Long Branch Gets Ulysses S. Grant's China Cabinet

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Another piece of Ulysses S. Grant's past arrived in Long Branch. The City received the former president's personal china cabinet.

Grant led the Union Army to victory in the Civil War before becoming the 18th U.S. President, holding office from 1869-77. He spent summers in Long Branch, which helped the city establish itself as a summer resort destination.

His cottage no longer stands, but some of his personal effects remain, including his black walnut cabinet in City Hall.

"While the Seven President’s Museum undergoes renovations, City Hall will display President Grant’s china cabinet to the public," said James Foley, president of the Long Branch Historical Museum Association.

City Hall has several 19th-century prints about Grant's stays in Long Branch. One photo shows Grant's summer home on Ocean Avenue in Elberon. Another has his family in front of the home.

Other prints on display include President Grant leading a dance at the Stetson house, also known as the West End Hotel.

There is also a scene by Thomas Nast, a New Jersey illustrator, which pokes fun of Grant as the King on the bluff at his Elberon home, and includes the Democratic Party symbol of the donkey. Nast popularized the donkey and elephant symbols of America's two major political parties.

“Long Branch has a promising future, an exciting present and a fascinating past," said Mayor John Pallone. "We are eager to show off all three at City Hall."

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