By Paul Goldfinger, Editor@Blogfinger.net Posted 2015. Re-post now.
The first cottage built in Ocean Grove was called “Pioneer Cottage.” A gentleman from Warsaw, New York built it on Asbury Avenue in 1870. You can still see it at 64 Asbury Avenue. It is quite large now. The size of early cottages was influenced by the standard small lot size of 30′ x 60.’ Also, many cottages were created at the site of prior tents.
Around 1900, Mrs. W.B. Osborn, an author and wife of the OG founder wrote a book called Pioneer Days of Ocean Grove. In it she relates how Pres. Stokes decided to present a “cottage” to Rev. W.B. Osborn “as a testimonial of esteem and in further consideration for labors rendered.” A “handsome cottage” was built for Osborn at a cost of over $3,000.00. The money was raised outside of CMA funds, and “the whole scheme was carried to completion by the perseverance of the wife of the Rev. John S. Inskip alone.”
The presentation was made at a gala event on July 15, 1873. Osborn was evidently a sort of snowbird, because they had to wait for him to return from Florida.
Of course many cottages were constructed after that, and over the years, a considerable number were changed and enlarged. Today, OG cottages can still be found all over town, and despite their size, they remain highly desirable to this day.
This sign is on the median of Broadway. June 10, 2015. Blogfinger photo ©
This wonderful, happy cottage was photographed on June 10, 2015 on Broadway. Definitely not for sale. By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.net ©
DINAH WASHINGTON tells us that a house isn’t necessarily a home. Sometimes a derelict house has a story to tell, and we need to think about them that way.
When Osborn first came to OG there was one family living on the grounds over around Franklin Avenue that were the owners of the OG land.
Property running from Founders Park east to the Ocean was purchased from them and OG took off and in 1870, Pioneer Cottage was built, the first in OG.
After the OGCMA was formed, they proceeded to purchase the rest of this families land until OG included all the property over to Fletcher Lake. This included the little cottage that predated The founding of OG, so that the first Cottage built in OG is in fact not the oldest house built in OG.
This little bit of history may be found in the archives of the OGHS.
David: Recently these small cottages have been selling and renting like hotcakes.
A relative of mine stayed in a South End duplex for 10 days. The owner used one side and rented the other. Walking in you entered a small living room-dining room, and part of that was a tiny kitchen alcove.
Then down the narrow hall were two tiny bedrooms. Out the rear door was a small garden with room for a small table and a few chairs.
We estimated the size to be 500 ft2. 2 people could sit on the half porch. It was not near the ocean—perhaps 5 blocks back.
The porch was showing signs of rot, and a contractor showed up to offer an estimate while we were there.
It was charming for a short stay. The rent in October was $2,500 for the 10 days, and it was in much demand.
“Many cottages have undergone large and important improvements; in many cases almost equal to new buildings.
The small, cheap buildings of the early days, are fast disappearing, and will soon be out of sight, and held only in the dim memories of the past.” OGCMA Annual Report 1882.
So how come Stokes didn’t name a street for founder Osborn ? Instead they called the busiest street in town “Main Avenue,” a name which is routinely erroneously called “Main Street.”
Blogfinger is not a realtor. Just read the for sale sign posted in our article.
Can you please send me the price for the cottage that’s for sale on Osborn St.
Thank you.