Sea Crest History

When one thinks of the Jersey shore, what comes to mind first is Atlantic City and its gaudy casinos and crowded boardwalk. But there's another, very different Jersey shore to be found along the two miles of sandy beaches near the quaint seaside town of Spring Lake. Though it officially became a city in 1892, Spring Lake was already a distinctive resort location along with neighboring communities with such colorful names as Brighton, Como, Villa Park and Spring Lake Beach. Winter, however, saw many of the hotels and homes boarded up.

A devastating fire damaged much of downtown Spring Lake in 1900. Fire companies from as far away as Asbury Park battled the sheets of flame but by the time the fire burned itself out at the edge of Spring Lake, dozens of businesses were destroyed.

The town rebuilt, however, and the dirt streets where horses and carriages once rolled were paved for automobiles bringing in summer guests. Only after the Second World War did Spring Lake become a thriving year round community. At this time, with a great deal of foresight, the city put a stop to any new commercial development. Spring Lake has remained a quiet oasis along the Jersey coast and many of the descendents of the original families still live and work here.

Henry Townsend, a successful Philadelphia lawyer, originally built Sea Crest by the Sea in 1885 as a family residence. He actually built three homes on the south side of town, which were known as the Townsend Cottages. The prominent Philadelphia architect, Thomas Gregg, designed them. About ten years later, Townsend had one of the homes moved to the more prosperous north end of Spring Lake. This site, on Tuttle Avenue, is where Sea Crest stands today.

By the turn of the century, Townsend's home had been converted into an inn called "Carolina Cottage." Seventy-five years ago, the name was changed to Sea Crest by the Sea. The previous owners purchased it as a Valentine's Day present to themselves on February 14th, 1990. They completely refurbished it, creating the delightful atmosphere that brings over seventy-five percent of their guests back for return visits. In fact, one recent guest returned after 80 odd years. He had first come to Sea Crest in 1912! Barbara and Fred purchased the inn and all its glory in 1999 and continue its tradition of high standards and comfort an oasis in a hectic world.