Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1188812 in Books
• Published on: 1993-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

From Library Journal
Freelance writer Roberts and Youmans, a former editor of Coast , have written a lively appreciation of the heritage of the New Jersey shore. They place the shore in the context of American history, also offering histories of beach towns, lighthouses, and the shore's life-saving services. The chronicle ranges from the history of the Miss America pageant to the evolution of the boardwalk, from local ghost stories to the shore's celebrity visitors and residents, and from the stories behind tourist attractions to accounts of such traditional crafts as boat-building. This affectionate portrait of the New Jersey shore's past is enhanced by photographs and includes a good bibliography. Recommended for regional collections.
- Wendy Knickerbocker, Rhode Island Coll. Lib., Providence
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"Freelance writer Roberts and Youmans, a former editor of Coast , have written a lively appreciation of the heritage of the New Jersey shore. They place the shore in the context of American history, also offering histories of beach towns, lighthouses, and the shore's life-saving services. The chronicle ranges from the history of the Miss America pageant to the evolution of the boardwalk, from local ghost stories to the shore's celebrity visitors and residents, and from the stories behind tourist attractions to accounts of such traditional crafts as boat-building. This affectionate portrait of the New Jersey shore's past is enhanced by photographs and includes a good bibliography. Recommended for regional collections. -- Wendy Knickerbocker, Rhode Island Coll. Lib., Providence

From the Publisher
Summer visitors and year-round residents alike are sure to discover Jersey Shore lore that captures their fancy in this entertaining account of the people, places, and events that have shaped New Jersey's famous shoreline. From ghost stories and the comic misadventures of the early Miss America Pageant to the dynamics of the changing coastline and poignant portraits of traditional crafts workers, Russell Roberts and Rich Youmans have chronicled the fascinating history and heritage of the New Jersey Shore. In this book you'll meet the luminaries who've frequented the Shore - from President Ulysses Grant strolling through Long Branch to Grace Kelly learning to surf at Ocean City. You'll find out why the boardwalk was invented, and also why early ones were removable. Join the authors as they pay tribute to the Shore's forgotten inventors, including Simon Lake, who some consider the true father of the modern submarine. Relive the Jersey Shore's role in wartime and learn the story of the mysterious Nazi submarine sunken off of Point Pleasant Beach. Read about Lucy the Margate Elephant, as well as her two long-gone "cousins." Discover all this and more as Roberts and Youmans explore the vast uncharted heritage of the New Jersey Shore.

Customer Reviews

An interesting, historic portrait of the Jersey shore.
Roberts' "Down the Jersey Shore" is packed with historical facts, photos and information. While his style is scholarly, he seems to neglect the passionate side of life in this special place. I found myself hoping he would explore the contemporary shore lifestyle, as a compliment to his historical fact-finding.

Enjoyable summary of the lore of the Shore
A surprisingly enjoyable history of the New Jersey Shore. An easy read that is worth picking up over and over. One point: the author says that the Twin Lights at Navesink Highlands sit on the highest point on the eastern seaboard. That's accuarte only for NJ seaboard; Staten Island NY is the highest point on the Atlantic, eastern seaboard -- from my history. Regardless, read this book; it's a joy.