The Long Branch Historical Museum Association

~ ~ 2008 - 2009 ~ ~

MCHC Grants Helped Repair/Rebuild Portico Porches

Two grants totaling $9,200 from the Monmouth County Historical Commission (MCHC) helped to complete restoration of the north- and south-facing portico porches of the Church of the Presidents.

Both porches were in a much-deteriorated state. The scope of work included removing and replacing wood flooring and concrete steps where necessary, scraping and painting the decks, removing and replacing damaged sills and sill trim, and, in the case of the south porch, rebuilding the western wall. The cost of repairs exceeded $50,000.

The MCHC has played a key role in the restoration of the Church of the Presidents. It has helped to fund the installation of rain gutters and leaders in strategic areas of the structure -- thereby ensuring the future integrity of the building, and was a major donor in the preservation and repair of the belfry and brackets securing the bell.

In 2005, the MCHC helped to fund the restoration of the Garfield Hut, a tea house built from the railroad ties laid to transport the dying President James A. Garfield from the Elberon train depot to the Francklyn cottage on the Elberon shore. The tea house, which resides on the church grounds, is the last remaining structure in Long Branch directly related to Garfield’s final visit to Elberon. The Francklyn cottage, where Garfield died, was damaged by fire in 1914 and later demolished.