The first surfer on the East Coast. Was it a woman at Asbury Park in 1888? Was it Emma Spreckels? New book Fosraken Kings Emma Spreckels the Surfer of Asbury Park explores her life.

Long form post: Modern History writers, climbing on the backs of others, without proper further investigation, unknowingly perpetuate a false narrative of the Last Hawaiian King and his falling out with Tycoon Claus Spreckels over a card game. 

This story negatively impacts the legacy of Hawaiian King David Kalākaua. The story happened during a critical time in his reign. The break with Spreckels has historical significance and indirectly led the loss of the King’s exclusive sovereign powers, and eventually cost the Hawaiian’s their independence.

The Asbury Park Baby Parade was the largest beauty contest in the country for over 40 years.

Interview with the author on the origins of Forsaken Kings