Images of America | Asbury Park: A Century of Change – Presentation by Author Helen Pike

The Asbury Park Historical Society is thrilled to welcome author Helen Pike for a special presentation and book signing of her book “Images of America | Asbury Park: A Century of Change”. The event will take place at the Asbury Park Library, located at 500 1st Ave. on Thursday, 6/24/21 at 7pm. Please join us in-person for this special event.

As the 20th century got underway, Asbury Park was booming. Real estate advertisements promoted a residential resort “where country meets the sea.” The nearly one-square-mile gridded municipality attracted individuals who saw opportunities, from architects and artists to entrepreneurs and people looking for employment. But with the death of its founder and leading benefactor, James A. Bradley, and the rise of machine politics under Mayor Clarence E.F. Hetrick, Asbury Park’s civic and economic fortunes started to change. In World War II’s long aftermath, suburbs, shopping malls, and modern amusement destinations sprung up outside its municipal borders. Its once-bustling economy faltered and civil unrest festered until 1970 when it turned violent.

It took more than 10 years for new proposals to find their way to the drawing boards. In the 21st century, business and civic leaders with a more inclusive pioneering spirit started turning Asbury Park’s fortunes around.

Helen-Chantal Pike is a writer, photographer and award-winning author whose earlier volume on the founding of this popular community, Images of America: Asbury Park, evolved from her other books on Jersey Shore communities with ties to Asbury Park. Locally, she has written for the Asbury Park Press, The Coaster, and The TriCityNews.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and are also available on Amazon.