Morgan Beach Memories – Morgan Beach Days – South Amboy Citizen

More Citizen Blurbs

Here are jottings from back issues of the South Amboy Citizen between 1911 and 1926 pertaining specifically to Morgan Beach:

South Amboy Citizen – September 9, 1911

FEW SNAP SHOTS TAKEN AT MORGAN

Sunday and Labor Day brought many visitors to the beach.

Some of the tenters have pulled up stakes and returned home.

An auto cycle came to grief on Monday, the gasoline tank taking fire. It was left in care of Wood Applegate.

Many fishermen went out from Morgan on Labor Day, and every small boat was engaged early in the morning.

The creek is a busy stream just now, owing to the oyster trade being carried on there. Many floats in which oysters are fattened, are moored about a half mile up the creek.

 

South Amboy Citizen – May 11, 1912

GETTING READY FOR THE SEASON AT MORGAN

Many new stacks are going up on the beach.

 

South Amboy Citizen – June 1, 1912

The members of the Cypress A. C. [Athletic Club] will vacate their club rooms in the Monaghan building which they have occupied for several years, and on April 1 will take up their quarters in their bungalow at Morgan Beach.

 

South Amboy Citizen – August 3, 1912

WATER SPORTS AT MORGAN

A committee of campers are arranging for a series of water sports to be held at Morgan this Saturday afternoon as a diversion. There will be canoe races, rowing races, swimming races, twin races, clothes races, etc., and possibly a pushball game. Anyone can enter these sports by making application to Morgan Lambertson.

Messrs. J. Leon Oliver and Louis Becker are camping at Morgan, and are having a fine time.

The trolley service from Morgan is not what it should be, the extra car being taken off too early in the evening. About 8 o’clock last Sunday evening, there were enough people waiting for a trolley car to fill three, nevertheless, an extra car was allowed to run to Keyport light. Fortunately there was a C. R. R. train that left Morgan at 8.17 and about 150 people took advantage of it to reach this city [South Amboy].

Mrs. John Rue, Mrs. Joseph Applegate, Mrs. Adrain Straub, Miss Helen Applegate, Miss Elsie Rose, the Misses Clemena and Dorothy Bergen and Master Charles Gildersleeve spent Wednesday afternoon at Camp Morgan, Morgan Beach.

More water sports are promised at Morgan Beach this Sunday.

FISHING NOTES

The fishing during the week was considerably better than any yet this season. Very few bluefish were taught but weakfish ran good. On Sunday the bay was filled with boat parties fishing and crabbing. The weather was fine and the water calm.

Another large shark was caught last week in Walter’s seine. This shark was the largest caught this year along the beach.

On Sunday hundreds of crabbing parties took advantage of the crabbing in the creek and all the boats from Willett’s and Ryerson’s were out. The creek seemed full of the crabs and some line catches were made. “Doublers” are plentiful and many pairs were caught.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Martin, of Newark, went out from Morgan on Sunday and caught three weakfish and a fluke. Mrs. Martin caught two weakfish and the fluke.

Last Thursday Mr. W. C. Leek, of Plainfleld, went out from Morgan and caught seven bluefish and one weakfish. This was the best bluefish catch made.

Rev. Browne, of Newark, went out in the “Alice” last Monday and caught two fine bluefish.

Masters George Cheeseman and Jack Robinson went out crabbing in the creek on Tuesday and caught several dozen fine crabs in a very short time. The boys used skate for bait.

The hauls made in Mundy and Hunt’s nets during the week were not very large, averaging seven or eight bushels, principally weakfish and flounders. In Tuesday’s haul only one bluefish was caught.

Mr. Hunt ran his large eel net in back of the seine and captured some of the finest eels caught in the bay this year.

On Tuesday Captain Eddie Bloodgood went out with a party in Dr. Robinson’s motor boat, the “Dorothy.” The boat was taken to East Point, near Keansburg, where the fishing was good. The party had an enjoyable time and claim to have caught nearly everything in the bay except bluefish. They got eighteen weakfish, some fluke and eels, calico crabs, skates, toadfish and dog-sharks. If they had only caught bluefish, they would have had a complete stock. Those in the party were Captain and Mrs. “Eddie” Bloodgood, Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin Robinson, William O’Donnell, of Newark; William Rhodes, of Passaic; Joseph Sykes and Benjamin Robinson, Jr.

Captain Walter Ryerson and William Smith, of Mulberry street, Newark, went out on Sunday from Morgan and captured five fine sized weakfish.

Many crabbing parties went out on Saturday. All of Ryerson’s boats were out. One party caught 123 crabs and the rest averaged seventy crabs.

The largest drumflsh which has been caught in the seine for several years was captured by Mundy and Hunt on Tuesday night. The large fish weighed about 55 pounds. It was sold to Clinton Martin.

The Wednesday Club went out with Eddie Bloodgood in the “Esther” and caught fifteen fine weakfish.

LIGHTS NEEDED AT JETTIES

The necessity for lights on the jetties at the entrance to Cheesequake Creek grows more in evidence every year. At high water these jetties are covered, and motor boats are damaged weekly by running on them. Last week a power boat that ran successfully from Chesapeake bay came to grief by striking the stones and breaking shaft and wheel. Hundreds of motorboats are moving in and out of the creek daily, and lights would make navigation much safer.

South Amboy Citizen – August 24, 1912

GALE SWEEPS THE BEACH

Seventeen Tents Blown Down at Morgan, and Occupants Drenched – Much Excitement Prevailed for a Few Minutes – Rain Floods Street of City.

 A freakish storm visited this section on Tuesday afternoon, and for a few minutes wind blew with hurricane force. The rain came down in torrents and the streets were soon flooded. No serious damage was done about the city, however.

But down at Morgan beach the wind created great havoc and badly frightened some of the tenters. Seventeen tents were in a jiffy razed to the ground, and bedding and wearing apparel were soaked with water. Chairs, tables and cooking utensils were blown about the beach like so much paper. In one of the tents a pole struck a lady from Cranford in the head, and she became unconscious which added to the excitement. People were drenched to the skin without a dry stitch to replace their wet clothing. Some of the campers made haste for their homes, leaving their tents on the ground, while others, after recovering from the shock, got busy and re-erected their canvas homes. It was a great afternoon for those on the beach, and one that will not soon be forgotten.

There are a lot of congenial people at the beach, and those who had dry headquarters kindly offered shelter for the unfortunate ones.

At the Pennsylvania crossing sand washed over the trolley tracks and greatly delayed traffic to and from Perth Amboy.

WERE ADRIFT ON A RAFT

A Young Lady and Two Young Men Have Thrilling Experience-Rescued When Near the Light House by Wm. Mundy in His Power Boat, Just in Time to Escape Storm

Tuesday afternoon Albert Hulfish, and William Smith, of New Brunswick, and Miss Alice Caller, of Rahway, went in bathing at Morgan Beach, and spying a large raft on the shore made use of it on which to float about. The wind was off shore and in their pleasure, they paid little attention to the fact that the raft was drifting further and further away from the beach. Their predicament created consternation from those on shore, as it was seen they were running a great risk of their lives, Benjamin Robinson took a boat and went to the raft and advised them to be taken ashore, but the trio refused the offer, claiming they were safe. The raft continued to drift further from the beach until it was near Great Beds Light. A fierce storm was approaching, and should it catch them on the raft, it meant a watery grave for the trio. William Mundy, a fisherman who knows well the danger of the seas, became greatly alarmed for their safety, and hurriedly manned his motor boat and went to their rescue. This time they gladly accepted the invitation to be carried to safety, and had only been landed a minute or so, when the terrible wind storm struck in over the bay lashing the water into fury. Had it struck the party while on the raft, they would have undoubtedly lost their lives.

 

South Amboy Citizen – September 21, 1912

THIEVES ROB TENTS AT MORGAN BEACH

For years Morgan beach has not been molested by petty thieves, and articles left in the tents and shacks have always been considered as safe as though in a safe deposit vault. We regret to state that this fall things have changed, and the petty thief has been marauding the tents and appropriating wearing material, suit cases, shoes and blankets, etc. At this time of the year many tenters go home during the week, and return on the week end to enjoy Saturday and Sunday at the beach, and these people, are the ones preyed upon. This sort of thieving should be nipped in the bud, and the matter reported to the proper authorities. There can be no doubt but that the goods stolen could be found with but little effort.

 

 

South Amboy Citizen – October 5, 1912

GOOD FISHING SUNDAY

Several fishing parties which went out from Morgan on Sunday had fairly good luck, Dr. Robinson, Bonnie Robinson, William O’Donnell and Arthur Van Ness caught twelve fine weak fish, Gus Wagner and Joe Hauck landed six, and Fred Winkler and Joseph Snyder caught eight. All were good sized and the catches were considered good in comparison with the fishing during the rest of the season.

 

Many people now spend the weekend at Morgan Beach.

 

South Amboy Citizen – October 19, 1912

Already there are signs of activity at Morgan Beach. Shacks are being enlarged, and tent sites are being sought after.

 

South Amboy Citizen – November 30, 1912

Heavy Easterly Gale Caused High Tide

The high tide last Sunday morning did considerable damage along the local shores. The tide, which is said to have been the highest in eight years, reached up to the top of the bulkhead at the foot of John street, and did much damage at Morgan.

The water threatened to wash away all the boathouses and bungalows along the beach and the creek. A large pile driver which attempted to enter the creek through the county draw bridge was carried over the jetties and the bridge kept open for half an hour, blocking the trolleys. Several piling were knocked from the temporary bridge and disappeared. On the following day it was found that they had fastened beneath the pile driver.

The wind was terrific at Morgan and residents of that place expected to see, at any minute, the boat houses carried away by the tide.

 

South Amboy Citizen – April 15, 1913

J. W. Willett has purchased the building at Morgan formerly occupied by the Tuesday Club of Newark. He has commenced the enlargement of his pavilion in anticipation of increased trade this summer.

A number of bungalow owners at Morgan Bench are building extensions to their present headquarters.

 

South Amboy Citizen – April 26, 1913

The fishermen at Morgan report eel fishing very poor this year.

 

South Amboy Citizen – July 12, 1913

A large number of visitors were at Morgan Beach last Sunday.

 

BIG OCEAN SUNFISH

Lee Clark, the well-known Morgan taxidermist, at the present time is engaged in stuffing a monster ocean, sunfish, caught off Keyport on July 2nd, by Thomas V. Cottrell. Fifteen men were required to land the big fish. It weighed 400 pounds and was four foot two and one-half inches long, and five feet three inches wide, measuring from fin to fin.

It is a variety of ocean sunfish very rare in this vicinity usually being found in the Pacific Ocean. It is almost circular and the fins appear as though they were accidentally stuck into the truncated body. In the ocean it appears us though it were a ball of fire when the sun shines upon its scales.

The fish was in a very weak condition when caught and is highly prized by Mr. Cottrell, who is having his trophy stuffed by Mr. Clark. The fish has been found sometimes weighing us much as 500 pounds. This specimen weighs 400 pounds and it is a mammoth job for Mr. Clark.

 

South Amboy Citizen – July 26, 1913

Hundreds of people have enjoyed the fine bathing at Morgan Beach the past week.

 

Funeral of Mrs. Joseph Hill.

The funeral of Mrs. Joseph Hill, who never recovered from the shock she received two years ago when her daughters, Edith und Anna Hill, were drowned at Morgan, was held Monday afternoon from her late home in Highland Park. Rev. Paul Hayne officiated. The drowning occurred July 23, 1911, when the Hills were among the campers at Morgan. Since then Mrs. Hill had been an invalid. Her husband and three children survive her. They are Mrs. Ernest Seele and Ray Hill, of Highland Park, and Clarence Hill, of Mllltown. Her father Isaac C. Fleming, lives In Newark, und there are three brothers and three sisters, Mrs. William Holden, Mrs. George Van Riper and Robert Fleming, of Newark; Mrs. William Lake and George Fleming of Highland Park; and William J. Fleming, of Washington, N. J.

South Amboy Citizen – August 9, 1913

Steamer Collins Gets Stays Caught in Bridge

The freight and passenger steamer John B. Collins is having its troubles at the new county draw bridge at Morgan station. On Sunday, when coming down the creek the stays of the masthead were caught in the draw and considerable damage was done. On the following night the tug “Marion” left a scow filled with ballast near the bridge in a manner to interfere with the “Collins” again and a similar accident occurred. Captain Collins claims that the bridge is not properly built in regard to the raising of the draw, and has reported the matter to the War Department.

 

Committee Making Arrangements For Big Day at Morgan Beach – Canoe, Swimming and Running Races—Comical Dress Parade at Night

The campers at Morgan Beach have arranged for a big day on Sunday next, weather permitting. All the visitors at the beach are taking a great interest in the event, and have contributed liberally toward the expense of carrying out the program.

There will be a carnival and water and land sports under management of the campers. Music will be furnished by the Tall Cedars Band, of New Brunswick.

The water sports will consist of single canoe race, double canoe race, tilting canoe race, In and out canoe race, Salome race, ladies’ and men’s swimming long and short distance.

The land sports will be broad jumping, last race, Salome race, 100-yard race, club relay race and a three legged race.

In the evening there will be a carnival dress parade, and the camps will be decorated with Japanese lanterns and bunting.

Prizes will be awarded to winners of contests. Any person wishing to enter any of the sports can do by sending their names to Morgan Lambertson, chairman of sport committee, 123 Broadway, this city; Edward Wheeler, chairman, of New Brunswick; or Henry J. Klein, secretary Perth Amboy.

The full program issued by the committee is as follows:

Afternoon Program.

Four canoe events, Salome race, tub race, swimming race for men,100 and 440 yards; swimming race for ladies. 50 yards. Events to start at high water, 1:30 p. m. Beach events, to consist of jumping, 3-legged race, Salome race, relay race for clubs (4-men teams), fat man’s race, .etc. Suitable prizes will be given in various events.

Evening Program.

Grand grotesque costume parade, prizes for best lady’s and gentle man’s costume, costumed club, fireworks. Every camp is requested to decorate their tent or bungalow, as a handsome pennant, suitably inscribed, will be awarded to the best decorated camp. Clubs and individuals are requested to enter in advance in the various events and to assist the various committees to make the carnival a huge success. For any further Information apply to Mr. Wheeler, chairman, of Mr. Kline, secretary.

 

CAUGHT A MANTOSH SHRIMP

Charles Liming, of Newark, who is an enthusiastic fisherman, made a catch on Sunday that he is very proud of. The fish was a peculiar looking object, with fins which extended out from its body like wings. Lee Clark, the Morgan taxidermist, said that Liming’s catch was a Mantosh shrimp. Its captor will preserve it as an oddity and will have the indisputable proof for a good fish story.

 

South Amboy Citizen – August 16, 1913

CARNIVAL WAS A GREAT SUCCESS

Notwithstanding Threatening Showers Thousands of People Visit Morgan Beach — Hundreds Enjoy the Bathing — Trolley Cars Taxed to Capacity.

Sunday last was “Red better Day” for the camping colony at Morgan Beach. Bright and early in the morning great activity was shown in placing decorations on the bungalows and camps. Old Glory was flung to the breeze In front of each, and by eight o’clock the shore front presented a gala appearance. Many of the bungalows were very prettily decorated, showing good taste in the arrangements.

Early people began to arrive by trolley, train, autos and boats, and by two o’clock it was estimated that there were fully 2,500 people on the bench. Never before had such a crowd of people been seen at Morgan.

The committee of campers had arranged a program of sports, but only two events were run off, when a heavy shower threatened, and then it was a case of get away, if it was possible, the three cars of the Jersey Central Traction Company were really overcrowded Immediately on arrival, and each trip hundreds were left to seek cover during the high winds and down pour of rain that prevailed during each shower. The rain seriously marred the carrying out of the program, and spoiled the pleasure of all except those who had places to seek shelter.

The Tall Cedars Band, of New Brunswick, did themselves proud by their musical program throughout the day, and after each selection they received rounds of applause.

The members of various clubs did not let the rain spoil their fun, and they gave a comical dress parade that afforded great amusement for the spectators.

Hundreds took advantage of the grand bathing in the morning, and made light of the sweltering heat.

The various ice cream and lunch places did a big business all day.

About 7 o’clock the lightning affected the power of the trolley company, and all cars were stalled about an hour. This congested travel more than ever, and many people did not get away from the beach until nearly midnight. Had the day proved clear undoubtedly there would have been fully three thousand people attracted to the beach, as many intended to be present in the evening to view the expected big fancy costume parade.

The committee in charge were greatly pleased with support given them by the campers, and also to see so many present to witness the program of events, but regret that the showers prevented many of the sports.

The sports not run off last Sunny afternoon, will take place to-tomorrow morning.

 

South Amboy Citizen – January 3, 1914

Campbell Strusholm and Milton Bloodgood are camping at Morgan Beach.

 

South Amboy Citizen – January 10, 1914

The high tide and heavy sea Saturday night did considerable damage to the shacks at Morgan Beach.

 

South Amboy Citizen – April 4, 1904

Mundy & Hunt, having secured a state license, are erecting a big fish pound off Morgan beach, which they will manage in, conjunction with hauling the seine net. They are also placing intermission a large surf skiff in which they are installing a fifteen horse power engine. This will be used to convey their fish to market, and thus save the big expense of shipping by express, as heretofore.

South Amboy Citizen – April 11, 1914

Fire Destroys Morgan Store Building Owned by Lee Morgan and Leased by Mrs. Dora Ginter Is Completely Destroyed With Contents — Blaze Attracted Many From This City

On Thursday night about 10 o’clock the. building owned by Lee Morgan, and leased by Mrs. Dora Ginter as a store, situated near the county bridge in Morgan, was discovered on fire.

The few persons at Morgan at the time did what they could to check the flames, but as the building was situated on piling it was impossible to work to advantage and their efforts were futile, the entire building being totally destroyed.

Mrs. Ginter had newly stocked up the store, preparatory to opening up for the season to-day. She had left, about an hour before tins blaze was discovered. How the fire started is a mystery. Her stock was partly insured.

A number of people from this city seeing the blaze went to the scene, some, afoot and others by trolley.

It is very likely a new building, more suitable for store purposes will be erected at once.

 

South Amboy Citizen – April 25, 1914

A motor boat ran into the fender piling of the county bridge at Morgan at full speed last Saturday. The piling wasn’t damaged at all. The bot itself, got off with but slight damage.

South Amboy Citizen – May 2, 1914

“PADDY” HALEY IS NO MORE

His Body Discovered Floating Out of Cheesequake Creek—Was an Odd Character at Morgan Beach for Years—Well Known to all Campers and Summer Residents

Patrick “Paddy,” Haley, familiarly called “Paddy,” the famous character of Morgan beach is no more.

His body was seen floating out through the jetties at Cheesequake creek Wednesday morning by Edward Bloodgood as he was on his way to Perth Amboy in his power boat. He called to Thomas Mayberry, who resides in the Willett cottage, to secure the body. Mayberry took a row boat and towed the body ashore, when it was recognized as that of poor Paddy. Old Neptune in some mysterious way had swallowed him up in his bosom.

Coroner Morgan was notified, an after an examination of the body considered it a clear case of drowning and gave permission for its removal. Undertaker Scully was summoned and he removed the body to his morgue on Stevens avenue. Word was sent to Haley’s sisters, who reside at New Brunswick, and they secured the services of Undertake McDede of that city, who came to South Amboy and on securing the body removed it to the home of Mrs Daniel Lynch, a sister of the deceased, at 63 Bishop street, Now Brunswick.

The body was in a terrible state of decomposition. The last seen of Haley alive at Morgan was on Easter Monday. His absence did not create any alarm, because he would occasionally steal way and visit his relatives at New Brunswick. It is supposed he was drowned in Back creek, a tributary of the Cheesequake, as he was seen near the banks of that creek late Easter Monday afternoon.

For seventeen years Haley had resided at Morgan, and he enjoyed the attractions Nature had so abundantly provided at that place. He followed fishing and claming for a living and whenever a seine was drawn there could be found Paddy hooked up to one of the lead lines. Campers and visitors at the beach found him a whole-souled character and would ply questions to him in rapid succession, to all of which he took great pleasure in answering. He led a bachelor life, living in a small shack which he built with his own hands out of such drift material that he could forage along the beach as the seas swept it up on the sands. During the summer months he seldom wore shoes, and traveled about the beach in bare feet. Haley was 64 years of age, and is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Daniel Lynch and Mrs. Samuel Barbour, of New Brunswick, and a brother, William, of Brooklyn.

The funeral took place Friday morning at 8.30 o-clock from the Sacred heart Church, New Brunswick.

 

DISPUTE OVER OWNERSHIP PROPERTY AT MORGAN

Work was commenced and suspended on Mrs. Ginter’s new confectionery and Ice cream store at Morgan. Some trouble arose between Lee Morgan and the Jersey Central Traction Company as to the ownership of the property where the building is being erected.

When completed the building will be about thirty feet wide and fifty feet long. There will be a veranda around three sides of the building and one of the sides will be made into a boat landing. The building is being erected between the trolley line and the shore on the side of the inlet and alongside the channel. Morgan Lambertson has the contract for erection.

 

J. M. Willett is making Improvements to his pavilion at Morgan Beach, preparatory to opening for the summer season.

 

South Amboy Citizen – May 9, 1914

Edward Bloodgood is giving his launch a new coat of paint and a general overhauling at Morgan Beach.

 

Jack Willett has completed the new addition to his confectionery store at Morgan station and is now ready for the summer’s business to hit him in full swing. He opened up last Sunday and a large crowd was on hand to start off what promises to be a very successful season.

 

South Amboy Citizen – July 18, 1914

Automobilists seem to be forming the habit of stopping at Willet’s Pavilion at Morgan for refreshments regularly of late.

Peterson Brothers put it all over Isley and Kane In a motor boat race at Morgan last Sunday. Several heats up and down the creek, it is said, were necessary to decide the winner, but finally the “Maud” came out ahead half a boat-length or so.

 

South Amboy Citizen – August 29, 1914

DROWNED FROM DREDGE.

John McSperry of Jersey City, employed on a dredge at work at Cheesequake creek near Morgan station, was drowned Saturday. He lost his balance and fell backward into the water. Fellow workmen on the dredge watched for him but his body never came to the surface and no trace of the man could be found. It is thought he struck some obstruction underneath the water and was knocked senseless. Grappling hooks were used and the body recovered.

 

South Amboy Citizen – September 19, 1914

REIMAN’S BODY FOUND IN BAY

Was One of Two Men Drowned While Out Canoeing Last Sunday—Still Searching for Joseph Farmer’s Body—Victims of Two Sad Accidents off Morgan Beach.

The drowning of two men off the beach at Morgan last Sunday about noon threw the usually jubilant spirits of the members of the summer colony at that resort into deep gloom. The victims were Joseph Farmer, 20 years old of South River; and Carl Reiman, 25 years old, of Rahway.

There was a heavy sea running caused by the strong east wind and it was foolhardiness for anyone to venture out in the bay except in a large and seaworthy vessel. Still these men went out in canoes, notwithstanding the warning of friends on the beach.

Joseph and Edwin Farmer, brothers, started out in their canoe, and about the same time Carl Reiman and Anthony Schelkee, of Rahway, set out in a canoe for their home.

The Farmers had gone only about a half mile from shore when the canoe capsized. Both men clung desperately to the frail craft, when Joseph told his brother to hold fast until he swam ashore for help. After swimming a short distance Edwin saw him throw up his hands and disappear. Edwin was finally picked up by a motor boat and taken ashore. He was completely exhausted, and it was some time before he was fully revived.

Reiman and Schelkee had their canoe loaded with camping outfit, making their risk the greater. When their craft upset Schelkee told his companion to hold fast to the canoe, while he would swim ashore. He reached the beach near Perrine’s dock in safety, and notified residents of Morgan Heights, who telephone to the creek for a motor boat to rescue Reiman. Dr. Moss and Willard Cleveland started to the rescue in their respective motor boats, but were just too late as Reiman had sank.

On Thursday morning William Walters and Edwin Roberts while searching for the bodies discovered that of Reiman just this side of Perrine’s dock, lying in about eighteen inches of water, with one of hand in an upright position extending just above the water. The body was in a fair state- of preservation,. Undertaker Mason took the body to his morgue, and is awaiting instructions from the dead man’s friends at Rahway.

Joseph Farmer was a popular young man in his home town, and his drowning caused great sorrow among his friends. He graduated from the South River high school In 1912, and had attended the State Normal School in Trenton for two years, where he was also graduated. He was professor of manual training at School No. 2, of South River, and took up a short course at the Rutgers summer school this summer. He had made arrangements to resume his duties as instructor in the manual training department of the South River schools which opened Monday morning but fate seemed to decree otherwise.

 

South Amboy Citizen – October 10, 1914

Board Declines to Order Trains to Stop at Morgan

The Board of Public Utility Commissioners has dismissed a complaint preferred by residents of Morgan, asking that the Pennsylvania Railroad be compelled to stop two additional trains at that point. The board held that, inasmuch as the two trains petitioned for were not intended to carry local traffic, it would not be warranted in ordering them to stop at Morgan. It was pointed out that to comply with the petition would be to discommode a considerable number of people living farther west and entitled to the express service which the railroad is now providing.

The board approved the application of an agreement with the Western Union Telegraph Company and the Trenton and Mercer County Traction Company for the joint use of poles. It Is provided, however, that the cost of changes to the Trenton and Mercer County Traction Company be charged to depreciation, and that the amounts received by the Delaware and Atlantic and Western Union, respectively, shall be credited to capital account.

 

South Amboy Citizen – September 4, 1915

Tuesday evening a few of the members of the Cypress Club and their friends enjoyed a watermelon cut at their bungalow on Morgan Beach. There was a profusion of melons and ’tis said that some regretted their indulgence in the delicacy the following day. Among those who were in on the treat were the following: Miss Susie O’Brien, Miss Anna Crozier, Mrs. Irving Reese, Lewis Bloodgood, Russell Deats, Warren Donnell, Ansel Morris and Irving Reese.

 

TWO CAMPERS ATTEMPT FOOLHARDY STUNT IN CANOE

On Sunday two campers at Morgan Beach came near losing their lives by attempting to run a canoe through the heavy sea that was running in the jetties of Cheesequake creek. They were stopping at “Kamp King Kola” located just at the rear of Willett’s pavilion.

Seafaring man on noticing the foolhardy attempt of these campers prophesied that they would upset. From the way they handled the paddles it could be soon that they were not experts at the art of canoeing. When about half-way out of the jetties they upset. They tried to swim and tow the canoe, but the sea was striking them with great force and they let go of the canoe and swam for the jetties. The crowd on the beach was watching the men with, great excitement fearing they would not make the jetties but would be carried out to sea. Relief was expressed when it was seen that the men would make the rocks. They climbed out and after resting until they recovered from their exhaustion, came ashore, perhaps wiser as to their ability in handling a canoe.

In the meantime the canoe with the fast ebbing tide had drifted a long distance down the bay. Later Edward Bloodgood with his motor boat went down the bay and finding the canoe brought it back to the beach. The young men who came near losing their lives were August Dohler and Charles Daly.

 

The suit of ejectment of Archibald H. Rowan and others against William A. Mundy for possession of land at Morgan Reach is slated for this term of court.

CAUGHT PLENTY OF FISH.

Mr. S. K. Garrettson, of New Brunswick, and Mr. George A. Brower, of New York City, motored from New Brunswick to Morgan last Monday with Intentions of spending the day fishing. They hired a power boat from Harry Bloodgood and nailed out to the Middle ground between Mt. Loretta, Staten Island and the boundary monument. When they docked on the return trip about four o’clock in the afternoon their catch showed the results of an excellent day’s sport. The string totaled 48 prime weak fish and two blue fish. The catch was one of the best exhibited at Morgan this season.

One day last week these two fishermen spent an entire day in the bay and caught only three fish. Disgusted with their luck they returned determined to have revenge. Now their revenge is ample and is sweet indeed. On Monday’s expedition their bait supply was exhausted about three o’clock. Two of the catch were cut up for bait but the fish bait didn’t pan out very well.

 

Daniel W. Bunting has sold the building on First street, formerly occupied by him as a shoe repair shop, to Mrs. R. Weyd of Main street, Milltown. Mrs. Woyd will have the building moved to the beach at Morgan where it will be used as a summer bungalow.

South Amboy Citizen – December 11, 1915

J. M. Willett is making improvements to his pavilion at Morgan Beach, preparatory to opening for the summer season.

The Cypress A. C. bungalow at Morgan received a new coat of paint this week.

 

South Amboy Citizen – February 19, 1916

BILL TO PURCHASE PROPERTY AT MORGAN FOR SHIP CANAL

Senate bill 256, introduced by Senator W. B. Florance of Middlesex County, authorizes the Board of Commerce and Navigation to purchase or acquire lands at Morgan beach for the construction of the New Jersey Ship Canal.

 

South Amboy Citizen – July 29, 1916

The largest crowd of the season was at Morgan Beach last Sunday. Hundreds enjoyed bathing in the wire net enclosure of about 200 square feet, and felt perfectly safe from attack of sharks. The ground was enclosed at the personal expense of Rev. A. B. Strenski, Dr. E. A. Meacham and J. M. Willett of this city, and Deputy Revenue Collector James Curran, of New Brunswick.

[Editor’s note: Between July 1 and July 16, 1916, four people were killed and one injured by shark attacks along the coast of New Jersey. The July 12 attack, which killed two, was in Matawan Creek, a mere three miles away.]

 

William Rea of Morgan Beach has added to his numerous pets a monkey-faced owl. It is kept in a cage and seems to enjoy its captivity. It is certainly an odd bird, and rightly named.

 

South Amboy Citizen – February 10, 1917

That William Tyler is going to have a fine little bungalow at Morgan this summer.

 

 Grand Opening of Morgan Dance Hall Pavilion Advertisement

 J. M. Willett has enlarged his pavilion at Morgan, and it now presents a very attractive appearance, and ought to draw greatly increased trade this summer.

 

South Amboy Citizen – April 14, 1917

A number of bungalow owners at Morgan Beach are building extensions to their present headquarters.

 

South Amboy Citizen – June 16, 1917

George Sullivan and family of Sayreville are occupying their bungalow at Morgan Beach. Mr. Sullivan has a Buick car this year, in which he makes his trips to and from work at the Sayre and Fisher plant.

 

South Amboy Citizen – April 20, 1918

DESTRUCTION AT MORGAN BEACH

Wind and Waves Wreck Many Bungalows — G, G, Vregnem Ebtenikigustm Heaviest Loser —Trolley Tracks Undermined — Attempts to Carry Away Wreckage of houses by Unprincipled Persons.

Last Sunday hundreds of people were at Morgan Beach to witness the destruction caused by wind and waves during the storm of the Friday previous. The wreckage was the worst known on the beach since it became popular as a bungalow colony.

But very few places escaped damage, and most of the shacks were badly wrecked that they were beyond repair. Some of the buildings were turned completely around and two drifted across the meadow land to the county road. Several parties were at the beach Saturday with auto trucks and wagons and attempted to confiscate all material they could find. One truck loaded to capacity was photographed with the driver and contents, and number of the machine taken as evidence, in the court but when the driver saw what the bungalow owners on the beach were doing-he became frightened and unloaded what he had in the truck. He was from Keyport.

Herman H. Brehme, entomologist, was the heaviest loser on the beach. He had a shack on the beach where he did his work, and it was badly wrecked. His entire collection of insects and biological material, worth over $3,000, as well as books and Instruments valued at over $500 are a total loss. It took thirty years to collect some of the insects, and they cannot be replaced. The records of the survey work of mosquito extermination of the State of New Jersey which Mr. Brehme was in charge from 1902 to 1913 were lost. Many valuable tools which an used, in the entomological work was ruined. A cabinet which contained forty drawers, in which 3,000 specimens were stored, was washed against the county road. Only about twenty-five specimans will be saved out of this lot.

Owners of the buildings were at the beach Sunday surveying their losses, and some were busy, where slight damage was done, making rapairs.

The tracks across the meadows of the Jersey Central Traction Company were washed out, and passengers during the several days of repair had to transfer at this point. A dangerous hole was washed in the county road at the approach to the bridge.

It is doubtful if owners of many shacks will rebuild.

 

South Amboy Citizen – July 9, 1921

Boy Drowned at Morgan

Victor Crello, Aged Sixteen Years, is Caught in Swift Current at End of Cheesequake Creek Jetties on Wednesday and is Unable to Save Himself.

That death trap at the end of the Jetties at the entrance to Cheesequake Creek, caught another victim on Wednesday afternoon, when Victor Crello, of George street, met his death in the swift current that rushes up the creek.

The boy had just learned to swim recently, and on Wednesday ventured out toward the end of the jetties, and was suddenly caught in the swirl that carried him off his feet and into deep water. His cries were heard by people on shore, but before aid could reach him he sank for the last time. His body was grappled for, and found shortly afterward. E. S. Mason &. Son were notified and they went to the creek, and after securing the body took it to their morgue to prepare it for burial.

The widowed mother was informed of the sad accident by Officer Gleason, when she became hysterical, and it was some time before she could be quieted. The boy was sixteen years of age.

Funeral service- was held in St. Mary’s church at 8.15 o’clock on Friday morning, and interment was made in the parish cemetery

 

The largest crowd in the history of the beach was at Morgan Beach on Monday. Thousands took advantage of the fine bathing, and enjoyed it greatly. Many sunburns resulted as remembrances of the good day. A number of nice motor-boats were anchored in the creek.

 

 IT IS HIGH TIME TO BETTER SAFEGUARD BATHERS

The sad drowning accident at Morgan on Wednesday afternoon recalls the periodic calamities on this line that appear to follow each other nearly once every year on a bench that should be almost considered an immune to such calamities. It is becoming evident that better safeguards must be placed about the few danger spots on the Morgan beach. It ought to be a safe place for the uninitiated to bathe to their heart’s content, and what is needed to completely protect all who bathe there should be installed before any further terrible penalties are paid for this omission.

South Amboy Citizen – September 3, 1921

Capt. John J. Ford, of Newark was at Morgan Beach last Sunday and enjoyed a fish dinner at Neidermans’.

 

Mrs. Edgar Nodine and daughter, Virginia, entertained the young ladies of Christ Church Home at their cottage at Morgan Beach on Tuesday afternoon and evening. Games and bathing were indulged in, and “hot dogs” and rolls were served around the camp fire, with plenty of baited beans to fill up the growing appetites.

 

South Amboy Citizen – June 30, 1923

Eugene Moss, of Metuchen, has taken up his summer residence at his bungalow at Morgan.

Many local people have enjoyed the bathing at Morgan during the past week.

The members of St. Mary’s swimming club are making good use of their bungalow at Morgan. Many young people belonging to this club took advantage of its facilities during the warm days of the week.

Joseph Hunter, of Bayonne, is completing a new residence on Bay Beach Bluff, at Morgan. [Editor’s note: No idea where this is.]

 

South Amboy Citizen – July 2, 1926

Morgan Beach still attracts large gatherings from this city who enjoy the bathing facilities at that place.

St. Mary’s Parish bungalow at Morgan Beach has been opened for the summer season and membership tickets were distributed at that place.

 

Originally posted on September 22, 2018.