Former Ocean Grove Man Discusses History of Ocean Grove and Asbury Park
By DENISE HERSCHEL
As a former resident of Ocean Grove and a lifelong resident of the Jersey Shore, local author Christopher Flynn knows a thing or two about the history of several seaside communities.
Asbury Park and Ocean Grove have been the focus of extensive research by the Ocean Township writer who recently penned and released his newest book, Greetings From Ocean Grove, published by Schiffer Publishing.
Last week Flynn presented a 30-minute slide show at the Neptune Library to highlight some of the historical moments of both Ocean Grove and Asbury Park.
 Coaster PhotoChristopher Flynn of Ocean Township is pictured with his most recent book, Greetings from Ocean Grove. |
I was born and raised at the Shore. When I was a kid growing up I remember going on the rides in Asbury Park. It was such a magical place that sort of vanished overnight. It made me wonder as to why it all happened. I also had a nostalgic desire to collect artifacts and postcards of the place that went poof overnight it seemed, he said. I wrote this book about Ocean Grove although I was originally told the publishing company was looking for an author to write about Asbury Park. However, they found someone else so I then was asked to write about Ocean Grove.
Flynn is duly impressed with his former hometown because of its rich historical and religious roots. He has been well acquainted with Ocean Grove for many years, he said. This is Flynns first year as the Great Auditorium manager but since 1995 he has been involved with the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association of the United Methodist Church, according to Flynn.
I started out as a volunteer follow spot operator during their concerts. In 1996 I was hired as a maintenance/lighting director seasonally. It was the summer job that never ended, joked Flynn.
Flynn said the Camp Meeting Association is a United Methodist religious organization that in 1869 was given a charter as a place of perpetual Christian worship in a seaside setting. Until 1979 the Association was the governing body of Ocean Grove. However, during that year there were a series of complicated legal proceedings by a number of individuals who wanted to challenge the Associations right to be a municipal entity unto itself. At that time, municipal control was given to Neptune Township.
Flynn could be considered a walking historical encyclopedia of sorts as he readily offers information about Ocean Grove and Asbury Park. He said he has been a history buff since his childhood. In his current book there are over 275 photographs and postcards of Ocean Grove. He credits two people with assisting him in the gathering of all of the memorabilia his mother Cathleen Flynn and Judy Ryerson, a summer resident of Ocean Grove who Flynn calls one of the great postcard collectors.
What drew Flynn to Schiffer Publishing was that the images were reproduced in color instead of black and white.
My other book from 2004, Ocean Grove in Vintage Postcards was not in color. This current book is in color and is the first full color history of Ocean Grove. This book also has more text and detailed information. It picks up where the first book left off, he said.
Flynn added, I was given a great deal of freedom as far as more input in the design of the book. They have an incredible design team.
So what inspired him to pen two books after his days as a newspaper and magazine writer?
I found postcards from Ebay and various postcard shows. I then decided to write a book. It took me two years to write the first book and nine months to write the second book. My second book is about the history of Ocean Grove and concentrates on imagery. I think its appealing to the baby boomer generation, he said.
Flynns plans for his next book will be of another nature profiling of paranormal experiences in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. He said it is currently being written but he does not have a release date yet. He is also satisfied with the completion of his collaboration with filmmaker Christina Eliopoulas on a film called Greetings From Asbury Park.
Read more about your town by picking up The Coaster at your local newsstand or subscribe today.
Published every Thursday.
