CHRIS KELLY staff At the Monmouth Beach Borough Hall, Albert Benoist, along with Joan Benoist, points out several items that belonged to his mother, which he lent to the the borough for a special 100th anniversary display on Monmouth Beach’s history. Benoist’s family has lived in the borough for several generations.
MONMOUTH BEACH — The borough of Monmouth Beach is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a series of events planned for the community including an exhibit of vintage photos and memorabilia, an art exhibit, a parade and barbecue and a tour of its grand century houses.
Kicking off the centennial celebration will be an exhibit titled “A Century of Memories” at Monmouth Beach Borough Hall on Beach Road that opens officially on Saturday and runs through Sunday, May 28.
The exhibit will feature old photographs of the borough’s once flourishing Galilee fishing industry, the famous resorts and elaborate homes that drew wealthy visitors to the seaside town in its early days, local businesses, community events and recreational activities, according to a press release from the borough.
Photos courtesy of borough of Monmouth Beach The former Monmouth Beach Casino in this vintage photo now serves as Borough Hall. Below, a vintage photo of a police building at Beach Road and Ocean Avenue is part of the exhibit. Right, old toys collected for the 100th anniversary exhibit of Monmouth Beach’s history will be on display at Borough Hall. Artifacts from historic homes and local businesses will also be on display, depicting life in the area 100 years ago, including clothing, personal items, tools and fishing equipment. A video diary has been created with interviews of local residents who have lived in Monmouth Beach for several generations, each with unique experiences to share. It, too, can be viewed at the exhibit.
Monmouth Beach was originally part of Shrewsbury Township, which was formed in October 1693. The borough became part of Ocean Township when it was formed in February 1849. On March 9, 1906, Monmouth Beach separated from Ocean Township to become an independent borough.
The kick-off to the Centennial Celebration will begin with an evening reception opening the exhibit at Borough Hall on Friday at 6 p.m.
The exhibit will be open to the public, free of charge, on the following dates and times: Sat. and Sun., May 20-21, from noon to 4 p.m.; Mon., May 22, from 6 to 9 p.m.; Tues. and Wed., May 23-24, from noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. and Sat. and Sun., May 27-28, from noon to 4 p.m.
A concurrent Centennial Art Show is on display at the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center, on Ocean Avenue through May 30. The exhibit features a display of original artwork by many of the talented artists who reside in Monmouth Beach, in honor of the Centennial Celebration.
On May 21, the Monmouth Beach Police Department will also celebrate its 100th birthday along with the borough. Department history will be included in the photos and displays at the “A Century of Memories” exhibit at Borough Hall. The exhibit will include information about little known facts such as when the police was established in 1906, there were only two marshals who patrolled the town twelve hours a day from April to December.
Future Monmouth Beach centennial celebration events include Celebrate the “Beach” in Monmouth Beach on Sept. 9, which will include a parade, beach party and fireworks.
Plans also include a Centennial Christmas House Tour sponsored by the Church of the Precious Blood Altar Rosary Society on Sunday, Dec. 3. The tour will be followed by a cocktail party at the Channel Club.
Since late last summer, the Centennial Celebration Committee and the Historical Society have been busily making plans. Volunteers interested in helping with events can call Borough Hall at (732) 229-2204, ext. 20, and leave their names and telephone numbers.
In addition, the Historical Society would like to recognize Monmouth Beach’s Centennial Homes. Please contact Judy White, historical society secretary, at (732) 870-2607 with verification of when your home was established.
Celebrate the “Beach” will begin with a centennial parade Sat., Sept. 9, starting at 1 p.m. A dozen organizations have signed up to participate and each will represent a decade of Monmouth Beach history.
Parade viewers can expect to see a few pound fishermen from the PTA and flappers from the Historical Society, The Ladies Auxiliary has chosen the ’50s, the Boy Scouts will represent the ’90s and the Girl Scouts are taking on the new century.
Plans call for music and cars from each time period and organizers are looking for vintage cars (1906 through later years), marching bands and bands that play period music. To participate, call Mary Kay Wedel at (732) 229-4584.
The fun will continue at the Pavilion with a beach party. A barbecue will be served from 2 to 6 p.m. in the north parking lot. Tickets for the barbecue will be sold in advance to Monmouth Beach residents for $5 at Borough Hall beginning June 15 through Aug. 15. Tickets will not be available for sale at the event.
Popular attractions such as rock climbing, wall and bungee jumping, as well as a fire truck and ambulance, will be located in the south parking lot.
On the beach, the PTA will have children’s games and the Recreation Commission will host volleyball and a karate demonstration. The Battle of the Bands will ensure that there is music on the deck.
The borough’s traditional fireworks display will be the finale to the day spent celebrating its 100 years.