Four
Generations of Women have been running the Central Avenue House
since 1899
Cora
Mae Applegate
In 1899, Jennifer’s great-grandmother, Cora Mae Applegate bought
the hotel, had her children there, and she ran it until 1966. Originally called “The Auditorium House,” the inn was one
of many hotels to spring up one year after the town was founded in
1869. Cora Mae was quite a character; once the hotel filled up, she would make room
for one more guest by renting out her bedroom... she would then
sleep on a cot in the back of the lobby! Her favorite
greeting to new arrivals was, “go on up and take any room that
is open, we’re just camping out here!”
Myrtle
Davis, Cora Mae's daughter and Jennifer's grandmother, Myrtle
inherited the hotel in 1966. and began her second career as
proprietor of the Central Avenue House and she ran it for the next
20 years! Myrtle was beloved by town folk and guests alike.
In fact, most guests didn’t feel as though they were just
staying at a hotel. Myrtle was their friend, and often,
guests referred to a stay at the Central Avenue House as simply,
“We’re staying at Myrtle’s.”
JoAnne
& John Culp, Jennifer’s
parents, enjoyed sharing the hotel with youth groups, friends and
family from 1988 - 2000. JoAnne (Myrtle's daughter) lovingly
updated many of the guest rooms. Her terrific decorating style can be seen throughout the
hotel.
Jennifer
Sirois, In the year 2000, the hotel re-opened and Jennifer (JoAnne's
daughter) has enjoyed carrying on the 100+
year family tradition of welcoming visitors to Ocean Grove.
In the seven years since Jennifer re-opened its doors, the hotel has gained a
national and international reputation among travelers. In
addition to serving guests, Jennifer also serves her country as a lieutenant
colonel in the United States Army Reserve.
Cora Mae Applegate
Myrtle Davis
John & JoAnne Culp
Central Avenue House...a genteel summer guest house
24 Central Avenue, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756.
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