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Community Corner

Two Self-Described Beach Bums Talk About the Boardwalks of New Jersey

Fair Haven's Soapbox Series takes the audience on a tour of New Jersey's boardwalks.

Two beach bums took Fair Haven residents on a journey up and down the coast of New Jersey to explore one of the state's best features: the boardwalks.

Fair Haven residents were treated to an informative talk entitled “A Tour of the Boardwalks of New Jersey” as part of the recreation department's Soapbox Series. During the March edition of the series, self-described beach bums, Jeff Handschuch and Sal Marino, shared their observations and knowledge of the Jersey Shore landmarks that ultimately lead to their new book.    

From the beginning of the talk, it was clear that the passion and inspiration for this book grew out of the authors' love of the New Jersey Boardwalks. Both Richard Handschurch and Sal Marino admit they were always taken with the Boardwalk.  After his retirement, Handschurch set on out a  goal to walk all of the Boardwalks in New Jersey.  

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Their passion was translated in their new book, New Jersey's Boardwalks. The two authors had fun while sharing some of the information included in the book.  With their comedic interaction, the pair gave a very detailed history and analysis of New Jersey's boardwalks that ranged from historical anctiodes to specifics about the evolution of construction of the boardwalks themselves. 

The crowd was able to view many old photos and actual blueprints for construction as illustration of the history of  the  Boardwalks. One audience member said, "It was really fun to see all the old pictures, and also very informative at the same time.  I am very glad I came!"                                                  

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The talk memorialized boardwalk memories of the past – such as the Cliffwood Beach Boardwalk complete with its dance halls and well coiffed pedestrians – as well as highlighted some of the newest Boardwalk restoration projects. 

While much of the talk focused on the glory of the boardwalks, they also pointed out some of the struggles they have faced. Both Marino and Handschurch were quick to point out  that  beachfront erosion is now, as always, a struggle that often places the existing Boardwalks at risk.  Indeed, overtime, it has been a struggle for Beachfront communities to maintain and repair Boardwalks after storms.        

The Soapbox Series is a series of talks, co-sponsored by the Fair Haven Public Library and the Parks and Recreation Department, open to the public and held at the Youth Center at 35 Fisk Street, Fair Haven.  Those wishing to attend are encouraged to RSVP.  For more information about the series and upcoming events, please visit www.fairhavennj.org.

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