Asbury Park Press takes a look at the history of Sea Girt to commemorate the town’s 100th birthday. The press spoke with author and Sea Girt historian Vinnie Dicks to get the full story.
The name Sea Girt is attributed to Commodore Robert Stockton who came to Monmouth County in 1853 looking for a peaceful place for him and his wife to reside. He chose the name Sea Girt because it was surrounded by water on all three sides.
Stockton formed the well-known Stockton Hotel on the beach. He was well aware of the great bones and amazing environment Sea Girt had to offer. His wife on the other hand was afraid of the ocean and feared to be sleeping so close to the sea. “She dreamed she would be swept away by the ocean,” Dick said. So much so, that Stockton built a cottage for her just enough inland where Rod’s Tavern still stands today at 507 Washington Avenue in the heart of Sea Girt.
Stockton went on to invest in the railroad expansion and made Sea Girt one of the first shore towns to be accessible by railroad. Stockton’s Sea Girt Hotel and shore town charm introduced the masses to the Jersey Shore area.
Rod’s Tavern estate still remains a testament to the town of Sea Girt. A place people can feel welcomed to call home and embrace the small shore town surrounded by water.
Article Link: https://www.app.com/story/news/history/2017/04/20/sea-girt-turns-100-look-its-scandalous-start/100671754/
