Brick Township’s Fascinating History to Come Alive at Library Presentation

The Brick Township branch of the Ocean County Library. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

The Brick branch of the Ocean County Library will feature a unique opportunity for residents to learn about their town’s history.

Since its founding 174 years ago, Brick Township has been home to colorful characters and fascinating folklore. Township Historian Gene Donatiello will share “Stories from Brick Township” in the Ocean County Library Brick Branch, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2, the library announced this week.

Donatiello, who has written a book on the history of the township, will relate tales of Joseph W. Brick, the township’s namesake; a visit by President Ulysses S. Grant; and significant early settlers including John Chamberlain, cranberry farmer Mutah Patterson and carpenter Percy Gant.

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Those who attend will also hear the story of the Godfrey Brothers (the namesake of a ‘mystery’ lake today), relive the moving of Trinity Chapel to the township, explore “The Legend of Slipper Pointe,” touch on public safety, be introduced to the Brick youngster who started a career at age eight, and become familiar with a thriving business that originated in the township in the 1930s.

A co-founder and the first President of the Brick Township Historical Society, Donatiello is the curator of the group’s Havens Homestead Museum and serves on the Brick Township Heritage Commission. He taught history to generations of students at Brick Memorial and Brick Township High Schools.

His works themselves are available at the Ocean County Library, including his contributions to the “Images of America” and “Postcard History” series, “A Family of Soldiers: Letters Home to Herbertsville from the Civil War,” and “Greetings from Brick Township: 20th Century Summer Camps and Resorts.”

Those interested in attending can register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBrickStories for this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Brick Branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, call 732-477-4513.