Asbury Park barber shop. By Michael Goldfinger for the APP.
Michael Goldfinger of our photo staff at Blogfinger sent us two black and white photos reminiscent of Robert Frank’s style of photography. As noted in our Frank article, photographers tend to learn from those who came before. Michael, a successful, award winning photojournalist by profession, has been influenced by Frank and by Robert Capa.
Ocean Grove. By Michael Goldfinger; (AKA Moe Demby) Blogfinger staff.
These two images were obtained on November 17, 2014.
GENE AMMONS (From Woody Allen’s film Fading Gigolo.) The song is “My Romance.” Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart (lyrics) wrote this song for a Broadway musical (1935) called Jumbo. “My Romance” is a hugely popular song for jazz musicians.
This is the southernmost border of Asbury Park. On the left is “The Glad to See You Tower” also called the “Steam Plant.” Photo by Paul Goldfinger, Blogfinger.net, in 2015. The Casino is in the center of the photo.
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger. 2015. Re-post now Oct. 13, 2026.
We’ve all walked by that peculiar-looking building on the left side of our photo above adjacent to the Casino in Asbury Park, at the Ocean Grove North End.
Many of us wondered what that is/was. I’ve never heard a clear explanation until now upon reading a wonderful account, with photos, by Marlo Montanaro, a Jersey Shore photographer, who posted a piece on his blog called “The Monolith of Asbury Park.”
Marlo was able to get information and access inside of that mysterious place. He succinctly refers to it as “the steam power plant,” a name known to many old-timers in this part of the Jersey Shore.
The steam plant was built in 1930 in order to provide heat to boardwalk attractions so that Asbury Park could compete year-round for recreational business. It was designed by Warren and Wetmore from New York City who were responsible for other Beaux Arts structures nearby, including the Casino, Convention Hall, Paramount Theatre, and the Berkeley Carteret Hotel to the north.
Inside were three huge boilers that used oil to create steam for heat. A great deal of asbestos was utilized. The heat was pumped through pipes to the various buildings. Those pipes extended underground from the Casino to the Convention Hall. Water may have been obtained from Wesley Lake or even dumped into the Lake. There is no information as to the success of the project, but evidently it wasn’t used once WWII occurred.
Since then it has stood as a monument of sorts to a utility that lost its purpose over 70 years ago. In the late c. 1960’s we have a photo of Bruce Springsteen, another Asbury icon, standing north of the tower.
“Young Bruce” at the north end of the Asbury boards. Photo by Emil Salvini.
In 2003, a developer wanted to move the Stone Pony into that steam building, but of course that did not occur thanks to a lot of noise by the Cousin Brucie rock ‘n roll crowd.
The most original recent contribution to the known history of the steam power plant are the evocative interior photographs that Marlo Montanaro posted last April with his detailed review of the subject.
Here is what Marlo said about the enigmas that remain, “There are still mysteries here- what it really looked like when she was new… the men that worked here, what 1930 was really like… I can picture dark smoke and steam spewing from the top, the noises of banging steam pipes, and loud oil-fueled fires heating huge tanks of water, the smell of burning oil— steam power is a living, breathing thing. I can see some of the workmen taking a break, looking out over Wesley Lake as families took a ride on the paddle boats, while they toiled in a hot, nasty environment wearing soot-covered overalls. I wish I could have seen her in all her glory. But I can only imagine.”
Below are two links to Marlo’s blogposts dated April, 2014. Thanks to Joel of OG for tipping us off to the Marlo post.
Blogfinger has covered many Zombie Walks in Asbury Park, but not this year. Below is one of my favorite photos from a Zombie event: 2013.
In 1934, an Ocean Liner (SS Morro Castle), was traveling from Havana to New York when it caught fire and beached on the shores of Asbury Park. There were 137 deaths.
A handful of survivors washed up at the Zombie Walk in Asbury Park (October 2013)
Paul Goldfinger photo. Blogfinger.net. Asbury Park Zombie Walk, 2013. Click once to enlarge.
By Paul Goldfinger Editor Blogfinger.net
MARTHA WAINWRIGHT From the soundtrack of The Aviator:
US Attorney for New Jersey Paul Fishman speaking at the Asbury Park press conference Oct. 16, 2014. At the far right is Neptune Township Chief of Police James H. Hunt, Jr. N.J.com photo
A great deal of planning and coordination among local, state and federal agencies resulted in a large early morning raid at multiple locations on a major drug trafficking ring that supplied heroin and cocaine to dealers throughout Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex Counties. The operation was scheduled based on evidence gathered over the course of a year. The drug ring was conducting most of its deals in Asbury Park and Neptune Township. The arrest this morning of 14 individuals, with others still at large, included the booking of two organization leaders, one of whom is from Neptune.
At a press conference in Asbury Park this afternoon, Paul Fishman, U.S, Attorney said, “It is no secret that heroin abuse is at an all time high.” Fishman said, “With the heroin epidemic in this area reaching extraordinary heights, those of us in federal law enforcement believe that it was critical to target those who share a hefty portion of the blame and to do that in close cooperation with our county partners.” (Quotes from NJ.com reporting *)
Fishman said, “The more than a year investigation included wiretaps, surveillance operations and undercover buys. In the wiretaps, there were discussions about quality control, consumer satisfaction and branding – all topics a savvy businessman might discuss.”
The New Jersey agent in charge of DEA said that heroin related deaths numbered 350 from Monmouth County over the last 5 years. Note that another major drug bust had been conducted last March in Monmouth County.
2nd Life Bikes. April 2014. Photos by Paul Goldfinger. Click to enlarge.
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
Kerri Martin, the Director of Second Life Bikes at 21 Main Street, right outside the OG gates and a little to the right, presides over an ocean of used bicycles within a cavernous space that looks like it could house a brewery or an armory. Kerri founded this “community organization” in 2006 when she ran it out of a garage as a sort of bike church.
Kerri Martin. Director. By Paul Goldfinger 2014.
The idea is to help the community and promote solid values through the “resurrection” of bicycles and secondarily of endangered poor kids. She says the program “changes the destiny of people and bikes.”
People donate old bicycles to the group, and they are fixed up by a team of 3 experts: Kerri, Pete and Terry. Then the bicycles can be purchased from $60.00 up or given to kids free through the “Youth Earn a Bike” program. Kids ages 12-18 must work 15 hours to get a bike. They learn how to use tools and restore life to damaged cycles.
Kerri is quite famous around these parts for her witticisms which she writes by hand on a blackboard outside the shop. She says that she is giving vent to her “inner comedian.” The program has been covered by national media, but now Blogfinger gets a shot.
I brought over my son’s Huffy which had been ridden twice before the brakes failed. Pete, a bike repairman and raconteur, found that the bike was fine, but it had been assembled wrong. So much for the great deal at Walmart.
Pete is originally from Jersey City and he used to do darkroom photography, so we had a few things to talk about. Pete has a short graying pony tail; maybe I should get one of those.
Kerri isn’t sure what this building was used for in the past, but it stood empty for many years before Kerri and her biker gang took over four years ago. I felt like Bob Bowné at the silk mill when I roamed around taking photos. But unlike the silk mill, this strange building has humans and cats milling about still.
Kerri said that another blogger was due in for an interview and photo-shoot, but, at least for today, Blogfinger got the scoop.
The crew at the 2nd Hand Bike-land also consists of volunteers, and visitors are welcome. You Grovers should walk over there and step inside. It is a fascinating and unique treat. You might even be inspired to make a donation—the 2nd Hand biker gang wants to buy the building and continue the good deeds at that very special location.
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor@ Blogfinger.net Photos and text. Relevant in 2018 regarding the contrasts between Asbury Park and Ocean Grove.
In case you haven’t noticed, according to last Sunday’s NY Times, Asbury Park, at least the part by the ocean, is a huge success attracting hot-shots from all over the mid-Atlantic to this “beach destination.” It seems that the turning point is the new 110 room Asbury Hotel, a brilliantly conceived venue which the chief designer, Anda Andrei, calls “luxury with modesty.”
According to the Times, the “City by the Sea” has officially risen from the ashes and has become a place where “everyone and everything” is happening. Below are some of the observations reported by the Times in their featured article in the “Next Stop” series on Sunday, July 10, 2016, written by Eric Lipton, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist:
“IStar is the NYC based real estate company that owns all 35 acres of beachfront land. Madison Marquette is the company in charge of leasing retail space at the beachfront. These companies plan to invest over $1 billion in AP over the next 10 years.”
Regarding the demographics of those who populate the scene in AP, it is described as an “eclectic mix of professionals, families, young bar hoppers, and a large gay population—-all of them across income levels.”
The author of the article said, “Now the rebirth of Asbury Park is no longer in question. The only question that does remain is how much of Asbury’s character will be retained as it becomes a summertime mecca again.”
The executive in charge of iStar told the Times that “his company is determined not to turn Asbury Park into Disneyland.”
You can already get a feel for that when you check out the eating establishments on the boards—no pizza slices and French fries for them.
“The music scene is still the element that holds Asbury Park together with at least eight venues featuring live music.”
Downtown more than two dozen restaurants and bars comprise an eclectic collection of fine shops, galleries, and bakeries. The Festhall and Biergarten across the lake from OG is filled with “over 700 patrons on busy weekend nights.”
Clearly this Times article was aimed at a crowd that would respond to the “Brooklyn by the beach” nickname, but when Eric Lipton wondered about retaining the original AP “character,” it wasn’t clear what image he had in mind.
The article failed to consider that AP is a city that consists of more than just a destination for glitterati. There are people who live there who are ordinary folks—not hipsters, and they bring a beautiful down-home, multi-racial sensibility to the City which has deeper roots than fancy restaurants and cool destinations. There is a tapestry in Asbury Park, not just designer clothes.
Also there is no recognition in the article of the state of affairs in some parts of town west of the tracks, the poverty, the unemployment, the poor condition of Main Street, and the pervasive crime problems, primarily surrounding the considerable drug scene over there.
And as we all know who live in this area, Asbury Park is not isolated—it has neighbors. Regarding the “eclectic mix” that visits A. Park, the author says that the mix is “in striking contrast to the more stuffy (and staid) nearby beach towns, like Spring Lake.”
Uh, excuse me, but if you are going to contrast Asbury to a nearby town, there is an actual striking contrast with next door Ocean Grove, just south of A. Park—-a much more interesting place than “staid” Spring Lake.
There is a small reference to OG in a side bar which, like most inattentive media, gets it wrong about us—painting us as some shriveled-up museum-like religious town. He says, “Ocean Grove is a dry town built around religious summer camps—God’s Square Mile is its slogan—-so no bars with music there. But it is a museum of Victorian architecture.”
Eric Lipton mentions our ” more than a dozen bed and breakfast options,” but who would want to visit our embalmed town? The dynamic interaction between these two beach towns which is developing, goes unrecognized by the media. Ocean Grove may not be where the cool crowd goes, but our history, diversity, beauty, quietude, and family lifestyles provide quite an impressive and favorable comparison to the sparkling high life going on across Wesley Lake.
So, what will Ocean Grove become by comparison as AP morphs into a very special place with its own character, fame, and attraction? Will we evolve into a historical prototype of small town America with a famous Victorian architecture, a religious flavor, a unique character, a classy culture, and a wonderful personality of its own that will complement what is happening to the north?
Or will we be left in the dustbin of history as a place with stifling crowding, insoluble parking concerns, a has-been Victorian success story, condos all over town, a pseudo-Asbury at the North End, and a town devoid of community—– known for gizmos and Abba on the Pathway but no art, culture, or values of its own? All that will be left to focus on will be the Camp Meeting Association with its specific mission and lifestyle—worthy as part of the community, but less impressive all by itself.
CELIA CRUZ: (Live) Turn on the music and then look at the gallery below.
An Asbury Park gallery—-the other side of A. Park, by Paul Goldfinger @Blogfinger.net. Click on one and follow the arrows. Use the small X upper left to return to Blogfinger proper (or improper as the case may be.)
Prior to the concert, PJ Rasmussen interviews Bucky Pizzarelli . Paul Goldfinger photos. June 26, 2014 Click images to enlarge.
By Paul Goldfinger, MD, Editor Blogfinger.net
Thursday June 26, 2014 at the Langosta Lounge, on the boardwalk, in Asbury Park:
PJ Rasmussen, a 23 year old jazz guitarist, grew up in Ocean Grove and went to St. Rose High School where he took up guitar at age 14. He wanted to play rock, but his teacher, Andrew Light, got him hooked on jazz. PJ went on to William Patterson University where he met the legendary jazz guitarist (from New Jersey) now 88 year old, Bucky Pizzarelli. The two became friends, and that story winds up at the Langosta Lounge in Asbury Park tonight where P.J. and Bucky played together at the summer-long Boardwalk Jazz Thursday night series at the Langosta venue which PJ has organized. (http://boardwalk-jazz.com )
I have been a huge fan of Bucky Pizzarelli and his musical family which includes John Pizzarelli, Martin Pizzarelli, and Jessica Molaskey. They often perform together, but last night Bucky was playing with three guys in their twenties, and he appeared to be having a great time. Bucky is a giant of the jazz world and he has performed with Benny Goodman, Les Paul, The Tonight Show Band, and many others.
PJ Rasmussen alternated lead guitar with Bucky and they played solos and duets. The rhythm section included a fine 27 year old bass player from South Korea named Daseul Kim and a skilled and innovative drummer, Joseph Spinelli, who rocked the room during the quartet’s version of Benny Goodman’s “Sing, Sing, Sing.”
Some people say that jazz will die as the old timers leave the scene. But if you have ever listened to Wynton Marsalis discuss this issue or seen the Jazz at Lincoln Center orchestra, you will find many bright young faces.
PJ agrees that a whole new generation of jazz players are emerging now, including himself. PJ says that jazz is “music that anyone of any age can love.” He tries to teach his audiences to enjoy jazz—-“If they listen, they will get it.” He also loves other musical forms including rock and he likes to experiment with various sorts of fusion music such as hip-hop and jazz.
For the Thursday night 3 hour concert, PJ and Bucky pretty much stuck to jazz standards such as Tangerine, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me, Ellington’s In a Mellow Tone, and There Will Never Be Another You. PJ performed a lovely solo rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
PJ has made two CD’s, all with his original compositions. He says that “there is a lot of young talent out there,” and, although he is interested in modernizing and fusing jazz to capture the interest of young adults today, he has great respect for traditional jazz. He loves much of the “American songbook” which features music from the 1920’s, ’30’s, ’40’s and beyond . The bassist Daseul Kim agreed about the passion for vintage jazz that young musicians like him continue to play.
For 17 weeks, Rasmussen will bring a wide variety of jazz performers to the Langosta Lounge including a big band on September 11. Each Thursday the concerts go from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm. They do two sets with a 30 minute intermission, and there is no cover charge or minimum. You can just sit at the bar, or have snacks or dinner. We enjoyed a fine meal with Asian accents.
My only complaints were that it was extremely noisy by the bar where we were sitting, and our chairs, placed at a high table, had no backs. If you go, make a reservation for dinner and sit at a table near the bandstand.
The service at Langosta Lounge was friendly, although the wait staff needed some more people.
PJ RASMUSSEN AND DASEUL KIM. “Love Letter (Goodnight)” from Kim’s album Relationship. This piece is mesmerizing and beautiful. PJ’s albums include Another Adventure and Adventures in Flight which are more avant garde than the material with Bucky Pizzarelli
BUCKY PIZZARELLI AND FRIENDS “Every-time We Say Goodbye” by Cole Porter. Bucky is part of an amazing ensemble on this album including Jay Leonhart on bass. This is such an emotional song, even without lyrics.
And here is a brief BUCKY PIZZARELLI SOLO with “Last Night When we Were Young.”
It seems like Greenwich Village by the sea. Café Volan can be a bit hard to find. It’s tucked into a side street, at an angle off of Cookman, unobtrusive on the left side of Bangs Avenue.
When you walk in, it feels like a beat up Beatnik hangout from the sixties. You expect to find Alan Ginsburg sipping an espresso. The crowd is not boisterous; in fact it is downright in whisper mode with no laughing. The customers seem serious, but maybe that’s because they are seriously enjoying a superb cup of real coffee. The cappuccino’s are excellent, although they serve them warm–the baristas say that’s the correct temperature.
I like the vibe at Café Volan. I went with Steve Valk who is spending a month in the Grove (from Germany where he lives) and he loves to go there; it’s about the mood and the coffee. We met there to discuss a variety of subjects. The place feels comfortable.
Steve is is enjoying his family in the Grove while developing some serious academic ideas as he plans for his PhD studies. Next week he will go to Duke for discussions with faculty there.
But now, in the Grove–where he spent his childhood summers—he tries to figure out how we could obtain some coherence among the Groverian factions. Steve has a lot of experience working with diverse populations and he is an optimist.
He wants to meet with anybody in authority: CMA/Neptuners/HOA or whoever would agree to talk to him (besides Blogfinger—we like to talk to Steve) because he has ideas as to how to pull this town together.
Personally, I don’t see much chance of that without a sea change in attitudes among Grovers of various stripes.
BOB DYLAN. He would like Volan. He played a lot of coffee houses in the day. This song is from his latest album Triplicate.
“I Could Have Told You” is a Sinatra song and a standard. It’s a far cry from the folk music scene of the fifties and sixties, but Volan is a far cry from Bleeker Street and the Bitter End.
