USA > New Jersey > Cape May County > Ocean City > Ocean City [N.J] guide book and directory 1894 > Part 2
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FRESCOER
DECORATOR
Residence and Office of J. S. Rush, N. Cor. 11th St. and Central Ave.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
City Council.
188 4. G. P. MOORE, Mayor.
E. GREEN,
P. MILLER,
C. DOUGHTY, W. H. BURRELL. C. W. BOYLE, Clerk.
1885.
G. P. MOORE, Mayor.
C. DOUGHTY,
P. MILLER,
W. H. BURRELL, E. B. LAKE. S. B. MILLER, Clerk.
I886. G. P. MOORE, Mayor.
C. DOUGHTY, · P. MILLER,
E. B. LAKE, J. S. WAGGONER. S. B. MILLER, Clerk.
I887. G. P. MOORE, Mayor.
P. MILLER,
S. B. SAMPSON,
J. S. WAGGONER, HIRAM STEELMAN.
S. B. MILLER, Clerk.
1888. G. P. MOORE, Mayor.
HIRAM STEELMAN, J. GANDY,
S. B. SAMPSON, A. D. BARROWS. S. B. MILLER, Clerk.
1889.
R. H. THORN,
G. P. MOORE, Mayor. J. GANDY, A. D. BARROWS, J. CONVER. J. S. WAGGONER, Clerk.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
J. E. PRYOR, Mayor. 1890.
J. CONVER, A. D. BARROWS,
J. BROWER, HIRAM STEELMAN.
J. S. WAGGONER, Clerk. IS91. J. E. PRYOR, Mayor.
A. D. BARROWS, J. BROWER,
J. CONVER, J. C. STEELMAN. S. B. MILLER, Clerk.
1892. G. P. MOORE, Mayor.
J. C. STEELMAN, J. CONVER,
F. P. CANFIELD, .N. CORSON. H. B. ADAMS, Clerk.
1893. G. P. MOORE, Mayor.
J. C. STEELMAN, J. F. HAND,
N. CORSON, F. P. CANFIELD.
H. B. ADAMS, Clerk.
1894. H. G. STEELMAN, Mayor. J. C. STEELMAN, J. F. HAND,
S. B. SAMPSON, H. C. SUTTON. E. A. BOURGEOIS, Clerk.
Emma L. Sack-Captain Lewis Risley.
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The Emmett.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
Ocean City.
HE wildest imagination of the company of four clergymen as they sailed back over Great Egg Harbor Bay from their first tour of investigation could not have conjured up visions of the result of the coming four years when an incorporated city should stand as a monument of their enterprise. When vested with municipal powers, the officers carried forward with the same energy and determination the work of growth and devel- opment. Ocean City has ever maintained her precedence, not escaping vicissitudes and discouragements, but never yield- ing to defeat or disaster. Standing to-day upon the threshold of a second decade, so brief a period in the life of a city, its phenomenal growth is but accentnated in every line of review we trace. Miles of paved and graded streets, electric railway and lights, steam railway, water works, beautiful homes of every description are the result of judicious and well-directed labor. The environments of Ocean City are suclı as irresisti- bly tend to the promotion of the city's growth, to the beauty of its location, to the inspiring of unbounded confidence in the future. The ideal of a seaside resort is here revealed. There are no manufactories with ceaseless hum of machinery suggest- ing toil and weariness. No furnaces poisoning the air with smoke and gas. No restless hurrying to and fro of weary feet. An undefined sense of contentment and rest is borne upon the salt breezes and heard in the never-ending roll of the breakers along the shore. It is a noticeable fact that people who have once resided here for a full year and enjoyed the beauty of each season are seldom satisfied to take up the old routine of life again.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
Health.
An extended reputation as a health resort is being rapidly acquired. Hardly any form of disease originates in Ocean City, while upon many diseases acquired elsewhere, simple residence and the use of salt waters in the bathing season, together with hot sand batlis, are more beneficial than ordinary medical treatment. There is no malaria. Asthma and lung diseases are unknown. There are but few of the many complaints to which humanity is subject that are not reduced to a minimum by the climatic forces. A glimpse of the army of tourists which annually gather here when they are returning to their homes in the fall, confirms this statement in the rounded limbs and rosy cheeks of once exhausted school children, the spring- ing step of former invalids and the sparkling light and happy flush on faces that such a short time before were wan and hag- gard.
Bathing.
Surf bathing can be indulged in with the most beneficial results by the last of May or first of June till late in October. Owing to the wide shelving strand and the absence of quick- sands or dangerous ground, this luxury is permissible at either high or low tide, while the exhaustion caused by heavy breakers is never experienced. To those who prefer deep water bathing the bay affords every facility.
Residence of E. A. Bourgeois, City Clerk.
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Enoch Burleigh's Cottages, 11th Street and Central Ave.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
Water.
The most potent factor in the matter of health is fresh pure water. Nearly eight hundred feet below the surface courses have been tapped and Ocean City is supplied with cold sparkling water in an unlimited quantity, the purity of which has been tested by the noted chemist, Dr. Henry Leffinan, of Philadelphia, in the following analysis. Dr. Leffman also says, in a personal interview, "the water is absolutely pure and healthy and far ahead of any artesian water known.
Parts .
1,000,OCO
Condition .
Clear
Color . . None
Reaction , Alkaline
Total solids (on evaporation) 7.00
Ammonia by alk. permang. (albumoid ammonia) . . Trace Ammonia (free ammonia) . 0.12
Nitrites . None
Nitrates . None
Poisonous metals
None
This is pure water, suitable for drinking and all household purposes. It remains clear and without odor on standing."
Yours, HENRY LEFFMAN.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
Sewer Drainage and Garbage Restrictions.
Evidences of sanitary precaution are found in the entire absence of accumulations of an unhealthy character at any point. Arrangeinents have been completed for the introduc- tion of a system of drainage which fills the best scientific demand. It is already in operation in the hotels and will be extended throughout the city. There is not an alley that is not pure and clean. The Board of Healthi have adopted such measures as restrict the exposure of garbage in open vessels at cottages or hotels. The closed vessels are cleansed daily or semi-daily, as the temperature or condition of the weather demands, and the garbage disposed of according to the best sanitary regulations.
Fire.
Fire plugs are placed at suitable distances apart throughout the city. A company of fifty members is ready to respond to calls at any moment. There have been but three destructive fires ever known on the island. Those of two houses located at the corner of Sixth street and Wesley avenue, September 15, 1883; Patterson's drug store, Asbury avenue below Sixth street, October 12, 1884, and the Adams Casino, along tlie boardwalk, at Ninth street, June 12, 1893. The residence of A. B. Thomas, Fifteenth street and Wesley avenue, was daill- aged to the extent of about $800 in 1893.
Lights.
The city is brilliantly lighted by electricity. Lights of 2,000 candle power, elevated twenty feet above the ground, illuminate the streets at the intersections. The latest improved appliances of every kind are used in controlling this magical and mysterious agent. Incandescent lights are used in the business houses and cottages.
.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK. -
Railroad Facilities.
An electric railroad went into operation July 4, 1893. The tracks extend along the beach from Seventeenth street and Cen- tral avenue to First street; thence across the island, in full view of the Inlet, to the opposite side, wliere they terminate at the pier of the Atlantic Coast Company, at Second street, on Great Egg Harbor Bay. Several routes by steam railway are available in reaching Ocean City from Philadelphia and New York. The West Jersey Railroad, before mentioned, and the Reading Rail- road, by way of Atlantic City and Longport, thence by steamer across the bay, and the South Jersey, by way of Sea Isle City.
Atlantic Coast Steamboat Company ..
Among the attractive points of the city the Steamboat pier is made prominent by its constant crowd of pleasure seekers. Large steamers, supplied with every convenience for the comfort of patrons, are constantly plying between Ocean City, Somers' Point and Longport. A ride over Great Egg Harbor Bay is a source of constant delight. The invigorating, health-giving salt breezes may be enjoyed by the most timid and delicate as well as the strong and fearless. The quiet waters and the alinost entire absence of the "swell " render mal de mer an impossi- bility. The pier at Longport is visible far out at sea. This beautiful resort is situated on a point of land extending between the bay and the ocean, and was founded by M. Simpson Mc- Cullough, in 1882. The place is laid out on a scale of singular magnificence, and the care with which the purchasers of lots are chosen will serve to keep it a home-retreat of the highest grade. A quiet air of refinement pervades everything, and there is an entire absence of the rush and bustle which characterize so many seaside resorts. A short ride on the electric cars, in full view of the ocean, brings one to Atlantic City, where every means of amusement and the finest markets in the State may be found. The architecture of Longport is imposing and beanti-
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
ful, and is in harmony with the entire plan of the city, which promises to rise to a degree of refined elegance not excelled on the New Jersey coast.
Hotels.
The hotels of Ocean City are well known and popular be- cause of their absolute merit. In respect to their accommo la- tions, furnishings, adequate conveniences, cuisine and services, they are not surpassed by any of a similar character in cities of more pretentious and greater opportunities. These add greatly to the reputation of the city as comfortable homes for tourists and travellers.
Hotel Brighton is the oldest hostelrie in the city. Under the superior management of the owner, R. R. Sooy, its popu- larity is constantly increasing. Every facility for the perfec- tion of a seaside home is being realized in its constant improve- ments and changes.
The Emmett is located between the depot and the strand, on Eighth street, a most desirable point for all conveniences. Miss Mattie Boyle will conduct it as heretofore. Its growing patronage speaks much for the future success of this new hotel.
The Wesley House. This hotel has been thoroughly renovated and is under the management of Mrs. V. S. Robin- SO11. Doubtless the success which has heretofore attended her duties as a hostess will be but emphasized at this new point. The Wesley House will be open all the year.
The Traymore. This beautiful building has been a favorite resort for guests since the first day it opened, two years ago. Under the new management of Miss A. C. Creth, widely known for her thorough and efficient knowledge of require- nents for the comfort and pleasure of patrons, its popularity will rapidly increase. Grounds for lawn tennis and croquet are among its attractions.
The Vandalia. The name of the proprietess, Mrs. Joseph Burley, at the head of a hotel, means comfort, pleasure and a good table. This fact is at once apparent in the desire of
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
guests who have been fortunate enough to visit the Vandalia to always return.
The Illinois. This hotel is open the year round. Good beds, an excellent table and prompt service are among the factors which are constantly increasing its popularity under the management of the genial hostess, Mrs. H. D. Canfield.
Excursion House. Erected especially for the comfort and accommodation of the public and located immediately on the ocean front is this handsomely painted and decorated structure. J. T. Adams, the proprietor, who has done so much toward the improvement of the city, is thoroughly alive to the require- ments necessary for the comfort and pleasure of visitors, and neither trouble nor expense are spared to bring about these results. The Excursion House is surrounded on three sides by wide verandas and has within its walls a seating capacity for five hundred. Its attractions consist of a carrouselle, candy kitchen, dining rooms, restaurant and ice cream parlors, shoot- ing gallery, bath houses with shower bath and many others which space forbids us to enumerate.
The Adams' Casino. This building, since its renewal from the destructive fire of June 12, 1893, has undergone many improvements. Its seating capacity is five hundred. Rockers and high armed chairs upon raised platforms contribute to the comfort of guests. A carrouselle, candy kitchen, shuffle boards and a shell store are among its attractions.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
The Press.
In less than one year after the first sale of lots took place a marked degree of enterprise was shown by W. H. Boyle & Bros., in issuing from their office in the Pioneer Cottage the first copy of a newspaper edited or printed in the city, the Ocean City Sentinel, April 21, 1881.
July 4, 1884, the Ocean City Standard, R. Fisher, editor and proprietor, made its first appearance.
Following these came another weekly, The South Jersey Review and Ocean City Spray, W. H. Fenton, editor and pro- prietor.
December 13, 1892, the initial copy of the Weekly News, H. B. Adams, editor and proprietor, was welcomed by the public.
The first daily, and the latest newspaper, was issued from the present office of the Ocean City Sentinel, July 1, 1893, the Ocean City Daily Reporter, R. C. Robinson, editor and pro- prietor.
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CROSSCUA & WEST FNO. CO.
First M. E. Church.
Prof. L. R. Thomas, Principal of the Public Schools.
Public School Buildings.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
Public Schools.
The Public School Building, three stories high, is centrally located. The course of instruction is that taught in cities 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 kept constantly abreast of the times in mat- 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 breveted 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 most successfully achieved. The first class was graduated in 1892. The first sessions of the schools of Ocean City were held in the rooms of the Association Building. The following teaclı- ers have engaged in the work since then: Annie Bartine, Mattie Boyle, Emma Corson, Carlton Godfrey, Emma Veale, Luther Corson, Hattie Smith, F. Spaulding, Amy Miller, Eva Moore, C. Pryor, Roxanna Corson, Julia Morton, L. R. Thomas and Gertrude Price.
First M. E. Church.
The society of the M. E. Church was first known as St. Peter's. The first person to whom the rite of baptismn was ad- ministered was S. B. Miller, May 3, 1882. The first marriage solemnized was that of Alida S. Goodrich and T. H. Tuuni- son, November 30, 1882. The pastors in charge have been
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
Revs. E. B. Lake, W. E. Boyle, W. H. Hoag, C. K. Fleming, N. J. Wright, S. Townsend, W. A. Massey and L. O. Man- chester. The present incumbent, Rev. L. O. Manchester, is a native of Litchfield, Conn. His ancestors were among the first settlers of the States of Connecticut and Rhode Island. His early education was received at Wilbraham Academy, Massachusetts, under the tutorship of some of the most emi- nent educators of the day. In the twenty-first year of his age he came to New Jersey and engaged for a short time in teach- ing, subsequently entering the ministry and becoming a mnem- ber of the New Jersey Conference. Rev. L. O. Manchester is an earnest, talented minister; the appreciation of this fact is shown in the large audiences which attend the church every Sabbath and in his well deserved popularity. A beautiful church edifice was dedicated August 31st, 1891. A parsonage adjoining the church property was completed shortly after- wards.
Improvements.
So rapidly have they been made and of such an extensive character are the improvements, that it is impossible to enter into a description of details. Some idea may be gained by a knowledge of the fact that during the winter of '93-4, when a financial crisis paralyzed trade throughout the country, nearly $200,000 were spent in the erection of cottages. There have been times when the City Council has stood appalled at the amount of labor demanded by the rapidly growing popula- tion for acquired modern facilities, but never for a moment have any barriers been insuperable. A review of work already accomplished was sufficient inspiration to carry forward the work on hand until the city has now reached a point where the impetus of its popularity will carry it well forward to its ulti- inate position on a peerless vantage ground among seaside re- sorts. The city, though prosperous, is in need of additional capital, and offers inducements for men of enterprise and wealth to locate and make investments, with assurances of almost im-
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
mediate and substantial returns; there can be no question but that the accession of this class will be attended with profit to themselves, as also to the interests of the city. The building lots are of ample size to build one large house or two small ones, allowing space for alley-ways between, called for by the city, thus avoiding solidly built streets. The prices of these lots and the rents charged for cottages or hotels, furnished and unfurnished, are very reasonable. The cost of living is low. Fruits and vegetables are furnished in great abundance and perfection from the neighboring mainland. The liquor traffic is prohibited. a clause in all deeds calls for forfeiture of title if the vice is allowed to flourish on the premises. It is doubt- less owing to this fact that the summer as well as the perma- nent population is drawn from the refined and elevated classes of society. In the welcome we extend to the public we present to the capitalist a wide field for enterprise; to the artisan, work; to the invalid, health; to the artist, the beauty of an ever changing landscape, and to the householder, the benison of contentment and rest.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK ..
Biographical Sketches.
Mayor H. G. Steelman.
Mayor Steelman was born at Weymouth, N. J., and edu- cated in the public schools of that town. He came to Ocean City in 1888, and immediately engaged in the grocery business at 705 Asbury avenue. The building in which he commenced was soon too small to meet the requirements of a rapidly grow- ing trade, and was removed to the rear of the lot it occupied. A large building was then erected on the site of the old one, second floors are fitted up for a public halland Council Cham- bers and his private offices, and the third floor for lodge rooms. Mayor Steelman held the position of City Treasurer and was otherwise made the recipient of public confidence previous to the time of holding the highest municipal office. As yet, to a great extent, the city is in a formative state and new questions of policy are continually presenting themselves. The detail work is therefore very extensive and can only be appreciated by its executive officers. When we take into consideration to how great a degree the growth of a city depends upon the quality and amount of energy and vitality with which the inen controlling her destiny must be imbued, we have some idea of the confidence reposed in him by his many friends. The bril- liant future heretofore predicted for Mayor Steelman has been achieved, and we doubt not but that the duties which await him in this new office will be fulfilled with the same zeal and earnestness which has characterized the past.
0
ar
W. A.
CORNET BAN
Cean
ARANDIT'N
W. A. Manahan Cornet Rand
(i. E. Palen, Ph. B. M. D.
Dr. Palen's Residence.
t
....
Dr. Palen's Wesley Avenue Cottage.
Dr. Palen's Ocean Front Cottages.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
Mayor-elect R. Fisher.
In the real estate business the fact is especially apparent that "Realty is the basis of all security." This basis is found in the knowledge and probity of those through whom the transactions are conducted. In view of this fact, there is prob- ably no one in Ocean City possessing more of these qualifica- tions than R. Fisher, one of the few pioneer real estate agents left. He has been connected with the largest sales of lots which have been made on the Island, and his business interests have been closely interwoven with the history of the city. This knowledge, together with long experience, is an in- valuable aid to investors. His office buildings are centrally located at the corner of Seventh street and Asbury avenue, and his handsome residence at the corner of Seventh street and Wesley avenue.
Mr. Fisher was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1848, of Scotcli- Irish parents. He came to America twenty-five years ago and has travelled extensively in Europe and the United States.
With the advantage of talents amounting to genius, and with an inherent brilliancy and versatility of mind that rest only with the reward of high achievement, Mr. Fisher's con- tinned success is established, while no more glowing tribute can be paid than that his eminence has been reached by the exercise of his own abilities.
Gilbert E. Palen, Ph. B., M. D.
Dr. Palen, President of the Niagara Mining and Smelting Company, is a member of the Ocean City Association and has been its treasurer for a number of years. He invested largely in real estate, owns a number of handsome cottages and has been a regular summer resident since 1880. He was born at Palenville, N. Y. His father, Rufus Palen, was a widely
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
knowr tanner and leather dealer. Dr. Palen first attended Bro" University, going from thence to Yale, where he gradu- ated vith the degree of Ph. B. in the famous class of '53. He then pursued a medical course at the New York University which he subsequently completed at the Albany College, graduating from the latter in 1855 as a doctor of medicine. Dr. Palen is an inherent leader in the rugged work of laying the foundation of new enterprises and developing interests in hitherto unexplored fields. The spirit of enthusiasm which he diffuses into his work is tempered by cool deliberation and clear, keen foresight. He also possesses an invaluable attri - bute in a determination which submerges the barriers and sweeps aways the obstructions which impede his progress to- ward success. In early life he obtained a thorough knowledge of the tanning business and in 1856, in what was then the primeval forests of the mountains of northern Pennsylvania, amid the haunts of bear, deer and panther, he, together with G. W. Northrop, felled trees, cleared the land and built an oak tannery, at the same time laying out the town of Canadensis. In partnership with his brother he after- wards built tanneries at Tunkhannock, Pa. In 1860 he married Elizabeth Gould, of Roxbury, N. Y. In 1876 lie entered into partnership with Dr. Starkey, under the firm name of Starkey and Palen, the former bringing into the concern the perfected compound oxygen system and the latter the requisite capital. From this time the business re- ceived an impetus which has carried it all over the world. Dr. Palen is an active and honored member of M. E. Board of Church Extension. He is also a great worker in the cause of temperance. His popularity is shown in the fact of his having been several times candidate for Mayor and Recorder on the Prohibition ticket. He gave his name and labor to a cause in which he knew that defeat only could be the present outcome, but with a firm faith in the knowledge that these efforts are rapidly advancing the work toward the time when the sword of legislation shall be turned against the great evil of intem- perance.
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C. Myers, Esq.
Residence of C. Myers.
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OCEAN CITY GUIDE BOOK.
Charles Myers, Esq.
No more eloquent illustration can be given of the apprecia- tion of the benison bestowed upon its people by a Republic, than in the respect and admiration given to its self-made inen. 'Squire Myers is one of these, and may be seen daily walking our streets, and joining with a keen zest in the discussion of political or municipal questions. He resides in a beautiful home at the corner of Eighth street and Wesley avenne, and is a large real estate owner in Ocean City. "By reason of strength," he has passed beyond the milestone of the allotted time of man nearly a sufficient number of years to attain his second majority, and yet little trace of age discloses itself in the carriage of his well-knit frame or the brilliancy of his mind. The 'Squire was born in France, the eldest of seven children. His father came to America with his family, but died shortly afterwards. Upon the 'Squire, then but a child, devolved the responsibility of aiding his mother in the support of the bereft family. He obtained employment at Darby, Pa., and then in Philadelphia, and was among the newsboys who sold the first edition of the Philadelphia Ledger. He learned his trade and profession with W. S. Young, of Philadelphia, and was engaged with him for twenty-four years, eighteen years of the time in the capacity of superintendent. He afterwards engaged in business for himself. Forty-eight hours after the firing on Fort Sumter he was engaged in forming a military company. This company went to the front in the battles of Antietam and Gettysburg, and continued its organization till the surrender of Lee. In the prime of his manhood he was largely interested in coal oil and politics, and was one of Philadelphia's aldermen, and a prominent real-estate agent and conveyancer of that city. Deprived of the means of the rudiments of an education, and through vicissi- tudes in youth which the present generation are unable to understand, over apparently insuperable barriers he has won his way to success. Shorn of its presence in his own outward appearance, he stands to-day amid patriarchal surroundings;
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