USA > New Jersey > Cape May County > Ocean City > Ocean City [N.J] guide book and directory 1893 > Part 2
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
Ocean City Association.
OFFICERS AND MANAGERS.
President, Rev. W. B. Wood; Vice-President, Rev. W. H. Burrell; Secretary, Hon. S. Lake; Treasurer, C. Matthews, Esq .; Superintendent, Rev. E. B. Lake; Rev. W. E. Boyle, Rev. S. W. Lake; C. Matthews, Jr., and Rev. J. E. Lake.
Through the efforts of the Lake family a company was forined with the above name and members. Active operations toward bringing forth a city from beneath the sand hills and out of the thickets commenced October 20, 1879, by securing the land and issuing stock. The first topographical survey was made by William Lake during the fall and winter follow- ing. The part known as section A was staked off into avenues, streets and lots. This was quickly cleared of brushwood and timber; thousands of feet of ditching were dug for drainage, and hundreds of loads of brushwood were placed at the north point of beach for the purpose of gathering the moving sand and extending the ocean front. Lots to the value of $85,000 were disposed of, and another portion of land, known as sec- tion B, surveyed and laid out. A wharf, one hundred and twenty-five feet long by seventy-two feet wide, was built at an enormous cost. This was connected with the city by a good road over the meadows, one thousand feet long, and a board walk running parallel with it the entire distance. Dwelling houses, unpretentious at first, commenced to spring up. These were soon succeeded by large and commodious buildings. The first building erected was the little Pioneer Cottage, then stand- ing on the rear of the lot now occupied by the Association Office. It was used as a boarding house for the mechanics at
CROSSCUP & WEST FNO CO
Auditorium.
Rev. B. H. Sanderlin's Cottage.
J. S.RUSHĮ PAINTER
FRESCOCA
DECORATOR
Residence and Office of J. S. Rush, North Cor. 11th St. and Central Ave.
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CCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
work on the Island, and was sometimes occupied by forty men. The first hotel, the Ocean House, was built by I. B. Smitlı, now the far famed " Brighton," owned and conducted by R. R. Sooy. A newspaper was issued May, 1880. A railroad was built from Pleasantville to Somers Point, known as the Pleasantville and Ocean City Railroad. This was formally opened October 26, 1880. A steamboat was purchased to ply between Somers Point and Ocean City, thuis completing con- nection with the outside world. A Turnpike Company was organized to build a road from Beesley's Point to Ocean City, which, together with a bridge over Thoroughfare Sound, was completed the following spring. A local church was organized and a camp meeting held for ten days.
Its present officers and managers are : President, Rev. S. W. Lake. Vice-President, Rev. J. B. Graw, D. D. Secretary and Superintendent, Rev. E. B. Lake. Treasurer, Dr. G. E. Palen.
George L. Horn, G. B. Langley, H. B. Howell, Rev. James E. Lake, Rev. W. B. Wood, D. D.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
Ocean City.
Ocean City was created by an act of incorporation April 30, 1884. The first Mayor elected was G. P. Moore; the first councilmen, Parker Miller, Rev. W. H. Burrell, Correll Doughty and Enoch Green. When the executive authority was vested in a Mayor, and the legislative power placed within the jurisdiction of a Council, whose prerogatives include all powers necessary to the framing and enforcing of ordinances, the original design of the city was carried out, but upon a broad and liberal basis. The avenues through which vice and immorality enter are guarded only to such an extent as to be a protection. The successful administration of the succeeding officials is shown in the steady throbbing pulsation which marks the life and business interests of a city which is under no bond of debt. It is impossible to follow, step by step, the history of its conception, birth and growth; how from one lone dwelling it has risen to a city of beautiful homes, stretching from bay to ocean and for miles up and down the island; how the attendant throngs have grown larger, the parade more elab- orate, the circumstances and surroundings generally inore refined. As ideas and customs which miet and satisfied the re- quirements of a century ago appear incongruous in these days of progress, so ideas and customs which at first seemed neces- sary have given way to those of a more advanced and enlight- ened character. Standing upon the threshold of the second de- cade of a century, so short a time in the life of a city, one can- not but be impressed with the phenomenal changes whichi have taken place and with the grand promise of its prophetic infancy. The ideal of a seaside resort is here revealed-a place for rest,
Residence of H. G. Schultz.
Residence of Dr. F. R. Graham.
Emma L. Sack. CAPTAIN LEWIS RISLEY.
BRICHTON
Hotel Brighton, Seventh and Ocean Avenue, R. R. Sooy. Prop'r. THE FIRST HOTEL BUILT ON THE ISLAND.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
recuperation and pleasure. Viewing the city from one of the many cupolas or balconies which adorn its buildings, the claim to beauty is but emphasized. Wide avenues and streets cross everywhere at right angles. Spacious residences, magnificent hotels, cottages, stores, public buildings, steamboat and yacht piers are picturesquely mingled. No smoke from manufactories or furnaces overhang the city, no monotonous hun of ma- chinery suggests toil and weariness, no burial grounds arouse sadness. All the environments are pleasing. At night, flooded with light derived from one of the most wonderful trophies which genius has wrested from Nature, bringing out into strong relief or throwing into deep shadow its prominent features, the city is none the less beautiful, while far out beyond the line of "white sea horses," beyond bar and shoal, the twinkling lights of port and starboard of vessels of every nation rise and fall with the swell of the ocean.
The liquor traffic is prohibited. A clause in all deeds calls for the forfeitire of title if the vice is allowed to flourish on the premises.
Rents are very reasonable for cottages furnished or un- furnished.
The surrounding country, through its rich soil, furnishes the best of vegetables and fruits in great abundance. These are brought direct to the city by the farmers and truckers them- selves and wholesaled to the markets or retailed from the wagons to the consumers.
LIGHTING FACILITIES.
The claim is deservedly made that Ocean City is one of the best lighted of its size along the coast. Electricity is the agent largely employed. Lights of two thousand candle power, ele- vated twenty feet above the ground, illuminate the streets at the intersections. Incandescent lights are used in the business houses and residences.
The electric railway, for which the work is being rapidly pushed forward, is expected to be in operation July 4, 1893.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
WATER.
The imperative need of fresh, pure water, is everywhere felt at seaside resorts. Especially is it important to look to this mlatter at a season when every city in the United States is using precautionary measures against the visitation of a plague. Nearly tight hundred feet below the surface, courses have been tapped, and Ocean City is supplied with cold sparkling water from the very bowels of the earth.
SEWERAGE.
None the less important, in point of health, is perfect sewer- age. Arrangements have been completed for the introduction of a system which fills the best scientific demand. The work is being prosecuted with such diligence that, before the season is fairly upon us, it will be in operation.
RAILROADS.
Several routes are available in reaching Ocean City from the imperial eastern cities-New York and Philadelphia. Points up and down the coast are brought into close touch either by rail or steamer. The West Jersey Railroad is thoroughly equipped with everything necessary for the comfort of its pa- trons, and is an all-rail route without changing cars from Phila- delphia. "The Royal Route to the Sea" of the Reading Railroad is largely patronized; the famous "Fast Fliers " carry their passengers swiftly and surely through the most interesting sections of Southern New Jersey, over a perfectly ballasted road, free from soot, smoke or cinders, to Atlantic City. At this point immediate connection is made for Longport, and a delightful steamboat ride across the bay ends the journey, which is accomplished in the same time as when made entirely by rail.
Both mail and telegraphic service are all that can be desired.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The Public School Building, three stories high, is centrally located. The course of instruction is that taught in cities
Rev. William A. Massey, PASTOR FIRST M. E. CHURCH.
G
ED
CROMOCUP & WEST ING GO. PHONE
..
First M. E. Church.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
where graded schools have been long established. Prof. L. R. Thomas, the principal, is a native of Chester county, Pa., and is possessed of high scholastic acquirements. He was graduated from the Keystone State Normal School, in 1870, with honors, and has since then kept constantly abreast of the times in mnat- ters pertaining to educational advancement and reform in the public schools. His work as an instructor had but commenced when the late rebellion called his attention to his country's need. He served throughout the entire war, hield a captain's rank, and was twice brevetted for gallantry. Prof. Thomas was engaged for fourteen consecutive years in academic and public school work at West Chester, Pa. He was called to Ocean City in 1890 to fill the position he now occupies, and immediately introduced into the curriculum of the public schools those branches necessary to raise the standard of the educational sys- tem to a grade equal to that of any in the State. This has been mnost successfully achieved. The first class, whose members were W. Willets, W. E. Massey, Misses Corina Sutton and Jennie Massey, graduated in '92. The class of '93 is much larger. Miss Roxana Corson, widely known for her thorough and efficient work, and Miss Julia Morton, also a popular teacher, administer the offices of their trust with a fidelity born of determination to make the public school institutions of learning in fact as well as in name.
The first sessions of the schools of Ocean City were held in the rooms of the Association Building. Miss Annie Bartine, now Mrs. E. M. Gregory, of Denver, Col., was the first teacher.
M. E. CHURCH.
This edifice was dedicated in 1890. The architectural design is one of beauty. Rev. W. A. Massey, the present incumbent, completed the full classical course, and was graduated from Dickinson College in 1873, after which time he entered the ministry and became a member of the New Jersey Conference. He was appointed to Ocean City in the Spring of 1890. Dur- ing his pastorate the church and a large and comfortable par- sonage have been erected, and the membership of the organiza-
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
tion greatly augmented. Rev. Massey's life is marked by earnest devotion to the cause which he has espoused.
THE AUDITORIUM
Occupies the centre of the camp ground and has a seating capacity of two thousand. During the summer months it is used for religious services, sacred concerts, etc.
EXCURSION HOUSE.
Erected especially for the comfort and accommodation of the public and located immediately on the ocean front is this hand- somely painted and decorated structure. Within its walls may be found a restaurant, dining rooms, ladies' and gents' parlors, caroussel, etc., while a shooting gallery, bath houses and a bicycle track add to its outside attractions. T. B. Cross, the proprietor, is thoroughly alive to the requirements necessary for the comfort and pleasure of visitors, and neither trouble nor expense are spared to bring about desired results.
Of its numerous hotels, the Traymore, charmingly located on the ocean front, is very prominent. It is thoroughly equipped with all the modern conveniences, finely appointed and well conducted.
Hotel Brighton was the first one erected on the island. It was formerly known as the " Ocean House," and was built by I. B. Smith. It is now owned and conducted by R. R. Sooy. Every year adds to its popularity. From the opening till the closing of the season the rooms are filled with guests.
The Emmett is located at the west corner of Eightlı street and Central avenue. This hotel was opened but a year ago, but has already become popular with the public. Miss Mattie Boyle will conduct it for the coming season ; this fact means success for the Enimnett.
The Illinois is gaining a wide-spread reputation for its liome- like accommodations and excellent service. It is open the year round, and every attention is given to the comfort of its muinerous guests by the proprietress, Mrs. H. D. Canfield.
Excursion House.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
The name of the Lafayette arouses only pleasing recollections in the minds of all its guests. By superior management it has risen to a high degree of eminence as a hotel.
The Vandalia is located in full view of the ocean, and was opened for the first in 1892. That it was successful was shown by the large number of guests. It is conducted by Mrs. Joseph Burley, who thoroughly understands catering to the public.
Attention should be called to the Pioneer bakery, which makes a feature of superior skill in the line of its especial work, and occupies a prominent building at the corner of Seventh street and Asbury avenue. The proprietor, J. Schuff, is a native of Frankenthall, Germany, and, though still a young man, has devoted twenty years of his life to his trade, and is thoroughly skilled and practical in all its branches.
Another great public convenience are Fisher's livery stables. These are supplied with a complete line of carriages, fine driving and gaited saddle horses.
Elaborate description is impossible of the numerous stores, restaurants, boarding cottages, broad board walk on the ocean front, caroussels, bathing establishments, piers, and pleasure yachts and steamers.
The future of Ocean City stands out clearly and distinctly. The conclusion is irresistible that a greater and minore perfect city is rapidly developing. Inducements are growing stronger for all classes.
The capitalist seeking new fields of enterprise, the house- holder, the laborer, the student and the artist will be greeted with a hospitality as universal as it is sincere.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
Biographical Sketches
MAYOR G. P. MOORE.
Mayor Moore is a Pennsylvanian by birth, and is descended from good old Quaker stock. He was born in Chester county, in 1836, and acquired his education in the schools of his native district. His parents, William and Lydia Moore, were among the earliest to express strong anti-slavery sentiments, and their house was one of the stations of the underground railway.
Mayor Moore first learned the carpenter trade, but in 1854 went to Michigan and engaged in farming, returning to Pen11- sylvania four years later. Soon after this the War of the Rebel- lion agitated the country, and when the call came for three years' mnen he volunteered his services, but failed to pass the physical examination and was rejected on account of a slight lameness. When Lee's army invaded Pennsylvania he offered his services a second time, was accepted and sent with four companies of the State Militia to guard the fort at Peach Bot- tom, on the Susquehanna River. In 1866 he engaged in mer- cantile pursuits, which he continued for five years, and . then returned to his former occupation of building.
Hearing of Ocean City, in 1881, he resolved to visit the place and arrived there on the 15th of April. He immediately recog- nized its possibilities and determined to locate there.
When the city was incorporated he was elected Mayor, and with the exception of one term has served in that capacity ever since. Upon him and the Council devolved the arduous labor of creating and establishing a borough government on the foun- dation of temperance and Sabbatlı observance.
Mayor Moore has always advanced and supported such pro-
G. E. Palen, Ph. B. M. D.
.....
Dr. Palen's Residence.
Dr. Palen's Cottages on the Ocean Front.
-
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
jects and enterprises as gave promise of success and the advance- iment of Ocean City's interests in point of wealth, population and intelligence. Adhering tenaciously to his convictions of what is just and right, his popularity has been honorably achieved, and is but the logical outcome of conscientious direc- tion of inborn capabilities to wise results.
DR. GILBERT E. PALEN.
Dr. G. E. Palen has been one of the regular summer resi- dents of Ocean City since ISSI. He has shown his faith in its future by investing largely in lots, and building several cot- tages. He is deeply interested in retaining the temperance and religious principles upon which the place was founded, and thus keeping Ocean City free from the vices which so pre- dominate in most resorts of this kind. He is one of the stock- holders of the Ocean City Association, and has been its treasurer for a number of years.
Dr. Palen was born in Palenville, N. Y., May 3, 1832. His father, Rufus Palen, was of Quaker stock, and was a well- known tanner and leather dealer. Dr. Palen first obtained a thorough knowledge of the tanning business at the Fallsburgh, N. Y., tannery. Then entering Brown University, he went to Yale, where he graduated with the degree of Ph. B. in the " famous class " of 1853. He then pursued a medical course at the New York University, which he subsequently completed at the Albany Medical College, graduating from the latter in 1855 as a doctor of medicine.
Dr. Palen, in 1856, entered into partnership with his uncle by marriage, George W. Northrop, and built an oak tannery at Canadensis, Pa., afterwards taking one of his brothers in as a partner, under the firmn name of Palen & Northrop. After- wards, with his two brothers, Dr. Palen built another tannery at Tunkhannock, Pa. The building of tanneries in the woods, cutting down trees, etc., is genuine pioneer work, and to this the doctor was peculiarly fitted by his active temperament. He
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
became a member of the M. E. Church, at Canadensis, and at this period his career as a Prohibitionist and temperance worker begins. He afterwards removed to Tunkhannock, Pa.
In 1876, after a careful examination of the compound oxygen process, he entered into partnership with Dr. Starkey, under the firin name of Starkey & Palen, the former bringing into the concern his perfected system, and Dr. Palen, the business experience and requisite capital. From this time the business has prospered wonderfully, and the treatment is now known throughout the world. The doctor is an active and honored member of the M. E. Board of Church Extension, and presi- dent of the Niagara Mining and Smelting Company, and is always active in every movement for the public good. He has been several times candidate for mayor and recorder of Phila- phia on the Prohibition ticket, accepting each time his antici- pated defeat with resignation, but never for a moment despair- in the final triumph of Prohibition.
NICHOLAS CORSON.
The subject of this sketch was born at Seaville, Cape May county, N. J. When a young man he spent a year and a half in Illinois, returning to the home of his boyhood to settle permanently. He engaged to learn the profession of dentistry, but after a year's study found it distasteful, and building be- came his future avocation. He entered the army in 1862, and was promoted to the position of second lieutenant. The ab- sence of the captain necessitated a substitute, and Mr. Corson was chosen commander, and brought home Company G, Twenty-fifth New Jersey, in 1863. He is the oldest and the first contracting builder on the island. He came to Ocean City in 1880, and went into partnership with Youngs Corson; when the firm dissolved he continued business for himself. Mr. Cor- son is now serving as City Councilman. A retrospective view given by the companions of his early youth, of manhood, and of the prime of life, is bright with the reflection of honor and
Councilman N. Corson.
H. B. Adams, City Clerk. EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR OF THE WEEKLY NEWS.
C. Myers, Esq.
Residence of C. Myers, Esq.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
strict integrity. He is the possessor of a rare combination of admirable characteristics and a well-balanced inind. As a citi- zen he is respected, as an official honored, as a man God- fearing.
The measure of his life is rounded out to its fullest capacity with those deeds and attributes which live long in the hearts of his fellow beings.
C. MYERS, ESQ.
It is with pride we call attention to the above name, recorded among those of Ocean City's permanent residents. The 'Squire is probably the oldest living printer in the United States. He was born in France, but came to America with his parents when a boy. He was the oldest of seven children, and owing to the poor health of his father, was sent to Darby, Pa., when very young, and was there employed as " printer's devil " and post boy. The death of that parent occurring soon afterward, lie went to Philadelphia, Pa., in hopes of finding better employ- ment, to aid his mother in providing for the family. He was there engaged as a newsboy, and was among those who sold the first edition of the Philadelphia Ledger. He then entered the office of the Camden Republican, rising gradually to its higher positions, assisting at times on the Democrat, published by 'Squire Grey. When the time arrived for him to choose a profession, lie engaged with William S. Young, one of Phila- delphia's most noted printers, with whom he remained twenty- four years, eighteen years of the time in the capacity of super- intendent. When Mr. Young retired, the 'Squire and two young men, who served their time under him, engaged in the printing business. He afterwards became interested in coal oil and politics, and was sent to the coal regions several times by different companies to examine lands. He was one of Phila- delphia's Aldermen, a notary public and a prominent real es- tate agent and conveyancer.
In his long and eventful life, no period perhaps marks more
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
significantly the prompt and decisive action by which it is char- acterized than that of the Civil War. But forty-eight hours had elapsed after the firing on Fort Sumter till he was assisting in forming a military company. He went to the front with his regiment at the battles of Antietam and Gettysburg. The com- pany thus early organized continued till the surrender of Lee. The path which the 'Squire has hewed out, step by step, un- aided and alone, denied even the rudiments of an education, has led to such success as must always command honor and admira- tion. The fire of his youth is still visible in the brilliant mind and light elastic step. His fine literary attainments are a con- stant source of pleasure to those with whom he is associated, while the ripe experience of mature years gives the touch of. practical wisdom to his gifts of genius. The 'Squire is a large property-holder in the city and resides in a beautiful cottage at the corner of Eighth Street and Wesley Avenue.
W. LAKE.
Mr. Lake was born at Bargaintown, N. J., April 27, 1838. His boyhood was spent with his father, working at the black- smith trade. Not satisfied with the educational advantages of the day, he entered upon a course of studies by himself and was soon teaching in the public schools. At a very early age he received an appointment as civil engineer, and his progress since then has been steadily upward. He was elected to numerous township offices, and was, in 1863, appointed Commissioner of Deeds. In 1875 he was appointed Master in Chancery, and the same year elected to the office of Justice of the Peace of Atlantic county, which position he held until his removal to Ocean City. His work commenced in this city with the earliest movement inade towards its development. He lias surveyed every foot of the island and examined every original title from 1690 down to the time it was purchased by the Ocean City Association, and has drawn over nineteen hundred deeds.
Mr. Lake is a representative man in its broad, true sense-
Wm. Lake-Surveyor and Conveyancer.
Ex-Councilman J. Conver.
Councilman F. P. Canfield.
.....
-
CROMACUP & WERT ENG. CO.
The Illinois-Mrs. H. D. Canfield, Proprietress.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
an enterprising and intelligent citizen, a statistician and a stu- dent, and is endowed with fine business ability.
F. P. CANFIELD.
Among the numerous instances of successful young men, be- cause of enterprising and progressive business principles, Ocean City has none who is making more rapid strides than the sub- ject of this sketch. F. P. Canfield was born in Springfield, Ill., in 1860, but traces his lineage back to the first settlers of the State of New Jersey, and is descended from a family noted for superior intellectual endowments through a long line of ances- tors. He was educated at Edwards School, beneath the shadow of the Capitol buildings of his native State, and was engaged as a florist for some years afterward at that place. Coming to Ocean City in 1886, he immediately determined to make it his future home. He is now engaged in a thriving real estate business, and has himself invested largely in real estate. As a Council- inan, F. P. Canfield is broad and liberal in his views, yet care- ful and discreet in all his movements, and well merits the confidence reposed in him by the public, which he is serving well.
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