Exactly what she was looking for… 6/18/22. Click once to enlarge. All photographs by Paul Goldfinger. 2022.
By Paul Goldfinger, MD. Editor Blogfinger.net. 6/18/22.
This young lady just graduated college in music therapy, but today she was looking for vinyl. She found the James Taylor record that she had been seeking at our sale on Mt.Hermon Way.
We had a total of 37 sales around town, and quite a few shoppers were using our maps to visit as many addresses as possible.
In the photo above, out in the street, you can find a classic drive-by shopper. How they do it, I’ll never know.
The socializing was, as predicted, a significant component of what went on. We had fun interacting. I wore my Groucho shirt, and a man came by who is a fan, so we both sang a chorus of “Lydia the Tattooed Lady.” (see below)
A shopper stopped by who said that she had been “stalking” me for years on Blogfinger, watching the show, but saying nothing. However, now she is revealed, so maybe we will hear from her again.
Jean Bredin came by and bought Raggedy Anne. She wanted Anne so that she could “nag” her Raggedy Andy.
A man, an expert on coin collecting said to me, “If you ever go into your sock drawer and find gold coins, please call me.” I didn’t tell him that I don’t have a sock drawer. Do you?
This lady from Neptune (the town, not the planet) was having a good time at the sales. Here we are comparing notes about Neptune garbage pails, gardens and where to park her car. Just then a space appeared across the street.
And this is Sam, a colorful 23 year old co-ed who was visiting Michelle her college friend in OG. See, I told you we had some demographic shifts in town; the youthful “Grover Underground.” And look Ma, no tattoos. Paul Goldfinger photo in Hero’s Park, across from our yard sale. Mt. Hermon Way. 6/18/22
Dover NJ. 1960; Blackwell Street. By Henry Boschen. Click once to enlarge. Re-posted 2024 by popular demand from Dovericans who love this image. And click on “Comments” below.
By Paul Goldfinger, MD, Editor. Blogfinger.net
Henry Boschen (1922-2011) made this wonderful black and white image in 1960 on Blackwell Street in Dover, New Jersey, a blue collar town in Morris County which was founded in 1869. In 1960, before the Rockaway Townsquare Mall was built in 1977, Dover was the place to go for shopping. It was a diverse town, and many of the merchants were Jewish. A growing Hispanic population was beginning to change the personality of Dover. Spanish restaurants and credit unions were opening. Most of the immigrants were from a particular town in Puerto Rico.
Henry’s image captures the warmth of Christmas in 1960 when shoppers would flock to visit downtown Dover where an old-fashioned homespun style was found in the shops. You could buy a fine men’s suit at the Quality Shop and pick up fresh fish at Fred’s. The Walk-Well shoe store was a family business, as were many of the stores downtown.
Dover Photo was one of the few Leica dealerships in New Jersey, so aficionados like me would go there to buy lenses, superb cameras and darkroom gear. Murray and his sons would offer technical advice to visitors. They displayed original photos and they offered trade-ins on equipment. I was one of their best customers.
Dover General Hospital, known for its excellent nursing and physician care, was sixty years old that year and was within walking distance to downtown. It was founded by a group of Dover women who wanted to improve healthcare at the turn of the century.
My first medical office was on Blackwell Street. I chose Dover because they had no cardiologist and I wanted to work in the trenches instead of at some ivory tower. The National Community Bank downtown gave me a mortgage before I even saw my first patient. The town doctors told the banker that I was a good risk. My practice was busy from day one.
Henry Boschen, my patient and friend, gave me this print, and it is a great treasure.
And we send our best Christmas and New Year’s wishes to Henry’s loving wife Jane, who is now living in nearby Randolph and to daughter Edie who is one of those wonderful former nurses at Dover General. Paul Goldfinger, MD
Noah wins two. Carries his team across the finish line.
Pop Pops reporting about Noah.
Some of you may remember seeing Noah for the first time on an ultrasound screen. He has gone on to stand out in 2nd grade in sports and academics. He is the first in our family to participate in martial arts. It is a thrill to see him.
My uncle Marty played football, and when I was a kid, I used to stare at his photo in uniform. I played 4 sports but nothing that required combat.
One time in a high school soccer match I jumped to grab a header, but I hit heads with a fullback on the other side. We both hit the ground together. Nothing serious. But it was ignominious–a word from the SAT.
Q: Where in the world can you meet a world famous opera singer, wearing a lavender sport jacket, emerging from his tent home, about to leave for his recital—one block away?
A. Ocean Grove, New Jersey, USA. Only in America.
I was on my way by bike to Ronald Naldi’s Sunday afternoon recital, when I spotted the man himself, getting his wardrobe organized on his porch, having just emerged from his tent, i.e. his summer home in Ocean Grove.
I made a U turn and stopped in front of his abode. Ron, a lyric tenor, artist-in-residence each summer in the Grove, was almost ready. For those of you who don’t know of him, he is a major star with the Metropolitan Opera in NYC.
I reminded him of who I was, but he was well aware of our Ocean Grove blog. Actually I knew that from a prior telephone interview, but I wasn’t sure he would recognize me. He cheerfully and enthusiastically agreed when I asked to photograph him in front of his tent. His concert would start in about 15 minutes, so we didn’t chat much, but he did give me the Blogfinger quote of the year:
He said, “I love Blogfinger.…it is the best blog in the world.”
Holy mackerel! “Thank you,” I blurted out, “I promise a good review for your concert.” Goodness—-what a lame thing to say.
He laughed. I jumped on my bike pedaling off towards the Youth Temple—visions of sugar plum fairies dancing in my head.
The next time I saw him was when he strode on stage for what Shelley Brown of OG calls “The best concert of the year in Ocean Grove.”
Needless to say, the recital was superb.
—Paul Goldfinger, Editor @blogfinger
RONALD NALDI from his album of Neapolitan Songs. “Rondine al Nido”
Tony Bennett with Amy Winehouse. There are two videos below with young stars that Bennett performed duets with. Amy is one, and Lady Gaga is the other. You Tube/
This is a re-post review of the film The Zen of Bennett, and we begin with two videos that show Tony Bennett performing with two young singers. The film includes a number of collaborations with Tony, but these are among the best: Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga with the blue hair:
Tony Bennett was 85 when this documentary was made in 2012. I am a huge fan of Tony B. When I bought my first serious “Hi-Fi” setup with big boy speakers, the first album I acquired was “the Essential Tony Bennett.” I nearly wore it out.
The documentary the Zen of Tony Bennett is not a biography. It is a fine, thoughtful film about the art and the soul of music as presented through the prism of Tony’s life and career. Tony’s son Danny produced the movie, and the direction was by Unjoo Moon. I especially loved the parts when Tony collaborates with other singers and musicians. The interactions are delightful and fascinating although not always fun. We learn about how he creates his musical magic, and especially wonderful were the parts (videos above) with Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga.
Tony was so gentle and understanding with the labile and emotional Amy that you could see her performance gradually turn to sparkle as he edged her on through a soulful version of “Body and Soul.” She, of course, died tragically in her 20’s.
Lady Gaga is such a vivacious and effervescent performer that you must smile and maybe even cry with happiness when you watch her interact with Tony in “The Lady is a Tramp.”
Tony talks about his painting and he explains how he feels about art, music, people and life itself. His creative process is fascinating as he explains what he has learned over the years and whom he has associated with. We get to meet John Mayer, Nora Jones, (who is so good with him,) Carrie Underwood, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, and Aretha Franklin, among others.
The cinematography is superb, although some of the artsy footage is a bit much such as scenes that contain views seen through an eyeball.
This movie is available on Netflix. Don’t miss it.
Paul Goldfinger @ Blogfinger.net
Bonus:
Tony Bennett with pianist Bill Evans, c. 1975. “My Foolish Heart”
Asbury Park boards. 9/22/2023. Paul Goldfinger photo. Blogfinger.net. This image was obtained a few days after the 2023 Sea, Hear, Now Festival. She seems a bit lonely, but she knows how to find a smile.
4/13/19. “White Whale” on fire. #4 Boardwalk. Ocean Grove , NJ, North End. Burned to the ground. Rear view from the beach. NJ.com photo just before roof collapsed. Firemen escaped from the roof just before the it caved in.
4/22/19. Paul Goldfinger photo. Blogfinger.net. Fire rubble piles. North End Redevelopment site is to the left. Asbury Casino is straight ahead. “Dunes” wreckage is on the beach
Blogfinger 4/9/26: We have learned that a NJ developer “TFE Properties” bought #4 Boardwalk last month (March 2026) at the north end of the OG boardwalk on the beach, with plans to build a “pavilion” at the location which is currently empty and has housed foxes in the last few years.
This comes as a surprise because that location is on the beach and is not on an official street. Have these people obtained proper approvals for their plans such as from CAFRA DEP (Coastal Zone,) Neptune Township, and the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association which claims to own the beach here ?
This is from thei TFE web site: “TFE Properties planned 40,000-square-foot pavilion aims to reestablish the property as a vibrant destination for residents and visitors, while honoring the site’s historic role within the community.” They also are bragging about their proximity to Asbury Park.
It seems that everyone who wants to buy in OG these days wants to claim proximity to A. Park. But what about their interest in the historic town of Ocean Grove? TFE’s claim of wanting to “honor the site’s historic role within the community” is suspect.
And do these people care about other issues including the large North End Redevelopment proposed across the boards, the views at our residential north end, “Breezeway” access, boardwalk access, and sea breezes? Don’t expect the Neptuners to care; they brought us the North End Plan.
That North End Plan due to begin construction soon also contains commercial, hotel, garage, beach access, and residential concerns for those who live in that neighborhood.? Will the proposed two projects create mayhem where we used to find outdoor pleasures for all?
And what about environmental concerns: Ocean and Wesley lake pollution, ground water management , flooding, parking, fire truck access to and from, and tourist crowding.
And how about the crew formerly known as the OGHOA? Will they have concerns? They represent many Grovers.
If you have any information please share with Blogfinger via email. Blogfinger@verizon.net. Requests for anonymity will be honored. So talk to me.
Paul Goldfinger,MD Editor Blogfinger.net, Ocean Grove, NJ USA.
10 am, April 14, 2019, at the OG North End. No one was allowed past the yellow tape, and the building could barely be seen through the fog. Blogfinger.net photograph Click once to enlarge.
Jack Bredin’s glorious 2018 painting “The Aurora” shows the “White Whale” and gives perspective to its location.
By Jack Bredin and Paul Goldfinger, Blogfinger.net, Ocean Grove, NJ.
It’s Sunday, April 14, 2019, one day after the White Whale (Dunes) building was destroyed in a 5 alarm blaze. The entire North End had been filled with fire-fighting equipment during the conflagration, and many fire trucks could not get near the fire. Equipment came from many nearby communities, but there was no easy way to go in and then turn around, and many of those units were useless due to the congestion. Sirens were heard for hours, and smoke enveloped the region afterwards. Luckily there were no major casualties.
At first, the OG Fire Department thought the building could be saved, but after the roof collapsed, the building was seen as a total loss. Water was pumped from Wesley Lake, because there were no hydrants or a water main near the building, and the structure sat on the boardwalk and the sand.
That building does not front on a street, and the Lake is not a convenient location as far as getting water to the rear of the building which was where the fire seemingly began, in the crawl space below the food court. These conditions hampered the work of those brave firemen.
One miracle was noted when about 6 firemen were up on the roof when the Fire Chief decided that the situation was too risky. They were told to retreat just in time, right before flames enveloped the roof, causing it to suddenly collapse. If they had stayed there, they would likely have not survived Thank goodness for that decision by fire command.
The “White Whale” building (BF nickname) had been built in 1909 using balloon construction which promotes rapid acceleration of flames during a fire. It was built on the beach and the boardwalk as a pavilion–for recreation purposes only. You could purchase some snacks and souvenirs there.
Later a restaurant addition was built, housing a diner that stood for years and most recently as a food court with 8 businesses. The Neptune tax collector had given that section an address of #4 North End Boardwalk, even though the building did not exist on an actual street.
In 2012 Sandy caused extensive damage to the White Whale. A FEMA inspector happened to come by to check the damage and he was heard to say that the Whale sustained more damage than most buildings which were demolished after Sandy. He said that it should be torn down.
The Neptune Township Building Department did not give the owner, Maplewood Ocean Grove Associates, Inc, a building permit to make repairs, but as work began, the OGHOA complained that there had been no building permit issued. However the Groaners evidently weren’t knowledgeable enough to demand that no building permit should be issued and that the building ought to be condemned. Later the permit was granted.
One reason why a permit should not have been approved is because a building permit cannot, according to State law, be issued for a structure that is not on a street. The Boardwalk is not a street, nor is Lake Avenue. The original North End redeveloper planners who said that it was a street were wrong.
In addition, any permit then should have demanded that fire hazards be corrected throughout the entire building. The risk of fire was also increased due to the absence of fire hydrants and a water main line over there. And a permit should have been withheld due to the absence of a turnaround for fire trucks which were rumbling over to the site, but then unable to retreat yesterday.
Had the Township withheld that permit in 2012, this fire would not have happened. It would have been an empty lot yesterday.
This is totally a failure of Neptune Township to protect Ocean Grove. If they had been strict with the owner, he would have probably chosen to demolish the building himself due to the cost.
Incidentally, those heavy trucks were positioned at the North End Redevelopment site, a place where parking had been denied by the CMA for fear of collapse. All those trucks did not cause a collapse yesterday.
In 2007, when the North End Redevelopment Plan was designed and approved by two licensed planners and the Neptune Planning Board, no one took note of the existing concerns about fire safety at that building. Neptune Township allowed a vulnerable situation to persist and they bear some responsibility for the fire and for the difficulties fighting the fire yesterday.
As for the zoning, it is now “mixed use” thanks to the manipulative favoritism in town (2007). which allowed the designation of a “Zone in Need of Redevelopment.” Now (2019) that site will be empty awaiting the finalization of a North End Plan.
At one point, a few years ago, Randy Bishop was quoted as saying that the Whale would become a 4 story building with condos, a banquet hall, and shops. Later he denied saying that. If the Plan is changed to show condos, banquet hall, and shops at that location on the beach, a revolution should occur.
