In 1892, author of the newly published “The Red Badge of Courage” Stephen
Crane infamously whined "Asbury Park creates nothing. It does not make; it
merely amuses…”
Oh yeah?
‘Tis the season to prove him wrong. Artisans from writers to painters,
musicians to jewelry makers have wonderfully original items for sale on the
Boardwalk, along Cookman Avenue, and in the vest-pocket neighborhoods where
entrepreneurs are putting out some of their best work for you to buy. A lot
of it is inspired by the city.
Nor am I writing because my last book signing of 2011 is taking place this
Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Asbury Galleria inside the Grande Arcade
of ConHall. Or because I have three books on Asbury Park you can buy to add
to someone’s personally inscribed library: Galleria owner Kay Harris has
21 different local titles for sale! (They include some of my New Jersey
titles, too – lol!)
Besides, you never know who else might drop in for an impromptu John or
Jane Hancock addition to “Asbury Park: Where Music Lives”, the comprehensive
anthology that's now a part of both the Smithsonian Institution's holdings
and the Library of Congress. Made entirely in New Jersey! How's that for
stimulating the local economy!
Joining me is fellow historian Matt Linderoth who pulled together an
impressive volume "Prohibition on the North Jersey Shore: Gangsters on
Vacation"
that's about hooch and the mob in such places like Asbury Park. (I am
shocked! Not!!)
Here are two more reasons to make Saturday your opportunity to buy local!
Kay, a photographer like her father and grandfather before her, has an
impressive selection of images, from the historic you can hang on a wall to
clever, practical uses for the city’s iconic images you can find on drink
coasters, ice-tea glasses, and key fobs. Great stocking-stuffers!
Then there are the Christmas tree ornaments that make the Galleria the
go-to store for nostalgia and kitsch buffs, alike. Tillie? Yep. Architect
Whiney Warren’s Paramount Theatre? That, too. Springsteen’s Stone Pony? Rock
on.
Can’t make Saturday, but still want a signed copy of "Asbury Park's Glory
Days: The Story of an American Resort" or "Images of America: Asbury Park"
or any of my other books Kay features in her store? Call and leave
instructions at the Galleria for a later pick up that works in your schedule:
732-775-4100.
Shop local. It’s good for the economy. It’s good for you. And, it’s good
for all of us who create instead of merely amuse.
Steve Herman, 805 6th Ave
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