Leonardo

By Holly Bianchi

Leonardo, one of Monmouth County's most picturesque seaside resorts, is portrayed in images that will fill the heart and lift the spirit. With some two hundred vintage photographs, Leonardo offers an overview of this beautiful beach town, which lies on the banks of the Sandy Hook Bay in central New Jersey. A tightly knit and friendly community, Leonardo has long been recognized as a haven for artists and writers. The town's sandy beaches and intriguing maritime history attract thousands of visitors every year.

With a collection of early-twentieth-century to the recent past photographs and informative historical information, Leonardo explores the many features of a town that has become known as the "jewel in the crown." This history features images of Leonardo's celebrated sculptor and artist Donald DeLue, who created the sculpture The Rocket Thrower for the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair. Also seen are photographs of the Leonardo State Marina and the famous Conover Beacon Lighthouse. The historic Applegate Cemetery, where the legendary Mary Stillwell Applegate is buried, is pictured along with a description of its folklore tale.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
• Release date: Feb 19, 2002
• ISBN: 9781439611388

Holly Bianchi

Holly Bianchi is a poet, freelance writer, author, and member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The rare historic photographs in Sea Bright chronicle the history of this seaside town that became a jewel by the sea.

Book preview

City.

INTRODUCTION

Leonardo is one of the most interesting sections of Middletown, filled with history and beauty. It was called Leonardville, a part of Atlantic Highlands, when it was founded in 1897 by the Leonard family during the William McKinley administration. The name was changed to Leonard, and Leonardo was divided into three sections: Ocean View, Mardean, and Brevent Park.

Once primarily a summer residence, Leonardo is now a full-time residence for those who enjoy being by the sea. The Leonardo State Marina is perhaps the town’s favorite attraction, drawing thousands of visitors not only during the summer months but also throughout the year.

One

BIRTH OF A REALM

The history of Leonardo and those who set forth its foundation are in this chapter, beginning with Thomas Leonard who, in 1928, penned the cherished historical piece From Indian Trail to Electric Rail, and ending with Gertrude Neidlinger, Art Weimer, Mercedes Johnson, and Frank Beirne, who all had tremendous influence on Leonardo.

Included in the chapter are the organizations that are an important part of Leonardo. The renown New Jersey Blind Citizens Association, founded in 1910, serves as one of New Jersey’s oldest associations. The two fire companies of Leonardo, the Brevent Park Fire Department and Community Fire Company Station No. 4, have protected the Leonardo community since the early 20th century, along with the Leonardo First Aid and Rescue Squad. The American Legion is also presented. In fact, the picture on the front cover of the book shows the American Legion Post 338 drill team honoring veterans who gave their lives for their country.

Finally, there are the intriguing landmarks of Leonardo: the Mary Stillwell Applegate Cemetery, with its legendary folklore that has fascinated residents and visitors alike for generations, and the historic John Bowne House. Leonardo’s history is a treasury filled with precious treasures.

Shown is a genealogical chart of four generations of the Leonard family, beginning with Thomas Leonard. Originating from England, Thomas Leonard’s sons James and Henry came to settle in Taunton, Massachusetts, in 1652. The family made its wealth from iron. Henry Leonard established ironworks and sawmills in Leonardville, which became Leonardo in 1897. This index was taken from Data Relating to the Settlement and Settlers of New York and New Jersey, by John E. Stillwell, M.D., as it appeared in Historical and Genealogical Miscellany, 1970. (Thomas Warne Historical Museum & Library.)

Stout’s Directory of Atlantic Highlands, N.J. was published by editor and proprietor William J. Leonard. Pictured here is the 1895–1896 edition. (Atlantic Highlands Historical Society.)

Stout’s Directory featured a real estate advertisement for Thomas H. Leonard, who also owned a real estate business. (Atlantic Highlands Historical Society.)

The home of William J. Leonard, otherwise known as the Castle, was located on the border of Leonardo and Atlantic Highlands near Leonardville Road. Leonard was the owner of the Monmouth Press, which published Stout’s Directory. He purchased the home in May 1894, and it was destroyed years later by fire in September 1936. (Monmouth County Historical Association.)

An 1879 map of Bay View, a section of Atlantic Highlands,