People of Interest
T. Thomas Fortune
T. Thomas Fortune was a stalwart for social justice. Born into slavery in 1856, he became one of the most influential American journalists and newspaper publishers of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Fortune christened his home in Red Bank, New Jersey, “Maple Hall,” where he and his family resided between 1901-1915. Here he entertained the great African American leader Booker T. Washington and other prominent figures of the time.
Count Basie
Count Basie, byname of William Basie, (born August 21, 1904, Red Bank, New Jersey) A pianist, Count Basie played vaudeville before eventually forming his own big band and helping to define the era of swing with hits like "One O'Clock Jump" and "Blue Skies." In 1958, Basie became the first African American male recipient of a Grammy Award.
Sigmund Eisner
Sigmund Eisner was a prominent manufacturer and president of the Sigmund Eisner Company based in Red Bank, New Jersey. At one time, this company was the exclusive manufacturer of uniforms for the Boy Scouts of America and the largest manufacturer of uniforms in the United States
Ralph 'Johnny Jazz' Gatta Jr
This Johnny Jazz park is dedicated to the memory of Ralph 'Johnny Jazz' Gatta Jr.. A local butcher and lover of the Jazz Music. The Park is located in the corner of Drs. James Parker Blvd and Shrewsbury Avenue.
Katharine Elkus White
Katharine Elkus White was a “strong-willed” woman countering the casual sexism of the day, a Democratic Party politician and diplomat, who served as Mayor of Red Bank, New Jersey (first and only female mayor) from 1951 to 1956, chairwoman of the New Jersey Highway Authority (1955-1964), and United States Ambassador to Denmark (1964-1968). There is a dedication to her in Marine Park.
Florence "betti" Thompson
Florence “Betti” P. Thompson settled in Red Bank in 1958 with her husband Stafford Thompson.
Ms. Thompson was a member of the staff at the Red Bank Middle School for 23 years, beginning as a teacher and later becoming a guidance counselor and through her untiring efforts and positive attitude helped change the lives of many of her former students. During her tenure with the Red Bank school system she served as President of the Red Bank Teachers’ Association. She also served as Vice President and President of the Red Bank Regional Board of Education.
In 1991 Florence “Betti” Thompson was elected to the Red Bank Borough Council, the first African American council member. She served as Commissioner of the Parks and Recreation Department and Council Representative to the Red Bank Senior Citizen Center. She was instrumental in the securing and development of the award-winning Riverside Gardens Park for future generations of Red Bank residents and visitors. She left Council when she moved out of state for retirement in 2003.
Florence was integral to Red Bank for many years. Her legacy and positive influence remain a part of our community today.