Preserving Parker

The old Stockton cottage on Washington Blvd was renamed “The Commodore Stockton.” Its last name change until it became Rod’s. Joe Crine’s (site of Reef and Barrel) was renamed Hurley’s Racquet Club. The lowered drinking age upped the difficulty of enforcing underage drinking. The Ale House on First and Beacon had a second violation, serving three 16-year-old girls and a 17-year-old boy.

Their license was suspended for 60 days, and that was enough for F. Gerald McCloud of the Trenton Blvd., who decided to sell. The place was also in serious need of repair. Council was getting bombarded with complaints and pressure to shut down the 100-year-old boarding house and bar/restaurant. Sea Girt was no longer a resort or even a summer town. It was a year-round community of parents and their children. Many felt it was time.

But there was a contingent who thought the historical structure and its long history were part of the charm of the town. The building just needed investment and good owners. The Bicentennial had triggered historical pride and preservation efforts of old structures in many places.

Henry O. Wright, Frank W. Matthews, and John T. Pandolfe bought the place in December. They brought back the name “The Parker House”. The trio, a construction contractor, an electrician, and an attorney, knew the extent of the work needed. Henry’s sister Ginny Wesphal ran the Beacon House across the street. Henry also renovated the Avon Hotel (Columns) in Avon-by-Sea when he purchased it with his partners.

The Beacon House was in great shape and Henry brought the Parker House to the same quality as his sister’s place.

Henry was a bachelor carpenter. He lived on a 44-foot boat in the Brielle Marina. His childhood friend, Frank Mattews, and college roommate, Jay Pandolphe, lived in Sea Girt & Spring Lake. They promised to put money into restoring the structure to better than its original condition and to maintain good relationships with their neighbors.

The new Parker House leaned into its history.

Matthews said the live entertainment would be cut back from every night to just weekends, and they would stop live entertainment on the main floor, moving it to the basement. Matthews stated that they would attract an older clientele. They planned the more casual bar on the ocean side of the porch to cater to locals.

Councilman Robert Casperson called the house "An eyesore in its present condition”, suggesting freezing the license transfer until the renovation was complete. "They all have good intentions when they come in, but nobody does anything. That place is going to fall down one of these days.." The neighbors railed about past litter, public urination, and trespassing.

The partners put $250,000 into renovations. As the paint dried near Memorial Day 1979, the place had not looked this good since Thomas Devlin died in the 1890s. The young people loved it.

The Parker House opened in 1979 with a short leash.