Historic Rumson Sites Featured in Weekend in Old Monmouth Tour

Historic sites across Monmouth County will open their doors on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, May 1 from noon to 5 p.m. The 2011 Weekend in Old Monmouth Tour will highlight the Colonial, military and religious history of Monmouth County.

“Independent and local historic sites are generally operated independently of one another, but this special tour project synchronizes the hours of operation so history buffs can walk or drive to many of the county’s richest historic places and enjoy them in the spring,” Freehold Lillian G. Burry said.

Two sites in Rumson are included in the celebration of Monmouth history: First Presbyterian Church and Seabright Lawn Tennis & Cricket Club.

The Monmouth County Historical Commission created a tour booklet with detailed histories of the 40 locations on the tour, contact information for each site, and possible routes organized by location. The commission also designed a two-sided map to help guide travelers.

If you plan on staying local this weekend, here is what you need to know about the historic Freehold sites included on the tour:

4 E River Rd, Rumson, NJ 07760

The congregation began in 1842 as a church for the summer guests of the Port Washington Pavilion Hotel. Having outgrown its original location, the congregation moved to its present location in 1886. The sanctuary was designed by renowned architects Hastings and Carrere of New York (also known for their work on the New York Public Library). The historic building has been carefully preserved and restored over the course of its 124-year span.

5 Tennis Court Ln, Rumson, NJ 07760

Sea Bright Lawn is a members-only country club with multiple tennis and cricket courts. It is offers one of the few remaining grass tennis courts throughout the country. Group and private lessons are available.