Display area showing the time-line (on the wall) , the souvenir collection (r.) and the spoon and paper weight display (l)
By Paul Goldfinger (text and photos)
Raymond Russomano is the former president of the HSOG, but he has been quite busy lately planning and then implementing the remodeled museum of the HSOG. Today they officially reopened, and Blogfinger was given the privilege of previewing the results of all the work. According to President Gail Shaffer, the organization recently received a grant from the New Jersey Cultural Trust. That grant plus some funds from the group’s own resources enabled them to redesign and re-work their space on Pitman Avenue.
The result is impressive, and a number of objectives were achieved. According to Ray, the layout was the result of brainstorming by members of the group. The cooperative effort included the executive board’s voting on the color for the walls—it is greenish-gray. In the end, the overriding goal was to improve the “flow” of the facility. Visitors will be shown around by a docent— a decent job if you can get it.
Betty Whalen and Frank Spataro from Somerset, NJ. The first visitors to the remodeled museum check out an itchy, woolen Victorian swim suit. Betty declined to try it on.
In front is a new reception area where Susan Roach, the administrative assistant, will preside. In that area is an expanded retail function where all sorts of souvenirs are available for purchase. Then you enter the main display area by walking around a new partition wall with a welcome banner done in purple, with photographs of Ocean Grove. As you proceed, on the right side, is an impressive time-line showing Ocean Grove history with pictures and other fascinating historic objects.
New office: Ray Russomano, Pres. Gail Shaffer (l) and Sue Roach (administrative assistant) HSOG
Behind the partition is the group’s extensive collection of OG souvenirs from 1890-1910. Nearby in a special display case is the spoon and paper weight collection.
In the rear of the facility is a new research center where Grovers can investigate their home’s history. A computer station is available to review old OG Record newspaper articles and the extensive postcard and stereograph collections. There are many other fascinating items on display including Diamond Jim Brady’s desk, an old organ and Rev Stokes’ chair. John Phillip Sousa is still hanging around in the rear. (see our article about that painting)
Because the grant was for “financial stabilization,” the group decided to expand the retail component of their operation. In a surprise announcement, it was revealed to us that the museum will also function as an eBay consignment store which will specialize in collectibles and antiques, but don’t bring Grandma’s huge dresser over; they mostly want small items.
You are welcome Betty. We had a Whale of a time.
Thank you for the wonderful picture!!! I sent it to everyone I know and I’m sure there will be a lot of visitors to the museum. I hope there will be many purchases to help the museum’s doors stay open.
Again, thanks for posting our picture and putting up with my enthusiasm.
It is always wonderful to see a cultural institution expand its facilities and have new ideas. However, the museum must now include the dark time when Blacks, Jews, and Catholics were not welcome in OG, or allowed to buy homes. I am not suggesting that this be the sole focus, but rather that truth should not be evaded, as has been done in the past. This part of OG history must be included. The museum can also write about how things have changed for the better and how diversity has gained ground here, though GLBT issues still are present.