This is the Taylor Pavilion, stop #40 on the Belmar Treasure Trail. For many decades, the old Fifth Avenue Pavilion had been the social centerpiece of Belmar during the summer months. Interestingly, during World War 2, the beautiful ocean-facing windows on the back of the original pavilion were covered with blackout paint. This was one of countless steps taken by Local Defense Councils along the Jersey Shore to darken the oceanfront at night so it would be harder for Nazi U-Boats that prowled our coast to stalk and sink nearby freighters. But once the war ended, popular activities returned to the pavilion. Some of our senior residents still remember the old “Rat Races” held here more than half a century ago. They were post-war teen dances and canteens that helped young men and women escape from their daily “rat race.” The origina ...