After Hurricane Sandy, my family was fortunate enough to find a rental in Island Heights, New Jersey. The town is surrounded by water on three sides, and a small creek, technically making it an island. Island Heights is the second highest point on the Atlantic seaboard south of the Highlands. It is known for its Victorian style homes, artwork, and sailing. I had always heard about the Wanamaker campground; however, I had never researched it. In 1878 Reverend Graw, along with approximately 30 other people decided to create a Christian Family Resort. The family resort would have a significant influence from the temperance movement.
http://lockkeeper.com/short/wanamaker/wanamaker.htm
In fact, today, many deeds of properties in Island Heights still technically restrict alcohol. In 1879 Reverend Samuel Van Sant would lead the process of constructing the First Methodist Church. In 1883 the Pennsylvania Railroad built a branch from the mainline from Camden to Seaside Park, New Jersey. One religious tradition which stuck with the small community until the 1900’s was the ban on sailing and driving cars on Sunday within the border of the town. In 1899, Philadelphia’s own John Wanamaker purchased thirteen acres for a campground for employees of his company.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wanamaker
. Mr. Wanamaker was a Philadelphia native who opened his first store in 1861. His department store had great success and growth, making his name iconic in both Philadelphia and New York City. In 1910 the Wannamaker building was completed by renowned architect Daniel H. Burnham. U.S. President William Howard Taft dedicated the building in 1910 as well. The Wanamaker Building still stands today across from Philadelphia’s City Hall.
Mr. Wanamaker summer camp resembled more of a military camp, rather then a summer retreat. The camp offered young Wanamaker employees from New York and Philadelphia the opportunity to experience the Jersey Shore. For many of these youths, it would be the first time they had experienced the shore and nature outside their city life’s.
http://lockkeeper.com/short/wanamaker/wanamaker.htm
From 7am until 10:30 pm the youth cadets would participate in military-like exercises, nature hikes, swimming, competitions, and rifle shooting. On Sunday the youth did not work, but instead attended church, and marching. Mr. Wanamaker believed that the Island Heights camp would help develop the ethical and moral standards of the youths who attended. In 1941, the camp would close when the minimum wage and wage laws were passed.
http://lockkeeper.com/short/wanamaker/wanamaker.htm
Sources:
http://lockkeeper.com/short/wanamaker/wanamaker.htm
http://www.islandheightsboro.com/history1.htm
https://islandheights.wordpress.com/john-wanamaker-camp-for-kids/
https://www.theclio.com/web/entry?id=17985
100% of the SBD rewards from this #explore1918 post will support the Philadelphia History Initiative 