Exploring Lakewood's Past: New Jersey's Overlooked Historical Treasures

Lakewood's transformation from pine forest to prestigious resort town began in the late 19th century, when railroad connections from New York and Philadelphia made it accessible to the industrial elite seeking respite from urban pollution. The town's microclimate—moderated by surrounding pine forests that were believed to have health benefits—attracted wealthy families including the Rockefellers, Goulds, and Astors.

Walking Lakewood's downtown district today feels like navigating through layers of historical documentation. The most compelling evidence of this gilded past stands at the corner of Clifton Avenue and 4th Street: The Strand Theater. Built in 1922, this Italian Renaissance-style performance venue hosted vaudeville acts and early motion pictures. After a meticulous restoration, it now presents an eclectic calendar of performances.

During my visit, I attended a chamber music concert that seemed perfectly calibrated to the venue's acoustics. The architectural details—ornate plasterwork, vintage lighting fixtures, and the original proscenium arch—transported me to an era when entertainment was considered an art form rather than merely content consumption. I found myself taking detailed mental notes on the preservation techniques employed, much as I would analyze the structure of a complex international agreement.

For couples interested in American cultural history, I recommend bringing a pair of compact binoculars to appreciate the ceiling details and architectural elements that might otherwise go unnoticed. The theater offers guided tours on select weekdays, which I found to be exceptionally informative about both the venue's history and broader preservation efforts in Lakewood.

Perhaps Lakewood's most spectacular historical asset is hiding in plain sight as a functioning university campus. Georgian Court University occupies the former estate of George Jay Gould, son of railroad magnate Jay Gould. The property, originally named Georgian Court, was designed by architect Bruce Price (father of etiquette expert Emily Post) in 1896.

Having visited numerous university campuses for legal conferences, I can state with professional certainty that few academic institutions occupy grounds of such historical significance. The centerpiece of the estate, the Mansion, exemplifies the French Beaux-Arts style with its symmetrical facade, mansard roof, and ornate stone detailing. Now serving as administrative offices, it remains open to visitors during weekday business hours.

What particularly impressed me was the Casino Building—not a gambling establishment, but rather a recreational facility in the original sense of the Italian word 'casino' (small house). This structure housed an indoor swimming pool, court tennis facilities, bowling alleys, and a billiards room. The meticulous restoration preserves both architectural elements and the spirit of leisure that characterized America's Gilded Age elite.

The formal gardens, designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers firm (sons of Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame), feature classical statuary, fountains, and the Japanese Garden with its authentic tea house. I spent a contemplative hour photographing the interplay of natural and designed elements with my travel camera, which proved ideal for capturing both landscape vistas and architectural details in the variable spring light.

While the university maintains the property primarily for educational purposes, they graciously accommodate visitors. The campus offers self-guided walking tours with informational placards that contextualize the historical significance of each structure. For couples interested in landscape architecture or American history, this represents an exceptional opportunity to experience Gilded Age grandeur without the crowds that flock to better-known mansions in Newport or the Hudson Valley.

As someone who seeks out lakes during business travel for their restorative qualities, I was particularly drawn to Lake Carasaljo. This man-made body of water, created in the 1870s, derives its unusual name from a portmanteau of the original owner's three daughters: Carrie, Sarah, and Josephine Brick. The lake became central to Lakewood's development as a resort destination, with hotels and mansions strategically positioned to capitalize on water views.

Today, a 4-mile paved pathway encircles the lake and its connected waterways, offering an excellent opportunity for a morning constitutional before diving into historical explorations. During my spring visit, I observed local residents fishing from several wooden bridges that connect the lake's islands, while others engaged in kayaking and paddle boating.

What makes Lake Carasaljo particularly significant from a historical perspective are the remaining boathouses and lakeside structures dating to the late 19th century. These architectural remnants provide tangible connections to the era when wealthy visitors would take afternoon boat excursions as a social activity. The lake's islands, accessible via footbridges, contain gazebos and seating areas that maintain their original Victorian aesthetic.

For couples visiting Lakewood, I recommend allocating your morning hours to lake exploration. The pathway system is well-maintained and suitable for all fitness levels, making it an inclusive activity. I found the early light particularly conducive to photography, especially where it illuminated the historical boathouses reflected in the calm morning waters.

Packing considerations should include comfortable walking shoes and a insulated water bottle to maintain hydration while exploring. Spring mornings can be deceptively cool, so layering is advisable. Several points along the lake path offer interpretive signs explaining the historical context of specific features, making this not merely a recreational activity but an educational one as well.

My legal training has instilled in me an appreciation for methodical investigation, a skill that translates surprisingly well to architectural exploration. Lakewood's downtown district presents an intriguing case study in historical layering, where buildings from different eras coexist to tell the community's evolving story.

I developed my own walking route centered on Clifton Avenue, where the most significant concentration of historical structures remains intact. The Lakewood Public Library, housed in a Classical Revival building from 1916, serves as an excellent starting point. Beyond its architectural merit, the library maintains an exceptional local history collection that provides valuable context for subsequent explorations. I spent an hour reviewing their archive of historical photographs, which helped me visualize the streetscape as it appeared during Lakewood's prime resort years.

Moving north on Clifton Avenue reveals commercial buildings from the early 20th century that have maintained their original facades above street level. The most architecturally significant is the Laurel in the Pines Hotel site. While the hotel itself was destroyed by fire in 1967, remaining structures associated with the property offer glimpses into Lakewood's hospitality heritage.

What makes this self-guided exploration particularly rewarding is the juxtaposition of Lakewood's past and present. The town's current identity as home to one of the largest Orthodox Jewish communities outside Israel has influenced the adaptive reuse of many historical buildings. Former hotels now serve as religious schools, while maintaining their architectural integrity—a fascinating example of cultural preservation working in tandem with historical preservation.

For couples undertaking this walking tour, I recommend carrying a pocket guidebook that provides historical photographs and context for specific buildings. While comprehensive guided tours are unavailable, the Lakewood Historical Society occasionally offers specialized walking tours focusing on particular architectural periods or neighborhood developments. Their website is worth consulting before your visit.

My approach to business travel has always involved identifying dining establishments that offer cultural insights alongside culinary satisfaction. Lakewood presents interesting challenges in this regard, as its current dining scene reflects its contemporary demographics more than its historical identity. However, persistent investigation revealed several options that connect visitors to the area's past.

The most direct link to Lakewood's resort era is the historic Woodlake Country Club. While primarily serving members, their restaurant accepts dinner reservations from non-members when capacity allows. The dining room occupies space in the original clubhouse, with windows overlooking the golf course that was once part of John D. Rockefeller's estate. The menu balances contemporary preferences with subtle nods to classic American resort cuisine—their Waldorf salad, for instance, follows a recipe dating to 1893.

For a more accessible option with historical connections, Charlie's Restaurant occupies a renovated 1920s commercial building that has housed eateries continuously for nearly a century. The current iteration serves New Jersey diner classics alongside Italian-American specialties. While the interior has been modernized, the owners have preserved architectural elements including the original tin ceiling and terrazzo floor. Vintage photographs of Lakewood adorn the walls, creating a mini-museum effect that enhances the dining experience.

Lakewood's Orthodox Jewish community has also created unique dining experiences in historical settings. Several kosher establishments occupy renovated spaces that once served different functions in Lakewood's resort economy. Madison Kosher, housed in a former 1930s pharmacy, retains the original soda fountain counter while serving contemporary kosher fare.

For couples with interest in both culinary and historical exploration, I recommend scheduling dinner at Woodlake Country Club one evening (making reservations 2-3 days in advance) and exploring the more casual options for lunch. Most establishments are closed on Saturday for Shabbat, an important consideration when planning your weekend itinerary.