Mantoloking - Through The Lens

~ Centennial Edition ~

by Anne L. Benedict

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Interview With Author Anne L. Benedict

What inspired you to compile and write the original edition of "Mantoloking - Through The Lens"?
I had collected photographs of Mantoloking for over fifty years and therefore knew the history of the Borough of Mantoloking. Friends, who grew up in Mantoloking, encouraged me to write the history before it was lost.

How long did it take you to research, write, and compile the book, and how did you go about creating it?
It took me ten months to complete the book. I owned most of the pictures and knew where to find the missing historical photographs.

Please describe your research and writing process.
I put the photographs in the order I wanted and then proceeded to write the history using the photographs to tell the story.

What were some of the difficulties you encountered, and were there any “hard choices” that had to be made?
It took a lot of time to get permission to use the photographs that others had taken. I had to learn from start to finish how to write the book as well as all the details of getting the book published and distributed.

What were some of the pleasures you encountered while creating the book?
It was great to see people in Mantoloking so willing to help with their expertise. They helped make the book a success.

Eight years later, what inspired you to update and reprint the book as the "Centennial Edition"?
Many people asked for a copy of the book, which was out of print. The Centennial of the Borough of Mantoloking seemed to be the opportune time to update the book with added pictures and raise money for the Centennial Celebration.

Your experiences in Mantoloking have obviously had a major impact on your life. What two or three events from your years in Mantoloking stand out most in your mind?
I loved racing sailboats on Barnegat Bay, and Mantoloking is the place where I met my husband.

How has Mantoloking and the Jersey Shore in general changed since your early years in the town?
The town had summer cottages, which were handed down from one generation to the next. Today, the houses are much bigger and cannot be handed down as easily. People may move around the world, but they return to Mantoloking where they have old and wonderful friends.

What do you see as the future of Mantoloking?
It will change as new people come to Mantoloking, but the town cannot grow as there is almost no land left on which to build a house.

—6-3-09

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