Nestled halfway between two of America's most important cities, the Jersey Shore seems perfectly positioned to be a vacation destination. What was once desolate beachfront did not become a vacationing mecca overnight. Railroads were the defining factor in creating and shaping the development of the Shore as a center for everything from day trips to whole summer vacations. As the winds of technology changed, the passenger-centric Jersey Shore railroads were able to turn into the breeze and refocus to commuters, redefining themselves and the Jersey Shore as a whole. This work explores railroads and their effects on Jersey Shore, especially vacationing and commuting, focusing through the lens of railroad-publications like timetables and advertisements.
Bill Elwell is an adjunct professor of history at Monmouth University and a lifelong Jersey Shore resident. Much of that life has been spent exploring all different aspects of railroads, especially local ones, through history, modeling, and railfanning. Additionally, Bill is a member of the Board of the Ocean County Historical Society, formerly worked in historical outreach for Monmouth County, and is proud to help share our common story.
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The Township of Ocean Historical Museum, founded in 1984, is a member-supported, 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey. Its headquarters, the Eden Woolley House, is one of the few 18th century structures still in existence in the Township and is open to the public on Thursday Evenings (7 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 15 through December 15) and the first and second Sundays of each month (1p.m. to 4 p.m.). The Township of Ocean Historical Museum offers exhibits on the history of coastal Monmouth County and a full calendar of events. The Museum is also 100% volunteer supported, with no paid staff. The Museum maintains a library and archive, which houses manuscripts, books and photographs of historical and genealogical interest. For more information, please call 732-531-2136 or visit our website at http://www.OceanMuseum.org
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