-
Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital Is About To Be Torn Down 2015 | Morris Plains, New Jersey
Greystone Park Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital was originally built in 1876 as the New Jersey State Lunatic Asylum at Morristown. Obviously, there was no “political correctness” at the time. If you grew up in Morris County, the original Greystone Park was legendary. It was so big looming up at the end of Central Avenue. It was actually the building with the largest footprint in America until The Pentagon was opened in 1943. There were also rumors about horrible events that actually went on in the building. It was also incredibly overcrowded. Probably the most famous resident was the great singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie. He spent 5 years at Greystone Park. Woody…
-
The Homecoming: A Christmas Story (1971)
The Homecoming (1971) This is the TV movie that started it all. This film, based on creator Earl Hamner’s real-life family, aired in 1971. It was such a huge success that a series was created. That series, The Waltons, was expected to be a flop but ran for nine years. All of the child actors in this film took part in the series, but most of the adult roles were re-cast, except for Ellen Corby in the role of Grandma Walton. This became her most iconic role. I loved The Waltons – it became a Thursday night tradition for me. I also really love The Homecoming: A Christmas Story. I…
-
WindMill and Max’s — A Hot Dog Rivalry | Long Branch, New Jersey
A Hot Dog Rivalry in Long Branch! In the fierce hot dog wars of the Jersey Shore, there are two famous rivals, both of them in Long Branch. WindMill Hot Dogs has been around since 1964. They are now a chain in several shore towns, but the most iconic is the first one in Long Branch. It is the only way shaped like an actual windmill. You can climb up to the second floor and look out at Ocean Avenue in Long Branch. WindMill’s arch-rival is Max’s Famous Hot Dogs. They have been around since 1928. The intense rivalry has created fans on both sides. New Jersey celebrities that they…
-
Bendix Diner | Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey
Bendix Diner Is Legendary This historic diner in Hasbrouck Heights has been around for decades. It was named the diner after the Bendix Corporation which had a factory nearby. The diner is situated – literally – in the middle of Route 17. Jerry O’Mahoney Diner Company You can see a little bit of this diner and other Jersey classics, some by the Jerry O’Mahoney Diner Company, in this video by Alan Wasenius, which includes this diner at the beginning of the video (including the interior): Check out his YouTube Channel. Most of the diners in the video still exist. Sadly, Max’s in Harrison, that adorable red and white cream puff…
-
New Jersey’s Got Talent: 7 Legendary Acts
Many Talented Musicians Are From New Jersey New Jersey has always been loaded with great talent in many different musical genres. New Jersey has so many different kinds of music because it is a very diverse state. Bruce Springsteen You can listen to all kinds of music here, particularly with the influence of the New Jersey shore! There is The Boss (from Freehold), Bruce Springsteen! Frank Sinatra There is The Chairman of the Board (from Hoboken), Frank Sinatra! Bon Jovi There is the band Bon Jovi, formed in Sayreville! Count Basie Count Basie originated from Red Bank, New Jersey! There is a famous music venue proudly…
-
Howell Living History Farm | Hopewell. New Jersey
Howell Living History Farm Howell Living History Farm is a working farm museum located in Mercer County, New Jersey, near the Delaware River. The farm shows visitors what farm life was like over 100 years ago. It is a simply wonderful place to take the whole family, and basic admission and parking are FREE! Some special programs may have a small fee. There are evening hayrides, “bringing in the sheaves,” corn mazes in the fall, wheat threshing, cricket walks, honey harvests, and farm animals. Children may also work as farmhands! The farm is typically open year-round, Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM-4PM. Please check the Howell Living History Farm calendar because the farm…
-
The Buzz Aldrin Rock | Montclair, New Jersey
The Buzz Aldrin Rock On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first two men to walk on the moon. Yesterday marked the 45th anniversary of that historic feat. Aldrin was from Montclair, New Jersey, and he had attended the township schools and is probably the most famous graduate of Montclair High School. His mother’s maiden name was Marion Moon. Yes, Moon. If you don’t believe me, you can read this article about Aldrin where he swears it’s the truth. The town was wildly proud of him, and in September of that year, they threw a “Buzz Aldrin Day” celebration, complete with a parade, and…
-
Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1983)
Girls Just Wanted To Have Fun In The 1980s! Back in the 1980s, there was a fresh new face on the music scene! Cyndi Lauper debuted her solo career with this instant classic! It was so fun, fresh, and modern that the day after I first saw that video I danced down to the record store in the mall and bought the album! Yes, a vinyl record! When my mother first heard the song she said “they had to know it would be a hit!” “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” was written by Robert Hazard from a male point of view. Cyndi Lauper Cyndi changed the lyrics a…
-
Great Adventure Theme Park and Rolling Thunder | Jackson Township, New Jersey
Six Flags Great Adventure Great Adventure is a Six Flags theme park in Jackson Township, New Jersey that opened in 1974 and still is open today. It has an animal park and many rides and attractions. Roller coasters are still extremely popular at Great Adventure. But where did they come from and who invented them? The History Of Roller Coasters Roller coasters originated in Russia, and were popular in many other countries. According to PBS American Experience’s fascinating A Century of Screams: The History of the Roller Coaster: The roller coaster has its origins in St. Petersburg, Russia, as a simple slide that took thrillseekers down an icy ramp…
-
Yurts at Allaire State Park 2014 | Wall Township/Farmingdale, New Jersey
Yurts At Allaire State Park Traditional yurts used by nomads in Asia are usually made with felt or wool. Yurts have been adapted for camping in the United States. According to National Geographic: A yurt is a portable, circular dwelling made of a lattice of flexible poles and covered in felt or other fabric. They are a sturdy, reliable type of tent. Yurts have been the primary style of home in Central Asia, particularly Mongolia, for thousands of years. Yurts take between 30 minutes and 3 hours to set up or take down, and usually house between five and 15 people. Only four campgrounds in New Jersey have yurts.…
