John Robbins Allaire, born in 1872, was the great-grandson of the famous James P. Allaire who had started the Howell Works iron smelting business in 1822. John’s father was William Lounsbery Allaire, a Howell farmer. John chose a different career path entirely and opened a clothing and shoe store at 81 Main Street in Farmingdale around 1901. He and his wife, Ida May lived right next door at 79 Main St.
John R. Allaire was active in Farmingdale civic affairs, participating in the Fire Company, and acting as Postmaster. He operated his store until his death in 1938. It has been the location of a number of businesses since then, including a men’s shop and a dry cleaner. Today, the almost unrecognizable storefront houses a bagel store, a construction company, and an antique shop. The Garden State Community Bank is now on the Allaire home site.
