Ted Bell, historian, enjoying the festivities and my joke. Paul Goldfinger photo 6/18/18 ©

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger

A small group of interested people showed up this morning, June 18, 2018, to watch workers from Robinson Iron Works in Alabama take apart the remnants of the cast iron Fountain of Hope.  This company was chosen because they owned the original molds that were used in 1907.  The goal is to have the restoration complete by the 150th anniversary of Ocean Grove in 2019.

Jason Tramm showed up, but he left his brass band home.  Maybe he’ll have something rehearsed for the return of this historic iconic fountain next year.

Ted Bell, the historian who has been in the middle of this project was present, driving his Batmobile.  Ted was a mere five years old when the fountain was built and  first splashed water on him.

Alabama crew works their butts off while a bunch of Grovers stand around and observe in Founders Park.  Blogfinger action photo. 6/18/18 ©

The workers will truck the fountain remains back to Alabama today.  Later the cement foundation will be removed, awaiting a new one.  The rim will go on next.

The beginning of the pieces loaded on the truck to Alabama. 6/18/18 Ocean Grove, NJ .

Once the fountain is returned, perhaps in  2-4 months, the rim will take another 2-4 months.  This company is a national treasure and they are often working on 25 projects simultaneously, including a lighthouse from the Gulf Coast.

The final steps will involve landscaping, electric and water line work, and plaque engraving,

The special  Fountain Restoration Fund at the HSOG currently has about $86,500.   Another $20,000 will be needed, to finish the job locally, so keep the checks coming.  Most people give $100.00-1,000.00, but anything is acceptable even Ted’s lunch money.

Send gifts  (tax deductible) to The Historical Society of Ocean Grove.  PO Box 446, 50 Pitman Avenue, OG 07746     732 774 1869.  Tell them Blogfinger sent you.  (We get no respect.)

Here is a recording made in the Great Auditorium 1890-1900,  It is from the remarkable work called “Waxing the Gospel.”   The singer dedicated this to a boy who got lost on the way to services. His name is Ted Bell.  The hymn is “Where is My Boy Tonight?”