This year is the 100th
anniversary of the beginning of World War I. The global conflict raged until
1918, with the United States entering the conflagration in 1917. The world had
never experienced war at this scale before and it left behind a “lost
generation” of dissolute men. Back in the United States towns were urged to
erect some sort of memorial to these brave soldiers, perhaps not only to honor
them, but to soften the blows they had suffered.
A very popular statue from
this time was the Spirit of the American Doughboy sculpted by E.M. Viquesney.
It was a copper plated image of a Doughboy striding forth with a grenade in his
right hand and a bayonetted rifle in his left. Because it was copper plated and
not solid, it was cheaper to produce, and purchase, and Viquesney’s company
claimed to have at least one statue in every state. Today it is estimated there
are approximately 150 Spirit statues remaining and New Jersey has eight of
them.
Vacations From Home has
been traveling around New Jersey seeking out these statues and this is the
fourth in the series. The first three were spread out over a large area, which
in the small state of New Jersey this says a lot about the distances involved.
Team VFH first ventured to Secaucus in Hudson County on the grounds of the
municipal complex. Secaucus is just a couple of miles away from the Lincoln
Tunnel and New York City. Then we visited Frenchtown on the far western side of
the state, near the Delaware River to see the statue that stood in front of the
local grade school. The third statue was in the iron hills of Dover, Morris
County, nestled in the pastoral Hurd Park sitting atop an impressive cairn.
Of the remaining five
memorials, four are relatively close to each other along or near the Jersey
shore. It is quite possible to tool around and see them all in one day.
Hopefully after you get some leads though from this humble blog you’ll want to
take your time and linger in the towns.
Here is the first of our Jersey shore towns....
BELMAR
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| Belmar |
The memorial here in
this shore town, the town of my youth, witness to many a debauched weekend, is
away from the ocean and near an overpass of Route 35. Despite the location the
park is well tended and neat and the statue is in great condition. Names of WWI
battles are etched into the pedestal The Spirit statue was first dedicated in
1930 in front of what was first the American Legion Hall, which then evolved
into the municipal building and community hall
before the statue was refurbished
and when rededicated and moved in 2006 a block or so away to its present site along
West Railroad Avenue between 7th and 8th Avenues. The
names of 102 soldiers are listed on the plaque.
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| Dedication ceremony 1930 |
THINKING
of VISITING?
Belmar isn’t quite the
Jersey shore made famous by that MTV reality show, but it is kinda close. I
spent many a day sneaking onto the beach, and dodging the beach patrols and
drinking in the area bars and sleeping in cars to avoid paying for a room.
Sigh….what fun and fond memories. Well, that facet of the town remains and let
me tell you it’s not just the Jersey Shore. I once was in Surfer’s Paradise,
Queensland, Australia and during my morning run I saw many kids sleeping in
cars, so, I guess it’s acceptable? Consequently don’t come to this blog for
places to stay, because I’ll say the backseat.
But, the beach is great
here, if expensive; New Jersey towns all charge entrance fees. Even with the
crowds that pour into the town during the summer months there is a family
aspect as well. There are several playgrounds on the beach for kids and
activities like volleyball nets set up for public use as well as events like
sand sculpting competitions. Also for the kids there is a Surfing camp at 3rd
Avenue. Cowabunga indeed. Yes, the surf is strong here. The Beach Boys
mentioned Belmar in their song Surfing USA and there is a part still sectioned
off for surfers which I believe is near 19th Avenue. In September
there is a professional surfing competition. Check the website for details. BELMAR SURFING COMPETITION
The boardwalk is a great
place to run even if you have to slalom around the strollers, and there are a
number of well attended races in town each summer. Go to the town’s website for
races and other events.
FOOD
and DRINK
This area of the Jersey
Shore is affectionately known as the Irish Riviera. Filled with Benny’s (not
Shoobees) and there are so many places to carouse and eat no list will be
complete. Also, nearby towns like Avon-by-the-Sea and Spring Lake, are also
worth visiting. Here is an incomplete list of places to visit off the beach:
Klein’s
Fish Market and Waterside Cafe
On River Road, just off
the Shark River inlet, the place is loud and crowded and fun. The food is a bit
pricey, but you can’t beat the water view.
D’Jais
When I was a younger man
D’Jais on Ocean Avenue was always the place to go in Belmar for grabbing a
beer. It still is.
Columns
Outside of Belmar, and
really a very short drive, are a number of notable places to go for a beer or
food. Just north of Belmar is the laid back town of Avon-by-the-Sea. Compared
to Belmar, Avon is very quiet. The Columns is on Ocean Avenue, just across from
the boardwalk. Get a seat on the lanai and sip your drink and enjoy the view of
the ocean.
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| "The Columns at Avon" by Paula Kolojeski |
Norwood
Inn
A great dive bar in Avon
is the Norwood Inn at 618 Second Avenue. It is stately but worn. Not much of abeer selection, but it’s a
friendly place and the food will carry you along. Thankfully they filled in the
pool that was in the backyard, I guess there were too many unexpected dunks.
There is live music and if you stay late enough maybe you’ll get a room, or at
least stay for brunch.
Kelly’s
A (very) short jump away
from Belmar is Kelly’s in Neptune City. I love this place, and have
been known to
drive out of my way to go here for beers and food. Again, the Irish are well
represented here, with a map of Ireland on the ceiling above the bar, which is
just a couple of feet from the sushi station. Go for the Ham Galway sandwich
and the $15 buckets of beer special during the World Cup matches.
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| KELLY'S |
BTW… Jack Nicholson was born in Neptune as
well as Southside Johnny Lyon from Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes!
Arcades
The
SilverBall Museum
No visit to the Jersey
Shore would be complete without a trip to the Arcade. Pinball was always a
favorite pastime for me! If you’re interested in a side trip, just north is
Asbury Park and the SilverBall Museum just a couple of hundred feet from the
famous music venue, The Stone Pony. Purchase an unlimited play pass for $10 from 5
pm until closing.
I could go on and on
here, but your favorite mooch crew is off next to Fair Haven, NJ. I am sure I've missed something. If you feel compelled to add to this list, leave a comment or write us at: greg.dunaj@yahoo.com. If you decide to visit the Jersey Shore you may never want to go home again.
cheers
Janet and greg
Southside Johnny and the asbury jukes w/springsteen 1978
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