“Coming Back to Bradley” drew a packed house on Sunday, December 8, to share oral histories of multigenerational families and view an exhibit showcasing the early history of the Borough.
Council President Jane DeNoble cut the red ribbon signifying the official re-opening of the Historical Museum in the Carmen Biase Center, where the event took place. On hand for the ceremony were (l-r in photo below): Lulu Mok,
Ms DeNoble, Shirley Ayres, former BBHS Director and Bradley Beach Historian, BBHS President Paul Neshamkin, Program Director Jannette Lau, and presenter John Mok.
The live and online audience paid rapt attention to each presenter: Bette Blum, John Mok, Eileen Shissias, Stefanie Nies, Norma Schechner, and Rosalie D’Angelo Dragnetti (shown describing her family, of which she is the sixth generation in Bradley Beach.) A recording of the program can be viewed on the BBHS YouTube Channel.
Stefanie Nies is a descendant of Alfred Yarnell, who settled in Bradley in 1898. She has contributed extensive memorabilia found after her mother’s death to BBHS to create the Yarnell Family Collection.
Preparing for the December 8 event motivated Norma Schechner to ask relatives for their memories of summers spent in Bradley. Colorful essays from her brothers-in-law, Richard and Arthur, and family historian Susan Lubow are foundational documents for the Schechner, Schwarz, and Abeles Collection.
The exhibit, which covers pre-incorporation through the 1920s, will be on display in the Museum through Spring 2025. Tours can be arranged by appointment. To arrange a visit, contact Paul Neshamkin at pauln@helpauthors.com.
