This is US: Stories of Belmar

“THIS IS US” Program at Belmar Public Library

As our little town grew, the children who grew up with it had an extraordinary life and unusual opportunities to take advantage of the beautiful city by the sea. Now you can hear real-life stories from those grown-up kids as some of the Belmar Historical Society members share their stories at the Belmar Library program “THIS IS US”.

You’ll laugh at tales from BHS Trustees Brian Magovern and Pat Melango (at right as a child) as they recall youthful misadventures on Belmar’s beaches and even in the original jail cells!

Of course, not all of the trustees grew up in Belmar. Several BHS trustees who moved here as adults and joined the BHS took the time to research their own backgrounds with startling results!

BHS President Spencer Heulitt discovered that his great-great-grandfather, David Hilton Wilson, co-owned with Thomas Kennedy what is now the beachfront from 12th Avenue to Lake Como. They dismantled buildings from the Philadelphia Centennial to rebuild as hotels on their land, an important part of Belmar’s history. Enthused by this discovery, Spencer continues to explore, learning that Wilson’s son, George C.C. Wilson, owned a fishery on the 16th Avenue Beach. Remarkably, the younger Wilson sold that property in 1920 to Belmar for $2,500.  Spencer is particularly excited to find photos of his ancestors on Belmar Beach!

BHS Trustee Michael Haberstick may share the story of his grandmother who was Belmar’s Director of Welfare 1929-1952. She became Belmar’s first policewoman, assigned the duty of patrolling the beaches to stop inappropriate undressing and other untoward behavior.

Join the Belmar Historical Society at the library to hear tales from lifetime residents of Belmar. Due to limited space, registration is required but admission is free and open to the public. All are welcome to hear true stories of life in Belmar 50 years ago to help you see the town from an entirely different perspective.