historic
Keansburg
*keenbug.blogspot.com
www.sparkvisitmonmouth.com 79
In the early 1900s William Gelhaus, a local
investor/developer, built an amusement park
with its famous merry-go-round and started a
steamship line between New York and other
towns up and down Raritan Bay. Tents quickly
dotted the beach, and soon bungalows sprang
up everywhere. Before long, year-round homes
were being built, streets were cut, stores and
businesses grew and a bustling little seaside
town was born.
At one point Keansburg was home to more
than 40 bars, including the longest bar in the
world (Sheehan’s Big House), briefly holding
the Guinness Book world record for the town
with the most bars per square mile.*
Many celebrities were attracted to Keansburg
in the early years, thanks to its proximity to
New York City and daily ferry service. Harry
Houdini visited in 1917. Gene Tunney, the
prize fighter and world heavyweight champion
(1926-28) was a lifeguard and bouncer at the
old Flamingo Hotel, now Friendship Park. Ruby
Keeler, singer/dancer/actress and wife of Al
Jolson, was among the many stars of the day
who populated Keansburg’s 15 hotels and
dance halls and enjoyed Keansburg’s sun,
sand, and lively entertainment.
From Keansburg Historical
Society & Museum
@KeansburgHistory