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In the 1870s, James A. Bradley and William Bradner came to today's Bradley Beach and began buying and developing the land, which consisted of miles of pine trees, sand dunes, and stunning beaches. By the early 1900s, Bradley Beach became a summer resort for people from North Jersey and New York City. The town was filled with beautiful oceanfront hotels that catered to summer visitors, who often came by rail. Holiday parades and spectacular fireworks were displayed to the delight of the seasonal visitors, encouraging them to come back year after year. With more than two hundred vintage photographs, Bradley Beach explores the history of this picturesque coastal community. The town soon became a popular destination, hosting many visitors, including actor Jack Nicholson, as well as authors Philip Roth and Bruce Edward Hall, who have both written about the experience of living in Bradley Beach. With views of beach calisthenics, the local train station, beachfront resorts, historic buildings, and the many summer festivities, Bradley Beach explores a town that holds on to its historic roots as it makes way for the growing numbers that come to enjoy its unique charm every year.
About the author
Author Shirley Ayres is a librarian at Fort Monmouth. She is the Bradley Beach historian, serves on the executive board of the historical society, and writes articles for the public library's newsletter and a local newspaper. Coauthor Gary S. Crawford is the full-time projectionist at the Beach Cinema. He is also an avid local historian. The interesting vintage photographs that appear in this book are derived from the collections of the historical society, area residents, and Ayres's private collection.
