Monmouth Shipped Apples to NYC During 1975 Fiscal Crisis

If you find yourself apple picking this weekend, here's some recent local history to bite into: Monmouth County orchards shipped their little apples to the Big Apple during NYC's 1975 financial crisis.

The Red Bank Register -- then called The Daily Register -- carried the story of the unique gift on the front page of its Oct. 22, 1975 issue.

At the time, New York City was on the verge of bankruptcy. President Gerald Ford would decline to send the city a federal bailout a week later, leading to the infamous New York Daily News headline, "Ford to City: Drop Dead." Monmouth County felt more generous about things.

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How Monmouth's Plan Worked: Apples for NYC Bond Buyers

The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders approved a plan to send local apples to the city to incentivize the public to purchase New York City bonds, according to the Register's report. The marketing ploy offered a free apple to anyone who purchased $5,000 or more in bonds. The governing body also agreed to send then-NYC Mayor Abe Beame a basket of apples.

The Daily Register

A key consideration leading to the plan was the number of Monmouth County residents who commuted into the city. The project was spearheaded by Mid-Monmouth-Greater Freehold Area Chamber of Commerce President Alfred Sanders and coincided with an Apple Festival Day in the lot behind the American Hotel in Freehold. At the time, Monmouth County was the second largest producer of apples in New Jersey, according to the article.

No need to fume on behalf of taxpayers 50 years ago -- Monmouth County didn't purchase the apples. Local orchards were encouraged to make a donation of their wares.

A cartoon that accompanied the article showed a Monmouth resident about to throw an apple to a drowning Mayor Beame.

These Are New Jersey's Best Pick Your Own Orchards And Farms

Grab a bag, bucket, or bushel and pick your own delicious fruits and pumpkins from these New Jersey businesses, listed alphabetically.

7 Things You Didn't Know About Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook has to be one of the most unique beach areas in the country. Beyond the six-mile long peninsula offering both oceanfront and bayfront beaches, the Jersey Shore spot in northern Monmouth County offers something for history nerds, birders, seal-watchers, bikers, runners, and military buffs alike.

Having grown up in Middletown but spending most of my down-the-Shore time at Ortley Beach, I didn't appreciate all that Sandy Hook had to offer until I moved out of New Jersey. Whenever I had back home now, though, it's a must-stop.

Here are seven things you probably didn't know about Sandy Hook at Gateway National Recreation Area.

Gallery Credit: Jackie Corley