Red Bank: Now and Then
Red Bank is bursting with energy and bustling with people: from independent coffee shops to five star restaurants and innovative theater productions, this downtown is a hotspot that is alive, well, and hip. Red Bank is an old town, however, with an interesting history.
Red Bank: What’s in a Name
The name “Red Bank” is derived from the appearance of red clay in the banks of the Navesink River, which borders the town. Centuries ago, the river attracted the Lenape Native Americans, as it was a useful source of food and transportation. In the 1600s, the Lenapes began trading with English and Dutcher settlers who would later purchase land around the river.
Red Bank became a busy port town in the nineteenth century, and by the 1850s, residents were beginning to commute to Manhattan via ferry.
The Red Bank Train Station
The installation of a railroad in Red Bank in the second half of the nineteenth century led commuters to forego the ferry in favor of taking the train to Manhattan.
On June 10, 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom stopped at the Red Bank train station on their way to Sandy Hook, where they continued their journey to New York via naval warship.
Today, the Red Bank train station, located on Monmouth Street and Bridge Street, boasts one of the last-remaining Stick Style station houses constructed by the New York and Long Branch Railroad in the second half of the nineteenth century. The Red Bank train station continues to buzz with commuters and daytrippers heading into the city every day.
Count Basie
The Count Basie Theatre on Monmouth Street was named for a famous former resident of our town. Influential jazz musician William James Basie (“Count” Basie) was born and raised on Mechanic Street. One of his songs was titled “Kid from Red Bank.” Stevie Wonder mentions Count Basie in his song “Sir Duke.”
The Galleria
The Galleria, built between 1907–1911, was a working textile factory that supplied many uniforms to men and women during World War I and World War II. Later, the owner of the factory, Sigmund Eisner, changed over some its operations to the manufacture of Boy Scout uniforms. Michael Eisner, Sigmund’s great grandson, is the former Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
The Galleria now holds boutiques, restaurants, and offices. Every Sunday between 9 am — 2 pm, from May through November, the parking lot of the Galleria hosts a popular Farmers Market.
Joining Red Bank’s Present
If you want to work in Red Bank, call Brothers Commercial Brokerage to talk about renting office space in our hip, historic town. Call us at (732)747-5575 or contact us online today.