Firemen’s Park in Ocean Grove, NJ. It is the first landmark that visitors see when entering the town from Rt. 71.
Paul Goldfinger Editor Blogfinger.net
The firemen, “the finest” and the “bravest” in Ocean Grove, are responsible for locking up this bell. Aren’t they embarrassed given the dramatic symbolism of a fire bell?
“When Missouri petitioned to be admitted as a slave state in 1819, it ignited a dispute that Thomas Jefferson compared to “a fire bell in the night.”
And there is the inscription on the Liberty Bell: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof,”
What lofty message can we imagine when viewing the OG fire bell?
Given the memorable meaning of a fire bell in the night, surely the OG firemen could find it in their hearts to release this fire bell from captivity; to let children ride around it and to walk in to touch it.
And others could come in to breathe fresh air around the bell as they sit and rest on the benches and maybe think about the brave history of courageous fire fighters in this town.
Paul Goldfinger photo. This was not a setup. The door had been transiently left open, and some people, including kids and their parents, wandered inside, bikes and all. This couple were also drawn inside. But the door was soon locked again, and everyone was gone. Click once to enlarge.
But instead we have concentration camp decor which inspires visitors to wonder about the fenced bell with other meanings.
It is easier for a child to touch the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia than to touch this bell in the Grove.
Let’s rename the park and dedicate it to all OG’s heroes including the police, fire fighters, nurses, first responders, EMT’s, military, and teachers. Did we leave anyone out? Let a parks commission run this park. The landscaping is a disgrace.
Firemen’s Park has had other names in the past, so why not follow that historic tradition again and give it a new name.
SARA BAREILLES “Brave” (2014 Grammy Nominee)
If you think that Firemen’s Park is owned by the CMA and managed by the Township, you are correct, but the CMA gets tax benefits/GreenAcres, because that park,and others, are considered public thoroughfares. Just hover over the link below at the bottom of this comment.
So, if it is a public space, then there should be no religious events or symbols such as the yearly creche. And the park management should place the public’s best interest as its main priority, so take down that dumb fence and let the people enjoy the center of the park. If nothing else, it will make the park more inviting for family ball games which occur there frequently.
David. My reference to the Trevi Fountain in Rome was to say that such a beautiful work of public art does not require a protective fence to keep vandals away. Anyone can step into the moat area and approach the gorgeous sculptures. There is no fence.
You may recall the magnificent Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita. She waded into the fountain and pranced around with Marcello. They could have touched the sculptures.
Today, if anyone tries to swim there, there would be a hefty fine. Such a deterrent can be used for our fountain which is a lot less valuable than the Trevi which traces its roots back to the Romans.
There are beautiful fire bells in plain sight in Asbury Park, Avon, Ocean, and Bradley Beach. Most have flowers around, and none require a fence.
Apparently, people have already been using the fountain as a water park for which it is not designed. The water is recirculated unlike in Rome. Also, the fountain rests on a mound that was an original feature. People stepping on the mound have destroyed plantings. A fence of some sort is desired to indicate where one should not go and not as an impenetrable barrier. The fountain had a pipe railing around it supported by pipe uprights early on.
Why a fence around the fountain? No fence can keep out defacers. Plant flowers and let visitors approach and put their hands in the water. There will be coins tossed, and someone will need access. Will there be a chain and lock? I don’t recall a fence around the Trevi Fountain.
And a determined defacer can get at the Firemen’s Bell despite the current fence.
“Suddenly a cry of fire was heard coming from up the avenues [of Asbury Park] and immediately afterwards the clanging of the fire bells throughout the town. For a moment the vast throng of people were thunderstruck, and then a rush was made by them for their various hotels and cottages. Many people were knocked down and trampled over by the excited crow. At Ocean Grove, where the camp meeting was being held in the large auditorium, there was uncontrollable excitement. Fully 8,000 people were in and around the building when the fire alarm came. A rush was made for the ferry at the [Wesley] lake, but as only about a dozen at a time could get across, a fight was made for it. Many people were so overcome with fright as to faint away.”—NYT 15 Aug. 1886
The OG bell was dedicated as a memorial on 2 May 1959. However, it was defaced and required sandblasting as reported on 22 Mar. 1973. It seems the fence may have been erected at that time.
A fence is being sought for the restored fountain and perhaps recycling might be possible.