Happy 120^th Birthday! — Borough of Monmouth Beach, NJ

On March 9, 1906, Monmouth Beach was officially incorporated as an independent borough. Although known as “Monmouth Beach” as far back as 1870, it really wasn’t official until 1906. From its settlement beginning in 1668, the area was also known as “Wardell’s Beach” on most maps of the times. In 1849, the land became part of Ocean Twp — and was “the most valuable part of its territory” when it left 57 years later.

The first-ever Monmouth Beach election was held in April 1906. The form of government the town started with was partisan — with a mayor and council six council members. Fewer than 125 residents cast ballots.

The Democrat ticket swept the new borough — led by new mayor: William Heitzman and new borough council members: William Applegate, James Butler, Abram O. Johnson, John A. Maney, E. Borden West and Garrett H. White. The first municipal budget was about $11,100; today it tops $10 million.

In 1929, borough voters elected to change from 7 elected officials to only 3 when it adopted a commission form of government, which prevails today.

ATTENTION: Visit the Monmouth Beach Historical Committee website (HERE) for all the details on its grand 4-day program celebrating the USA’s 250^th Birthday — June 11-14.

First Mayor of Monmouth Beach — William Heitzman, 1906.

Mayor Heitzman obituary, Long Branch Daily Record, November 1948.

Monmouth Beach departs Ocean Twp. with $2,064.51. Long Branch Daily Record, May 1906.

Monmouth Beach Beginnings. Red Bank Register, March 1906.

Town Guts — Beach Road end-to-end about the time the borough became independent, Sanborn Map, 1907