Days Gone By

Let’s look back 78 years to Memorial Day 1944. Here is Mayor Edith Greenan, elected to office in May 1943, overseeing the festivities in the midst of World War II at Avalon’s memorial park, located on the northwest corner (bayfront) of 21st Street and Ocean Drive before being moved down the street to the 21st Street circle. That’s commissioner Ralph Peterson standing to the left of the mayor. In addition to being elected commissioner, Peterson was a respected painting contractor and paper hanger in the borough. He also held a notable position in the Masonic Temple, which placed in him a leadership position at some public assemblies, including funerals. That might have been his involvement at this gathering. Avalon’s first war memorial is visible to the left in this photo. It was a billboard-type honor roll sign that listed the names of all those who served in World Wars I and II. The bottom of the memorial read: “Eternal Vigilance is the price of victory.” That memorial was in use until replaced by a granite marker in November 1948 and eventually moved to the 21st Street Circle, where it sits today. The granite marker was commissioned in Vermont and was funded by now-defunct Avalon American Legion Post named in honor of Joe Ferrigno, who is believed to be the first Avalon resident to lose his life while serving his country. You can pay your respects to Ferrigno this Memorial Day weekend by finding his “hometown hero” banner among those displayed along Dune Drive. His parents, who owned The Black Eagle, were among those who dedicated the granite marker.

If You Have A Photo From The Past Send It To Us: Days Gone By, PO BOX 134, Avalon NJ 08202 - OR - Email info@7miletimes.com