Avalon, New Jersey: The Early History of 7 Mile Island
In Arthurian legend,Avalon is an island paradise in the western seas to which King Arthur went at his death
. While we've never seen King Arthur in town, or even at The Princeton, there's no doubt about the paradise part.
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Avalon and the entire 7 Mile Beach was purchased in 1722 from its British owner for $380. Orginally, it was called Leaming's Island after its first owner, John Leaming. In 1914, Avalon's neighbor to the south, Stone Harbor, was incorporated. The three areas to the northern part of the island--Peermont, Holiday Beach, and Avalon--gradually merged and became one community under the name of Avalon.
In the early days, the island was used as a cattle range. During the War of 1812, members of the British fleet stole the cattle to replenish their food supplies.
In 1887, a syndicate known as the Avalon Beach Development Company purchased the island. The same owners had previously done development on Atlantic City. The Avalon Beach Development Company had great plans for the town, but it never materialized. After the investors got involved in Florida, they never bothered to come back, as Florida development proved to be far more lucrative for the company.
Like many towns that flourished in the late 1800's, it was the railroads that brought success to 7 Mile Island and Avalon. The rail line to Avalon was completed in 1886. In the summer, as many as 24 trips per day were made. It took two hours and 40 cents to bring passengers to Avalon from Philadelphia. Railroad service was terminated in 1935 due to the high cost of maintaining the service over Townsend's Inlet.
Did you ever wonder why present day Dune Drive is so wide? The site of Dune Drive was the area that accommodated the railroad tracks. Dune Drive was paved through 32nd Street. It wasn't until 1946 that the road was paved to Stone Harbor. It wasn't until 1972, however, until the large causeway today known as the 30th Street Bridge was completed.
Today, there is nearly no land available for building in Avalon as it is filled with high end beach houses and Avalon rental properties. On a summer weekend, 40,000 people flock to Avalon in over 10,000 cars. You'll find them on some of the best and widest beaches on the Jersey shore. You'll find them at the popular and newly refurbished Princeton or buying ice cream at Avalon Freeze.
Regardless of where you find them, however, they'll likely be sporting a smile.
Description
Avalon, New Jersey is today known as a top seashore vacation spot for many residents of the Philadelphia area. This article takes a look back at the history of the early days of what is now known as 7 Mile Island.
Avalon, New Jersey: The Early History of 7 Mile Island
By: Robert Bentz