Viewfinder Press has announced the book launch of a new edition of “A Home Renovator’s Guide for Historic Ocean Grove with Memories of a Preservationist, the 1980s, “ by author Jennifer Boyd. A former Ocean Grove resident.
The Historical Society of Ocean Grove hosts the book launch at the museum on Sat., Dec. 7 from to 4 p.m. at 50 Pitman Ave., Ocean Grove. Refreshments will be served. The author and photographer will be present for book signings. The book is a companion and inspiration to old house fixer-uppers, packed with practical advice and revelations, historical perspective, and guidance to the fortunate (perhaps overwhelmed) homeowner of a century house. It includes Boyd’s memoir recounting the local battle to protect Ocean Grove’s architectural heritage in the 1980s and successfully professionalize Neptune Township’s ordinance.
Thirty-five years ago, in 1989, this triple-award-winning book was published in black and white for the owners of properties in the beleaguered National and State Historic District of Ocean Grove, New Jersey. Returning 35 later, in this new edition, the author uncovers historic preservation successes, shown in 114 contemporary color photographs of outstanding restorations, renovations, and rehabilitations.
The book launch marks the 38th anniversary of the town’s first Victorian Christmas House Tour that the author co-founded. Now an annual winter fundraising event of the Ocean Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, the first several winter house tours were joint fundraising projects of the Homeowners Association and the Chamber’s Hospitality Division. Proceeds funded historic preservation celebrations, architectural tours, workshops, Neptune ordinance protections, and community education, of which the original Renovator’s Guide publication was one.
In addition to a historical perspective written by preservation consultant Gail Hunton, “A Home Renovator’s Guide,” illustrates eight architectural styles of the 19th century and ways to identify them.
