Founding and Incorporation. Welcome to the Historical Society of Ocean Grove! The HSOG was founded in 1969 by Edith Aschenbach, Wayne T. (Ted) Bell, and others when Robert and Mary Skold, donated Centennial Cottage[Link to Centennial Cottage] to the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association to honor the 100th anniversary of the founding of Ocean Grove. The HSOG was given responsibility to host and maintain the Cottage.

Volunteer-Run Nonprofit. In 1970, the HSOG applied to be an official charitable organization and the IRS granted it tax exempt status (aka Ruling Year) in 1971. The organization is almost completely volunteer-run, and has been since its founding over 50 years ago. It is only through the tireless dedication, enthusiasm, and passion of generations of volunteers, supporters, and friends that the organization has been able to grow and thrive through today.

Moving Toward a Permanent Home. The HSOG’s first Museum was in one room of Centennial Cottage, which the organization quickly outgrew. It then moved to the third floor of the former OGCMA headquarters building near the current Post Office on Main Avenue. The HSOG had to put its collection into storage when the OGCMA later sold that building. In 1986, the HSOG reopened at 53 Central Avenue and outgrew that space as well. In 1994, the OGCMA invited the HSOG to display some of its artifacts in the foyer of its new building at 54 Pitman Avenue. Ultimately, in 1997 the HSOG purchased the front first floor and basement of 50 Pitman Avenue across the street from Auditorium Park and the Great Auditorium.

The HSOG began a six-month renovation of its space. The false ceiling was removed, a staircase to the basement replaced a trap door, hardwood floors were laid, lighting, fans and a security system were installed. Much time was spent with Township authorities to fulfill requirements for heating and air conditioning. Finally, antique doors and a black and white tile entry were added to the entrance. None of this would have been accomplished without the financial support of the HSOG’s members, supporters, and friends. Then, as now, it is gratifying that so many in the community support the HSOG’s efforts. The organization dedicated a plaque recognizing all levels of gifts in May 1999.

This Introduction to the History of Ocean Grove, New Jersey was written by Wayne T. (Ted) Bell (1932-2019). Ted established himself as a local historian and wrote either singly or with coauthors, several books including Images of America: Ocean Grove (2000), Ocean Grove in Vintage Postcards (2004), and The Great Auditorium: Ocean Grove’s Architectural Treasure (2012). He also wrote many articles and essays on Ocean Grove and the region. Ted was an HSOG founding member and initiated the 1975 proposal, and helped lead the effort to have Ocean Grove placed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places in 1975 and 1976, respectively. He was a former HSOG Board President, and served as HSOG Curator, helping homeowners and businesses conduct historical research on their buildings.

The State and National Historic District of Ocean Grove, located on the North Jersey Shore in Neptune Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, is a living example of one of few remaining religious camp meeting sites from the Holiness Movement after the Civil War. In 1869, when a small group of Methodist ministers and laymen came to the area seeking a place to establish a religious community, there were only four residents living between Long Pond and Goose Pond, now Wesley Lake and Fletcher Lake respectively. The Rev. William B. Osborn of Farmingdale, New Jersey, inspired by a camp meeting he had attended some years earlier, scoured the Jersey Coast for the perfect place to establish one, and traveling alone came upon what is now known as Ocean Grove. 

Religious Revival Period. Camp meetings and religious revivals trace their lineage to the Great Religious Revival Period (1781-1805) that began in the southern frontiers of Georgia and the Carolinas. One religious camp meeting in 1801 involved some 3,000 to 5,000 people traveling to a farmer’s field and woods near Cane Ridge, Kentucky. The 4-5 day outdoor revival featured ministers preaching from rustic planked platforms and fresh cut tree stumps, leading their flocks both night and day with sermons on sin and atonement. Emotionally exhausted worshipers would retire to their covered wagons and tents for rest, only to reassemble again when the camp bell rang the call to worship and, hopefully, salvation. Over the next two centuries, attendance at camp meetings and revivals would ebb, flow, and evolve, depending on economics, social conditions, and leadership.

Social Change in Post Civil War. The end of the American Civil War in 1865 brought rapid social change, due in part to the new technologies which provided more efficient methods to produce war materials. Farmers left the farms and rural churches to move to the cities where work and better wages offered new opportunities. Railroads and steamship lines provided fast and easy transport for middle class families eager to escape the crowded cities for a summer vacation at fashionable water resorts such as Saratoga and Coney Island, New York; and Long Branch and Atlantic City, New Jersey. This new mobility coincided with a new era of religious awakening and the emergence of revivals within various Protestant denominations.

Founding Ocean Grove. In 1867, Reverend William B. Osborn, a Methodist preacher, attended a week long outdoor holiness camp meeting in Vineland, New Jersey. Osborn’s enthusiasm knew no bounds and, eventually, he found an ideal camp meeting site, a secluded community on the North Jersey Coast, where spiritual and physical health could be renewed. Thus, on July 31, 1869, a group of ministers and friends camped at Thompson Park (now called Founders Park) and, after a candlelight prayer service, dedicated themselves to establish a permanent Christian camp meeting community called “Ocean Grove.” From this simple beginning there would emerge a permanent town by the sea with police and fire departments, postal and telegraph services, water, sewerage, and electricity all servicing the needs of a growing Christian resort.

Town Planning. Streets, and eventually 1,971 lots, were laid out, with the first lot being purchased by James A. Bradley for $86. Another 372 lots, 30’ by 60’ in size, were quickly sold by the end of 1870. Bradley, a New York businessman, would later purchase and develop the land to the north as the city of Asbury Park.

A new town-planning design utilized the “set-back” concept. Beginning two blocks from the ocean, each structure approaching the beach was successively set back from its adjoining neighbor, thus assuring a view of the ocean from each home.

Tent City. At one time, 660 tents were leased or owned on individual lots throughout Ocean Grove. Now 114 tents remain, surrounding the Great Auditorium. Each spring, by May 15, the canvas tents are brought out from their backroom sheds to be erected over front wooden platforms transforming them into living rooms, to be furnished with couches, beds, chairs, rugs, lamps, and pictures. Meanwhile, outside along the walks, flowers are planted by the tenters, many of whom are proud to be fourth and fifth generation summer Ocean Grovers.

This is Ocean Grove, now a year-round community where neighbors care about and help each other, a place where one can find rest, recreation, and personal renewal. 

Matching the deep history and relaxed environment of the Jersey Shore’s most special resort town, the HSOG’s unique event space includes Centennial Cottage Garden. This is a flexible space that can accommodate various size groups and different types of events.

Whether you’re planning a spring, summer, or fall wedding; an intimate celebration, or a small company or nonprofit gathering, our area caterers will bring your vision to life with delicious fare presented beautifully and served with choreographed precision.

For rental and catering information, please email: [email protected]

Reduced rental rates available during off-peak months of January – April.

Centennial Cottage Garden

Transport your guests to a Victorian garden as they stroll through the Centennial Cottage Anna DeYoung Skold Memorial Garden, enjoying the outdoor beauty of this one-of-a-kind venue. Open May through September, this Garden surrounds Centennial Cottage, which is a charming, picturesque, Victorian period house. The House and Garden are at the corner of McClintock Street and Central Avenue – on which the Garden opens.

The Garden is a flexible space that accommodates receptions, seated tables, or screenings. With sunny and shady areas, the Garden features lovely shade trees, beautiful seasonal flower beds, and a lush lawn, all perfect for photos. This is an excellent space for intimate gatherings for celebrations, special events, and entertainment events.

Capacity. Reception: 40 guests. Seated: 32 guests. Screening: 40 guests.

Dimensions. 20′ x 40′.

Welcome to the HSOG’s Newsroom. Here you will find coverage on HSOG in the news, our press releases, and newsletters.

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Coverage

Selected Recent

The Coaster – Ocean Grove Historical Society Donates to Hospital – April 1, 2020.

Asbury Park Press – Ocean Grove Fountain of Hope that dates back to 1907 gets rededicated – July 27, 2019.

The Coaster – In Ocean Grove: Vintage Bathing Costumes on Display at Museum – July 17, 2019.

Selected Historical

Asbury Park Press – Women in history explored in Ocean Grove – August 11, 2014.

The New York Times – Ocean Grove’s Own Museum – June 7, 1992.

Press Releases

None at the moment.

To request historic images from the HSOG Collection, and images of the HSOG Museum, Centennial Cottage, Beersheba Well, or Fitzgerald Fountain, please email us at [email protected]

Newsletters

The HSOG publishes an annual newsletter. To read the recent issue, click on the image.

To view previously published issues, click here.

Standing Committee Chairs
Volunteer Staff

Administration and Finance

Executive

President
Bob Waitt

First Vice-President
Michael Kzirian

Second Vice-President
Jean Buckley

Constitution, Bylaws, and Parliamentarian
Michael Kzirian

Finance

Treasurer
Lorrie Losapio

Assistant Treasurer
Louise Olshan

Administration

Corresponding Secretary
Candace James

Recording Secretary
Deadra Hubbard

Human Resources

Volunteers and Staff
Mary Solecki

Bob Waitt

Operations and Facilities

Museum and Cottage
Bob Waitt

Historic Research Director

David Fox

Centennial Cottage Garden
Julian Hamer

Well, Fountain, and Urns
Bob Waitt

Collections and Conservation

Curator and Historian
Lyndell O’Hara, PhD

Conservator
Deb Osepchuk

Archives, Library, and Research

Archives and Library
Patricia Gigon

Deborah Osepchuk

Digital Archives
Erik Landsberg, LLC, Cultural Heritage Digitization Consulting

Exhibitions and Interpretation

Exhibitions
Deborah Osepchuck

Centennial Cottage
Julian Hamer

Deborah Osepchuk

Education

Education
Patricia Gigon

Events and Programs

Adult and Children’s Events
Open

Walking Tours
Bob Waitt

Architectural Historian
Jennifer Shaffer, PhD

Historic Walking Tour
Bob Waitt

Art James

Development

Annual/Individual Giving and Membership
Tara Kemble

Candace James

Government/Foundation Giving and Membership
Patricia Gigon

Christy Williams

Corporate Giving and Membership
Open

Marketing and Communications

Marketing
Bob Waitt

Deborah Osepchuk

Anne Fox

Public Relations
Bob Waitt

Website and Social Media
Mary Solecki

Anne Fox

Design
Anne Fox

Museum Store
Jean Buckley

Deborah Osepchuk

Website Management and Design
Steven Kass, ShoreSite Web Designs, LLC