Work proceeds on Sunday afternoon to complete the job of covering the openings on the north side. Paul Goldfinger photo
By Paul Goldfinger
The leadership of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association has insurance to help cover the cost of the damaged roof. Right now their goal is to finish a temporary project to close the injuries on the north and south side of the building before the nor’easter strikes on Wednesday with 30-50 mph winds expected that afternoon.
South side repairs near the steeple
The Ocean Grove Great Auditorium is an iconic structure, undoubtedly the most important in this historic town. Ralph delCampo, the CAO (Chief Administrative Officer) of the Camp Meeting Association, says that the GA is certainly revered by the OGCMA, but also it is treasured by everyone in this town as well as people all over the country and beyond.
So delCampo was extremely appreciative when Ocean Grove contractors, Jack Green Construction, the Gannons Co., and Chris Mott stepped forward immediately to offer help. Green, a member of the CMA board, managed to quickly round up three framer groups to begin work on phase one of the GA recovery project. delCampo noted that the workers were eager to help and he thought that they were cognizant of the special spiritual nature of the Great Auditorium Even yesterday, Sunday, those crews were at work up on the roof.
Front view
SOUNDTRACK. Ocean Grovers are beginning to get back to their lives , even as some are still struggling. But it’s important to “put on a happy face,” so here at Blogfinger we will do that also and post music, photographs and other features even as we continue to cover the effects of Sandy.
Here are the Drifters:
Once again the Gannon’s come to the rescue – just as they did in the ’91 Nor’easter, and on numerous other occasions. OG residents often criticize these guys, but have any of us ever taken the time to thank them?
I am a long-time visitor to Ocean Grove now living in the Phila. suburbs. My parents honeymooned in Ocean Grove during World War II and brought us kids there for many years, staying mostly at tiny 7 1/2 Olin Street. My most recent visit was this past September. Thank you so much for your daily news report. I am sure it is extremely helpful to all the Grovers trying to get correct info. and encouragement, but it is also wonderful for those of us far away who love the Grove to know what is going on there. Love your music selections – they are reminiscent of the recent Doo-Wop concerts at the GA. Keep up the good work and God bless and keep you all.
Judie Morgan
It’s hard to beat the Drifters to help you put on a happy face. We can’t say often enough how helpful the Blogfinger team has been as a news source during this tough time. Many thanks.