A Digital Edition for America’s 250th
Keyport Celebrates America’s Bicentennial (1976)
In 1976, as the United States celebrated its Bicentennial, the people of Keyport published Keyport Celebrates America's Bicentennial, a booklet that explored the community's history from its earliest settlement through the twentieth century. Fifty years later, during America's Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary), the Keyport Historical Society is pleased to present this digital edition.
The text has been faithfully transcribed to preserve this important local publication. Where appropriate, we've added notes to reflect current historical research and terminology while maintaining the original voice of the 1976 publication. We hope this exhibit offers both a glimpse into Keyport's past and an appreciation for how our understanding of history continues to evolve.
Acknowledgements:
Authors:
The 1976 Bicentennical booklet was written by Vera A. Conover with contributions from Judith F. Murphy and Norrine J. Schanck. We honor their work by preserving their words and continuing the story they began.
Front Cover:
An artist's concept of a scene which might have taken place in Keyport 200 years ago. A wealthy gentleman strolls along what is now West Front Street near the present site of the Olde Oyster House.
A small merchant sailing vessel prepares for a day-long voyage to New York City from its berth on Luppatatong Creek—much deeper and more navigable than it is today. In the background, the old Kearny mansion sits on its hill overlooking the creek and Beers Street, a principal trade route for wagons.
The house, one of the first homes in Keyport, and the hill no longer exist, having been replaced by the Legion High Rise Senior Citizen's building. Artwork by Ralph McGeehan, cover design and production by Vanguard Art Services. All rights reserved.