City Historical Society Hosting First Awards Dinner May 4
The Asbury Park Historical Society will present its first-ever Preservation Awards during a special event to be held at Synaxis restaurant in Asbury Park Sun., May 4.
We are very excited about the first awards ceremony. The society felt it was time to recognize individuals for their contributions to preserving our architectural and cultural heritage, said society President Johna Karpinski.
This years recipients are Thomas and Regina Hayes and Frank DAlessandro who took it upon themselves to preserve the childhood home of American author Stephen Crane, author of the famous The Red Badge of Courage, on Fourth Avenue.
 Coaster Photo: Some of decorative art on the Casino in Asbury Park. |
In 1995 Hayes and his wife Regina bought the property after it was offered for sale and the house slated for demolition. Built in 1878, the house remains the only residence of the author still standing.
Hayes then formed a nonprofit organization and opened the house as a museum.
DAlessandro was a neighbor of the Hayes and purchased the house from them in 2001 when they moved to Wall Township. He has kept the house operating as a museum and popular gathering spot for various local organizations and events.
Werner Baumgartner will also be recognized for the significant role he played in documenting the history of the building and doing needed restoration work.
They were at the forefront of preserving a structure that is undoubtedly worthy of saving when it could easily have been demolished, Karpinski said.
A special Raspberry Award will be given to Morristown Mayor Donald Cresitello for his role in allowing the deterioration and eventual destruction of the Metropolitan Hotel.
Cresitello purchased the old hotel in 1993 for $150,000 and it remained neglected ever since. Last year the hotel was deemed unsafe and was razed.
The awards dinner will take place at the Greek-cuisine Synaxis restaurant at the intersection of Cookman Avenue and Bond Street. Happy hour, with hors doeuvres and a cash bar, will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a buffet and the awards presentation to follow.
Local historian Helen Chantal Pike will also give a presentation dealing with the Crane House, the Metropolitan Hotel and other local landmarks.
Tickets are $50 a person and seating is limited. To reserve tickets telephone Karpinski at 732-859-2389.
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