USA > New Jersey > Atlantic County > Atlantic City > The Daily union history of Atlantic City and County, New Jersey : containing sketches of the past and present of Atlantic City and County > Part 14
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40
HE ceaseless charms and wonders of old ocean first induced visitors to come to this island and capitalists to build railroads here. So to-day the main feature of the city is the four miles of elevated boardwalk for pedestrians only, along the beach where all the glories of the sea-the glittering sunlight on the waters, the rolling breakers, the spray and tumult of the storm, and the tireless ebb and flow of the water along the shore-may be enjoyed by inland strangers, who find a peculiar fascination and inspiration in the power and beauty and life of the sea and hear music in its roar.
No other promenade in the country is so unique and enjoyable as Atlantic City's Boardwalk. It was first built in 1870, when the population of the place was only about 2,000. The beach then was a wild public common, with scattering bath houses and tiresome areas of mosquito marsh and soft sand. The first boardwalk cost $5,000, which was a considerable sum in those days, when no legal opinion was asked for and when public sentiment was strong enough to push the scheme successfully along. It was at first only eight feet wide, set on piling three feet above the sand. It extended from the lighthouse to the Sea- view Excursion House at Missouri avenue, and was in use only a few months in summer. Fashion in those days did not disport herself along the beach in winter or at Eastertide as she does now.
Before winter came the walk was piled up in sections and secured to prevent storm tides from wrecking it and bearing the pieces and piling too far away.
Larger and longer walks succeeded the first one as the town extended and the need was felt, till in 1891, at an expense of $55,000, a 24-foot wide walk was built from the Inlet to Chelsea to replace the old one which was worn out.
The rapid growth of the city made necessary a larger, more substantial structure. It was built high and strong on wooden piling. It was like the old ones, all of wood. This investment proved a good one. . All agreed that the attractiveness and popularity of the wider and stronger walk. with an unobstructed view ocean- ward. made it pay for itself in two years. At the end of five years parts of the structure. for the safety of the crowds upon it. needed rebuilding. It was then decided by the city fathers to build a steel or iron structure, costing more and to last for many years.
The piling and entire framework of this new
(253
EN
HOTEL TRAYMORE.
BOARDWALK AND PIERS.
promenade, from Rhode Island to Texas avenue, are stel leso fathofpessoal heart pine from Georgia, laid on extra heavy joist. Galvaninel Inap mallings extend along either side where needed as a safeguard. The piling an snuk lon feet or more in the sand by hydraulic process and are as firm as the toffe Mierce the way this new walk is forty feet wide and this proves too narren for the an wil- which throng it at Easter and in July and August.
Excepting the two piers, only open pavil- ions are built along the ocean side. where seats are provided for their patrons and the public by the owners of the stores and bath houses on the opposite side. From any point along its entire four miles one has an unobstructed view of the ocean-of the ships and steamers passing a safe distance from the shoals, out where the water meets the sky, and of sailboats which, like ducks. float leisurely with pleasure parties in the dis- tance or troll for the bluefish in season.
The Boardwalk is brilliantly lighted at night the entire year by electric arc lamps, and during the summer months is incomparably the most fascinating boulevard in the world. Many bril- liant journalistic pens have made it famous in history, and many tongues have told the story of its attractions.
Between the Boardwalk and the ocean is the magnificent stretch of surf bathing grounds. where from 10,000 to 20.000 men, women and children may be seen any day during the bathing season, disporting in the foaming breakers, creating a living picture which the most gifted artists have not equalled on canvas, which talented pens have failed to fully describe and which no other watering place on the planet can approach. It is unrivalled, unequalled. and, like Pleiades. "the loveliest of her train." Atlantic City is the gem of all ocean resorts in this respect.
On the other side of the Boardwalk is a wonderful kaleidoscope of merry-go-rounds, an opera house, haunted forests, shell bazaars, bath houses, swimming pools, shooting galleries, bric a-brac stores, mineral-water fountains, phong- graph parlors, and a hundred charming exhila- rating, harmless entertainments into which the
=
BOARDWALK, SHOWING YOUNG'S PIER.
M. D. YOUNGMAN, M.D.
DOMANDA. ALK AND PIRIS
visitor enters with zest and upon which he spends his spare change won sociop m pleasure and benefit.
It is a typical American crowd, full of life, but never disorderly. full o charming vivacity that seems to be an inheritance from the sea. Here may be seen a Senator or Cardinal, a millionaire, priest, merchant or professional man of eminence, happy among the more numerous mem- bers of the middle classes. Every civilized nation on earth is represented in the cosmopolitan procession.
Ocean Dicrs.
The first ocean pier to be projected in this city was the enterprise of the late Col. George Howard. of Washington, D. C .. in 188t. This structure, which stood only for one season, celebrated its opening July 12. 1882. It extended 650 feet into the ocean, at the foot of Kentucky avenue, on what is now the Hotel Luray property. The science of sinking piling in heavy beach sand was then in its infancy. The expeditious hydraulic process had not then been used here and the methods effective in softer soils were not satisfactory along the beach. A September storm destroyed this pier. but did not discourage the builder.
Col. Howard proceeded at once with a stronger one, 850 feet long. At considerable expense screw threads were cut by hand on the sharpened ends of heavy log piling, with the expectation of screwing them deep enough into the solid sand of the beach. This method proved ineffective. as power sufficient to twist the logs to splinters would not penetrate the sand. This crude thread failed of its purpose.
Steam power and the water process was then in- troduced and the financial possibilities of ocean piers tested for several seasons.
The outer pavilion of the Howard pier was damaged by the Robert Morgan, a large new vessel in ballast which was driven ashore high on the beach just above Kentucky avenue, on the night of January 9. 1884. This pier was never a great success financially and was removed by the commissioners who con- demned property for the building of the new board- walk in 1891. It was assessed at $8.000.
J. R. Applegate, in 1883, was next to embark in
BOARDWALK SHOWING STEEL PIER.
17
REV. CALEB K. FLEMING.
BOARDWALK AND PIERS
the pier business. He bought one hundred feet of beach front at the fam. nl Tennessee avenue for $10,000. paying $3.500 for one fifty-foot lot and St. 500 another next adjoining where his picture galleries were. It was a double deder. artistically finished, with an amusement pavilion at the outer end 625 feet from the Boardwalk.
This pier from the upper deck afforded a fine ocean view and was built to accommodate several thousand people.
This pier and real estate was sold in 1891 to Messrs. Young and MeShea. for $56,000, and has been extensively enlarged and improved since, till it now extends 2,000 feet into the ocean, and for years has been the great centre of attraction along the beach front.
NET HAUL ON YOUNG'S FIER.
A large net, hauled twice daily in summer at the outer end. brings up a large and varied assortment of the animal life of the sea, which is of infinite interest to visitors. From this net specimens of fish of all sizes are secured for the larg tanks on the pier, where living specimens may at all times be seen.
In one large pavilion. So by 200 feet. hops, cakewalks, baby show - and of tertainments are given, and in another still larger auditorium meetings undim ventions are provided for.
260
DAILY UNION HISTORY OF ATLANTIC COUNTY.
As a resting place, where the ocean and bathing grounds may be viewed, the pier has become indispensable. Otherwise the congestion of travel on the Boardwalk might become decidedly unpleasant, where now the surroundings are of the most novel and enjoyable character.
The Old Tron pier.
In 1887 a company was organized in this city to build an iron pier as a popu- lar beach-front attraction at the ocean end of Massachusetts avenue. Iron bridge- work was used and a fine structure built. 1,000 feet into the surf, at a cost of $60,000. It was kept open several years, but was not a success financially and was sold at a forced sale, becoming finally the property of Messrs. Young & McShea, who purchased a square of land at the entrance.
A storm-tossed vessel wrecked a portion of the outer pavilion and a severe storm a few years later carried away several sections of the pier nearer the en- trance. Damages were repaired and the old iron pier is still rented and used for business purposes.
LIGHT HOUSE.
THE NEW STREL PIER.
The new Steel Dier.
In 1898 the Atlantic City Steel Pier Company was organized and mer porated and the handsome structure built 1650 feet into the ocean, at the foot of Virginia avenue. The capital stock of the company is $400,000.
At the entrance from the Boardwalk a two-story casino and music hall, gla- inclosed and steam heated, seats 1200 people and is a favorite sunparlor and wait ing place for social gatherings or visiting organizations.
A large dancing pavilion or auditorium further along accommodates 3.500 people at one time, and a still larger one at the extreme outer end accommodates 4,500.
As many as 18,000 people have been admitted to the steel pier on a single occasion during its first season. It is a substantial, safe and select resort for visitors, conducted to please the best class of people.
A dividend of seven per cent. was declared on the stock at the end of the first season.
George W. Jackson was one of the leading promotors and largest share holder. The structure was built on lands that were his.
The officers and directors of the company are: President. Wm. Jay Turner. 929 Chestnut street, Philadelphia: Vice-President. Frank J. Patterson: Treas urer. George W. Jackson: Directors, the above and A. O. Dayton, Wm. T. Tiers. L. W. Passmore, D. F. Keenan. Fred Burk, Charles F. Grosholz, Robt. T. Hast- ings, L. E. Filbert. A. S. Elliott. Morris Piaelzer and J. J. Sullivan.
OLD TIME BATHERS.
THE NEW STEEL PIER.
....... .....
6=444
Our Public Schools.
HE growth and development of the public school system form one of the many gratifying features of the history of Atlantic City. The six fine buildings, seventy odd teachers, four thousand pupils and up-to-date methods which now comprise our public schools, started from very humble conditions forty years ago.
So early as 1836 one Richard Risley, from the mainland, came to this island to instruct less than a dozen children of the Leeds families. Crude indeed and meager were the means and methods of instruction in the rudiments in those days by private tuition.
Risley was succeeded by one Mortimer Goodrich, who had his private school in the Ryan Adams house, which stood exactly at the intersection of Arctic and Delaware avenues. Tradition says that John Weaver followed Goodrich, and there were probably others during the long winters that intervened before the incorporation of the city and the advent of the railroad in 1854.
Anna Maria Gaskill taught a private school in the dining room of the Chalk ley Leeds residence, in 1856, and later in the same year Edward S. Reed, assisted by his wife, opened a school near Baltic and Rhode Island aventes, in a house which still stands next to the First M. E. Church on Atlantic avenne.
A Miss Thomas succeeded Mr. Reed, having her school in a basement room of the M. E. Church, which had just been erected. There were then some thirty or forty school children on the island.
The late Arthur Westcott, who for many years was City Assessor. taught a private school in a small building erected for that purpose by Richard Ilackett on South Carolina avenue above Aretic.
A Miss Slade had a school in Mt. Vernon Cottage, next to St. Nicholas R. C. Church, on Atlantic avenue, and a Miss Price had a school for a time in the Chester County House at New York and Pacific avenues.
The first public school was opened about 1858, in the old Ocean House, at Maryland and Arctic avenues, where Beyer's Hotel now stands. It was first taught by Mr. Chas. G. Varney. The following year the School Trustees were able to provide the first public school house, a small frame building, on an ample lot at Arctic and Pennsylvania avenues. Mr. Varney was succeeded by Alex- ander L. Bellis, a graduate of the State Normal School, whose system of disci- pline proved an innovation. During his two years' stay Bellis was assisted by his sister. Miss Sarah, Miss Fannie Smith, Miss Deborah Cordery and Miss Lena Scull.
(263)
HIGH SCHOOL
L
=
NEWJERSEY AVE SCHOOL
INDIAN
TEXAS AVE SCHOOL
CHELSEA SCHOOL
PENNA. AVE SCHOOL
-
GROUP OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Schoolboys together in the old Deund House. I 1859 all the men 21 Bartlett, John Wilson, Edward and Joseph Bedlow, Henry and Andrew Higley Harry S. Scull. William and B. F. Souder. Tom Adams, Enoch Turner. San Evard, Charles Leeds, Will Smith, and others.
About 1863. the little three-room school house became so crowded that the trustees awarded a contract to Richard Souders for building a two-story, four room structure, as a more imposing front to the original building. There was difficulty in providing funds, and the contractor was unable to proceed. Mr. Robert T. Evard, at pecuniary sacrifice to himself, completed the job and provided much-needed school facilities. For many years afterward Mr. Evard served as school trustee. His sturdy sense, rugged honesty and firmness enabled him to select good teachers and tell when a school was well taught.
Mr. Bellis was succeeded as principal by Mr. J. 1. Abrams. Then came Mr. Leonard and Mr. Robert 1 .. Guerney.
In the fall of 1863. Mr. Silas R. Morse, of Liver more, Maine, who had been teaching successfully two of three years at Hammonton and Winslow, accepted the position of principal and con tinued in charge of the schools for nine years. Mrs. THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE, 1862 TO 1887. Morse, then a blushing bride. came with him and for seven years was one of his most efficient assistants. Ilun- dreds of our best known citizens have pleasant memories of old school days under Mr. and Mrs. Morse.
Other assistant teachers under Mr. Morse were Misses Elliott. Mary Nellie Hayes, Caroline Bigelow, of Livermore, Maine: Miss Elizabeth Allen, of Ilo- boken; Miss Ina Ross, of Burlington; Miss Anna Weatherby, Miss Samaria Eldredge.
In the fall of 1872 Mr. Morse resigned and Mr. Charles G. Kingman was elected, who two years later was succeeded by John H. Batten, and he by A. R. Dickerson, who remained one year only.
In September, 1877. the schools opened with John F. Hall, another Main man, as principal. He had taught several years in his native State and one year at Weymouth, in Atlantic County. The trustees at that time were Joseph .1. Barstow, Robert T. Evard and Andrew W. Tompkins. Hall continued two years, resigning in 1870, having embarked in journalism. The assistant teachers during the two years of his administration were Misses Adah M. Seely, Eliza U.
SILAS P. MORSE.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
North, Mary Lara. Helen C. Seely, Sarah Hagan, Eva Madden, Nelfo Bowe son, Carrie E. Adams, Annie M. Adams, and Mrs. Johnson.
Osmond C. Evans, from Maine, succeeded Hall, and taught two years Il was succeeded in the fall of 1881 as principal by Clarence E. Morse, also from Maine, who had been in charge of the school at Mays Landing several years, and was assistant principal in the Indiana Avenue School in the previous year.
About this time a separate school for colored children was opened in room- now occupied by the U. S. Fire Company. It continued successfully several years. till political influences prevailed against separate colored schools.
Prof. William A. Deremer took charge of the schools of this city in the fall of 1891, and continued in office as Supervising Principal until October, 1803, when the silent reaper "death" claimed him as his own. He was a self-educated man from Cumberland, Md., and had taught very successfully at Vineland. N. J .. several years. Ile was an indefatigable worker, with tact and originality that made him popular with his associates. He introduced manual training and a system of moral training which comes from having teachers and pupils investi- gate and relieve cases of want and suffering among the worthy poor of the city.
During his term of office four schoolrooms were added to each of the follow- ing buildings, viz .: New Jersey avenue, Indiana avenue and Texas avenue. The teaching force was increased from thirty-five to forty-seven teachers. Manual training was added to the course and L. E. Ackerman, a graduate of the Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, was elected to be in charge of this department in the spring of 1893.
In October. 1893. Chas. B. Boyer, then principal of the High School, was elected to fill the vacancy by the death of Prof. Deremer. Henry P. Miller, a native of Sharpsburg. Maryland, was at the same time elected to the principalship of the High School.
Since 1893 the teaching force has been increased from forty-seven to sixty-
, seven regular grade teachers and five special teachers. The total enrollment June 30. 1894. was 2.311. while that of June 30. 1898, was 3.391, an increase of 1,080 schoolable children in four years' time.
The following table concisely gives the dates of the construction, the capacity and present value of the several school properties in Atlantic City:
Schools
Rooms.
Bu It
Valle
High School
10
1800
$45.000
Pennsylvania Avenue
16
1887
40.000
Indiana Avenue
12
1870
30,000
New Jersey Avenue
12
1883
35,000
Texas Avenue
12
1883
25.000
Chelsea
30.000
Total
$205.00 1
ISRAEL G. ADAMS.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
In the fall of 1898, the manual training course was extended, in order that all pupils of the grammar grades should receive the benefits from such a course of training. At the present time there are five manual training rooms located as follows: One at New Jersey avenue, one at Pennsylvania avenue, one at Chelsea. and two at the High School Building.
A regular commercial course was introduced in the fall of 1898, and F. J. Klock, a graduate of the Rochester Business University, Rochester, N. Y., was elected to take charge of this department.
Vocal music, as a regular class study, was introduced into the schools in January, 1891. The department was placed in charge of Miss Josephine Fletcher. who continued as supervisor of the same until the spring of 1893 She was suc- ceeded as supervisor by Miss Rispah Potter, who took charge of the department in the fall of 1893, and she was succeeded by Mrs. Helen G. Ulmer in the fall of 1899. The results obtained thus far have been very gratifying.
All expenditures are wisely made, and of the $80.566.28 appropriated by City Council for educational purposes during the past year. $67,267.12 was spent in behalf of the schools of this city. The best interests of the schools have at all times been considered and the Board has acted wisely and judiciously with all questions pertaining to the welfare of the boys and girls. The work in all depart- ments is in the hands of faithful teachers.
While Atlantic City may boast of her magnificent Boardwalk, her modern hotels, salubrious climate and world renowned popularity, she may also feel proud of her public school system and the influences emanating from the same.
High School graduates who have entered higher institutions of learning have been successful in their various lines of work. The future of the schools of this city is bright.
The demands for the support of the schools have always been met with a willing response from the generous public.
At a public school meeting held early in February of the present year, the Board of Education was authorized to purchase the site of Hotel Waverly, at the corner of Pacific and Ohio avenues, lot 150x150. for $50,000, and build upon it a fine high school building costing $80,000 more; also to purchase a lot at Lincoln and Ohio avenues and provide for the lower grades at a cost of $35.000 additional.
The present organization of the public schools consists of the following Board of Education :
Aaron Hinkle, First Ward: S. R. Morse. Paul Wootton, Second Ward: Carlton Godfrey, William A. Bell. Third Ward: C. J. Adams, Samuel II. Kelley. Fourth Ward. President. C. J. Adams: Vice- President. Carlton Godfrey; District Clerk, Aaron Hinkle: City Superintendent. Dr. W. M. Pollard: Supervising Prin cipal. Chas. B. Boyer.
Special Teachers .- L. E. Ackerman, Mannal Training: Wilhelmine Och -.
JOHN R. FLEMING, M.D.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Supervisor of Drawing : Alexcenab Thomas, Supervisor of Primary Worl= 1den G. U'lmer. Supervisor of Music: Anna S. Bonsall, General Substitute.
High School, Illinois and Arctic Avenues .- Henry P. Miller. Principal Mathematics and Sciences-Katharine Shaub, English: Florence A. Nelson, Latin and Algebra; Alice B. Blackman, History and Physiology; Cordelia Arnold. Arithmetic and Algebra: F. J. Klock, Commercial Department.
Eighth Grade .- Ella R. Eldredge, room No. 57, reading, physiology, spelling and music: May K. Biggins, room No. 56, geography, history and penmanship; Ethel M. Davie, room No. 54. English, arithmetic and drawing: Theodore Parker. janitor.
New Jersey Avenue School .- Mary M. Murray, sixth grade: Carrie E. Adams, fifth grade: Lida E. Tyler, seventh grade: Emma J. Underwood, fifth grade: Emma J. Chamberlain, fourth grade: Medora Risley, fourth grade; Estella MI. Davis, third grade: Anne M. Adams, third grade: S. Marie John-on. second grade: Bertha MI. Davis, second grade: Ernestine Strauss, first grade: Grace D). Morton, first grade: Elizabeth C. Fister, third grade; Edna O. Requa, first grade: E. Naomi Murdock, second grade. Constant Conover, Janitor.
Pennsylvania Avenue School .- Carrie Wisner, seventh grade: Annie Con- over, sixth grade: Lottie Hutchinson, fifth grade: Ezanna Conover, fourth grade; Stella M. Cromwell, fifth grade; Maud M. Breneman, sixth grade: Georgia Mor- ris, seventh grade: J. May Breneman, first grade: Flora C. Ashback, first grade; Elizabeth C. Allen, second grade: E. Pauline Reed, second grade: Elizabeth Albertson, third and fourth grades; C. Alberta Underwood. third grade: Mary Walker, third and fourth grades; Lillian V. Thompson, first and second grades. Jacob Staton, Janitor.
Indiana Avenue School .- Addie Wescott, seventh grade: Sallie Rothermel. sixth grade; Florence Hayday, third grade: Hannah D. Pierce, fourth and fifth grades: Agnes Schwalm, fifth grade: Lizzie English, third and fourth grades; Louise Pinchon, second grade: Minnie E. Morse, first grade: Emily N. Mitchell. first grade: Edith M. Boothby, fourth grade: M. Kate Jay, first grade: Marie Ostrander, second grade. George Thomas, Janitor.
Indiana Avenue Branch .- Hattie E. Merritte, first grade: Lulu Pierce, second and third grades: Frances G. Anderson, second grade.
Texas Avenue School .- Clara B. Lockwood, sixth grade: Ilarriet M. Bresee. third grade: M. Burdella Lindsay, third grade: Bessie V. Young, fourth grade: Lidie Gilch, fifth grade; Sylvia Adams, third grade: Elizabeth Kandle, second grade: Elizabeth Prowell, first grade: Laura Wick, first grade: Nan 1 .. Mildren, first grade: Viola E. Batten, second grade: Emma Allen, second grade. Howard Collins, Janitor.
Chelsea Building .- Robena Glover, seventh grade: Clara llinkle, fourth grade; Ella J. Hamilton, fifth grade: Alice Harford, sixth grade; France- J. Stauffer, second and third grades; Mabel Hinshelwood, first grade. Amos Tilton. Janitor.
-
PARDON RYON.
Some of the Leading Churches.
fFirst MD. E. Church.
HE First Methodist Episcopal Church in this city, on Atlantic above Connecticut avenue, was built in 1857. The cornerstone was laid in July of that year. The lot, 60 x 150, was given to the church by Chalkley S. Leeds, who then owned many acres in that part of the island.
The first religious services were held in a house then standing in the "old field." Local exhorters conducted services at first, till an organization was effected. Rev. Edward H. Durrell is said to have preached the first regular sermon.
A Sunday-school was organized in Cottage Retreat before rooms in the new church building were ready for use. During its construction William Conover was killed by the falling of the tower from the roof, one of the girders breaking.
Since first occupied the church has twice been enlarged and improved. It is free from debt and valued at $12,500. There is a comfortable parsonage at No. 30 North Delaware avenue, valued at $4.500.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.