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OG modern history—2013. Ocean Grove landmark appears in HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire.”

April 21, 2026 by Blogfinger

Boardwalk Empire: A 1920's Atlantic City nightclub. Boardwalk Empire: A 1920’s Atlantic City nightclub. HBO photo. This series debuted on September 19, 2010.

 

Boardwalk Empire. Photo is of a young Al Capone (center) and his two brothers who are busy creating the family business out of Chicago. HBO photo Boardwalk Empire. A young Al Capone (center) and his two brothers are busy creating the family business, out of Chicago. It’s good I spell his name correctly, because in this episode, Capone makes a personal visit to a newsman who got the spelling wrong. HBO photo.

 

By Paul Goldfinger, MD,  Editor, Blogfinger.net

Ocean Grove and its buildings have appeared in a number of movies including Woody Allen’s “Stardust Memories” (1980) and “According to Greta” with Hillary Duff (filmed in 2007). Except for Greta, Ocean Grove has appeared because of it’s unique seaside appearance rather than because it is Ocean Grove.

In Stardust Memories, the town was presented as a generic seaside resort, and the Great Auditorium became the Stardust Hotel. In Greta, the town actually was portrayed as OG.

Which brings me to the opening episode of Boardwalk Empire’s 4th hit season on HBO. This multi-award winning series is film-making at its best. Set in 1920’s Atlantic City, during Prohibition, it is about Nucky Thompson, a gangster who struggles to maintain his hold on the booze trafficking into New Jersey. As many of you know, we at BF are big fans of the production including its music, and we often post songs by Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, the Grammy winning group that provides much of the music.

Last Sunday it began again with its usual precise and georgeous portrayal of an era and a place. The costumes and the settings are magnificent. The plots are fascinating.

Now it is 1924, and Nucky has carved out his territory which is from Cape May up to Asbury Park and west to Trenton. He is having trouble with rival gangsters from New York City and Chicago, and his marriage has failed. Now he is living in a fancy suite in an Atlantic City hotel.

Late in the episode he steps onto the porch to get some sea air, and this is what we see:

 

TV photo. HBO's Boardwalk Empire, season 4, episode 1. Sept. 8, 2013. PG photo  HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, season 4, episode 1. Sept. 8, 2013. This scene is set in Atlantic City. On the porch is Nucky Thompson (foreground) and his personal assistant.        Paul Goldfinger still  photo from the TV series.

The setting is Atlantic City, but that sure looks like our Albatross Hotel.  So I went over to Ocean Pathway to compare, and, as you see, the look is very close—too close to deny. Inside, owner Bill Reilly decided to let the cat out of the bag.

A crew from HBO showed up a couple of months ago. They thought that our Albatross looked like a 1924 seaside hotel. So they took photos and measurements inside and out, and then, somehow, with some modifications, re-created our Albatross in Atlantic City.

The Albatross in Ocean Grove, Sept. 13, 2013. Paul Goldfinger photo. © The Albatross in Ocean Grove, Sept. 13, 2013. Paul Goldfinger photo.

So once again, OG is shown in a successful film production, but this portrayal is unique  because the hotel exterior scene in this episode was not actually filmed in the Grove.

Considering the sex scenes, the booze, the violence and the chorus girls (and the current absence of a boardwalk in the Grove) it is amazing that a part of OG has actually found its way into this production, especially one ironically called “Boardwalk Empire.” But that did happen, and maybe more scenes of the Albatross will show up later.

 

VINCE GIORDANO AND THE NIGHTHAWKS, From the original soundtrack of Boardwalk Empire: “Margie” Their soundtrack recording won a Grammy. Vince appears regularly in New York City.  We met him there. A group of OG citizens were fans, and we joined them one night.

 

STEPHEN DeROSA as Eddie Cantor with a tune from Boardwalk Empire:

 

Posted in Blogfinger Movie Review, Blogfinger Music Department, Blogfinger News, Music from TV | Tagged , | 7 Comments »

Behind the boardwalk…..

April 21, 2026 by Blogfinger

Seaside Heights, N.J. Facing the boardwalk.. Paul Goldfinger photograph 2018.  The boardwalk was behind me.  ©  Click to enlarge.

By Paul Goldfinger Editor @Blogfinger

In high school my friends and I went to Seaside Heights in the summer.  We knew that we could find girls and great music in Jersey Shore bars such as the Chatterbox and the place in my photo above.  But alas, we weren’t old enough.

However, 4 of us had a band. (one girl and 3 guys), and we played in the Red Rail Restaurant/Bar in Lavallette.  We got a cabaret license to let us perform there—but no alcohol for us.

It was a very adult clientele who wanted fox trots and jittter-bugs.  They were like our parents.  And there were some folks sitting at the bar staring at us and requesting songs like “Fascination,” a waltz.

No hard-core rock and roll there, and all the girls in their summer clothes were elsewhere.

We 3 had an apartment over a garage and we sometimes met girls after work at about midnight on the Seaside boards where there were some who couldn’t get into the bars either.  When they heard that we were in a band, we……well, let’s say a little celebrity goes a long way.

Bunny, our pianist, was an FDU coed, and she had her own place and a policeman father.

Last year, walking our grandson on the boards in Seaside, the sight of this place brought back some of my own American Graffiti moments.

 

THE DUBS.

 

Posted in Photograph by Paul Goldfinger, Photographic Gallery: New Jersey, Photography at The Jersey Shore | Tagged | Leave a Comment »

Modern OG history—2013. Phillip Smith and friends to perform in Ocean Grove’s Great Auditorium on July 4.

April 21, 2026 by Blogfinger

Phillip Smith. Photo by Chris Lee

Phillip Smith. Photo by Chris Lee

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor  @Blogfinger.  Re-post 2013.

 

Phillip Smith is no ordinary musician.  He is known world wide as one of the finest  classical trumpet players anywhere. When he isn’t performing as the principal trumpet for the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, he plays in a variety of brass ensembles, such as the Imperial Brass with whom he appeared in July 2011 at the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.*  Phillip has performed with the greatest orchestras, brass bands and wind ensembles all over the world.  He is on the faculty at Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music.

Mr. Smith is good friends with Dr. Gordon Turk, who is the organist for our 11,000 pipe Hope-Jones organ and who is the producer of the incredible Summer Stars series held every July in the Great Auditorium.

Thanks to this relationship, as well as Phillip’s long history as a summer visitor and now part-time resident in Ocean Grove, we are going to have a unique opportunity to enjoy a Summer Stars concert organized by Mr. Smith for July 4.

In an interview this past week with Mr. Smith, we were able to discuss some special questions with him.  Phil (we are now on a first name basis) has been coming to the Grove since childhood for the summer fun, and in 2005,  he “took the plunge” and bought an OG cottage which he visits year-round with his wife, the soprano Sheila Smith. His other home is in north Jersey.   He recalls playing in summer rock bands at Convention Hall in Asbury Park when he was a youngster in the Grove.

Phil describes himself as a Christian, and his faith has energized his artistry as well as some of his musical choices such as playing with the  Salvation Army’s staff bands worldwide. During that 2011 concert in OG, he told the audience that there is “joy in Ocean Grove” and that being here “refreshes our spiritual souls.” He fondly recalls a musical moment when he stood in the far highest reaches of the Great Auditorium with Gordon Turk below on organ, and they played Bach’s  “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring.”  Phil says that the sound was “other worldly.”

According to Phil, the Great Auditorium is a “fabulous building,” and the acclaim for its acoustics is well deserved. Phil looks forward to playing in the GA, although he admits that the heat can sometimes be a big issue for performers, especially those with delicate instruments whose tuning can be easily compromised.

The July 4 concert is called “I Love NY Brass Concert.” Phil is bringing some of the finest New York musicians  (see below) for this celebration of America and its music.  Phil said that he chose “people that I like and respect.”  The group consists of seven brass players (plus Dr. Turk on organ)  who will present a  mixture of classical pieces, Americana, Broadway and Disney selections, marches, and patriotic tunes including a tribute to the armed forces. There will be some special treats including a trumpet solo by Phil Smith where you can hear his exquisite sound,  as well as a two pieces where the brass and the Hope-Jones organ, with Dr. Turk on the console,  join together—you can imagine what that will sound like. I can’t wait.

Phillip Smith played Gershwin’s “Someone to Watch Over Me.” when he performed here in 2011. That arrangement was written for Mr. Smith by his friend and colleague Joseph Turrin.  Phil is not known as a performer of jazz, but this song was very special to him because it reminds him of “his faith” and is a tribute to his father, Derek Smith, a renowned cornet soloist,  who was his first teacher.  Phil said that many performers wanted to use the arrangement, but the Gershwin family wouldn’t allow it to be published.  Below is a recording of Mr. Smith playing that arrangement with Mr. Turrin on piano.

 

PHILLIP SMITH  (trumpet) and  JOSEPH TURRIN (piano and arranger.)  Instrumental version of  George  (music) and Ira Gershwin’s  (lyrics) “Someone to Watch Over Me.”  From the musical “Oh Kay” (1926)

 

 

The concert on Thursday, July 4, begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Great Auditorium . Tickets are $15.00 each at 800-590 4064  or WWW.oceangrove.org.

Here is a link* to the Blogfinger article about that 2011 concert in the GA  including a video of Phillip performing Gershwin’s “Someone to Watch Over Me.”  But the audio above is better quality.

Phil Smith performs  in OG

Posted in Blogfinger interviews, Event in the Great Auditorium, Music from the Broadway stage., Music: The Power to Enchant, Ocean Grove events | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment »

A Civil War of Words, in Asbury Park and Ocean Grove

April 21, 2026 by Blogfinger

By Charles Layton, Blogfinger.net.    Original post 2012.

Could the dividing line between North Jersey and South Jersey be Wesley Lake?

The thought occurred to me the other day during a stroll past Asbury Park’s Civil War memorial on Cookman Avenue. The plaque at the foot of the memorial reads as follows:

That’s pretty bellicose language – or used to be. “The war of rebellion” is a name the North imposed on the conflict, reflecting its own perception of events.

Asbury Park’s memorial to those who fought defending the Union. Photos by Mary Walton

Even though, after the war, Southerners continued to refer to themselves as “rebels,” the Yankee phrase “war of rebellion” rankled them. They also, for obvious reasons, disliked calling the conflict “the war to save the Union” or “the war of Southern aggression.” Another name appearing on Northern war memorials and in Northern textbooks, but not Southern ones, was “the great rebellion.”

Although it never really caught on, “the war for Southern independence” came closer to reflecting the South’s point of view — the white South’s, anyway. Those Southerners who saw the North as the belligerent party also favored the term “war of northern aggression.” Confederate General Joseph Johnston called it the “war against the states,” another sore-loser title that sounds like it could be accompanied by a one-finger salute.

And so it was that, after the war itself was decided, there began a much longer conflict over what the history books ought to call it.

The name Southerners lobbied for was “the war between the states.” Confederate officials and veterans used the term in their memoirs. In the early 20th century, the United Daughters of the Confederacy (as die-hard a group as you’ll ever find) tried unsuccessfully to have that name enacted into federal law, their argument being that the conflict wasn’t really a civil war, but rather a war between two well-defined, separate governments, the word “states” in this case meaning sovereign nations. After all, the Daughters argued, the Confederacy had its own currency, its own army and navy, its own commerce – everything you could ask for in a legitimate nation.

Although the United Daughters didn’t get their way, Southern politicians tried for many decades to sneak that language into law and common parlance. In the 1940s and 1950s, when Southerners held great sway in Congress, the term “war between the states” found its way into at least two federal laws, as well as various Congressional reports. As a schoolboy in Texas, I heard at least one high school teacher argue in favor of the phrase. It was kind of a Southern talking point.

Ocean Grove’s cannon

It even gained currency in parts of the North. Paul Goldfinger, who grew up in North Jersey, says he frequently heard the Civil War referred to as the “war between the states.” But Paul wasn’t aware of the underlying political spin the term carries in the South. Most Northerners probably aren’t, at least not these days.

But now, here’s something interesting: Ocean Grove has its own Civil War memorial — the cannon in Founders Park — and its plaque contains that Southern-friendly phrase “war between the states.” Furthermore, the Ocean Grove memorial is friendlier to the South in another way. While Asbury’s memorial only pays tribute to those on the Union side, Ocean Grove’s honors all of the combatants, no matter which side they fought on.

MUSIC from The London Philharmonic Choir:

Posted in Blogfinger News, Charles Layton, Feature article | 15 Comments »

Modern OG history—2021. “Day By Day.” Ocean Grove Church. Sunday musical service on the boards.

April 21, 2026 by Blogfinger

 

August 1, 2021. Boardwalk Pavilion, 9:30 am. Paul Goldfinger photo. © Click once to enlarge.   Blogfinger.net

 

 

Paul Goldfinger photo. August 1, 2021.

 

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor  Blogfinger.net

Every Sunday morning this summer, there is a church service with music held in the Boardwalk Pavilion at 9:00 am.   Today, August 1, 2021, there is a band, about 6 pieces. And there is prayer, sermons, and singers leading the audience in gospel music.

The amplification makes it easy to hear all the way back to Stokes.

Attendance was impressive, with church-goers inside and outside of the Pavilion.  A children’s service was held on the beach.  About 10 kids attended.

From there many go to the large event in the big room—-the Sunday service in the Great Auditorium is at 10:30 am.

 

ANNA MARIA PEREZ DE TAGLE´  from the New Broadway Cast of Godspell.

 

Posted in Blogfinger Presents | Leave a Comment »

Modern OG history—2011: Music in the Grove. Summer Stars, Imperial Brass and oh…by the way…our neighbor Phil Smith.

April 20, 2026 by Blogfinger

Imperial Brass. July 7, 2011. Photo by Ted Aanensen, Blogfinger staff

 

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor, blogfinger.net.   7/7/11.

Last night, in the Great Auditorium, the first Summer Stars 2011 Thursday concert was held. The Imperial Brass is a fine organization of about 30 musicians who play brass instruments like euphoniums, horns and trumpets.

They put on a two hour program of music from Leroy Anderson to Tchaikovsky. It was excellent, but then Phillip Smith, the evening’s soloist,  showed up mid way in the event.

Phil is an Ocean Grover who lives on Pilgrim Pathway. But he also happens to be the  Principal Trumpet of the New York Philharmonic.

Phillip Smith, Principal Trumpet, New York Philharmonic. Photo by Ted Aanensen

He told the audience that there is “joy in Ocean Grove” and that being here “refreshes our spiritual souls.” He had my attention when he said that he was our neighbor, but I was mesmerized when he played his first solo, called “Jubilance” by William Himes. It was absolutely lovely, and his tone and phrasing were magical. It never ceases to amaze me how superb the musical programs are in this

little town with its big musical heritage. Here, for $15.00, was one of the world’s best musicians, playing for us live…no microphone; just him inside the big cello of an auditorium, with an ensemble of accomplished brass players (also unamplified) to back him up. I don’t know how it is that so few people come to these events.

Later in the program Phil’s wife Sheila Smith, a soprano, sang an enjoyable Broadway medley and then a duet with her husband and piano accompaniment on the standard “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.”

Phil also soloed on”What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” but I really enjoyed his turn, with piano, with  Gershwin’s “Someone to Watch Over Me.” I took the liberty of recording that gorgeous solo with my iPhone, and here it is. It’s not exactly a professional audio crew, but enjoy the sound of a brilliant musician who also is our neighbor—–Philip Smith:

Posted in Music: The Power to Enchant, Uncategorized | Tagged | 5 Comments »

Aretha and me, the early years: A Blogfinger feature by Editor Charles Layton of Ocean Grove, NJ. (Re-post 2012)

April 20, 2026 by Blogfinger

By Charles Layton, Editor, Blogfinger.net.  2012 .

It must have been sometime in the winter of 1961-62. We were two soldiers on leave, exploring the mysteries and enticements of New York City for the very first time. Probably on someone’s recommendation, we sought out a place on 7th Avenue called the Village Vanguard, eager to hear some jazz. The chairs were uncomfortable, the tables were tiny and crammed together to make the most of the space, and the cover charge and liquid refreshments cost more than we could afford, forcing us to nurse our drinks all evening in spite of the waitress’s judgmental looks. It was one of those situations where you have to hang onto your glass for dear life lest the waitress scoop it away before it’s empty.

The featured artist that night played jazz piano with a heavy gospel flavor and sang with an air of authority rare in one so young (she was probably not yet 20). She had an enormous voice. I was gobsmacked by her performance. I remember writing a letter to a friend back in Texas, a fellow jazz lover, saying, “You’ve got to listen to a singer named Aretha Franklin. See if you can find any of her records.”

I don’t think I heard of her again until four or five years later, by which time she had altered her repertoire and become the “Queen of Soul.” I never hear her music now without thinking of how she sounded to me on that cold, long-ago night, as I sat huddled in that overcrowded club on 7th Avenue.

This song, a standard from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, provides a good approximation of how she sounded that night.

 

Posted in Charles Layton, Music | 1 Comment »

Modern OG history—2017. The old, the new, and the true North End Redevelopment plans…

April 20, 2026 by Blogfinger

two

Who can you trust to do what’s right for the residents of Ocean Grove, NJ?   Paul Goldfinger photograph at Auditorium Square Park. 2017. ©

images

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor and Jack Bredin, Researcher/reporter @Blogfinger.net

Most of us are now aware that the 2008 Redevelopment Plan (NERP) for the North End of Ocean Grove is the only plan that is currently legally binding.  But we also know that the collusion between WAVE, CMA and the Township to violate Land Use Laws and to keep a veil of secrecy around their plans has resulted in the past in actions that knowingly ignore the laws such as zoning and parking rules.  So we cannot assume that what we think is true is truly true. And that applies to the NERP.  Let’s review what has happened:

The original NERP was signed into law by the Neptune Township Committee in 2008, and no other plan, despite all the talk (see below) has been officially/legally  approved to take its place.

And that original plan included an underground garage with two levels of parking for over 200 cars.  A couple of years ago, the Township tried to get Trenton to pass a “special standard” (exemption) to bypass State RSIS (parking) rules in Ocean Grove, but the Township withdrew its application (without prejudice) when Grovers showed up at the State Site Improvement Advisory Board meeting; so RSIS law must apply to the NERP.

In 2012, the CMA announced that they would “break ground” in 2013, but then Sandy hit in October 2012.

In 2013, the CMA announced that because of Sandy, the developers would “have to go back to the drawing board.”  It seems that Sandy drove the Atlantic Ocean over the boardwalk and into Wesley Lake. Obviously, if that underground garage had been built prior to Sandy, it could have washed away.

On April 28, 2015, a “Memo of Understanding” was signed by William Gannon/WAVE  (Wesley Atlantic Village Enterprises) and by Dale Whilden of the OGCMA. The witness was  JP Gradone.  This document is available from the Neptune Township Clerk.  (Open Public Records Act.)  Anyone can request it.

The Memo  contained a new plan for the North End.  It defined the project as a “commercial development,” and it called for a one level garage to hold +/_ 140 spaces. It did not say if the garage would be above ground or under.  It described 39 condominiums, 10 single family homes, a hotel with 40 units, and other elements.

Of interest is the fact that an appropriately designed hotel plan could allow for that hotel to be turned into condominiums after the project is completed.  (ie a sneaky back door plot to get more condos at the North End—it’s possible.)

Committeeman Randy Bishop and the OGHOA proclaimed this new plan publicly in April, 2015, with the Groaners actually trying to take credit for it.  Here is a link, nearly 3 years ago, about the newly proclaimed North End plan as presented at the Township Committee:

The “new” 2015 North End plan— BF post

But, since then, the Township has not tried to validate this “new plan” with  appropriate public hearings and votes.

Despite that, the current CMA president, Michael Badger, presented this “new plan”  at the Feb 1, 2018 HOA meeting “North End update”  as if it were the legally approved plan to move forward with.

So the question  now is which plan will emerge once the three-legged stool (WAVE, CMA,  Township) decides to apply for site plan approvals?

And finally, is there a secret third plan  (the “true” one) which, we suspect,  would have two phases?   The first  phase would be a “scaled down” (put on a happy face) version discussed  on Feb 1 by the CMA President; with a second unannounced phase lurking in the shadows,  later implemented to get the number of condos up to a total of 165 as in the original NERP

Will anyone in charge stand  up for the three T’s:——- trust, transparency and the truth, or will we get more of the sound of silence?

2026 request. 4/21/26: If any of you know what is going  on with the North End Plan, please email me  ( Blogfinger@verizon.net).  and I will share with you Grovers.   You can be anonymous.       PG

 

DISTURBED

“Hello darkness, my old friend
I’ve come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping…”

 

Posted in Blogfinger Presents | 10 Comments »

A mystery shul. *

April 20, 2026 by Blogfinger

*”Shul” is a Yiddish word for synagogue.

 

Magen David Congregation. Ocean Avenue,  Bradley Beach, NJ. 7/5/22. Paul Goldfinger photograph.  Below is the  view from the shul looking out to the Atlantic Ocean.

 

 

 

By Paul Goldfinger, MD, Editor Blogfinger.net.  Ocean Grove, New Jersey, USA.   7/6/22.

 

Did you ever drive along Ocean Avenue in Bradley Beach and see a nondescript gray building facing the Ocean ?   You might recall that it has a row of  Stars of David in front, but there is no writing.

We are not from the Jersey Shore originally, except for vacations, but we know that Jewish people have been visiting and living in Bradley Beach for many years and we supposed that this was a synagogue.  And we wondered if it were still in use, because we never saw anyone there and we know that BB has a more impressive and active shul called Congregation Agudath Achim which describes itself as “Orthodox” meaning that it follows the traditions of Ashkenazi Jews who originated in Eastern Europe.  That shul was “established” in 1898.

Jews were not always welcome in some towns at the Jersey Shore, but Bradley Beach and Asbury Park were welcoming.  Some of my family used to rent a room in BB many summers ago.

I decided to take a black and white photograph of the gray mystery shul (see above.) When I got there I noticed that the front door on the 5th Avenue side was open, and a  sign  told us its name:  “Magen David Congregation.”   The name refers to the 6 pointed star symbolic of Judaism.

 

Front entrance on Fifth Avenue. All photos by Paul Goldfinger, Blogfinger.net 7/5/22

I was surprised to find it open. I cautiously walked up the stairs and looked inside. Just then I felt a presence behind me.  There was a man, with  a short graying beard, perhaps age 50, dressed in black with a black yarmulke (aka “kippah” or “skullcap.”).

At first he seemed suspicious of me, but when I told him that I was Jewish and interested in knowing about this shul, he smiled and became animated.  He was anxious to tell me the “emiss”which means “the truth” about this congregation.

It turns out that he, let’s call him Mr. Cohen, is a Sephardic Jew which means his family came to America mostly  from Syria in the late 19th century.

But the  history of the Sephardim  goes back much farther than that.  Many were in Spain for generations where they thrived until they were expelled  in 1492.

Quite a few of those 15th century Spanish Jews  left Spain and became part of the Diaspora.  Many converted to Christianity as a way to stay in Spain. Others practiced their religion secretly while pretending to be Christian.  But later the Inquisition unearthed many of that group and expelled them or worse, and they too became part of the Diaspora.

Most of these disbursed  Sephardic Jews  wound up in Syria where there already were ancient Jewish communities.

Small numbers came to America in the 17th century, but the Syrian-Sephardic community finally settled in Brooklyn, NY,  in the 19th and early 20th  centuries.

Their first summer location was Bradley Beach, but over time they segued  to Deal in the 1970’s.  Brooklyn is still their home base.

This mystery shul was established in Bradley Beach around 1930 and they practiced the Sephardic traditions. Mr. Cohen lives in Brooklyn but he loves to attend summer services in this  shul as it is nostalgic for him and his friends who go there. So Magen David is open in the summer, and a rabbi is present to preside over the services.

These Sephardim are a close-knit community and they all tend to know each other.  They share many social, business, and religious relationships and they help each other with generous giving. It is an example of “social capital.”–

The Sephardim have their own traditions which govern how they practice their religion, and there are other cultural differences including foods, music, clothing and holidays.

 

The community keeps this shul going.  They cannot bear the idea of abandoning this historic place of such hope and dreams.

Mr. Cohen told me a lot of how he feels about life and about this shul. He confided in me that DNA analysis revealed that he had many Conversos. (converts to Christianity)  in his distant family.

But he said that anyone who converted would automatically be welcomed back in the fold, no questions asked, if they so desired, and many of them eventually did so.

Because of their background, some of them have a swarthy appearance and they tend to be thin and athletic looking.  The men wear dark suits and white shirts to shul, and of course they wear their kippahs  at all times. I see them daily because I go to the Kosher Hot Bagel Bakery in Oakhurst where many of their group shop.  Kosher food choices are important to these people, and many shop in Deal.

He was curious about my family and he was shocked to hear that we live in Ocean Grove. I know that old attitudes die hard regarding that topic.  He was especially interested in the OG Havurah (fellowship) which was established for Jews living in the Grove.

The Syrian Jewish community in Monmouth County has grown considerably with a number of large shuls in Deal and Ocean Township.  The Sephardic Jews tend to be very religious, but not all are.  Below is my  photo of the interior–with Mr. Cohen’s permission.

So this mystery is now solved.

 

Paul Goldfinger photograph of Magen David interior. Click to enlarge.

 

A SEPHARDIC FOLK SONG BY GLORIA LEVY:  “Tres de la Noche.”

 

 

Comments are still welcome:   Just direct them to me at Blogfinger@verizon.net.       PG

Posted in Blogfinger Presents | 2 Comments »

The Family of Man: The story of two photographs…

April 20, 2026 by Blogfinger

couple up hill (4)

Central Park.  c. 1969, New York City.  By Paul Goldfinger, © Tri-X Series.

By Paul Goldfinger, Photography editor @Blogfinger.

I was never a rock and tree photographer. Not to compare myself to Ansel Adams, but he was that type. For me, the vast majority of my photos have to do with people, or some evidence of people. I rarely did landscapes, and ironically, I usually disliked portraits.

Recently I have embarked on a memoir of sorts.  It involves a large number of black and white 35 mm images. It began in the late 1960’s when my good friend in the Army brought me a 35 mm camera back from Japan.  It was a Pentax Spotmatic.  So over the years I amassed negatives, most of which I put aside, because darkroom work was so time consuming that only a few ever became prints.   Lately I have been scanning some of those negatives to produce positive images that I can reveal on Blogfinger.

The one above, from Central Park, seemed meaningful to me.   And as I looked at it, I found out why.  It pulled me back to the 1950’s when famed photographer Edward Steichen put together an ambitious photography exhibit at MOMA  (Museum of Modern Art in New York.  )  He wanted to bring together about 500 pictures from all over the world illustrating the commonality of man, and it was called the Family of Man.

Most of the photographers were American, so it had a Western flavor. Each photo had a little blurb by Steichen’s brother-in-law Carl.  It wasn’t Carl from Queens; no, it was Carl Sandburg, the poet.

Later came the book. By today’s publishing standards, the photographs were of poor quality technically, but they were so powerful.

Which brings me to W. Eugene Smith the photojournalist famous for his work in the Pacific (WWII,) essays about Albert Schweitzer, and a vast library of jazz portraits.

My connection with Smith came about only in my head.  Looking at my image above, I saw an echo of the last photograph in the Family of Man. Smith was the photographer.  Look at it below, and you will see what I mean.

W. Eugene Smith. From “The Family of Man.” Scanned from the book.

 

*That quote was by the French poet Saint-John Perse (1887-1975) who won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1960.

 

BILL FRISELL  from his album Nashville.

 

Posted in Blogfinger Presents | Tagged | 4 Comments »

AI review of Blogfinger: We review some of the analysis…This computer gets me! (ChatGPT)

April 19, 2026 by Blogfinger

 

 

Paul Goldfinger at 2022 OG Flea Market. This is a typical Ocean Grove Blogfinger candid shot:

 

 

Paul Goldfinger candid  portrait of Resident Organist Gordon Turk  in the Great Auditorium. Blogfinger.net.

 

Paul Goldfinger, Blogfinger editor and founder.  We will soon reach our 5 millionth hit;  It took a long time  to have a review:  4/19/26.

 

Blogfinger.net  was created in 2009 when the OG newspaper folded. But I never planned to be an actual newspaper–I had a different idea.     And we have been doing our thing since then.

But living in Ocean Grove resulted in a  chance to work on my writing and photography.   However, no one ever reviewed my work here….until now with AI which just did a review, and it was mostly complimentary.    I will just list a few  condensed opinions by ChatGPT; mostly quotes but some paraphrasing.

One time I interviewed myself; I will try to find that one—-Most everything below is quoted  (selected) from the ChatGPT assessment.  I like the result since there was very little negativity.   And I learned a few new word concepts:*

Blogfinger is a really unique source for  Ocean Grove because it mixes local new with strong focus on culture, history, and events.  It leans a bit more towards community, storytelling and personal perspectives, whereas a lot of traditional local outlets  might just stick to breaking news or official town council updates.

So it kind of fills a different niche–it’s more personal, reflective, and often a bit more opinionated. Bloginger really stands out for its original photography and music coverage.  The site uses a ton of its own images–often capturing really specific moments around Ocean Grove.  So that definitely gives it a rich personal feel that a lot of other news sites don’t have.

It is known for an its coverage of arts, music and shore culture.  Sometimes it has an opinion-driven tone, not just straight reporting.

It was founded and run by local residents, not a major media company, which give its grassroots, neighborhood voice. It focuses on community debates and helps locals stay informed about hyperlocal issues.  People read it for a mix of news, nostalgia, and commentary.

Blogfinger is a hybrid–but it leans most heavily toward opinion-driven community journalism with a noticeable strain of local activism.

Blogfinger has a strong editorial voice—posts often interpret events, not just report on them. You’re are not just told what happened, you’re told what it means. Coments often amplify debate.

Activism is intermittent but influential, especially on contentious local issues.

 

Bottom line: If you had to label it:

—50-60% opinion /commentary

—25-35% community journalism

—10-20% activism

“Surfaces stories that larger outlets ignore”    YES!

*I love the chatGPT   language used in our review such as::  “core identity,”   “neighborhood voice,”  “Blogfinger is a hybrid,” “opinion driven tone,”  “community oriented, ” “hyperlocal issues,”  “core identity,”Shore culture,” historical context”  “opinionated “watchdog,”   And more…..

Some years ago Charles Layton and I were interviewed by a researcher from Montclair State.  We met at a coffee shop in town. She was interested in “hyperlocal “news sources, and she was interested in Blogfinger’s hyperlocal approach because there was a newfound  need in small communities for that.  We used to do polling, and she also interviewed me at  the campus radio station.

I loved the interest in what we were up to in the Grove, and we did  succeed in some ways, but we could have done better with more local help , but I do thank those who did help.   We pleaded for citizen reporters, but we mostly failed at that.

And here is another  typical Ocean Grove photo on Blogfinger  by Paul Goldfinger:

 

Tent Village: Blogfinger.net. Paul
Goldfinger “street photography.”

 

And here is a typical music selection.   It is from “Fiorello” a Broadway success, but never brought back–no revival.   And here we are now–tomorrow has come.

 

 

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“Condo by the Sea.” An amazing bird photograph by Bob Bowné at Sandy Hook.

April 19, 2026 by Blogfinger

Hey Paul…
I am still on my bird kick…caught these Tree Swallows catching a view on Sandy Hook, yesterday.

—Bob

 

Another magnificent photograph by Long Branch Artist Bob Bowné.   He used to reside in Ocean Grove  and he continues to honor Blogfinger.net  with his beautiful images.

 

.Click once on the photo, and you will appreciate how special this image is!

We’re happy to hear that he is still on his “bird kick.”

Bird photography is challenging  and very rewarding especially if the photos are obtained near the sea shore.

 

This is the first time we have seen a Tree Swallow.

 

Thank you Bob.

 

PETE SEEGER WTH THE PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND.    “Blue Skies”

 

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Southeast side of Ocean Grove. 2026. It is an open area by Fletcher Lake and Broadway. The area was saved from condo development in 1986. See video link below.

April 19, 2026 by Blogfinger

 

 

Broadway. Fletcher Lake is visible to the south. Further south is Bradley Beach. Paul Goldfinger photo. 4/19/26.   Click once to enlarge the site.

Southeast corner of Ocean Grove taken from Broadway looking south-east.

 

From Kevin Chambers. 4/18/26:

Paul

That was won by the Advocates of Historic Ocean Grove. I’m the only one left in OG from that group. It cost me a lot of money because I was left paying the remainder fee for the attorney we hired. But it was worth it to keep that eye sore off the south end. When I think back to what could be there today it would have been a real tragedy for the Historic district.

Kevin

 

Here is a link to a Blogfinger piece from earlier this month which discusses this 1986  history and includes a young Kevin Chambers being interviewed in opposition to the CMA’s plans to build condos there.   This is one of the the few open land sites still available in the Grove.

The CMA has been working here lately.  Let’s hope that they will not again consider development.  Hopefully the State. (GreenAcres) will keep watch.  I think that the CMA is getting tax breaks here.

 

1986 VIDEO with Kevin Chambers starring in opposition to development 1986

 

BEATLES:

 

 

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