James A. Bradley Monument

Small portions of the following account were taken from an article of mine that appeared in the Asbury Park Press, July 3, 1995. (PL)

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THE JAMES A. BRADLEY MONUMENT stands in Atlantic Square across the street from the present-day Paramount Theater. The figure was sculpted by Giuseppe Morretti of Pittsburgh. All tolled, the monument represented an investment of around $17,000. With much celebration, it was dedicated June, 29, 1921, just 23 days after the death of its subject, at the age of 91. At that time, people attached double importance to the memorial, for that same year was the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Asbury Park.

The four panels at the base of the statue depict events surrounding the founding of Asbury Park and also reflect the town's development.

Above:T he East Panel shows Bradley coming down to Ocean Grove. The rising sun blazes above the ocean, at right. The date "1871" appears just below the horses.

Above: The West Panel is diifficult to make out, even in person. It depicts Bradley and his "man" Baker camping out in the Ocean Grove "wilderness." The ocean is in the background.

Above: A bird's-eye-view of Asbury Avenue Pavilion. The pier is at left.

Above: Looking north on Main Street. Much development has occurred. To the left is the first train station. The post office (which still stands today) is straight ahead in the background. An airplane sails above and the sun breaks through the clouds. It's the dawn of a new day!

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Here I am standing outside the tomb of Bradley, Woodlawn Cemetary, 1997. (Photo by Helen Pike.)

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