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Election Memorabilia: The Stuff of American Campaigning

 
A new exhibit opens Sunday, September 9, in the Our Town Gallery of the Woolley House—just in time for the high-stakes months of the Presidential Campaign. The exhibit, “Election Memorabilia: The Stuff of American Campaigning,” showcases an impressive collection of political campaign buttons, banners, signs, photos, and news clippings. The artifacts ,both Republican and Democratic, include material from our own collection (a gift from the Mullaney family) and loaned items from local collectors.
 
It’s no surprise that the stuff of American political campaigning is colorful.  Consider the characters it represents. From our first President to our current, slogans, buttons, ads, and bumper stickers vie to tell a candidate’s story and win votes.
 
Here are just few fun facts:
 
•  Even the father of our country wore a campaign button. His was a brass, sewn to his coat, and read “Long Live the President.”
 
•  William Henry Harriso
n was the first to run an “image” Presidential campaign (1840). Though born rich, he chose the log cabin as his logo and coined what may be the first Presidential
political slogan, the famous “Tippecanoe and Tyler, too.”
 
•  The campaign button sums up the candidate in a few words. Remember “I like Ike?” Jimmy Carter’s went one step further. It had no words at all, just a golden peanut!
 
From the start, American campaigning has been rough and tumble and this exhibit captures the fun and fight of the contest. It’s a window into the history of campaigning. It’s an overview of the election process from local contests to the selection of President. Perfect for adults and children (who will be hearing a lot about elections this campaign season), it’s one more good reason to visit the Eden Woolley House.
 
“Election Memorabilia: The Stuff of American Campaigning” runs through the end of November.

Loved Ones Go to War: Local Stories of World War II​

 
Some days change everything. We think of September 11, 2001. The exhibit opening in June in the Richmond Gallery of the Woolley House asks us to consider another. On December 7, 1941, hundreds of Japanese planes attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor, destroying 20 ships and nearly 200 planes, killing more than 2,000 American sailors and soldiers, and wounding another 1,000. The country was at war, and overnight, everything changed.
 
The new exhibit, Loved Ones Go to War: Local Stories of World War II, highlights the impact of the war on a sampling of local veterans and those they left behind. The stories are taken from a global range of war experiences—from the Pacific campaign and European Theater; from the Navy, Marines, Army, and Army Air Corps; from combat and support services; from officers and enlisted men.
The exhibit draws a striking contrast to recent wars, which can seem distant and detached. It makes clear that no one—not those who fought, not their loved ones—was untouched by the challenges, sacrifices, risks, and tragedies of the world war.
 
Consider:
 
- An estimated 10 million men and women—from a U.S. population of 132 million—enlisted or were drafted into the military to fight World War II. (Contrast that to the estimated 1.5 million—from a population of 313 million—on active duty today.) In effect, every American household had a relative, friend, or neighbor in the service and in harm’s way.
 
- By the end of the war, more than 400,000 American military were dead and another 600,000, wounded.
 
- Almost overnight, the U.S. economy transformed into a war material supply line. The needs of the military came first, and basic commodities—like sugar, flour, milk, and gasoline—were in scarce supply to American families. Rationing became a way of life. Victory gardens sprang up in backyards and public spaces.
 
Women went to work in record numbers to fill jobs vacated by men at war. Civilians were trained to spot enemy aircraft, scan the horizon for German submarines, and patrol utility plants. Here in Asbury Park, blackout drapes along the boardwalk prevented enemy subs from using coastal lights to silhouette and target passing ships.
 
The new exhibit brings the story home. The veterans it highlights are the “boys next door.” Their stories are tales of patriotism, sacrifice, and danger. They are also tales of the families and communities who stayed behind—awaiting word from loved ones, coping with the fears, losses, and demands of the war. The stories inspire compassion and respect. Some are heroic, others touch us for their simple humanity. All offer fascinating insight into our national character more than a half a century ago.
 
Come see for yourself. Check the website oceanmuseum.org for details on the exhibit opening.
 
The Museum's hours are:
 
Tuesdays - 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.
Wednesdays - 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.
Thursdays - 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.
Thursdays - 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Sundays - First and Second Sunday of the month 1:00 to 4:00

Families of World War II Veterans - Friday Flag Raisings


 
In conjunction with the new exhibit opening July 1, 2012, “Loved Ones Go to War: Local Stories of World War II,” the Museum is honoring deceased local World War II veterans with a flag raising ceremony each week from June 15 to December 7, 2012.

Every Friday at 6:30 p.m., a new flag will be raised at the Eden Woolley House and fly in honor of that week's veteran. The flag can be provided by the family or the Museum.

Local Boy Scouts will officiate over the raising and lowering of the flags. A sign in front of the flag pole will give information about the veteran being honored. The family and the public are welcome.

Call the Museum at 732-531-2136 to raise the flag for your loved one.

Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair - Saturday May 12, 2012 - 11:00 am, Titusville, NJ



This year, the Township of Ocean Historical Museum will be making its second appearance at the “Spirit of the Jerseys” State History Fair at Washington’s Crossing State Park in Titusville, NJ. Join us at our tent and browse the collection of treasured artifacts from our township’s past. Our museum store will be at the fair offering various museum wares from books to t-shirts.

Volunteers will be... on hand to illustrate the township's history, as well as demonstrate crafts such as spinning, weaving, and old fashioned children's toys & games. Mrs. Phoebe Woolley will regale visitors with stories and songs from the 18th Century on her folk harp.

The “Spirit of the Jerseys” State History Fair started as an event commemorating the 100th anniversary of New Jersey's state owned historic sites. Its purpose is to cultivate the public's awareness and appreciation of NJ's historic resources by providing visitors with the opportunity to experience history in a fun and engaging manner. 2012 marks the 8th year of the fair, and annual attendance has averaged 5,000 visitors. Last year over 130 exhibitors participated in the event, including the Township of Ocean Historical Museum!

This year’s fair will include a juried Art Show, Antiques Appraisals, a colonial magic show, and more! Each year the Fair attracts exhibitors from all around the Garden State. The State History Fair is a fun-filled adventure into New Jersey's past that is appropriate for all ages.

Date: Saturday, May 12th, 2012

Where: Washington’s Crossing State Park in Titusville, NJ.

Time: 11am to 5pm. Rain or Shine!

Admission: Free (parking is $5 per car)

For more information, visit the NJ State History Fair’s website at:

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/historic/centennial/fairindex.htm

See you at the fair!
 
For more information, check with us at:
 


Spring Speaker Event - 75th Anniversary of the Hindenburg Disaster - May 8, 2012, 7:15 pm


Spring Speaker Event - 75th Anniversary of the Hindenburg Disaster
May 8, 2012, 7:15 pm
Old Oakhurst School Auditorium, 163 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, NJ 07755

Four times larger than the Goodyear blimp, the German airship Hindenburg was described by its designer, Hugo Eckener as “. . . a fabulous silvery fish, floating quietly in the ocean of air . . .”
The grandest of all airships carried its wealthy travelers in splendor.  (Famous passengers on previous trips included a young Nelson Rockefeller, actor Douglas Fairbanks and German world-heavyweight boxing champion Max Schmeling.)

A one-way ticket cost $400, about the price of a small car in those days.  Passenger staterooms included sinks, with a shower available.  An observation deck provided a spectacular view.  The kitchen was stocked with the finest foods, which were enjoyed in an elegant dining room.  There was a dance floor with a band stage, and a baby grand piano adorned the lounge.  There was even a smoking room!

Anyone alive during the late 1930’s will never forget the fiery nighttime crash of the Hindenburg at Lakehurst Naval Air Station May 6, 1937.  The now famous narrated newsreel of the fatal flight elicited gasps and screams from horrified movie audiences.  This tragic event signaled the death knell for dirigible travel.   

On Tuesday, May 8 at 7:15 pm at the Old Oakhurst School auditorium, 163 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, Navy Lakehurst Historical Society president Carl Jablonski will conduct a program detailing this moment in history and provide an overview of WWII and Cold War era airship operations.  Information about the Joint Base—McGuire, Dix, and Lakehurst will also be featured.  Hindenburg photos and artifacts will be displayed.

Open to the public free of charge.  (Donations are welcome.)  Refreshments will be served. 


For more information, check with us at:
 

Weekend in Old Monmouth - Sat, May 5, 2012 - 10:00 am - 5:00pm; Sun May 6, 2012 - 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm


Eden Woolley House, 703 Deal Road, Ocean, NJ 07712

Also this Weekend At The Eden Woolley House -

- "The Return of Dracula" - the film classic starring Norma Eberhardt, Sat., May 5th, 1:30 pm and Sun. May 6th, 1:30pm

- Tours of the Stucile Farm Property

- Opening of the Norma Eberhardt Art Show, Terner Gallery, Ocean Township Library (Sun. May 6th, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm)

FREEHOLD, NJ ––““Weekend in Old Monmouth”” returns again with 40 historic sites throughout Monmouth County opening their doors to visitors interested in local history. Hours for most sites are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 6.

It's time to take a visit to over 40 historic Monmouth County sites, that illustrate a piece of local history These independent and local historic sites are generally operated independently of one another, but this special tour project synchronizes the hours of operation so history buffs can walk or drive to many of the county’s richest historic places and enjoy them in the spring. Visitors may see the places in any order or no order at all. You can start planning your route by previewing the tour sites on the county’s Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com. There is a detailed tour book and tour map available on the Web site. On the tour dates there are maps and booklets available at each tour stop If you have questions, please e-mail Executive Director, Randall Gabrielan, rgabriel@co.monmouth.nj.us or monmouthhistory@comcast.net
For more information, check out:

Our web site: http://www.OceanMuseum.org
Our Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/OceanMuseum
Our Twitter Page: http://twitter.com/OceanMuseum
Our Blogspot page: http://OceanMuseum.blogspot.com
Our LinkedIn page: http://www.linkedin.com/company/Township-of-Ocean-Historical-Museum

Living the History at the Eden Woolley House - Thurs. March 22, 2012 - 7:30pm


Join us on Thursday, March 22nd at 7:30 pm for a special workshop on "Living the History at the Township of Ocean Museum". The workshop is open to anyone of all ages interested in this unique medium used to enhance our museum's historical programs as well as enlighten visitors with costumed demonstrations and performances. The workshop will be conducted by Heather Mac Donald, a veteran historical interpreter of 15 years and volunteer with the Township of Ocean Museum. Included in this workshop will be topics such as becoming a historical figure or storyteller for our museum, and most importantly, dressing the part!

Keep in touch with us at:

Our Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/OceanMuseum
Our Twitter Page: http://twitter.com/OceanMuseum
Our Blogspot page: http://OceanMuseum.blogspot.com
Our LinkedIn page: http://www.linkedin.com/company/Township-of-Ocean-Historical-Museum

8th Annual Spring Tea - Saturday April 28, 2012 at 2:00 pm.

 
The Annual Spring Tea will take place on Saturday, April 28th from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Seating will begin at 1:30 pm. The Tea will be held at the West Park Recreation Center in Oakhurst. Tickets are $20.00 and are available now. For tickets call the Museum at (732) 531...-2136. Tickets can be bought singly, but preferably as tables of 4 and 8.

All food is prepared by Museum volunteers and includes: tea sandwiches, breads, desserts and scones with whipped cream, butter and jam along with a variety of teas. There will be a gift auction, a boutique of hand quilted crafts and doll clothes, and entertainment. Prizes will be awarded for a fancy hat contest, so plan on wearing a hat.

ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE. EVERY YEAR IS A SELL OUT SO DON'T WAIT TO GET YOUR TICKETS.

Takanassee, Lifesaving and Shipwrecks at the Jersey Shore - Tuesday March 6, 2012, 7:15 pm


Winter Speaker Event - Takanassee, Lifesaving and Shipwrecks at the Jersey Shore - Tuesday March 6, 2012, 7:15 pm - Old Oakhurst School Auditorium

In centuries past, New Jersey was the mariner’s nightmare—arguably the deadliest coast in the world. It is said that if all the ships wrecked along its expanse were laid end to end, the string of sunken hulls would stretch from Sandy Hook t...o Cape May. A deadly combination of shallow and shifting shoals, strong in-shore currents, heavy ship traffic, North Atlantic storms, and primitive navigational and weather forecasting tools together made the Jersey coast the “graveyard of the Atlantic.”

An appeal for help came from a NJ Congressman William Newell (later governor). At his urging, the federal government appropriated funds to establish life-saving stations along the coast. The first federally-equipped station was built at Sandy Hook. Not long after, another was set up at Takanassee beach in Long Branch. The three distinctive buildings that still stand at Takanassee beach were part of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, created in 1848 in response to the alarming loss of life and property from ships wrecked off our shores.

In 1915, the Life-Saving Service merged with the Revenue Cutter Service to form the U.S. Coast Guard, and Guardsmen continued for decades to operate out of Takanassee. The stations were deactivated in 1928 by the Coast Guard, and the site eventually became the Takanassee Beach Club.

Local historians Dr. Richard Fernicola and Jim Foley lent artifacts as well as their expertise to the current Township of Ocean Historical Museum exhibit, Shipwrecks, Life-Saving, and the Story of Takanassee. This fascinating tale of the treacherous nature of early sea travel, New Jerseys’ role in the country’s response and the heroism of Life Saving Station #5 is featured at the Eden Woolley House, 703 Deal Road, Ocean.

In conjunction with this exhibit, on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:15 pm at the Old Oakhurst School Auditorium, 163 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, these popular guest speakers will bring to life engaging tales of tragic maritime wrecks, heroic deeds of early life-savers, as well as an update on the fate of the historic buildings of the former lifesaving station.

The program is open to the public free of charge. (Donations are welcome.) Refreshments will be served.

Township of Ocean Historical Museum

Keep in touch with us at:

Our web site: http://www.OceanMuseum.org/
Our Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/OceanMuseum
Our Twitter Page: http://twitter.com/OceanMuseum
Our Blogspot page: http://OceanMuseum.blogspot.com/

Eden Woolley's Birthday Party, Sunday March 4, 2012, 1:00pm-4:00pm

REMINDER -
Sunday, March 4, 2012, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Eden Woolley House, Oakhurst


 

 


 

Heart of Gold (and Silver) Fundraiser - Continued



Well our Heart of Gold Fundraiser was a rousing success. In fact, Earth Treasures has offered to extend the Fundraiser for a week at its store in Eatontown. Earth Treasures, will buy your unwanted gold and other precious metals. They will donate a percentage of their profit to support the Museum. You can exchange gold, platinum and silver jewelry. Earth Treasures will also buy silver place settings, candlesticks, trays etc.

If you were not able to make it to the event last night, you may still be able to trade in your gold silver or platinum and help the Museum at the same time. Go to Earth Treasures anytime up till next Saturday (February 18, 2012) and mention that you are there to help the Ocean Township Historical Museum, and they will not only give you the money for your jewelry, but a percentage will go the Museum as well.

Earth Treasures is located at:

Office Max Shopping Center
178 State Route 35 South
Eatontown, NJ 07724

(732) 542-5444

So, if you were not able to come last night, or if you came but forgot to bring something, there is still time to help.

Thank you for your support,

Township of Ocean Historical Museum
http://www.OceanMuseum.org

Turn Your Gold (and Silver) into Cash and Benefit the Museum

A Tribute to Norma Eberhardt Duaphin


Our friend and founding member of the Township of Ocean Historical Museum, Norma Eberhardt Duaphin recently passed away. We will have a tribute to her and her film career at the Museum.


The Museum's hours are:


Tuesdays - 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.


Wednesdays - 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.


Thursdays - 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.


Thursdays - 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.


Sundays - First and Second Sunday of the month 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.

Shipwrecks, Life-Saving, and the Story of Takanassee


In centuries past, New Jersey was the mariner’s nightmare—arguably the deadliest coast in the world. It is said that if all the ships wrecked along its expanse were laid end to end, the string of sunken hulls would stretch from Sandy Hook to Cape May. A deadly combination of shallow and shifting shoals, strong in-shore currents, heavy ship traffic, North Atlantic storms, and primitive navigational and weather forecasting tools together made the Jersey coast the “graveyard of the Atlantic.”

An appeal for help came from a NJ Congressman William Newell (later governor). At his urging, the federal government appropriated funds to establish life-saving stations along the coast. The first federally-equipped station was built at Sandy Hook. Not long after, another was set up at Takanassee beach in Long Branch.

The three distinctive buildings that still stand at Takanassee beach were part of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, created in 1848 in response to the alarming loss of life and property from ships wrecked off our shores.

In 1915, the Life-Saving Service merged with the Revenue Cutter Service to form the U.S. Coast Guard, and Guardsmen continued for decades to operate out of Takanassee. The stations were deactivated in 1928 by the Coast Guard, and the site eventually became the Takanassee Beach Club.

Local historians Dr. Richard Fernicola and Jim Foley lent artifacts as well as their expertise to the current Township of Ocean Historical Museum exhibit, Shipwrecks, Life-Saving, and the Story of Takanassee. This fascinating tale of the treacherous nature of early sea travel, New Jerseys’ role in the country’s response and the heroism of Life Saving Station #5 is featured at the Eden Woolley House, 703 Deal Road, Ocean.

In conjunction with this exhibit, on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:15 pm at the Old Oakhurst School Auditorium, 163 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, these popular guest speakers will bring to life engaging tales of tragic maritime wrecks, heroic deeds of early life-savers, as well as an update on the fate of the historic buildings of the former lifesaving station.

The program is open to the public free of charge. (Donations are welcome.) Refreshments will be served.

New Jersey Monthly Magazine - Best of New Jersey Voting

Friends and Members:
New Jersey Monthly has a poll similar to the Asbury Park Press "Best of New Jersey". I have attached a link to the entry page where you can vote for The Township of Ocean Historical Museum and leave a comment at the bottom of the page. The comments will be added to their link for viewers to read.. The deadline is January 15.
Here is what to do: Once you click on the link and the page comes up, scroll down to MUSEUM (in the Recreation & Attractions Section) and type in Township of Ocean Historical Museum - Oakhurst NJ, then scroll down to the bottom of the page, leave a comment, then click on submit.
Last year's winner was The Newark Museum. The runner's up - Montclair Museum, Liberty Science Museum, Paranormal Museum - Asbury Park, and Museum of New Jersey Maritime History - Beach Haven.
If you are interested, New Jersey Monthly is also running a contest, if you vote in 10 different categories you will become eligible for a prize. (see contest rules on NJ Monthly link)
Please feel free to send this link to friends and family who enjoy our museum.
Thank you,
Brenda Wityk
President
Township of Ocean Historical Museum
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