It was originally developed as a residential resort area in 1871 by an innovative brush manufacturer named James Bradley, and, within just a few years, its famous boardwalk was built. In those days, the railroads, along with Bradley's visionary planning, quickly helped turn the town into a favorite destination for tourists and vacationers from all over the northeastern states. By the early 1900s, as many as 600,000 people were visiting each summer, and the summertime population swelled to a staggering 200,000. It was the metropolitan area's go-to spot for family-friendly fun and entertainment.

Like the ebb and flow of the ocean tide on its spectacular beachfront, the city's popularity has gone through some rises and falls. It has seen more than its fair share of political and economic turmoil, but this resilient town continues to persevere and flourish. Years of dilapidation were followed by years of reconstruction and revival. Not even Hurricane Sandy in 2012 could keep Asbury Park down for long. It was one of the first entertainment areas to reopen after the disaster.

Over the years, it has been an exciting music scene (Bruce Springsteen launched his career here), a vibrant artistic community, an esteemed center of education, and it's also well known for its welcoming, inclusive mindset. The city has been a strong supporter of the LGBTQ community since the 1950s. If you live in the area, it's hard not to know a lot about this famous seaside town. But I bet there are still at least a few things you didn't know:

• Asbury Park was named after a Methodist Episcopal bishop and started as a "dry" town. That's right—no alcohol. In fact, even after Prohibition ended, the city's ordinances regarding alcohol distribution and consumption were very strict. Alcohol is still prohibited on the beach itself.
• Asbury Park provided electrical service to its residents in the 1880s, long before most of the country had the opportunity to enjoy it. At the time, gaslight was still the norm, and electricity was a novelty. That progressive foresight had a great impact on the town's rapidly burgeoning development.
• In 1943, the New York Yankees held spring training here instead of Florida. At the time, railroad transport down south was not readily available because of World War II. The weather was so brutal that they never considered doing it again. They still managed to do okay, though—the Yankees won the World Series that year. (Go Yanks). 
• A famous shipwreck took the lives of 137 people when it went down in flames right off the Asbury Park shore in 1934. An enterprising town, officials turned the charred remains of the SS Morro Castle into a popular tourist attraction, although it was eventually towed away for scrap. You can still visit the monument erected to pay homage to the tragedy just south of the convention hall.

Those are just a few of many enticements. Some things may be new here, but many things remain the same. You have to hit the Boardwalk, which is still one of the town's greatest draws. Nothing really compares to a day at the beach and Asbury Park is one of the best in New Jersey, consistently ranking in the top 10 out of 44 beaches in the state.

Yes, this town's appeal remains timeless, no matter how it may change and evolve over the decades. Asbury Park is a delectable, decadent slice of Americana on the seashore and one we cannot resist. But, unfortunately for homeowners, pests and wildlife find it irresistible, too. For those, residents can rely on the services of Elite Pest Control. So, anytime you need some help, give Elite a call, and we'll take care of it.