Elberon, New Jersey
Along New Jersey’s coast in Monmouth County sits Elberon, an unincorporated community in the city of Long Branch. Historically, Elberon was a famous beach travel destination and is a notable site in the history of the United States.
History Of Elberon
Elberon, founded by L.B. Brown, began to attract tourists towards the end of the 18th century, but the only way to reach the community during this time was by boat. Eventually, the railroad construction near the end of the 19th century would make the region more open to those who could not travel by water transportation methods. Although the train made Elberon more accessible, this beach resort still received significant attention from wealthy people. A big push for the affluent to come to Elberon was the First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln’s stories to others about her 1861 visit. Hollywood stars during the 19th century would vacation and buy property in the area, which would make Elberon be referred to as the “Hollywood of the east.” Former U.S. Presidents also purchased a property and would choose Elberon as a travel spot. To honor the 7 U.S. Presidents who highly favored the area, Seven Presidents Park was named after them. One of the seven U.S. Presidents, President James Abram Garfield, passed away on September 17, 1881, from gunshot wounds in Elberon after moving there following an assassination attempt.
Tourism In Elberon
Today Elberon is no longer in its golden age of tourism, and the real estate from the early days of the community that still stand are in possession of private parties. Despite Elberon not being the same popular destination as it was in the past, visitors still stop by the private beach clubs, churches, historical sites, and their own personal vacation properties.
Ocean Beach Club
A notable private beach club in Elberon just 50 miles from New York City is the Ocean Beach Club which was created in 1906. Every summer, the Ocean Bleach Club opens its doors to members of the association where they can enjoy amenities such as a pool, dining services, and a basketball court.
The Church of the Presidents, - The St. James Episcopal Church
The St. James Episcopal Church, also known as the Church of Presidents, is an important historical site where U.S. Presidents Rutherford B. Hayes, Woodrow Wilson, Chester A. Arthur, Ulysses S. Grant, William McKinley, and Benjamin Harrison came consistently during their visits to Elberon. This church was built in 1879 and held worship services until 1949, then was rebuilt into the Long Branch Historical Museum in the 1950s. At present, the Church of the Presidents is temporarily closed for visitors as it is being restored due to the old age of the building creating difficulties in its framework. It can be found listed on the New Jersey and U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
