Morning, Main Avenue, Ocean Grove, New Jersey. By Paul Goldfinger
This article (below) from 5 years ago addresses that topic and will offer some perspective when we consider the businesses in the Grove today and when we realize that the residents of the town get short shrift if their lifestyles are even considered.
By Paul Goldfinger, editor @Blogfinger
In 2002, Mr. Ted David self-published a book called “The Other Side of Ocean Grove.” Mr. David was fascinated by the quirky nature of the town, so his chapters had titles like “The Wisdom Bench,” “Krisanna’s,” “Blasted Mosquitoes” and “The Gates.” Chapter 11, however, was called “Main Avenue.” About that subject, Mr. David said, “The Great Auditorium is the heart and soul of the Grove, but Main Avenue is its skeleton and nerves.”
Recently we learned that a toy store would open in town, and an interesting discussion developed as to the nature of Main Avenue and what kinds of businesses should be here. There is, however, no set policy on this subject, so perhaps we can learn something from history.
A long-time Grover told me that early in the town’s history there were businesses up and down Main and on the side streets. Judging from a published list from 1938, it would appear that she is correct. Ted David points out that the founders wanted businesses in town to serve only the community who lived here. They had little interest in tourism other than the summer church programs.
In 1938.* on Main Avenue, we had the following businesses: 1 restaurant, 2 pharmacies, 1 electrician, 3 plumbing and heating, 1 fish and vegetable, 1 bead shop, 1 jeweler/watch repair, 5 real estate/insurance, 2 newsstands, 1 taxi stand, 1 book/needle shop, 2 gift shops and 13 hotels. Down multiple other streets were: 1 ice cream, 1 antique, 3 carpenters, 1 auto repair, 1 dry cleaning, 1 fish market, 1 greenhouse, 1 groceries and meats, 1 milk/dairy, 1 movie house, 1 butcher, 1 painting and decorating, and 4 restaurants.
Mr David points out that until around 1990, the downtown was still devoted mostly to businesses that served the townspeople. But since then, as Ocean Grove rebounded from a downhill slide in the ’70’s and ’80’s, the idea developed that Main Avenue should change to attract tourists, and that is where we are now.
Main Avenue 2010. Paul Goldfinger photo
Who’s to say what happens next on Main Avenue? In this town, we can’t even trust zoning to protect our town (Remember Mary’s Place?) We have a Chamber of Commerce, but what do they do for the town’s residents besides close Main Ave. for car shows and other events? Do they ever consider the lifestyles and needs of those who actually live in town? And where’s our coffee shop?
And is it time to abolish blue laws to give the town a pick-me-up? It’s been a new ball game since 1980.
* Ref: Gibbons History of Ocean Grove
JONI MITCHELL “In France They Kiss on Main Street”
Wisher: This Saturday morning we once again have parking grid-lock. I met a Grover senior who was walking by the park. She said that she wanted to visit her daughter but she didn’t because she would have to give up her parking space. That is awful, and it goes on all the time whenever there is lockdown here. The fact that such lockdown happens intermittently doesn’t make it less of a problem on days when it is an issue, and our season lasts for at least 6 months and counting.
The Camp Meeting COO is worried about out-of-towners coming here for church services, but he didn’t seem to care that his organization is part of the problem.
Retired. Did you ever count the real estate offices in Spring Lake? Even Jack Green is there. Many real estate offices suggest a successful community
Just what Ocean Grove needed – another real estate office on Main Avenue?
I wish there were stores where you could find normally-priced groceries and supplies that cater to Ocean Grove residents; instead we have stores that sell items OG people don’t need.
I always have to drive out to Wegmans or Shop-Right because there is nothing here. Some days you don’t want to give up your parking but would just like to not leave town and pick up a steak, lettuce and fresh fruit. Asbury doesn’t have that either.
There are a couple places that sell 3 dollar Campbell’s soup cans, but their business isn’t to sell to sell groceries, really, as nice as the people are.
A speakeasy? For real? Ahh..wishful thinking! 😉
Frank: That’s a tough/rare find. I got mine at the OG ephemera and paper show held each year in the Youth Temple. A friend/neighbor got his copy by buying a house that contained the book. It’s similar to the method of finding a parking space in the Grove–just buy a parked car. Paul @Blogfinger
Anyone know where I can find a copy of Dick(Richard) Gibbon’s book – History Of Ocean Grove ?
We need a veterinarian here (preferrably homeopathic). Nothing worse than a long car ride with a howling cat!
There was also a ladies’ hairdresser salon around where Jack Greene’s real estate office is.
The Historical Society of Ocean Grove’s store carries it in their museum store.
Editor’s note: The HSOG is closed from January till April. You can try Atic Hays Book sellers on the web.
Anyone know if Mr. David’s book is still available? I’d love to buy a copy.
Word has it that there is a speakeasy on Main Avenue, Heather!
I suppose a bar is out of the question. 😛