Blogfinger

“I’m a happy witch!  The wicked witch is dead. ”     Paul Goldfinger photo.  At the Ocean Grove witches’ reunion. Oct. 2022.

FROM THE WIZARD OF OZ:

By Paul Goldfinger, MD, Editor Blogfinger.net

Isn’t it interesting?  There is no mention in this ad of “Christian Seaside Resort,” “OG Camp Meeting Association,” religious programs,  Sunday closures, or “blue laws.” Is it possible that the 1938 CMA/Ocean Grove was less religious than now?  Or is this merely nuanced advertising?

Instead the sales pitch in this ad  includes: safety, playground, no saloons, no mosquitoes, “invigorating breezes,” “congenial aquaintances,” “clear open lawn and boardwalk,” and the vague promise of “re-creating mind, body and spirit.”

They do call themselves “God’s Country” but how about a definition of what that means?  You could visit Montana or Jersey City and call it “God’s Country,” without any actual religious identity.

It looks like the CMA, despite its governance in 1938, lacked  sufficient influence to put its true identity out front in advertising Ocean Grove.   Were they embarrassed to call a spade a spade?  (Oh, no card playing on Sunday either.)

THE KODOKS.  (What the heck avenue does Kodok  mean?)

Tuba or not tuba….. Great Auditorium, Ocean Grove. 5/25/19. Paul Goldfinger photo.  Click to enlarge.

Memorial Day Concert. Atlantic Winds. Paul Goldfinger . May 25, 2019.

“Americans We” by Henry Filmore:   United States Air Force Academy Band.

a.   The recent color was yellow vinyl, but that siding was removed.

b.  In December 24, the  residence was sold to the current two owners for $1,435 million.

c.   9/25: Approvals at the Neptune HPC

d. The size is 4,918 square feet.

e.  Windows are to be re-done.

f. The new owners have given it a name:   “BELL FLOWER.”

g.  Air conditioning and roofing to be re-done.  Gas lanterns will add a special touch as occurred in their magnificent home  across the street.

h. Realtor.com: “Building Specs: A  Queen Anne/Victorian-Colonial style home built around 1925 (with historic roots tracing back to late-19th-century designs) featuring 3 stories, 8 bedrooms, 10-foot ceilings on the main level, 9-foot ceilings upstairs, stained glass windows, and an attached 2-car garage.”

i. Goal of current project,  “To restore the architectural character of one of OG’s most unusual large historic houses.”   (Source:?)

j. We are looking forward to finding out how this house will be used in the future.   ?Residential single family

By Paul Goldfinger.  Click.

CAT POWER   “Where Is My Love?”   from the movie Jack Goes Boating.

Asbury portrait. Paul Goldfinger. 9/17/22

BOB DYLAN. “When the World Was Young.”

Visiting the doctor. I had hip surgery, and after a few weeks, I had to return to the orthopedic surgeon for a post-op visit.  Being a cardiologist , I had a few questions as he removed some stitches:

Me:  I saw a few You Tube videos showing how this surgery is done.

He:  OK

Me.  Since I saw those videos, do you think it would be OK if I  did a few hip operations myself?

He: You probably saw the same two videos I saw before your operation.

THE HARPTONES:

Paul Goldfinger, 2019.

PAUL ROBESON:

Coaster photo. 6/5 /26. Kelly Ryan

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JUNE 5, 2026:

Kelly Ryan, the owner of Nagle’s Apothecary Cafe in Ocean Grove, opened the eatery this week. It has been closed since 2019. The restaurant, formerly owned by Leonard Steen and David Rosen was a popular spot for almost 20 years. Before it was a restaurant it was a pharmacy. The restaurant features a counter with nine seats and tables. Ryan also owns The Boondocks Fishery in Red Bank. Nagle’s is open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

October 2026 update–Blogfinger.net

Eileen and I stopped  for superb  fish and chips at Nagles 10/7/26 This was the second visit  and with the same choice for lunch.

By Paul and Eileen Goldfinger, Editors.  Blogfinger.net 10/7/26:

After Kelly reopened Nagle’s in June, Blogfinger posted their menu, and that post got more hits than anything else for months.  We knew that Kelly was a seasoned  (not literally) restauranteur with a successful seafood operation in Red Bank.  And we were hearing some good reports about the new OG Nagle’s.

Eileen and I went over today for a late lunch at 2 pm. The sun was shining on this brilliant Wednesday, and there was no rush;  closing was 3 pm.

We sat outside in the alley, which was delightful today and we shared a fish and chips order, and it was wonderful: first class.

One portion was enough for us. The fish. (probably cod) was cooked perfectly, and the fries were fine.  They served the dish with vinegar (which I love—authentic style). They also had Heinz ketchup, tartar sauce,  Gulden’s mustard and Chocula Hot Sauce.

The menu is amazing, and I suspect that this restaurant will become judged as the best in town.

We spoke with the owner Kelly Ryan who was  helping the wait staff. She is affable, good humored,  and a treat to talk to.  She agreed to my request to interview her at a later date.

If you are hungry in OG, go to Nagle’s.

Of particular interest is that Kelly will stay open in the off-season, but her hours are 9 am to 3 pm, and they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Also if you think you want some ice cream there, after 10/11, ice cream will only be sold during the schedule noted for food.

Please comment if you want to contribute to this discussion.   “Comments” below or email to Blogfinger@verizon.net

CARBON LEAF:   “Life Less ordinary”

October 7, 2026. 118 Main Avenue. Paul Goldfinger photo while riding a Blogfinger drone over OG.  Click once.

THE DRIFTERS:

Delivery suite. Mt. Sinai Hospital.  Paul  Goldfinger photograph.  Darkroom print.

THE FANTASTICKS: