This Monmouth County town, with a population of 16,930 (2000 Census), was incorporated in 1874 from portions of Ocean Township, was reincorporated in 1893, and finally incorporated as a city with its present form of government in 1897.
The history of Asbury Park, New Jersey is an extraordinary one, and those who do some research will discover that technology, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit resulted in the creation of a wonderful family-oriented community by the time the 1920’s rolled around. It became one of New Jersey’s foremost seashore resorts.
The town that was built by New York industrialist, brush maker, and real estate developer James A. Bradley back in 1870 became a bustling community by 1890, and it got its name from Francis Asbury, the first American Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States.
Bradley was responsible for developing much of the city’s infrastructure. He preferred gaslight, but he encouraged the Atlantic Coast Electric Company, now Jersey Central Power & Light, to offer electric service to the residents and businesses. Bradley was also responsible for building a boardwalk, public changing rooms, a pier and an orchestra pavilion.
Asbury Park’s infrastructure was largely developed by Bradley because he was the one responsible for installing public changing rooms for visitors to the beach, constructing the boardwalk, and orchestra pavilion, and encouraging others to build grand hotels, amusement piers, and all the many features that would attract vacationers and visitors from near and far.
Yes, once upon a time Asbury Park, the town made famous by Bruce Springsteen, was charming and inviting, but many factors led to its decline in the years following its glory days. However, things are changing again - for the better.
The boardwalk in Asbury Park was famous in its day, and now the town and its shoreline are being restored. Three of Asbury Park boardwalk’s eight pavilions have re-opened, including the Fifth Avenue Pavilion with vendors selling food and sundries, pizza, and Portobello mushroom wrap sandwiches at Beach Place.
Restaurants shine and life is returning at the south end of the mile-long boardwalk when you pass through the walkway between the restored 1930s beaux-arts Convention Hall and Paramount Theater buildings.
Beginning in 2002 Asbury Park began a cultural, political and economic revival. The boardwalk was rebuilt in 2004, and Asbury Park is in re-invention mode. Asbury Park is one more example of the seashore boardwalk resorts that have made New Jersey famous for those who have flocked “…down the shore” over the years.
However, from Jim Bradley to Bruce Springsteen, Asbury Park’s history is worth reading in-depth. This American seashore resort has a remarkable pedigree, and the things that were first introduced here set Asbury Park apart from many other U.S. towns and cities. To find out more call 732-775-7676, or go online to www.cityofasburypark.com
The Beaches of Asbury Park:
Convention Hall South:
Asbury – First Avenue (South Beach)
Second Avenue – Third Avenue
Fourth Avenue
Fifth Avenue
Convention Hall North:
Sunset beach
Seventh – Eighth Avenue (North Beach)
Beach Tags:
Seasonal: $20.00
Daily: 3.00
Weekends: 4.00
Municipal Information: 732-775-2100.
