Beachwood Marks 100 Years With New Fountain

Beachwood marks 100 years with a special fountain. (Photo by Chris Lundy)

BEACHWOOD – The borough dedicated its Centennial Fountain, representing 100 years since the borough was incorporated, at a Memorial Day ceremony.

Photo by Chris Lundy

Beachwood was a resort town, built as part of a newspaper promotion. People could buy a plot of land and a subscription to the New York Tribune for one low price. One of the architects of this plan was Bertram C. Mayo, of whom Mayo Park is named after.

Therefore, it made sense for the fountain to be built across from Mayo Park, overlooking the Toms River. This was the spot that early residents would come to enjoy the lodge and other amenities. One of them was a fountain.

The fountain was built in 1915. However, the town was incorporated in 1917. It is unknown when the fountain stopped working.

“I hope in 100 years, the fountain will still be running,” Mayor Ron Roma said during the dedication ceremony.

Photo by Chris Lundy

The Environmental Shade Tree Commission volunteered their time to organize this project, and solicit donations from residents and local businesses. The public works department did a lot of the construction as well. In the end, it did not cost the borough anything.

Many residents bought pavers that could be engraved, and more are still available for purchase. To purchase one, visit beachwoodusa.com and click on the link in the box advertising the 100th anniversary and “be a part of the celebration.” Ignore the March deadline listed on the form.

There were other events going on that day commemorating the borough’s past. The Memorial Day parade began at the fire department and led to Monument Park. There, wreaths were laid for soldiers who were lost in war. A 21-gun salute was fired and taps was played.

At the ribbon cutting (Photo by Chris Lundy)

At Monument Park, there is a large stone and plaque honoring the war dead from World War II. Ben Brown, an Eagle Scout from Troop 114, cleaned up the area around it for his Eagle Scout project.

He also put together a time capsule. Inside, there were pictures and blurbs about the current elected officials, pictures of the town and of the troop. There were also facts enclosed about life in Beachwood, such as the cost of a house. It might be opened in another 100 years.

The turnout for the ceremony was impressive. (Photo by Chris Lundy)