Belmar Borough Hall

You are at stop # 6, the Belmar Borough Hall. We’re stopping here to tell you about a few important displays inside the lobby and we hope you’ll take a few minutes to enjoy them if the building is open. The first honors the brave and gallant men who served aboard the U.S.S. Juneau, a light cruiser that took part in 17 major battles and earned five battle stars during World War II. It was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine on November 13, 1942, killing all but 10 of the 700 men aboard. Those who made the ultimate sacrifice included four young men from Belmar, whose photos hang in our memorial. Another display commemorates the legacy of first females to serve as lifeguards in Belmar among an all-male squad in the 1940’s. Highlighting the display is a portrait of the late Jeanne Bonk Baldino, one of three women to officially guard our beaches to keep swimmers safe. The stunning painting was done by well-known Belmar artist Suzanne Anan. And don’t miss her portrait of Howard Roland, who stood watch over the Belmar beachfront for nearly sixty years, at one time having the distinction of being the world’s oldest active lifeguard. Our stop #44, the Howard Roland Pavilion, is named for this Belmar icon. Finally, enjoy the revolving display by the Belmar Historical Society, which always features some interesting and fun facts.