Spring Lake

Special Section
updated 5-21-09

"Summertime, St. Catharine's" by Theresa Troise Heidel
Please refer to Main Street Gallery, Manasquan under Art & Antiques.

Welcome To Spring Lake • More Information • Attractions and Landmarks
Organizations • Churches • Calendar Of Events

Accommodations • Art Galleries • Stores & Shops • Real Estate
Area Architect • Dining Out

A Brief History Of Spring Lake • Map Of Spring Lake

Coffee Table Book About Spring Lake

Welcome to Spring Lake

The picturesque seaside town of Spring Lake offers its residents and vacationers an unhurried atmosphere of gracious living which has made it a unique resort at the Jersey Shore for more than 100 years.

Two miles of uncluttered beach and the longest non-commercial boardwalk in New Jersey add to the one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Turn-of-the-century architecture borders the wide, tree-lined streets which surround a large lake.

"Spring Lake" is named for the fountains of crystal clear water which emanates from a multitude of underground springs. Paths, shady nooks, and rock gardens extend through the weeping willow lined shores of the lake and provide a peaceful spot for a quiet evening walk.

Shoppers also have a reason to enjoy Spring Lake. The town is noted for more than sixty fine shops and boutiques. A variety of gourmet restaurants are here to tempt your appetite. Everything from home-cooked meal in a quiet atmosphere to continental cuisine in elegant surroundings is available.

Entertainment may include a band concert at the Gazebo, or an evening of theatre at the Community House. Of course, golf, tennis, fishing, bicycling, water skiing, boating, horseback riding, and even thoroughbred racing and trotters are available nearby.

Lodging for your ideal family vacation (or just a quick getaway) is available from more than two dozen wonderful bed & breakfast inns and hotels.

For More Information

Among many sources, the publisher expresses thanks to the following for this guide's information. Please call or visit their websites for more information about the attractions and events appearing in this guide and Spring Lake.

SPRING LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
304 Washington Avenue, Suite 104, (732) 449-0577
www.springlake.org

BOROUGH OF SPRING LAKE
Fifth & Warren Avenues, (732) 449-0800
www.springlakeboro.org

Attractions and Landmarks

DOWNTOWN SPRING LAKE
The Spring Lake shopping district offers something for everyone. The town is noted for more than sixty fine shops and boutiques. A variety of gourmet restaurants are here to tempt your appetite. Everything from a home-cooked meal in a quiet atmosphere to continental cuisine in elegant surroundings is available.

SPRING LAKE
"Spring Lake" is named for the fountains of crystal clear water which emanate from a multitude of underground springs. Paths, shady nooks, and rock gardens extend through the weeping willow lined shores of the lake and provide a peaceful spot for a quiet evening walk. Turn-of-the-century architecture borders the wide, tree-lined streets which surround the lake.

SPRING LAKE BOARDWALK
Two miles of uncluttered beach and the longest non-commercial boardwalk in New Jersey add to Spring Lake's one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

SPRING LAKE THEATRE AT THE SPRING LAKE COMMUNITY HOUSE
Third and Madison Avenues, Spring Lake, (732) 449-4530
www.springlaketheatre.com
Since 1978, the Theatre has been the home of the Spring Lake Theatre Company. Renovated in 1986, the theater seats over 350 patrons. The Spring Lake Theatre Company produces Broadway-quality musicals, comedies, and dramas, with professionally talented casts and lavish sets and costumes. Each year, the Company puts on six different shows, with the opening night ticket sales of each donated to different area charities.

SPRING LAKE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM
located in the Spring Lake Municipal Building, Warren and Fifth Avenues, Third Floor, (732) 449-0772
The Main Gallery depicts the entire history of Spring Lake. The Changing Gallery is currently featuring an exhibit called “Postcards From The Edge Of The Sea,” which depicts Spring Lake and the surrounding area. Videos of special events can be viewed in the conference room. Special arrangements can be made for all history researchers. Open to the public Thursday 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Sundays 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM or by appointment. Elevator is available.

SPRING LAKE PUBLIC LIBRARY
1501 Third Avenue, (732) 449-6654

ST. CATHARINE'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Third and Essex Avenues, (732) 449-5765
The publication, Guide to St. Catharine's Church, by Patricia F. Colrick, relates how Martin Maloney (1847-1929) was inspired to build this landmark church after the tragic loss of his daughter, Catharine, from tuberculosis in 1900 at the age of seventeen. The Church of Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome is said to have inspired the design. The copper roof and dome, the bell tower, the exterior of the church, the walkways, and the plaza were completely restored in 1994-95. Catharine, her parents, and other relatives are entombed in the family crypt beneath the Sacred Heart chapel on the north side of the nave.

Organizations

THE GARDEN CLUB OF SPRING LAKE
2165 Eighth Avenue, Sea Girt, NJ 08750; (732) 449-4811

PRESERVATION ALLIANCE OF SPRING LAKE
P. O. Box 9, Spring Lake, NJ 07762

SPRING LAKE - BRIELLE ROTARY CLUB
(732) 223-6644

SPRING LAKE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
P. O. Box 703, Spring Lake, NJ 07762; (732) 449-0772

SPRING LAKE HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION
P. O. Box 423, Spring Lake, NJ 07762; (732) 449-9688

SPRING LAKE HOTEL AND B&B ASSOCIATION
P. O. Box 134, Spring Lake, NJ 07762; (732) 449-6685

SPRING LAKE WOMEN'S CLUB
(732) 449-8112

Churches

ST. ANDREW'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Fourth Avenue and West Lake Drive, (732) 449-5147

ST. CATHARINE'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
Third and Essex Avenues, (732) 449-5765

ST. MARGARET ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
Third and Ludlow Avenues, (732) 449-5765

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY
Third and Monmouth Avenues, (732) 449-5240

Calendar Of Events

For more information about these events, please contact:

SPRING LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
304 Washington Avenue, Suite 104, (732) 449-0577
www.springlake.org

Accommodations

ASHLING COTTAGE
106 Sussex Avenue, Spring Lake, (732) 449-3553
www.ashlingcottage.com

THE ATLANTIC HOUSE
305 Second Avenue, Spring Lake, (732) 449-8500
www.atlantic-house.com

BEACON HOUSE
100 & 104 Beacon Boulevard, Sea Girt, (732) 449-5835
www.beaconhouseinn.com

THE BREAKERS ON THE OCEAN
1507 Ocean Avenue, Spring Lake, (732) 449-7700; Fax: (732) 449-0161
www.breakershotel.com
Please refer to our listing under Dining Out.
Experience the charm of Spring Lake's only oceanfront resort hotel. For a Spring adventure, a Summer vacation, or a Fall or Winter escape—The Breakers on the Ocean is the perfect year-round destination. The Breakers features beautifully appointed deluxe rooms with whirlpool baths, fireplaces, and spectacular ocean views. The outdoor pool is open from May through September and oceanfront dining (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) is available all year. In addition, The Breakers offers complimentary high-speed internet access and beach passes. ***AAA. Voted "One Of The Best" in Ocean and Monmouth counties by the Asbury Park Press.

THE CHATEAU INN & SUITES
500 Warren Avenue, Spring Lake, (732) 974-2000
www.chateauinn.com

EVERGREEN INN
206 Route 71, Spring Lake Heights, (732) 449-9019
www.evergreeninn.net

GRAND VICTORIAN @ SPRING LAKE
1505 Ocean Avenue, Spring Lake, (732) 449-5327
www.grandvictorianspringlake.com

THE HEWITT WELLINGTON CONDOMINIUM HOTEL AND WHISPER'S RESTAURANT
200 Monmouth Avenue, Spring Lake, (732) 974-1212
www.hewittwellington.com

JOHNSON HOUSE
25 Tuttle Avenue, Spring Lake, (732-449-1860

LA MAISON
404 Jersey Avenue, Spring Lake, (732) 449-0969
www.lamaisoninn.com

NORMANDY INN
21 Tuttle Avenue, Spring Lake, (732-449-7172
www.normandyinn.com

THE OCEAN HOUSE
102 Sussex Avenue, Spring Lake, (732) 449-9090
www.theoceanhouse.net

SANDPIPER INN
7 Atlantic Avenue, Spring Lake, (732) 449-6060 or 1-800-UB-HAPPY
www.SandpiperInn.com

SPRING LAKE INN
106 Salem Avenue, Spring Lake, (732) 449-2010
www.springlakeinn.com

VICTORIA HOUSE
214 Monmouth Avenue, Spring Lake, (732) 974-1882
www.victoriahouse.net

THE VILLA PARK HOUSE
417 Ocean Road, Spring Lake, (732) 449-3642
www.villaparkhouse.com

WALDEN-ON-THE-POND
412 Ocean Road, Spring Lake, (732-282-9700
www.springlake.net/waldenonthepond

WHITE LILAC INN
414 Central Avenue, Spring Lake, (732) 449-0211
www.whitelilac.com

Art Galleries

FREDERICK GALLERIES
1405-1 Third Avenue, (732) 974-0376
www.frederickgalleries.com
This unique Custom Framing and Fine Art Gallery offers our customers a chance to relax, browse, and enjoy a wonderful selection of oil paintings, serigraphs, giclees, prints, and photography. We are proud to represent many talented local and European artists. They have captured the essence of the local landscape and enable our guests to take a little piece of the Jersey Shore home with them. Our knowledgeable and personable staff, most with over ten years of experience, can assist you with your next custom framing project. Our gallery displays thousands of frame samples, and we use only conservation materials. We can make your art look like a masterpiece. Please visit soon.

Stores & Shops

CHILDREN'S CLOTHES CLOSET
304 Morris Avenue, (732) 449-4477
www.cc-closet.com
Children's Clothes Closet is a children's clothing boutique located in the heart of downtown Spring Lake. Carrying fine and playful infant and children's apparel and accessories, this children's boutique captures the taste of every parent and the imagination of every child! From the beach to school to that special occasion, we have everything you're looking for! We carry Communion dresses.

CLASSIC HOME
1900 Main Street (four blocks north of the town of Spring Lake), Lake Como, (732) 280-7720
www.classichomeinc.com
Pearl Fitzgerald welcomes you to visit our local shop for fine linens for bed, bath, and baby. We feature classic handcrafted iron beds from Brass Beds of Virginia, manufactured in the USA. Most of our linens are imported from Italy, Portugal, and France from Yves Delorme, Peacock Alley, Sferra, and Matouk. Custom-made bed covers from Home Treasures allow the customer and decorator to select colors, patterns, and sizes. Heirloom quality quilts, sumptuous throws, down duvets, pillows, and featherbeds make for heavenly nights. We have an extensive line of table linens including many custom tabletop items. Sensuous lotions, potpourris, candles, and fine soaps make great gift items along with pewter frames and accents. Beautiful hand-embroidered baby linens from Gordonsbury highlight our extensive selection of fun and fanciful baby bedding, blankets, accessories, plush toys, and gifts. Bridal and Baby registries and gift-wrap. Open Monday – Saturday.

DREAMKEEPER
1309A Third Avenue, (732) 974-0184
www.dreamkeepernj.com
Email: Dremkepr@aol.com
WONDERFUL THINGS FOR WOMEN!
Stop searching. We have the perfect gift.
Dreamkeeper has lots of comfortable clothing for women in sizes extra small through plus sizes. We carry labels you know and love, as well as some that we think will be new to you. Some of the lines we carry include URU, Planet, Luna Luz, Bryn Walker, La Libellule, Oh My Gauze, Citron and By Taylor to name a few. Other labels in stock will surprise and delight you. We carry scarves by Alice Berry, and Moksha. Dreamkeeper's got the largest selection of Tabra jewelry in the area. Other jewelry lines include Ann Egan, Monies, Ayala Bar, Gail Goldin, Ann Krupp, Orna Lalo and Julie Shaw. We offer shoes by El Natura Lista, and Taxi wallets. You will just love our new summer straw bags and our leather handbags by Carla Mancini and Chocolate Blu. We have some pretty terrific gift items as well. Get a Wallaroo hat for everyone in the family. (They have an ultraviolet protection factor of 50+.) Be sure to see our adorable mermaid pillows and our exclusive Manasquan, Sea Girt, and Spring Lake ornaments. Our philosophy is simple; we believe that a woman can be beautiful without being uncomfortable; that an outfit can be transformed with just the right accessories and, most importantly, that life is too short not to enjoy its beautiful offerings. So stop by and enjoy your visit to Dreamkeeper. (We have Great Music too.)

GREEN BEANS
1713 Main Street, Lake Como, (732) 749-3151
www.GreenBeansNJ.com
A Little Shop in Lake Como, Green Beans is an upscale children's consignment store selling clothing infant to teen, maternity, baby gear, toys, games, books, and much more. Along with selling consignment, we also sell handmade clothing and accessories designed by women around the world. Green Beans prides itself in promoting women in business. Green Beans resells brands like Abercrombie, April Cornell, Billabong, Crocs, E. Land, Hanna Anderson, Hurley Juicy Couture, Lilly Pulitzer, Ralph Lauren, Roxy, Under Armour, and Volcom just to name a few. At Green Beans we give the feeling that you are shopping at a children's boutique without breaking the bank. I thought it was time to open a store that has that "boutique feel" without the boutique prices. So in 2009, Green Beans sprouted into a place where you can feel good about your purchase and recycle your unwanted items at the same time. Please call or check out our website for our store hours and all our latest and greatest merchandise. At Green Beans we're Saving The Planet One Outfit at a Time.

HAND & STONE MASSAGE SPA
1325 Warren Avenue, (732) 449-1700
www.HandAndStone.com
Hand & Stone Massage Spa, located in beautiful Spring Lake, is a beautifully appointed spa that offers affordable prices and great availability. With nine rooms and over twenty certified massage therapists, our philosophy is a simple one. We specialize in the very highest quality massage service at very affordable prices. Hand & Stone Massage Spa professionals are passionately dedicated to surpassing the expectations of each and every one of our clients by artfully and creatively providing massage services at truly affordable prices. Hand & Stone Massage Spa will consistently deliver a wonderful massage experience at the very highest quality. Services include Relaxation, Hot Stone, Face, and Foot Massages. Call today for your appointment. Ask about our introductory offers for first time clients. Open year-round, seven days a week. Love Thyself. For Less....

KATE & COMPANY
1100 Third Avenue, (732) 449-1633
This charming boutique furniture store featuring fine gifts, furniture, and accessories for the home. A shop that delights the eye and one's decorating sense, it offers country furniture, hutches, tables, and armoires, many hand-painted. They carry a selection of upholstery from Lee Industries and Wesley Hall and accessories from Italy, Mexico, England, and the U.S.A. There are also hand-painted pieces and needlepoint pillows and an extensive choice of giftware. They specialize in personal service. Open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM.

SKUBY & CO.
1210 Third Avenue, (732) 449-3700
www.SkubyAndCo.com
After eight years and being one of the top 100 menswear stores in the U.S. (MR Magazine 2004/2005), we've moved one block north to a bigger and better location and added to our "Lifestyle Clothing" attitude. New collections like Robert Talbott of Carmel, Dress shirts, Neckwear, Sportswear, and accessories. Coppley of Canada tailored clothing suits, Sports coats, blazers, and trousers. Kroon the new age sport coat. Robert Graham Dress Shirts, Thomas Dean, Nat Nast, Saltaire, Scott Barber and Peter Millar now round off Tommy Bahama and McKenzie Tribe. Footwear by Allen Edmonds, Martin Dingman, and Zelli. Luggage and accessories by Mulholland Bros., Morgan Grays, Martin Dingman, Col. Littleton, and Bill Lavin. Function in fashion tradition with a new age twist! Open daily Mon. - Sat. 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sun. 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM.

SKUBY BLUE
1106 Third Avenue, (732) 927-5429
www.SkubyBlue.com
Skuby Blue is the new premium relax wear specialty shop catering to fashion conscious men and women. Infusing styles seen in LA and SoHo, then bringing them to the Jersey Shore. Featuring lines by: Robert Graham, Mavi Jeans, Agave Denim, Tommy Bahama Relax, Indigo Palms, Martin Gordon, Press (International Fashions), True Grit, Linea Pelle Handbags, Moore & Giles Leather Accessories, and Bill Lavin belts. Our featured clothing line is Mavi Jeans - An exclusive brand originating from turkey where "mavi" means "blue". each pair of jeans spends hours being cut, sewn, washed and branded, the end result are unique jeans that look great and fit you best.

Real Estate

Area Architect

RICHARD B. GRAHAM JR. A.I.A.
ARCHITECTURE
410 Higgins Avenue, Brielle, (732) 223-7331
www.grahamarchitect.com
Richard B. Graham Jr. founded his architectural firm, “Graham Station Architects,” in Sea Girt in 1982. In 1998, the firm moved to Higgins Avenue in Brielle. The office has been serving the Jersey Shore in the practice of architecture for twenty-six years. The majority of the practice consists of custom residential and select commercial projects. Mr. Graham's training is design oriented, and he holds university degrees in both Fine Art and Architecture. The firm is small in size and places an emphasis in servicing each client and project in a personalized and thorough manner. Design services are provided for both new and existing buildings. The preferred style of architecture that the firm produces is traditional in nature blended with creative concepts which respond to the functional and aesthetic needs of each design situation. Many of the projects that have been produced are located on or near the waterfront. Considerations are always made to have the designs respond to the particular needs of the shore environments. A watchful eye is always kept on energy efficient performance. The firm is licensed for the practice of architecture, interior design, and professional planning. N.J.R.A. 08311; N.J.I.D. 13800; N.J.P.P. 03797

Dining Out

THE BREAKERS ON THE OCEAN
1507 Ocean Avenue, Spring Lake, (732) 449-7700; Fax: (732) 449-0161
www.breakershotel.com
Please refer to our listing under Accommodations.
The Breakers on the Ocean offers casual dining in an elegant oceanfront setting. In addition to classic Northern Italian cuisine, enjoy fresh seafood specials as well as prime steaks and veal chops grilled to perfection. Cocktails, appetizers, and desserts are served in the piano lounge or on the outdoor wrap-around porch overlooking the ocean. Casual breakfast and lunch are served daily in our sunny Veranda Restaurant. The Breakers is also the perfect place to celebrate any special occasion with an ocean view. Accommodating parties from 25 to 225 people, The Breakers is ideal for weddings, engagement parties, bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, birthday and anniversary parties, communions, baptisms, and holiday parties. Visit The Breakers on the Ocean to see why this unique destination has been a favorite for more than twenty years. Open all year. All major credit cards accepted. *** NJ Monthly.

FRATELLO’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
810 The Plaza, Sea Girt, (732) 974-8833
www.fratellosrestaurant.com
Fratello's Restaurant is a home-style Italian-American hot spot with an equally good, satisfying dinner, as quoted by “The New York Times,” August 2008. Located in downtown Sea Girt less then a mile from the beach, seafood and Italian are the pride of Fratello's, but when you come, be sure to try a few of chef Gerardo Martinez's signature dishes. Appetizers include artichoke hearts francaise, sautÈed escarole, and buffalo shrimp. Entrees include Lobster Della Casa, grilled salmon with tomato basil, homemade gnocchi with broccoli, and grilled NY sirloin with shrimp scampi. Many guests feel Fratello's is the next best thing in Italian cooking to Brooklyn! Bring your appetite—you'll want to save room for dessert and the chef's homemade tiramisu! Hours: Early Birds and Happy Hour Mon. – Fri. 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Dinner served from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Lunch served on Sat. and Sun. from noon till 4:00 PM with $3. Bloody Mary's, mimosas, and Bellini's. Great wine list and a “stand out” martini menu.

THE PARKER HOUSE
1 Beacon Boulevard, Sea Girt, (732) 449-0442
www.parkerhousenj.com
This Jersey Shore landmark (est. 1878) offers good food, fun entertainment, great prices, and a romantic wrap-around-porch with an ocean view. Salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, Maryland crab cakes, international chicken sandwiches, homemade soups, prime steaks, and fresh seafood. Mon. night: Seafood Combo, $17.95; Tues. night: Half Lobster Surf `n Turf, $18.95; Wed. night: Lobster, $15.95; Thurs. night: Prime Rib, $15.95; Fri. night: Porterhouse Steak, $19.95. Open everyday from noon to midnight. Breakfast served daily Memorial Day through Labor Day from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Lunch and dinner served from noon to 10:00 PM daily. Outside Porch Raw Bar featuring lobsters, clams, shrimp, sliced steak sandwiches, and our famous mini-burgers open daily 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Live band and DJ Fri., Sat., Sun., and holidays. Sat. and Sun.: Reggae 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

ROD'S OLDE IRISH TAVERN
507 Washington Boulevard, Sea Girt, (732) 449-2020
www.rodstavern.com
Casual restaurant/bar in an old-fashioned, turn-of-the-century saloon atmosphere. Fresh fish daily, grilled steaks, 10 oz. burgers, jumbo sandwiches, oversized fresh salads. Daily blackboard specials lunch/dinner. Sunday Champagne Brunch 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Happy Hour Mon. - Fri. 4:00 - 6:30 PM. Ten TVs and satellites for all sports events. Open seven days for lunch/dinner 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

A Brief History Of Spring Lake

by Patrick Smith

Spring Lake was formed from five towns, and these towns rose from the development of several farms.

The Walling Farm and land that was known as the “Ludlow tracks” formed Brighton in 1873.

The Osborn Farm formed Spring Lake Beach in 1875.

The Reid Farm and The Rogers Farm formed Reid's Villa Park and Rogers' Villa Park, also in 1875, and subsequently merged to form “Villa Park” in 1888.

The farmland north of the town of Brighton to approximately St. Clair Avenue formed North Brighton in 1881.

The Morton and Curtis Farms formed Como, also in 1881.

 As these towns developed, they began to join together:

In 1884, Brighton, North Brighton, and the Ludlow Farm became North Spring Lake.

In 1892, Spring Lake Beach and the eastern part of Villa Park became Spring Lake.

In 1899, Como was annexed by North Spring Lake.

In 1903, North Spring Lake (now comprised of Brighton, North Brighton, and Como) joined Spring Lake (now comprised of Spring Lake Beach and the eastern part of Villa Park) creating the town as we know it today.

The land surrounding the area of the lake was recorded circa 1760. Through subsequent sales, it was ultimately owned by Captain Forman Osborn. At this time, the lake was known as Fresh Creek Pond. After a stay at the Osborn Farm, a Scottish Presbyterian minister, Reverend Alphonso A. Willits (1821-1913), saw Spring Lake's potential as a beautiful location for a resort. He persuaded affluent Philadelphians to form The Spring Lake Beach Improvement Company which, in 1875, purchased the Osborn Farm and laid the plans to develop the area and create a seaside resort to be named Spring Lake Beach.

Philadelphia architect Frederick Anspach surveyed and laid out the town. Almost immediately, on May 26, 1875, construction of a hotel, The Monmouth House, began. It opened a little over a year later on June 10, 1876. The Monmouth was four stories high, had two hundred seventy rooms, a one thousand seat dining room, and two huge parlors overlooking the ocean. With the opening of this hotel, the resort of Spring Lake Beach became a destination for the affluent and famous.

The 1889 Wolverton Atlas mentions that the name of the lake, “Fresh Pond,” was changed to “Spring Lake.” A newspaper account at the time described it as a deep, freshwater lake that was “so clear,” you could recognize a coin at the bottom of its deepest part.

There were many people and events that collided to create Spring Lake and guarantee its place as a pearl on the Jersey coast. During the years surrounding the nation's centennial in 1876, the area's development was benefiting from the enthusiasm surrounding the event. In fact, many of the first homes in Spring Lake were dismantled and moved by rail from The Centennial Expo in Philadelphia to the town.

The Jersey coast seemed to hypnotize everyone who came in contact with it, and Spring Lake's humble beginning had its origin with the visions of numerous individuals. Passionate hard work by these people insured its success. Those responsible for the town's beginning are many.

Investors such as John Reading, James Hunter, Paul Thurlow, and S. D. Button and companies such as The Spring Lake Beach Improvement Company, The Lake House Company, W. Hotchkiss & Barber, and The Spring Lake Realty Company saw the town's promise and furnished plans and investment capital.

Engineers, such as Frederick J. Anspach, surveyed the town and designed an outline that kept its tranquil character, making the lake its heart and the inexhaustible ocean its pulse.

Famous architects, commissioned all the way from Philadelphia, designed beautiful homes and cottages, many of which are still standing today. So began Spring Lake's great architectural offerings that would continue into the early twentieth century.

Scores of laborers and craftsman worked to create the first great hotel, The Monmouth House, in 1876 and The New Monmouth after the fire of 1900.

Great individuals, such as Martin Maloney, created pride by donating one of the great icons of Spring Lake, St. Catharine's Church; he was also a force behind developing many of the town's businesses, sharing his vision, business sense, and shear determination.

Last but not least, tourists, some affluent, some famous, continued to return generation after generation making the town a legendary resort and refuge. State of the art hotels such as The Monmouth and The Essex and Sussex held a place in many hearts.

Disasters, tragedies, and the long, off-season months created a unity of spirit among business owners and local residents, and people began to care about the town year round. They began to realize how the town and its short history could be threatened by fires and weather like hurricanes or nor'easters. Tragedies, like the death of Catharine Maloney (which prompted her father to donate Saint Catharine's), brought people together. Through the Depression and other obstacles, residents and business owners forged ahead to make a better life for themselves and their families. Being a seasonal community, business owners and workers made the most of their income in the summer months and lived modestly during the off-season; this as well contributed to the town's strong sense of unity. During hard times, many businesses would extend credit of goods and food to their neighbors knowing they would not get paid until the end of the following season.

These people and events, all living and taking place at the same time, collided to become Spring Lake's own “little big bang,” creating momentum and success in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These people did not know what mark, if any, they would leave when they passed on.

Map of Spring Lake

Coffee Table Book About Spring Lake

"Spring Lake, Revisited" by Patrick Smith. Please click here.