Last Thursday, Dec. 11, dozens gathered in the cozy confines of Coastal Collective Arts in Ventnor to celebrate one of the town’s most historic and cherished neighborhoods, St. Leonard’s Tract. The store is collaborating with the St. Leonard’s Association to support the organization and sell new merchandise that commemorates its storied background. Residents and supporters can now purchase one-of-a-kind items, such as t-shirts, cutting boards, cups, magnets, coasters, and koozies, each showcasing the St. Leonard’s Tract emblem.
St. Leonard’s Tract is a historic neighborhood in Ventnor with large homes, mansions, and magnificent gardens. Each of the homes built within the tract were built prior to the establishment of zoning regulations. Its residents created uniform deeds to assure that the quaint character of the neighborhood would be preserved for generations to come.
In 1921, the St. Leonard’s Association was established with the aim of preserving the historic neighborhood, celebrating its unique charm, and promoting goodwill and friendship among its residents. Today, it is one of the oldest active homeowner’s associations in the country, with up to 170 active households.
The neighborhood itself spans eight blocks, each with its own peculiar charm and one-of-its-kind architecture. All the houses within the tract have remained largely untouched since the community’s founding, plenty of stories to tell. One of those homes includes a Spanish Colonial masterpiece that was designed by Vivian Smith. The longtime local resident designed multiple properties, including Ventnor City Hall, the Ocean City Music Pier, and the Flanders Hotel.
One of its most notable residents includes American composer and songwriter, Irving Berlin, who’s credits span over 1,500 songs, from countless film scores and stage productions, even ‘God Bless America’. He even entertained friends by playing a baby grand piano in his living room. Other residents include former New Jersey Governor Walter E. Edge and former U.S. Senator George Smathers.
In more recent decades, St. Leonard’s Tract has become a filming location for the Danny Devito movie ‘Wise Guys’.
At Coastal Collective Arts, longtime residents Danielle Gotta and Marie Horneberger highlight the importance of staying connected and collaborating with other local neighbors. “We really want to connect with the community, and for the community to connect with us.”
Upon walking through the doors, shoppers will instantly feel the town’s artistic spirit comes to life with more than 65 local artists on display, each selling their wares, from pottery to ornaments, photographs, and stickers. The store even offers custom printing services. “The community is really embracing us,” Gotta said.
The St. Leonard’s Tract Association has seen their membership grow in recent years, and their active members play a pivotal role in giving back to the community. Each year, the organization hosts four community service projects, where its members will donate unwrapped toys, collect diapers, school supplies, and Thanksgiving meals for a good cause. “We had a great response, and everything we collect goes to local needy families”, says Tracy Mastrogiacomo, President of the St. Leonard’s Tract Association.
Mastrogiacomo says the association is planning for an exciting year ahead in 2026. “Hopefully we’ll be involved this summer with the town for one of the 250-year celebrations.”
To learn more about St. Leonard’s Tract, its storied history, or membership opportunities, visit www.stleonardstract.org. Merchandise can be found at Coastal Collective Arts, located at 5112 Ventnor Ave. Updated hours and information can be found at www.facebook.com/@CoastalCollectiveArts or by emailing coastalcollectivearts@gmail.com.
