A Lasting Legacy

This is a story about Oliver Huff Brown and Bill Reinhard, two fascinating men from Spring Lake. Though they lived a century apart, both devoted themselves to building a vibrant cultural home for the community.

In 1923, Brown founded the Spring Lake Memorial Community House. The building he envisioned still stands today. It houses a theater, a library, and meeting rooms for local functions and organizations such as the Historical Society, Writers Workshop, and the Upper Room Art Gallery. As Pat Barry, executive director says, “There is always something wonderful happening here.”

Early Life and Influences

Oliver Huff Brown, or O.H., as he preferred to be called, was born in West Farms (now Farmingdale) in 1852. He was the fifth of 13 children. His father, a Scottish immigrant, was a patriot who enlisted with the 14th Regiment of New Jersey when the Civil War broke out. He was taken prisoner by the Confederate Army and later died from battle wounds. O.H. was just 11 years old at the time.

O.H. attended local schools where he learned to read and write, and he also learned to take advantage of available opportunities. His first job was as a clerk in a general store in Avon, earning $15 a month plus board. Because of his strong work ethic, he became the manager of the entire store. Later, he worked for a prominent Asbury Park furniture merchant. He saved enough money to travel abroad to visit the homes of his ancestors in Scotland. While in Europe, he saw beautiful furnishings and housewares that he had never seen on the Jersey Shore. These experiences inspired his ideas for his future business.

Civic Leadership

In 1882, Brown was ready to strike out on his own. He believed Spring Lake was the perfect place to cater to people of culture and refined taste. He purchased three lots on Third Avenue and opened his first retail shop there. It was an immediate success, and O.H. Brown is credited with helping create downtown Spring Lake.

As his business grew, he continued traveling to Europe to acquire fine art and furniture. He also served as president of the National Bank of Spring Lake and president of the Spring Lake Hotel Company, which included both the Monmouth Hotel and the Essex and Sussex Hotel. O.H. strongly believed in serving one’s community. Deeply committed to civic life, he served as a trustee at St. Andrews Methodist-Episcopal Church and became Spring Lake’s first mayor, holding the position intermittently until his death in 1924. The Community House was a gift to the town he loved.

Continuing a Legacy

A century later, Bill Reinhard continues this legacy of community dedication. Reinhard grew up in Spring Lake, where his mother, Dottie Reinhard, taught music at the H. W. Mountz School. She enjoyed teaching students to play instruments and directing them in musical productions.

In 1976, the Spring Lake Town Council asked Mrs. Reinhard to produce and direct an all-community summer production at the theater. Her first production was “Bye-Bye Birdie,” which featured her 13-year-old son Bill and his friend Pat Barry in their stage debuts. Both have remained deeply involved with the theater and Community House ever since. Under Pat Barry’s leadership, the playhouse has blossomed into a popular cultural destination, offering plays year-round and classes in dance and acting.

In 1999, during performances of “The Secret Garden,” Bill and his dance partner, Christina, discovered a natural chemistry that eventually led to marriage. Together, they have raised a blended family of three daughters and a son. All of their children have performed on the theatre at one time or another, and Bill and Christina continue to perform together on stage.

Impact

Reinhard’s talents extend far beyond the theater. He currently serves as Director of Development for the Community House. He manages the Upper Room Gallery and writes a weekly sports column for the New York Daily News and a national sports website. He has also appeared on YouTube TV as an NFL analyst, is an ordained minister, and serves as vice president of an Engineering Technologies firm. A true modern-day Renaissance man, Reinhard shares O.H. Brown’s drive, versatility, and devotion to the community.

Under Reinhard’s direction, the Upper Room Gallery has become a showplace for local professional artists. His vision is simple: “I only want beautiful artwork in this building. Nothing controversial. I want the Upper Gallery to reflect the beauty and charm of the Spring Lake Memorial Community House, where all feel warm and welcome.”

Visitors enter the building and ascend a wide staircase that leads to the gallery. The experience feels like stepping into the past. The room is filled with original 1923 furniture. The ornate fireplace and grand piano create a perfect ambiance and setting for art. Thanks to Reinhard’s fundraising efforts, Chris Smith Realty in downtown Spring Lake generously sponsors the gallery and theater.

The gallery is open to the public for viewing and purchasing artwork. Currently, Arlene Newman’s “Coastal Palette: A Journey Through Land and Sea”, featuring luminous watercolors, is on view through March 16. Visiting hours are Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m.

Honoring Brown’s Legacy

For the Community House’s centennial celebration in 2023, Reinhard honored O.H. Brown by writing and performing a monologue depicting Brown’s life. Dressed in period clothing and sporting whiskers, he recited Brown’s original dedication: “It is my earnest wish that the religious, educational, and social interest of Spring Lake would be strengthened by being all combined under this roof, which is dedicated as a memorial to the brave boys who served in World War 1.”

Visit www.springlaketheatre.com/support for information on supporting the Spring Lake Community House and Theatre.

Photographs by Michelle Wolfe

Judith Jones-Ambrosini is a Sea Girt resident, author of “The Sisterhood of Diabetes,” journalist, member of the Holly Club of Sea Girt, and co-founder of Shore Writers.