Nov 22 2024
Long Branch, New Jersey
Photos © by Will T Rogers, Queens NY
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Long Branch’s early years as a resort town were a virtual “Who’s Who” of society, including such names as Astor, Fisk, & Drexel – and even more notorious names such as Diamond Jim Brady and Lily Langtree. First Lady Mary Lincoln visited in 1861, but it was in 1869 that Long Branch NJ had it’s first presidential visit by President Grant. The President continued to visit every summer that he was president, and continued for many years after that.
(Continued at end)
Photographer's trip starts at Kew Gardens, NY
Is the train coming?
"Now arriving on track 1"
Train takes a break
Surf's up
Dog refuses to take a dip (eyes covered to protect privacy)
Photographer is looking for a place to stay
Long Branch gull keeps an eye on the photographer
It's late October
Was Casey Jones Restaurant, but no longer :(
Aha!
Long Branch house
Yes it's still late October
Man searches for answers to the big quesitons
Yes you can study rock formations while reclining on the beach
Meanwhie business seems to be thriving
Is the train coming?
Photographer risks life to get picture
Photographer's train home finally arrives
(Taken through the train window)
In 1870, a racetrack opened, (which is still thriving today) and soon after, casinos. Long Branch NJ was in its heyday, such was its reputation that other presidents followed suit in visiting here including: Chester A. Arthur, Rutherford Hayes, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, Woodrow Wilson and James Garfield were frequent summer visitors. After an attempt was made on James Garfield’s life, he was brought to Long Branch NJ in hopes of a recovery aided by the sea air. Indeed, a railroad spur from the main line to his house was built to make him more comfortable in his travels.
The 1920’s witnessed the beginning of Long Branch’s decline as a fashionable summer destination. Gambling laws stopped many of the rich and famous from visiting, and wicked storms eroded Long Branch’s famed beachfront. By the latter part of the 1960’s, organized crime settled in Long Branch NJ, further tarnishing its image. Buildings became run down, houses became shabby, and many locals had to depend on welfare. Sadly, the only remaining structure of Long Branch’s former elegance is the St. James Episcopal Church. Built in 1879, it is where all seven presidents worshipped. It has since been renamed Church of the Presidents and is located at 1260 Ocean Avenue.
Fortunately, Long Branch NJ is now enjoying a rebirth. Visitors to Long Branch NJ will enjoy the beach, the new boardwalk, as well as Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, a 33-acre county park with facilities for swimming, boating and picnicking. Some of the summer bungalows have been replaced with high-rise condos. There is also a large selection of outstanding restaurants as well as a lively nightlife for the young and hip – or the young at heart!
PICTURES OF OTHER CITIES AND PLACES
Long Branch’s early years as a resort town were a virtual “Who’s Who” of society, including such names as Astor, Fisk, & Drexel – and even more notorious names such as Diamond Jim Brady and Lily Langtree. First Lady Mary Lincoln visited in 1861, but it was in 1869 that Long Branch NJ had it’s first presidential visit by President Grant. The President continued to visit every summer that he was president, and continued for many years after that.
(Continued at end)
In 1870, a racetrack opened, (which is still thriving today) and soon after, casinos. Long Branch NJ was in its heyday, such was its reputation that other presidents followed suit in visiting here including: Chester A. Arthur, Rutherford Hayes, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, Woodrow Wilson and James Garfield were frequent summer visitors. After an attempt was made on James Garfield’s life, he was brought to Long Branch NJ in hopes of a recovery aided by the sea air. Indeed, a railroad spur from the main line to his house was built to make him more comfortable in his travels.
The 1920’s witnessed the beginning of Long Branch’s decline as a fashionable summer destination. Gambling laws stopped many of the rich and famous from visiting, and wicked storms eroded Long Branch’s famed beachfront. By the latter part of the 1960’s, organized crime settled in Long Branch NJ, further tarnishing its image. Buildings became run down, houses became shabby, and many locals had to depend on welfare. Sadly, the only remaining structure of Long Branch’s former elegance is the St. James Episcopal Church. Built in 1879, it is where all seven presidents worshipped. It has since been renamed Church of the Presidents and is located at 1260 Ocean Avenue.
Fortunately, Long Branch NJ is now enjoying a rebirth. Visitors to Long Branch NJ will enjoy the beach, the new boardwalk, as well as Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, a 33-acre county park with facilities for swimming, boating and picnicking. Some of the summer bungalows have been replaced with high-rise condos. There is also a large selection of outstanding restaurants as well as a lively nightlife for the young and hip – or the young at heart!