June 11, 2013 This is from Annie Albrecht and also from Stacey Maisch, Thank you both. —PG
How America Lives: Ocean Grove, New Jersey, The Town That Seems Right Out Of The 1950s
The Huffington Post | By Brie Dyas
Here is a link: Huffington Post link about Ocean Grove
There is a video.
Posted: 06/09/2013 12:00 pm EDT
“There are so many unfortunate snap judgments that happen when one reveals that they live on the beach in New Jersey, known to most by what they’ve seen on “Jersey Shore.” (“But isn’t everyone there tacky and orange?” is a common refrain when I reveal this bit of information.) The truth of the matter is that the living, breathing stereotypes you see on TV aren’t an accurate representation of who actually lives there. And the other truth is that the state’s many miles of shoreline offer up a host of different experiences and attractions. I’d like to introduce you to a very unusual one: Ocean Grove, New Jersey.
“I first encountered the small community of Ocean Grove (which is about an hour from NYC, give or take) one summer over a decade ago, when I was searching for a beach that wasn’t wall-to-wall people. What struck me was the absence of noise in the tree-lined main drag, which counted an old-timey ice cream shop that used to be an old-timey drugstore among its many businesses. People didn’t rush about; instead, they walked with families and neighbors. To say that it seemed old-fashioned was an understatement, in comparison to other bustling destinations nearby. Especially when you consider that this is a beach area which doesn’t have a single bar. (I’ll let that sink in for a moment.) Then there are the cottages at the center of everything: Tiny summer homes that are partially tented, but have nearly a decade-long waiting list to rent. When you factor in that the beach is closed for part of every Sunday, you realize that this isn’t your typical shore escape.
“In the first episode of “How America Lives,” above, we visit this community to see how it became what it is today — and what hasn’t changed since its founders were around.
“The movie “Pleasantville” could have been filmed here.”
Janeba: I agree. The media always gets it wrong about what OG is about. That’s because they are constantly distracted by the tents, the Methodist narrative,the blue laws, and the architecture. This time they decided to place us in the ’50’s, so they choose the facts that suit their fiction. The media that writes about the Grove is not interested in truth. And who the heck is that realtor that they chose for their expert narrator? —Paul
Makes it seem like time just stopped in Ocean Grove…. not at all true!
I wonder when that picture of the tent home at around 1:11 was taken. I see two big Agave americana plants in the shot. Interesting to see someone had the same taste in plants I do in Ocean Grove so long ago.