Women's History
October 22, 1882
When Bernard Baruch Met Lillie Langtry on Pleasure Bay
By John R. Barrows This vignette is just another of the many in which people not of, nor from our region, expressed the great pleasure they experienced visiting our area. On October 22, 1882, the S.S. Arizona arrived in...
August 22, 1893
Dorothy Parker – The Accidental Monmouthite
Editor’s note: On August 22, 1992, 300 people showed up at West End Park in Long Branch to see celebrities such as New York Daily News gossip columnist Liz Smith, famed biographer Margaret Meade, a former New York City Council...
October 12, 1898
Monmouth County Historical Association
The first meeting of the Monmouth County Historical Association was held on October 12, 1898. Caroline Gallup Reed (pictured, 1821-1911) was the driving force behind the organization, and was its first president. Over the next 125 years, the Monmouth County...
November 4, 1902
Laura Biggar, Fugitive Gold-Digger, Finally Turns Herself In
By John R. Barrows On November 4, 1902, nationally famous vaudeville stage actress Laura Biggar surrendered herself to Monmouth County authorities in Freehold, where she was placed under arrest, arraigned, and confined to the county jail there. She had arrived...
June 25, 1912
Geraldine L. Thompson’s Favorite Child
Editor's note: Geraldine Thompson is, without question, one of the most important women in Monmouth County history. Monmouth Timeline is honored to have this account of Geraldine Thompson's impact from Professor Jane Scimeca, a new contributor. By Jane Scimeca...
May 22, 1919
Gender Integration of the Army Advanced at Fort Monmouth
Editor’s note: On May 22, 1919, U.S. Army Lieutenant General Hunter Liggett presented the Distinguished Service Medal to Grace D. Banker of Passaic, N.J., at U.S. Army Headquarters in Coblenz, Germany, during World War I. Her citation read, in part,...
October 22, 1919
U.S. President Warren G. Harding’s Illegitimate Daughter is Born in Asbury Park
By Mark A. Wallinger On October 22, 1919, Elizabeth Ann Christian (later Blaesing) was born in Asbury Park. She was the new baby daughter of the sitting president of the United States. Never heard of President Christian, or President Blaesing? That’s...
August 17, 1923
The Ku Klux Klan Recruits the Women of Monmouth County
On August 17, 1923, the Ku Klux Klan held its first-ever open-air initiation ceremony in New Jersey, in Allenwood, in Wall Township. With 900 men and 700 women in robes and hoods looking on, 434 women were welcomed into the...
February 4, 1946
The WWII War Brides of Monmouth County
On February 4, 1946, the USS Argentina steamed into New York City after an absolutely brutal nine-day voyage from England. A luxury passenger liner converted into a U.S. military troop ship, she sailed into the teeth of two terrible storms...
December 8, 1952
Anna Genovese vs. Vito Genovese
On December 8, 1952, Anna filed a lawsuit against Vito Genovese in Superior Court in Freehold, seeking $300 monthly “separate maintenance” financial support for her and son Philip, and $5,000 in attorney’s costs. In the initial hearing before the Chancery Court...
March 3, 1953
On Day Two of the Trial, Vito’s Witnesses Testify
On March 3, 1953, the second day of Anna Genovese's Freehold trial where she sought "separate maintenance" financial support from her estranged husband Vito, 22 witnesses were called who would testify mostly on behalf of Vito. Anna took the...
February 5, 1959
Helen C. Phillips: Preserving the History of the U.S. Army Signal Corps and Fort Monmouth
Editor’s Note: On February 5, 1959, a story in the Asbury Park Press related how sharp-eyed staff working for Helen C. Phillips at the U.S. Army Signal Corps Museum prevented some priceless historical artifacts from being sold at the thrift...
June 8, 1968
Dr. Emily M. Frisby, Fort Monmouth Climatologist: “Weather can be made to work for the world, if it is interpreted properly.”
By Melissa Ziobro Editor’s note: On June 8, 1968, the U.S. Army began a two-day conference on tropical meteorology at the Marine Sciences Center in Coral Gables, Fla. Noteworthy among the moderators and presenters was Dr. Emily M. Frisby (pictured...
November 14, 1973
Marilyn Levy, A Genius Photo-Chemist at Fort Monmouth
By John R. Barrows On November 14, 1973, the U.S. Army Electronics Command (ECOM) presented the Army Research and Development Achievement Award to three civilian Fort Monmouth employees: Dr. Pete H. Hudson Jr., of Freehold; Louis J. Jasper Jr., from...
July 25, 1976
Wendy Boglioli, Olympic Gold Medalist and World Record Holder
On July 22, 1976, former Monmouth University star Wendy Boglioli had what she considers to be her greatest day ever as a competitor. But it wasn't the day she won her gold medal. Wendy Boglioli (neé Lansbach), born March 6, 1955,...
July 2, 1985
Ashley Michelle Tisdale
Ashley Michelle Tisdale is an American actress, singer, and producer. She was born on July 2, 1985, in Wanamassa, an unincorporated community within the West Deal area of Ocean Township. During her childhood, she appeared in more than 100 TV...
July 10, 2010
Christie Pearce, The Greatest Athlete Ever From Monmouth County (by way of Ocean County)
Christie Pearce (formerly Rampone) is a retired American professional soccer player. A former captain of the United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT), Pearce is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, an Olympic silver medalist, and a two-time FIFA Women’s World...
April 23, 2019
Holmdel High Frosh Megha Ganne Qualifies for U.S. Women’s Open
On April 23, 2019, 15-year-old Holmdel High School freshman Megha Ganne qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open after winning the 36-hole sectional qualifying round at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township. She finished at +11 at the LPGA major after...