Spring Speaker Event – The History of Homes

On
Tuesday, June 10 at 7:15, in the old Oakhurst School Auditorium at
163 Monmouth Road, architect Frank Tomaino hosts a virtual tour of
the some of the area's most fascinating houses. His talk, "An
Architectural History of Homes," draws on rich examples from
nearby communities.

The
examples span the centuries and the range of architectural
styles--from the earliest colonial, to Levittown-inspired tract
homes, to the boldly modern. Along the way, Frank talks about the
building techniques, materials, and aesthetic trends that shaped the
shore's built environment. He highlights houses designed by some of
the world's best architects, and shares his personal stories.

One
such tells of the time Frank was called in by Leon Avakian, a
prominent local civil engineer, to review plans for a Deal home drawn
up by Paul Rudolph. Rudolph was internationally renown architect
acclaimed for his striking buildings of the 1960's-70's Brutalist
period that pre-dated Postmodernism. Rudolph's work included the Yale
School of Architecture Building, the Orange County New York
Government Center, and a great glass tower in Hong Kong.

"Leon
did not think Rudolph's structure worked and asked me to look at it
with him," Frank recalls. "He asked Rudolph's office to
beef up some of the cantilevers that you see in the picture. After
some 20 years, some did sag and were repaired. Leon was right!"

Frank
Tomaino is a Deal native who now lives in Oakhurst. In his
distinguished 45 year practice, he has designed homes, schools, and
public buildings throughout the country. His awards include the NJ
Society of Architects "Architect of the Year (2001)."

The
talk, part of the Township of Ocean Historical Museum Speakers'
Series, is open to the public, free of charge. Donations are always
appreciated. Refreshments are served. Please bring a non-perishable
item for the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

The
Township of Ocean Historical Museum, founded in 1984, is a
member-supported, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its
headquarters, the Eden Woolley House, is one of the few 18th
century structures still in existence in the Township and is open to
the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.),
Thursday Evenings (7 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and the first and second Sundays
of each month (1p.m. to 4 p.m.). For more information, please call
732-531-2136.