Numbers Guy — Borough Clerk Clarence B. Cook (r) and Roy Olsen, tax assessor (l), November 1964. A varsity wrestler at Rider College, Cook would develop an aptitude for numbers. “No one knew the Monmouth Beach books better,” said Mayor Sidney Johnson. Elected a borough commissioner in May 1949, Cook won four terms directing the borough’s finances until he was appointed Borough Tax Assessor in 1962 and Borough Clerk in 1964 and held that post until 1968. A LBHS graduate and WW II veteran, Cook died in February 1979. For 2023, the Monmouth Beach municipal budget is in the works. Over the years’ annual borough expenditures have been: $11,100 in 1906 • $9,900 in 1909 • $21,200 in 1919 • $44,500 in 1922 • $59,600 in 1927 • $70,500 in 1934 • $151,800 in 1939 • $110,100 in 1947 • $157,700 in 1958 • $222,300 in 1962 • $366,000 in 1969 • $764,500 in 1974 • $1 million in 1977 • $1.5 million in 1983 • $2.4 million in 1989 • $3.8 million in 1996 • $4.7 million in 2002 • $6.1 million in 2007 • $6.9 million in 2012 • $7.4 million in 2017 • .$9.7 million in 2022.

Death Debate — Alfred J. Talley was a longtime borough resident on Ocean Avenue (acquiring the Walter Spalding estate in 1933) and also president of the snobbish Monmouth Beach Association in the 1930 and 1940s. The capital punishment debate between he and the famed Chicago defense attorney Clarence Darrow took place in the Manhattan Opera House in October 1924. Talley was a New York judge and lawyer “of great ability.” MORE INFO.

Monmouth Beach is visible in this Monmouth Park postcard, 1962. The Oceanport racetrack opened in June 1946 and still operates — MORE INFO.

Wells Fargo Bank at Beach Road and Borden Street, 2020. As of November 2022, the bank permanently closed its drive-thru service after 54 years. The ATM continues to operate.

Looking west from the MB Clubhouse Hotel roof, 1910s. The school and church are visible in the background.

Monmouth Beach marina area, 2017.

Monmouth Beach marina area, 1970s.

Louis Ferrugiaro is honored in Monmouth Beach for his military service during the Vietnam War, July 1971. A US Army private, Lou was badly injured but would return home to a hero’s welcome — honored with a large parade and celebration. The borough native went on to serve 25 years as the borough’s public works superintendent before retiring in 2004. Lou was also did public service as a borough policeman, fireman and first aid member.

Supreme Surf — along the Monmouth Beach coast, Fall 2022 (Jack Flaherty Photo).

Brian Boru O’Brien — a Monmouth Beach native and accomplished Broadway stage performer — seen with fellow cast members of the Broadway hit, “Chicago the Musical,” 2021. Brian made his theatrical debut in “Steel Pier” in 1997 and followed with work in: “Spamlalot,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” and “Promises, Promises.” A talented dancer-singer, Brian has acted in the Tony-winning Chicago for 9 years. It has all been a “dream come true” for the Seton Hall University graduate who never took a dance class. MORE INFO.

Channel Club marina, 2022. Suntex Marina Investors, a Dallas TX-based owner/operator of high-end marinas in 14 states, recently purchased the businesses set on 4 acres along the Shrewsbury River. Estimated price tag: about $25 million. MORE INFO. Marine activity in the area dates to the mid-1940s when started by the Mihm family. The Chrysanthopoulos brothers had owned the marina since 2001.

Starting Out — Henry Mihm’s boatyard at the foot of West Street, late 1940s. Henry died in 1979 and his son Walter would take the business to great new heights.

James Caverly owner of Booskerdoo Coffee Roastery & Bakery at his Monmouth Beach store, 2017. The popular spot opened in the town mini-mall in 2011 offering “really really delicious things from really really nice people.” Growing in popularity and prestige, Booskerdoo now has six locations. MORE INFO.

Willie Horner’s old home off Patten Avenue, 1980s.

A car flipped its lid in front of the MB Cultural Center on Ocean Avenue, June 2022. There were no injuries.

Sunsets don’t get better than in Monmouth Beach (O’Brien Realty Photo), June 2022.

Monmouth Beach Boy Scouts, 1970s.

Monmouth Beach mountains? No — just sunset clouds along the Shrewsbury River, May 2022.

“Bathing at Monmouth Beach, NJ” postcard, early 1900s. (Dawn Rise Photo).

Springtime surfing in Monmouth Beach, 2022 (Jack Flaherty Photo).

“Moonlight sail over the silvery sea.” Monmouth Beach, NJ postcard.

Beach Tavern at the foot of West Street under construction, 2014 (Jack Flaherty Photo).

Beach Tavern completed and ready for business, 2015.

Storm flooding on Ocean Avenue, early 1940s.

Turn of the century beach walk in MB.

A plethora of colors during a MB sunset on the Shrewsbury River, Fall 2021.

Mayor Sidney Johnson (c) opens the new Hickey Real Estate Agency building at 37 Beach Road, December 1976. At right are owners Frank and Helen Hickey, left is Charles Beusing, borough planning board chairman. The Hickeys operated their realty firm from 1970 to 1988. Helen was the first women president of the Monmouth County Board of Realtors in 1985. She died in July 1992 and Frank passed away in August 1993; they raised six children in town. The couple’s view of the real estate trade: “It’s not a business of days and weeks, but of years.”

Joan Parent, Realtors ad, Asbury Park Press, 1984. The firm’s snappy slogan — “We cover the waterfront” — proved most effective during a town real estate sales boom through the 1990s.

The new Joan Parent building on Beach Road on it Grand Opening, September 1981. Anthony Covias designed the building. Beginning with just herself and a part-time secretary, the Parent real estate firm grew to 35 employees. The business merged with VRI Realtors in 2000.

Siblings from the Farrell family of Monmouth Beach at Fenway Park in Boston, 2010s. Their brother John Farrell managed the Red Sox to a World Series title in 2013.

Monmouth Beach Professional Building on the corner of Beach Road and West Street, 2021.

Monmouth Beach emergency siren located behind borough hall — loud but effective 2021. In November 1936, the fire company and board of education first reached an agreement to blow the fire whistle twice on inclement mornings as notification of school closure that day.

Image from Long Branch Daily Record, May 1965. Hennessey was from Monmouth Beach and Hayden was from Elberon.

“Sea Bird” steamer in live action, 1887. Built in 1866 at Hunter’s Point NY, she was part of the Merchants Steamboat Company line operating until 1926. The wooden, side-wheeler was 187 feet long. The boat business was run by the Throckmorton family of Red Bank. The Sea Bird was docked off Wharf Avenue.

“Christmas on River Avenue, Monmouth Beach.” My Aunt LIz Sheehan’s old home painted by Ann Danieli.

“Dog Run” — under the Tsakiris home along the ocean, Christmastime 2012.

A winter day dawns at MB, 2020 (Matthew Moran Photo)

Another day in MB, 2020 (Kevin Foley Photo).

The 2013 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox team at the White House with President Barack Obama. (Borough native and Manager John Farrell is in front, second from right). Boston was 97–65 that season and beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2 games in the Fall Classic. And John was the Boston pitching coach when they won the title in 2007.

Sunset along the waters in MB, 2020 (Jack Flaherty Photo)

Monmouth Beach, New Jersey by Francis Augustus Silva, late 1800s.

Early fall sunset at MB, 2020.

The Niles Family of Monmouth Beach, 1907.

Sunset along the Shrewsbury River, 2014.

Sunset along the Shrewsbury River, 2014.

Riverdale Avenue looking north at railroad crossing, 1950s.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt with Major General George Van Deusen (r) at Fort Monmouth, 1943. The US Army general was the fort’s commanding officer (from 1942-1945) and later a MB resident.

Storm waves pound Ocean Avenue homes, 1978.

Storm damage to Ocean Avenue seawall, 1930s

Storm flooding along Ocean Avenue, 1930s.

Flooding on Riverdale Avenue, 1960s.

Glorious sunset in MB, Summer 2020 (Jack Flaherty Photo).

MB coast at dawn, 2019.

Along the MB shore, 2009.

Monmouth Beach Life by Jack Flaherty, 2020.

Looking north into MB at dawn, 2018.

Storm damage along Ocean Avenue, 1970s.

MB sands — come and go, 2018.

Cottage Road beach area. One of the sand erosion “hot spots” along the NJ coast, 2011.

MB Memorial Day ceremony, 1990s.

Monmouth Beach coast looking south, 2006.

Shrewsbury River viewed from Galilee, 2017.

A Monmouth Beach sunset, April 2020. Jack Flaherty Photo.

The Garrett family at their Ocean Avenue home in MB, 2016.

Eddie Lecarreaux of the US Army Corps of Engineers Marine Division inspects a seawall pipe for the first-ever sand replenishment project in MB, November 1962.

MB coast in winter, 2019.

Wharfside Manor condos, 2019.

Winter time surfer off MB, 2020 (Jack Flaherty Photo).

Surfer off MB, 2019 (Jack Flaherty Photo).

Beach replenishment along MB coast, 2019.

Atlantis Yacht Club pool, 2010s.

New Ocean Avenue under construction looking north in MB, 1980s.

US Congressman James Howard speaks at Channel Club in Monmouth Beach, 1974.

Monmouth Commons, 2019.

Monmouth Commons, 2019.

MB sunset, 2019.

Ocean Avenue flooding at the MB-LB border, 1968.

Cat tails at the foot of Borden Street, 2019 (Jack Flaherty Photo).

River bank in MB at low tide, 2019 (Jack Flaherty Photo).

Monmouth Beach surf’s up, 2013.

Monmouth Beach surfer, 2013.

MB surf, 2019.

MB moonlight postcard, 1910.

MB cat tails at sunset, 2019.

New Monmouth County National Bank on Beach Road, 1968.

Storm waves top Ocean Avenue seawall, 1966.

Old MB-LB border on Ocean Ave./Route 36 scene of deadly accidents, 1966.

Pat McConville rides his bike on flooded Riverdale Avenue, 1967.

Breakwater Cove Apartments sketch proposal, 1971.

Channel Club Marina at sunset, 2000s.

Tiki Bar at Channel Club Marina, 2010s.

Boat hoist at Channel Club Marina, 2010s.

Channel Club Marina, 2010s.

Dead 60-foot, 50-ton finback whale washed up on borough beach, 1961.

Storm clouds over MB, 2019 (Jack Flaherty Photo).

Shrewsbury River low tide in MB, 2019 (Jack Flaherty‎ photo).

Monmouth County sheriff’s remove drowning victim from nearby Shrewsbury River, 2017.

MB boy scout troop, 1956.

Racoon Island, 2018.

Beach Road commerce, 2018.

View of Rumson Country Club from MB, early 1900s.

Channel Club marina, 2014.

Ocean Avenue in MB looking north, Early 1900s.

Sallee Tee’s Grille, 2010.

Surf fishing off MB, 2007.

Storm damage at MB oceanfront, late 1920s.

Storm damage on MB oceanfront, late 1920s.

Storm damage on MB oceanfront, late 1920s.

Storm damage on MB oceanfront, late 1920s.

Tiki Hut at MB free beach off Central Road, 2017.

An American seaside home for working women at MB, 1881.

Monmouth Beach at sunset, Winter 2019.

Dr. Patti Barham Campbell, 1990. A borough native, Patty is a devoted artist — both practitioner and teacher.

Breakwater Cove condos, 2018.

Swan in the Shrewsbury River reeds, 2019. (Jack Flaherty Photo)

MB coast looking north, 2019. (Jack Flaherty Photo)

Ducks rest on Manhasset Creek, 2019. (Jack Flaherty Photo)

MB-LB beach borderline, 2011.

Postcard of MB street, 1920s.

MB Sandpipers holiday luncheon, 2018.

Head on car wreck on Ocean Avenue in MB, 1973.

A couple of Harbor Seals rest on the shore in Monmouth Beach, 2018.

Ocean Avenue in MB looking north, early 1900s.

MB coast, 2015.

MB coast, 2015.

MB seawall steps along Ocean Avenue, 2018.

MB seawall steps down to Ocean Avenue, 2016.

MB coast looking south, 2016.

MB coast looking north, 2016.

O’Brien Realty building on corner of Beach Road and Riverdale Avenue, 2016.

Beach Tavern on Shrewsbury River, 2016.

Borough native Walter “Buddy” Burns (r) with President George H.W. Bush in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, 1992. “Buddy” was a Special Agent for the US Secret Service for over 20 years.

A white-tailed deer crossing Valentine Street, 2018.

Old police kiosk on Wells Fargo Bank property, 2018.

My Kitchen Witch cafe, 2018.

Ocean Avenue seawall, 1950s.

Ocean Avenue seawall, 1950s.

Flooding on Riverdale Avenue, Oct. 2018.

Boat ramp at the foot of West Street, 2018.

MB coast in winter, 2017.

MB Commissioner’s Awards Dinner, late 1990s.

Family of Mute Swans near Griffin Park boat ramp, 2018.

Then Michael Angelo’s Pizzeria on Beach Road, 2018.

Beach Tavern, 2018.

Wharfside Manor condo pool area, 2017.

River docks in Monmouth Beach, 2017.

Flottbek shipwreck at Monmouth Beach, 1901.

Monmouth Beach Cub Scout’s bicycle race, 1968.

Flooding in Monmouth Beach at River Avenue and Central Road, 2018.

Riverdale Avenue flooding, 2010s.

Sign inside Booskerdoo Coffee & Baking Company, 2018.

MB borough offices on Willow Avenue, 2017.

Raccoon Island birthplace of John Farrell, MLB player and World Series winning manger, 2017.

Coach Jim Garrett (r) with his four sons in Monmouth Beach, 1980s.

Beach Tavern on West Street, 2016.

Businesses in Monmouth Beach Village Square, 2017.

My Kitchen Witch restaurant on Beach Road, 2017.

Borough coast looking south, 2017.

Old time drivers in Monmouth Beach, 1920s.

Looking into outfield at Raccoon Island ball field, 2017.

Monmouth Commons townhouse condo complex, 2016.

Restored borough kiosk on Beach Road, 2017.

Superintendent of Streets Walter Roe (l) and Police Chief Charles Hornbostel (r) observe street paint work, 1970s.

Monmouth Beach ice boaters, 1941.

Mayor Lou Sodano (above) examines damages to the borough seawall, late 1970s.

The Wharfside Manor Condo complex on Wharfside Drive, 2017.

Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and family after voting in Monmouth Beach for the 2017 NJ governor’s race on November 7.

A couple of deer in a Club Circle backyard, 2011.

Monmouth Beach Auxiliary of Monmouth Medical Center officers, 1962

Shipwrecked schooner Charles K. Buckley off MB, 1914.

Sands Point North condo complex in Monmouth Beach, 2010s.

Two Rivers Water Reclamation Authority entrance on Racoon Island, 2017

Ice boater on Manhasset Creek, 1920s.

Flooding on Beach Road, 1970s.

Workers remove 5,000 gallons of ammonia from the old MB Cold Storage plant (“The Freezer”), 1983.

MB Cold Storage Company truck, 1940s.

Maney House on Riverdale Avenue, 1920s.

Sallee Tee’s Grille surrounded by flood water, 2010s.

Beach Road looking east, 2017

Professional office building on Beach Road, 2017.

Dead Humpback Whale on Monmouth Beach shore, 2009.