The Monmouth inquirer., 1890-12-11
Toms River.

We had occasion on Saturday last to
take ride through the heart of the
pines from CassviIle, Ocean County, to
Toms River, the pretty county seat
The road is an oft-traveled one in these
days, but witbal. is about as lonely as
one could wish when taking into account
the scarcity Of houses For five or six
miles not a house is passed on this road,
and but for the havoc made by the
wood-chopper and the wagon track,
we suppose It's aspect is much the
same as when the numbering stage
coach ratified over its sand in days OF
long ago. Unlike many pine roads
this one is compa ratively straight, and
at one place fine view of several miles
may be had of the roadway. Where
once stood the hospitable Hyer's tay.
ern, which sheltered many weary pio.
neer on his journey fifty years age,
there is q heap OF ruins and cellar and
the old we'll, which are the only monu-
ments that remain to mark the spot
where once all was iollity, feasting and
brightest cheer. This old landmark.
located ut the junction of the roads
from Manchester and Toms River.
burned down several years ago and was
sincerely mourned by the old inhabi.
tants. Along the road acre after acre
OF pines have been cut away, and new
growth OF oak trees have sprung up,
which in ten years. will undoubtedly
make quite forest. Some OF the land
which has been cleared for farming and
was at one time doubtless farming land,
has been neglected, SO that now it
is covered with growth OF scrubby
oak and pine trees and unfit for that
purpose.
Ridgway Station, on the New Jersey
Southern railroad, is quite noted as
place where abundance OF cord-wood
Can be had. 1t is a pretty little place
and has several nice houses. There is
now range of prosperous farms until
Toms River is reached. Toms River is
pleasantly situated on the river that
bears that name. and a wide avenue
runs along the river bank and other
streets are on higher ground. We
noticed many pretty cottages either
completed or IN course of erection, and
the town is evidently enjoying build.
ing boom Beautiful yachts dot the,
banks OF Toms river. and a fine iron
bridge leads across the stream. The
Court House stands on high ground,
surrounded by dwellings. and seems to
be inconveniently located to the bust.
ness center Of the town. The building
was at one time church, and il has
not lost its resemblance by its business
transformation. There is a separate
building in the rear for the Sheriffs
Office and jail. We think Ocean County
could well afford to put on little style
and erect modern Court House on the
Main street of the town. Some of the
private dwellings look more like public
buildings than the old church, and are
more imposing and infinitely far better
located. In the Court House we met
the affablc Surrogate. Hon. Charles n.
Wardell. who was up to his ears in bust.
ness. We also had the pleasure OF
meeting ex-senator Havens. the accom-.
modating County Clerk.
These gentlemen are real live, genu.
inc Republican County officials, but
when they 60 out OF New Jersey they
are obliged to carry the official returns
of election with them to convince people
of the fact.
Among the citizens we met Judge
Low. Cashier of the First National Bank,
who has great many friends in Mon.
mouth County.
We made the Courier" office a call
and found John Cloke, son Of the editor
OF the Trenton Gazette, at home, in the
midst of pile OF papers, and had a
pleasant chat with him. We also met
the editor of the Coast Guide, who we
found 70 be very genial member Of the
fraternity.