Historical association to honor former prez

The Monmouth County Historical Association (MCHA) will honor Mary Lou Strong, former president of the board, at its 34th annual garden party slated for July 19.

Strong served as president of the Monmouth County Historical Association Board of Trustees from 1981-86. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in art history from Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass., and a Certificate in Historic Preservation from Drew University, Madison.

Strong was appointed to the Monmouth County Historical Commission in 1989 by the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders. She is a member of the Middletown Landmarks Commission,All Saints'Memorial Church in Navesink, where she began her preservation activism with a campaign to "Save Our Shed."

Strong is also a trustee of Preservation New Jersey, and vice president and club historian of Sea Bight Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club. She successfully nominated the Sea Bright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club, and the Water Witch (Monmouth Hills) Club to the National Register of Historic Places.

In addition, Strong was an active member of the SARAH Committee to restore and open the Allen House in Shrewsbury to the public.

In 1989 Strong was awarded the Jane G. Clayton Award by the Board of Freeholders for "outstanding efforts to preserve Monmouth County history."

This year's garden party is being chaired by MCHA trustees Karen M. Rafiqi of Ocean, and Kara D. Short of Rumson.

Mr. and Mrs. John J. Duffy have offered their home on the Navesink River in Locust for the garden party. The event will feature cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction and the drawing of the MCHA's annual 50/50 raffle.

A souvenir journal featuring congratulatory messages to the honoree or promoting business will be distributed to the guests. Businesses interested in being included in the journal may contact Jim McMahon at 732-462-1466, ext. 20, for more information.