REAL ESTATE

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Historic Preservation Commission*

*But were afraid to ask

Dear Miss Victoria Anna,
What makes Ocean Grove so special and how did it become a Historic District? - Sincerely Holly

Well Holly, Ocean Grove was originally founded back in 1869. The original founding fathers created Ocean Grove as a “sea side retreat”, a summer escape from the business lives they lead in the northern industrial cities.

With the arrival of the early settlers in the nineteenth century Ocean Grove was used for open air religious revival meetings in it’s original woodland settings. Tents were pitched around a central wooden preaching stand, where for days people would come to hear the words of the Methodist revival meetings.

Many of the followers came year after year, thus creating the still existing “Tent Camp Grounds”. These tents still are handed down from family member to family member, some dating back over 100 years.

Over time Ocean Grove became one of the best known Methodist religious resort, and affordable alternative to the wealthy resorts such as Cape May and Atlantic City. The location was closer to New York City, and therefore an easier drive.

In four very short years Ocean Grove went from a two cottage, 25 tent resort to over four hundred cottages and seventy-nine boarding houses or hotels. Ocean Grove had arrived. Would you believe that at one point, in this tiny new community there were over 600 tents. Currently there are approximately 100 tents remaining.

As more and more visitors arrived, the Great Auditorium was built for Sunday services. Some time in 1880 cultural events were added to the Camp Meeting’s religious program, and soon Ocean Grove hosted many of the nation’s leading musical groups and cultural celebrities. Many great Presidents attended services in the “Grove” staying in the many bed and breakfast inn. The Great Auditorium is still the center of Ocean Grove’s activity, with sermons, concerts and revival meetings.

Some time in early 1975 a group of concerned citizens realized Ocean Grove’s beauty and history was being destroyed. Many changes were going on and they felt the wonderful architecture, and charm may be lost forever. So they sat down and petitioned the state of New Jersey, and the National Historic Society to have Ocean Grove declared a “Historic Site”. This was finally achieved in 1975 with the town’s acceptance in the New Jersey Register of Historic Places, and in 1976 into the National Register of Historic Places.

Now when you visit Ocean Grove, its almost like stepping back in time, with many of the original homes still standing, and many more [with the help of HPC ]being restored, to their original splendor.

So Holly this is how Ocean Grove became a Historic District, and known throughout the country.

Sincerely yours, Victoria Anna

– Posted 12/17/04