History
In 1867, Reverend William B. Osborn, a Methodist Preacher, attended week long outdoor holiness camp meeting in Vineland, New Jersey. Osborn's enthusiasm knew no bounds and eventuallyhe found an ideal camp meeting site, a secluded community on the North Jersey Coast, where spiritual and physical health could be renewed. On July 31,1869 a group of ministers and friends camped at what is now called Founders Park and after a candlelight prayer service dedicated themselves to establish a permanent Christian camp meeting community called Ocean Grove. From this simple beginning there would emerge a permanent town. In 1975, Ocean Grove received the designation as a State and National Historic District as an example of a 19th century planned urban community. The district contains the largest aggregate of Victorian and early 20th century structures in America. A Board of Architectural Review was established to create exterior design standards ensuring that the District would maintain its existing architectural heritage of Victorian seaside cottages.
