Pioneer Settlers Map of Ocean Grove
Pioneer Ocean Grove
Establishing itself in 1870, Ocean Grove quickly grew from a temporary tent community into a permanent seaside retreat known as the "Jewel of the Methodist Camp Meetings." Attracting a diverse array of residents from the East Coast, the town was built by "Pioneer Settlers"—a mix of professionals and activists who sought a balance of social connection and religious experience. Today, the Historical Society of Ocean Grove preserves this legacy through an interactive map project that catalogs the lives, innovations, and occasional scandals of the original homeowners.
Key Highlights of the Pioneer Settlers
Rapid Growth: Between 1870 and 1874, nearly 600 lots were sold, with permanent cottages appearing on almost half of them.
Diverse Community: Residents included ministers, physicians, and bankers, as well as prominent leaders in the Temperance and Suffrage Movements.
The Pioneer Map Project: A collaboration with Kearny Bank that currently features over 250 completed lot profiles, including 1890s architectural drawings.
Notable Personal Stories:
Innovation: Thomas Perrins introduced the town's greenery by planting 50 Carolina Poplars.
Entrepreneurship: Mary Davison, a widow, successfully built and operated four hotels, including the massive Centennial.
Intrigue: Records include human interest stories ranging from the "secret midnight marriage" of socialite Florence Shrady to the financial misfortunes of banker Christopher Beekman.
Current Scope: The interactive exhibit is ongoing and currently focuses on the area north of Main Street and west of Central Avenue.
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94 Mount Hermon Way- Lot 41
94 Mount Hermon Way- Lot 44
95 Mount Hermon Way- Lot 53
96 Mount Hermon Way- Lot 42
97 Mount Hermon Way- Lot 51
98 Mount Hermon Way- Lot 40
99 Mount Hermon Way- Lot 49
101 Mount Hermon Way- Lot 47
102 Mount Hermon Way- Lot 36&38
105 Mount Hermon Way- Lot 9&11
107 Mount Hermon Way- Lot 7
109 Mount Hermon Way- Lot 5
111 Mount Hermon Way- Lot 3
112 Mount Hermon Way- Lot 4
113 Mount Hermon Way- Lot 1
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64 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 198
66 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 196
67 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 205
68 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 194
69 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 191
70 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 192
76 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 186
78 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 184
80 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 116
82 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 114
83 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 123
84 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 116
85 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 121
86 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 121
87 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 119
88 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 108
89 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 117
90 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 106
91 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 69
92 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 58
93 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 67
94 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 56
95 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 65
96 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 54
97 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 63
98 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 52
98 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 64
100 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 50
101 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 59
102 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 48
103 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 21
104 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 12
105 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 19
106 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 10
107 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 17
108 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 8
109 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 15
110 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 6
111 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 14
114 Mount Tabor Way- Lot 2
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35 Pilgrim Pathway- Lot 202
37 Pilgrim Pathway- Lot 201
43 Pilgrim Pathway- Lot 182
47 Pilgrim Pathway- Lot 180
49 Pilgrim Pathway- Lot 179
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77 Mount Zion- Lot 235
78 Mount Zion- Lot 216
79 Mount Zion- Lot 149
80 Mount Zion- Lot 140
81 Mount Zion- Lot 147
82 Mount Zion- Lot 138
83 Mount Zion- Lot 145
84 Mount Zion- Lot 136
85 Mount Zion- Lot 143
86 Mount Zion- Lot 134
87 Mount Zion- Lot 142
88 Mount Zion- Lot 132
89 Mount Zion- Lot 141
90 Mount Zion- Lot 130
92 Mount Zion- Lot 80
94 Mount Zion- Lot 78
96 Mount Zion- Lot 76
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27 New York Ave- Lot 128
29 New York Ave- Lot 127
31 New York Ave- Lot 126
33 New York Ave- Lot
Research by Dell O’Hara
Drive by History: The Surprising Legacy of Ocean Grove (PBS 2025)
In with the Old (Magnolia Network 2024)
This Old House (Thirteen 2013)
About Dell O’Hara
Dell O’Hara is a historian, a university professor, and a scholar specializing in women’s history. She has been an active member and supporter of the Historical Society for over a decade. She gives Women’s History Tours each summer and loves sharing her love of Ocean Grove with others.
Research Process
Dell utilizes a number of sources, including the Sanborn Maps, the Ocean Grove Times newspaper archives, and several other local records and historical documents.
We are always looking for more stories to add to the collection. If you would like to submit your own history to our archives please contact us at info@historicalsocietyofoceangrove.org