Set on the southbound side of the highway between mile marker 20 and 19, the large rock draws attention from locals and visitors alike, in search of strange New Jersey sites or just passing by. The Painted Rock of Route 539 has been a mystery for some time, inspiring several local writings and plenty of conversation.
How the Painted Rock Got to the Side of Route 539
According to “Captain Lou” Puskas, Jr., who recalls when the rock first appeared there, it was on its way to be piled with other rocks of its size around Barnegat Light to help prevent erosion of the land. He first saw a “big tractor trailer truck” hauling three rocks in that direction. The truck got a flat tire and was apparently too heavy to be jacked up in order to change the tire.
A day or two later, Puskas was in the same area and noticed a new addition to the roadside – a large (then unpainted) rock. He only assumed the truck driver had removed it from his truck in order to jack the vehicle up and change the flat tire so he could continue on to his destination, one rock less. Puskas' first-hand account ends there, only revealing how he believes the rock got to its present location.
The Painting of the Painted Rock
At some point after the rock arrived, paint began to appear on it, themed for various holidays and presumably personal occasions that mean little to passersby, but succeeded in drawing a greater intrigue to the rock. This previously ever-changing decoration is the true attraction; yet, the painter of the rock had remained a mystery for many years.
In “Voices in the Pines: True Stories from the New Jersey Pine Barrens,” Karen Riley revealed that Edward Gillesheimer of Cedar Glen Lakes had done much of the painting, until after September 11, 2001, when a soldier's wife painted the American flag on it. Gillesheimer hasn't touched it since, but the patriotic theme has grown to include real flags surrounding the rock.
In Honor of the Route 539 Painted Rock
The popularity of the roadside oddity is so great, there has even been an adolescent novel written about it. "The Secret of the Painted Rock," written by award winning New Jersey creative team John Calu and Dave Hart, follows two teens and their “faithful fellow explorer” in search of the “Picasso of the Pines” who keeps painting the rock.
A fan posted an ode to the rock on the Weird NJ website, in part pointing out its current state:
“But since 9/11 it’s been red, white, and blue. Why it hasn’t changed, I think I’ve a clue. Look at that rock and you’ll know I’m not wrong--Just like our country it’s solid and strong.”
Laura Gooley - Since graduating from The College of New Jersey with a degree in Philosophy and minors in both Women and Gender Studies and Professional ...
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