WHAT'S THAT? The West Creek Chair House

Today, we're starting a new feature at the Blog called "WHAT'S THAT?". Our readers may drop us an email and ask about things that they might see in our area but know nothing about. Things that you may be riding by and saying to yourself, "What's That?". We'll try to gaze into our "WHAT'S THAT?" crystal ball and come up with an answer for you. If we don't know, we'll post the mystery on the Blog for our readers to take a crack at. We should have some fun and learn something along the way, so let's hear from you.

We'll start the "WHAT'S THAT?" feature with the "Chair House" on Route 9 in West Creek. I don't know how many times I've passed that house on my way from New Gretna to Manahawkin and wondered, "What's that?". You've probably asked yourself the same question.

The West Creek "Chair House" on Route 9. (May 30, 2003 photo by Pete Stemmer.)

Talk about a high chair ! (May 30, 2003 photo by Pete Stemmer.)

The Victorian style structure was originally built, in the mid 1870's, to hide a water tower on the Fithian Estate in the Holgate section of Long Beach Island. It fell into disrepair, was dismantled, transported to West Creek by barge, and rebuilt by Albert Lindholm in 1933. 

Pauline Miller, an Ocean County Historian, claims that Lindholm, a steeplejack and carnival man, placed the chair on top of the building, as he enjoyed climbing the steep structure and used the chair as a resting place during his climbs. Others believe that it was simply placed there to attract attention. No one can argue that it certainly has done that. Perhaps, both answers are correct. Lindholm could have initially placed it there to facilitate his climbing escapades, and subsequent owners may have kept the tradition just to attract attention.

I'm sure there are many other explanations out there regarding the chair. If you have heard one, please let us know.

Pete S