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Family on the Half-Shell.

Family on the Half-Shell

Field review by the editors.

Toms River, New Jersey

This somewhat bizarre sculpture by local artist Brian Hanlon is officially titled "Welcome to Ocean County." Built for a half-million dollars contributed by an Ocean County real estate developer -- who praised its "grandeur and magnitude" -- it was unveiled on August 14, 2014.

A mid-20th century beach family of five (bronze Dad is eight feet tall) stands on a Jersey Shore boardwalk, inside a giant scallop shell, with a Ferris wheel in the background.

The sculpted waves on the granite base symbolize Ocean County residents rising above the flood waters of 2012's Superstorm Sandy, and the inscription on the base praises their "indomitable spirit."

The entire sculpture weighs nearly 30 tons, so even another superstorm won't wash it away.

Family on the Half-Shell

Address:
13 Hwy 37, Toms River, NJ
Directions:
On the south side of Hwy 37 just east of its intersection with Hwy 166 (and a quarter-mile east of Garden State Pkwy exit 82). Drive east, past the statue, park at the Exxon station, then walk back to it.
Admission:
Free
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

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Movie Amityville Horror HouseMovie Amityville Horror House, Toms River, NJ - 1 mi.
In the region:
Killed Making Washington's Gunpowder, Medford, NJ - 32 mi.

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