TOMS RIVER – In a nod to history and hometown pride, local resident Dave Lansing and his daughter Emily recently recreated a vintage photograph of downtown Toms River—capturing the same street corner nearly 80 years apart.
The original image from the archives of the Ocean County Historical Society from the 1940s, shows a bustling intersection at Hyers Street with classic cars, retro storefronts, and a prominent “No Left Turn” sign. Businesses like Levin’s Department Store and Regent Club Shoes mark the era’s commercial life.
In the modern-day photo taken in July, the Dave and Emily matched the angle and location as closely as possible. The new scene reveals updated storefronts, newer vehicles, and a “No Left Turn” sign that still stands in homage to the past. There’s a restaurant on one corner, while colorful murals and contemporary shops line the opposite side.
The visual juxtaposition highlights how much has changed—and what remains familiar—on this stretch of downtown Toms River.
