A Gift of Grace and Heritage: Jennifer Noonan Donates Historic Tea Gown to the Woman’s Club of Red Bank
A Stunning New Addition to the Club’s Entry Hall
The Woman’s Club of Red Bank is honored to acknowledge and extend our deepest gratitude to member Jennifer Noonan for her extraordinary gift to the Club—a framed 1875 Tea Gown. This elegant piece of fashion history now graces the end of our entryway hall at 164 Broad Street, setting a graceful and timeless tone for all who enter our historic clubhouse.
The gown was framed and donated in loving memory of Jennifer’s grandmother, Adrienne Elizabeth Bramley Noonan—affectionately known as “Gram.” Its arrival holds special meaning, as it coincided with the anniversary of the Hartshorne Family historic exhibition, further tying this gift to the legacy of one of Monmouth County’s most prominent families.
Honoring Generations of Monmouth County History
Jennifer Noonan is a proud descendant of the Hartshorne family, a name deeply woven into the fabric of Monmouth County history. Her ancestor, Richard Hartshorne, first settled in the area in 1669, and the family’s legacy has shaped local history for over ten generations.
The Hartshorne family is remembered not only for their stewardship of the Portland Tract—a vast estate of more than 2,400 acres stretching between the Navesink River and Sandy Hook Bay, including Sandy Hook itself—but also for their enduring commitment to public service. In the 1970s, a large portion of this historic estate was transfered to the Monmouth County Park System. This land would go on to become Hartshorne Woods Park and part of the Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area. The family’s legacy of civic involvement continued through descendants Daniel Ward Seitz and Ellen Noonan Adams, who both served as long-time Trustees and Officers of the Monmouth County Historical Association, helping preserve and share their family’s remarkable history through exhibitions and the donation of treasured heirlooms.
A Legacy of Public Service and Preservation
Jennifer’s donation also beautifully connects with the legacy of the Woman’s Club of Red Bank. Founded in 1896, incorporated in 1917, and housed in the former Reckless Estate (built ca. 1870), the Club has long served as a beacon of civic engagement and community service. The Clubhouse itself has been listed on both the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places since 1982.
The gift of the tea gown—brought from Paris to Monmouth County around (1875) the same era the Reckless estate was constructed (1870)—perfectly complements the Club’s mission of preserving the past while enriching the present.
Celebrate Local History: Visit Us This May
We invite the public to experience this remarkable gift in person during the Weekend in Old Monmouth self-guided historic walking tour, taking place on May 3rd and 4th. The Woman’s Club of Red Bank will open its doors for this special occasion, offering a rare glimpse into our beautifully maintained historic space and the new home of the 1875 Tea Gown.
Whether you’re drawn by local history, architectural charm, or family legacy, the Woman’s Club of Red Bank is proud to stand as a living monument to the community—and now, to the enduring contributions of the Hartshorne family and the generosity of Jennifer Noonan.
Additional Gratitude
A heartfelt thank you to George from Revere Picture Framing in Middletown for his expert craftsmanship and care in framing our treasured heirlooms. His attention to detail truly brought the history to life.
We are also deeply grateful to Candice Snyder’s husband, Ken Snyder, for generously donating his time and skills to install the beautiful shadowbox frame. Your kindness and support made this special display possible!
With heartfelt thanks,
The Woman’s Club of Red Bank