Shark attacks recalled as a story of heroism

BY LAUREN PIRO
Correspondent

SCOTT PILLING staff Matawan Mayor Mary Aufseeser lays a wreath on the grave of 24-year-old Stanley Fisher, who was killed by a shark while trying to save 12-year-old Lester Stillwell in Matawan Creek in July 1916. MATAWAN - Terhune Park was brimming with music, food, crafts and a whole lot of history as the community celebrated its second annual SharkFest on Saturday.

The event began as a way to commemorate the famous shark attack that took place in Matawan Creek on July 12, 1916. The freak incident that led to the death of 12-year-old Lester Stillwell and his attempted savior, Stanley Fisher, 24, shocked the nation and brought the community together, both then and now.

The afternoon of pomp and remembrance began with a memorial service at Rose Hill Cemetery, where both victims of the attack are buried. Led by Al Savolaine of the Matawan Historical Society, the service included a vivid retelling of the events on that fateful day 91 years ago, highlighting the heroism and lives of those involved. Those in attendance listened on as Savolaine recounted the event that he noted was akin to similar traumatic occurrences of a national scale - tragic, yet uniting. A blessing was also said upon each of the victims' graves, and wreaths were laid for both.

As the festival continued, community members and history buffs were treated to an educational bus tour of the attack, which included stops such as Fisher's dry cleaning shop, and of course, Matawan Creek itself. Visitors were allowed on the property of the incident at Dock Street, which has been closed since 1916. The tours were led by Richard Fernicola, local historian and author of "Twelve Days of Terror," a book on the attacks that took place in Beach Haven, Spring Lake and Matawan that summer.

"It was such a sensational event," Fernicola said. "This story had been so uninvestigated, why shouldn't a local guy delve a little deeper? I think it's a great definition of the community - a lot of pride, connection to local history."

SharkFest visitors continued their afternoon of underwater fun and history with many other activities, including several showings of the Discovery Channel documentary "Twelve Days of Terror," a photographic presentation from scuba-diving pioneer Stan Waterman and a presentation from the Shark Research Institute. Vendors were lined up with crafts and festival food, and patrons could even chow down on a shark taco or gazpacho.

One visitor, Jenny Opramolla of Matawan, held the viewpoint that seemed to be shared by many at the event.

"As a Matawan resident, it's interesting to learn about the history of the place you grew up and live in," she said.

Shari Solarski of Aberdeen agreed, recalling her experience on the bus tour.

"Just to know about the history of the town, I never knew that [creek site] existed," she said.

Some involved with the event acknowledged, but retorted, its minicontroversy - why celebrate an event that was so tragic? Savolaine and Jim Shea, also of the Matawan Historical Society, gave an answer.

"It was not just about the victims, it was about the town that pulled together," Savolaine said. "We are celebrating heroics."

"They want to celebrate the historical significance," said Shea.

"Every town has a thing," Shea said. "This captures Matawan."