Extraordinary Stories From An Ordinary Guy: The "Stone Harbor, New Jersey Museum" Story

The new Stone Harbor Museum

It was an ordinary day. Heading to the new Stone Harbor Museum with my brother Steve to see what they might have on display. As we pulled up in front of 9410 Second Avenue I instantly recognized the place. About twenty years ago I brought a variety of my photography and stained glass to Stone Harbor when I came for a week-long vacation hoping to find a shop that would be willing to sell it for me. I found that location when I visited the William Ris Gallery which was located at 9410 Second Avenue. They were willing to take my work on consignment so I left all my work with them that year. Wasn't long before I had to return with more work. That went on for a few years and I did quite well except for the fact that my day trips grew too tiring and Carol and I decided to stay a night or two when we made visits with artwork. Well, the cost of lodging and food for those two or three days were more than the pieces I was selling, so I eventually took my work back and gave up on the idea. Today as I walked into the new Stone Harbor Museum it brought back memories as I headed to the window where my work was usually displayed. The museum is presently just two large rooms, but does hold quite a few memories of Stone Harbor in years past. The very first museum was opened in 1996 in an older Stone Harbor home that had been used by the Stone Harbor Elementary School for offices. Today's new location is a big improvement from that home. I did take a few photos to share with you of some of the displays they had to show the different periods of time in Stone Harbor. Check out some of what my brother and I saw during our visit. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

This shows Stone Harbor when they had a Boardwalk which is dated 1917-1944. Click on images to enlarge them.

Old post card showing the boardwalk.

Photo showing the boardwalk after a hurricane hit the town in 1944.

On August 31, 1931 the largest sea plane to cross the Atlantic came by Stone Harbor on its way to New York City. Known as the Dornier Do X from Germany. It carried 100 passengers on three decks.

A view as it is about to land.

Blimps were also competition for business such as the plane above. This is a photo of the Hindenburg as it was passing Stone Harbor on its way to Lakehurst, New Jersey. Shortly after this it burned.

You may be able to read the information on the photo telling you about the living room of this house being used as the Police Station. Pictured is the family of Michael Lennon, the police chief.