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By Brian Bovasso: Over a long period of time, Brian Bovasso developed an interest in the Ortley family and the Cranberry Inlet. While writing his first two local history books, he realized what a dramatic influence the Cranberry Inlet and the Ortley family had on the history of this section of the barrier island. This 148 page, illustrated book provides answers to many questions about this area of the barrier island of Ocean County. -
By Robert A. DeSando: South Lakewood Park was an exclusive enclave for socialites and scientists forgotten by history. A deadly pandemic, financial panic, a catastrophic fire, and a devastating tornado combined to extinguish this planned community unlike any other in New Jersey to burning embers. -
By Janis Gibson: This is an account of a particular branch of the Giberson family, the Gibersons of Old Dover. It is a compilation of biographical and genealogical facts, the end product of a quest to identify all the Gibersons associated with Dover between 1775-1830 and to understand how they fit together. -
By Samuel Vaughn Merrick: A combination of Sam Merrick’s biography of F, Slade Dale and Dale’s own writings about his nautical exploits throughout his life. An unusual gentleman, Dale developed his love of boats in the waters of Ocean County. -
Compiled by William A. King, Jr. and Adolph Wooley: Late 19th century and early 20th century downtown Toms River is depicted in 56 pages of many photos never before published. Photos include Washington Street, Water Street, Main Street and various other locations. -
By Vivian Zinkin: This book is a comprehensive study of place name origins in Ocean County. Place Names of Ocean County sheds light on how various names came to exist. An 1849 Robert E. Horner map of Ocean County is included. -
Compiled by E. P. Groot: The material in this book contains the contents of thirty-nine reports from the U.S. Life-Saving Service from 1876 to 1914. Of particular interest are descriptions of the individual stations, their personnel, and their activities. There are narratives describing the services provided by crewmen. Another section is devoted entirely to accidents. Find out about rescues and/or salvage of a particular ship and/or its crew and passengers as well as the many miscellaneous services that were provided. -
Compiled by E. P. Groot: The material in this book contains the contents of thirty-nine reports from the U.S. Life-Saving Service from 1876 to 1914. Of particular interest are descriptions of the individual stations, their personnel, and their activities. There are narratives describing the services provided by crewmen. Another section is devoted entirely to accidents. Find out about rescues and/or salvage of a particular ship and/or its crew and passengers as well as the many miscellaneous services that were provided. -
Compiled by Thomas M. Williams: The U.S. Navy’s Lighter-Than-Air Program tells the history of the various dirigibles that were built, repaired, and stored at various times during their sometimes-brief lives, at Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, New Jersey. The second half of this pictorial contains detailed information about the blimps, the non-rigid airships, which patrolled our Atlantic Coast during World War II. -
By Brian Bovasso: Author Brian Bovasso remembers seeing the Westmont Shores sign on Route 35 when he drove by it during the 1960s and early 1970s. It was only six blocks long, so, as the expression goes, “if you blinked, your eyes, you’d miss it.” It was part of Lavallette, and by 2001 all mention of Westmont Shores was long forgotten. While visiting the Ocean County Historical Society in 2014, the author discovered site development plans for the area called Westmont Shores and his journey began. Explore with the author the unique history of this area of current day Lavallette. -
By Captain Robert F. Bennett—U.S. Coast Guard, Retired: This book contains two works. The first is a reprint of Surfboats, Rockets, and Carronades. It was originally published by the United States Coast Guard in 1976 and was long out of print. The second part is a researched chronological presentation of official correspondence and documents relating to the funding and creation of the early life-saving stations. Information is included about the tools and equipment provided by the federal government as well as the early station-keepers. Also referenced are some of the notable shipwrecks of the period from 1848 to 1871. -
By Ocean County Historical Society: This reprint of an 1888 brochure contains pictures of the shoreline, the bluff, the railroad bridge. as well as many homes that still exist in the town. The Borough of Island Heights was founded in 1886. It describes the 1888 summer Camp Meeting. Included are a sample program from the meeting along with interesting and amusing advertisements from period merchants and real estate brokers.
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