By G. DOROTHY SABATINI
The first Friday of each month, Preservation New Jersey (PNJ) a statewide preservation advocacy group, affiliated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C., holds an informal lunch in their office at 30 S. Warren Street, Trenton. PNJ's mission is to promote awareness and preservation of the states' historic and cultural resources through education and advocacy.
On September 1, Werner Baumgartner, City Historian for Asbury Park, and this writer, V.P. of Asbury Park Historical Society attended PNJ's informal lunch. The guest speaker on this particular day was Marc Mappen, PhD, the new Executor Director of the New Jersey Historical Commission. Also attending were Gary J. Bower and Bill Ngyenhouse representatives from Barnegat Historical Society and the Cox Commission; David Bosted of the NJ Department of Education, Office of School Facilities Financing, emphasizing older schools preservation; and Richard Hunter of Hunter Research, who is conducting a study for Rutgers University on historic churches throughout the state.
The NJ Historical Commission was almost abolished about four years ago. But, due to a large outcry from historic and preservation groups across the state, the Governor decided to maintain the commission, and provide additional funding, which was much greater than any time in the past.
Therefore, the commission is now able to assist local historical groups and museums with more funding for specific projects and operating costs. Another important aspect, which came directly from this reassignment of the commission, was that Governor Whitman sanctioned a task force to study NJ history. This study brought to light the great economic and social benefits available to New Jersey communities in history and preservation related activities. Specifically in generating historic tourism dollars.
A particular comment was made about many historic societies and preservation groups throughout the state being understaffed, weak and ineffectual. Most of this is because of drastic under-funding, which results in these organizations not being able to pay for basic needs as well as full or part-time staff members. To which Dr. Mappen stated, "We now have a new 'mini' grant program available up to the amount of $3,000 to help these organizations pay for basic operating costs. And the forms to apply for these 'mini' grants are less complicated and easier to submit." Therefore, making small amounts of grant money more attainable.
Another point brought out by Baumgartner, to the director was that, "The role of locally appointed historians and historical societies needs to be strengthened around the state, especially in economically depressed urban areas like Asbury Park, Camden and Newark, so that the states' history will not be lost in urban renewal and redevelopment projects. A communities' history and traditions should be the first thing considered in planning, not the last."
Dr. Mappen agreed, and said he will need to look further into that. Baumgartner offered to assist him in any way possible.
To visit New Jersey's State home page: http://www.state.nj.us/
The Old Can Be Made New
By G.
DOROTHY SABATINI
Starting in 1885 until 1922 five major banks were built, each one with a different flair and style. The architecture at that time in commercial buildings went from the Neoclassical Revival to Richardsonian Romanesque with a bit of Classical Revival and Flemish Renaissance elements thrown in for fun.
Today Asbury Park still has those five beautiful buildings standing proudly in the downtown area. And, although most everyone in Asbury has passed them many times, some people haven't paid much attention to them.
The Asbury Park Historical Society has conducted several tours of the downtown area over the last couple of years. And of course, City Historian Werner Baumgartner always points out the significance of these charming buildings. Each time this happens there are those who are surprised at how impressive these wonderful old structures still are, and, at the fact that they're still standing despite destruction of so many of Asbury's historical gems.
Last year, the one at 308 Main Street, formerly the Asbury Park and Ocean Grove Bank, built in 1915 in the Neoclassical Revival style, now Sovereign Bank, underwent a cleaning of its stone exterior. According to manager, Wendy Stockdale, the inside will soon undergo repairs of the visible water damage, which was the result of a leak in the roof, now replaced.
Of late, attention has fallen on two of the other buildings. The former Seacoast Trust Building built in 1922, in what is called the Beaux Arts style. Known for years as the Press Plaza Pharmacy, located at 572 Cookman Avenue, it's presently getting a facelift.
The other one, formerly Merchants National Bank, built in the Classical Revival style in 1919, with Flemish Renaissance elements, now called the Meistrich Building, at 649 Mattison Avenue is also undergoing a refurbishing.
And finally, there is the former First National Bank of Asbury Park, built in 1886 in the same style as the Byran Building described above, Richardsonian Romanesque. You can notice the very similar architecture. This one at 701 Mattison is only one block away.
These five sites were surveyed and recorded by the Monmouth County Park System and Monmouth County Historical Association in November 1980. They constitute a significant proportion of the substantial and visually-prominent late 19th and early 20th century commercial architecture remaining in Asbury Park.
Clayton Press: 100 Years in Asbury Park
By G.
DOROTHY SABATINI
David (Dave) Roszel, owner/operator of the little print shop at 412 Bond St., started out as an apprentice at 13 years old. He went on to college, studied music and by the "luck of the draw" was summoned back to Asbury Park to take over the family business.
In 1951 when owner Clark Clayton died, the business forwarded to Dave's grandfather, Fred Davis. Mr. Davis had been working in the shop since he joined Clayton Press in 1922, at the tender age of 19, as an apprentice. Mr. Davis became what they called a "printer's devil." A printer's devil learned the business from the ground up.
In 1976, both of Dave's grandparents passed away. The business then went on to Dave's mother, Jean Davis. Unfortunately, that same year, his mom got quite sick herself. So, in 1976, when Dave was 25, just out of college and about to start teaching music, he had to take over running the shop, and in his words, "Tag, you're it." He was now the person solely responsible for keeping this family business running. It was the only support for the whole family, he and his new wife, his mother, and younger brother and sister, who still needed to finish their educations.
He says, "I was scared. I pretty much knew how to run the back of the shop. I had been working at it since I was 13. But, I really didn't have a clue about running the front of the shop, talking to the customers, pricing and billing jobs, keeping the books, etc. It was 'jump in and swim' right from the get go. I had to learn as I went along. Not unlike many others in their own business, but initially, it was frightening to have that much responsibility."
Since, Dave doesn't like to let anyone down, ever, he worked hard and learned. Then when his mother's health improved she came to work in the front office, which took some of the responsibility off of Dave. She remained in the front office until her own death, at the relatively young age of 61, in 1991. At that time, the business became Dave's.
When it was Dave's turn to become a "printer's devil" at 13, he got hazed a lot. Probably more than other "printer's devils," since his grandfather was the owner of the shop. Dave was full of energy and very eager to learn the printing business when he started as an apprentice. He would do a job as quickly as he could and then come back for more. He says, "I'm sure I drove my grandfather and the other guys in the shop crazy with my eagerness." That tenacity has proven to be one of his best assets.
Printing deadlines present high stress situations. Dave, being a rather gentle, quiet man, takes it all in stride. He just goes ahead and gets the job done. Seldom does a client go away from this shop disappointed.
In the early years Clayton Press had a lot of competition in town. At one time, there were 7 other prints shops in Asbury Park. Now, there's just Clayton Press. Though that doesn't make it harder on Dave, it just puts more responsibility on someone who knows how to take on responsibility and do what needs to be done. Be assured, if you need to get something printed, this shop can handle it, and always meets your deadline. There are those who say, "Dave always gets it done sooner than I thought it would be done." That's a good legacy for any business.
Congratulations to David Roszel for dedication to his business and to the city of Asbury Park. Thank you for remaining when so many others have abandoned ship for calmer waters.
Business Profile: Griffin's Cleaners
By G.
DOROTHY SABATINI
Mr. Griffin was born in the family's upstairs apartment in 1929. By that time his parents already had 8 children. When Alford was one, his mother was driving a car with all the children in it. It overturned and his mother was killed. The children were injured, but all survived.
William Griffin, their father, and his second wife Eva, who passed away in the mid fifties, raised Alford and his brothers and sisters. The senior Griffin owned and operated the tailor shop from 1924 until 1974, when he passed away. He worked hard and performed all tailoring, cleaning and pressing work himself, until much later in life.
At one time, William Griffin, Sr., owned 8 houses in the nearby neighborhood. He would say, "There's one house here for each child." Alford's brother, William, now owns several of the properties, which their father once owned. One of them is right next to Alford's tailor shop. It's a laundromat.
When Alford was in his late teens he went off to New York to study music and became a drummer. He traveled for over twenty years on the road playing with the biggest bands of the day, all over the states and Europe too.
When his dad passed away, 26 years ago, Alford came home to take over the family business, still located in the same house where he grew up.
The shop is a collage of the old and new. Though basically a tailor and dry cleaning shop in which Mr. Griffin does the alterations, cleaning and pressing. He appears to have a thriving business selling casual clothes as well.
The front of the shop is filled wall-to-wall with new clothes in many fabrics and colors, while the ceiling is covered with caps and hats.
Right past the counter are the tailor presses and above the presses is a wall of photos of people Mr. Griffin has played with throughout his career. In every vacant spot is an award, photo, certificate or newspaper clipping from his days on the road as a musician, with a mix of family photos thrown in for posterity.
After chatting with the tour group for about twenty minutes talking of his days of growing up in town, he was asked about his vision for the future of Asbury Park. He said, "Whatever is decided upon, they need to clean up the drugs which infects and affects every area of the city before they do anything else."
Recently, in a conversation with Mr. Griffin, a charming soft-spoken man with a kind face, this reporter asked him, "Do you miss playing the drums?" His response was to demonstrate his proficient skills right then and there on the drums behind the counter. He said, "I play mostly for myself now. I sit here sometimes in the evening and read up on new music and play for my own entertainment."
Edward Noumair, renowned photographer
By G.
DOROTHY SABATINI
The interview begins with Mr. Noumair's recollection of how he became interested in photography and his first years in business in Asbury Park.
GDS: How did you get started in photography?
EN: When I was in high school I joined a photography club and the teacher in charge of the department encouraged and supported my interest in photography. His name was Mr. Galen Ray. I continued with this photography class for a couple of years and during that time I established a following of sorts at the school. I was doing so well with it that I was asked to photograph many school projects as well as individuals students in the school.
During the summers I worked for Mitchell Liebsman, a man who ran a concession on the boardwalk, called The Action Photo Company. He gave each young man, a DeVry Motion Picture camera, which converted to a single action photographic process, and hung it around our necks. We would snap photos of people, three at a time. A card with numbers on it corresponding to the photos would pop out of the camera. We gave that to the customers. They could then contact the studio and order the 3 photos for the price of a quarter. I worked at this for several summers. It was a lot of fun.
During the school year I continued studying photography at school and by the time I graduated from high school, I felt encouraged enough to start my own business. An older gentleman, by the name of Jesse Hallowell was an amateur photographer who had a lot of knowledge, and owned lots of photographic equipment. He had become a kind of tutor to me. When I graduated he asked me if I wanted to buy some of his equipment and use it to establish a photography business for myself. I said yes, and he gave me almost $900.00 worth of equipment, just on my word since I didn't have money. I found a little store on Summerfield Avenue and rented it for $25.00 a month. At times it was hard for me to meet that rent. But, I persevered and was able to get a few jobs, with a little help from my friends from the photography class. Within a year I was able to pay for the equipment I bought from Mr. Hallowell.
In 1942, when the war broke out, I closed up my shop, covered and stored all my equipment and joined the US Marines for the next four years.
GDS: What kind of work did you do while in the service?
EN: I was very fortunate in that they let me be a photographer for the Marines. I was given extensive training in photography, including a lot of theory. Then was sent out to photograph all kinds of things, even such things as broken parts of planes from crashes. One of the most exciting times was flying with the Marine Air Service. I learned how to shoot maps. So, I was frequently sent up to perform mapping duties.
I had gotten married during my tour, and when I returned from the service, my wife and I took an apartment on the west side of town, and I reopened up my photography studio.
GDS: Where did you reopen your business?
EN: I was able to open it up in the same shop on Summerfield that I had before the war.
GDS: It was still available to rent?
EN: Yes, during those time things were so hard and money, as well as everything else, was in short supply. The owner was quite glad to rent it to me again, for the same amount of money as before, $25.00 per month.
GDS: How did you survive in those days?
EN: I had a hard time surviving then. There was several times when I almost had to close the shop. But, slowly things got better for me as well as for Asbury Park. We struggled along for a couple of years and I slowly built a solid customer base, even though at the time there were nine other photographers in this town.
GDS: Why would you open up another photography shop when there were nine there already?
EN: Everybody has asked me that same question. I loved photography and I knew, or thought, if I hung in there and continued to survive, eventually, it would all work out. So I did, and it did. Then one day I got a call from the Walter Reade people, the ones who owned all those theaters. They were starting up an ultra high frequency television station in Eatontown and they needed as many still and moving photos as I could give them. That was when I really began to make some money.
It was an exciting time for me. I worked very hard, but was able to give them a lot of footage, which they aired a few hours later on their station. I even produced some of it for them. I devised, in my basement, a way to develop some of the negatives for the moving film. I would film it, develop it and then run up to the station and they would have it on the air within an hour or so. It was an intense process but very exhilarating.
Unfortunately, it didn't last too long. The station was for ultra high frequency (UHF) viewing. Not too many people had the ability to view the UHF stations. They needed to buy a different antenna to receive those stations. Most people didn't have the money for that kind of antenna. Basically, the station was sending signals out there but no one was watching what they were sending. After three years, they closed the station because it wasn't making any money.
GDS: What did you do after that?
EN: Well, I still had my studio and just continued. Photography was the only work for me since I loved it so much. When you love something that much, it doesn't matter how hard it is, you just do it. It wasn't long before I was the only photographer left in Asbury. I had a very good customer base and was known for my work. In those days, I was pretty much the only photographer serving Deal, Interlaken, Neptune, Bradley and all the towns along the coast down to and including Belmar. So, my business eventually flourished.
GDS: You purchased that beautiful building at 519 Bangs Avenue in 1980. Was it in good condition or did you have to do a lot of work on it?
EN: I did a lot of work to it. I made the downstairs my shop, and did a lot of work upstairs to make an apartment for my wife and growing family. I had three children by this time and we needed more space, that's why I wanted that building. It had room for a shop and to live in. I even had some rooms to rent out, which I did.
GDS: I know you grew up in Asbury Park maybe you can give me a bird's eye view of what Asbury was like while you were growing up. What was your relationship with people around you?
EN: I don't know whether you call it the good fortune or misfortune of being raised in the southeastern quadrant of Asbury Park, which wasn't an upper class neighborhood in any sense of the word. It was more or less on the fringe of the commercial area. Our family was one of maybe a dozen around the area that lived in that situation. We weren't able to interact with people from Eighth Avenue, or West Fourth Avenue or Fifth Avenue, or across town.
GDS: Because it was too far away?
EN: Yes, it was too far. We went to Bond Street School, which was close by. My friends lived on lower Grand Avenue, or on Cookman Avenue. We were not poor we were relatively comfortable, but not middle class by any means. Most of us had parents who were immigrants. We were first generation. So, we had a little bit of difficulty blending in with the people that had been here for a number of generations, like those who lived in Allenhurst, Deal or Interlaken. Their parents were more educated and were Americanized. Most were already second or third generation. They had a lot more advantages then we did downtown.
We had a good time though. We were very contented people. The kids didn't have any organized sports they made it all up. We played in the empty fields, in the parks, and down on Wesley or Sunset Lakes when they froze. We made our own fun, and had a good time. We were a lot more resourceful a lot more adaptable to situations. We played down at the beachfront, on the boardwalk, in the parks around Cookman and at Overlook, now called Library Park. It was a great experience as I look back.
GDS: Were there a lot of kids around of different ethnic groups?
EN: In my little neighborhood, there were a lot of kids. We had Italians, some were Jewish, my family were Lebanese. There were other Lebanese kids too. As a matter of fact, there were about hundred Lebanese families in Asbury when I was a kid.
GDS: Tell me a little bit about your parents, how they got here and when?
EN: My mother's family had already been in New York for a couple of generations. My father was the twelfth of twelve children born in Lebanon.
One of my father's brothers, Abraham, came here first from Lebanon. My father came a little later sometime in the early 1900s. He went right to New York to work with my uncle. Then one day my father decided he didn't want to stay in New York so he broke away and came down to the shore.
GDS: Why did he pick Asbury Park?
EN: Evidently, there were some Lebanese people here. There was a Lebanese man here that had a great reputation, Mr. Richard Kadrey. He owned a beautiful auction house in the pavilion at the corner of Sunset Avenue and the Boardwalk.
It was very elegant. There were beautiful chandeliers, oriental rugs, lamps, furniture, silver, portrait frames, and artwork. My father got a job there as soon as he came to Asbury Park. He convinced Kadrey that he was the man to hire because he was ready and willing to work. He got the job for $25.00 a week. He was quite content with that.
Dad eventually took over managing the business and stayed for 25 years. Kadrey was a very successful businessman and auctioneer. The place was filled with row after row of chairs right up to the rafters, and people came in droves every day and night during the summer. He would auction off all these unique items, most of which was put in there on consignment. People came from all the wealthy communities around. They bought everything for their homes and businesses in Kadrey's auction house.
It was a special time and I thoroughly enjoyed growing up in Asbury Park. That's why I remained in business there for sixty years. Asbury was special then, and, I think it still is.
NOTE: Last year Mr. Noumair's wife became very ill and he had to close the shop to care for her. Though he no longer operates a photography shop, he is still asked to do photographic projects for a few longtime customers, who refuse to go anywhere else.
The Asbury Baronet Theatre
By G.
DOROTHY SABATINI
The Asbury Baronet Theatre, Inc.
The Asbury Baronet Theatre, built 1910 circa, was bought and annexed to the Sunset Hall Hotel in 1913 by the Rockefellers. At that time it was called The Ocean Theatre. When the Sunset Hall Hotel, which occupied most of the first block of Fourth Avenue, burned down, the fire, which was massive burned down everything but the Baronet because at the time it was the only (so called) fireproof building around and it literally, blocked the fire from destroying the rest of the block.
The Rockefellers owned it until late 1949 when Walter Reade, the show business mogul who owned a chain of theaters, bought it. He named it The Asbury Baronet Theatre. Reade took it upon himself to do some remodeling, and today, it is restored back to the way he left it years ago. The present owners Walter Burns, Maurice Roberson, and Ron DeLuca, have faithfully toiled since 1986 to recreate that late 1950s, early 1960s atmosphere restoring it lovingly back to the Reade period. It's been called a Deco Era treasure.
In the Spring of 1997 their hard work paid off with a Preservation Award from the Monmouth County Historical Commission.
The auditorium boasts 546 original recliner seats and has a stage with a proscenium arch, which in the past hosted the likes of the "Three Stooges" in live stage performances.
The movie screen is one of the few surviving single screen theaters capable of projecting both flat and cinema scope with original projection equipment of the Deco period. However, a superb sound system and big screen video projector have been added.
The mirrored lobby, and its huge Manley Popcorn machine, has been retained in original condition.
The owners intend on showcasing at The Asbury Baronet Theatre, Inc., films of all types, including classic festivals. The stage is to feature "all the things a theatre should do" for its community, including star acts and local performers, children's theatre and musical and cultural events.
According to co-owner Walter Burns, "The theatre represents a dream come true for all of us. To own one of the last of the great old theaters and to be able to present our own as well as other material in it, is our pleasure."
A Salute to Asbury Park Business Leaders: A. Lorraine
Jones
By G.
DOROTHY SABATINI
Since 1971 the business located at 613 Prospect Avenue, in Asbury Park called Kleenize-Benje Carpet Specialists has been
operated by one family, the Jones. It started when Benjamin Jones, bought out the existing owner, whom he had worked for,
and kept the business going until his own death in 1977.
Considering that Lorraine had only occasionally watched her Dad and his employees run the machines, and didn’t really know
how they operated, she went ahead and asked the men who were working in the shop to teach her how to operate the massive
machines.
Though a very petite, black woman, this didn’t stop her from leaning how to deal with the business community and the many
people in the industry who were not use to dealing with a woman in this business before.
Lorraine has had her share of experiences while trying to hire good employees. Some workers, though more than able,
wouldn’t work for a woman. It seemed that many men in traditionally “blue collar” positions were not about to start working
for a woman. They just couldn’t handle it, yet. In 1977, the world was still very male dominated, especially the business
world.
But, as time went on Lorraine earned respect from local business owners and her industry’s competitors, suppliers, salesmen,
etc. This made it a little easier to hire employees willing to work under a woman’s direction.
Today, A. Lorraine Jones is a very serious businesswoman to be admired for her accomplishments. And, that is exactly what
has happened time and time again. On the wall of her office are more than 18 awards, which she has received over the years
from every local association, as well as many national ones too.
Ms Jones was the first Minority Woman ever to hold the office of President of the New Jersey Association of Women Business
Owners (NJAWBO). She has served the NJAWBO organization in many capacities during her 18 year membership.
Three years ago, Lorraine received the United States Small Business Administration “Small Business Advocate of the Year”
Award. She was one of 7 New Jerseyans to be honored at that SBA”S Annual Small Business Week Awards. In 1999 she
received the “Women in Business Advocate of the Year” award. Lorraine is currently the Atlantic Region Director of the
National Association of Women Business Owners, and sits on the National Association Board.
Asbury Park is fortunate to have this lady as one of its business owners. Lorraine has served the City for three terms on the
Zoning Board, and also was Chairperson of the Board. Ms Jones is an outstanding citizen, resident and member of the business
community of Asbury Park.
We salute and thank Lorraine for hanging in there. Maybe soon, she will, along with everyone else who has made the
commitment to the City, be able to reap the benefits of the renewal of Asbury Park.
Stone Pony To Rock Again
By G.
DOROTHY SABATINI
That wasn't the only thing that shook this old venue of many reputable groups, including its most famous rock and roller, Bruce Springsteen. The noise was applause for the new owners, headed by Domenic Santana, who is excited about his new adventure, and it rocked this house loud and clear.
Domenic Santana is the owner of the Hard Grove Café, a popular Cuban-American diner in Jersey City. His background is in special events. His company, D Productions, produced, among other things, the opening ceremonies of the World Cup Soccer Tournament in The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, and the President Clinton Health Care Express Rally at Liberty State Park in Jersey City.
Santana, in addressing the press said, "There were many times in the long hard sixty days of trying to work out this deal, that it almost fell through. But, the one thing that pulled me through this was, as always, my family. This business will truly be a family run business." He went on to say, "We believe that the Stone Pony will become immortal." And then he offered up his keys with a comment to Bruce, "Here's the keys to the Pony, we will never forget you and your times here. You are always welcome to come back to the place you called home so many times in the past."
It appeared that everybody who is anybody in the City of Asbury Park came out to cheer on these adventurers. Starting with a blessing from Pastor Allyson Estes of the First United Methodist Church of Asbury Park, and continuing with short speeches from Mayor Butch Saunders, and City Historian Werner Baumgartner. Also Larry Dole of the State Economic Council spoke on behalf of Governor Whitman and the Secretary of Commerce bringing good wishes to Asbury Park, as well as to Santana.
A performance by "That Robert Matarazzo Thing" rocked the stage for the press.
On a final note, Santana's daughter Victoria is very enamored with ponies. So as a treat for her, he had two live ponies present to help announce the Stone Pony's new rebirth. One named Lover and the other Woody, from Pony Promotions, provided some unusual highlights for the press conference.
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The Place
The Byram Building more commonly known as the Asbury Park National Bank was built in 1885, with additions made in 1916, in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. This five-story building at 601 Mattison Avenue, itself has a great history. It was our first Post Office. And at one time served as the summer headquarters for President Woodrow Wilson.
About a year ago, while taking a short bus tour with the Asbury Park Consortium class of 1999, we stopped at Griffin's Cleaners at 1310 Lake Avenue to visit with Alford Griffin. Mr. Griffin's family has owned and operated the tailor shop and cleaners on Lake Avenue for the last 75 years. 
This is an interview with Mr. Edward Noumair, renowned photographer who started his business in Asbury Park in 1939. Except for a tour in the Marines during the war, he has remained an icon in the City for almost sixty years.
The following is a history of one of Asbury's great old theaters, which is about to begin operating again after a loving restoration, which took more than ten years to complete.
Upon his death, his daughter, A. Lorraine Jones, took over this unusual and specialized rug cleaning and repairing business.
Though this non-traditional business was and still is a male dominated business, that didn’t intimidate Ms Jones for one minute.
She just jumped in and continued her father’s work.
The big announcement made by Santana was the "Memorial Day Weekend Stone Pony Reunion and Asbury Park Festival," which he claims will bring together "every rock and roll band that has ever rocked the stage of the world famous Stone Pony, for a weekend of performances on the Pony stage and other sites around the festival grounds. The culmination of the weekend will be a Memorial Day concert featuring some of the biggest names in rock and roll music."