^^f(ft*:e»,«S!»A?:»^ %. c -> Ti -'\ I I \ «A^.Tr>:;-. *<-■* EBS!?3s«?^?5SS!^' -^ x^^ -^^V vO.O nN S., <-^, ./ ii^jiME'iajj^,!^aiiiiiii,^liyit| HISTORY OF Atlantic City. NEW JERSEY. By a. L. ENGLISH August, 1884. ' The panting City cried to the Sea, 'I am faint with heat; O, breathe on me!' So, to the City, hot with flame Of the pitiless sun, the east wind came. It came from the heaving breast of the deep, Silent as dreams are, and sudden sleep." — Longfellow . PHILADELPHIA, PA.: Dickson & Gilling, Publishers, Printers and Binders, 27 and 29 South Seventh Street. 1' '\ . • 4o5"o nsi Copyrighted by A. L. English, in the year 1884, in the Office ol" the Librarian ot Congress, at Washington, D. C. -C, INDEX. CHAPTEE I. "What is Atlantic City and where Situated? 9 Encroachments by the Sea, 10 The Aborigines, 12 Traditions, 13 First Settlement by Whites, • • ■ 14 Original Surveys, 16 The Steelman Family 20 The Jeremiah Leeds Purchases, 25 The Somers' and Steelman's, 29 Leeds' Possession of the Island, 33 The Chamberlin Tract 34 First Purchase by the Land Company, 35 Dedication of Land for Streets, 37 Population During the Eevolution 38 First Permanent Settler 38 Fish and Game, 39 Salt Works, 41 Beach Parties and First Bath 5oHse, 41 How a Fortune was Missed 42 Old Landmark Obliterated, 43 CHAPTEE IL Dr. Pitney the Founder of Atlantic City, 44 Charter for a Eailroad, 46 How it was Named Atlantic City 48 Purchase and Laying out of Atlantic Avenue, 50 Formation of a Land Company 51 Opening Excursion to the Sea, 52 Incorporation of the City 53 First Election, 56 The City's Seal, '. 57 The First Ordinance, 58 6 Index. The Second Council, 59 The First Jail 60 History of the Lighthouse, 61 Its Cognomen— ''The City by the Sea," 63 First Market House 63 Early Struggles of the Kailroad Company 64 The First Excursions .65 The First Hop 68 The Ice Tide o{ 1857 68 The Mosquito Plague of 1858 69 The Difficulty of Obtaining Good Water, 72 First Eesident Physician 73 Cattle Playing a Part in History 74 Clam Creek Fishing Company, 76 Some of the High Tides of the Past • 77 Kecollections by Thos. McA.dams .78 First City Surveys 80 Recollections by Mr. Bedloe 80 Mr. Schaufler's Early Experience 81 First Life-saving Station 84 A Chat with the First Ice Man, 85 A Prominent Citizen's First Trip 86 The First Native Born 86 The First Board Walk 87 Children's Sea.shore House 89 Union League and Literary Association 89 The Mitchner Land Sale, 90 Atlantic City Horse Car and Passenger Railroad, 92 Murder and Suicide, ■•■.... 93 Sad Case of Drowning, 95 Shipwrecks and Drowning, . . 96 First Marriage 105 The Post Offices 106 A Pioneer Poetess, 107 Atlantic City's Barefoot Boy, 108 Military Companies, 109 The Churches .110 U. S. Signal Station 114 The Schools 114 Mrs. Eliza P. Guerney, . 117 The Life Savers 119 The City Hall 120 Camden and Atlantic Depot, 120 The Fire Department, 122 Caught in an lee Tide . . 125 Dr. Wm. Wetherell, 126 Gas and Water Company 126 Ojtening of the Mansion . 128 Mr. Henry Disston 129 Index. 7 CHAPTEE III. Philadelphia and Atlantic City Kailway 132 Newspapers i^-j Society of non-Resident Tax Payers, I37 Gen. Grant and Distinguished Guests, . . 138 The Atlantic Avenue Railroad Controversy 140 The Lippincott Land Case, I44 Improvement Association, . 145 Running the Trains Through the City, I47 Board of Health, . I47 The Excursion Houses, I49 Atlantic City's National Bank I49 The Water Controversy 151 Early Bath Houses, 152 CHAPTER IV. The West Jersey and Atlantic Railroad, I54 Park Bath House and Parlor 159 Building Associations 161 Hon. John L. Bryant 161 The Ocean Piers 162 Sewerage Ordinance 162 Formation of a Yachtman's Association 163 Citizens' Association 164 The Mercer Home ... 165 Justices of the Peace 166 Wards and Precincts 166 Higbee Road and Inlet Drive. . . 167 Total Number of Votes Polled , .167 Religious Exercises on the Beach . . 168 City Officials from 1854 to and including 1883 . . 169 The Earthquake 172 Atlantic City in Summer 172 Atlantic City as a Winter Resort . 176 Testimonials by Eminent Physicians 178 The City as a Winter Health Lift 183 Influence of the Gulf Stream 186 Meteorological Statistics .... 187 Annual Amount of Rainfall 189 Further Advantages as a Sanatarium 196 Hygiene Hints and Sanitary Precautions 199 Societies 201 Routes to Atlantic 207 Where this Book is on Sale 207 A Word to the City Authorities 208 2 C l=^f: n M rt U X £5033 •jt t^OO On c e o ^* ^ • ) o -a U = c ^ i * HT* Tti .HE^H 5:^1 ir> " <1) ^2; J! ^Di o = fr,« X n K^.ixta 3«u:3u m" (N ooT? vn CHAPTER 1. An ethereal sea ebbs and ttow8, surges ancl washes hither and thither, carry- ; its whole virtue into every beach-creek and inlet it lashes.— E'topcsoj?. What is Atlantic City ? It is a refuge tlirown up by the continent- building sea. Dame Health took a caprice and sliook it our of a fold of her flounce. A railroad laid a wager to find the shortest distance from Penn's treaty elm to tlie Atlantic Ocean. It dashed into the water, and a city emerged from its freight cars as a consequence of the manoeuvre. Almost any kind of a parentage will account for Atlantic. It is beneath shoddy and above mediocrity. It is different from any other watering-place in the world, because it is unspoilt, yet luxurious ; because the air is filled with iodine and chloride of sodium ; because with a whole universe of water Atlantic City is dry ; because of its perfect health and infinite horizons. Where is Atlantic City '? It is a strip of land on the Xew Jersey coast, bounded by Absecon Inlet on the Il^ortheast, the Great Egg Harbor Inlet on the Southwest, the Ocean on the Southeast and Beach Thoroughfare on the Northwest, and for many years has been known as "Absecon Beach," This strip of land is about ten miles long, and varies from one-quarter to three-quarters of a mile in width. Its general direction is ^STortheast and Southwest. It lies parallel to and is about five miles from the mainshore, from which it is separated by numerous bays, sounds, thoroughfares and salt meadows. It is distant from Philadelphia fifty-seven miles, in a Southeasterly direction. It is -[() History of Atlantic City, an island of the sea— surrounded by the salt and healing waters, the tides of the great Ocean — •• Ever drifting, drifting, drifting With the shifting Cnri-ents of the restless main ; Till in sheltered coves, and reaches , Of sandy beaches; The tides ebb and flood again." The island before described as Absecon Beach, was in the year 1700, divided about midway by a small inlet through which the tide ebbed and flowed. This inlet located about two miles below the im- proved part of the present city long since filled up, and is known as "Dry Inlet." All that part of Absecon Beach lying from this inlet to the eastward so far as Absecon Inlet has been incorporated, and is now called Atlantic City. In 1703, Absecon Inlet ran out to sea about where Peters' Beach now is, the inlet having moved about a half a mile southward during the past 180 years AVhere Absecon Inlet empties into the ocean to-day there once stood a fine growth of oak timber, which years since succumbed to the axe of the shipwright and the encroachments of the sea. This freak of nature is not peculiar to Absecon Inlet. Prof. Cook, State Geologist, says all of the Inlets on the coast work southward, caused by the force of the currents during heavy northeast winds. This accounts for the abrasion at that end of the island bordered by Absecon Inlet. In truth it may be said that— '•When descends on the Atlantic The gigantic Storm viiul of the eqninox. Landward in his Avrath he sconrges The toiling surges." As an illustration of these encroachments by the sea, we cite the fact that owners of blocks and lots, whose deeds were duly recorded as late as 1855, have been compelled to resign them to the waves. The lighthouse, built as was supposed far out of the reach of danger, was for years threatened, until the government saved it by a series of jetties built ill the year 1870. These jetties checked further encroachment in that immediate quarter, and may restore the lands which the ocean swallowed up. While this abrasion was going on at the upper end of the island a corresponding amount of land was making seaward along the entir>! sea front. Upon this accretion avenues and beautiful sites have Ijeen laid out, and numbers of hotels and cottages have been built thereon. Messrs. Jacob Keim «fc Sons were the first to venture upon this domain of Neptune, moving the Chester County House to within .'•no feet of the sea in 1874. The total value of land thus deposited History of Atlantic City. 11 along the city's sea front is estimated at 1150,000. In 1860, the bathing grounds were about on a line with the cottage of Honorable Geo. M. Dallas. Vessels sailed at high water where the beach board walk is now located. That the relative positions of land and sea are ever changing, every intelligent observer will admit. Evidence of such changes have been authenticated for thousands of years past, and Ab- secon Beach is no exception to the rule. 12 IIi^TOKv OF Atlantic City, The ancient city of Cromer stands submerged upon tlie tloor of tlie German Ocean, and not far distant, upon the same coast, beneatli the water of the ocean, are the ancient villages of Shipden, Wimpnell and Eccles. The latter submerged village, as if determined that its an- cient existence and locality shall not be forgotten or lost, projects aloft above the watery waste the ruined tower of one of its ancient churches, strange and weird testimony to time's mutations and the impotency of man when measuring strength with the terrible energy of nature. The voracity of the sea spared not ancient Dunwich, and laid his sacrilegious and iconoclastic hand upon her sacred edifices, and invaded the ancient mausolea of her dead. In 1740, by submarine explorations, the tombs in the churchyards of St. Xicholas and St. Francis were opened, when their coffins and skeletons were exposed to view, the latter lying upon the sands, rocked ••In Uio erailli' oftho rmii-. imperious surge." The Aborigines. In 1023, Captain Jacob May explored the Delaware Bay. The Cape was named after him. He reports possession of the land by Indians. On the oth of May, 1030, Peter Ileyser and Giles Caster bou<4ht of the Indians sixteen miles s{iuare at Cape May, for the Dutch West, India Company. Indians were reported further up the coast. Evelin, in 10-18, says, that on the east side of the Delaware, about five miles up from the Cape, the chief of the Kechemeches Indians, having several factions under him, in all about eight hundred, was at war with the Sorgue- hunnocks ; that they were all naked and all afraid of guns, but that they would trade with the wliites. He says the coast abounded with swans, geese, ducks and other fowl. He saw turkeys, one of which weighed forty-six pounds, and pigeons in abundance. "There were elks and doe that brought forth two young at a time.'' In 1031, David de Vries entered the Delaware Bay and left a colony at Cape Henlopen. He returned in 1032 and found the colony had all been massacred by the Indians. He speaks of Indians at Egg Harbor. De Vries, in his journal of March, 1(533, wrote of having struck seventeen whales and capturing but seven of them, complaining of his poor harpoons. In April of the same year, he speaks of meeting Indians, and seeing a Hight of wild pigeons that darkened the sky. There are other records of Indian occupation of the Xew Jersey coast. History of Atlantic City. 13 but no record of Indian cruelties to whites Irom the Delaware Bay to the Great Bay at the mouth of the ''Mullicas" or Little Egg Harbor Inlet. There can be no doubt that far away back in the annals of Time, the curling smoke from Indian wigwams ascended above the hill-tops and red cedar of the present site of Atlantic City. There remain traces of them to this day in the shell mounds in the vicinity of Hill's Creek. Indian implements of a very archaic char- acter have been found here ; Dr. Thos. K. Keed having several speci- mens in his possession. In his description of the New Jersey coast, William Wood, in a book published in London in 1634, refers to the aborigines in the following lines : ■■The dainty Indian niiiize Was eat with cUim->;hell8 out of \vof)dt'n travs. The luscious lobster, with the crab-tish raw. The brinnish oyster, mussel, jieriwiggie. And tortoise sought by Indian squaw, ^ Which to the Hatts dance many a winter's jiggie." J. T. King, M. D., of Baltimore, who has given careful study to the habits of the Indians, in his interestina; book published in lS82i says : " The Jersey Indians utilized the colored shells of the ' pociuan- hock ' for coin or money, by cutting out the central black portion, which in Indian numismatics they called ' luckahw'ok ' or black money. Black money had twice the value of white money or wam- pum." Traditions. From the time of the occupation of the island by Indians until its settlement by whites, there are many traditions. Dr. Thos. K. Reed, historian of the Atlantic City Literary Association, has evidence that seems to establish as a fact the tradition that the notorious pirate Blackbeard frequently enteied the lower inlet and anchored in the thoroughfare behind the hills, making " Hill's Creek " his landing place. "This pictures(iue spot," says the doctor, "must have been at that time, when coverpd with the original growth of trees, one of strange and rugged beauty. It is not difficult to imagine the old pirate seated in one of its dells surrounded by his fierce and uncouth com- panions, while an ancient oak or red cedar spreads above them its brawny limbs and gnarled and twisted branches, protecting them as lovingly from the blaze of the sun as if they carried the evangel of glad tidings and good will to men." 14 History ok Atlantic City. There are stories about drowning, piracy and shipwreck — about vessels being lured ashore on dark and stormy nights by lanterns erected on poles, and tlien jtlundered of everything of value. When enriched by the silver plate and coin thus procured, these land pirates would move away to live at ease upon their wealth, while others came to take their place. The waves have come up the beach and washed aAvay the footprints that chance had left as souvenirs of the past, and there is nothing left to trace these ancient accounts of piracy to any degree of proof. All the strand reveals is innumerable shells and splinters that the tide now as then, brought in and scattered on the sands. In the great ocean cemetery the king, the clown, the prince and the peasant are alike distinguished. The same wave rolls overall, the same reiiuiein by minstrels of the ocean is sung to their honor. Over their remains the same sun shines, and there unmarked the Aveak and the powerful, the plumed, tlie unhonored, will sleep on until awakened by the same trumpet. Fikst Settlement by Whites in this Vicinity. Of the lirst settlements on the Xew .Jersey coast in this vicinity there have been few records preserved. De Vries' journal of April, 1633, says, that on the evening of a certain day, he arrived at the mouth of Egg Harbor, and tells of the low sand beach full of small hills along the coast. He says, " Egg Harbor is a little river, and in- side the land is broken, and that higher up there is a beautiful wood." These doubtless, were the great forests of the main shore. The jour- nals of all the old navigators refer to great numbers of whales along the entire .Jersey coast , and a settlement of whalers near Egg Har- bor. One refers to a school of whales off Egg Harbor ; it is not im- probable then that whale-boats frequently ran into Absecom Inlet. Very probably numerous whales were captured at sea oft this island. It is on record that eighty-one years ago an immense whale stranded upon the bar and was towed into the inlet. With much labor and ex- pense the oil was tried out, but just as the parties were estimating the probable results of their got)d fortune, a man by the name of Inman came from Great Swamp and claimed half the booty. He alleged that he and his brother had killed the whale, and gave confirmation of this l)y identifying a piece of harpoon that had been broken off in it. They refused to divide, and he appealed to the courts and gained his suit. The supposed windfall proved a loss of five or six thousand dollars and affords another illustration of the apothegm that "a half loaf is better than no bread." Fin-ty years since a smaller whale came asliore on History of Atlantic City. 15 " Point of Beacli," and portions of the skeleton were washed out sixteen years ago by a storm tide ; one of its ribs, for years, was on exhibition in front of Schautler's Hotel, When whaling ceased to be- a profitable industry, lumbering in the magnificent cedar swamps with which the Jersey shore abounded, furnished sufiicient attraction to induce a continuance of the settlements begun under tlie whaling industry. The first settlement of whites within twenty miles of what is now Atlantic City, was made at Lov/er Bank, a hamlet in Burlington county, on the north side of the MuUica river, about fifteen miles from its mouth. Exactly when that settlement was first made is not now known, but probably in about 1645. "Esic Mullica," the original settler there appears to have been a man of position and means. He was born in Sweden in 1623, and probably came to America in the / i SAILIXO UP THE BAY. "Key of Calmar'' or the " Guffin" in about 1037 or 1()3S, at which time he could have been only about 14 or 15 years of age. He proba- bly stopped at some of the Swedish settlements along the Delaware river until he was 21 or 22 years of age, and then with his retainers established his colony at that place. He acquired no English title to land, but made his improvements there long before the English set- tlers. The Duke of York conveyed the province now called Xew Jer- sey to Lord Buckley and Sir George Carteret on the 3rd of July, 1664, and soon after that the records begin to mention the name of Mullica in the vicinity of Lower Bank. In 1093, he was the head of a family IC) History of Atlantic City, of eight peisoDS. He moved from Lower Bank to Mullica Hill in Glou- cester county, which then included Atlantic county. In 1722 he sold his place at Crreen Bank to a Joseph Pearce. He died at Mullica Hill in 1723, at the age of one hundred years. "^Mullica's Road," " Mullica's Hill,'' ••]SIullica's River'" and Mullica Tuwnship, this county, derive their names from the old Swede, who made the first settlement within twenty miles of this city. In 1G95, Deputy Surveyor "Worlidge made many surveys along this part of the New Jersey coast, some of them for Daniel Cope, others for Thomas Budd and some for John Budd. Among these surveys were several made at and near Somer's Point, Pecks Beach, (now Ocean City), and Absecon Beach. These were among the first surveys in this vicinity. OlMGINAL SUUVEYS WiTHIN THE InLOKPOUATED LiJIITS. For the following information we are indebted to Gen. Elias "Wright, who has made a careful search of the records of Mercer, Bur- lington, Camden, Gloucester and Atlantic counties, that an accurate statement of surveys and title to laud might be published in this his- tory. Much researcli and investigation has been required, and the re- sult as herewith published cannot fail to be of great value. The Gene- ral says : Within the incorporated limits of Atlantic City are the following original survej's, from which all title to land within the city has descended, viz. : 1. Survey made to Thomas Budd, Oct 11th, 1G1I.">, for 440 acres. 2. Survey made to Amos Ireland, Feb. (Uh, 1727, for 4'.t acres. 3. Survey made to Andrew Steelman, July 5th, 1727, for 180 acres. 4. Survey made to Andrew Steelman, July otli, 1727, for 10 acres. 5. Survey made to Peter Conover, May 20th, 1729, for 100 acres. ('). Survey made to Andrew Steelman, Dec. loth, 1729, for 11 9-10 acres. 7. Survey made to Daniel Ireland, Fel). ISth, 17."52, for M acres. 8. Survey made to Andrew Steelman, Ai)ril 20th, 1733, for 20 acres. 9. Survey made to Andrew Steelman, April 2oth, 1734, for 34 acres. 10. Survey made to John Ladd, March 4th, 17.'>9, for 717 acres. 11. Survey made to John Ladd, March 5th, 1739, for .".18 acres. Tliere was a survey made to Samuel Conley, Ryan Adams, An- drew Leeds and Owen Conley, on the 13th of Dec, 1829, for 45 acres of mud Hats, Ijut as it is not known whether or not these mud fiats lie within the bounds of the city no further attention will be given this last named survev. History ov Atlantic City. 17 For the accretions along the sea front several recent surveys have been made to one Tatum by Samuel Downs, a Deputy Surveyor, but as under the laws of New Jersey no title followed the making of these surveys, no further mention will be made of the Tatum surveys. In the Budd survey Absecoii Inlet is called "Graverads Inlet." By some, this has been interpreted to mean " Graveyard Inlet," sup- posed to have been so called because in the imaghiatioa of recent historians the wrecks of many vessels gave it the appearance of a graveyard with its many monuments to the dead. The survey made next after the Budd was to Amos Ireland, for 40 acres, in 1727, by which it seems that thirty-two years had inter- vened. The Ireland survey was made by Deputy Surveyor Japhet Leeds, who begins this Ireland survey " at a white oak tree for a corner on said beach in or near the line of Andrew Steelman," by which it seems that Andrew Steelman owned, or claimed to own, a part or the whole of the Budd survey, in 1727. By a note on this Ireland survey it seems that 28 acres of it laid on " Steel man's land." Now, as there was only the Budd survey existing on the beach wlien the Ireland survey was made, it follows that, if the note be true, Steelman owned the Budd survey. Andrew Steelman's survey for 180 acres made in .July, 1727, by Deputy Surveyor Japhet Leeds, recites that it lies "near or adjohiing to a survey or tract of land formerly belonging to John Budd." The Budd survey was made to Thomas, and John was the son of Thomas, so the title to the Thomas Budd survey descended to John Budd, from whom (if the above deductions from the island survey be true) it de- scended to Andrew Steelman. The bounds of the Peter Conover survey for 100 acres begins " in a line of land of Thomas Budd," and the last line of this Conover sur- vey follows St) "chains in Budd's line." This Conover survey was made in 1729, and the reference in it, evidently, is to a survey made to Thomas Budd and not to the then owner of the Budd survey. There is much doubt as to whether the Andrew Steelman survey of 11 0-10 acres lies on Abseconi Beach at all. It is the opinion of the writer that it does not, and hereafter will be so treated. It is i)ut into the list of Absecoii Beach surveys because it seems to have been so claimed. If its proper location is upon the beach, the title to it de- descended the same as the title to other surveys on the beacii, so located, to Andrew Steelman. Daniel Ireland's survey of .'51 acres made by Deputy Surveyor Japhet Leeds, is recited as being "near the south end of the said beach." This " south end " means near the dry inlet, and because of the great length compared with its breadth, the survey was subse- quently known as the "garter survey." 18 IIiSTOKY OK Atlantic City. The bounds of Andrew Steelman's survey of 20 acres, begins at the " northerly corner of a tract of land of ye said Steelman.*' , The closing line of this Steelman survey being about the same course as the most northwesterly line of tlie Budd survey, the reference to the ^ land of ye said Steelman," probably means that Steelman was then (1733) the owner of the Budd survey. Japhet Leeds, Deputy Surveyor, made the 34 acres survey to Andrew Steelman, in April, 1734, and in making his return he de- scribes the second corner as being " in or near the line of John Budd's survey," and then with his second line follows the course of the Thomas Budd survey line. This indicates that Leeds intended to men- tion the survey, and not the then owner of the survey. It also indi- cates that the title to the Thomas Budd survey descended to John Budd, from whom Steelman derived title. It seems that John Ladd was a Deputy Surveyor, and surveyed to him.self the aforesaid two surveys ; in doing so he has apparently made a mistake in the dates of each. The larger survey is dated March 4th, and the smaller one is dated March 5th. This should be alternated, for the larger survey "begins at a stake by the thoroughfare near the moutli of Hiirs Creek, being also corner of the other survey of 318 acres." Xow, if the larger survey Avas made hej'ore the smaller one, it could not have mentioned the smaller one, therefore the date of the smaller one should be March 4th, and that of the larger one March 5th. This being so, the writer will first treat ot the smaller one, which lo- cates to Ladd, all the land not before located, the full width of the beach from low water mark of the ocean to the thoroughfare, and from Hill's Creek down to the Dry Inlet (then called '-Little Inlet.") From this survey the 34 acres made to Daniel Ireland, called the " garter Survey," is excepted. Ladd, in his larger survey, in calling for Absecon Inlet, spells it " Absequan." In making this survey, Ladd located for himself all the land not previously located, from low water-mark of the ocean to the thoroughfare, and from Hill's Creek to Absecon Inlet, within which bounds he says there is contained 2,010 acres, with allowance for highways. He excepts, — 4 surveys made to Andrew Steelman, containing 244 acres (this does not include Steelman's 11 0-10 acres), and to Scott, now belonging to Steelman, 300 acres ; to Budd, now also Steelman's, 000 acres; to Amos Ireland, 40 acres ; in the whole, excepts 1,193 acres, and then says there remains 717 acres. This 717 should be 817, for if 1,103 be taken from 2,010, it leaves 817. Xo record of any survey made to " Scott " on Absecon Beach can be found. In book A of Surveys, page 50, is the record of two surveys in one certificate, made to John Scott, one of them for 134 and other for 55 acres : and on the same page there is a survey made to John Scott, to include a i»lantation on tlu^ Delaware river, where Jolin Scott History of Atlantk City. Ill then lived. Other surveys made to him lie between the Delaware river and the " Rarrington river." The probability is that all the sur- veys made to John Scott Avere laid in this vicinity, though nothing has been discovered to show where the two surveys of 134 and 55 acres do actually lie. The 000 acres excepted from Ladd's larger survey, being a survey made to John Budd, is a mistake ; there is no such survey on record. The 440 acre survey made to Thomas Budd is a monumental survey, and probably included (500 or more acres, and as its title descended from Thomas Budd to his son John ; Ladd called it John Budd's sur- vey of 000 acres. THE I'.EAC II DItlVK. Ladd says this 000 acre Budd survey then belonged to Andrew Steelman, the same as Deputy Surveyor Japhet Leeds had said in making many of the surveys hereinbefore mentioned. The boundary lines of all these eleven surveys (except, perhaps, tlie 11 9-10 acres) could now be easily and accurately located upon the ground. The title to the Thomas Budd survey descended to his son, John Budd, who, on the 9th day of June, 1726, threw it into 8o undivided shares or parts, and by deed of that date to the several persons herein- after mentioned, the number of shares set opposite the names of each, viz.: James Steelman, 18 ; Andiew Steelman, 4 ; Jonathan Adams, 7 : John Scull, ; Peter Scull, ; Peter Conover, 9 ; John Conover, On : Eichard Risley, 11 ; Thomas Risley, O5 ; Edward Doughty, 8 ; Samuel 20 IIisTORV OF Atlantic City, Gale, if of 1— making in all S3 shares. This deed recites tliat Thomas Budd made a will wherein he devised this with other lands to his wife, Susan Biidd, who had, previous to the date of this deed, granted to Sundry persons therein named (principally those mentioned above), the right to gather red cedar lumber (probably for fence posts), and the l)rivilege of i»asturage. The James Steelman, one of the guarantees above men.ioned, was the first Steelman found of record as a resident of Egg Harbor, The Steelman Family. The title to a large part of the land on which Atlantic City now is, having originated in, and descended through the Steelman family, it may be interesting to know something of the early history of that family. Starting with James Steelman, the first who. inliiO.'}, bought large tracts of land on the main shore of Thomas Budd, it is found that in 1733, he made a will, which was proved on the Idth of January, 1734, in which he styles himself a "gentleman " of Egg Harbor. In this will he disposes of a large amount of valuable lands, and mentions of liaving before given to his sons, Andrew, John. Hauce, James and Elias, plantations and other things of considerable value. To his son Peter he gave his plantation whereon he then lived, lying on "Patcouk" Creek, etc., and ''all my cedar swamp and beach," and "all that tract of land and marsh that was bought of Peter Scull. ■■ To liis wife he gave the use of one-half of all his estate, ineludiiig lands, cedar swamps, beaches, etc. As hereinbefore shown, Peter Scull also owned ()-H3d's interest in Thomas Budd's survey, and whether or not James Steelman's purchase of Peter Scull included this 6-S3d is not ktiown, and in the absence of knowledge it will be assumed that it did not. James Steelman in his will mentions Katharine, his wife, and his children were Andrew the first, Hanee the first, John the first, James the .second, Elias the first, Snsannali Kean, Mary Blackman. and Peter the first. Because of the perpetuation of t][ie above family names, the sons are numbered, \hat it may be known !ijfhich of them is intend- ed in the following recital. J-* The last survey that Andrew Steelman tli^'first made on Absecon Beach, was in 1734. His will was writteii'-Tii January, 173'2, and proved in 173t). His children were Frederick the first, James the third, Peter the second, Andrew the second, MarySomers, Judith Steelman, and Susannah Steelman. At the death of Andrew the first he owned at History of Atlantic City, 21 least 4-83d's of the Biuld survey, and the four surveys made to him on thp beach. In his will he gives to his sons — Frederick tiie first, James the third, Peterthe second, and Andrew the third — ••Absecond"' beach, along with all hiscedar swamp to be eciually divided between them, and decrees that either might buy or sell to the other, but that neither should sell to any one else. It is remarkable that Andrew gave " Absecond " Beach, not a part, nor all that he owned of the beach, but he gives the "'beacli."" This cannot, however, mean that he owned the whole " beacli," because his will was written in 1732, and in 173-1 his brother Peter took title under his father's will to his father's part of the Budd sur- vey, so that the four sons of Andrew the 1st took title to only so rnucli of the Budd survey as their father owned, which, as of record, was the 4-83d"s bought of John Budd. Hance the 1st, the son of James the first, removed from Egg Harbor to Greenwich townsliip, in Gloucester county, and there reared a family of children, whose names were James, Hance, Ciiarles, John, and Daniel. The will of Hance the first, was proved in 1760. James Steelman, the son of Hance the first, lived in Greenwich township, and was the father of several children, two of whom were respectively named John and Andrew, one of his three daughters married Daniel Sutherland, one of them married .James Cade, and one married Isaac Layman. John and Andrew, sons of James, and grandsons of Hance the first, and great grandsons of James the first, moved from Greenwich to Weymouth township, near Tuckahoe, and there reared families. The will of this .James the son of Hance the first, bears date 3d of April, 1786. The will of Peter Steelman the first, bears date the 16th of November, 1762, and Avas proved on the 10th of December of that year. By it he gave to his daughters Deborah and Susannah, all the right of "freehold whatsoever"" he possessed at "Abse(iuan beach."' Who Deborah and Susannah respectively married, if at all, is not known to the writer. The children of Peter the first, were Isaac the first, Deborah and Susannah. By the above, Deborah and Susannah, each owned •.t-83ds of the Budd survey, and herein will be traced no further. Hannah, wife of Peter the first, was sole executrix to his will, and on the same day the will was proved, .Japhet Leeds (very likely the old Deputy Surveyor), was appointed administrator to the estate of Hannah Steelman. On the 12th of April, 1771, Frederick Steelman the first, was appointed guardian of the person and property of Eiias Steelman the first. On the 12th of December, 1775, Sarah Steelman was appointed to ad- minister upon t he estate of Peter Steelman the second. The will of John Steelman the first, was proved 11th of August, 1775. The names of his children are not given. The writer has no knowledge of the -22 History of Atlantic City. Ijistoiy of James the second ; the indications are that lie may have gone with his brother Hauce into or near Greenwicli township. Tlie four Steelman surveys, together with such parts of tlie Budd survey as Andrew tlie tirst died seized, became the property of Frederick the first, James tlie third, Peter the second, and Andrew the second, under the operation of their father Andrew's will. Andrew the first, in his will suggested either of his said sons might buy or sell of the other, and this was most likely done, but the writer has seen no evidence of such record. It will therefore be supposed that each died the owner of the undivided fourth as received from their father Andrew. The will of Frederick Steelman the first, bears date the 23d of March, 1773, and M'as proved April 29tli, 177i^. He gave to his sons Frederick the second, and Andrew tlie third, all the lands and marsh he possessed on "Absequan" beach. Sarah was the wife of Frederick the first, and executrix to his will. Tt was either she or her daughter Sarah, (prob- ably) Avho in December, 1775, was as aforesaid appointed to administer upon the estate of Peter Steelman the second. The names of the children of Frederick the first, James the fourth, Frederick the second, Andrew the third, Sarah, Abigail, Judith, Mary, Hannah and Rachel. To Elias. the son of Abigail, he gave the half of a survey he bought of Samuel Cotton, over near Price's Mill. To his oldest sou James the fourth, he gave his saw mill on Gravelly Run, and all the surveys and lands belonging to him near that place. Judith, the daughter of Fred- erick the first, and granddaughter to Andrew the first, and great grand- daughter to James the first, intermarried with Jeremiah Leeds, who subsequently became the owner of all the land now "Atlantic City," except the Chamberlin tract, but under her father's will she acquired no title to beach lauds. Andrew, the third, died intestate, without children. His real estate descended to his brothers and sisters, wdiose names are hereinbefore stated. Under the laws of the state then operative, the brothers are supposed to have inlierited twice that of each of tlie sisters, and as there were, two l)rothers and six sisters, the share of Andrew, the third, would have been divided into ten parts, whereof James the fourth, would have had two, and Frederick the second, would have had two, and each of the six sisters one. Henry Smith married Sarah, one of the daughters of Frederick Steelman the first. Peter Steel- man, probably, married Rachel, another one of those daughters. Frederick the first, owned one-fourth of the interest of Andrew the first, on the Beach and that quarter. Frederick the first, gave to his sons, Frederick the second, and Andrew the third, equally, so that each owned one-half of one-quarter, or one-eighth, of what Andrew the first, owned. T'pon the death of Andrew the third, Judith, his sister, inherited one-tenth of such property as Andrew the third, died seized. Charles Steelman, the son of Hance the first, of Creeuwich town- History of Atlantic Citv. 23 ship, settled on a farm at what is now the deserted hamlet of Emmel- ville, on the road between the villages of May's Landing and Wey- mouth. He had no interest in Absecon Beach. His will was proven in February, 1779, wherein he mentions his wife, Mary, and his children, Barbary, -John, David, Gortery, Mary, Margaret and Phebe. The will of Frederick the second, was made in June, 1782, and proved JiTovember 6th, 1782. Among other things, he gave to his sons, Enoch and Frederick the third, all his lands, marsh, and under swamp and beach, to be equally divided. The children of Frederick the second, were Enoch, Frederick the third, Sarah and Leali. By recitals hereinafter, it will appear that the beach lands of Fred- erick the third, were signed by Sheriff Duny, and in 1783 sold as the property of Frederick, deceased. If this sheriff's title was sound, Enoch and Frederick the third acquired no title to beachlands. If the sheriff's title was not sound Enoch and Frederick the thid each owned l-16th of what Andrew the first owned. For the purposes of this his- tory, the question will be left unsettled, by supposing that whatever title Enoch and Frederick the third so acquired was lost in them, and shall trace the sheriff's title into Jeremiah Leeds. On the 22nd of Janu- rary, 1788, Ebenezer Adams was appointed to administer upon the estate of Elizabeth Steelman, and at the same time he was made tlie guardian of Jemina, John and Andrew Steelman, but who Elizabeth Steelman and these her children were, is not by the writer known, they may have been some of the Greenwich or Weymouth township Steel- mans. Zepheniah Steelman and Andrew Steelman may have been of that branch of the Steelman family, of whose estates Rebecca Steelman was appointed to administer in February, 1700, and James Stratton was made the guardian of an Andrew Steelman on the 16th of ]March, 1790. The will of Nicodemus Steelman of Weymouth township was proved in November, 1799. The name of his wife was Hannah, and his children were Mary, Martha, and Experience. On the 28th of January, 1799, James Steelman was appointed guardian of Jeremiali or -Temina Steelman. James Code, of Greenwich township, was appointed guardian of James Steelman on the 18th of March, 1^03. The last few references are siven to show the similarity between the names of the Greenwich and Weymouth township families of Steelmans and those of Egg Harbor. By deed bearing date 1801 of record in the clerk's office of Gloucester county, at Woodbury, in book E of deeds, page 106, it seems that Zepheniah Risley, Thomas Risley, John Risley, Leeds Risley, Rebecca Risley and Polly Risley, were the heirs at law of Thomas Risley, their father, and l)y will of George Mires and Esther his wife, to William Chamberlin, dated 180.1, it ajipears that the said Esther was also one of those heirs. Whether or not the Thomas Risley, Sr., heirs mentioned, is the identical Thomas Risley 1 History of Atlantic City. hereinbefore mentioned as one of the grantees, wherein John Budd was grantor is not known, probably not, though a descendant. Bj' deed bearing date the ."itli of December, 1801, of record at Woodbury, in book G of deeds, page 395, wherein Andrew Steelman, of "Weymouth township, conveys certain lands to George Ireland, it is recited that John Ladd made a will and devised his real estate to his wife Hannah Ladd, who by her will dated 5th October, 1702, devised certain of such lands to Samuel Mickel. No search has been made to discover how those wills affected, if at all, the title to the two Ladd surveys on Absecon beach hereinbefore recited. John Steelman and Andrew Steelman, of Weymouth township, and others of the children of James Steelman late of Greenwich town- ship, by deed dated August 28th, 1802, of record at Woodbury, in book F of deeds, page 300, etc., divided certain lands among themselves, and by a similar deed dated in 1804, there was a division of certain other lands of the said James Steelman. The .Jeremiah Leeds Ptrchases. By deed bearing date the 7th of June, 1804, recorded in the Clerk's office of Atlantic county, on the 27th of February, 1854, in book H of deeds, page 67, &c., for the consideration of $98 therein mentioned, James Steelman the fourth, Henry Smith and Sarah the wife of Henry and the sister of -James, with Peter Steelman and Rachel liis wife, con- veyed all the title of the grantors in and to beach lands to Jeremiah Leeds. A more extended search would very likely show whose son the Peter Steelman above mentioned was, as it is, the writer does not know. In a deed dated the 6th of March, 1805, of record at Woodbury, in book K of deeds, page 324, wherein Reuben Clark conveys to .Jere- miah Leeds a certain piece of land on Absecon Beach which is de- scribed as beginning at William Chamberlin's line and runs thence the whole length of "Joseph Ireland's or .Jeremiah Leeds' plantation," containing 25 acres, being all the right of the said Clark be the same more or less ; it is recited that said beach land was conveyed to James Ireland, and by him conveyed to his son .Joseph Ireland, and by him conveyed to Reuben Clark. The description of the lot so conveyed is such as to lead to the belief that it is a part or the whole of the '' Gar- ter survey ' ' made to Daniel Ireland for .34 acres. By the above, it seems that -Jeremiah Leeds, then in 1805, owned a plantation on the "beach," which plantation had before been o\vned B 2(3 HiSTOKY OF Atlantic City, by one of the Irelands, Avhose name had attached thereto, and that I^eeds had then lived there only so short a time, as that it was called V»y the names of both. James Conover, Jcsepli Conover, John Conover and Enoch Cono- ver, by their deed bearing date the oth of July, 180.J, of record at AVoodbury, in book K. of deeds, page :')'29, &c., conveyed to Jeremiah Leeds 48 acres of Absecon Beach lands, being part of sundry tracts belonging to the estate of Frederick Steelman the first, deceased, and by him becineathed to iiis sons Frederick the second, and Andrew the third. This deed recites that the part belonging to Frederick the second, was seized by Thomas Deiniy, Sheriff, and by him sold to Thomas Kennard by deed dated 7th July, 1783. That Thomas Ren- nard by deed dated 2d August, 1783, conveyed the same to Joseph Conover. the father to the grantors in this last mentioned deed, and that from Joseph Conover, the title descended to said grantors. If this last-mentioned deed conveys title as against the will of Frederick the first, Jeremiah Leeds got title under it to one-eighth of all the Al)secon Beach lands of which Andrew Steelman the first died, seized. In the deed last aforesaid, it is recited that the land so conveyed is "to be laid out adjoining the lands of Edmund Cordery, and to run the whole breadth of the beach and meadow in a straight line as near as may be," by wliich it appears that Edmund Cordery had some in- terest in Absecon Beach, and that there had been some division, or some attempt at a division. The expression, "the whole breadth of the beach," grew out of the fact that Andrew Steelman the first^ owned an undivided interest in the Budd survey that laid along near the sea front, beside owning the meadows between that survey and the thoroughfare, and as Frederick the first owned one-eighth of what Andrew the first owned, the purpose of the Sheriff was to seize and sell the said Frederick's interest, in the whole width or "breadth" of the beach. By deed of record at Woodbury, in book Z. of deeds, itage 424, bearing date March, 1807, Jeremiah J^eeds bought one acre of land, apparently for a building lot on the r.nin shore, by which it might be inferred that Jeremiah Leeds liad not, in 1807, become a fixed resi- dent on the beach, although the deed from the Conovers, in 1805, would seem to indicate that his name, at least, attached to the beach plantation which could not have been under so small an ownership of paper title as is hereinbefore shown, without actual possession by occupation. By all of which it will be seen that the exact time of his actual, continuous occupation has not been gathered from the re- cords, though it may be reasonably inferred that occupation by limited stops, perhaps, at first began in about 1795, and that in about 1800, he, with his family, was a fixture upon tlie beach. History of Atlantic City. 27 In a deed, dated the 27th of June, 1814, of record at Woodbury, in book 7 of deeds, page 125, &c., whereby James Smith and othere conveyed certain lands on tlie main shore to Peter Steehnan and Jere- miah Leeds, a considerable interesting history of the Steelman family and titles is recited, from which miich con^rmatory information has been drawn ; and further information of like character has been drawn from a deed of record in said office, in book .1. .1. of deeds, page 35, &c., wherein James Steelman, Jeremiah ]^eeds and Judith his wife, and others, are grantors, and Henry Smith is grantee ; and additional information, from a deed dated 1830, of record in said office, in book A 3 of deeds, page 36, &c., wherein Jeremiah Leeds and Amelia his wife, are grantors, and Jesse Steelman is grantee, in which, with other lands, the said 1 acre lot is conveyed. The " Amelia'" in this last mentioned deed is believed to be a mis- take, as it is known that the name of Jeremiah Leeds' last wife was Milicent, and as Jeremiah died between the years 1830 and 1839, it is not probable that m 1830 he had a wife by the name of " Amelia.''^ On the 10th of September, 1814, by deed of that date, Samuel Doughty conveyed to John Black, among other lands, " the undivided right or share, dividend or dividends, on Absecon Beach, of that tract formerly conveyed to Thomas Budd," describing the Budd survey of 440 acres ; which " share or dividend, undivided, with other lands the said Samuel Doughty may be entitled to by his brothers, Edward and John Doughty, or in any way or manner whatsoever," except such as had been conveyed by his father, Edward Doughty. On the 5th of February, 1815, John Black conveyed to Jeremiah Leeds, by deed of that date of record at Woodbury, in book W of deeds, page 226, all the land so as aforesaid conveyed to Black by Samuel Doughty. Edward Doughty, the father of Samuel, owned eight shares in the Budd survey ; and, supposing Samuel to have inherited the whole of this, the title passed from him into Black, and thence into Jeremiah Leeds. On the 1st of April, 1816, Jeremiah Leeds, by deed of that date of record at Woodbury, in book D D of deeds, page 53, &c., leased to John Black, for a term so long as Black or his assigns should use the same for the manufacture of salt, a lot of ground on the north-east end of Absecon Beach particularly described, wherein it is recited that '' the land being a part of my plantation whereon I now reside,'" with the privilege of erecting a dwelling-house and salt-works, and of pasturing two cows and team for the works. Here we find a positive declaration that in 181() Leeds dwelt upon his beach plantation, by which we find it of record that he claimed to own the whole plantation. By deed dated the 20th of April, 1816, of record at Woodbury, in book Z of deeds, page 140, &c., Enoch Risley and wife conveyed to 28 IIisTOHV OF Atlantic City. Jeremiah Leeds all of Enoch's right, title and interest to a survey called the "01dsurveY''on Absecon Beach which descended by heirship to Enoch Risley from Samuel Eisley under a purchase of undivided riglits. ' ' Also a riglit of 1 4 acres of what is called Lad's survey by deed from Hannah Lad, widow of John Lad, to Samuel Risley,'' and descended to the said Enoch as aforesaid. Hi.sTOUY OK Atlantic City. 29 The " old survey'' above referred to means the Thomas Budd sur- vey of 440 acres, and the '' undivided rights'' has reference to a part or all of such shores as either Richard or Thomas Risley, or both bought of John Budd in i72(), and wliich had descended by heirship from one to tlie other, or both of them to the said Enoch Risley. The reference to a part of the Ladd survey indicates that Hannah Ladd, the widow of John Ladd, had conveyed a part of those surveys to Samuel Risley, from whom it descended to Enoch. On the •2nd of April, 1817, Jeremiah Leeds bought land on the main shore of James Conover ; and again on the 13tli of June, 1822, by deed of record at Woodbury, in book J. J. of deeds, page 320, &c., wherein David Price, Joshua Price, Jonathan Hacket, Leah Hacket and Clement Ireland are grantors as heirs at law of Andrew Steelman, deceased, and Jeremiah Leeds and Peter Steelman are grantees, and in which certain shore lands are conveyed much interesting history, fur- ther confirmatory of the information herein recited. Jeremiah Leeds bought main shore lands of Enoch Conover, on the 4th of October, 1823. On the 6th of Janurary, 1830, by deed of that date of record at Woodbury, in book Z Z of deeds, page 187, &c., John Conover and Cumf urt, his wife, and Isaiah Conover and Barbary, his wife, conveyed to Jeremiah Leeds the 100 acres hereinbefore recited as hav- ing been surveyed to Peter Conover, under whom the grantors claim title. The Soimeks' and Steel:mans'. By the foregoing it will be seen that James Steelman, who seems to have been the founder of the numerous Steelman families in this vicinity, bought large tracts of land of Thomas Budd in 1695, and it happens to be within the knowledge of the writer that John Somers, who was the first settler at Somers' Point, a nd who also bought large tracts of land at that place of Thomas Budd in 1695, was the founder of the numerous families by that name, who now not only inhabit this part of the Jersey coast, but whose name and progeny is numerous in most of the States of the Union. Indeed, so honorable is their name and fame, and so numerous are the descendants of these two families, who were contemporaneous and among the first — if not the first — settlers in this part of Jersey, that it is no hazard to venture to assert that the blood of either one or the other, and in most cases of both of these families, courses the veins of all who have lived continuously during the last twenty years on the main shore between Somers' Point on the great Egg Harbor river and Leeds' Point on the Little Egg Harbor river. There were, and still are, several other such families 30 History of Atlantic City. among them, viz.: the Risley's, Doughty 's, Scull's, Adams', Leeds', and Conover's. No attempt has been made herein to more than glance at the history of the Steehnan family from James in 1695, to a portion of his descendants as they appear of record in about the year 1800, the pur- pose being more particularly to recite with some pretence of detail such of the records as bear upon the title to lands within the limits of Atlantic City. As to the title to the Budd survey, so far as shown in this recital, the shares of the following named grantees in the John Budd deed, were lost in them or their heirs or assigns, viz. : Jonathan Adams 7 John Scull, Peter Scull, (j Peter Conover. John Conover, . . . . . . 6 if Richard Risley, 11 Samuel Gale, 5 Shares of original grantees lost in them or their heirs or assigns : Part and possibly the whole of Thomas Risley 's share descended to Jeremiah Leeds, . . (>| Part and possibly the whole of Edward Doughty 's share descended to Jeremiah Leeds, . . S A part of the share of Andrew Steelman the first, which, when expressed in a fraction of the whole survey, would be, . . . T-lCtV i The title to another part of this Andrew Steelman share is lost in Abigail Steelman, Mary Steel- man, and JTannah Steelman, which is . 3-1660 Andrew Steelman the third's share was . 10-1660 = 1-166 , -2-1 1)6 = 1 Frederick the second's share was 1-166 and this Frederick's share descended to Jeremi- ah Leeds from Sheriff Denny. The share of James the third was lost in him or his heirs, 1 The share of Peter the second was lost in him or his heirs, ....... 1 The share of Andrew the second was lost in him or his heirs, 1 The share of Deborah Steelman was lost in her or her heirs, ',i The share of Susannah Steelman was lost in her or her heirs, 9 History of Atlantic City. In all making the wliole survey 83 parts, of which Jeremiah Leeds owned a paper title to about l-oth. The 49 acre survey made to Amos Ireland is probably a part of the 131 acres known here for nearly a century as the Cliamberlin tract, which will hereinafter be more particularly described or re- ferred to. The most if not the whole of the Daniel Ireland or" Garter survey " of 34 acres was conveyed to Jeremiah Leeds by the deed from Reuben Clark. The title to the four or five Steelman surveys became the property of Frederick the first, James the third, Peter the second and Andrew the second. The share of Frederick the first descended to Frederick the second and Andrew the third, each of whom then owned one-eighth of tho.se surveys. Frederick the second willed his 1-Sth to his sons Enoch and Frederick the third, and if the title passed under this will Enoch and Frederick the third then owned l-16th of all those surveys, and was lost in them or their heirs or assigns ; but if the share of Frederick the second passed under Sheriff Denny's deed, it became the property of Jeremiah Leeds, who took title to l-8th of those surveys. Andrew the third died intestate, without children. His l-8th title vested in his two brothers and six sisters. 2-Kiths of this title became the property of Jeremiah Leeds through Sheriff, Denny. 1-lOth came to Judith Leeds, the wife of Jeremiah Leeds, and 4-lOths came to him by virtue of the deed from James Steelman and others, making 7-lOlhs of the share of Andrew the third, or 7-lOths of l-8th = 7-80th of all the Steelman surveys. The otiier 3-lOths of the share of Andrew the third was lost in his sisters Abigail. Mary and Hannah, each of whom owned l-Klth of 1-sth = l-80th of the whole. Therefore Jeremiah Leeds apparently owned of the Andrew Steel- man surveys 1-8 = 10-8 x 7-80 = . . 17-80 of the whole. There was lost in Abigail or her heirs or assigns 1-80 of the whole. There was lost in Mary or her lieirs or assigns 1-80 of the whole. There was lost in Hannah or her hei)-s or assigns 1-80 of the whole. Making the whole of the share of Fred- erick the second .... 1-4 of the whole. There was lost in James the third, his heirs or assigns 1-4 of the whole. There was lost in Peter the second, his heirs or assigns 1-4 of the whole. There was lost in Andrew the second, his heirs or assigns .... 1-4 of the whole Making the whole of all the Steelman surveys. 32 Hi>TOKv OK Atlantic Citv. Part of the Ladd surveys was conveyed to .Teremiali Leeds by deed from Enoch Eisley, hereinbefore mentioned. So that in 1833, at the time of the death of Jeremiah Leeds, he owned as of record, as hereinbefore shown, l-3th of the Budd sur- vey : of the steelman surveys about 1-4 ; of the Conover 100 acre survey, the whole ; a large part or the whole of the Daniel Ireland survey of 34 acres, and a part of the Ladd surveys. ONK OF IMOXKEl! ( OTTAOKS — OAVNKI) 1!Y :Slll. TIIOS. C. HAND. For want of time, little has been spent in making researches for their ancient titles. A much more extended search would very likely lead to the discovery of errors in the foregoing, and in all probability lead to the further discovery of a much larger paper title in Jeremiah Leeds to these beach islands than is hereinbefore recited, and possibly to the discovery that of record he owned the whole. It is asserted and believed true that at the time of his death lie had in his posses- sion a great number of unrecorded title papers, none of which has the writer ever seen. History ok Atlantic Citv. Leeds' Possession ok the Island. However this may be. it is a recited fact of record that in IS^Oo. Jeremiah Leeds owned the plantation on Absecon Beach, and a further fact of record, that in 1816. and proljably five or ten yeai-s sooner, he actually lived upon, and as a residence, claimed to own, and in fact, cultivated said plantation, and that the lands so claimed by him included all the land on Absecon Beach, lying to the eastward of the Dry Inlet, except the 131 acres hereinafter recited, called the Chamberlin tract. His paper title to large undivided interests. His claim to the whole. His actual, undisturbed and continuous possession by him and his assigns for more than seventy years, adverse to and within the knowledge of all other OAvners of title, if any there were or are, in all probability, under the statutes of Xew Jersey, conspire to establish a sound and thoroughly secure title in Jeremiah Leeds to all the lands so as aforesaid claimed by him. Jeremiah Leeds died intestate, leaving several children as heirs- at-law. In the year 1839, at the July term of the Orphan's Court of the County of Atantic, upon the application of Jesse Steelman, Jo- seph Garwood. Japhet Leeds and John A. Clement were appointed commissioners to divide the real estate of which Jeremiah Leeds died seized. In that application it was recited that the names of the said children were Ruhama. wife of Joseph Conover. Rachel, wife of Jesse Steelman, Andrew Leeds, Judith Leeds. Chalkley Leeds, and Robert Leeds . and that the last two were minors. This application and the proceedings thereunder are to be found of record in the Surrogates office of the County of Atlantic, in book -'A ■■ of boundaries and divisions, page 18, &c.. by which it may be seen that lots 1 and 2 were set off to Ruhama Conover. Xo. 1 is upon the main shore, and is recited as con- taining oOi acres. Xo. 2 is beach land. It is particularly described and is recited as containing 18.5 acres more or less. There is a map attached to tlie Report of the Commissioners, and lots 3 and 4 on that map. being particularly described in said report, were set off to Rachel, the wife of Jes.se Steelman. Xo. 3 is on the main shore, and is recited as containing 66 acres. Xo. 4 is on. the beach and is recited as being on Andrew Steelmau's survey, but in fact it is the Daniel Ireland survey of 34 acres called the Garter survey. Lot Xo. '> on said map is also particularly described in said report, and was set off to Andrew Leeds, and is recited as containing ^47 acres more or less. Lot Xo. 6 on that map is particularly described in said rei)ort and was set off to Judith Leeds, and was recited as containing 234 acres more or less. Lots Xo. 7 and 8 on said map are particularly described in said report. Xo. 7 is recited as containing 40 acres more .'54 History of Atlantic City. or less, and lot No. 8 as containing 1.% acres moi'e or less, and were set off to Robert B. Leeds. Lot No. 9 on said map is particularly de- scribed in said report and was set off to Chalkley S. Leeds, and is reci- ted as containing 217 acres more or less. The Commissioners certify in their Report that the lands so divided and described are all the lands of the late Jeremiah Leeds, in the County of Atlantic, of which they could make division. The Report bears date 3d of January, 1840, and was approved by the Court on the ■20th of April of that year. On the 31st of March, .1849, by deed of that date of record, in the clerk's othce, Atlantic county, in book F of deeds, page Oil, &c., Andrew Leeds conveyed to his son, John Leeds, four lots, therein iiar- particularly described. The first lot is I'ecited as containing 91 acres, being a part of lot Xo. 5, on said map of division. The second lot is the undivided one- third part of all the salt meadows belonging to the said Andrew Leeds, lying to the northward of said lot Xo. •"). The third lot is the undivided one-twelfth of the 45 acre survey, hereinbefore mentioned as having been made to Samuel Cowley and others. The fourth lot is the one- sixth of a 13 25-lOOth acre survey, recited as having been made to Jesse Steelman, and others. The fifth lot is the undivided one- eighteenth part of a 179 50-lOOth acre survey, made to Daniel B. Smith. The title to the last three lots abovementioned in nowise affects title to land in Atlantic City. On the day of the date of the deed last abovementioned, by deed of that date of record in the said book, page 607, &c., Andrew Leeds conveyed to his son .Tames five lots ; the first being a part of lot 5 in said Commissioners' Report, and recited as containing 142 acres more or less. Lots 2, 3, 4, and 5 in this deed to James Leeds, are described the same as lots 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively, in the deed from the said An- drew Leeds to his son John. And on the same day that Andrew Leeds conveyed to his SODS John and .lames, he by deed of record in said book, page (509, &c., conveyed five lots to his son Steelman Leeds. Th<^ Mrst lot being the balance of said lot No. •"> in said Commissioners' Report, therein recited as containing 210 acres more or less. Lots 2, 3, 4, and 5 are described the same, respectively, as lots 2, 3, 4 and o, in the said Andrew T,eeds' deeds to his said sons John and James, respectively. The Cii.\mbehlin Tract. On the 12th of August, 1852, by deed of that date of record, in said clerk's office, in book G of deeds, page 907, &c., Thomas Cham- berlin and wife, .loab Cliamberlin and wife, and Frederick Chamberlin History of Atlantic City. and wife, conveyed a lot, therein particularly described as containing 131 acres, more or less, to one Francis McManus. In which deed it is recited that James Ireland, by deed bearing date the 13th of Septem- ber, 1787, and Thomas Latham, by deed dated 20th September. 1790, and Christian Holscom, by deed dated 1st September, 1791, conveyed the said lot to Thomas Chamberlin the first ; and that the said Thomas Chamberlin, by will bearing date the Sth day of September, 1849, de- vised the whole of said 131 acres lot to his three sons, the said Thomas, Joab, and Frederick. This lot of 131 acres lias for more than a cen- tury been known as '"The Chamberlin Tract." The origin of the bounds of this 131 acre lot has not been discovered by tlie writer. The family names of Thomas and Frederick suggest the probability that the Chamberlins were maternally connected with the Steelman family, and that as such they were owners of interests in beach lands in com- mon with Ireland, Latham, and Holscom, and that they agreed to divide by lines, which, in part or in whole, gave rise to the descrip- tion copied into the McManus deed. First Purchase By the Laxd Company — $17.50 per Acre. Ruhama Conover, James Leeds and wife, Richard Hacket and Judith his wife (late Juditli Leeds), Robert B. Leeds and wife, John Leeds and wife, Chalkley S. Leeds and wife, Mark Reed and wife, by their respective deeds, each bearing date the 7th of December, 1852, and one other deed, dated the 12th of February, 1853, all of them of record in the said clerk's office, in book G of deeds, conveyed to Jona- than Pitney and Enoch Doughty, representing the Camden and At- lantic Land Company, certain lands particularly described in said several deeds at the rate of $17.50 per acre. The one from Ruhama Conover conveys a lot of 99. 5t) acres more or less, the same being a part of lot No. 2 on the map in said Com- missioners' report, and a part of other and adjoining lands of the said Ruhama. The one from James Leeds conveys a lot of .■59.40 acres more or less, the same being a part of the lot conveyed by Andrew Leeds to his son, the said James. The one from Richard Hacket and wife conveys a lot of 59.10 acres more or less, the same being part of lot Xo. in said Commis- sioners' report. The one from Robert B. Leeds conveys two lots of 09.55 acres and 16.39 aces more or less, being respectively part of lots 7 and 8 in said Commissioners' report. The one from Chalkley S. Leeds and wife conveys two lots con- taining respectively 34.(30 acres and 20.30 acres, the same being parts of lot No. 9 on said map in said Commissioners' report. m History of Atlantic City. The one from Mark Reed and wife conveys a lot containing ISU acres more or less, the same being lands conveyed to the said Reed by deed bearing date the •2-2d of May, 1842, from Eachel Steelman, V'.jiiSir ajCTi l[ I The other from Mark Reed and wife conveys a lot containing iOO acres more or less, the same being part of the same land tluit Sarah Hopkins and Sanuiel Mickel conveyed to James Leeds by deed bear- ing date the -J'.tth of Jiuie, ISIO. of record at Woodbury, in book O of Hr>r()i:Y of Atlantic City. 37 deeds, page 117, &c., and which, upon the death of James T.eeds who died intestate without children, descended to his brothers and sisters, Andrew Leeds, Ruhama Conover and Kachel Steehuan as heirs-at- law. Rachel, by deed dated the •22d of May, 1843, conveyed her in- terest in the same to Mark Reed, by deed of record in said Clerk's office in book D of deeds, page 338, &c. Joseph Conover and Huhama his wife and Andrew Leeds conveyed to the said Mark Reed, by deed dated 10th of June, 1S4.'{, of record in said office, in book I) of deeds, page 338, &c. On the 10th day of February, 1854, by deed of that date. Enoch Doughty and Jonathan Pitney conveyed to Isaac S. Waterman, all of the aforesaid ten lots of land so as aforesaid conveyed to them, and by deed d;ited the 11th of August, 18o4, Milicent Leeds, widow of Jere- miah Leeds, deceased, conveyed to Isaac S. Waterman and to the Camden and Atlantic Land Company, her right of dower in so much of the land aforesaid as Jeremiah Leeds died seized of. Isaac S. Waterman, by deed of S^eptember 28th, 1854, conveyed to the "('amden and Atlantic Land Company," a corporation under the laws of the State of New Jersey, all of the land so as aforesaid con- veyed to him. Francis McManus and wife, by deed bearing date, 30th of April, 1853, conveyed the Chamberlin tract of 131 acres, to William Xeleigh and John G. Michener. Dedication of Land for Streets. The deed by which the streets of Atlantic City, as delineated on a certain plan or map, on which map the deed is endorsed, is dated the 15th of April, 1§53, and is signed by all the principal owners of land, at that time being thirteen names in all. It is of record in said clerk's office, in book H, of deeds, page 177, &c., but as the map is not re- corded, the record is imperfect. The original has, therefore, lately been filed in said office, with several copies of the same. Robert B. Leeds and wife, by their deed bearing date the 7th day of December, 1853, conveyed to John G. Michener, John P. Rhodes and William Neleigh, a lot of 2 36-100 acres ; the same being a part of lot Xo. 7 or 8, on the map in said Commissioners' report. By deed dated 19th of October, 1854, William Neleigh and wife, conveyed the undivided half part of the Chamberlin tract of 131 acres to John G. Michener, and by deed of same date the said Xeleigh con- veyed his interest in the 2 36-100 acre lot to the said Michener, and by deed bearing date the 19th of January, 1855, John P. Rhodes conveyed to Ann W. Frink, his interest in the said 2 3G-100 acres. i yS History of Atlantic City. There is a deed of record in the clerk's office, of Atlantic County, in book G of deeds, page 438, which deed bears date the 226. day of February, 1855, \\ hereby Andrew Leeds undertook to convey to his son, John Leeds, the same lot of 01 acres, as Andrew had before con- veyfd to him by deed dated 31 st March. 1849. Under the title as hereinbefore stated, with such modifications, corrections and amplifications, as a more careful study might prove to be necessary for strict accuracy, the several large tracts of land here- inbefore mentioned, have been subdivided and conveyed during the last thirty years, until at present there are probably 2,500 or 3,000 owners of real estate in the citv." Population dukixo the Eevolitiox. At the time of the Kevolutionary war, the population consisted of the families of Daniel Ireland, Wm. Boice, and one Stibbs. These men, like Ethan Allen, believed in God and the Continental Congress. A company of refugees came to the island one night and took Stibbs from his home, blindfolded him and compelled him to accompany them and render service while they robbed uncle John Winner, a good old patriot, on the mainland. Three or four caves showing indisputable signs of occupation by man, have been discovered in the hills of this island. Dr. Reed's his- tory gives the following account : " The mouth of a cave can yet be seen below Dry Inlet, where Wm. Day. a deserter from our army in the second war with England, found a safe retreat from his pursuers. Tlie furrows of his plow are traceable in the little patch of sojl that he cultivated near the marsh. After the ratification of peace, the sub- terranean home was abandoned to the bats and foxes, and he went in search of a gentle sharer of his lot and a more congenial abode. As is the general case when young men devote their energies to this end, he achieved success and secured that crowniner favor which is as '•Perl'ec-t imisic to noble words. ■' With the tying of the nuptial noose, as in most instances, terminates all tliat is interesting in his career." TiiK Eihst Permanent Settler. It is agreed upon by all that Jeremiah Leeds was the firet perma- nent ."Pettier, though there is some difference as to the exact date of first settlement. His eldest living son, Chalkly S. Leeds, present City Treasurer, is of the opinion that it was about the year 1783. The his- tory of liis various purchases are recorded in the list of land titles History of Atlantic City. 30 herein published. It is conceded that at one time lie owned the island save the Chamberlin tract comprising about 131 acres. Tor many years he was its only permanent occupant. He first erected a home near where the Island House now stands, but later moved it to the foot of Massachusetts avenue, on the margin of a road that for many years was the main highway from the inlet to Hill's Creek. Here he cleared a farm which afterwards became known as " Leeds' Planta- tion." The Atlantic House, the residence of Senator Gardner, and a half a hundred cottages are now on the site of this " plantation." The crops were chiefly corn and rye. The abundance of the harvest is in- dicated by the saying of the shallopmen, who came here for grain, that they were " going down to Egypt to buy corn. " He gave consid- erable attention to the raising of stock, and as an item to denote the changes in the times he made willing sales of three-year-old steers for the small sum of eight dollars. As late as 1835, he only paid fifty-four cents a day for labor. Here the old pioneer tilled the soil long before the whistle of the locomotive sounded in these quarters. He was content with the world and yearned for none of its follies. "Happy the iiuiu whose wish and t-mo. A few paternal acres bouncl, Content to breathe its native air In his own <>round." Fish and Game. Fish and game were abundant then. As an illustration we will quote from a paper by Mr. R. B. Leeds, son of Jeremiah, read before the Literary Association in this city, on Saturday evening, December, 1875: "I will tell you of some big shots said to have been made by former sportsmen. One gunner, I liave been told, killed seven black ducks and three muskiats, all at one shot. Another killed twenty-six black ducks, and they were all drakes except one, and that was a loon. I can recollect more than forty yeai's back, but I do not remember when those big shots were made. Perhaps it was in 18-28, the year old Hic- kory was first elected President of the United States. One rnore noted man, Mr. President, and I am done with the ancients. He killed a mess of birds and a mess of ducks, caught a mess of fish, caught twenty bushels of oysters, and whipped a man, all before break- fast." 40 Hi^^TORY OF Atlantic City. At that time immense flocks of snipe and ducks settled in the ponds which were numerous on the Island. Many wild ducks have been killed where the United States Hotel and Congress Hall now stand. A big pond in the rear of where Schaufler's Hotel now is. was a favorite resort for snipe. The territory between Maryland and South Carolina Avenues, from Atlantic Avenue to the meadows, was known as '^Squawk Town," from the numberless flocks of squawks which nightly roosted there. The land was low and swampy and covered with an undergrowth of small trees, vines and briars that made the place almost inaccessible to man. Ryan Adams, who settled here in ls;')3, at an entertainment given in this city, gave an amusing accf»unt of liis adventures in this liabitation of the squawks. i i V .• ' ('^ "**** r- •^«C '3 AT THE INLET. He said that he gathered there on one occasion a half of a bushel of eggs. Mr. Jeremiah Leeds fired into a flock and killed forty-eight of tliem, A few years prior to tliis a number of rabbits and quail were liberated. The rabbits multiplied rapidly and became noted for being different from the rest of tlieir species, in tliat none of them were ever trapped or snared, showing either a superior sagacity or a plentifursupply of food. Foxes burrowed in the hills, and minks, musk- rats, loggerheads, terrapins and snakes — black snakes, garter snakes and adders, and liop toads, were in the list of fauna. It is remarkable that there never were any lizards or bullfrogs. Water fowl were as History of Atlantic City. 41 thick as flies in summer. Peter Adams, a son of Kyan Adams, killed twenty-one wild geese in Kainbow Bay. The meadows resounded with tlie cackle of the mud hen, and their eggs, a half a century ago, were gathered on the meadows by the peck. Willets, plover, gray backs, bulls eyes* yellow legs, tell tales, etc., were shot on the meadows skirt- ing tlie city, and taken home in a wheelbarrow. Guuning and fishing was largely the means of livelihood. As they repaired to the bay tlie fishermen of that early time could appropriately sing : "There we'll ilrop our lines, and gather Old ocean's treasures in, Wher'er the mottled mackerel Turns up a steel-dark fin. The sea's our field of harvest. Its scaly tribes our gain. We'll reap the teeming waters As at home they reap the plain."' Salt Works. In 1812, during the war, salt works were established at the inlet, and were in successful operation for more than twenty-five years. The average yield of salt, when properly attended, was eight hundred bushels per annum. A neglect of the works led to litigation, and this,, to the inevitable sequence of ruin and destruction. Beach Parties and the First Bath House. Long before the buildhig of the railroad the young people of the mainland came here in what they termed " Beach Parties. " Dr. Reed gives the following amusing account of one of these excursions : "They came in boats, and as they rounded 'Rum Point,' (in the inlet), they hoisted their flags at mast-head to signal to Aunt Judith Ryan the preparation of dinner. Down on the beach at low tide they danced to the strains of Fisher's hornpipe, discoursed by a single fiddle. There was none of your mincing or smirking, but genuine earnestness — a regular jump up and down, cross over Jonathan and figure in Jemima terpsichorean fling ! At high tide they bathed. The hilarity of the occasion culminated when the young men carried tlie blushing and screaming maidens to the tops of the steep sand hills, and tying their feet together rolled them down to the water's edge 42 History of Atlantic City. Where shall we find in the refinement of the present age compensation for the loss of this rude jollity V They had no bath-houses, but went among the hills to disrobe. Tliis was inconvenient, and some liberal spirits ordered Uncle Ryan Adams to build them one. When they came again they started down to take a dip in the breakers, and w^hen nearly there it occurred to one of the party that they had not procured the key to the bath-house. A halt was made and a messenger sent for it. He returned saying there was no lock on the door. They re- sumed their march and found to their dismay that the new building was a frail open-work structure of brush." How' A Fortune was Missed. Fifty thousand people jmake a large summer crowd in Atlantic City, or most any other place for that matter. The only point in the above observation is to draw more pointedly the comparison between the Atlantic City of to-day and what it was in 1850. Tn conversation with a prominent national bank president and railway director, who amassed his wealth by wise investments in promising speculations, he casually remarked : "Thirty-three years ago I first heard of what was then deemed a chimerical project, the building of a railroad from Pliiladelphia to the sea. A route survey had already been commenced, and the engineers were at their work. I put my horse to a carriage and went down to the old Star Hotel on Dock street, opposite the Exchange, where I found Charley Bender, the proprietor, and invited him to join me in a drive. We crossed to Camden, and the first day dined at Windsor with an old friend, Hon. Andrew K. Hay, who had just served one term in Congress, and declared there was not money enough to induce him to accept a re-election. The next day we reached Absecon, where we hired a waterman to take us over to Ab- secon Beach. It was a rough looking place, the sand hills or drifts being covered with coarse, stunted grass, mixed with briars. Only two boarding houses were visible, one called liidloe's, and another be- longing to Mr. McClees. At least that is all I can recall to mind. I.eeds offered to sell us a large tract of the most valuable land, about one hundred acres, for $17.50 per acre. The most of it is now worth $1 per foot. The old man ridiculed the idea of a railroad ever being constructed across the meadows, and was willing to sell. I had $1,000 in my pocket, and was as anxious to l)uy, but Charley Bender was taken sick and I had to take him home before we concluded the pur- vchase. His attack pi'oved to be the gout, from which he never recov- HisTOKY OF Atlantic City. 4:? ered. The same night we started for home the railroad survey was completed, and the construction of the railroad shortly after begun. We had a very narrow escape from making §100,000 each. An Old Land Mark Obliterated. We cannot ascertain the date, but before the railroad was built a terrific northeast storm obliterated Brigantine Inlet, and so changed the channel of Absecon Inlet that it began to cut away Point of Beach (the upper end of the island) and washed away Look-Out-Hill," a high pyramid of sand, upon whose summit the children of the past genera- tion assembled to count the vessels as thev came into the inlet. 44 History of Atlantic City. CHArXEK II. Dk. Pitney the Founder of Atlantic City. Dean Swift once said, "That the man who made two blades of grass grow where only one grew before, was a greater benefactor of Ills race than the greatest writer on metaphysics the world had ever seen." What inestimable service then did Dr. Jonathan E. Pitney render his fellow men when in the summer of 1845, standing on a hill top about where the Seaside House now stands, he declared that this should become the El Dorado of the Atlantic coast. Looking about him he recognize<^l the superior advantages of the island for a summer resort. Surely no scene could have l)een more lovely. Before the tali and venerable doctor lay the inflnite expanse of the great ocean, around him the grass clad hill tops and on his left the beautiful inlet winding its way towards the villages of the " Shore '" and the orchards across the bay. He saw a splendid surf, compared to which the feeble break of the mild billow upon the Hat sands of Brighton, Margate or Ranisgate were tame. The bathing machine on wheels in which the English were backed down to the very edge of the ocean would be shaken into smithereens by the energetic and demonstrative break of the bounding billows that dashed themselves into briny pearls dressed insimshine upon the beautiful beach at the feet of the doctor — a beach to which the ocean was a silver fringe. Fittingly the doctor could have exclaimed : " Behold the sea ! Tlie opaline, the plentiful, the strong, Yet beautiful as is the rose of June. Fresh as the triekling rainbow of .Inly. Sea full of food, the nourisher of kinds, Purjjer of earth and medieini' of men, Creating a sweet cliniate by its breath. Washing out harms and griefs fiom memory : And in its malhematic ebb anil (low. (iiving a hint of that which changes not." History of Atlaktic City. 45 There seems to be little doubt that Dr. Pitney was tlie real founder of Atlantic City, — the spirit that first appreciated its won- derful curative powers, and placed effectively before capitalists its attractions as a watering-place — dryness of atmosphere, bathing facili- ties, gunning, fishing and sailing privileges, proximity to Philadel- phia, etc. It had long been known to a few, who had struggled through bush and sand, in slow-going teams, as a great health lift, but to the multitude it was known, if known at all, as a lonely region, so inaccessible and remote from the line of the march of em])ire as to be seemingly secure from the intrusion of population, and totally beyond the reach of man's transforming energy. But Dr. Pitney, who came, to Absecon village in 1820, was often called to the island in the dis- charge of his professional duties, and he never missed an opportmiity , of strolling along the beach to breathe the exhilerating air that then swept in from the sea. He marked the continuous cliain of sand-hills that then ran along the beach just above high-tide line, which was then about 100 feet south of what is now Pacific Avenue, and recog- nized what a charming place it would be for summer homes. A desire sprang up in his breast to make the delectable spot accessible to the great business centres of tlie Union, and more particularly to Phila- delphia. Imbued with a firm faith in its immense value as a seaside resort, he saw that railway commimication only was necessary to cause the waste place to blossom as the rose. His faith was strong and his enthusiasm correspondingly great. It was a nugget of gold buried from the sight of man. Here was the hospitality of landscape and the peace of the soul — freedom from trave and business grides. Here was an atmosphere that would plant the rose of health on the faded cheek, and send an electric fiush through the system that would give to the lagging gait an elasticity and buoyancy that no other agency could procure. All of this hidden treasure doubtless impressed the doctor with the fact that 'More serviiuts wiiit on mm Thiiii ho'U tiike uotic-e of." The doctor first made known his determination to organize a railroad company to General Doughty, of Absecon, who zealously seconded his effort. Most of the old residents of this section opposed the matter, .however, and doubted the practicability of the project. Quite a number said it would be absolutely impossible to get a train of cars across the meadows. But Dr. Pitney was a man of iron will, and when he put his mind to a thing, he generally carried it out. Ac- cordingly he applied to the Legislature for a charter for a railroad from Camden to Absecon Beach, but was foiled. 4() History of Atlantic City. Charter for a Railroad. Later, the doctor went to Trenton himself, and after a contest, the necessary legislation was procured on the 19th of March, 1S52. The survej' was completed on the 18th of June, 1852, by Robert Osborne, L. Rowan and others, and the engineering party became tliat day the first bathers that had travelled along the line of the Camden «S: Atlantic Railroad. (•ottaok of -Mk. ^\^'Sl. c. iioiston. Oi:oani/ation of tup: Camden .t Atlantic Railroad Co. On the 24th of June, 18r)2, the Camden and Atlantic Jlailroad Company was organized, and the books for the sale of stock were opened at the Arch Street House, Philadelphia, and the shares all sold and books closed the same day. The first officers of the road were : President, John C. Dacosta ; Directors, Stephen Colwell. Di". Jonathan Pitney, Samuel Richards, Andrew K. Ilay. Joseph Porter, History of Atlantic City. 47 Enoch Doughty, Wm. Fleming, Wm. Coffin ; Secretary and Treasurer, J. Engle Negus. The survey of the route was presented to the Board of Directors by Mr. R. B. Osborne, the lirst engineer of the Company, on the ilst of June, 1852, which was adopted. Mr, Osborne has kindly furnished us with the following information concerning the construction of the road : " On the 31st of August, 1852, 1 submitted to the Board proposals for the construction of the whole road, based on estimated fixed rates per mile ; and on the 1st of September, 1852, those proposals were accepted, subject to certain changes of the line to accommodate the Waterford manufactories and Spring Garden, and subject, also, to other requirements, all of which were not completed till after the con- tract was signed on the 4th of March, 1858, Thischange was a detour that shortened my long tangent some ten miles, and left only the present straight line of twenty-five continuous miles. On the 2d of September, 1852, the construction work of the road was sub-let to Mr. P, O'llielly, and he received his first bid from sub- contractors, for sections of one mile each, on the 4th of September, 1852. There was no formal breaking ground ; the contractors w ere set to work as soon as their houses could be erected, and in September, 1852, the construction by grading was started. The first estimate, returned December, 1852, was for work on eight sections between sections four and thirty-two, and amounted to a payment of $10,000. The crossing of the Camden and Amboy rails at Camden by those of this road was laid by night in the month of July, 1853. On the 20th of June, 1853, the whole management of the contract work was given up by Mr. O'llielly to Mr. John H, Osborne, Civil Engineer, and previously Manager of the Bichmond and Danville Railroad, who completed the three-fourths of the whole contract that had not been touched. On the 11th of September of the same year, this gentleman was also chosen by the directors as their Resident En- gineer for the benefit of his advice, and for the more active manage- ment and superintendence on their behalf of the progress of the work, and for the return of the estimates. Track was laid on the road between Camden and Haddontield, and also at Absecon, during August, 1853. Passenger trains com- menced running from Camden to Haddonfield in August, 1853, and to Winslow, twenty-seven miles, regularly in January, 1854. The wharves at this date at Camden and the station grounds there wei'e nearly complete. In February, 1854, a high storm tide was i. riven across the meadows and damaged the grading of the road-bed ; and on the 16th of April following, after the work had been replaced, a Northeast storm and spring tide made a clean sweep of the same 48 History of Atlantic City. work. This class of road-bed was then abandoned and the track was laid on the original sod except at the thoroughfares where it has rested in spite of storm and flood for five and twenty years. It is right to say the railroad company bore theAvhole expense of the third renewal. It made good the guarantee given by the engineer to his directors in 1852, and the locomotives make their trips now at their usual speed. The whole work w-as completed in time for the opening celebration." How It Was Named Atlantic City. The founders of Atlantic City were as wise as the ancient monks and nobles, in the selection of the most Ijeautiful and commanding sites for their habitations. Time has amply verified the wisdom of the choice of this beach as the site for a great and beautiful health resort. As a monument of the judgment and forethought of its founders, Atlantic City sits grandly at the margin of the sea, the greatest and most populous ocean resort in America. The same sea rolls in. immutably the same, but the iron.Avand, the touch of civiliz- ation, the art of man, has wrought a great change in the land. From out a barren waste, we behold the magic sphynx-like uprisal of a stir- ring, pretty town. The rare fortune attained in the selection of a good foundation upon which to build a city, the selection of an appropriate and pleas- ing name became the next matter for important consideration. "Ocean City" was suggested, "Seabeach," "Surfing," "Strand," "Bath," and other names were urged. The adage that "there is nothing in a name " evidently had little weight in the counsels of fhat day. The honor of naming the city seems to belong to the engineer, Mr. E. B. Osborne, for, at the celebration of the twenty-lifth anniver- sary of the Camden and Atlantic, in this city, that gentleman read a paper, afterwards published, in which he said : "The centre line of the railroad was run parallel to the general line of the beach for a distance from the inlet southward of over two and a quarter miles, for the purpose of fixing a line that would be suit- alile for a base on which to plan the village, and which would permit the streets to be carried on in their proper directions whenever requi- site to enlarge the village plot. On this as a base, December, 1852, under the instructions of the directors, I proceeded to lay out the plot of the proitosed Bathing Milage. This plan was completed and submitted to a full board in the middle of January, 18.")3. "When before the board, I unrolled a great and well-finished map of the proposed new bathing place, they saw in large letters of gold, stretching over the waves that were delineated thereon as breaking on History ov Atlantic City 41> Absecou beach, the words, '-Atlantic City." This title was at once approved of by the board. It was unanimously adopted, and Atlantic City that day came into existence on paper, and in thirteen and a half months afterward, viz., on the 3d of March, lS.-)4, was created by ac- of incorporation, a city in reality. I have ever claimed, and do so now, that this name created in the minds of men throughout the Union a certain interest in this city, and this interest it was sought to further secure by giving to each State its own avenue, and hence 30 History of Atlantic City. the name of every State from Maine to Iowa, to-day designates the avenues that run East and West, while the general parallelism of the shore of the Atlantic with the main line for 2.3 miles suggested the names of all the great oceans of the world for all the avenues running Xortli and South." Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, and Baltic Avenues run parallel with tlie ocean front ; Atlantic being 100 feet wide : Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Virginia, i^O feet ; Pacific, Arctic, and Baltic, 00 feet ; Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Khode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, South Carolina, Tennessee, Xew York, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, C4eorgia, Florida. Texas and California (cross streets), 50 feet in width. Mr. Osborne continuing, said : " Its proud name is for the nation ; it has made her prominent, and will, every year of her existence, prove more and more appropriate as she reaches her manifest destiny — the first, most popular, most health-giving and most inviting watering- place, and be, as she is already termed, the City by the Sea. It is true, then, that there is .something in a name, and I may be permitted, without egotism, to say I am proud of having christened her and her avenues, and stamped on her a dignity that my old departed friends, Messrs. Pitney and Doughty little dreamed of when they talked together on the scheme of getting up a " bathing village."' to be called Absecon." The Purchase axd Laying Oct of Atlantic Avenve. Early in February, IS."):], after the plan of the city had been adopted a connnittee was sent down to Absecon, composed of Dr. Jonathan Pitney, a director, and Robert Frazer, the faithful and eriicient secre- tary and treasurer of the Company. Dr. Pitney was acquainted with the Messrs. Cordery, Adams, Patterson, Bartlett,Carter, Bead, Bowen Chamberlin, Leeds, and other landowners on the island. Mr. Frazer took with him a draft of tlie plot of the new city. These gentlemen were instructed to confer with the owners, (who had been notified De- cemV)er 11, '.V2, that commissioners would be appointed to assess the damages), and obtain possession of the land for the formation of the roadbed on Atlantic Avenue, arranged on the plot to be the great Hiyliwaif for the accommodation of the main tracks of the railway. To alTord ample room for the travel of hundreds of pleasure carriages, and for tlie rai)id transit of trains, tiie engineer had projected Atlantic avenue as the lionhcitrd of tlie city, at at an increased width of 50 feet, making it 15(1 H'ft wide. History of Atlantic City. 51 But the views of the landholders could not be brought to entertain hopes that such provision for a great future growth was necessary or wise ; they protested against this width and were willing to give only 100 feet. The Company had to yield, although the width required by the railroad was shown to be not less at any point than 20 feet ; leaving for the sidewalks and vehicles only 40 feet on each side of the railroad ; and wherever a siding would be found necessary, contracting one of these widths left to but 30 feet, to accommodate sidewalk and carriage way. Against the engineer's earnest protest the views of the land- owners prevailed. Atlantic avenue was reduced to 100 feet, and the " State " avenues were brought down to the present width of 50 feet. A plot was then prepared with these alterations, and was staked out by resident engineer in charge, Richard F. Stack, who began work on May 8th, 1853. With some slight alterations in the curve connecting Atlantic and Maine avenues, leading to the inlet, the plan was com- pleted in .Tune, 1853. The grading of Atlantic avenue was started in May, 1853, with men from the neighborhood. The grading of this portion of tlie road- bed was finished on the 2d of Xovember, 1853. The track-laying com- menced May 29th, 1854, and enough for the immediate wants of the road, after its opening from about one-quarter of a mile above the United States Hotel, was finished by the last of June, 1854. Formation of a Land Company. Soon after the organization of the Railroad Company, the otfxcers of that Company formed a Land Company. Dr. Pitney and Enoch Doughty were commissioned to make the purchases. By appointment the owners of land sailed over to Absecou and met by appointment the Commissioners at Aunt Hannah Shellingsforth's Hotel. Tlie land- owners had agreed among themselves to demand $25 per acre for their land. The Commissioners had agreed to pay only $15. The dif- ference led to protracted and heated discussion. The property holders retired for consultation. It seemed for a time as if it would be im- possible to reconcile the difference. They debated the prospects of the new enterprise and the propriety of a reduction to $20 an acre, fixing upon that as the lowest sum ; but after further conference with the Commissioners, finally split the difference, and sold a large part of the present site of Atlantic City for $17.50 per acre. An agreement Avas promptly entered into, providing for the dedication of the streets and alleys to the public use, and was signed by Robert B. Leeds, Chalkley S. Leeds, Ryan Adams, William Xeleigh, Daniel L. Collins, Richard o2 History of Atlaktic Citv. Ilackett, John Leeds, Steelmau Leeds, D. D. Rhodes, J. N. Michener; and Wm. Coffin, President of the Camden & Atlantic Land Company. This map with the agreement appended was mislaid, and for fifteen years its whereabouts was a matter of mystery. It was discovered in an obscure nook, mutely biding its time, as a true philosopher, in the residence of the first Mayor of the city. When found a suit was pend- ing against the city upon which this document had an important bear- ing. It had been received May 23d, 1854, and recorded in the Clerk's office at May's Landing, in Libr. H of deeds, folio 177. y:yl. _^ v{w III I j I \\ i I i^TTTTTTTTl | 1 J i.^;! M'?'''l!i I'll' !> I'll ' ii i-.i' ■ ,1 ■! 1, 1 ,1.1. 1, 1 1 1 J T^ j'fl iwii^ w p^ irji f Bii"iniiiN"- ■ ii I. B'iffl 1111 illll PW 'l| , s r« I fV. ■nilliuilllillHIHIHIIIIII . i»Niii-iii.i.n>iiii.iiiii lifiPill 1 T::i I i li|!|ll llillilll III I '\ ■^4^ ,„ ^ >|llli IHM^ ajjteMV^ ' ;.; 'iriii'i'ii miiiiiiiiniiiiiimj iiiiiiiiiiiniifiiiiiiiiciilll 'i , > >%W^. ' .IPBIliMlllillllllllMlllB ll ||ft'BllljiM|l|!|| ATLAXTK ( rrv 1 W KX'l'V VEAliS AGO. Opening E\< iusion to thk Sea. On Jtdy 1st, 18.")4, the pioneer excursion train stood at the plat- form in r'amdeii and steamed forth its greeting to (j(Ki guests — gentle- nifu of the iiress from Xew York and Philadelphia and friends from town and country, who had assembled to celebrate the completion of the line that had occupied two and twenty months in building the o8 6-l(» miles of main road. Its opening to public travel was on July 4. 1854. History of Atlantic City. The excursion train conveying the 600 guests was composed of nine long cars. The " Atsion '" engine was selected for the trip. At Waterford, the residence of Judge Porter, one of the directors and early friends of the road, a salute of artillery greeted the arrival. Con- spicuous also was a large wreath of native Jersey laurels, and wrought in the interior of it the words in flowers •' Welcome to Waterlbrcl." It was a poetic emblem of the faith of the man which had always encircled and wreathed around the enterprise. It was a refined and modest reminder that the seed sown in faith twenty-two months before had germinated, grown, and produced good fruit. The green leaves of lavirel will be bright around the names of all the guardians and patient laborers and faithful servants that brought this work to a full fruition, even long after they them- selves are withered and transplanted to a haven that knows no change. From Waterford the train, with several additional passengers, started for the embryonic Atlantic City. It was the iirst engine with passenger train that passed over the entire road, and it reached the United States Hotel by 12 3i. Thus with all the stops at the various stations to respond to the earnest congratulations of friends, the train arrived in two and a half hours from Camden to the Sea. At the meeting of the guests of the railroad company in the great saloon of the United States Hotel, spirited addresses were made after the dinner cloth had been removed. Mr. T. H. Dudley moved for an organization of the meeting by the calling of Judge Grier to the chair, who appointed the vice presidents, among whom were Henry C. Carey, Hon. Abraham Browning, J. C. TenEyck, T. P. Carpenter, Robert Morris and many other gentlemen of not*^. The first impres- sive address was made by Henry C. Carey, who offered also an appre- ciative resolution which was seconded by Mr, Browning in an elociuent speech. These were followed by addresses from J. C. TenEyck, Gen. Wyncoop, President John C. DaCosta, Mr. Montgomery and Judge Grier. Thanks by all were earnestly tendered to the President, John C. DaCosta, and his respected co-directors, which closed the celebration of the 1st day of July, 1854, at Atlantic City. The train containing the guests left Atlantic City between 5 and r. 31. and arrived safely at Camden about 8. p. m. IXCORPORATIOX OF THE CiTY, On the third day of March, 1854, the charter of Atlantic City was approved by the Governor, to take effect on the 1st of May following. Jurisdiction of tlie old city proper began with a line on the south side :)4 History of Atlantic City. of California avenue, running to the ocean, thence eastwardly to the east side of Absecon Inlet at high water mark ; thence northwest- wardly to the west bank of Clam Creek ; thence following the west Itaiik of this creek to its first prominent fork ; thence in a straight line parallel with Baltic avenue, still in a westwardly course to the south side of California avenue ; thence to the place of beginning, the entire tract containing six hundred acres, according to the report of the city assessors. The Jurisdiction of the city was extended as far aown the beach as Dry Inlet in 1869, through the efforts of Hon. Jacob Keim, who was then a member of the State Legislature. The city was never more ably and zealously represented than by this gentleman, in whose breast the best interests of the city were always paramount, and who ranks among the most honorable and influential of our wise and pro- gressive citizens. At the time of the approval of the charter of the city there were not twenty-tive substantial houses on the Island. The United States Hotel was not yet completed, work having been begun on it April •20th, 1853. The Surf House was in course of construction. Bedloe's Hotel, built by Thomas H. Bedloe, who subsequently became one of the most progressive and respected citizens of the place. Cottage lletreat. owned by Manassa McClees, later one of the most enter- prising and intluential residents; the "Atlantic" and the "Old Ocean" were about the only houses ready for guests when the whistle of the locomotive announced the arrival of the first train. They have all since been enlarged, the name of Cottage Retreat changing to the " Metropolitan," and the name of the " Old Ocean " remaining only in memory. The Central House, Michael Lawler, owner, for many years a public spirited citizen, was built in 185p. Tlie old original building still stands in the rear of the New Central, at the corner of Atlantic and Kentucky avenues ; Doyle's " Columbia, ' ' still remaining on Kentucky avenue, was built in 1858. George Hay- day, one of our most valuable citizens, built the Exchange on the site of the present Camden and Atlantic Depot, in 1856. Mr. Scliaufler, whose enterprise and success is as remarkable as deserving, moved a small building^from near the inlet to the site of the present fine hotel known as " Scliaufier's," in 1857; Elias Cleaver, one of the best known of the pioneer settlers, put up the Tammany House, on North Carolina avenue, in 185S. Light House cottage was built in 1858; White House in 1859; Levy's cottage in 1856; Land Company's cottages, (first built) on Tennessee Avenue, near the beach, in 1854 ; Louis Grosholz's cottage in 1855 ; James Brown's cottage in 1855 ; Gibson's cottage in 1855 ; Hon. Edward Bettle's cottage in 1855 ; Col. Wm. Christian's cottage in 1855: Wm. Grosholz's cottage in 1858; Richard Wright's cottage in 1858 ; Spray cottage in 1S58 ; Mr. Wm. Warnock built the cottage on 56 History of Atlantic City. Pennsylvania Avenue, now occupied by Mr. Thos. C. Hand, in 1859. Congress Hall was built in 185/ by Thos. C. Garrett, who had a lum- ber yard at the inlet. Tlie water on the site of Congress Hall was three feet deeji. Tlie frame of Cottage Ketreat was shipped from Philadelphia and arrived after much delay owine to a storm. A store Avas opened in Cottage Retreat soon after it was completed. Mrs. [McClees, the present estimable proprietor gives many pleasant reminis- cences of the early struggles of the new resort. The United States Hotel was opened on July 1st, 1854. The old part of the house was built by Amos Bullock, who began the work in 185o. The house was owned originally by Mr, Wm. Neleigh, who afterwards admitted Mr. Mitchner to partnersliip. Brown & Woelpper finally became owners of the house and remained in control until 1883, when Mr. Benj. H. Brown became sole proprietor. The house has had as tenants Mr. Neleigh, Col. AVebb, Geo. Hinkle, Jere. McKibbin, Selfridge & Davis, Brown & Woelpper, Wm. Andrews. When it was built a ridge of sard hills obstructed the ocean view from the first floor. The avenue known as State Street was opened 20 feet wide in 18,50. The wing was Imilt in I860. FiKST Electiox. According to the provisions of the city charter the first election was held at the house of Ryan Adams, corner Arctic and Maryland Avenues, on May 1st, 1854. Mr. R. B. Leeds, now proprietor of the Auburn House, remembers the incident well. There were probably twenty- one legal votes here then, eighteen of which were cast in a cigar box, "fastened and secured ■' with yellow tape. A small hole had been cut in the lid of the box wliich Avas put on a table. Into this simple receptacle our first legislators cast their votes. Politics were not an issue. This principle was eschewed entirely, and probably the future welfare of the city was never more carefully considered or a more honest expression ever deposited more fairly in a ballot box than on this occasion. Wm. Neleigh was one of the judges of election. The following named persons were elected : Mayor, Chalkley S. Leeds ; Alderman, Daniel J. Rhodes ; Councilmen, AVilliam Neleigh, Steel- man Leeds, .lames Leeds, Richard Hackett,John Leeds, Ryan Adams. The city government was then composed of eight men only. The city charter was so amended in '75 as to admit of .'j more councilmen. The first meeting of this council was held on .Tune 29, 1854, at the United States Hotel. Tliere was not a (luorum iu'esent and an organization was not effected. Mr. Neleigh was chosen secretary of this meeting and was refpiested to notify the officials elect that for the purpo.se of History of Atlantic City. 57 effecting a permanent organization a meeting would be held on July ."M following. On this date a full board responded to the call. It was then discovered that there was no one in the place authorized to ad- minister the oath of office. The organization therefore was delayed until an opinion could be had from Judge Carpenter, of Camden, as to whether the mayor, alderman and recorder would have to be commissioned by the governor. The opinion of the judge resulted in the alderman elect being qualified at May''s Landing, who subsequently administered the oath to his fellow officers at a meeting held Septem- ber 6, 1854, four months after they were elected. On the following day, September 7th, another meeting was held, at which Thomas C. Garrett, present tax collector, was chosen city clerk. The city govern- ment now was ready for work, but had only two months to serve be- fore the second election, which according to the charter had to be held in November at the time of the eeneral election for State officers. The first election in the new city by the sea was indeed a memorable occa- sion, although it may not have appeared so to those who participated in it. But "who can see in the mewling infant the fair Madonna or the giant Hercules?'" It was the birthday of Atlantic City. The advent was tame and the cradle rude, but the celebrity of the city destined to become the most popular seaside resort upon the American continent will transfer its homeliness and irradiate it with the charm of the poetic significance. Dr. Reed's history, in referring to this initial election, says : " The politician's dreain of Utopia was realized ; there was an office for every aspirant ; and all went smoothly as a meadow-lark. But unhappily for the peace and harmony of election day it was not long before the increase of population made the number of votes exceed the offices to be distributed and discord and strife ensued. The result of a contest was sometimes decided by a single vote, and excitement ran high. There was a glorious majority ! Per- sonal ambitions and prejudice, and party zeal were of the sort that riots and revolutions are made of. On one occasion pistols were to be seen lying on the table in front of the judges, and the next day a huge knotty stick resembling the war club of a New Zealander, was found concealed beneath a bench. The animosities engendered lasted throughout the year, and were so implacable that they can be only compared to the hatred of the Mussulman, who sees in the falling meteor an arrow of wrath and exclaims with pious fervor : ' May it transfix the soul of the enemy of Mahomet. ' " The City's Seal. The only business transacted by the City Council until after the summer of 1855, was the granting of several licenses, taxing the vehi- cles of non-residents, the passage of a by-law, an ordinance to regu- 68 History of Atlantic City. late bathing, fixing tlie sum to be assessed on real estate at six hundred dollars, and a resolution by Alderman Rlioades, '•' that a seal, with ap- propriate design, be obtained for Atlantic City." For four consecutive months, at every meeting of Council, v^'hich met at the residence of Mayor Leeds, weekly or bi-weekly, the committee appointed to procure the seal reported progress. Imagine the jocundity of the city fathers, when, December 11, 1855, the report was made that the long-looked for seal had come at last. THE ELEPHANT DOWN THE BEACH. The temptation here presents itself to crumble the Dead Sea apple into ashes on their lips, for the brimming cup of delectation was dashed to pieces by the explanation that, although obtained, it was at Burrs' hotel, in Absecou. The report was reluctantly accepted, and the committee ordered continued, but there is no further trace of the seal in the written record. The First Ordinance. The very first ordinance passed by Comicil was in reference to a subject that has ever since been a source of difficulty, and in these primitive times caused much wrangling and acrimonious feeling — the license (Hiestion, Some favored granting the privilege of vending in- toxicating liciuors to every one who made application, pleading the hungry maw of an empty exchequer, no matter how small the booth or mean the shanty of the applicant. Others saw the folly of this, and fought with varying success against it. The price demanded for a license to sell liquor was from S25 to $50. Thos. Bedloe secured the .first license History of Atlantic City. 59 If any one fails to see in this the dawn of civilization, the scales will fall from his eyes when informed that the very next act of this legislative body, whose solemn oath to support the Constitution of the United States from its kinship to a traversity, provokes a smile, was to appoint a committee "to take such preliminary measures as appeared necessary for the erection of a suitable building as a jail for the use of Atlantic City." These were the first golden rays falling upon the way cleared by pioneers for the erection of churches and school-houses. The Second Council. Mayor Chalkley S. Leeds had been re-elected and John T. An- drews chosen City Clerk. Mr. Leeds growing weary of the duties and vexations of the executive office, resigned May 26th, 1850, and Eichard Hackett was elected by Council to fill the unexpired term, but speedily realizing that " uneasy lies the head that wears a crown," he put aside the robes of office the twenty-third of the succeeding month, and John G. W. Avery became his successor. After the election of Mr. Avery, Council convened statedly at Cottage Ketreat. The City authorities struggled courageously with the obstacles that hedged them in. Hills were to be cut down, ponds were to be filled, ditches to be dug and streets to be opened, while a state of impecuniosity shackled their energies and defeated their purposes. Property holders, though anxious that their lots should increase in value, were loath to part with their money to pay for the grading and graveling of the streets ; and ordi- nances were passed requiring the performance of this duty, only to be neglected and re-passed, to be still disregarded. To obviate the want of means, city scrip was issued February loth, 1850, to the amount of $1,500. The city government was equal to the emergency, however, and some of the records of that day show wise and careful legislation. Indeed, succeeding councils have shown no better administrative ability. The governing spirits of that primitive time had not the en- couraging influe)ice of a brilliant prospect. There were great obstacles to overcome — great improvements to be made. Visitors familiar with the attractions of Cape May and Long Branch came, and save the fea- ture of a beautiful beach, expressed their disappointment in plain terms. There was little prospect, by many, of the rapid growth and charming transformation which had been accomplished, and a married couple, who had bought a lot before seeing it, and come to settle thereon, finding only a heap of white sand on a secluded beach, did as the sorrowing captives under the willows by the rivers of Babylon — sat down and wept when they remembered the home that was far away. But the tree had taken root and was putting forth its branches that was to overshadow its kind, and bud and bloom to the joy of a work- weary and heart-oppressed people. 60 Htstoky of Atlantic City. The First Jail. In compliance with the request cited above, the Jail Committee made a report, resulting in the erection of a prison in a clump of woods about where the Vermont House now stands. It was a small one- storj' structure made of thick planks bolted to heavy timber. It con- tained four cells and resembled a long cabin. In this builcfing evil- doers, chiefly excursionists, were confined, until the prisoners, multi- plying with the population, rendered a more commodious '' lock-up " necessary. The old jail was then left to the bats, until it became the domicile of "old Daddy Perkins "and family, notorious characters, who subsequently held forth in a slab cabin without a floor, on the old inlet road, called " Swampoodle. " About this time the old Ocean House, then at the corner of Arctic and Baltic avenues, since improved and enlarged, became the city's jail. The rooms on the third floor were used for this purpose, while those on the first and second floors were occupied by tenants, the larger room in the corner of the building becoming the council chamber. The prisoners were secured against escape by being chained to a ring securely bolted to the floor in the centre of the room. We will relate an incident that happened in this connection, we think during the summer of 1P(>5. A guest of the Eagle Hotel, then standing on the site of the present Stockton, became involved in a quarrel with a man at the excursion house and assaulted him, inflicting rather serious wounds. He was tried before the Mayor, and the evidence proving him the aggressor he was sentenced to imprisonment, to await the action of the Grand Jury. He was a fellow of pleasing address, had influential friends and abundant means to pay for luxuries, which he generously divided among his iellow prisoners. He ingratiated himself into the good graces of the tenants of the house, and through fine cigars and hospi- tality lavishly dispensed, became popular with the policemen. Nobody appearing before the Grand Jury for prosecution, he was acquitted, when it transpired that during almost the entire term of his imprison- ment he had been liberated every night by one of the tenants on the first floor. After a few hours' sport with his friends he would cautiously return to his cell, and remain during the day. "One night,'' said he, " when I returned I found my cell door fastened. I was locked out of jail. I did not know the exact location of my friend's rooms, and for a moment was in a quandary. Finally, I went to the residence of Constable Gaskill, awakened him about three o'clock in the morning, and told him I wanted to get into jail. After I had explained matters he invited me in, put me to bed and took me over to the lock-up next day." The Mr. Gaskill referred to was Constable of Atlantic City i'or twenty years. History of Atlantic City. OL History of the Lighthouse. To people who would study topography from aii elevated stand- point, there are but four other places upon this footstool of the great Architect, where they can study it as they can do, from the great lan- tern of the lighthouse at Atlantic City. From it you can see God's daily miracle of morning, and His equally impressive cause of the setting of the sun. N'o visitor to Atlantic City should fail to witness the spectacle presented upon any clear day, by the morning sunrise to be seen from the lighthouse. Visit it and you will think of Herschell, Cardinal Secchi, and all the great astronomers that the world has yet produced. And again, then, as you look into the faces of these "lamps of heaven," and remem- ber that this earth is a planet of but the seventh magnitude, dark and dirty, dependent for its light only upon the sun and moon, perhaps you may wish yourself an inhabitant of heaven, where tlie pasture is ever green and the lillies per • petually bloom. The great number of wrecks that were continually occurring on the beach, caused Dr. Pitney and other gentle- men to turn their atten • tion to the absolute necessity that existed, for the erection of a proper lighthouse at Atlantic City. Again, the doctor had to fight prejudice, and especially the prejudice against improvements, tliat seemed then to reign supreme among the grannies of the Navy Department. Away hack between the years IS.'ii and 18-iO, the proposal was tirst agitated. After a great waste of trouble and money, a Congressional appropria- tion of $5,000 was at last voted, upon the proviso that a satisfactory report ohould first be made by a competent ofiicial of the Navy Depart- ment. Commodore La Yallette was commissioned to make the afore- said report. He visited the beach, examined the coast and requested a letter from Dr. Pitney on ths subject. In this letter Dr. Pitney ex- plained his own original notion of prismatic lights. Notwithstanding the exertions of Dr. Pitney, the Commodore made an unfavorable re- Intei'ior of P;irUir Car— Express Train to the Sea. (52 History of Atlantic City. port, and the lighthouse project slept for several years. The doctor was not disheartened from his fli'st failure, and the same pluck that char- acterized his railroad and land schemes, was again called into play. In 1S53. after the railroad had been sui-veyed, he started the lighthouse question again, Witli his own hands he circulated petitions for signa- tures, and besides Avrote to Congressmen and published articles in the newspapers, advocating the project. The result of these labors was the granting of an appropriation of $35,000 for a lighthouse, and an additional one of §5,000 for a buoy. Thus, Atlantic has to-day. one of the best lighthouses in the country — which, with later improvements, cost upwards of $50,000 in the a^^gregate. The buoy, howt^ver, has dis- appeared. One stormy night Proteus took a fancy to this combination of antiquated •'wooden walls," and carried it off to the bottom of the sea. The tower of the lighthouse was first illuminated in .January 1857. The light is classed as first order ; fixed white light; 107 feet high ; outside diameter at base, 20 feet 4 inches ; interior at base, H» feet ; outside diameter at top, 13 feet ; interior at top, 10 feet ; color or day mark, white, red and white, horizontal stripes; 228 steps, spiral. The lantern is iron with 30 French glass plates 38x38 inches, three tiers high. Lamp in use is Funck's Hydraulic Float ; oil capacity, 8 gal- lons ; oil consumed each night, (summer) 2 gallons ; (winter) iJj gallons. The burner has four concentric wicks, largest 3^ inches in diameter, smallest one inch. The illuminating apparatus is 10 feet high and (> feet in diameter. The central lens is 4 feet high, with 13 prisms above and 6 below. The light can be seen from a vessel's deck at a distance of twenty miles. '•steadfast, serene, immovable the same- Year after yeai-, through aU the silent night. '. Burns on forevermore that quenchless flame. Shines on that inextinguishable light."' TlIK TOWKK OF THE LIGHTHOUSE A BlHB TllAF The early autunni of 1803, when " Pap Bartlett " was keeper of the lighthouse, hundreds of birds of variotis species were stiumed and killed by Hying forcibly against the tower after nightfall. It was no uncommon occurrence for Mr. Bartlett, early in the morning to gather a half bushel basket full of birds at the base of the tower. Sometimes wild ducks and occasionally geese and crane were thus captured ; frequently they were only stunned and were caught alive. Every year more or less birds are taken in this way ; Maj. Wolf, the present keeper, has caught several rare specimens in this way, and lias HiSTOKY OF Atlantic City, O". presented many of his friends with beautiful song birds and birds of rare plumage. They are attracted from a great distance by the light. " The sea bird wheeling round it, with din Of wings and wind and solitary cries, Hlinded and maddened liy the light within, Dashes himself against the glass and dies." Its Cognomen — The "City by the Sea." In a communication several years ago, Mr. Cliarles Wilson, prob- ably the oldest newspaper reporter in Philadelphia, claimed the honor of christening Atlantic the " City by the Sea.'' This claim is disputed, as the following letter to the writer, written May 28, 1879, by Morris G. CondoQ, one of the original contractors for the Camden and Atlan- tic, will show : " A. L. English. — Dear Sir : — Upon the completion of the Cam- den and Atlantic Kailroad to Absecon Beach, the directors and eight hundred Invited guests went down on an excursion train on July 1, 1854. Richard Jones, caterer, of Dock street, was engaged to prepare the excellent dinner, at which we all sat down in a huge, rougfh build- ing, now the splendid United States Hotel, then standing in tlie hot, white sand, surrounded by an immense grove of small, scraggy trees, sand hills and holes, and no road or avenue to be seen except on the paper plan of the place. "Abraham Browning, Esq., of Camden, was the orator of the day, and in his beautiful after-dinner speech he said we were there to celebrate the founding of a ' city by the sea. ' Little did Mr. Brown- ing or any one of the large company present suppose that his predic- tion would so soon be verified ; for, in a very few years the sand hills and holes were graded to wide avenues, lined with splendid vil- las and hotels, to which thousands of visitors from all parts of the country resort at all seasons of the year to restore and invigorate their health. Hundreds of the most eminent physicians have pronounced Atlantic City the healthiest resort on the Atlantic coast.'' FiKST Market House. In speaking of the founder of the first market house, Dr. Reed says: "Where the colossal wooden eagle expands his golden wings above the arched front of Bartlett Hall, that liberal-spirited citizen, — who believes this to be the abode .of the gods, and the only spot on the terraqueous globe where life is desirable, Wm. G. Bartlett, Esq., — had erected the original market-house, since enlarged and improved in 64 History of Atlantic City. a manner oinaniental to the citj', and creditable to the aesthetic taste of the founder. -' Mr. Bartlett used to come over to this island ten or fifteen years before the railroad company was organized. There were only four houses here then, viz., Jeremiah Leeds' house, on the site of the present Atlantic House ; the faro, -house now occupied by Richard Huckett ; a house up near where the salt works stood, since moved to Pemisylvania avenue, and occupied by Irving Lee ; and one other. Mr. Bai'tlett owns several handsome structures here now, the bank building among the number. He has always been abreast with the times, and contributed generously to the success of the city. _/v ( in L 1)1! ex's SKASIIOKE hotse. Eaklv Struggles of the Railroad Company. The first few years of the railroad's history exemplifies the fact that nothing great is lightly won. It was one continuous struggle with ditliculties. The times were unproijitious, and i)ecuniary embarrass- ments threatened to overwhelm the enfeebled enterprise. In the words of the accomplished president, at that time, Robert Frazer, "they were days of darkness and depression. " THe track across the meadows was laid on an embankment, and soon after a storm tide washed it away. This accident, and the loss in the sale of bonds, cost the company History of Atlantic City. 65 nearly five hundred thousand dollars. The track was afterwards placed directly on the meadows. In February, 1855, the amount of capital stock paid in was but $240,100, while the floating debt had reached $920,558.40. The total cost of the road and equipments, was $1,274,030.14. Twenty thousand people came over the road the first year. Six times as many were taken to Cape May, by boat, the previous year. In a communication to the Philadelphia Star, a few years since, Mr. Thos. .T. Beckett, of Musical Fund Hall, Philadelphia, and who has been an annual visitor since the opening of the road, in writing of its early struggles, says : "Several years elapsed before the new city began to attract public attention. Some who engaged in the enterprise despaired of success, and abandoned further attempts to "build up the place. For sixteen years the directors of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad Company struggled against all the adversities incident to large enterprises, and having overcome them all, the light of prosperity began to dawn upon them. Up to that time the stockholders received nothing for their in- vestments, but now how changed the scene. From the very first to the present time I have watched the gradual growth of the city, little dreaming that in a quarter of a century, it would have extended to its present widespread dimensions." The First Excursions. For the first two years alter the opening of the road, all excursion trains were run to the Surf House, built by the Surf House Company, in 1854, and kept by Mr. Hopkins. A spur ran from the main track on Atlantic avenue along the north side of this hotel, from which excursionists alighted. David H. Mundy, the present efficient General Ticket Agent of the Camden and Atlantic Road, was conductor on this train, which was drawn by the heaviest engine of the Company, named the "Pennsylvania.'" This courteous and faithful official has re- mained continuously in the services of the company ever since, celebra- ting the anniversary of the thirtietli year of service on the 4th of last .July. He is held in high esteem, and is honored by all who know him. "The first excursionists, " says Mr. Mundy, "were of a most excellent class of people, and were brought here by the company with a view to securing a practical intei-est in the place by them." In re- ferring to this excursion, Mr. Beckett, who occupies a cottage on Mas- sachusetts avenue every summer, %ays : " I can well remember when the first excursion train passed over the broad, green, salt meadow land eastward from Absecon. A happier 0 History of Atlantic City. League, of which I^ewis Evans was president. The Union League retained its organization until 1861>. It held its first meetings in the Evard House, then at Tompkin's ice cream saloon, and later in the Bye Hoiise, on Atlantic avenue. The most praiseworthy work of the League was the institution of a branch society which it named the "literary Association."' This society was non-partisan, and all per- sons, including ladies, were invited to join. The object of the Associa- tion was Avhat its name signifies — a cultivation of literary tastes and an improvement of the winter evenings. The excellent influence of this society is manifest to the present day, several of our most prominent citizens being largely indebted to its exercises for their present hon- ored position. Nothing has ever so inspired the young men of the community to the pursuit of knowledge and a reliance upon their own force of character. According to the population of that time, the meetings of this Literary Association were the most largely attended and most effective for mental improvement, of any ever held in the city. Among those most prominent in the debating contests, were iSTewton Keim, John J. Gardner, John L. Bryant, Dr. Thos. K. Heed, Jacob Keim, Levi C. Albertson, D. W. Belisle, S. K. Morse, Gideon Grier, and others whose names we cannot recall. The winter days of that quiet time were spent chiefly in preparation for these mental contests. A subject would be selected by the president, and those assigned to tlie affirmative and negative sides of the question were given a week to prepare. Perliaps no closer thought or more careful research was ever given subjects Ijefore a debating society. It was a test of metal and a trial of pride, that was appreciated by the large assemblages, and which has since proven of incalculable benefit to the participants. Another interesting and profitable feature was the journal read at each meeting. The editorship, which lasted a week only, was assigned to any i)erson the president migiit chose. Communications were solic- ited, and that the modest beginner might be encouraged, the name of the author, if desired, was kept secret. Dramatic entertainments were given, and many will recall to mind the local fame won by the actors of "Down by the Sea." The Association held winter sessions of varying interest and success until 1880, when, to the misfortune of the (^onnnunity, it was i)ermitted to disband. The much worn phrase ''gone but not forgotten," applies truthfully in this connection. •• Wlii'ii time which stfal.s our years away, Shall Moal our pleasures, too. 'I'lie uieniory of the jiast will slay, Au(i halt our joys renew," — - • TiiK MiTciiNEii Lakd Sale. Probably the greatest sacrifice of land in Atlantic City was that sold by Thos. Dudley, acting for the trustees of what is remembered History of Atlantic City. 91 as the Mitcbner estate. In order to settle the accounts of the estate the sale was made in 1S(')5. The land had been divided into lots, and was located at various places between Connecticut and Pennsylvania avenues, running from the ocean to the meadows. Very few people attended the sale, and when tlie price at which lots had been sold for became known, there was a general expression of astonishment. From Mr. K. T. Evard we learn that lots on New Jersey avenue, be- between Atlantic and Maryland avenues, sold for |1G each, and that lots of the same dimension on Arctic avenue sold for !$6 each. Three r" THE DENNIS — JOS. H. BORTON, PROPRIETOR. years later some of the land that was bought for $16 was sold for The same lots could not be purchased now for less than $1,000 each. Over towards Pacific avenue lots were disposed of at prices ranging from $50 to about $150. Mr. Chas. Burkhardt made several purchases on this occasion," from which he realized largely afterwards. The whole square between Connecticut and New Jersey avenues, running from Pacific avenue to the ocean, was offered for sale at $1,000, and did not receive a bidder. It was thereupon sold in lots, netting about $1,300 for the square. A single lot on Pacific avenue could not be purchased for that sum to-day. ill self-defense, and he was acquitted. Mr, Thomas Daly and pres- ent City Clerk Albertson witnessed the tragedy. About seven o'clock on the evening of Sun- day. July 10, 1881, John Somers, employed in Disston's mill in this place, brained special officer William ]\Iussen w'ith an axe. Death en- sued shortly thereafter. Mussen was sixty-five years of age and was watchman for the Diss- tons. Somers had been on a debauch and was crazed by liquor when he perpetrated the crime. Mussen's only offense was in remonstrating with Somers for tpiarrel- ing with his wife. When sober he was a peaceable, orderly citizen. He had a captain's commission during the war and dis- tinguished himself for bravery. lie was tried before Judge Reed at ]SIay\s Landing and sen- tenced to State's prison for life, where he is now serving his term. His l)revious good character and excellent record as a soldier was probably what saved him from the gallows. H. L. Slape, I->q., was his counsel, Howard 1). Strickland, twenty years of age, residing on Maryland Avenue, committed sui- cide by drowning, in Clam Creek, near the boat ^^ ^ ^/^ r ^ ^ o o >V ^ ^ ^ -^ "^ s Missing Pages Y iV o T- ^ \ v> O o '* jV Tir ^ \ Missing Pages History of Atlantic City. 95 houses, on Sunday night, February 1, 1880. No positive cause is as- signed for the act. About five o'clock on the morning of August 11, 1880, a newsboy passing the beach pavilion of the Shelburne House, saw a man lying dead on one of the seats. Investigation proved it to be Geo. B. Hacker, of Philadelphia. Two vials labeled "laudanum" were found in his pocket, as was also the following note : "Mrs. G. W. Hacker, 3.38 Eleventh Avenue, Xew York, care of Mrs. Bradford or Mrs. Ocean, Haverstraw, N. J." On the opposite side of the paper was : "Writing autographs is tough, I've written two lines and that's enough." The body was taken in charge by Hacker's mother, who was resid- ing in Manayunk. He was twenty-five years of age, and was married. John G. Yose arrived from Philadelphia, on the evening of March 17th, 1874, and registered at the "West End," now Kuehnle's. Chat- ting pleasantly witli Mr. R. A. Field, proprietor, and conductor AVyatt, he enquired for directions to the post office, and started therefor. His body was discovered on the beach in the morning by Daniel Paul. It transpired that he was from Orange, N. J., and had escaped from Kirkbride's Asylum for the insane, into which he had been placed on account of a demented mind, the result of brooding over the death of his wife, in Europe, the year previous. The letter mailed in this city was to a relative in Orange, stating that he was going to swim over to Europe to see his wife. Mrs. Paul Hambrick, an aged lady, committed suicid(! by drown- ing in the ocean on the night of September 11, 1883. Her body was found a short distance below the Excursion Hou.se, on the following morning. Family troubles are supposed to have impelled her to the deed. Sad Case of Drowning. A very sad case of drowning, in which five persons found watery graves, happened at the bar, at the entrance of the inlet, on Friday afternoon, July 18, 1874. Daniel Offly Sharpless and his wife, Esther ; Miss Caroline Sharpless, a young lady about nineteen years of age ; Master Alfred Sharpless, a lad of fourteen ; Mrs. Bettle, Miss Anna W. Roberts, daughter of the proprietor of the Chalfonte, and Mr. Clark, all of whom, with the exception of Miss Roberts and Mr. Clark, were visitors from Philadelphia, spending a few days at the cottage of the Hon. Edward Bettle, engaged the yacht "A. B. Thompson," Captain Francis Steelman, and went sailing out to sea. A stiff breeze I 90 History of Atlantic City. was prevailing, and the sea ran high. "When the yacht was crossing the bar, it was struck astern with a lieavy sea, and capsized. All on board were drowned, save Mrs. Bettle, Mr. Clarke, and Captain Steel- man. • O, Sunimer day, beside the surging ^ea ! (>, Summer day, so wonderful and white, So full of gladness and so full of pain : Forever and forever shalt thou be To some the gravestone of a dead deli.^hl. To some the laudmai'U of a new domain '. " SlIIPWRECKERS AND DROWNING. The anii)liibious banditti that, prior to 170(1. fattened uponthe misfortunes of their fellow-beings who suffered the hardships of the wrecks, were familiarly recognized by more civilized people as " Barne- gat pirates." These consisted of desperate characters, who in a great measure resembled that small class of " dog-gun-and-nigger poor whites" of the South, who subsisted, before the war, by shooting and fishing. When wrecks were scarce and false beacons failed in the performance of their required duty, these diabolical specimens of genus homo, lived the lives of wandering "bummers," peripateticating between Absecon village and the beach, and occasionally oystering and fishing, to preserve the connecting link between the soul and body. To this day the visitor will hear of strange, wild incidents that occurred in years gone by upon this sandy waste. The old stagers who came after the pirates above referred to, and were already willing and ready to lend a helping hand to the shipwrecked mariner, now hanging upon the verge of life and expecting any moment to leap into the 'unknown, fondly will relate around the evening fire, hoAV the wild, half-savage wrecker held sway of all around him, save the waves from which he drew his livelihood. Many of the accounts of wrecks that have been preserved in the manuscript from which we glean the facts are full of both romantic incident and absorbing interest. Since the completion of the light-house there have been but few wrecks, and little loss of life has taken place thereby For information relative to the shipwrecks on the coast of this island we are indebted to the History of Atlantic, by Carnesworth, cdias A. Barrington Irvine, published in IStiS ; to the history kept in Adams' log book, a scrap book kept by Lewis Evans, and conversa- tions with residents and sea captains. From the history referred to we quote almost verhatim: In the winter of 1S.'50, the ship "George Cannon," from Liver- pool, with a cargo of liardware and dry goods came ashore. Tlie boxes of dry goods were thrown overV)oard, and soon lined the strand. History of Atlantic City. 97 "Where the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered to- gether." Tlie off-shore people scented the prey, and came in crowds eager for the spoils. Then began the most exciting game of "hide and seek" the world has ever witnessed. Cupidity and rapacity crushed out all sense of honor. Neighbor robbed neighbor. Holes were made in the hills, and the boxes buried, but wbile the party who had hidden and was gone to seek another, somebody would dig it out and convey it to another place of concealment. Gains were un- certain, and in some instances, parties who thought they had saved a goodly store, returned home almost empty-handed. The night was bitter cold, and two men who started to go to a hotel kept at Great P]gg Har- bor Inlet, perished on t)ie liills this side of Cedar Grove. A nameless craft, with black hull and raking masts, supposed to be piratical, was wrecked here about this time, and the crew was taken off just before she went to pieces. Soon after they were landed, tlie captain, whose mind had been shattered by the disaster handed his gold watch to the mate, and then delib- erately walked into the surf and was drowned. The crew and wreckers joined hands and tried to rescue him, but lie immediately disappeared. He must have been carried out to sea by the ebbing tide, as his body was never washed ashore. His comrades said he had a large sum of specie on his person, and expressed much regret at its loss, but no sorrow for the death of their whilom leader. They were villainous looking men, and confirmed the suspicions of their nefarious calling by mysteriously decamping in tlie night. In the interim between September, 1847, and January, 1850, sixty-four vessels came ashore, five in one night — a schooner, a shij), and a brig. Many of these were gotten off, and in only two instances were lives lost. Xo higher panegyric of the courage and capacity of ( OL. Gi:o. W. IIIXKLE, FOn TWENTV-FIVE YEARS PROPRIETOR OF rox(;:;ESS hall. 98 History of Atlantic City. predecessors as wrecking masters can be given than this unvarnislied statement. The following is a memorandum by Ryan Adams: "April 16, 1854, the bark Powhattan was wrecked on Long Beach, 'Ml passen- gers on board ; all lost ; not one left to tell the tale. Thirty of the dead bodies came to tlie shore here and were taken to the mainland and buried." Bodies Found. April 17. A lad 1(5 years old. IS. A young man, a girl, and a child two or three years old. April 24. A woman 30 years of age, with a linen bag on her neck, fastened with a string like a iish line, containing a writing to carry her safe to heaven — written in Dutch. April 29. Found by .John Horner, two men and one girl. One man had an anchor-bowl marked between his thumb and tinger ; light hair. The " Pork Road " was cut through in 1850, to cart the cargo — pork and liams — of the ship Edgar, to tlie meadow side of the island. Every morning, between daybreak and sunrise, the former resi- dent would wend his way to the strand, to see if a vessel were on, or to pick up the waif of interest or value that the receding waves had left upon the shore. In 1830, the "GTherge's Klian,'- was totally destroyed off the beach; the majority of the passengers were saved, among whom was a little child of nine years of age, that was afterwards restored to joyous pa- rents who lived far out in the wilds of the then almost unexplored AVest ; Captain Burk, the commander of the vessel, committed sui- cide. A few years after this the " .John Willets " was a total wreck upon the coast, one man floated ashore wlio had been frozen to death, and Mr. liobinson, who has since taught scliool in Absecon. was an- other survivor of the ill-fated barque. In 1845, Captain Faircloyk's " Rainbow," was wrecked. The next year a most harrowing affair occurred. A small schooner had been wrecked, and when the attention of the beach jjcople had been called to the perilous condition of those aboard, tlie wreck-boat was despatched from the (rovernment boat house which then stood about where the Ocean House now is, to ren- der what assistance soever was possible. As the wreck-boat approached the scene of disaster the cries for help were more and more distressing, the confusion became multiplied to such an extent that although the captain and his sailors were soon safely transferred, in the midst of tiie excitement the skipi)ers' wife had fallen beneath the waves ; lier body was recovered. J^owe was tlie captain's name. History of Atlantic City. 99 Another wreck, the " Polly "VVhimple," took place about 1860. A rich lady, who had several hundred dollars' worth of jewelry on her person, would have been drowned but for the heroic coudi;ct of a sailor. • The same brave fellow was drowned in an attempt to save another woman's life. The schooner "General Scott," was wrecked in 1840. The captain was the only person saved ; he floated ashore on a feather bed. On January 13, 185(3, the "Charles Colgate," of New York, ran ashore and became a total Avi-eck. The crew was saved by the life-boat. On the 25th of February, 1858, the " Flying Dutchman," went to pieces at nearly the same spot where the Colgate broke. No lives lost. On the 21st of November, 1851, the barque "Baldin," of South- port, with a cargo of cotton and merchandise, ran ashore with her mast cut away and water logged. On the 16th of December, 1847, the schooner Mississippi, of Haunch, took shelter in the inlet. She was laden with corn, peas and beans. The next entry we And is that of the British schooner, Ida, Captain Roberts, bound whither for St. John's, N. B., or St. John's, N. F., is impossible to tell. This entry is dated January 2d, 1849. On the 25th of January, 1840, the barque Mary Ellen, of New York, ran ashore. On St. Patrick's day, 1849, the barque Chester, of New Orleans, Cap- tain Robinson, ran ashore. On November 25th, 1849, ran ashore, the schooner Walter A. Merchant, of Washington, N. C, laden with na- val stores aad shingles. December 25th, schooner Brook Haven of Newport, from Norfolk, Va., bound for Fall River, Mass., came ashore. January 4th, 1840, the schooner Independence, of Washington, N. C, laden with naval stores; got off the next morning. The fol- lowing vessels came ashore in 1850 : May 5th, schooner James A- Sanders, of Hampton, Va., Captain Fennis, laden with oysters, bound for Staten Island. May 6th, brig Four Brothers, of Philadel- phia, came on with deck stove in ; load lessened and gotten off. May 18th, schooner Vermillion, of New York, laden with coal ; got off next night. December 19th, brig Repplier, of Boston ; coal ; bound for New York. The Santiago de Cuba ran ashore on this beach in the fall of 1867. Seven persons were drowned, including tliree women, two sailors, a girl ten years of age, and her mother. The child's body was washed ashore some days after the catastrophe. The corpse was kept until such time as a zinc coffin could be procured, and communication made with deceased relatives, who at that time lived in Delphi, Illinois. When the grandfather of the child, an old man about seventy-five years of age, heard of the fate of his daughter and granddaughter, he became hopelessly insane, and died six weeks after the sad news reached him. A Welchman rescued from the sliip returned to his own country, and an Irish girl who had accumulated a small fortune in L.ofC. California, was among the niisfortunate seven on the present occasion. The other female, who was consigned to a wa- tery grave, was a South- ern lady, who had been married but a few weeks. The people of the boat report that her hus- band became unmanned. He mourned and moaned for ills wife, and, like Bochee sorrowing for her little ones, •'re- fused to be comforted because his wife was , not.'' About three S months afterwards, a y ^Michigan woman, whose ~ husband had been miss- r ing for some time, ap- peared at Atlantic City, 5 and with the most per- is feet none ludance, made p inquiry concerning the ., sailors that had been 'f lost. The body of one ? had been washed ashore, y. and a description was ' given her, so far as sueli a thing was prac- ticable. She concluded that the description an- swered completely to her " long-lost husband, '" and proceeded to calcu- late how much he should have drawn in the way of pay since he had left her, provided he had joined the ship about tlie time their commuta- tive bliss proceeded upon a journey in an eleva- ted direction through a storm. She also conjec- tured upon the propriety History of Atlantic City. 101 of re-marrying. She did so. She succeeded in obtaining from the vessel's owners the back pay dne lier liege lord — retired to Michigan, and took to herself a husband. • Just before the Revolutionary War the ship Ellis, from Liverpool, bound to Kew York, came ashore upon the shoals at Ahsecon beach. She was loaded with tea, and had on board a quantity of silver plate. She also carried a British official, who had been commissioned by the Crown to enforce the stamp act. In 1830, George Cannon, from Liverpool, with a cargo of hard- ware and dry goods, came ashore on Absecon Beach, and the vessel and cargo was a total lo.ss. September 30, 1847, schooner Zepham, of Xew Orleans, laden with, coal. October 8, 1847, the brig Laviant, from Boston, Capt. R. Welch, laden with molasses. May 18, 1850, schooner Vermillion, of New York, laden with coal. Got off the next night. Dec. 8, 1850, brig Canemain, of Boston, Capt. Euptill, laden with coal ; bound for Boston. Dec. 9, 1850, barque Reppler, of Boston, Capt. .James Copps, laden with pepper, bound for Xew York. -January 2(3, 1851, barque Elviro Harber, of Xew York, Capt. Richard Dickney, laden with molasses and sugar, lead and rags. February, 1851, sloop Elizabeth Ann, of Rockaway, picked up at sea by Capt. S. Brewer. February 22, 1851, barque Wirkwood, of Baltimore, Capt. S. Martin, laden with coffee, on Brigantine Beach; schooner Rio, of Great Egg Harbor, laden with cortl, for Xew York. Sept. 14, 1851, schooner Elmira, Capt. .Joseph Bulong, on Abse- con, south sice of inlet, laden with pine wood. October 4, 1851, sloop Patrick, of Long Island, Capt. G. Watts, on south side of inlet, laden with clams. Xov. 16, 1851, schooner Hezran, of Xewburyport, Capt. Disney, laden with merchandise. Gotten off by Ryan Adams. Dec. 26, 1851, barque Matogerde, of Xew York, Capt. Richard- son, laden with lumber for Florida. Dec. 8, 1852, schooner Rainbow, of Xorth Carolina, laden with spirits of turpentine. Seven persons on board ; all rescued. January, 1853, schooner Anteris, of Cape ]May, Capt. Thomas Longilder, laden with corn and cotton ; came ashore on south side of Absecon Bar. Gotten off by Ryan Adams. ]March 10, 1853, schooner May Powell, of Xew York, Capt. Rod- gers, laden with cotton and naval stores. May 26, 1853, schooner Elizabeth, of Mystic or Brighton, Capt. J. Sawyer, laden with cotton. 102 History of Atlaktic City. September. 1853, schooner Alviug, of Philadeldhia, bound to New York, laden with coal. Xov. *.•, 1853, schooner James H. Brame, of Yarmouth, Capt. George Redding, laden with logwood and mahogany, from San Do- mingo. December 7, 1853, schooner Franklin, Capt. Geo, Lock, laden with corn, from Norfolk, Va., bound to New York. Dec. 19, 1853, schooner Benj. Douglas, of Middleton, Conn., Capt. Taylor, laden with curbstone. January 2, 1854. schooner Yesta, of Belfast, Capt. Hall, laden with dried fish and mackerel, from Philadelphia, bound to New York. Came ashore on Absecon bar, south side of inlet. Feb. 22, 1854, barque S. J. Roberts, of Providence, Capt. J. C. Deutch. from Marseilles, bound to New York : sorted cargo. May 17, 1854, United States ship Leanan, came ashore a (luarter of seven a. m., and got off about 8 A. m. Nov. 1(3, 1854, brig Pedroga, of New York, from Nassau, Capt. James Burns, laden with logwood and sponge ; came ashore on south side of Absecon bar ; went all to pieces. Jan. 18, 1855, schooner Josephine, laden with oysters ; crew all saved l)y the lifeboat. Jan. 22, 1855, schooner Thomas Y. Beckert, of Wilmington, N. C, Capt. Geo. Shaw ; all hands saved dry on the beach at low tide. •Tan. 22, 1855, schooner May, laden with oysters ; all saved. •July, 1855, schooner Charles H. Mills, laden with naval stores ; bound to New York. November 1'.), lSo5, schooner Benj. English, of New Haven, from Philadelphia, laden with coal and pig-iron ; Capt. Lyons. Got off, leaking badly. November 19, 1855, S. D. Bellows, of Philadelphia, laden with coal. Got off same day. September .JO, 1850, banjue Kirkland, of Baltimore, Capt. Ben- thall. bound to New York, laden with coffee, came ashore near Inlet. December 3, 1850, schooner Lyda Copathyle, of Toms River, Capt. Daniel Williams, came ashore below^ Dry Inlet, laden with pine lumber. January, 1857, schooner M. Piatt, Capt. David D. Day, came ashore south side of Absecon bar, laden with naval stores. January 31, 1857, schooner Cormelita, Capt. Cornell, laden with hides and logwood. 1880, schooner Anson Stinson, came ashore opposite West .Jersey Excursion House. All the crew sick, and captain had been buried at at sea. Schooner stuck on beach, and was a total loss. Cargo partly saved. History' of Atlantic City. 103 1880, schooner Lyda Reed, from Cape May, came ashore. Total loss. December 29, 1832, sloop William Tell, came ashore on Absecon bar, npper side of Inlet. She was a codfish smack. Total loss. Feb. 17, 1883, scliooner Enterprise, Captain Jones, bound for New York. Went to pieces. August 2, 1883, steamer Tuckahoe, loaded with wateraelons, struck on a bar opposite lighthouse. Got off without damage. January 9, 1884, the schooner Robert Morgan, from New Haven, bound for Richmond, lightly laden, came ashore opposite Kentucky SEASIDE HOUSE — C HAS. EVAXS, PROPRIETOK. avenue. She was a new, three-masted schooner, and a handsome ves- sel. She was left stranded high and dry at low water, and people drove around her with teams. The Morgan was the means of bringing a great many visitors to Atlantic at that time, who came especially to view the vessel. A couple of enterprising newsboys derived a consider- able revenue by cliarging admission to go aboard. Just five months and two days after the Morgan was stranded, it was again set afioat, and carried to Philadelphia to undergo repairs. Before the establishment of life-saving stations on the coast, by the Government, many shipwrecked sailors were drowned. But since the provision of these grand institutions, drowning very rarely occurred. 104 History of Atlantic City. As nearly as we can ascertain, about one liuiidred people have drowned on accoiint of shipwreck on this beach. •• Years have waiuk-red by. Side by side beiieatli the water Cvew and Captain lie: There the sunlit ocean tosses <)"er theni mouldering. And the lonely seabird crosses With one waft of the wing." While a storm was raging, on the afternoon of August 18, 1879, a schooner was sighted near the mouth of the inlet, shortly there- after coming ashore at the foot of Ehode Island avenue. The schooner w'as blown dow^i the beach and was soon at a point off Xorth Carolina avenue, where she halted and tossed dangerously about in breakers which deluged her decks and sent their foam'high into the ringing. But four men could be seen on board, two of whom were clinging to the ratlings ; one was on the cross-trees of the foremast, and one lay upon the end of the bowsprit. Darkness was creeping upon the scene, with a fa«t-clearing sky overhead. The tide arose higher and higher, drove the crowd from the beach, and washed the board-walk away. At high tide, when the schooner could no longer be seen, a rocket was sent in the direction in which she was supposed to be to discover if she had fioated off, but she was not discernible. When the tide fell, a boii-fire was lierhted upon the beach, wlrch illu- minated the sea sufficiently to make her plainly visible again, a little further down the beach. Shortly after midnight, Michael Bradford, E. L. Owens, Frank Livingston and James Donnelly took the City Life Boat No. 2, and went out to the vessel. It was a hard row, and the light boat was broken to pieces just as the men reached the grounded schooner. They took a line with them and attached it to the vessel, but had no means of getting back with their boat broken. Tliey foiuid the crew on the deck in a cold and half- famished condition. At ten minutes to two o'clock on Tuesday morning the Government crew of station No. 27, consisting of Captain William Arthur. William Baker, Ed- ward Parker, Henry Monroe, John Nixon and Purnell Bowen, launched their life-boat and w^ent out to the schooner, bringing all on board to shore. The men were at once taken by Mr, Williams, of Germantown Cottage, to liis house, where they were kindly cared for. It was ascertained that the Curtis was boiuid for Portapotauk, Vir- ginia, with i)ine wood. Iler crew consisted of Capt. Amlnose Pierce, of Keyport, Maine ; Abraham Hatfield, of Egg Harbor, mate : AVilliam Cuitis, of West Goldsboro, Maine, and Thomas Maion, Jr., cook. They stated that as soon as their boat struck the bar she immediately bilged. Slie was gotten off the beach a few days later. History of Atlantic City. 105 The Rockaway, a newly launched excursion steamer, Avas wrecked on this beach, near Pennsylvania Avenue, on March 25, 1877. The boat had left Norfolk, for Xew York, on the previous Saturday, in tow of the Old Dominion steamship Wyanoke. She was built at Atlantic City, near Norfolk, Va., for R. Cornell White, of New York, designed for the excursion trade between New York and Rockaway Beach. The hawser parted during a heavy sea after nightfall. The craft went to pieces. No lives were lost. The speed of the Rockaway was calculated to be twenty miles an hour, 1,950 tons burden, and in- tended to carry 4000 passengers. Capt. Crouch commanded the Wyanoke. Among the passengers were Mr. White, his wife, two sons and daughter. The steamer Cassandra, though not wrecked on this beach, is so connected with our summer life that a history of Atlantic would be in- complete without a reference to it. She struck Brigantine Shoals, February 5, 1867, sunk and became a total loss. Cargo, cotton, hides, leather, moss, etc. Built of oak and three years old. Bound from New Orleans to New York, Capt. Daniel McLaughlin, Crew 30 men, no passengers, crew all rescued by a wrecking schooner. Register 1,284 tons. Her sunken boilers became the rendezvous of fish, par- ticularly of the sheepshead species, and many splendid catches by At- lantic City fishermen have been recorded. The schooner Rapidan ran ashore near the lighthouse, on Oct. 13, 1870. Gotten off by Capt. Japhet Townsend, wrecking master. The ship Maria came ashore about a mile below the Excursion House in the year 1863. Laden with cotton. Cargo saved ; ship went to pieces. Sept. 8, 1874, schooner Hannah Little, in the bar ; gotten off Nov. 15, 1875. Schooner Eliza Godfrey, on bar ; went off Jan. 20, '72. Schooner Sarah Eldridge, on bar ; went off Nov. 3, '82. Ship L. C. Wallace, on bar ; went off Dec. 29, '82. Yacht Emma, on bar ; went off Dec. 30, '82. Ship Wm. Zice, on bar ; gotten off Aug. 2, '82. Steamer Tuckahoe, on bar ; went off Dec. 15, 'S3. Sloop Katie Becker, on bar ; went off May 17, '81. Wm. Tice, on bar ; off Aug. 28, 1882. Schooner Estella Day, on the beach ; gotten off Sept. 15, 1882. Sloop Alert, on bar; gotten off Jan. 0, 1881. Schooner Anson Stinson, on beach ; gotten off Feb. 5, '81. Schooner John Roach, on bar ; went off Aug. 15, '81. Sloop Julia A. Reed, on beach, Oct. 15, 1881. Yacht R. M. McCristol, capsized on bar, Nov. 18, '77. Sloop Wallace, on bar; went off. First Marriage. The only record we have been able ro find of the first marriage ceremony after the incorporation of the city, is in a comnuuiication to the Philadelphia Ledger. The letter is dated at this place, and says 106 History of Atlantic City. that " the first wedding in Atlantic City occurred on the second of May, 1854. ■■ The if f/yec correspondent says further tliat the couple came from Philadelphia in search of employment, with the u)iderstand- ing that if they were successful, a wedding should immediately follow. The would-be bridegroom was a painter by trade, and the prospective bride a seamstress. The painter found employment immediately, but the woman was lest- fortunate. They concluded to marry, however, and the services of a visiting clergyman whose name is not given, was ob- tained, and the marriage ceremony performed at the house of Ryan Adams, where the happy couple spent their honeymoon. Joseph J. Elliott was the name of the bridegroom and Susanna Cummings the name of the bride. ••Many all evening" by the waters did we watch tlie stately shii).>*. And Dur .spirits rushed together at the touching of the lips." Thk Post Offices. The summer of 1854 was signalized by the appointment of Robert B. Leeds, Es(i., Postmaster of Atlantic City. Judge Campbell, who adorned the .summer society of this enchanting resort in the summer of 1873, was Postmaster-General when Mr. Leeds was appointed, and wrote to him not to wait for his commission, but to proceed at once to receive and distribute the mail. The position was not one to tempt the avaricious, as the percentage on the receipts for the first year was only fifty dollars. The election of Pennsylvania's son, James Buchanan, to the Presidency gave the office to Thomas McNeelis,who was succeeded by Michael Lawlor, the former courteous and honorable proprietor of the Central House. Mr. Lawlor occupied a small room on Tennessee avenue and handed the mail through a little window opening on a narrow porch. Immediately after the distribution of each mail, Mr. Lawlor, in ricli Irish brogue, would call the name on «^ach envelope, persons on the outside responding '•'aye,''' or '' here," History of Atlaxtic City. 107 as their names were announced. After the inauguration of President Lincohi, the office was given to Dr. Lewis Reed, still a highly respected resident of this city. He transferred the office to a store building op- posite the United States Hotel,. He served continuously until March 1st, 1872, when Mr. Levi C. Albertson, the present efficient incum- bent assumed the duties of the office. A room in the Ashland House then became the post office until it was taken to the building now oc- cupied by Gardner & Shinn. The rapid increase in the business of the office rendered the erection of the present post office building necessary in the year 1880. The amount received for stamps in 1872, Mr. Albertson's first year, was less than |2,500. The amount received for stamps during the year ending March 1, 1881, was over 115,000, a convincing testimony of the city's marvelous progress. A Pioneer Poetess. One of the memorable characters in the early history of Atlantic was Mrs. Rachel Rhoades, wife of the first Alderman of the city. She came here with her husband before the completion of the railroad, and remained long after her widowhood, until about the year 1874, when she went where all parting, care and pain are at an end. She was talented, an extremely interesting conversationalist, and a very eccentric old lady withal. She seldom, if ever, exchanged visits with her neighbors, but in her home always prevailed free-hearted hospital- ity. She was an incessant reader, and was familiar with most of the popular works of literature of the time. Poetry and fiction were her delight, and many of the local incidents of that day she reduced to rhyme. As age came upon her so did her love for the society of chil- dren and young people increase. When time dimmed her eyesight, she always had with her some young girl, who would read to her by the hour. Her mind ran to poetry and to the past. Often awakening as if from a dream she would say to her companion, quoting a favorite stanza from Longfellow : '• Uome, read to me some poem, Some simijie and heartfelt lity, That shaU soothe this restless feeling, And banish the thoughts ot day." A favorite pastime was lonely walks along the beach. She would venture out during the most terrific gales. Perhaps when the storms of wild emotion struck the ocean of the poet's soul, from her heart there floated the fragment of a song, for she invariably committed some thought to rhyme after each of these solitary strolls by the sea. She was the author of a novel entitled, "• Zimluka," and also of a book of 108 History of Atlantic City. poems Avhich gained some celebrity. The ocean held a peculiar charm and spell over her, and her poetry mostly referred to it. The heroine of the romance hitherto mentioned was "The Hag of the Beatling Cliff.'' For many years she lived in a plain cottage, situated where District Attorney Graham's summer residence now stands. It is probable that when gazing seaward, which she would do for liours at a time, her thoughts were : " i;ver drifting:. Oril'ting. drifting On the shifting Currents of the restless heart : Till at length in books recorded. They, like hoarded Household words, no more depart." Atlantic City's " Bare-Foot Boy." The life of Hon. John J. Gardner is a splendid illustration of the beneficence of the institutions of America, and of the generous possi- bilities scattered in the pathway of every industrious and ambitious young man. He came here from the mainland at the age of eleven years, in April, 1857, Up to the time of the breaking out of the Re- bellion he followed about the only pursuit open to the boys of that day, viz., following the bay and hauling sand. AVhen Uncle Sam issued his call for men to put down the Rebellion, John Gardner, only fifteen years of age, was among the first to respond. He shouldered his mus- ket in the Sixth Regiment, serving: in this and Hancock's Corps until the close of the war. He now turned his attention to books, and took a course or two at Ann Arbor, Michigan. Returning home, he was elected Mayor, in November, 1868. He discharged the duties of this office so satisfactorily that he was re-elected for seven years, a part of the time his name being on the ticket of both political parties. He declined an eighth term. In 1877, he was elected State Senator, and was re-elected in 1880 and 1883. He was President of the Senate dur- ing the Session of 1883. He was elected a delegate at large to the Na- tional Convention, which nominated Hon. James G. Blaine for Pre- sident, and also was a member of the Commission appointed to prepare amendments to the State Constitution. He was one of the original members of the Board of Directors of the Philadeli>hia and Atlantic Railroad Company, and is now very favorably mentioned in connection with the nomination for Congress from this district. He opened the first real estate office in this city, in 1868. While not a professional laAvyer, Mr. Gardner has accurate and acute legal perceptions. No sudden accident gave him popularity. Xo adventitious circumstances promoted him to high station. He has won them by his own forces of character and trustworthiness. He is a man of considerable political astuteness, and is seldom, if ever, involved in fadious contentions. History of Atlajj^tic City. 109 Military Companies. • There is a sound of thunder afar. Storm in the South that darkens the day, Storm of battle and thunder of war. Well it it do not roll our way. Form ! Form ! Kitlemen Form I Ready, be ready to meet the storm ! Kitlemen ! ritlemen ! ritleiHen form I The spirit of patriotism and loyalty with whicli Atlantic was im- bued at the outbreak of the Rebellion, is demonstrated in the fact that a militia company formed immediately after the firing upon Fort Sumter, contained al- most every male resi- dent between the ages of eighteen and. forty. The only man in the community at that time who had any practical knowledge of military tactics was John Farley, who had served in the British Army. The com- pany organized by the election of Robert B. Leeds as Captain, and Farley as Drill-Master. Jos. Barstow was chosen First Lieutenant, Hun- ter McClees Second Lieu- tenant ; Orderly Ser- geant, Frank Harbor ; Wm. Souder, Lieuten- ant-Colonel of the County Militia. Wm. Souder was fifer and John Bullock, drunuiier. Tlie uniform was grey trousers with yellow stripe down the side, blue shirts with silver stars, fatigue caps. The com- pany met in Nicholas Wurth's up-town excursion house for drilling exercise. Mr. Barstow succeeded Mr. Leeds as Captain shortly after the organization of the company. Xo record of the membership seems to have been preserved. The company was never mustered into ser- vice on account of most of its members enlisting in various New Jer- sey and Pennsylvania regiments. The organization was retained for a, couple of years, however, by the old men of the city joining, and thereby constituting a ''Home Guard." ALBERT H. DISSTON, DECEASED, PllOMINENT COTTAGER AyD ADVOCATE OP ATLANTIC. 110 History of Atlantic City. Company F, Sixth Regiment, State National Guards, was organ- ized in this city in 1870, and mustered in service. The officers were : Captain, Jos. T. Note ; First Lieutenant, John Gardner : Second Lieu- tenant, Jos. Holmes, subsequently J. V. Albertson : First Sergeant. S. L. Wescoot. The company was armed and equipped at the ex- pense of the State, It attended reviews of the State Militia and attracted attention as one of the best, if not the best, drilled and dis- ciplined company in the service. Disbanded after two or three years service. The Churchks. The pioneer settlers with a religious sense like that with which prophets and holy men of old consecrated certain spots, assembled soon after the incorporation, and began to prepare for the erection of a temple to God. The voice of nature never speaks more impressively than by the sea, and to our fathers, no doubt, every breeze was vocal with the still, small voice. In the flow of the ocean, in the flight of the sea-bird, in the atmosphere itself, they recognized the mysterious power which gives vitality to the soul, and teaches the glory of God. As a result of these conferences, the first Methodist church was dedi- cated in the year 1857, and still stands as originally built, on Atlantic Avenue, below Massachusetts. The citizen points with ]tride to this edifice as conspicuous testimony to the Christian spirit of our fathers, for •■ Here holy thought^: si light have sh<'^5(>, the Camden and Atlantic liand Company sold Thomas Miles land tionting the ocean, and bound on the opposite side by Pacific avenue, evtendiug from said a\enue three hundred and twenty feet, more or less, to storm-tide-line of the Atlantic Ocean. Title descended from Miles to Lippincott. Meanwhile large accre- tions of land had tormed, upon a portion of which Haddon House w as built. On yeptember . 8, 1880, a "summons" =^ ^\as served on Mr. Lip- ~ pmcott, in a writ of Q ejectment issued by the 5 Land Company, setting ^ up a claim to all land H bevond the 320 feet speci- o hed running towards the "^^ ocean. The case was '^ carried to the county ^ courts, but trial was ;;; postponedby the plaintiff at each term, until Z Judge Reed set a special - teim for the case in Oc- " tober, 1S82. The matter then came up before a struck jury, but was put over again at the request of plaintiff. At the regular term in December, 1882, it came before another struck nuy, and the trial was pioceeded with until the testimony was all in, when Court adjourned till the 3d of January foi argument. The Judge charged the jury at length on the fol- lo-wing day, submitting 146 History of Atlantic City. fourteen questions for their consideration and answer. These ques- tions were answered by the jury, and returned to the Court on the oth of January, and were regarded as favorable to defendant. The whole case, including the questions submitted by the Judge, were argued in 1883, at the June term of the Supreme Court, before Justices Beasley, Depue, Knapp and Vansycle. Barker Gummere and Courtlandt Parker appeared for plaintiff ; and Peter L. Voorhees, and Frederick Voorhees, for defendant. The Court, after ordering the evidence to be printed, reserved its decision until the November term, when, in an exhaustive opinion, it decided that Mr. Lippincott had legal title to the premises, but in coosequence of an error or informality in the answer to one of the questions in the Lower Court, the Supreme Court could not order judgment, but granted the privilege of a new trial. None being applied for, the defendant's counsel notified plaintiff that application would be made to the Supreme Court for a non-suit. No defence being made, the Court granted the request, and by an opinion rendered at the November term of 1SS3, established the principle that the title to land bounded by a storm-tide mark advances or recedes ac- cording to the same laws governing the title to accretions to land bounded either by high or low water mark. The array of counsel in this case was : For plaintiff— Courtlandt Parker, Barker Gummere, Wm. Moore, Alex. II. Sharp. For defendant — Peter L. Voorhees, Frederick Voorhees, Samuel II. Grey, Jos. Thompson. Impkovement Association. An organization by this name was formed in 1878. l^evi C. Al- bertson was elected president, and F. B. Lippincott, secretary. At a meeting held in the council chamber on Monday evening, January 12, 1879, the following By-Laws were adopted : "Ai't. II. The officers of this association shall be a president, a vice-president, a secretary, and a board of directors, consisting of ten I'esident real estate owners of Atlantic City, which ten resident direc- tors shall elect five non-resident directors, wiio shall be owners of real estate in Atlantic City, and who shall have ecjual powers with the resi- dent directoro for the transaction of business. Art. III. All the officers and resident directors of this association shall be elected aniuially, on the first regulai meeting in January in each year at a regular meeting of the association, and the election shall be by ballot, and all the officers so elected sliall hold their offices for one year, or until their successors are elected. Art. IV. The objects and purposes of this association shall be the l)rotection of property and the enhancement of its value, the encour- agement and advancement of all public or private enterprises that may History of Atlantic City. 147 be calculated to benefit the city and our people, and to place before the public, in the most pronounced manner, our superior advantages as a resort for health, comfort, and pleasure. Art. V. No member of this association shall be permitted to speak in favor of any political party during the discussion of any subject, and as this association is intended to be above politics and to promote the common welfare, the discussion of any political subject in this body, or any committee thereof, is hereby prohibited." After a few years' effective service to the public, the association suspended its meetings. KuNNiNG the Trains Through the City. From the day of the arrival of the first train in Atlantic, until the spring of 1876, passengers were distributed through the city by stops made at about every fourth avenue. In June of that year, Mr. Jno. Lucas, then President of the Camden & Atlantic, ordered all trains stopped at the depot. The enforcement of the order created a great public agitation. Most of the people at either extreme of the city earnestly protested and petitions numerously signed were present- ed to the Board of Directors of the company, praying it to resume the old practice. A public meeting was called at the City Hall, and was largely attended. Addresses were made, and the action of the com- pany condemned. It was about the time of the projection of the Phila- delphia & Atlantic City (narrow gauge) road. The people residing up- town, and others sympathizing with them, appealed to the new com- pany to adopt the plan first practiced by the old road, and run pas- sengers as far up town as Massachusetts avenue. The new company promised to do so, and an ordinance granting the company the privi- lege of laying a track on Arctic avenue up through the city was ulti- mately passed by Council. Later this ordinance was repealed, and a like privilege granted on Baltic avenue. The Camden & Atlantic soon after resumed the delivery of pas- sengers, but many of the hotel proprietors had purchased 'buses, and were less interested in the matter than before. The wisdom of running the cars through the city became a debateable matter, ultimately drift- ing into a contention that became an issue in our local politics. Board of Health. The city's sanitary code is the vine upon which the tempting clus- ter has grown, and the purple grapes can show no more intimate de- pendence upon the parent stem than Atlantic City bears to a superior 148 History of Atlantic City, sanitaiT system. Until the year 1880, the duty of keeping vigil ovei* the city in the matter of the removal of garbage, cliciinage, low and stagnant places, cesspool, etc. , devolved upon a committee of Council known as the " Sanitary Committee. " On the 11th of March, 1880, the Governor approved an Act of the Legislature, requiring all incor- porated cities, towns and boroughs, to appoint a Ijoard of health, com- posed of at least five, and not more than seven members. In compli- ance with this law. Mayor Wright appointed Dr. F. B. Lippincott, T. A. Byrnes, Jno. L. Bryant, Geo. Hayday and Thos. McGuire. The -i^eLPARK BATH MOUSE-ATLANTIC^ITY board lield its first meeting in the City Hall, on the 20th of May, 1880, and organized by the appointment of Dr. Lippincott, as chairman, and Mr. McGuire, Secretary. Messrs. Bryant and Byrnes were appointed a committee on rules. During the administration of Mayor Bryant, the board was increased to seven members, by the appointment of Messrs. Borton and Barstow. The present ollicers and members of the Board are : President, Boardman Reed, M. D.; Secretary, Edward A. lleiley. Members- Joseph H. Borton, Jos. A. Barstow, John B. Champion, Albert "VV. Irving, Mahlon C. Frambes ; Sanitary Inspector, Dr. J. J. Comfort. History of Atlantic City. 141> The Excursion Houses. The Seaview Excursion House was built in March, 1869, by the Seaview Hotel Company. On the 23d of March, before the work on the building had been finished, a severe gale razed it to the ground. The original officers were : President, Eobt. Frazer ; Secretary, Horace Whiteman. Directors, Jas. B. Dayton, John Lucas, Jno. Wallace, Geo. W. Carpenter, Samuel C. Smith, Kobt. M. Mitchison. The open- ing of the house was celebrated by an excursion, on the •21st of June, 1869. S. C. Konigmacher managed the house for the company the first year. Mr. John Trenwith is the present lessee. Mr. Thomas Trenwith is superintendent. The Narrow Guage Excursion House was built in the spring of 1877, at the ocean end of Florida Avenue, by the Philadelphia and Atlantic Railway Company. It had previously been one of the buiUl - ings on the Centennial grounds. In the fall of '77, a storm-tide under- mined the foundation, causing the house to fall to the ground, a com- plete wreck. In the spring of 1878, Mr. Charles Palmer converted his hotel into an excursion house, for the use of the railroad company, to which the company has run all of its excursions ever since. Frank Barnett purchased the property of Mr. Palmer, and is now the mana- ger and proprietor of it. It is known as the Lafayette Excursion House. Mr. S. M. Nash built the West Jersey Excursion House in the spring of 1880, on Georgia Avenue. It was managed by Mr. Nash, until the season of 1884, when it was leased to Messrs. Giles & McKune. Atlantic City National Bank. Through the instrumentality of Mr. Robt. D. Kent, a meeting of business men was held at the Seaside House in the latter part of August, 1880, to consider the matter of establishing a National Bank in Atlantic City. Seven men only responded to the invitation. Three thousand dollars was the amount of stock subscribed at this meeting. The movement thus modestly begun was encouraged by additional subscriptions from the citizens and non-residents, among whom Mr, Kent mingled with a petition. In the course of six months the neces- sary stock of 150,000 was subscribed. A meeting for organization was held in the City Hall on March 18, 1881, which resulted in the election of the following officers and directors : Directors, Joseph A. Barstow, John B. Champion, Geo. F. Currie, Chas. Evans, Richard H. Turner, Elisha Roberts. Officers. — President, Charles Evans; Cashier, Robt. D. Kent. On May 23, 1881, the bank was opened, temporarily occupying a room in Currie's building, below South Caro- 150 History or Atlantic City. lina Avenue. The success of the iustitution was assured from the start. ^0 dividends were declared the first year, but thereafter three per cent, semi-annual dividends were paid, in addition to which the surplus fund has reached twenty-three per cent of the capital. The business of the bank is now done in Bartlett's brick building, built especially for banking purposes, at the corner of Atlantic and North Carolina Avenuse. The Water Controversy. On October 21st, 1880, an ordinance was passed granting John W. Moffley, Walter Wood and their associates, or such company as they might form under the laws of the State, to lay pipes in the streets for the purpose of providing a supply of water. Among other things the ordinance specified that the company should receive from the city 13,300 per annum for a supply of water, and that upon the extension of the city such sum should be allowed the company for additional fire plugs as the city might elect. Under the ordinance the company was required to maintain a head of eighty feet of water in the stand-pipe, and to keep therein at all times ISO.OOO gallons of water. On the nineteenth of November, 1880, the same Council passed an ordinance supplemental to and amendatory of the above mentioned ordinance, in which the annual city water rent was increased to $7,500, and that for each additional mile of extension of water plugs the city was required to pay $750' per annum. In the supplemental ordinance the city was deprived of the control of water rates and from levying a municipal tax. The supplemental ordinance also struck out the words "which shall at all times contain " where it referred to the maintenance of 180,000 gallons of water in the stand-pipe. The passage of this supplemental ordinance led to public agitation, and serious litigation, which is still pending. At the re(iuest of cer- tain taxpayers the Attorney General filed an information to set aside the ordinance and contracts made thereunder. A new Council having been elected, the original ordinance and the supplemental ordinance thereto were repealed. Public meetings were called and tlie question of a water supplv thoroughly discussed, much feeling characterizing the speeches. There was a strong demand for the city to build and control its own works, and with a view to testing public sentiment in the matter, a special election was held on Tuesday, , 1881, which resulted in a total vote of 5'.>1 — 500 of which were in favor of the city owning and controlling its water supply. The ballots polled read as follows : History of Atlantic City. 151 •■ For the adoption for this city of the jn-ovisions of an act entitled, ' An Act to enable cities to supply the inhabitants thereof with pure and wholesome water.' Against the adoption for this city of the provisions of an act entitled, ' An Act to enable cities to supply the inhabitants thereof with pure and wholesome water.' " The Moffley-Wood Company, paying no heed to the repealer, pro- ceeded with the construction of the works. The company disputed the claim of Council that it had not lived up to the requirements of the original ordinance, and that the repealer was therefore of no force. The company was permitted to proceed with the work, and on the ll»th of Jime, 1882, a supply of water from the springs of the mainland was introduced mto the city. The names of the officers and board of direc- tors are herewith submitted : President, Walter Wood ; Treasurer, 8EAVIEW HOTEL — JOHN TRENAVITH, PROPRIETOR. Aaron Freas ; Secretary, Mr. Greaves. Directors — Walter Wood, Jno. W. Moffley, Aaron Freas, Israel Adams, Geo. Wood, Gen. E. Wright, W. D. Kemble, Jno. McChesney. In the suits above referred to, H. L. Slape, Esq., is counsel for relators, and S. H. Gray, Esq., and Peter L. Voorhees for the Water Company. Death of Lincoln and Garfield. The news of the death of President Lincoln on April 14, 18(35, was received with public manifestations of sorrow throughout the city. The schools suspended for a short time and a public meeting, to give expression to the deep feeling of grief, was held in the First I'll.' History of .\tl antic City. ' Methodist Chinch. Resolutions of regret were passed Ijy all of the societies. The city was draped in mourning, tlie only bells then here— those in the Presbyterian and Catholic churches — were tolled, and every Hag in the city put at half mast. A special train ran to Phila- delphia when the remains of the great President were lying in state in tiiat city. The obseciuies of President Garfield were observed by the people of this city in an appropriate manner. Mayor Slape issued the follow- ing proclamation : I. Harry L. Slape, Mayor of Atlantic City, do hereby recommend that the people of Atlantic City do observe the said 26th day of September, 1881, by the closing of places of business throughout the day, and by assembling for prayer and other appropri- ate services to be held in the Presbyterian church in this city, at the hour of two o'clock p. m. There was a general suspension of business on this day. The as- semblage at the Presbyterian church was very large. The Hooker Post was present in uniform, as was the police department. After volun- tary by Prof. Henry Wolsieffer, Rev. Mr. Bailey, of the Baptist de- nomination, made a few appropriate remarks, closing with the reading of President Arthur's proclamation. The choir sang "Asleep in Jesus." Prayer was ofiiered by Rev. Edward Bryan, of the Presbyte- rian church, followed by "Jesus, Lover of my Soul," from the choir. Rev. Z. T. Dugan , of St. Paul's M. E. church, read the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, which was followed by an interesting address by Rev. Mr. Sovereign. "Broken Hearts," was rendered by the quar- tette. Senator Gardner then made an eloquent address A memoriam hyn n, by Rev. Alfred Xevin, D.D., was sung by the congregation. Mayor Slape followed in an able speech. Dr. Thos. K. Reed made a very effective address, dwelling particnlarly on the nature of the wound and the heroic conduct of General Garfield throughout his great suffering. "Rest, Brother, Rest," was then sung by the choir. Rev. ^Slr. Cline, of the First M. E. church, dwelt particularly upon the Cin-istian character of the dead President, and thought it was consoling that he was an open professor of Christ. Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Dugan. The congregation sang " Xearer my God to Thee," after which it was dismissed with the benediction by Rev. Mr. Cline. Early Batii-Housks. Not until the last decade was there any attempt to keep the bath- houses permanently on the beach. They were rough, unsightly struc- tures, strongly put together, made of a size that would admit of their being put on a wagon every Autumn, and hauled to a point of safety up in the city. Long rows of bath-houses dumped along Pacific and History of Atlantic City. 153 other avenues, were a common Winter scene. Not a building was left on the beach after the close of the bathing season. A few weeks be- fore the Summer season opened, the beach presented an animated scene of busy laborers who were engaged in removing bath-houses beachward, and in removing the accumulated sand drifts, and debris of wrecks that had come ashore during the Winter. The beach has been less shifting of late years, and the effort to fix the tasteful and expensive buildings which adorn the beach to-day has met with en- couraging success. Bulwarks have been built at places that have withstood the force of the storm-tossed sea; foundations of bath-houses have been sunk deeper in the sand, and ocean piers extended success- fully into the sea. The first bath-house we have any account of was that built by Mr. Manasa McClees, at the foot of Massac hussetts ave- nue, in 1854, in charge of Mr. G. H. Leedom, who has since accumu- lated a competency in the bath-house and restaurant business, and be- come a member of Council and an honored and influential citizen. In that day the beach was regarded, in a great measure, as the property of the public for bathing purposes. Every purchaser of property felt that he had a legitimate right to put a bath-house somewhere on the beach for the use of his family. Tt may not have been so nominated in his deed, but the right wnis permitted to be implied. But as the town became more populous, so did the beach front increase in value, until the question of legal ownership became a matter of dispute that led to litigation, resulting in the abolishment of squatter sovereignty and possession by those whose deeds named high-water-mark or storm- tide-line as the south-eastern boundary of their property. ^■ji History of Atlantic City. CHArTER IV Tub "West Jersey axd Atlantic Railroad. A strip of crescent beach, a genial sun overhead, a sea gull flying through the blue sky, a vast stretch of water reaching out to the horizon, and an occasional sail flecking the distance, were the only fea- tures which marked the site of the present Queen Resort of the Sea when Dr. Pitney first conceived the idea of connecting the Delaware and the Ocean with a ribbon of iron. The sweet cadence of the sea and the whistle of the meadow bird were the only sounds of this lonely shore. In 1S54 Xature invited Art into partnership, and the issue was a railroad, the result of which a great sanitarium rose sphinx-like from the ocean. The year 1R70 is as memorable in the history of Atlantic City as it is in the history of the Nation, for it was during that period that Samuel Richards, who had watched the seed planted in the sandy desert by Dr. Pitney grow and become fruitful with health, and bloom with golden flowers for the faded cheek, conceived the ideaof a second road to the now great and prosperous health lift. Where the doctor saw only sky, sea and sand, Mr. Richards, in '76, beheld hundreds of happy seaside homes, great hotels, broad streets, beautiful gardens and the stami) of prosperity and civilization on every side. He saw the people flocking to the healing sea like those of old seeking the waters of Siloam, and became impressed with the conviction that a line which could afford cheap rates to the ocean would not only prove a profitable investment to the stockholders, but also a great blessing to the medi- um and poorer classes. In less than a twelve-month the opening of a second road to Atlantic was celebrated, and a few weeks later hun- dreds of people were being whirled to the ocean for the astonishing sum of fifty cents each, — less than hack fare from Market street, Phil- adelphia, to the Park. The fame of the city as a health resort now l)ecaine more wide- spread, and it ])rospered so marvellously that, in 1880, General Wm. History of Atlaktic City. 155 J. Sewell became impressed with tlie belief that the patronage of the place would warrant the operation of a third road. He promptly or- ganized a company, and in a few months thereafter a third route to •Atlantic City was opened for the accommodation of the public. The Pennsylvania Railroad Company assumed the management of the new road, and immediately the name of Atlantic City became familiar in every ticket office in the land, in the control of that great and power- ful corporation. The reputation of the place became national, and people from all parts of the country began to appreciate its curative and health-nnparting »iualities. ' S ^ r r . 31. i."'&SJS^,r V , , . ' r ' t ippin('ott, John Ilarrold, Thomas E. French, Geo. C. Bryant, Tlu)nias C Carrett ; Treasurer, Chalkley S. Leeds. History of Atlantic City. 171 1873— Mayor, Dr. Chas. Soiider ; City Clerk, Lewis Evans ; Record- er, Jacob Middleton ; Alderman, Hugh H. Y. Wicks ; Council, Geo. F. Currie, George A ndeisoii, Joseyh A. B.irstow, Richard Hackett, Richard Turner, J. Henry Hayes ; Treasurer, Chalk- ley S. Leeds. 1874— Mayor. John J. Gardner; City Clerk, Joseph T, Note; Recorder, Jacob Middleton; Alderman, Edward B. Reilly; Council, James S. Shinn, Jonas Higbee, Eli M. Johnson, Edward Wilson, Thos. E. French, Lewis Repp; Treasurer, Chalkley S. Leeds. 1875— Mayor, John J. Gardner; City Clerk, A. M. Bailey; Recorder, Jacob Middleton; Alderman, Dr. Lewis Reed; Council, Joseph T. Note, Henry Wootten, Paul Wootten, Jonas Higbee, Hugh H. Y. Wicks, Jos. A Barstow, John L. Bryant, Thos. E. French, R. T. Evard; Treasurer. Chalkley S. Leeds. 187G— Mayor, Dr. Willard AVright; City Jlerk, James Godfrey; Re- corder, Jacob Middleton; Alderman, Edmund I. Lake; Council, Geo. F. Currie, John Ilamman, Elias Wright, W. A. Mitchell, John J. Gardner, Jonathan R. Doughty, Wm. Hawk, Joseph T. Note, Wm. Mann; Treasurer, Chalkley S. Leeds. 1877— Mayor, Willard Wright; City Clerk, Edward A. Quigley; Re- corder, Jacob Middleton; Alderman, Joseph Shinn; Council, Chas. W. Maxwell, T. A. Byrnes, J. R. Doughty, John Har- rold, J. H. Mason, Geo. W. Hinkle, Jos. A. Barstow, Eli'M. Johnson, James S. Shinn; Treasurer, Chalkley S. Leeds. 1878— Mayor, John L. Bryant; City Cherk, Enoch S. Conover; Re- corder, Jacob Middleton; Alderman, Edward Eldridge; Coun- cil, Jos. P. Canby, J. R. Doughty, R. T. Evard, Wm. Fulton, Geo. W. Holmes, Joel R. Leeds, Chas. W. Maxwell, Lewis Reed, Jr., Hugh H. Y. Wicks; Treasurer, Chalkley S. Leeds. 1S79— Mayor, Willard Wright ; City Clerk, Jas. Harrold ; Alderman, Francis P. Qxiigley ; Recorder, Nathaniel Webb ; Council, T, A. Byrnes; R. T. Evard, Wesley Robinson, Geo. Hayday, Sr., Eli M. Johnson, Thomas C. Fiench, J. B. Champion, J. R. Doughty, Enoch B. Scull ; Treasurer, Chalkley S. Leeds. 1880 — Mayor. Harry L. Slape ; City Clerk, Enoch S. Conover ; Alder- man, Jas. Stokes ; Recorder, Jas. Kitchens ; Council, John C. Albertson, Jos. A. Barstow, Jos. H. Borton, John L. Bryant, Geo. F. Currie, Wm. Eldridge, Chas. Evans, Chas. W. Max- well, Simon L. Westcott ; Treasurer, Chalkley S. Leeds. lB81-Mayor, Willard Wright ; City Clerk, Henry R. Albertson ; Re- corder, James IHtchens ; Alderman, Jas. Stokes; Council, John C. Albertson, Wm. H. Aikin, John B. Champion, Eli M. Johnson, Jos. R. Canby, Chas. W. Maxwell, Henry Wootton Franklin P. Cook, AVesley Robinson ; Treasurer, Chalkley S. Leeds. J 72 ■ History of Atlantic City. 1882— Mayor, Charles W. Maxwell ; City Clerk, Henry E. Albertson ; Recorder, John Gouldey; Alderman, James S. Endicott ; Council, John Hamman, Franklin P. Cook, John L. Baier, Jr., Frank Barber, Henry Wootton, John E. Blake, Wesley Robinson, VVm. Aikin ; Treasurer, Chalkley S. Leeds. 1883— Mayor, Charles W. Maxwell ; City Clerk, Henry R. Albertson ; Recorder, James Hitchens ; Alderman, Jacob Leedom ; Council, William L. Adams, Joseph A. Barstow, Francis Barnett, Henry N. Bolte, Franklin P. Cook, George F. Currie, John B. Cham- pion, Wesley Robinson, George B. Zane ; Treasurer, Chalkley S. Leeds. The Earthquake. A series of three mysterious shocks were felt in Atlantic City a few minutes after 2 o'clock, on Sunday, August 10, 1884, which had all the sj mptoms of an earthquake. Great alarm was occasioned to many visitors. Inquiries were general concerning the phenomenon, in the belief that it resulted from an explosion. The people of the larger boarding houses were dining, and were startled at the rattling of dishes and a shaking of the tables. At the lighthouse the shock startled Ma^or Wolf, the keeper, jolting a desk at which he was writing. The house of Senator Gardner was perceptibly shaken, and Conductor Bartlett, of the Camden & Atlantic Railroad, w^as nearly jostled out of his chair. Many lamp-chimneys were broken. People ran out of doors in consternation. Buildings trembled, and the earth seemed to move. The commotion lasted for about eight seconds. ATLANTIC CITY IN SUMMER. "Good-bye to pain and cart; ! I take Mine ease to-day ; Here where these sunny waters break, And ripples this keen breeze, I shake All burdens from my heart— all weary thoughts away." Herbert Spencer, in his after dinner speech at the New Yorkban- (luet said : " AVe have had soniewhat loo much of the gospel of work. It is time to preach the gospel of relaxation." Looking all around us upon this high pressure of American life, we cannot but be convinced of the truth of these words. The editor of the Popular Science Monthly^ commenting upon some objections and History of Atlantic City. 173 misapprehensions which were raised regarding this speech, says : "Mr. Spencer did not so much condemn strenuous work, in which, indeed, he believes, as the lack of compensating recreations to countervail its mischievous effects." And again, " he has proved the value of recrea- tion as tributary, not only to length of life, but to the perfection of work." We all know that to repair the exhaustion of nerve and brain to which people of active intellects are every day subjected, there is no cure but absolute rest. And rest does not merely mean a cessation of work, but a diversion of the mind into new and pleasant channels. This can be most successfully accomplished by a return to Nature, and a complete surrender of one's self to her kindly ministrations. It is not time wasted to loll around at the sea-shore. It is really a repairing and oiling of the human machinery, necessary to the bet- ter future accomplishment of work. The superior man is the one who makes the best use of his natural forces ; the inferior person uses up his vitality in the shortest space of time. If, therefore, the brain- workers can find for themselves rest and recreation during the months of June, July and August, thus renewing the chief forces of life, the whole community, directly or indirectly, gains thereby. To accom- plish this result there are many ways, but none more efficient than a trip to Atlantic City. It is astonishing how completely carping cares are left behind as soon as we strike the atmosphere of ^this haven of rest. We seem to cut loose from all woiries and anxieties, and to be drifting out from the sight and sound of all reminders of the office, study, workshop, or household. ''In what Arcadian, what Eutopian ground Are warmer hearts or manlier feelings found, More hospitable welcome or more zeal To make the curious, tarrying stranger feel That, next to home, here best may he abide. To rest and cheer him, by the flowing tide?" In addition to nature, art has done much for Atlantic City. Its hotels are large, numerous, and many of them fine examples of the light and airy architecture that prevails at watering places, while the spires and belfrys of thirteen handsome churches rise like sentinels from as many parts of the island. But the chief glory of Atlantic City, and, in the eyes of many, its greatest charm, is the number and beauty of its private cottages. These number many hundreds — very nearly a thousand — and, on the greater portion, good taste and ample means have been lavished with the best results. But the variety is almost infinite, and stretches from the mansion to the most modest little house, and includes elegance, picturesqueness, and comfort. As has already been said, it is a beautiful city in fact as well as in name, and the nomenclature of the streets is especially happy. The great main avenues running parallel with the ocean, five hundred 174 History of Atlantic City. and fifty feet apart, have a breezy suggestiveness of coolness and com- fort in their titles— Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic, while the wide thor- oughfares that cross them at right angles, bearing the names of the !?tates of the Union, are full of patriotic thought. The permanent population of Atlantic City must now be over seven thousand, and the transient population during the season is often seven or eight times that number. The general aspect of the city is permanence, solidity and elegance. The hotels are large and numerous, and many of them are fine examples of villa and suburban architect lu-e. • During the last year or two, and since the general de- velopment of the taste for decoration, their proprietors and owners have indulged in a generous competition for bright colors and pleasing effects, and there is now scarcely a dingy looking house on the island. The churches are numerous, and several of them are handsome speci- mens of the builder's art. The secret of the great popularity of Atlantic City, however, is the salubrity of its climate. It is not only a pleasure but a health resort as well. Invalids and convalescents suffering from diseases of W'hich it is most difficult to obtain relief,come here in mid-summer and undergo a recuperation that is wonderful. There seems to be some- thing in the very atmosphere— something that is hostile to physical debility, and a knowledge of the fact is rapidly becoming widespread through the multiplicity of proofs that are continually being given. The x^leasures of surf-bathing carry, of course, a great multitude to Atlantic City, and it is probable that more bathers are to be found every day on its long stretch of beach than at all the other New Jer- sey coast resorts together. At the fashionable hours of bathing, mile after mile of beach is crowded with thousands of merry bathers, whose shouts and laughter mingle with the roar of the surf, while the popu- lar "ocean promenade," or as it is called the ''board-walk," is lined by a throng of gay promenaders. The scene at this time is as animated as the streets of an old world city on n/ete day. The walk, which is smooth, and entirely free from dust, extends along the entire city front, following the beach just above high water-mark. On a moonlight evening, when the beach is filled with equipages, and the promenade vocal from end to end with the murmur of happy laughter and plensant communion, then, indeed, Atlantic City presents a pic- ture of delightful existence, fairer than any vision of a midsummer night's dream. " As 11 pale phiuitom with a hinii) Ai^ceiKl^ some ruin's haunted stair, So fjliclesthe moon along the clamp Mysterious chamber of the air. Tntil at last serene and proud In all the splendor of her light, i>he walks the terraces f)f cloud Supreme as Empress ot the Niglil."" History of Atlantic City The Inlet, which is one of the most popular points on the Island, and boasts of a handsome pavilion, is the favorite of lovers of those twin sports, yachting and lisliing. A large fleet of handsome yachts is always riding at anchor in waiting for parties desirous of a sail over the bright waters, or of indulging in tliat exciting sport, deep sea fish- ing. The water is fairly alive with game fish— such as sea-bass, floun- der, weak fish, king fish, porgies, croakers, snapping mackerel, blue fish, and kindred varieties. The most delicious oysters are to be had here, fresh from their native beds, ;ind witli an appetizing flavor unknown to one who has never eaten tliem before the moss on tlieir shells is dry. The thoroughfare, which is as smooth a piece of water as a mountain- stocked lake, with many pictures(iue surroundings, is another favorite resort, especially of the ladies. It abounds in crabs, which are caught in gieat numbers. In addition to the customary weekly hops or balls at the principal hotels, the city is visited during the season by some of the best talent in music, and concerts and other entertainments are frequently given. These, in connection with the varied and ever-recurring pleasures natural to this resort, present a constant round of enjoyment. A fea- ture of Atlantic is the open air concert gardens. One at first thought would not perhaps class these institutions as special attractions, but the standard at which they are held elsewhere, must not be judged by w^hat they may be regarded here. They are conducted with order and decorum. Many people who never venture into them at home visit them in the cool of the evening here, and enjoy the excellent music which is provided. Solid business men of irreproachable reputation, distinguished people from all parts of the country, and church-going people are frequently seen in these places. Mr. Alois Schaufler of Schaufler's Hotel, opened tlie first and largest place of this kind, fol- lowed by Mr. Wm. Albrecht, of Albrecht's first-class hotel. Each furnish proper and interesting entertainments, and are managed with a strict regard for decency and proper enjoyment. Levy, Arbuckle, Hassler and other eminent musicians have at periods been engaged at institutions of this kind. ■ At the lower end of the city the railroad companies have erected handsome and capacious hotels especially designed for excursionists. They are provided with well-appointed restaurants, pleasant parlors, broad piazzas and elegant ball-rooms. Such is the popularity of Atlan- tic City that the excursion houses are often engaged in advance of the season, by parties who know and prefer this resort to any other within reach. The city also boasts of street railways, omnibus lines, circulating libraries, hot and cold sea-water baths, telephones, electric light, pure spring water, gas, fine ocean piers, life guards, government signal sta- tions, churches of all denominations, base ball grounds, etc. 1"6 History OF Atlantic City. Atlantic City is overflowing with a iiealth, enterprise, activity and vigor, which niarli a new people. It is a life at once buoyant, attrac- tive and popular, and draws thousands to enjoy its hospitalities. ATLANTIC CITY AS A WINTER RESORT. With each recurring year the popularity of winter resorts becomes more apparent, and their necessity for health and pleasure more firmly established. It is only within recent years that the idea of winter re- sorts for the ailing and invalid has been developed and made practi- cable, and their beneficial results have been so pronounced that cus- tom, fashion, and necessity have united in demanding them for the country. The question of a winter resort cannot be discussed without considering the peculiar merits of Atlantic City. It is, in itself, a beau- tiful and attractive place, and leaves only pleasant impressions upon the mind of the stranger during his stay. The streets are clean and whole- some. The sanitary condition is excellent, the water supply is abund- ant and pure, and the arrangement for guarding against fire, ample and efficient. The hotels and boarding-houses, open during the winter, are ample in room, and afford every comfort and convenience to the guest. It is the even temperature, the mellow atmosphere, and the pure sea air, however, which constitute the real worth of Atlantic, and gives the place its world-wide reputation as a winter health resort. Hot and cold sea-water baths can be indulged in at one's desire, the most perfect establishments on the Atlantic coast having been erected at this point. Sun-parlors and sun-baths are also in vogue, and are both beneficial and popular. Atlantic City has been for years a winter health resort. Experi- mental at first, the success]of those who ventured, has grown to be a suc- cess for the thousands, who, in later years, have trusted themselves or their friends to its kindly nourishment and care. The place received its greatest impstus in 1^75, when Mr. Crjorge F. Lse built for Mr. F. W. Ilelmsley, the Brigliton, prepared especially for winter patrons. It was the fust house designed especially for this custom. Mr. Helms- ley practically became the pioneer winter proprietor, in a large sense of the term, and to the excellent conduct of the Brighton is attributed the remarkable success which has attended his efforts. Taking ex- ample from Mr. IleUnsley, and noting his success, others began to convert their summer houses into comfortable winter homes, until there is to-day probably fifty hou'-es suitable for the accommodation of winter guests. There are no finer hotels and boarding-houses on the American coast than those open in Atlantic City in winter. History of Atlantic City. 177 Physicians of the highest fame and reputation have for years ad- vocated Atlantic City, and testified to their faith in its virtues, by sending hundreds of patients, experience teaching that sea air is bene- ficial in winter as in summer. " The splashing waves like iwusie fall Kesponsive to their fancy wild, A dream conieso'er them like a spell. They think they are again a child. Thus it is in every stage, By toys our fancy is beguiled, We gather shells from youth to age. And there we leave them like a child." With but few exceptions, all the diseases that fiesh is heir to, yield to these saline effects and this peculiar climate. Medical evidence proves that asthma, bronchitis, phthisis, catarrh and certain lung dis- eases are largely and permanently benefited, while in convalesence from pneumonia and hybrid fever, patients are rapidly and decidedly restored to health. Good digestion, active nutrition, and sound sleep restore the nervous system. Those who desire to make social pleasure a part of their regimen for health, find it here in its most pleasing and varied forms. The hotels aie numerous and of accommodating grades and price. It is no uncommon thing in winter to witness the better class of houses turning guests away for want of room to accommodate them, so thoroughly has the tide of winter resort travel set in towards this popular city. As an evidence of the appreciation of Atlantic City by physicians, we subjoin the following testimonials, selected from about four hundred of a similar character. These testimonials were sent to Mr. D. M. Zimmerman, Secretary of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad Company. It is due to Mr. Zimmerman to say that he has always been untiring and enthusiastic in his advocacy of Atlantic City, and that its success as a winter resort is in a great measure due to his eff jrts. Very active also were Messrs. Jas. B. Dayton, John Lucas, Wm. C. Houston, and Hon. A. K. Hay. The testimonials referred to are : From K. J. Levis, M. D., N. W. corner Walnut and 16th streets, Phila., Surgeon to the Pennsylvania Hospital and to the Jefferson College Hospital. '-I prefer Atlantic City to all other seaside health resorts. For the merits, general salubrity and dryness of atmosphere, accessibility, and excellent accommodation for patients during the winter and spring months, it is elsewhere unequaled on our coast." 178 History of Atlantic City. J. L. T.UDLOw, M. D., 1001 Chestnut street, Phila. " I know Atlantic City from its very origin. ^ly opinion of it as a seaside resort, both for pleasure and for health is very high. During the summer season the bathing is exhilarating and the air bracing, and during the winter and fall seasons, the effect of the air (done, on weak and nervous people is wonderful. I have recommended it and am doing so constantly to our brain-wearied men, and nervous, delicate females, who cannot sleep and have lost their appetites." Horatio C. Wood, M. D., Professor of Materia ^ledica, University of Pennsylvania. "Atlantic City is excellently situated for sanitary purposes, and well supplied with good hotels — fitting it for both a summer and Avin- ter health resort." Bex.i. B. AVii>ox, M. D., 842 Franklin street, Phila., Professor of Surgery, Women's Medical College. "Atlantic City presents many and peculiar advantages as a seaside- resort. All things considered, it may be said that no point surpasses it as a desirable spot for rest and recreation." Haiikisox Allex, M. D., 117 South 20th street, Phila., Professor of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania. " I have frequently visited Atlantic City, and always with marked improvement in my general health. In my judgment it is a great boon to Philadelphia to have so fine a seaside sanitarium within such easj^ reach. It has doubtless been the means of prolonging many a life, and relieving much suffering." D. Hayes Aoxkw, M. D., Professor of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania. " I regard Atlantic City as a valuable health resort." Walter. F. Atlee, M. D. " I highly approve of sending invalids with certain diseases and disturbances to Atlantic City, and am glad often to be able to do so." History qf Atlaxtic City. 170 James Tysox, M. D., loOG Spruce street, Pliila. , Professor of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania. "Atlantic City is among the most favorable situations in this country for obtaining the benign effects of sea air." Fkaxk Woodbury, M. D., Phj'siciau to German Hospital, Phila. " I entertain a grateful appreciation of the advantages which At- lantic City possesses— grateful from the fact that the life of my oldest child, which was threatened by cholera infantum, was saved by his removal thereto, he being in a state of exhaustion, approaching col- lapse, when he left Pliiladelphia. I have taken advantage of its resto- rative qualities, particularly in convalescence, and strongly commend the warm salt baths— I have found a wide range of condition benefitted by them. I know" of no place of the kind with equal advantages, either as a winter or summer resort." John H. Packard, M. D., 1924 Spruce street, Phila. , Surgeon to Episcopal Hospital. "Atlantic City has in my opinion very great advantages as a win- ter health resort. I have been for several years sending patients there, especially during the months of February, March and April, to their great benefit." Joseph Leidy, M. D., 1302 Filbert street, Phila., Prof, of Anatomy, University of Pennsylvania. " I am pleased to give my testimony as to the healthfulness of Atlantic City as a place of resort. I know of no place better adapted to invalids in general." Samuel B. Howell, M. D., 1513 Green street, Phila., Dean of Auxiliary Faculty, Medical Department, Uni- versity of Pennsylvania. " I have several patients who have spent most of the winter in Atlantic City with great benefit. Young children sent there have improved in health and strength." 180 History of Atlantic City. Wm. G. Porter, M. D., 314 South 11th street, Phila., Surgeon to Presbyterian Hospital. " I have always found Atlantic City a health resort of great bene- fit to patients suffering from chronic and exhausting diseases, as well as to those convalescing from acute disease, or to those who w^ere in search of rest, freedom from worry and a chance to recruit." Edward Hartshorne, M, D., 331 South Broad street, Phila. " I have found Atlantic City very pleasant and remarkably bene- ficial to my patients and myself during the Winter and Spring and early Summer months, and I recommend it as a very desirable health resort at that time of the year, in preference to more distant places on account of its greater accessibility, as well as its very dry, pure air, excellent hotel and other advantages." W. H. Bennett, M. D., • 332 South 15th street, Phila., Physician to the Children's Seashore Home. " I have spent the last five summers at Atlantic City under cir- cumstances peculiarly favorable for observing the effects produced upon invalids by a short residence there, and I heartily commend the salubrity of the place, and its value as a health resort to those broken down by over-work, to convalescents, and to a large majority of those suffering from chronic diseases." James J. Levick, M. D., 1200 Arch street, Phila. " The advantage of having such a sanitarium as Atlantic City in the Winter and Spring months cannot, I think, be too highly esti- mated. " Joseph Klapi', M. D., 622 Spruce street, Phila., Physician to Howard Hospital. " I heartily approve of the letter written by Dr. Thomas K. Reed, of Atlantic City, calling the attention of health seekers to the superior advantages of sea air during the Winter and Spring months, to the tedious journey and enervating climate of Florida and other distant localities." History of Atlantic City. 181 J, C. Guernsey, M. D., Corresponding Secretary, Homceopathic Medical Society of Pa. "From the experience both of my patients and myself, I can heartily endorse Atlantic City as a most healthful and delightful place of resort, for the sick and the well, at all seasons of the year." J. V. Shoemaker, M. D., 1031 Walnut street, Phila., Physician in charge of Pennsylvania Free Dispensary. " I can cheerfully testify to the beneficial influence exerted upon a large class of affections by the uniform temperature and fine air of Atlantic City. The facilities for the hot, cold, warm and tepid baths, are unsurpassed, and have here given great relief to a large number of sufferers whom I have sent there at all seasons of the year." Joseph Pancoast, M. D., Emeritus Professor of Anatomy, Jefferson Medical College. '•If we had not Atlantic City to go to, we should be at a loss to know what to do with some of our pulmonary and infantile patients." S. D. Risley, M. D., 1630 Walnut street, Phila., Lecturer on Ophthalmoscopy, University of Penna. "I have repeatedly witnessed the health restoring influences at Atlantic City." R. Sargent, M. D., Phila. " I have sent more patients to Atlantic City during the past Win- ter and Spring than ever before." L. K. Stine, M. D., 1503 North Fourth street, Phila. " After an experience of several years I consider Atlantic City one of the healthiest summer resorts for the cure of paralysis, rheumatism and nervous diseases generally." 1- Hl-TOET OF ATLA>"riC CiTY. B. F. Betts. M. I). " After a careful personal inspection of many of the health resorts of this counay and Europe, I consider Atlantic City one of the most favorably located. On account of the salt water marshes over which the tides ebb and iljw. situated back of the town, and the unobstruct- ed access of sea air in front, it must ever rank among the first health res-irts of the country, because of its equitable temperature and uni- form humidity — unless the sanitary laws in regard to sewage and drainage are n^lected." HiSTOET OF Atlantic City, 1S3 ATLANTIC CITY A- A AVIXTER HEALTH RE>ORT. From a Paper Prepared bt Dr, Boardsiax Reed, axd issued BY the Pexxsylvaxia Railroad Company. Some years ago it occurred to me that there was need of exact and reliable facts concerning the climate of Atlantic City. With a view to obtaining such facts I began making regular observations of the weather at my office, noting the temperature, relative humidity, direc- tion of the wind, and condition of the sky. four times daily. This was kept up for about one year. Afterwards, finding that mv instruments were inferior in accuracy to those at the United States Signal Station in another part of the town, I arranged with the observer there to fumi^ me with any information desired. Furthermore, in order to determine as definitely as possible the benefit to h>e derived from the climate by various classes of invalids, and especially by persons afflicted with pulmonary complaints. I ad- dressed inquiries to many eminent physicians who had been in the habit of sending patients to Atlantic City in the winter and spring as well as in the summer, asking them to report the number of cases sent here, the proportion cured or benefited, the proportion aggravated if any. and the proportion which had remained stationary. The replies were not in point of fulness all I had hoped to obtain, but. together with the meteorological data previously accumulated, they were given to the profession in an article first published in the Philadelphia Medical Times for December 18, 1880, and entitled '■ Winter Health Resorts : The climate of Atlantic Cily and its effects on Pulmonary Diseases " That article is here reproduced as follows : — " Where shall we send our invalids for a change of air in winter ? This is a practical question which is becoming, year by year, more imijortant to l>usy physicians, particularly in the great cities of the North. There are certain chronic diseases for which a pure and in- \Tgorating air. and especiaUy a climate which will tempt the r«atient out of doors, are highly desirable. For many cases a change to such an air offers the best hope of cure, or even of amelioration. "Florida has been much in vogue lately as a winter resort, and undoubtedly suits numerous patients well : but it is too far away, in- volving a long and tiresome journey. The distance from home and 184 History or Atlantic City. friends, and the impossibility of conferring in an emergency with the usual medical attendant, are serious inconveniences. The prevalence of malaria there is a source of danger, and the very warm and ener- vating character of the Southern climate unfits it for a large class of diseases altogether. " ('olorado and Minnesota are even farther away, and their cli- mates, however tonic and useful, are so cold that invalids there can live very little out of doors during the winter ; and if they are to be kept prisoners in close heated rooms it might almost as well be in their own homes. " North Africa and Southern Europe, especially Pau, Nice, Men- tone, and other places along the northern shore of the Mediterranean, are just now in great repute. Invalids are flocking thither every winter, and, the impartial chroniclers tell us. are leaving their bones in the cemeteries there in sadly large numbers. " Dr. Madden, in his 'Health Resort of Europe and Africa,' says: ' With one exception the most fre(iuented winter health-resort in Europe is Pau ; ' then proceeds to denounce the climate as ' essentially cold, variable, damp, and dreary during the winter.' During one December while he was there he states that ' the thermometer /cZ? eleven times to zero. ' "Dr. John Parkin, in his work on 'Climate and Phthisis,' is equally emphatic in condemning that climate, saying among other things, that ' of a number of patients I have known who passed a winter in Pau, not one received any benefit — the majority died soon after their return.' " As to Nice and Mentone, Dr. Madden quotes several medical travelers and former resident physicians to the effect that these places are exposed to very sudden changes of temperature, and that the native residents are very subject to pulmonary complaints, which with them are apt to run a rapid course. Dr. Parkin, in the work already quoted, is particularly severe upon the climate of .those places, stating that though it is usually very warm there in the sun, insomuch that umbrellas are indisjjensable, it is apt to be cold in the shade, necessi- tating the heaviest wraps. Crossing the street is like passing from summer to winter. The same author shows that, from the location of these towns in the neighborhood of mountains, some of whose tops are always covered with snow in winter, they must be continually subject to cold, raw winds, which are all the more intolerable and dangerous because of the heated air Avhich they displace. " Says Dr. Parkin : ' During January and February, then, there would be two cold winds prevailing at Mentone, as is frequencly the case at Nice. It is not surprising, therefore, that I should have left the latter town in the month of March in a snow-storm, or that snow should have fallen heavily all the way to Genoa.' History of Atlantic City. 185 " Dr. J. II. Bennett, of Mentone, the chief eulogist of that climate, insists very strenuously upon certain precautions against taking cold. ' Without them,' he says, ' it is unsafe and treacherous. Tliis is evi- denced by the great mortality of the natives of the Nice and Mentone districts by pneumonia and pleurisy, two of the commonest maladies.' " Ur. Parkin's conclusion is that the Bivieni is ' one of the most unfavorable and dangerous climates for chronic diseases of the respira- tory organs, and especially for phthisis.' As to Africa, he cites army reports showing that 'of the British troops passing through Egypt during 1872 en route for India, 29.9 per 1000 were attacked with phthisis, and 2.3 per 1000 died.' He adds, ' When it is remembered that these patients manifested no syn)ptoms of the disease when they left England, otherwise they would have been detained, this result speaks trumpet-tongued as regards the influence of such a climate in the development of phthisis. ' " If these are the most desirable winter-resorts in the Old World, American invalids, especially those suffering from chronic pulmonary affections, would do well to remain on this side of the ocean. "•Atlantic City, New Jersey, a place most favorably located as- regards convenience of access, being ninety minutes' ride from Phila- delphia by the West Jersey railroad, and only four hours from New York by the Pennsylvania railroad and its West Jersey branch line, possesses certain physical advantages which are well worth consider- ing. It has been twenty years or more since physicians began sending patients here in winter. First only now and then a courageous invalid ventured here at this season, but their numbers steadily increased. The experiment proved so successful in hastening the convalescence from acute disease, in improving a large class of chronic affections, and especially in arresting numerous cases of incipient as well as con- firmed consumption, that within the last three years the travel to the place in winter has reached very considerable proportions, and the numerous thoroughly-heated winter hotels — some of which are as sumptuously furnished and as luxuriously conducted as the leading houses at the summer-resorts — are crowded with invalids, convales- cents, and wearied society people through all the months from Jan- uary on. "Actual experience has demonstrated that sea air is as valuable in winter as in simimer. It also bears out the statistics which prove that the climate of Atlantic City is superior to that of most sea-coast towns being drier, more equable, and, considering the latitude, un- usually mild. "The city — for it is in fact as well as in name a city, having a permanent population of six thousand, and being supplied with gas, street-cars, &c. — is situated in latitude 39' 22', on an island ten miles long and averaging about half a mile wide. This is separated from I8t) History of Atlantic Citv. the nminland at either end by broad bays or inlets, which are connected by a narrow arm of the sea called ' The Thoroughfare. ' There is no body of fresli water nearer than the Delaware river, distant about sixty miles, and the salt-water bays to the landward side are nearly always open, ice seldom forming, except for a sliort time occasionally in the severest winters. " Another peculiarity of the location is that all the winds from the landward must pass for long distances — hundreds of miles in some directions — over a very dry and porous sandy soil upon which snow rarely lies for any time. These winds, including those from the north, north-west, west, and south-west, are therefore to some extent both both dried and warmed in their passage. Influence of the Gulf Stream. '■ Though the coast of Southern New Jersey has a general direc- tion from north-east to south-west, the beach at Atlantic City trends more to the westward, so that it faces almost directly southward. ■Therefore south as well as east winds are sea breezes here, and both blow across the Uulf Stream, which, by the way, exercises consider- able influence upon the climate of this part of the coast. " Mr. C. P. Patterson, Superintendent of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey Office at Washington has kindly furnished me with a large map indicating accurately the course of the Gulf Stream, :and with some interesting facts concerning it. " This map shows at a glance that the heated waters of the tropics, pouring through the space between ("aba and Florida, flow in a north- easterly direction along the coast of Georgia and the Carolinas, diffus- ing themselves as they go, until from a compact stream less than fifty miles wide, they have become opposite Chesapeake Bay a broad expanse upwards of four hundred miles in width. Tliis really includes numer- ous parallel or slightly diverging currents of very warm water with overflow currents of a somewhat lower temperature. One of these overflow currents approaches within sixty-flve miles of Atlantic City, while it is one hundred and ten miles from Sandy Hook. The prin- cipal current is farther away, being one hundred and thirty-five miles from Atlantic City, and one hundred and eighty-five miles from Sandy Hook, and about the same distance from Long liranch and Montauk Point. "But the exceptional mildness of this climate may be attributed to the peculiar course of the Gulf Stream in this vicinity as much as to its proximity. The innermost current, according to the map re- /5eived from the Coast Survey ottice, has a direction opposite Atlantic History of Atlantic City. m City of east-north-east, but turns more and more to the east- ward till in latitude 40° — that of Philadelphia — it bears nearly due east. The main current turns more abruptly, and a little north of latitude 38-, some distance to the southward of Atlantic City, has a course directly eastward. Our south, south-east, and east winds, then, must all pass for three hundred to five hundred miles at least over more or less heated water which has come directly from the Gulf of Mexico. Our only ocean breezes not affected in this way are those from the north-east, and experience shows that these are the only winds which are generally unpleasant here. But for places farther up the coast, particularly those north of latitude 40'-', the case is different. Neither their north-east nor east winds can be appreciably modified by the Gulf stream. Their south and s.)uth-east winds may be favor- ably influenced to some extent, but less than are the same winds at Atlantic City, since they pass over a much latger surface of cold water after crossing the Gulf Stream. It may be added that some small maps issued by the Signal Service office represent the Gulf Stream as occupying different positions in winter and summer, but on this point Mr. Patterson writes, ' I greatly doubt if there can be any material change of the stream from season to season ; at least there has been no reliable evidence obtained on that subject. ' Meteorological Statistics. "To Sergeant E. W. McGann, who has charge of the United States Signal Station at Atlantic City, I am indebted for meteorologi- cal statistics and official records, from which the following informa- tion, bearing directly upon the subject of the climate of the place, has been condensed and tabulated : — Temperature, Humidity, Barometrical Pressure, and Rainfall at Atlantic City, New Jersey. Months, 1880. Mean tem- perature. Range of tempera- ture. Mean hu- midity. Mean ba- rometer. Rainfall in inches. -January 41.1 38.2 40.1 Max. 64 71 72 Min. 13 11 18 79.3 74.4 71.9 .30.189 30.129 SO.OIil 1.70 2.8.5 5.97 March Mean for 3 months. .39.8 75.2 30 12fi 10..'i2 " The mean temperature for January, February, March, and De- cember, the four coldest months of the year, was, in 1879, 84.7^ • in 1878, 36. 8o : and in 1877, 35.9-. 188 History of Atlantic City. " The prevailing Avinds in winter are those from the west and northwest, which are usually dry and bracing. The east and south winds, which often blow for days at a time, are warmer and more humid. Northeast winds, which are unpleasant, usually prevail for two or three days at the time of the equinoctial storms, but are infre- quent during the remainder of the year. 1. Long Tailed Duck. 2. Female. 3. Summer Duck. 4. Qreen Winged Teal. 5. Canvas Back. 6. Red Headed Duck. 7, Mallard. " Observations taken at my office, in the centre of the town, at 7 A. M., 12 M,, and G and 10 p, m., show that in December, 1S79, there were twenty-six days during which the thermometer did not fall below 32^ — the freezing point ; also that there were only two days in the same month when the thermometer did not indicate at noon a temper- ature above 40^ ; and that there were ten days upon which it was not below 50^ at the same hour. During the January following (1880), there were twenty-four days during which the mercury never fell below the fi-eezing point at any houf, and only two days during which it went below 30 ', It was only once in the same month lower than 40' at noon, and only three times lower than 45- at the same hour. On nineteen of the thirty-one days the thermometer stood at 50"^ or above at mid-day, " These mid-day temperatures are obviously more important than averages, for it is in the daytime that invalids take their airing out of doors. " The dryness of this climate, as compared with other seaside resorts, is best shown by the statistics of the rainfall, which is less here than at any other place on the coast, as appears from the table given below. The readings of the hygrometers at the different stations History of Atlantic City. 189 are not so significant, since at some of them, including Atlantic City, the instruments are located so near to the beach, and at so low an elevation above the sea-level (less than thirteen feet here), as to be affected b\' the spray, during strong winds off the water, and by occa- sional moniing mists, which do not extend back into the to^Ti.* Annual Amount of Rainfall at the Principal Cities and Stations on the Atlantic Coast. station? Atlantic City, N. J 40.60 inches Barnegat. X. J 49.38 " Bo-slon, Mass 62.96 Cape May. X.J 4-2.44 •• Charleston, S. C 64.33 •' Galyeston. Texas 51.03 Jacksonyille. Ha 51.62 '^ Xewpoit, R. I 52. " Xew Orleans, La 58.29 " NewYork. X. Y 4J.68 " Xorfolk, Va 44.44 •' Portland, Me I 41.10 •' Sandy Hook, X. .J (iO.37 " Sayaiinah, Ga 55.14 AVilmington, X. t' 50.!H) •• Year ended June 30th, 1879. Year ended J une 30th, 1878. 42.90 inches 52.3. " 54.50 " 47.99 " 68.62 " 67.47 •• 52.11 •• 55.84 '• 73.31 •• 42.68 '• 66.28 '• 45.61 " 54.86 " .52.44 - 84.12 -' * Since the foregoing was published, it has been ascertained from the record.s ot the signal station here that there is greatly less wind at Atlantic City than at most points on the coast. For instance, the whole moyement of the wind during the year 1879 was 84,117 miles at Atlantic City, 109,0.i9 miles at Barnegat, and 135,883 miles at Cape May. Thus at the neighboring stations on either side ot this place there are, on the ayerage, much higher winds. "The mean barometer for the year ended June 30th, 1879, was higher at the Atlantic City station than at any other on the coast north of Chesapeake Bay, and, with one or two exceptions, the same may be .said as to the preceding year. This is a matter of importance, since depressions of the barometer affect the majority of invalids far more decidedly and injuriously than low temperatures. An extra wrap out of doors, or a fire in doors, wiU perfectly antidote any ordinary degree of cold, but it is far more difficult to render comfortable the invalid whose breathing is distressed, or wliose joints and nerves have been set to aching by a sadden fall in the atmospheric pressure. Baromet- rical changes are also connected intimately with variations in the electrical conditions of the atmosphere, and these again strongly im- press the delicate nervous system of the sick. " In the following table the figures represent the average atmos- pheric pressure for the years named at the sea-level, allowances hav- ing been made for differences in the elevation of the stations : — 190 History of Atlantic City. Table Showing Mean Barometer at Various Stations. stations. Year ended June I'Oth, 1879. Year ended June 30th, 1878, Atlantic City.... :J0.031 .•JO.()'29 •2rove fatal. History of Atlantic City. 191 Reports from Physicians, " The reports from physicians above referred to were received in response to inquiries recently sent to them. Many others wrote brief apologies, not having the notes or the leisure to tabulate the result of their experience as I had requested. Only one physician objected to the climate either for bronchitis or early phthisis. "Dr. Laurence Turnbull writes : ' The number of cases of phthisis that I have sent to Atlantic City have been few in the last stmjes^ as I found they were not improved by a residence at the seashore, dry even as it is,' adding that a few cares in those stages were aggravated, but goes on to say, ' I have been much pleased with its influence on the first stages of phthisis, asthma, laryngitis, bronchitis, and nasal catarrh, when all ordinary means have failed in the city, by causing improvement in the appetite, assisting the digestion, and giving a healthier tone to the skin. In convalescence from catarrhal pneu- monia and typhoid fever the results have been most gratifying. In certain forms of otitis media pundenta I do not find the air of Atlantic very beneficial, and in many cases diseases of the ear are caused by exposure of that organ to the waves. In strumous diseases of eyes, joints, limbs, &c., I have found the change to Atlantic City, if per- sisted in for several seasons, of permanent benefit. ' "Dr. Thomas J. Harrow writes : 'It has not been my practice, as a rule, to advise patients suffering with tuberculous and other diseases of the respiratory passages to sojourn at the seaside. Excep- tionally, I have had them go to Atlantic City, and have known cases of incipient phthisis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and laryngitis to im- prove in that location. My experience of late is inducing me to re- commend a larger number of such cases to reside at Atlantic City.'' "Dr. Thomas (1. Morton thus bears testimony : ' I have been in the habit of sending to the shore at Atlantic City many patients, more especially surgical cases, but a large number also of those with lung affections, and especially those having a (hereditary) tubercular dis- position, and I think especially such cases have been vastly benefited by the sojourn." " Dr. Jam.es Darrach, of Germantown, writes : ' Have sent several cases of autumnal catarrh to Atlantic City, and think without excep- tion they were benefited, two of them being certainly exempt from these attacks while at the shore. The only case of slow convalescence from pneumonia died at Atlantic City. This was about twenty-three years ago. A case of obstinate general bronchitis was cured in about ten days. A case of what I supposed to be tubercular laryngitis was very much benefited, and subsequently recovered. I have also had other cases of obstinate catarrh which returned well after a sojourn at Atlantic City. ' 192 History of Atlaktic City. "Dr. Eugene P. Bernardy reports as follows: 'AVith but one ex- ception, all my cases of phthisis, both in the early and late stages, amounting to twelve in all, have been decidedly benefited by a so- journ at Atlantic City, a:id one case positively cured, — that is, as far as human ear can ascertain. Of the three cases of convalescence from pneumonia all were decidedly benefited. In a child suffering from chronic pneumonia the lung in a few weeks was almost entirely cleared ui). In bronchial affections (chronic) I have seen no penranent bene- fit in any of the six cases I have sent there ; all benefited while at the seashore, but a few months after their return relapsed. The case of phthisis cured had been examined by myself and Dr. Hall in Philadel- phia, and while at the seashore examined by Dr. L. Turnbull. We all diagnosed incipient phthisis. This was nearly six years ago. On her return she had gained forty pounds, and has remained well ever since. ' "Dr. John H. Packard fays, referring to Atlantic City: 'I can only say that I freciuently advise convalescents to go there, and that it is a very common thing with me to be asked by patients whether it would not do them good to spend a week or two there. I do not now recol- lect any case that has been wholly without benefit from that climate, and could adduce many that have gained great advantage from it." "Dr. D. Murray Cheston writes : 'I can not say how many cases of pulmonary or bronchial troubles I have sent there, but the general re- sult has been most satisfactory. The cases were all sent in the late winter or early spring months, and have invariably returned improved.' " Prof. J. M. Da Costa writes briefly, as follows : ' I have sent too few patients with pulmonary disease to Atlantic City to have the data to answer your questions. Some who were in a run-down condition and effected with chronic bronchial catarrh did very well.' "Dr. El wood Wilson writes that in the summer months he does not think patients with fully-developed phthisis improve by a protracted residence at Atlantic City, but adds, ' During the winter months — say from October to July — I regard it as a very favorable locality for con- sumptive patients." "Dr. 11. J. liCvis writes that his practice (being almost exchisively sugical) ' Is not of a kind to furnish experience with regard to the beneficial influence of Atlantic City in pulmonary affections,' but that he has 'a good opinion of its dry and mild climate.' "Dr. James J. I-evick has not sent anycasesof phthisis, but has sent 'several cases of laryngeal and broncliial irritation and one or two cases of hay asthma, which improved greatly while at Atlantic City.' He adds, 'The cases which have derived most benefit, however, and of which I have sent not a few in the late winter months, have been patients after typhoid fever; — patients whose nervous systems have l^een much disturbed, persons who have needed brain-rest, &.v.' History of Atlantic City, 193 " Dr. William H. Bennett, resident physician at the Children's Sea- shore House for Invalid Women at Atlantic Cit.\ , contributes the fol- lowing report : ' My experience of the effects of a sojourn at Atlantic City upon those suffering from pulmonary diseases has been confined to what I have seen among transient visitors during the summer months of the past seven years. I have had little or no experience of the effects either of a prolonged stay or of a stay in winter. I can not give you exact figures, but the following is a fair statement cf what I have observed. My patients were, with the few exceptions of a ma- jority of those suffering from phthisis, nearly all children. I have had not less than a hundred cases of acute bronchitis, nearly all of whicli ran a milder and shorter course than similar cases do in Philadelphia. The majority of these cases had during treatment the l)est possible hygienic surroundings, but a few which were much exposed during -^O 1. Gooseander. 2. Female. 3. Pin-Tail Duck. \. Blue- Winfjed Teal. 5. Snow Goose. cool, rainy weather in leaky, damp apartments, seemed to do equally well. A few, perhaps ten, cases of sub-acute bronchitis, which had remained stationary in the city for some time, rapidly recovered at the sea-shore. Three or four cases of chronic bronchitis, with emphysema and occasional severe attacks of asthma, greatly improved ; but about an equal number showed no change. Two or three cases of tardy con- valescence from pneumonia made much more rapid progress towards recovery after their removal to the sea-shore. Two cases of empyema with external flstulse greatly improved. About twenty cases of phth- isis have been under my care at Atlantic City. These have been in all stages of the disease. A very few, I recall but three, derived no bene- fit ; all the others improved in general health. In some, even of the advanced cases, the improvement was marked. In many of the cases the cough became less troublesome and the breathing less labored. 194 History of Atlantic City. Nearly all slept better. Hectic frequently disappeared entirely, or was greatly lessened. These cases, with two exceptions, remained too short a time to allow of any inference in regard to the effect of their stay upon the progress of the disease itself. One of these two ex- ceptional cases remained three months. It was one of the few that did not improve at all, and the disease ran its usual course. The other spent most of the time during the last eighteen months of his life at Atlantic City, and his downward progress was undoubtedly much retarded by so doing. I am aware that the experience which I have thus detailed has been too meagre, except perhaps in the cases of acute bronchitis, to allow of any general conclusions. But, after com- paring my own experience with that of others, I am convinced that the atmosphere of Atlantic City in summer (perhaps also in winter, but I do not know) will prove especially beneficial in the large majority of cases of diseases of the respiratory organs, and that the common opin- ion that the sea-coast is everywhere unsuitable for cases of phthisis has little foundation. So thoroughly am I convinced of this fact that I am striving to have special provision made in the Sea-side House for Invalid Women for consumptives, and in doing so I am but following in a small way the example set by the establishment of the magnifi- cent Royal National Hospital for Consumption on the sea-coast of the Isle of Wight. ' " The good accomplished by this climate I attribute not to any specific influence of the air upon the lungs, but to its tonic and al- terative properties, acting by the improvement of digestion and nutri- tion, the promotion of sleep, &c. Atlantic City is the most accessible to the New England and Middle States of any place having claims as a winter resort, and admitting of out-door exercise for most invalids the whole winter through." A Dry and Bracino Climate. Dr. William Pepper's report of his experience in sending patients to Atlantic City was not received until after the publication of the above article. It is emphatic testimony from a recognized authority in pulmonary diseases, and is therefore given a place here ;— "Philadelphia, 1811 Spruce Street. "My Dear Doctor Reed : — In reply to your (luestion as to my experience with the climate of Atlantic City in cases of diseases of the chest, I would make the following remarks : — " I am more strongly convinced each year of the advantage in the treatment of such cases possessed by dry, bracing climates as com- pared with moist, sedative climates. Undoubtedly there are certain special types of disease that do better in the latter, but it has seemed History of Atlantic City. 195 to me that the benefit derived amounts to palliation or relief, and not to radical cure. One difficulty attaching to the residence of invalids in dry, bracing climates, is the fact that a far greater degree of atten- tion to hygiene and systematic regimen is required. There are fewer risks of renewed congestions or increased catarrhs in a moist, sedative climate, it is true ; but on the other hand, if the patient is carefully instructed by his medical adviser as to the proper mode of living in a dry, bracing climate, and is willing to faithfully attend to all the details of such instructions, there is, in my judgment, a far higher degree of actual, permanent benefit to be secured in the gi'eat majority of cases. " This applies especially to patients who are still in the curable stage of consumption, for in a large proportion of cases of phthisis there is an early stage when no true tuberculous disease exists, and when a cure is possible under the combined influence of suitable cli- mate, rigidly careful hygiene, and judicious medical treatment. " I would further say that I have seen enough of the results of the climate at Atlantic City to satisfy me that it acts powerfully in most cases as a dry and bracing climate. Many cases of incipient phthisis, and even of phthisis in the second stage, have been greatly and permanently benefited by a residence there under a strict rule of living and treatment. In several cases of chronic pleurisy with marked atony of the skin and system, and retarded absorption of the morbid products, I have seen the removal to Atlantic City soon fol- lowed by rapid improvement. I am referring to this climate as I have observed it at all seasons of the year ; and in respect particularly to that which I have just mentioned, the element of relaxation of the skin, which is common to so many diseases and is so powerfully conducive to renewed attacks of congestion or inflammation, I have observed excellent results from the stimulating dry air of Atlantic City. " In retarded convalesence from acute diseases, and in conditions of impaired nervous tone, I have also found its climate very valuable. On the other hand, in the majority of cases of organic heart disease and of bronchial asthma, the results of residence at Atlantic City have not been favorable. " It is unquestionably an admirable climate, and I am convinced that if those wJio resort to it would but observe with sufficient pa- tience and minuteness the necessary precautions, they would for the most part avoid the bad effects that some have experiencea, and would find it highly beneficial in the conditions I have above men- tioned, as well as in others to which I have not time to allude. " Yours very truly, "WILLIAM PEPPER. " Dr. BoARDMAN Keed, ''Atlantic City, i\r. J." 190 History of Atlantic City. My experience as a resident physician coincides in the main per- fectly with that of Dr. Pepper as above recorded ; but with regard to asthma, it has happened to me to see a majority of cases do well at At- lantic City, though with some few the climate has manifestly disa- greed. One prominent railroad man who suffers much from asthma when inland, spent the whole of last winter here with entire relief. Further Advantages of Atlantic City as a Sanitarium. Certain partizans of Florida and Minnesota last winter engaged in a spirited controversy concerning the merits of those regions respec- tively, as resorts for consumptives in winter. Since these climatic ex- tremes were each setting forth its claims so earnestly in the New York Meoth::e:c^i^"Y", Successor to and former Manager for PACIFIC AVENUE, COR. NEW YORK, ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. J. C. WAHL, Complete assortment of FINE SHOES. Custom Work to Order. Cor. Atlantic and Virginia Avenues. &i SCHBOIDIE, Hardware, House Furnishing, Plumbing, Heater and Range Work, and Tin Roofing. Atlantic and South Carolina Avenues, ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. THE ^durabLeT* A"" SEASHORE AND INLAND PAINTS, MADE WITHOUT BENZINE, John Lucas & Co., 141-14:3 N. Fourth Street, 322 to 330 Ilace Street. 89 Maiden Lane, Wiu. E. Lucas. Factories and Varnish Works, "Gibsboro." LADIES' SHOE STORE. crosisr :p.a.i^k:ei^, :y\Rj. sc go., 20 SOUTH EIGHTH STREET, near Chestnut, PHILADELPHIA. Special Agents for Edwin C. Burt & Go's Fine Shoes. TO DEALERS IN 8EGARS AND TOBACCO! ESTABLISHKU 1875. \\'hi)lcsalc aiul Retail Dealer in all grades of FINE SESARS. TOBACCO, SMOKINS ARTICLES. AND WALKING CANES. 1304: Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, N. J, All goods sold at Philadelphia prices. The drycst stock in the city. Agent for J. M. & H. A. Jeitles' Hand-made Scgars, factory, 905 N. Broad St , I'hila., Pa. 3v^. :M:EnsriDEi_.'s ONE PRICE CLOTHING HALL. GENT'S FURNISHING GOODS, HATS. CAPS. TRUNKS. BATHING ROBES, &C. ^o. 1625 Atlantic Avenue, OPPOSITE TIMES OFFICE. ATLANTIC CITY. N. J. SMALL PROFITS. <,)l U K. SALES. FOl! IIIK SAl.K UK .\LL lilND.S OK noxjSE FXJi^nsrisEczisrG- goox)s AT LOU K.ST rUU'ES, Atlantic Avenue, next to City Hall. Telephone connection. Prompt delivery free of charge. OSCAR PEIKERT, Prop'r. EUROPEHN HOTEL, Near City Hall, New and Airy Rooms. EUROPEAN HOTEL, Op2>osi/e Public Buildings, BRDAn & PENN SQUARE^ Near Chestnut Street, PHILADELPHIA. CerLtral BaJzei^y cured Ice Craajm Saloon, 1324 Atlantic Avenue, 0pp. City Hall, Atlantic City, N. J. Ice Creams and Water Ices of my own manufacture, of various flavors, alvi^ays on hand- Special Terms for supplying Hotels and Boarding Houses. Having had many years' ex- perience in the Baking Business, I am confident of my ability to meet your wishes. JOHN S. TAYLOR. ir> ^^ TEAS AND COFFEES. [INIARKET TEAHOUSE lfB2llnO)iH9 -fe-^ fBt:^^-. mm ■^ SPICES AND SUGARS. -f^ Market Street. John W. Steen, "°' PHILADELPHIA. ,9TtMJC%3 rPcii^jllffiiij A.T THE INLET, A.TLJlNTIC CITJ^. Luncheons for Sailing, Fishing and Gunning Parties, a Specialty. Fine Restaurant Attached. Meals served to Order. (See page 112 of this History.) JOHN M. PLUM, Proprietor. Cor. Atlantic & Fifth {Massachusetts) Aves. Near Hot and Cold Sea Water Baths. Terms Moderate. J. A. McCLEES, Proprietor. 1926 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, JV. J. THE SEASIDE PHABMACY. Cor. Atlantic Ave. and Surf Place, Atlantic City, N. J. Visitors will find it attractive, a model of neatness, and ably conducted ; the proprietor having had an experience in the drug business extending overa period of twenty-six years. A full and complete assort- ment of fine toilet and nursery goods, from which to make a selection, will always be found ; also all of the Natural Mineral Spring Waters, on draught and bottled. The Coldest and Most Delicious Soda Water on the Island. Elegant Seaside Stationery. Fine Cigars. Choice Liquors for IVIedicinai use. The compounding of prescriptions given special and careful attention. Every preparation warranted to be up to the highest standard of purity and strength. Dr. M, WKST, Proprietor, CoiiMiltiiiLr Kooins on Surf I'laoe. (rive Instant Relief and etlect a Cukk. (Thoy are not pads to relieve tiic i)ressure.) P^ach, 25 cents per box ; 12 Corn or (i Bunion in each box. Sent by mail on receipt of price. ('. C. HUGHES, Druggi.^t, Eighth and Kaco Streets, Philadelphia, Pa. ^IQ, F. STIEeLlH'! av^^•^\^^^^^\^^■^•^^^^■^\A^ .:A;a^A^^?^\ .v\.\.^.AA^.A.iv.v/^.x...v.y■^.,, ^^^ FIME I MM'W ¥ DIR 9 Si3EES£33!3I^^S^BE3Eik32^5iBSiS3SES3E5£^ 1308 ATLANTIC AVENUE, ATLANTIC CITY. - - NEW JERSEY. GENTS' *^^^$e^c^ Furnisljing ^*^ ' '"" THE HA TTER. GOODS. COFi. ATLANTIC «Sc PENN AVENXJES. S. D. HOFFMAN, COUlSILLOl'^T-LJiW Mm CH^MFIQM HQUSl, J^TLAMTIC CITY, M. Jf, JAMES B. NIXON, ij^ttoifneiJ-at-Law, BJa^ter in Cpijcei^iJ and Mar^iJ puhlic, QFFiei IM BANK ByiLBINQ, ATLANTIC CITY, - NEW JERSEY. Jos. Thompsox. \. B. Kndu'ott. THOMPSOM & EKDICOTT. COUNSELLORS- AT-LAW ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. HARRY 0. CONAWAY, DKALEK IX XOB^AlOCO and SEGr-/LRS, Atlantic Ave., below Illinois, Atlantic City, N. J, HAVANA AND KEY WEST SEGARS A SPECIALTY. BABY COACHES TO HIRE OR FOR SALE. SHILL'S Invalid Rolling Chairs to Hire and for Sale. Save your Money and Save your Coach, by Hiring. 1017 up town, 1701 down town, ATI^AJNTIC AVENUE, ADOLrH SCHLECHT. John E. Mehrer. SCHAUFLER'S HOTEL, Near the Camden and Atlantic and West Jersey Railroads, ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. MILITARY CONCERTS EVERY SUMMER EVENING. OPEN ALL THE YEAR. TERMS MODERATE. SCHLECHT ^ MEHRER, Proprietors. ALOIS SCHAIFLEK. Owner. Elegantly furnished and complete in all its appointments. LENTZ cC- SIEGRIST, Proprietors. Atlantic City, N. J. This favorite House, with accommodation for 200 guests, is open permanently Winter and Summer. The House has been enlarged, thoroughly heated with Steam and Low Grate Fires, lighted throughout with Gas, furnished with Electric Bells, Speaking Tubes, Baths, New Furniture, Hair Matresses, &c. The location of the Sea-Side is one of the best in Atlantic City, being on dry and elevated ground in central part of city, at the Sea-end of Pennsylvania Avenue, in full view of Ocean ; easy of access from the depots, and convenient to all the Churches, Post-Office, &c.; and is well supplied with pure cistern water; has good drainage, fine, airy halls, and over 400 feet of porches. The Table will continue to be a leading feature of the Sea-Sii:)E, and being under my personal supervision, no pains will be spared to make it equal to the best. Special arrangements will be made for board by the week or entire season, and rooms secured by mail or telegraph. ^®* Telegraph Office in the House. CHAS. EVANS, Owner axu Managkr. ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. Open All the Tear. Choice Wines, Liquors and Segars. BRANCH OF 435 TVA.r.NXTT STREIET. PIIII.iADE:r.PHZJ\.. GEO. W. JACKSON^S popULAI( BpiNE[ pOU^E, FRON T OF VIRGINI A AVE. All the Latest Styles of Bathing Suits. Over I I Accommodation for looo Bathers. The Safest 200 Bathing Houses. | | Place on the Beach. Life Guards Patrol the Beach During Bathing Hours. open all the Year. Cor. Atlantic and S. Carolina Aves., near C. & A. Railroad Depot. Newly Furnished. First-class Accom- modations. Terms moderate. Bar First -Class. Rooms Thoroughly Heated. LOUIS KUEHNLE, z'/-^/. BOOTS, SHOES AND I^TJBBHII^S, 813 and 1623 ATLANTIC AVENUE, ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. i>i:Ai,i:it I.N Toys, Stationery, Fancy Goods, Shells, Etc., Etc., 1620 ATLANTIC AVENUE, ATLANTIC CITY, - NEW JERSEY. LAFAYETTE EXCURSION HOUSE Corner Mississippi and Pacific Avenues, ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. Meals on the European Plan. Grand Concerts Day and Evening. ESTJLBXjISHZEID 1868. GARDNER & SHINN, ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. THIS ^TI_iA.:N"TIO Givil and Grin^inal Detective Agency. I. C. Covert, Manager. — H. L. Slape, Attorney for Agency. Experienced and reliable detectives furnished. Evidence in civil actions obtained, missing persons found, absent witnesses located and served, lost and stolen property traced. The authenticity of deeds, wills, and heirs traced and proven. The supervision of waiters and other employees of hotels and boarding-houses a specialty. Cottages taken charge of during the winter season. Correspondence throughout the world. All business strictly confidential. Terms moderate. OFFICE AT BANK EXCHANGE, OPPOSITE THE BANK. I. C. COVERT. P. 0. BOX 1000. WATCHES. CL OCKS A ND JEWELRY. Largest and Cheapest Assortment in Atlantic City. No fancy prices. Repairing a Specialty. Good work, low prices. All goods guaranteed to give satisfaction or Money refunded. 1810 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, New Jersey, AND 245 North Eighth Street, Philadelphia. Established in Philadelphia, i860, in Atlantic City, 1880. :m::e?>s. j". o. "w-hiite's JPIONEER DRY^ GOODS STORE, ATLANTIC AVENUE, BELOW GEORGIA. A full stock of Dry Goods of the latest styles, at the lowest prices. Thankful for past favors, a continued patronage is respectfully solicited. OLIVER H. GUTTRIDGE, Dealer in PAPER HANGINGS, WINDOW SHADiiS, Paints, Varnishes, Windows Glass, cScc, «S:c., 1.003 .^f^tlantic .^T7-en.-a.e, .^tla,3n.tic Oitsr, IN". J. (On European plan. Open day and night). 19, 27 & 31 NORTH DUKE ST., LANCASTER, PENNA., H. COI=I-i^^lSr^, IProp'r. Also proprietor of GRAND VIEW HOTEL, Atlantic City, N. J. GEO. T. INGHAM, A.ttomey cltlcL Coiznselloi^ cut Larw, Notary Public, and Master and Solicitor in Chancery, Supreme Court Commissioner, Office, City Hall, Atlantic City, P. O. Lock Box 35. Samuel E. Perry, Counsellor.at Law, Solicitor, Master and Examnier in Chancery. Practices in the United States District and Circuit Court. 1Q03 .A-tla,an.tic ■^^Trean.-u.e, .^^tla-xi-tic Oitsr, iT. J. F. A. CROUCH & SON, FURNISHING UNDERTAKERS, Office, Oor. ,.^^tla-rLtic an.d. Irj.d.ia.2:5.a, .A."ves- Branch Office, 717 Atlantic Am., ab. Delaware, Open Day and Ni-ht. ATLANTIC (JITY, N, J. John Gouldey, Real Estate and Insurance Agent. Justice of the Peace. Collections made. Depositions taken. S- HARKINS, Cheapest Shell Store in Atlantic City, No. 116 ATLANTIC AVENUE, Near Mansion House, (Half Square above Post Office.) SHELLS. CORALS, TOYS AND CURIOSITIES. M. Y, WICKS, GROCERIES AND HARDWARE, Ready-Mixed Paints, Oils, Putty, Etc., 1607 Atlantic Avenue, ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. CORNER OE ATLANTIC AND MICHIGAN AVENUES, ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. P. O. Box 303. OPEN ALL THE YEAK. JOHN H. McDEVITT, Proprietor. ilTILJIMTI© CITY. M. J. FMrniture, Carpets, Mattings, Bedding, Oil Cloths, &c. AT THE LOWEST PHILADELPHIA PRICES. SAMUEL REEVES, Dealer in SMlQisi^ mi Isgal ikiki. No. 1220 ATLANTIC AVENUE, ATLANTIC CITY. N. J. Apothecan", Atlantic Avenue, beloic Xew Jersey Avenue, Atlantic City, X. J. Family Medicines and Physicians Prescriptions Carefully Compwunded and Dispeni>ed under his own constant personal supervision. A full assonment of Drugs, Medicines and Finer Goods. Spring Waters. Fine Stationery. Cigars, Medicinal Wines and Uquors. ALBERT W. IRVINa 1222 ATLANTIC AVENUE, ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. Real Estate and Insurance Agent, Justice of the Peace and Notary Public. Money to loan on Mortgage. V/ILBUKS WILL MAKE A CL P OF CHOCOLATE WITHOUT BOILIKG. 13 DELICIOUS AND IXVIGORATIXG. Homceopathically piepajed. Rfconini ended bj Physicians and Hotels. Packed m i lb. and ^ib. tins, and Manufactured onlv by H G WILBUR & SON'S. PHILADELPHIA. C- OCOATINA. Htiir Artist. 1322 Atlantic Avenue, bet. South Carolina and Tennessee Aves., Atlantic City, N. J. A lajo-e iiock of ready-made waves of the nnest -.^orkrrjinih'.p 2..vsay; :r. zar.G or made to order. "Ladies hair dressed in the latest styles. Coml r.gs niade up ecvial :o new. C^: and see our $2.50 all long hair switch. Over 30 styles ::' :.- :z: pteces. Ua.y place -.ha: re-cresses pieces equal to new. Shampooing. yo. 16 Vi Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic Citi/. S, J. ART STORE. Varied and beauufui designs of Ocean aj-i ^^'. - ;ape Scenes, ^pon Sheli. Plaques, &ic. Decorated Potterv T^essons given in the Y?.-. '.:--■ -^ An, Painting upon Silk. Sarin and Pludj Esti" - -iers by maji prorapiiV attended '.o. F:r.e work a Specialty and at %"erv r THE! OIj:D^R^EXjI.A.SIjE. BA.ETLETT & MAETIIN", Allautic aud North Carolina Arenues, Xext to Bauk. Oldest and best Market House in Atlanfcc County. The Meats are alusiyi fresh, being the onlv market having a slaughtering establishment on the island. Veget^les, Fruits, Ects. Butter. Hams, Dried Beef, Tongue, Bacon. Lard. Chickens. Fish and Game, in season. Pickles, in Vinegar,— Canned Goods. Beef. Lamb, Veal and Pork, of Best Quality. Telephone Connection. Goods delivered Free of Charge. Orders ca!'ed for and promptlj attended to. The Leading Dry Goods House of Atlantic City, 1619 and IG'Jl Atlantic Avenue. Branch of Philadelphia Store, Ninth and Washington Avenue. Ita 3)a)(icl MICHIGAN AVENUE, FACING THE SEA, .A.XI^.A.N'XIC: CITY, N. J. OPEX ALL THE YEAE. HOT AND COLD SEA-WATER BATHS. It a %^ai:a3fl|| Pacific Ave., cor. of Ohio, Atlantic City, N. J FRONTING THE OCEAN. OPEN ALL THE YEAPt. Suites of Rooms with Hot and Cold Sea-Water Baths attached. Coach meets all Trains. MRS. J.L. BRYANT, Proprietress. JNO. E. MIFFLIN, Manager. Corner Pacific and Connecticut Avenues. Hot and Cold Sea- Water Baths in the House. FIRST-CLASS IX ALL ITS APPOINTMENTS. Billiard Room Attached. - - - Open all the ^ ear. J. A. REID. Proprietor. OLD EXCLK.-IOX HOUSE. > " ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. Newly painted. — Large airy rooms. - Brass and String Band for the Season, in the Skating Rink, Ball Room, and on the 3[usic Pavilion. — Largest Ball Room and Skating Rink on the Island.— A Large and Airy Dining Room has been added for the exclusive use of the guests of the Hotel, separate from the Excursion Dining Room. The large and spacious Ball Room will be used for Roller Skating e\erv evening except Wednesday. BOARD, $12 per WEEK, TRANSIENT, $2 per DAY. Rooms can be engaged bv calling on or adiiressing -lOIlX TKENWTTn, 31 S. SIXTH St., Philadelphia, nr at the Hotel. TH03IAS TREXW ITH, SuiA, JOHN TKENWITH, Froii'r Alfred M. Heston. John G. Shreve. DAILY AND WEEKLY. The Leading Paper of Atlantic City and has the Largest Circulation in the State, south of Trenton. It is read by everybody. The Review is the only paper wholly printed in the County by steam. HESTON & SHREVE, Proprietors. Office, over the Post-Offlce. WEEKLY ON THURSDAYS. DAILY IN JULY AND AUGUST. 1630 ATLANTIC AVENUE, near Illinois, Atlantic City, N. J. The Times is the largest newspaper in Atlantic County. It has more correspondents, a greater variety of news and a larger hona fide circulation than any other paper at every post-office but one, which makes it the beU advertising medium. The Daily Times is issued during .July and August when the population of this city often exceeds 50,000. J, F, HALL, Editor and Proprietor, [ML ^JLJt^f Published Every Sunday, HAROLD SILBERMAN, Editor and Owner. Editorial and Business Office : 1214 ATLANTIC AVENUE, Atlantic City, N. J. THE ONLY SUNDAY PAPER IN ATLANTIC CITY OR COUNTY. The Atlantic Sunday Mail is sold by all the newsboys and all the newst:mds, and on all railroad trains between Atlantic City, Philadelphia and New York. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: One Year, $1.50 Six Months, 75 cents. » Advertising Rates very loiu. Prompt attention to all orders by mail. DEALER IN Grocer^tes, Cool, Glass and QLzeertsTvare, Butte-p artd Kggs. Patrons will find only the best Goods, and the stock varied in all the staple and fine wares, to meet the requirements of first-class trade. !iiiii!ii,iiiii»|ii{iiiiii;!i;iiiiiiK''iii;i' NO LADY IS REALLY BEAUTIFUL WITHOUT A CLEAR WHITE COMPLEXION. Scott's White Lily Toilet Wash, the great American lotion for beautifying the face to a large extent conceals the evidences of age. A few applications will make the most stub- bornly red face or hands beautifully soft, white and smooth. It is not a pow- ^ der or paint that will till up the pores of the skin, thus causing dis- ease of the skin, such as Pimples, &c., but it is as clear as distilled water, and is a new and valuable discovery that causes the cheek to glow with health and rival the lily in whiteness. It is impossible to detect the beau- ty it confers. It is a sure cure for Greasy or Oily Ski n. Pimples, Freckles, Black Heads, Blotches, Face Grubs, Sun- burn, Tan, Ring- worms, Chapped Hands, Sore or Chapped Lips, Barbers' Itch, &c. It frees the pores, oil glands, and tubes of the skin from all injurious effects of powders and cosmetic washes, that con- tain powder or sediment. By its It is perfectly harmless to use in any should you drink a whole bottle of it. use all redness and roughness is pre- vented. It beau- tifies the skin mak- ing it soft, smooth, and white, and producing a heal- thy, natural, and youthful appear- ance not attainable by any other means. It has been and is still conceded by connoisseurs in the art, to be the best Face Beautifier the world has ever produced. It is just the thing for sea-side visitors as it positively pre- vents sunburn and if the skin has be- come sunburnt, a few applications will speedily re- store it to its natural healthy condition. One application on retiring at night will positively and permanently cure chafing of the ."-kin ; one or two appli- cations each week prevents chafing. manlier and cannot possibly injure you, even jfYING ;TURERS |,p^ SOLE '^^p-^7[:ADEI.^HlA.PA..U.S.A: ^^\ PRICE ^S'CENTS -5^0 For Sale by Druggists and Fancy Goods Dealers. One bottl* sent to any address on receipt of 75 cents, or si.\ bottles for §4.00. PREPARED BY •VT*. 3^. SCOTT &c CO., PllILADKLPHIA, PA. L'v ,0 o '"%■ .<^' ,<■ :v . ,^^- ' J I ^ " \V -bo^ aV ,0 O. ^'■ ,0o ^^. C^'' ^^V ..V G^ N^ ^^^^ I THE BRIGHTON," Atlantic Gity. OPEN ALL THE YEAR. In full view of the Ocean, over a fine Lawn extending- to ttie Beacti. F. W. HEMSLEY & SON. > \imf,ii\ mpi poupE, ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. New York Ave. and the Beach. | FINE VIEW OF THE OCEAN. J. Keim & Sons. _».« »\ L LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 205 105 9