County Historian Talks About Monmouth's Historic Landmarks

The Holmdel Historical Society welcomed Monmouth County historian Randall Gabrielan at its last meeting to talk about his new book called "Monmouth County Historic Landmarks."

Gabrielan is the executive director of the county historical commission. He produced the book as a personal project, motivated by the number of interesting sites available to the public on the popular county-wide Weekend in Old Monmouth tour in the spring.

“There are 84 historic sites and six districts in the book,” said Gabrielan. “Holmdel is one of the better represented of these.” The book has photos and facts about the Dr. Robert W. Cooke’s Medical Office, Holmes-Hendrickson House, the Horn Antenna, Longstreet Farm, and the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center.

He applauded the Holmdel Historical Society for working with the county to maintain its old buildings so that the public can experience them.

“Visiting historical sites is extremely important. It justifies your work, it justifies the funds the county and municipalities put into them, and it also enriches the lives of the residents of the county," he said.

At the Sept. 20 meeting, the historian read excerpts from his new book, which is published by the History Press and costs $20. 

He also answered questions about other historic houses, dispelling myths about Revolutionary Warfare at the 1700s era Seabrook-Wilson House at 719 Port Monmouth Road in Middletown, which was promoted as the “Spy House” by its curator, Gertrude Neidlinger.

“It’s not true,” he said. “I’ll concede two things: Gertrude did save the building. And she did entertain and enthrall children. “

He recommended history buffs take the long trip to visit the Walnford restored mill (presently closed due to flooding) and house, at 78 Walnford Rd. in Upper Freehold.  “It is really a very important old house. There is really an atmosphere and feeling that can let you take your mind away to the 18th century,” he said.

You can purchase the book from the HistoryPress website by searching under the author's name, Gabrielan, at this link. He will be signing books at the Momouth Museum, at Brookale Community College Campus, on Oct 23.