Ocean Beach (now named Belmar) had everything going for it; oceanfront location, sandy beach and charming wooded building lots. But the small town needed one thing more to kick off its development. Find out what that “one thing” was on Saturday, April 26. The Belmar Historical Society (BHS) and the Belmar Arts Council (BAC) have joined together to present an extraordinary afternoon called “A Celebration of the Railroad”.
Starting at 3 p.m. train and history buffs are welcome to a free program, a display of railroad memorabilia and a train related art exhibit. Two speakers, Gary Crawford (historian) and Tom Gallo (author) will discuss the impact of the railroad's arrival in Belmar in 1875. They will also give some insight into the future of the railroad in Belmar and shore towns. At four p.m. attend the unveiling of the new mural at Belmar Train Station followed by a reception at The Boatworks, 608 River Road, from five to seven pm. All events are free and open to the public.
The BHS display case in Belmar Borough Hall lobby, use the Sixth Avenue entrance, is featuring the BHS collection of rail related archival items along with railroad artifacts loaned by individuals. The display call “Don't Miss The Train” may be viewed now until May fifth during regular business hours. The display includes some wonderful old photographs of the Belmar Train Station and old steam locomotives used on the line. It also shows timetables, tickets, postcards and other railroad memorabilia.
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The Belmar Historical Society is dedicated to the restoration, preservation and acquisition of Belmar sites and materials to keep the history of Belmar alive and well. For additional information about the Belmar Historical Society please contact Pat O'Keefe, Secretary, 732-681-0732 or visit the BHS online at www.belmarhistoricalsociety.org. The Belmar Arts Council may be contacted online at www.belmararts.org.
