Story by Jim McConville | Photos by Frederick Packman
RED BANK – If you’ve ever been to the Red Bank Farmers’ Market, you have been on the site of a New Jersey landmark. The Galleria and its red-bricked exterior may be known today for its small-business appeal, but turn the calendar back and, in place of pubs and shops, you’d find the Sigmund Eisner Company, a textile factory specializing in World War I uniform production. A Jewish immigrant from Bohemia in the late 1800s, Eisner volunteered to manufacture the first official Boy Scout uniforms right in Red Bank.
Earlier this month, the Monmouth Council for Scouting America held a Scouting Heritage Society Reception honoring the Eisner legacy on the second floor of the Galleria building. In a room that was once a rail car, according to Matthew Kaufman, trustee of the NJ Scout Museum, Bray Barnes, Monmouth Council’s interim CEO, a former assistant Ocean County prosecutor and master of ceremonies for the reception, outlined Scouting’s continuing relevance.
Kaufman detailed the building’s history, from a November 1906 fire to the Eisner Company’s dissolution in 1956, highlighting the famous uniform, its inner seal emblazoned for authenticity. “More important than just clothing,” Kaufman lauded the uniform for affording its wearers the opportunity to “become part of something larger than themselves.”
Additional speakers included J.P. Bartolomeo, current Monmouth Council president, and Kevin Leahy, a 60-year Eagle Scout and co-sponsor of the event. Bartolomeo spoke of the acceptance of young women into Scouting and the local chapter’s removal of “1,075 pounds of waste from local waterways last year,” while Leahy reminded all “how important Scouting is to this country.”
The evening’s guest of honor was Scouting America’s national chair, Ricky Mason, who spoke of his history as a young Jewish Scout from Virginia. He was honored with a Hebrew edition of “Scouting for Boys,” published in 1920s Jerusalem by the Hebrew Scouts Association.
“Scouting gave me a safe place to be a Jew,” Mason remarked, extolling its ability to “bring people together of all faiths on common ground for common purpose.” Mason spoke of “learning how to interact with other kids,” “leading a law practice,” and becoming the person he is today, all thanks to Scouting.
Original uniform and Scouting artifacts, including canteens, sewing kits and a 1919 Boy Scout Diary, were displayed, as current Scouts, including recent Rutgers graduate Heidi Kiss, recited the Scouting Oath. One young Scout, William Aydin, even wore an original uniform woven in Eisner’s factory.
While Robert Hayes, assistant scout executive of the Monmouth & Jersey Shore Councils, noted Scouting has somewhat “waned in popularity”, Bartolomeo said Scouting can still help youth “develop character, leadership, confidence and a commitment to serving others.”
On an autumn night in a former factory on the banks of the Navesink River, many were reminded of the Two River area’s historic nature and the continuing need to embolden today’s youth to improve the world around them.
Scouting America is open to boys and girls from kindergarten through 12th grade.To find a Cub Scout Pack, Scouts BSA Troop, Sea Scout Ship, Explorer Post or Venture Crew, visit beascout.org.
The article originally appeared in the October 15 – 21, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
