OLD THINGS CONSIDERED

Is it time to go out and have fun? Did you know that for a period of 90 years, one could find a variety of family entertainments, all within the borders of Highland Park? -- from horse racing to mini golf. Originally, Highland was an enclave and summer retreat for the wealthy.  To entertain themselves these worthies formed the Raritan Boat Club in 1870.  The Clubhouse floated in the Raritan River and was tied to an anchor at the Albany Street Bridge, a site for regattas and galas.

 

By 1897, crowds were enjoying a combined horse and bicycle track, to watch races hosted by the Brunswick Bicycle Club and the Central Trotting Association of New Jersey.  For 25 cents admission, you could spend a day at the races. With the increasing popularity of the automobile, the Raritan Driving Association became a fixture and sponsored their races here as well. However, all would end in 1906, when the track was sold.

By 1909, the Livingston Manor neighborhood had set aside land for community recreation: including athletic fields, a playground, and space for pageants and local theatre.  Along River Road at the Albany Street Bridge, the Airdrome Open Air Theater became a popular, though short lived, destination point with a variety of theatrical productions in the open air, which proved problematic during rain storms.  After struggling for three years, the Theater closed its doors in 1914.

Land was still quite abundant in Highland Park, making it possible for an Amusement Park to be built on three acres found between Crowells Road and Karsey Street.  The Amusement Park opened in 1920 and it had a dance pavilion, motion picture theater, rides, an arcade, and a mini bowling alley.  Between the blue laws prohibiting shopping or entertainment on Sunday, and the pressure of the Highland Park Reformed Church, the Amusement Park was forced to close half the weekend and as a result of a limited income stream, lasted only two seasons.

In the 1930s, outdoor miniature golf courses could be found along Woodbridge Avenue, offering entertainment during the day but again the Blue Laws were eagerly enforced.

A public beach was developed in 1922 by Frank Ayres at the end of today’s Sullivan Way, the site of beach parties, dances and community dinners.  Sea Planes and Boats were frequently seen at the dock.  By the 1940’s pollution put an end to all bathing activities at Ayres Beach; however the marina continued and some may even recall the delapidated Red’s Marina before it was demolished in 2003.

Until 1923, many of Highland Park’s entertainment options occurred outside and were at the mercy of the weather.  However, with the construction of the Masonic Temple at 4th and Raritan, residents could plan and organize events all year round.  The Lodge became the new community center featuring events such as dances, concerts and sporting events.

Another indoor entertainment option was the Park Theatre located between So 6th Ave and So 7th Ave on Woodbridge Ave.  Once again the owners were often served with fines for violating the State Vice and Immorality Act for operating on Sundays; but by 1933, Highland Park voted to repeal the restrictive Blue Laws responsible for so many failed businesses. This theater could accommodate 1400 patrons and showed motion picture shows from the 1927 through the 1950s.  

Sadly, none of these entertainment options remain.  Where has all the fun gone?
(I'm indebted to Jeanne Kolva and Joanne Pisciotta, authors of Highland Park, Borough of Homes and Highland Park (Images of America) for their research.)

- Ghislaine Darden