Dorothy Parker Day Returns to Jersey Shore on Oct. 14

LONG BRANCH, New Jersey – The Dorothy Parker Day Committee has announced that the world-renowned poet, writer and critic born in Long Branch will be celebrated in a unique way on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007.

The day-long Sunday program pays tribute to four things Mrs. Parker herself enjoyed: books, luncheons, her dogs, and cocktails:

The Long Branch Free Public Library will present Parker’s work;

A “Round Table luncheon” will channel her spirit at local eateries;

A dog parade will pass Parker’s birthplace on Ocean Avenue;

A late afternoon speakeasy party will toast her wit and charm.

In 2005 the birthplace of Dorothy Parker was added to the Friends of Libraries U.S.A. roster of Literary Landmarks. It was the first FOLUSA Literary Landmark for an author’s birthplace in the State of New Jersey. A bronze plaque outside 732 Ocean Avenue marks the location.

Dorothy Parker was born at her family’s beach cottage on Aug. 22, 1893, in West End, a village in Monmouth County, some sixty miles south of New York City. Her parents, Henry and Eliza Rothschild, were middle-class residents of Manhattan who vacationed in the charming seaside town. Parker, who died in 1967 in New York, was a bestselling poet and short story writer. She gained immortal fame as a member of the Algonquin Round Table, a collection of writers, playwrights, actors and wits who lunched at the Algonquin Hotel in the 1920s. Parker was also an Oscar-nominated screenwriter, a playwright, and the first female drama critic on Broadway. She also was a tireless fighter for social justice, civil rights and left-wing causes.

The Dorothy Parker Day Committee is made up of members of the Long Branch Historical Association, the Long Branch Council of the Arts, the Long Branch Free Public Library, West End Merchants, and the Dorothy Parker Society.

“Dorothy Parker Day is a nice tribute to an author with ties to the community, and we believe our activities pay tribute to her in a meaningful and fun way,” said Beth Woolley, of the Long Branch Historical Association.

“Mrs. Parker might be remembered for being a quintessential New Yorker, but her life started on the Jersey Shore, and we’re happy to commemorate that,” said Kevin Fitzpatrick, author of “A Journey into Dorothy Parker’s New York.”

2007 DOROTHY PARKER DAY SCHEDULE:

Long Branch Free Public Library, 328 Broadway
Library Program 10:30 A.M.
– Coffee and refreshments
– Opening Ceremony
– Readings of selected Dorothy Parker works
– Screening of “The Sexes” a short film based on Parker’s 1927 short story

Lunch at the “Round Table”
West End, 12:30 P.M.
Participating eateries will take the place of the famous Algonquin Hotel for lunch with friends.

Dorothy Parker Dog Parade
St. Michael’s Church, 796 Ocean Avenue (gather in parking lot on North Lake Drive), 2:30 P.M.
Dorothy Parker adored her dogs, so dog lovers are encouraged to walk their pets in a parade past the literary landmark where Mrs. Parker was born. Owners are encouraged to dress their dogs up as famous literary characters. Walk begins in parking lot on North Lake Drive and will pass Mrs. Parker’s birthplace on Ocean Avenue.

Speakeasy Cocktail Party*
The Mix, 71 Brighton Avenue, 4 P.M.
Recreate Mrs. Parker’s Vicious Circle.

All events except lunch are free and open to the public.

*Must be 21 years old to attend cocktail party. (Cash bar)

For Further Information contact:
Gabor Barabas, 732-229-3166, [email protected]

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