5-6; origin of name wheelwright, 148.
of Springs, 20; plan to widen and
deepen, 493. N.
Maria Lewis, murder of, 80. ::-.ati:mal Bank, Atlantic Highlands,
Marl, green sand, 71. see Bank.
M ..rtin. Mrs. Harriet E., opens Bay :Xavesink (village). early schools at
View House, 182. 82; memories of, by Thomas Leon-
:!\fartin, Thomas, first •barber in At- ard, 82-85; early carpenters of,
lantic Highlands. 212-213. 83; Rice Hatsell, early store-
Masonic Lodge. organized in Atlan- keeper at, 83, 155, 613, 620; 'tem-
tic Highlands, 487; ofli~rs in- perance Society formed at, 84;
stalled in 1897. 487, Baptist meeting house at, 84;
:!\~axson Tavern, 135-136. early ttsidents of, 8-1-85; early
Maxson, Willinm A., denth of, 501- enterprises at, 86-87; Charles H.
502. Green, sta;:-e-driver at, 87-88;
:',[cClees, family of, 143. mills at. 88-89; list of old families
of, 90-92; Hall Association formed
McHenn·, Mrs. Guy P., member of 97-98; Fire Company organized,
Rrd Cross Executive Committee, 99-100; mail route from Leonard-
610-631>. ville to, 132; Joseph r.,,,.,r.ard, inn-
:,fethodist Society at High Point chant at, 1-li; po~t offic~ sPcc':'ct!.
organized. 149. 14e); circuit minister~ at. 15l;
:!\lexicnn Wnr. local men enlisted, 26 , first rrliJ:!'ious ~rr\·ices at. 15-1:
)Iiddletown As..sembly, earliest record account of, by Willia~ .r. Lcr,nard
of. 14; list of officers in 1667, 14. 1 -IGl-463; one fire in a hali century
)lidd!etown. interesting account of -I 63; old -time teachers a,, -HJ:;·,
bv Richard Hartshorne in 1675, death of William A. )Iaxson at.
4~!";-.185; religious revival at. 152- 501-502; death of Geor;.:e B. DaYis
15-1. . ;,32-533; Libr:iry. arcount of. 5l!l-
::l!iddletown Township Committee ;,92; World War Veterans, list of.
organizes, 361. 593; account of from 1909-1 n:!
)Iitld!etown Townshir, 3ranch of Red by Xorma L. Swan, 590-593.
Cross organized, 612-613. ~,avesink Baptist Church. sec Church
::llills a~ :\"avesink, 8S-89. ::,;:avesink Episcopal (Stone) Church,
:\lissionarv Institute meets at Atlan- see Church
tic Hi;rhlands. 206-207. Xavesink ::llethod'.st Episcopal Church
: lonmouth, Battle of, British retreat see Church.
159. Xavesink Public School, see School.
:Jonmouth County Historical Asso- Xavesink (Blackiston) Avenue
ciation organized, 507-511. opened, 339.
Jionmouth Hills colony. 526. Xavesink (Oceanic) Bridge, see
:\!onmouth Patent, 7-9. Bridge.
)fonmouth Patentees, names of. 8. Xavesink Highlands, Indians at. 1-3;
"Monmouth Press" see Newapapera called Rens.selaer's Point by thr
'\fonmouth Steamboat Compan~-. in- Dutch, 5; "Highlands of :Xa1:e-
corporation otf, 71. sink" poem by Philip Fren<:au.
:,Iorford. Henry, founder of Xew 27; described in log of the "Half
.Jersey Standard, 11 l. )loon", -12--13: Indian encam,pment
Morford. William, early merchant, at, 43; "Highlands of :-.'avesink"'.
110-111. . description of in Harper's Maga-
Morris, George. part O"-"tler of Len- zine, 52-56; Hartshornes of the
ison, 647-648. (Navesink) Highlands, account of
Mount. Andrew, of Claypit Creek. in Harper's Magazine. 58-65; pow-
89-90. der magazine at, 67-68; Nimrod
Mount, Cornelius, activities of, 147- Woodward, early resident of, 67,
148. 69, 84; East View Hotel, proprie-
tors of, 70; post office established tic Highlands Railroad Co., 243;
at, 72; draw bridge built, 72-73; turns first shovel of dirt on Rail-
actor's colony at, 73; churches at, road, 2-14; puts Hillside Park in
76; well-known residents of, 77; real estate market, 254; death of,
Charles R. Havens, first telegraph 272, 291-292; memorial window in
operator at, 79, 526-527; first honor of, -131; referred to in
school building erected at, 80; history of early Atlantic High-
Vinton Havens, telegraph operator lands, 567.
at, 80; new drawbridge built at,
367; as seen by Henry Hudson,
4-19--150; Thompson's Hotel, 78-
o.
79, 527; borough, account of, 581, Observatory Park, ·:iew from, -198-
583; account of in Red Bank 500.
Register, 583-586; ships wrecked Ocean Boulevard, see R-cla.
at, 585. Oceanic Bridge, see Bridire.
Xavesink Highlands Lights, se<? Odd Fellows, Independent Order of
Liirbtbouae. organized at Atlantic Highlands,
!,avesink Park Association, account 311-312: officers of, installed in
of, 77, 199 1887. -186: election of officers for
:-:avesink River, kept open by rail- in 1899, 520.
road, 137. "Old Times at Hii:-hlands" by Elean-
:-.ewasink, location of. 7. or Thompson Benton, 583-586.
:-.ew Eng-land fisherman at The Oonuehkoi, Se<? Stone Bridire.
Spout, 70-71. Ordinarys (taverns) provided for b'I"
:;ew Jersey Central builds new Hig-h- law in 1668, 21. •
lawls drawbridge. 367; takes o,·er Ori:-anizations, se under their r~spec-
Atlantic Highlands Railroad, 305. th·e names.
Xew Jersey Southern Railroad Organizations of Atlantic HiR"hbnds
opened, 118. in IS!•O-lS!ll. 33S.
);cw Point Comfort, development of. Osborn, Ezra A.. first sur,·eyor of
63-1-641. Atlantic Hi~hlands property, 177;
Xewsdealers, first in Atlantic Hi[:h- connected with Xavesink Park
1:inds. lS~. As:,;ociation, 7;. 1 t,9.
:~<'wspapers. Atlantic Hig-hlan,ls. "Our Girls" aids Atlantic ll:g-,,lands
"Herald," edite<I by Peter Y. Association, 20S.
Evert!tt, 20:l; "Herald", edited hy ··Our XC'w Home·•. ver:-;e~. :!-IG-2-17.
T. T. E,·crett. 211: "Independent"' C-,·:att. S. B.. g-i,·en contract for
edited by Leonard and Ling-le. building Atlantic Hii:-hlands Rail-
28-1; ·•Independent" becomes road. 2-14: promoter of Atlantic
":\lonmouth Press". 309; history Hii:-hlands Rank. ~OS.
of ":\Ion mouth Press", 329-330: Oyster industry along- Shrewsbury
•·:,Ionmouth Press" purchased by River, -16;,.
William J. Leonard. 363; "Atlan-
tic Hig-hlands Journal" estaL!ished P.
364: chani:,,s owners, 395; bou[:ht
by A. C. Hart, -125; mo,·es to new Parkertown, description of. 63-64;
quarters, -141: passes into hands residents of. 7 -t-75.
of :\I ilton R. Shale. 597. r:,rsons. William Barl'lay plans
Xewspaper,;. Atlantic Hii:-hlands. ac- wattor supply for Atlantic High-
count of by William .J. Leonard. lands. :35:l.
-160. Patterson, Franklin, reminisc-ences
":Sew York \Vorld", article on At- by. -11.
lantic Hii:-hlancs Pier, 36-1-367. Patterson ••John L., account of. farm
Xichols. Colonel Richard, appointed of becomes part of Atlantic Hig-h-
governor of East Jersey, 7. lands. 196; residue of farm boul('ht
Nichols' Patent, 1665, copy of, 7-9. by Sculthorp Realty Company.
Xichols' Patentees, associates of, 22- 598.
23. Patterson, Samuel F. employed as
Xobles, Reverend John C.. settles in telei:-raph operator. 188.
Atlantic Highlands, 202; interest- Pie:- (Atlantic Highlands) articles on
ed in securinl(' railroad for Atlantic in Xew York World, 36-l-367.
Highlands, 229; director of Atlan- Pier, Mandalay, buildinR" of, ;;94.595_
rinckney, Jonathan T., finrt .police R.
officer in Atlantic Highlands, 300;
,wary of, 305; given increase in Railroad at Atlantic Highlands,
:!B1a?y, 327; death of, 5.U. agitated, 225-228; company organ-
}'lumbers in Atlantic Highlands in ized, 230-232, 243-244; Samuel F.
1890, 531-532. Patterson appointed agent, 244;
building committees of, 244-245;
Poem in memory of Patience Hop- Atlantic Highlands and New York
ping, 277-278. Railroad opened, 245-246; J'l'O-
Police De,partment, Atlantic High- posed route of, 254-255; complet-
lands, first officer appointed, 300, ed, 255-258; taken over by !'Jew
305; lockup provided. 327; night Jersey Central, 305; pier bouitht
watchman appointed, 3411. -by New Jersey C•ntral, 307;
!'ort Monmouth, Baptist Church Leonard Avenue Sta;ion estab-
organized, 111; Transportation lished, 336; Atlantic Highlands
Company organized, 117; Trans- terminal begun, 348; terminus
portation Company, 129. changed from Sandy Hook to At-
:;•ortland Place, purchased by Rich- lantic Highlands, 358-361; open-
ard Hartshorne, 13; name for ing of terminm celebrated, 368-
lower Highlands, 154. 374; service between Atlantic
Highlands boats and Red Bank
Portland Poynt, meeting place of discontinued, 375; New Jersey
General Assembly, 14; origin of Central Station built at Atlantic
name, 17; distribution of Jots, 19; Highlands, 392.
important as early meeting pl3ce, I.:ilph, Justus E.• joins in eft'ort to
22; West, residents of, 103-113; secure Oce:inic Bridge, 326-327.
first school district, 136; interest-
ing account of Middletown in 1675 Ramsay, William W., writes an ac-
483-485. .:ount of Keansburg, 631-634.
Reed, Mrs. Sylvanm, organizes :Mon-
Posten, William H:, Jr., councilman mouth County Historical Associa-
of Atlantic Highlands, 438. tion, 507-511.
Posten. William H., blacksmith at Red •Bank Register's account of
:Savesink, 86; family of, 91; Joshua Huddy, 40.
obituary notice of, 540. Red Cross, Middletown Township
Post Office at, Atlantic Highlands branch organized, 612-613; Cha,p-
secured, 188, 218; mails conveyed ter at Atlantic Highbnds and
by nil, 365; free delivery estab- \'icinity, account of, 610-630; ac-
lished, 650; Chapel Hill, 147; tivities in Atlantic Highlands. 650
:--lavesink, 149; Navesink High- Red Men, Independent Order of,
lands, 72. organized, 430.
Potter, Honorable Howard, intei-est- Red Pine Robbers, 25.
ed in securing railroad for Atlan- Rei:iments stationed on Portland
tic Highlands, 226, 229. Heights, War of 1812, 26.
i'owder magazine at Navesink High- Religious meetings first held in At-
lands, 67-68. lantic Highlands. 208.
Rcli~ous re,;val at Middletown, 152-
Property restrictions of Atlantic 154.
Highlands Cam,pmeeting Assocation R~nsselaer's Point, early Dutch
192-194. · name for Navesink Highlands. 5.
Prophecy of one gre,t municipality Rice. M. A .. active in Red Cross work
in Monmouth County, 31. 613-620. -
Frophecy concerning Monmouth Riceville, see NaTeSiak (Yillqe)
County of the future. 119. Rh·erside Drive, account of by Wil-
Pumping Station at Atlantic High- liam J. Leonard, 464-465.
,.,~.,. ,f..,.,...;n•inn of 417--119. · Roads, Valley Drive built. 348; Val-
Purchaser11 of first lots sold at At- ley Drive extension laid out, 382;
lantic Highlan"ds, 177-178. Valley Drive ordered cut'bed and
Q. ~nated with ....,.vel. 439; Stone Rd.
from foot of First Avenue to Nave-
QUArlr..r,hush . .JAcob M., president of sink Bridire completed, 539; an
Atlantic Highlands borough in Ocean Driveway proposed. 540-
1896, 468. 541; Ocean Boulevard descn"bed
as state project, 548-549; Ocean I 1;00-501; construction of stone
Boulevard. advantages of, stated, reef in front of inlet, 506; Cable
555-557 • "missing link" between completed, 515; Fort Hancock
Ocean Boulevard and Ken,ort public school organized, 519; Fort
Planned. 654-656; Hendrickson's Hancock M. El Church dedicated,
Corner to Leonardo becomes 537-538; inlet in 1846, 583; first
County Road, 661. q railroad built on, 585; account of,
Roberts and White, firm of, organ- by Howard N. Wadham, 586-588.
ized, 530. Schaeff'er, Reverend Joseph H.,
Roberts, D. J'ones, '!Dember of bor- chairman of Executive Committee
ongh conncil, 406. of Red Cross, 610-630; first scout
itoberts, (Nathaniel) estate becomes '!Daster at Atlantic Highlands, 662;
part of Atlantic Highlands, 196. gives account of Boy Scouts in
Roberts, Mrs. Phoebe M., death of, Atlantic Highlands. 662-&64.
515. Schenck, Peter W., erects first dis-
Roberts, Nathaniel H., account of, trict school at Navesin:C Highlands
123. 80; death of, 520.
r..oberts. Reverend Thomas, preaches School, first public, on land of John
at Navesink Highlands, 76; preach- •Bowne, 103-104.
es at Riceville (Navesink), 84, 95; School, Atlant•~ l::[ighla:id!1, first pri-
erects homestead, 112; preaching vate, 180; second private. 210;
circuit of, 154-155. Miss Berst o:i:ens private school,
Roberts, William M•• works, as 'IDaY- 375; public opened, 262-263; first
or, to improve Atlantic Highlands, commencement, 423; commence-
545-546. of 1895, 440-441; cornerstone of
Rogers, Miss Mary, teaches school in new bll'ilding laid, 445; contract
Atlantic: Highlands, 210. for addition awarded, 560; build-
Rogers, Thomas T., early resident ing enlarged, 5!19; re,ort of, ~or
of Atlantic Highlands, 202; made 1891-1892. 350-352; celebmtcs
president of M. E. Church trnstees opening of new building in 1896.
214. 466-467; closing exercises of in
Roope, Jacob, home of, 109. 1896. 469-470; election of trust,~
in 1897, 486; closing exercise.s of
Royal Arcanum of Atlantic: High- in 1899. 531.
lands, organized. 361-384; officers School, Chapel Hill, first built in
of in 1897, 485; officers in 1899, 1817, 145; new bmlding dedicated
521. 437.
School, early private at High Point.
s. 102-103.
Sebc;ol, Leonardo, description of, 599
Sail packets, list of, 134. School, Leonardville. established at
Sale, statement of, by William Bay Shore, 125-126; new building
Brown, 24. planned to be built on Leonard-
Sandy Hook, purchased by Richard ville road. 469; new building
.Hartshorne, 13, 43-44; history of opened. 480.
32-37; embarkation place of Brit- ~chool, Navesink, first built on land
ish Army, 36-37; inlet at, in 1778, of John; Bowne, 103-104, 462; first
37; poetic descri,ption of, 41; ref- district, land I.or deeded by Wil-
erence to, in Hudson's lo,t book, liam Leonard. 1825, 86; burned in
41-43; extension of, 44; lighthouse 1850, 463; new building erected,
on, built from proceeds of lottery 383, 463; old-time teachers at,
44-45; light destroyed during the 463: graduation exercises in 1896,
Revolution, 45-46; becomes an 469; property valued at $20,000,
island, 46; inlets at, 46, 51; during 599
the Revolution, 46-47; during War School, Navesink Highlands, first
of 1812, 47; fortification of, 47- _ public. 81.
50; :inlet at, 137; abandoned as School, Portland Poynt, district of,
Central Railroad terminus, 364- 136.
368; railroad to Highlands Beach School, Sandy Hook, provided for,
built, 405; return of inlet in 1896 519.
479-480; extensive army buildings Schoolhouses, old-time, passing of,
planned (tor, 481; inlet in 1897, 599.
Sthoolmasters, old-time, inebriety of portation Company, 201; "Marion"
103-104. disabled, 207-208; 'Monmouth",
Sculthorp Realty Company buys ex- placed OD Atlantic Highlands
tensive holdings, 598. route, 307; "William V. Wilaon"
Sculthorp, Louis T., President of burned. 561-562; "Mandalay", ac-
Building and Loan Association, count of, 595; between New York.
596. ~avesink Highlands and Red Bank
Sea captains. list of, 134. 81; from Sandy Hook to Atlantic
Sears, Charles, locates on water front Highland, 212; between New York
TL . and Red Bank, 586.
Sears Estate, 456. Stedman, Edmund Clarence, quoted.
Settlements, earliest in Monmouth 23.
County, 14. Stevens, John and Lydia, donors of
Sewage system of Atlantic High- All Saints Church, 61.
lands, engineers report on, 408- Slill, Cooper's, on Stillwell farm,
422; Mayor Van Mater's recom- 146.
mendation concerning, 550-551. Stillwell farm, account of, 141.
Sickles, Judge George H., account Sti'lweU. John, quartermaster of
ui, 92; death of, 541. Monmouth Militia, 158-168;
S1!rJl8ling (semaphore) forerunner watches ,Brltcsh fleet from Garrett
of telegraph, at Navesink High- Hill, 160; Revolutionary patriot,
lands, 79. 162-163.
Sly, engineer of Steamer "Marion" Stillwell. Julia, early house of, at
in danger, 194-195. Navesink, 83.
Snyder, Charles R. admitted to New Stillwell, Mary. and Lord Cornwallis
Jersey bar, 375; made secretary of 159.
Atlantic Highlands Building and St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
,Loan, 383-384; elected clerk of organized, 111.
Cenral Baptist Church, 388; elect- Stockholders, original, of Atlantic
ed member of ~ev.· J ~'"!'ey Le~:•- Highlands Association, 201-202.
lature. 537; elected r.nyor of At- Stone Bridge, Grand Avenue, opened
lantic ffighlands, 601-603; re- 473-475.
elected mayor in 1915, 649-654; Stone Church, see Charcla.
,biographical sketch of, 649. George H., on Taylor farm,
Snyder. Rutsen S., first insurance Stout,142; death of, 539.
ag,ent in Atlantic Highlands, 190; Stout, Jacob T., first assessor of At-
1eal estate and insurance agent. lantic Highlands, 272: president
301; trustee of Central Baptist
Churrh, ass; engaged in real es- Atlantic Highlands Building and
tate business, 435; appointed post- Loan, 292; commissioner of At-
master at Atlantic Highlands, 540; lantic Highlands borough, 324;
obituary notice of, 542. vice-president of Atlantic High-
Soldiers from Atlantic Highlands in iands Board of Trade, 334: mayor
Great War, list of, 653. of Atlantic Highlands. 405-406;
Soldiers from Navesink in Great re-elected mayor of Atlantic High-
War, list of, 593. lands, 437; a go,·emor of Casino
Spout, The Water, reference to, 27, Club, 445; director of Atlantic
28; New England fishermen at, Highlands Bank, 487; greets his
70-71. successor as mayor, 492.
Stage line, from Keyport to High- Stout, John, settles at Navesink
lands, 111: from Chapel Hill to Highlands, 10.
Navesink Highlands, 132; from Stuut, Penelope (Van Princes), st,:,ry
Leonardville to Navesink High- of, 11, 33-34.
lands, 132: from Atlantic High- Stout, Reverend David B., preacher
lands to Middletown, 209-229. at Middletown, 154-155.
St. Agnes Catholic Church, see Stout, Richard, Nichols patentee, 8;
Cln,rch. marries Penelope Van Princes, 11;
Stand Pipe, Atlantic Highlands, descendants of, 11.
description of, 414-417. Street Lighting, see Liclltins S,-atem
.Steamer, "Collier'·. first between Streets of Atlantic Highlands bor-
Atlantic Highlands and New York ough, atone street crossings furn- ·
189; "Marion", acquired by Trans- ished, 348; graded and mapped,
356; first piped for sewage and of, 118-119; accoant o!, at Atlan-
water, 381; Valley Drive coated tic Highlands, 370-371.
with gravel, 439; supplied ,.,;th Trolley, companies make inq~
sign boards, 422; Mayor Van conceming Atlantic Highlands,
Mater's suggestions conceming, 536; unsuccessful attempt to se-
551-552; concreted and covered cure in 1902, 541; application of,
with asphalt, 656-657. - for franchise, 544-545; New Jer-
Sanday steamboat service began at :rey Traction Company applies for
Atlantic Highlands, 307. franchise, 546-547; Mayor Van
Swan, Cooper, cbtirman of first Mater's suggestion concerning
meeting in interest of freight 553; franchise granted to New
route, 171; death of, 439. Jersey Traction Company, 55-5-
Swan, Jacob, keeper of Navesink 556; plans for, changed, 563;
Highlands bridge, 73. through Atlantic Highlands ar.
Swan, John B., account of, 89; presi- accomplished fact, 576-577.
dent of Atlantic Highlands Board Twenty-Ninth Regiment, hold re-
of Education, 466. 11nion at Atlantic Highlands, 476;
Swan, Miss Norma L. History of history of, 476-479.
Xavesink, 590. • '!'win Light Houses, see Li.-ht-ho...._
Swan, Webster, promoter of Atlantic u.
!{ighlan<!s Bank, 308;_ takes part Union City. failure of, 114-115.
m openmg of Nav~1nk Bridste, v.
336, 339; postmaster at Navesiiik Valley Drive, built, 348; extension
497. ' laid out, 382; coated with gravel,
439.
T. Van Kirk, John, farmer of Hart-
Tabernacle at Atlantic Highlands, shornes', SO.
206; interesting services in, 285; Van Mater, Charles, cashier of At-
presented with bell by Reverend lantic Highlands Bank, 487; treas-
E. C. Curtis, 407; known as Octa- urer of Breakwater Committee,
gon, burned, 543. 528.
1"a,·ern, Maxson, account of, 135-136 Van Mater, Garrett, resident of
Taylor farm, historical traditions of Chapel Hill, 141; homestead at
139. Chapel Hill, 145.
Taylor, George, of Garrett Hill, 158. Van Mater, Dr. John H., active in
Taylor. William, farm, 142. local affairs, 141; first physician
Teachers of Atlantic Highlands Pub- in Atlantic Highlands, 208; fore-
Fe S<.'hool in 1883, 262. man of Fire Company, 241; opens
Telegraph service established in At- office. 271; member first Board of
lantic Highlands, 188. Health, 307; account of as bor-
Tele~ph service established at ough commissioner, 341: elected
Navesink Highlands, 79, 526-527. councilman of Atlantic Highlands
T emperance society formed at Nave- 437; elected chief of Hook and
sink, 84. Ladder Company, 505; re-elected
Ten,:iis Clll'b organized at Atlantic councilman, 524; elected mayor of
Highlands, 596. Atlantic Highlands, 550; sng-
Teetotal Temperan~ Society organ- i:estions concerning electric light
ized. 135. system, 55~; improvements during
Total Abstinence Society formed at mayoralty of. 594-601.
Chapel Hill, 146, 149-152. Veterans of Great War, Atlantic
Thompson's Hotel at Navesink High- Hii:hlan-ds. 653.
lands, 78-79, 527. Veterans of Great War, Navesink,
Thompson, Joseph I., estate sold, 593.
527. Voters. list of at fir•~ borough ,.lec-
Tilton, John, M_onmouth patentee, 8; tion in Atlantic Highlands, 294,
early settler m ·Monmouth County,
12. w.
Tom;pkins, "Governor" of N:ivesink Waldron, Anne B., head of executive
9L ' ' committee of Red Cross, 610-630.
To~ship Committee organizes at Wakake. early boat landin,r at, 115.
Middletown, 361. War of 1812, local men enlisted, 26
l'ransportation, chan,res in methods Water Witch. conected with Cooper's
story, 61-62; built by Esik Hart- \Vharf Com.pany, Atlantic Highlands,
shorne, 67; history of, 68-70. formed, 533-536.
Water Witch Club organized, 439- White, F. A.. elected president o!
440. Citizens' Association, 660; be-
Water Witch Park, development of, comes partner of William llrL Rob-
480. erts, 530.
Water Witch Park, an account of in Wilson, Reverend William V., pastor
1899, 526. of Port Monmouth Baptist Chlll'Ch
Water Witch property, reference to, 111; home of, 113.
584. Wmter, Andrew, Sr., SA:Count of,
Water System for Atlantic High- 143; activities of, 147.
lands, first suggested, 316; private Winter, Obadiah, merchant, 146-147
company proposed (or, 353; agitat- Woman's Auxiliary of Community
ed, 376-378; standpipe location Club, report of, 606-607.
presented to borough, 381; arte- Womens Christian Temperance Union
sian wells driven, 388-389; stand- organized at Atlantic Highlands,
pipe built, 390; chemical analysis 279-280.
of water. 409-412; engineer's re- Woodward, Charles S., account of.
port of, 408-422; pumping station,
description of. 417-419; additional 123; property of becomes ~ of
wells bored, 430; sewage system Atlantic Highlands, 196; residue
begun, 384; extended to Navesink of farm bought by Sculthorp
Park, 649. Realty Company, 598.
Watrous. A. C., merchant at Chapel Woodward, N'unrod, of Navesink
Hill, 147. Highlands, 67, 69, 84.
'·Welcome Home" celebration for Woodward, Nimrod, builds Stolk!
soldiers, 652. Church, 61; stone mason at At-
lantic Highlands. 251; work on
Wharf at Atlantic Highlands built, Stone Bridge praised, 4 7 4.
178.
Wharf at Atlantic Highlands ex- Y.
tended, 213-214.
Wharf at Atlantic Highlands account '1:'acht Club, Pavoni&, formed, opens
of, 480-481. for first season, 361.

The opportunity should not pass without referring to tlie services


rendered by Mrs. Meleta Stone Koeppel in the typewriting of the entire
History, and later the index, both of which she did with care and correetnes.
COPYRIGHTED, 1928
By
'rHOMAS HE,;RY LEO!IIARD
Atlantic Highlands, N. J.

Printed in the United States

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