This small seashore town was inhabited by hardworking men and women deeply connected to nature's abundance. Whether you farmed the land or harvested the seas, Point Pleasant Beach was the place to be. With the growth of industry, "leisure time" became part of American society. Tin shacks sprang up along the beautiful Manasquan River and inexpensive family fun at the shore became popular, drawing people from the cities down to the seaside. Harcourt Ward, Sr. and his wife, Helen, moved from East Brunswick with their young family and established Ward Realty.

With the arrival of the railroad line (it used to travel all the way to Seaside), "tourism" took over. A family named Jenkinson built a pavilion and boardwalk where the squatters' shacks once stood, and modern Point Pleasant Beach hit the map. During the Depression years, CCC work projects built the new inlet and canal, creating the "Top" of the Inland Waterway. Cottages to house the workers were built near the inlet, some still standing today in the popular "bungalow colony".

Plunged again into the World War, the war effort consumed the heavy industry of the northeast, but young men and women still flocked to the shore to forget and have fun. On summer nights the boardwalk became an oasis as the vibrant sounds of Big Band music filled the air. Men wore a jacket and tie if they wanted to stroll the "boards", and HSW, Jr. ("Harkie"), looking sharp in a sailor's suit met Betty Prall, a girl from Bloomfield who came down for the day by train. Harkie grew the family business, adding insurance services, and served his community well. A life member of the First Aid Squad, he helped organize the first dive rescue team at the Jersey shore. Harkie sent himself to night school at Rutgers and modernized the Municipal Land Use Plan, authoring the comprehensive Land Use zoning map of Point Pleasant Beach, which with little change is still in use today.

Do you remember the Monkey House down by the Inlet? How about the beach train? Did you learn to swim in the saltwater pool? Point Pleasant Beach has always been a family spot. Now, a third generation operates Ward Realty. My wife, Karen, and I grew up in town and are proud to continue the tradition. Our son, James, is the fourth generation to enter the family business.

While times do change, for your real estate sales, summer rentals and all your insurance needs, then as now our family makes the same simple promise to our customers:

SERVICE, COURTESY, RESULTS