At the heart of Rumson stands the historic 55 Center Street, the original Rumson Fire House, now home to the Junior League of Monmouth County (JLMC). Built in 1906, this cherished landmark embodies our commitment to preserving history and serving our community. The building, with its rich legacy of community service, serves as the primary meeting space for JLMC, where our members gather to fulfill our mission of promoting volunteerism, developing women’s potential, and improving communities through effective action and leadership.

Originally designed to house a horse-drawn carriage, the firehouse was later adapted to accommodate motorized firefighting trucks as the town of Rumson evolved. Over the years, the building underwent structural changes to meet the needs of a growing community, including relocating the entrance and adding garage doors for modern equipment.

In 1970, the Junior League of Monmouth County acquired the building, purchasing it for one dollar and repurposing it to fulfill our mission of volunteerism and community service. Since then, 55 Center Street has been a hub of activity, hosting meetings, training sessions, and community functions.

Recognizing the importance of preserving this historic landmark, the Junior League embarked on a restoration project in 2000. This effort aimed to maintain the building’s architectural integrity while ensuring its functionality for future generations. Significant improvements, such as wood replacement, restoration of pressed tin ceilings and walls, chimney reconstruction, and window replacement, have been undertaken to uphold the building’s legacy.

Today, 55 Center Street stands as a symbol of our commitment to service and a reminder to members of our shared history. We are honored to steward this historic space and remain dedicated to its preservation for the betterment of our community.

Renting Our Space

As part of our commitment to community engagement, the Junior League of Monmouth County offers the space at 55 Center Street for rent to members, friends of members (with a member sponsor), as well as to nonprofits and local small businesses for various events and functions. Whether you’re hosting a meeting, workshop, or special event, our historic venue provides a unique and memorable setting for your gathering. Contact us to learn more about renting our space and supporting our mission of service and leadership.

Linda W. Bricker
Chair, Buildings & Grounds Committee 2023-24
lwbricker@gmail.com