Long Branch in Monmouth County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Corner of Ocean and Brighton Avenues

Photographed By Beth Woolley

1. Corner of Ocean and Brighton Avenues Marker

Inscription. Several hotels stood on this west end site, but the grandest were the Stetson House and the West End Hotel. The Stetson was L-shaped and had 300 rooms. Although smaller than other grand hotels, it was socially desirable and had modern conveniences like bathrooms and gas. President Ulysses S. Grant summered there in 1869, attracting huge crowds to Long Branch.

The Stetson was sold in 1870 and renamed the West End Hotel. Seven 15-room cottages were added, with names like Cliff and Storm. It was the first hotel in New Jersey to have elevator service and a telegraph link to the New York Stock Exchange. Guests included Oscar Wilde, Lillian Russell, Horace Greely, and General William Tecumseh Sherman.

In 1906, the West End Hotel was torn down and the six-story Takanassee Hotel was built on the site. It was demolished during the Depression for non-payment of taxes.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #18 Ulysses S. Grant series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.

Location. 40° 17.084′ N, 73° 58.935′ W. Marker is in Long Branch, New Jersey, in Monmouth County. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Long Branch NJ 07740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker,

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measured as the crow flies. Dorothy Parker Birthplace (approx. 0.4 miles away); Norman Mailer 1923 - 2007 / Scarboro Hotel 1882 - 1941 (approx. half a mile away); Long Branch Post 316 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away); Steinbach's Cobblestones (approx. one mile away); Mansion House (approx. 1.2 miles away); New York and Long Branch Railroad (approx. 1.2 miles away); William McKinley (approx. 1.4 miles away); Chester A. Arthur (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Long Branch.

More about this marker. The captions under the upper pictures read,
“Stetson House, 1866-1870”
“West End Hotel – added cottages, 1870-1904”
“Takanassee Hotel, 1906 – c. 1933”

The caption under the lower picture reads, “President Grant at a ball at the Stetson Hotel – 1869.”

Regarding Corner of Ocean and Brighton Avenues. Stetson House. The first hotel at the shore to employ a band. Also first to have an elevator and telegraph service. And President Grant stayed here during his first Long Branch summer 1869

Also see . . .
1. RUcore: Rutgers University Community Repository. (Submitted on June 10, 2021, by Beth Woolley of Neptune, New Jersey.)
2. Photo of West End Hotel

Stetson House Hotel, late 1800s. image. Click for full size.

2. Stetson House Hotel, late 1800s.

John V. Conover sold the property in 1865 for $60,000.

. (Submitted on June 12, 2021, by Beth Woolley of Neptune, New Jersey.)
3. Stetson House Daily Dinner Menu. (Submitted on June 12, 2021, by Beth Woolley of Neptune, New Jersey.)
4. Photo of Stetson House Hotel. Stetson House, 1868. The hotel was built by Cornelius Lane in 1832. (Submitted on June 12, 2021, by Beth Woolley of Neptune, New Jersey.)

Stetson House Hotel, 1880s. image. Click for full size.

3. Stetson House Hotel, 1880s.

Charles A. Stetson, Jr. was the proprietor. The L-shaped hotel grew to 300 rooms in its day.

President Ulysses S. Grant and Family. image. Click for full size.

4. President Ulysses S. Grant and Family.

Enjoying the surf in front of the Stetson House Hotel.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2016, by Beth Woolley of Neptune, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 947 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on June 12, 2021, by Beth Woolley of Neptune, New Jersey. Photos: 1. submitted on December 2, 2016, by Beth Woolley of Neptune, New Jersey. 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 12, 2021, by Beth Woolley of Neptune, New Jersey. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.

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