Resident Brings Marlboro History Alive on New Facebook Page

Barry Jay looked around Marlboro and saw a need to liven up the discussion, while conjuring up old memories.

A former resident of Keyport, Jay saw a Keyport Facebook group run by residents come to life, and decided Marlboro needed the same. Now, township residents can see old photos, hear old memories and relive the good ol' days on--what else--Facebook.

Click to visit the Marlboro, New Jersey Facebook group.

"Seeing the value of collaborative tools such as Facebook, I could see where it could benefit Marlboro," Jay, a member of Marlboro's Historic Commission, said, "The Keyport Group was about passion…the memories and love for the community."

While the social media site often becomes a hot bed for complaints and political infighting, the 22-year-resident sees it as a tool to start the conversation in a way that is unique to how Marlboro residents shape it.

"Growing up, my father and brother were outdoorsmen, hunters and fishermen. Marlboro was part of their stomping grounds, farms and properties that I often joined them in exploring. So seeing what was accomplished in Keyport,   I thought it would work well here in Marlboro." 

The Marlboro Historical Commission hasn't fully integrated the page into its practices, that discussion is ongoing, according to Jay. In the meantime, Jay operates it with his own passion for history. Jay was even nominated to the commission after his work on the Facebook group was noticed.

"I spend an enormous amount of time researching and during my walks around town, documenting the nooks and crannies, and places of lore and legend," Jay said. "In order for a group to be active and successful, you have to prime the pump."

Jay quite literally takes his group members on trips down memory lane, attaching a video camera to the hood of his car as he adventures through the township. His still photos examine portions of the township some people may not have known existed.

And of course, the group's over 400 members contribute to the sights and sounds of Marlboro's history.

"Often I will post a picture of an old farm house or some 'old' artifact in the woods and the users will contribute dozens of posts with memories and recollections about it," Jay said.

But the work Jay does to run the group is nothing short of impressive. Once Jay finds or receives an old photo, which he sometimes clarifies in Photoshop after scanning, he'll "scour the internet" to find any amount of back story he can. 

Jay looks to community members to help keep the conversation going, even about current events in town. Jay said he'll digitally scan and clean up any vintage photos, for free.

"Prior to social networking, this sort of information would have never been collected."

Jay's favorite spot in Marlboro is the Dimeo Farm on Conover Road. What's your favorite historical getaway in town?