In the wake of the recent storm last month and subsequent coastal flooding, a piece of Americana washed up along the Barnegat Bay shoreline of Toms River—a Stewar’ts Rootbeer plastic jug. This seemingly mundane item possibly carries with it a story of travel, tradition, and nostalgia.
It could also just mean somebody dumped their jug in the water in Seaside Heights and it made the journey across the bay during the storm.
The journey of the jug is speculative yet intriguing. It could have been adrift for days or weeks, tossed by the waves and currents. Considering the robust nature of Stewart’s Rootbeer’s distribution, it’s possible that this jug began its voyage from a distant location, traveling miles across the ocean, only to find its resting place on our local shores.
Stewarts Rootbeer, a brand steeped in American tradition, dates back to 1924. Its rootbeer stands, often a staple in many towns, symbolize a bygone era of simplicity and community gathering. With their distinct Americana charm, these stands served not just rootbeer but also a sense of belonging and togetherness.
As we ponder over the origin of this jug, it’s hard not to reminisce about Stewart’s hot dog and rootbeer stand that once graced Route 37. This stand was more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it was a community landmark, a place where memories were made over frothy glasses of rootbeer and savory hot dogs. It’s now replaced by a vacant building, formerly a 7-11, standing as a silent testament to changing times and evolving landscapes.
The journey of the Stewart’s Rootbeer jug is a reminder of the impermanence of things and the enduring nature of memories. While the physical structures may vanish, replaced by new developments, the memories and traditions they housed continue to float in our collective consciousness, much like the jug that found its way to the shores of Toms River.