Jersey Shore Magazine

J e r s e y s h o r e • S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 36 Over the years, many children have played on the large anchor and cleat in front of The Jolly Tar in Bay Head; however, their origin is largely unknown. "They were here when I purchased the property in 1977," said store owner Evalyn Shippee. "I do know they came from a U.S. Navy ves- sel, possibly a destroyer or battleship." Shippee estimates the previous owner purchased the items, along with the two original ship portholes that balance the front door as win- dows, as salvage in the early 1970s. "I, for one, was really happy they were in place in front of the build- ing when a Cadillac ran the traffic light and headed for a crash into the building's front window," Shippee explained, recalling the incident from years ago. "The cleat stopped the car and while the Cadillac was a mess, the store sustained only minor damage." In February 1846, ten ships sank off the New Jersey coast during what became known as The Great Storm of 1846, including the 100-foot packet ship John Minturn, which became beached on Squan Beach. Although estimates vary, the offi- The John Minturn Monument 900-block of Ocean Road (Route 88 East), Point Pleasant cial death toll was recorded at 51, which included the ship's captain, Amos Stark, and his wife and chil- dren. Local sea captains rushed to the scene to assist with rescue and recov- ery efforts, with many of the bodies brought to Point Pleasant. JERSEY SHORE LANDMARKS SHIPWRECK SCAVENGER HUNT, continued from page 35 Anchor, Cleat, and Portholes from an Unknown Naval Vessel The Jolly Tar, 56 Bridge Avenue, Bay Head In 1976, the Point Pleasant Rotary Club placed a monument along Ocean Road in memory of those lost in the Minturn disaster. "That stretch of the road was known as 'Captain's Row,' said Point Pleasant Historical Society and Museum curator Richard Morris. "A lot of people think that's where the bodies were buried, but no evidence has ever been found. The Fleming brothers, who helped with the Minturn rescue and recovery efforts, lived near where the monu- ment was placed." Jill Ocone photos by Jill Ocone Wreck of the Ship John Minturn. Lithograph and and published by N. Currier, 1846. The Jolly Tar, Bay Head.

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