ISLAND HEIGHTS CULTURAL & HERITAGE ASSOCIATION
The Founding of the Association
The Island Heights Cultural & Heritage Association (IHCHA) was founded in 1987 by a group of civic minded residents after interest in the historic and cultural heritage of the town was brought to their attention during the Anniversary of the town’s incorporation. Members of this newly formed group were instrumental in saving the Central Avenue Pavilion from demolition and assisted financially by raising funds for its restoration. Today it is one of the last remaining pavilions on the Toms River.
In the 1990’s, the Association was solely involved in the efforts to save and restore the Historic Wanamaker Hall. The Association was awarded a $150,000 grant by the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office to begin the restoration project. The state of New Jersey was eager to see that the project was completed and placed their trust in the IHCHA. Sadly, a long saga of opposition and stone walling by the Town’s Council followed ending with the Council abruptly canceling the lease for Wanamaker Hall held by IHCHA, which the state required, and IHCHA was forced to relinquish the grant. The building was eventually destroyed and a very significant piece of town history was lost forever.
Officers of the Association knew they needed a permanent home to grow their membership and standing within the community. The search was on to find a building that was both historic and could serve as a permanent home. With limited funds and a lot of determination and confidence, they set out to find such a building.
In 1989, they placed a winning bid on the building and adjoining vacant lot that is now the ‘Cottage Museum’.
The Association Today
The IHCHA continues to operate The Cottage Museum and preserve its history. It is important to note, the Cottage Museum was and is today entirely funded: purchase, restoration and maintenance, by membership dues, generous donations and monies raised from various fund-raising events.
No tax dollars nor any assistance from the Town’s Council has ever been solicited or given.
Board of Trustees
Kennetta Tomaso - President
Lynn Pendleton - Vice President, Recording Secretary
William Dudeck - Treasurer
Patricia Fusaro - Corresponding Secretary
Elena DeFonzo - Trustee
Judy Slusmon - Trustee
Peter Kier - Trustee
Robert King - Trustee
Ellie Rogalski - Trustee
The Dedication of Jano Taber
In 1990, Janet Taber, Leigh Murphy and Ruth Mayer formed the non-profit corporation known as “The Island Heights Cultural & Heritage Association” with the mission to create a center for thought, research and study; to preserve and promote the history of Island Heights; to maintain a ‘Living Museum’ highlighting the Victorian past of the Shore; and, to foster the preservation of historic structures and spaces for future generations. IHCHA was instrumental in saving the Central Avenue Pavilion and assisted in its restoration. They endeavored to save the Historic JohnWanamaker Hall, but sadly failed. They bought and restored the historic 1880’s cottage that is now “The Cottage Museum”.
During the Museum’s restoration, for over a year, a loyal crew of 70 and 80 year old women led by Jano, gathered to scrape, sand, putty, prime and paint all the walls, ceilings and trim. Jano scavenged period furnishings from friend sand family to furnish and enhance the authenticity of the museum's interior which was essential to the “Living Museum." Janet Taber, whose foresight, dedication and sheer determination saved and restored this treasured piece of Island Heights’ Victorian past, is being honored today July 20, 2024, by dedicating The Cottage Museum in her name.
Obituary
Janet "Jano" Taber, 98, of Island Heights, N.J. passed away peacefully on October 13, 2023. Jano was born on January 22, 1925, in Toms River, NJ to the late Dr. Samuel and Gertrude Loveman. Jano is survived by her daughter, Lynn; son, Clint; Granddaughters, Allison, Vanessa, Tami and Tara; great-grand children, Jackson, Ellie, Kendall, Jazmyn, Dean, Talia, Crystal and Michael; and several great-great-grand children. She was an accomplished artist and champion of the arts, culture and historic preservation.
