The Growth Of Bradley Beach
This history of Bradley Beach is taken from is a legal size, typed, seven page, carbon copied document. As recorded in the bibliography titled Turning Back The Pages (a brief history of Bradley Beach), we can identify the author of this document as Aurelia Pier Burdge, It was an Unpublished Report of the Bradley Beach Grammar School Graduating Class, 1937. (2014 note: while transcribing I have attempted to keep this the way it was written, flaws and all, but unfortunately some were auto corrected with my Word program. It is what it is.)
- So long as man shall live and build toward better things- just so long will the study of the past hold a glamour of its own. Our subject for tonight, as you all know, is Bradley Beach. How, of course, the Bradley Beach of today speaks for itself, but the Bradley Beach of half a century ago is a different town. Little winding wood paths, a sand dune beach, a Main Street that knew no paving – all these are of the past, but for your interest we shall endeavor to build from these memories a modern town. Since it is no real fun building alone, we ask your kind cooperation. Suppose you settle back in your chairs and forget this modern gymnasium with the assemblage of some 600 people; forget this platform of more than 80 graduates all clothes in their very best and instead travel in imagination just three blocks to the east – down to a sandy beach dotted generously with graceful gray sand dunes. Nestle your imagination there on one of those dunes and listen carefully while we unfold the story, perhaps legendary yet based on some facts, of one of the very first men who found our Bradley Beach coast line a most delightful spot – namely, Captain Kidd, the greatest pirate of all times.
- Captain Kidd, so the story goes, anchored just off the shore between Shark River and Duck Creek, now known as Sylvan Lake, n the year 1699. Now, this pirate Captain was in reality the son of a Scotch clergyman and well educated, but his preference was for the adventurous life of the high seas.
- Captain Kidd was given command of vessels fitted out by the colony of New York for the purpose of preying upon the commerce of the French, with whom the English were at war, and also to suppress the pirates which at that period infested the Atlantic ocean ports in North and South America
- Kidd was successful in his attacks upon the enemy, but alas, the adventurous captin enjoyed himself so well that he became a pirate himself, and succeeded in collecting a large amount of booty. This booty tradition says, he hid in various places along the Jersey coast.
- At one time, anchoring in Duck Creek, his attention was attracted to the vast number of ducks, and with two of his men, Captain Kidd came ashore in a small boat, bringing gun and ammunition. His first shot brought down a score of ducks, but pressing a little farther over the sand dunes, the Captain was surprised to hear maiden’s laughter. Cautiously Captain Kidd pressed forward, and discovered some Indian girls playing about a lovely lake that was dotted profusely with beautiful water lilies.
- Legend says that the girls became aware of his presence and fled in fright. But their gear was needless for the Captain knew there was a price on his own head, and not knowing these strange surroundings he dared not follow, lest he fell into the hands of Indians or white foes.
- The story goes on to say that for sometime the Captain had been planning to retrace his wicked steps and begin life anew and now something in the innocent laughter and joy of the Indian maids awakened the man’s conscience and he thought of his own childhood, his home and his mother.
- A sincere desire for a more quiet, peaceful life fell upon the pirate chief. He decided to divide the stolen treasure wit the rest of hi pirate crew and then return to his government and endeavor to win a pardon and the chance to live an honest life for the rest of his days.
- Returning to his ship he told his men of his decision. The treasure was divided and Captain Kidd, knowing that if he were pardoned by his government he would need treasure to begin life anew, decided the safest place to hide his wealth was along the shore and near the lily lake where he had seen the Indian maidens. (This concludes page one.)
- The Captain ordered two men to place a large iron pot in the row boat, and with bags of gold and jewels stored about his person he was rowed to the shore. He landed on the beach just off Duck Creek and telling his men to await his return, he took the iron pot and shovel and entered the woods near the pond.
- Wisdom told him it would not be wise to bury his treasure in the woods, because some day the people living back of the great stretch of woods might make clearing and carve out little patches for homes. He thought the sand dunes and land outside the wood shoreward would remain ever worthless for the use of man. So with much careful thought and marking the pirate chief dug a deep hole in the sand and placing the treasures in the iron pot, lowered them into the hole. Then he scattered the sand about and obliterated all marks so that he was satisfied that even he himself could not find the spot but for the careful range he had made
- He returned to the ship and ailed away to seek the possible reconciliation with his offended government. But history tells us that the unfortunate Captain Kidd failed to win the coveted pardon. He was sent to England and after an unfair trial was executed for piracy on the high seas, and for killing one of his crew.
- Buried treasure is a most exciting morsel of adventure for old and young. Tradition has led many fortune hunters at various times to seek for Kidd’s treasure but though the cones of the sand hills were dug down many year ago, and the lily pond has been filled up the correspond with the surrounding levels, still Captain Kidd’s treasure has never been found.
- Does our gay little resort town hold buried treasure? We think it does, whether it be the treasure of Captain Kidd’s plunder or not we know not. But we do know it holds the treasure of delightful, healthful country. We will not listen to a piano solo by Roselyn Burge: “Minute Waltz” by Chopin
- But we must leave the page of romance and adventure and turn to things that have more staple proof of truth – such as records and files – and begin to build out town to a reality.
- Prior to 1895 the territory now known as Bradley Beach was a part of Neptune Township and was commonly referred to as Ocean Park. The citizens of this section appealed to the legislature of the State of New Jersey, asking for a referendum on whether or not the territory comprising a line equal distance between Fourth and Fifth Avenues on the south, the center line of the railroad tracks on the west, the center line of Fletcher Lake on the north end the Atlantic Ocean on the east could become a separate municipality. This Act became a law in 1892 and at the referendum the voters decided to become a separate Borough.
- According to the report of the Election Board, the Judge and Inspectors of the election assembled at the residence of A. T. Jones on the corner of Cook Avenue, now known as LaReine Avenue and Main Street at the hour of 7 o’clock in the forenoon of the 21st day of March, 1895 to conduct an election for the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Bradley Beach.
- At the closing of the polls at even o’clock that evening the election board canvassed the voters and proclaimed the following officers elected: Benjamin Bennett, having received 68 votes, was elected Mayor. The members of the council were Alfred Yarnall, Peter Poland, William Gifford, Jerome Muddell, A. T. Jones and Wm. Griffin, Sr. (This concludes page two.)
- For Borough Clerks, Addison Hutchinon was elected; for assessor, Frank Herbert; For Commissioner of Tax Appeals, Robert Peterson, Sr., Wm. J. Paynetr and Wm. Flood; for Inspector, Joseph Stewart and Ridgeway Pyott; for pound keeper, Charles Murphy. According to the statements signed by the election board 137 votes were cast.
- One week later, namely, March 28, 1895, Bradley Beach was incorporated as a Borough and the first meeting of its new elected Mayor and Council was held, at which time the rules and regulation covering procedure and administration were adopted.
- The Borough of Bradley Beach progressed very nicely under the new form of government until 1908 when citizens living in that section of Neptune City bounded by a line equal distance between Fourth and Fifth Avenues on the North, Atlantic ocean on the east, Sylvan Lake on the south and the centerline of the N.Y. and Long Brach railroad tracks on the west, petitioned the State Legislature and by an Act were authorized to hold an election to become annexed to Bradley Beach, and during that same year, after an election, this portion became a part of B. B.
- The Borough continued under the councilmanic form of government until March 16, 1915. Prior to the above date the citizens held a referendum to determine whether or not the form of government should be changed, and after the vote was recorded in the affirmative, and election for commissioners was held March 9, 1915. At the first meeting of this Commission, held at the Borough Hall, March 16. 1915 Wm. E. MacDonald was chosen Mayor and Director of the Dept. of Public Affairs and Public Safety and Commissioners Bernard V. Poland and A.T. Rogers were designated the Director of revenue and Finance and the Dept. of Public Improvements and public property. This is the form of government in effect today.
- So we have outline for you the civic growth of B. B. From the little wooded spot along the Jersey coast has grown the town we proudly call “our town”. Let’s show our community spirit through the CITIZENSHIP SONG.
- It’s a long cry from streamlined busses and fast motor cars to a little dirt road known as Turnpike. But there are many who can remember when Main St., B.B. was known as Turnpike, and at the south end of the town at Evergreen Ave. there was a toll gate.
- It is also a long way from beautiful paved streets, up to the minute boardwalk and picturesque little bridges to the little ferry that used to operate between Bradley Beach and Ocean Grove. And the price of transportation from one side of the Lake to the other was the munificient sum of ONE CENT!
- And one of the parties whom we interviewed remembered when the land that is known as Ocean Avenue, was used as a pasture for cows. Indeed, there was a time when B.B. was quite rural - and the early morning crow of the rooster awakened folks in much the same manner as the Ocean Grove whistle does these days – only the rooster had his own idea of daylight saving time.
- Some of our townspeople remember when our present boardwalk was just a small brick path. And too, they remember when our lovely beach was just as Mother Nature fashioned it – sand dunes – and more sand dunes.
- Speaking of our beach there is an old relic that may still be seen in one of the yards at Bradley Beach. It is the head of an old sailor, made of copper and zinc, which was erected on the beach about 38 years ago by Mr. Bradley, in honor of Captain Brown and his crew who were shipwrecked off our shore some 45 years ago. During the terrific storm in the spring of 1929, the sailor was washed away. Shortly after, it was found by Mr. Chas. Wilkins, while he was digging in the sand, and it is in Mr. Wilkins’ yard that the head of the “Old Sailor” may be seen. In honor of the “Old Sailor”, the boys have chosen “Anchored” as their musical number. SONG “ANCHORED” BOYS (This concludes page three.)
- One of our early settlers remembers when Fourth Avenue was a dirt road, with the usual dirt road ruts – the houses on that avenue numbered ONE. To the best of our knowledge the first house in B.B. was a house on Ocean Blvd. and Kent Ave. Another early home was a house for children which Mr. Bradley had built at the foot of Park Place Avenue. The house next to the tennis court on Fifth Avenue is about 50 years old.
- Speaking of houses, Mr. and Mrs. Paynter, who had the first house on the beach can remember how they had their home all freshly painted up for the summer rental and great success indeed came their way when they rented the house for the summer season for SEVENTY FIVE DOLLARS! And when they painted the house for a blackboard and had written it full of names – and their best downy feather beds had been converted into the lovely sleeping quarters for the pet dogs. And in those days Mr. Paynter’s house received the tax bill of $4.00.
- Of course, hotels were inevitable in such a desirable shore spot as ours, and though we have many fine ones today, the first hotel in B.B. was known as the Bradley Beach Hotel an was located on last block of McCabe Ave.
- Speaking the name “Bradley” as frequently we can never forget the man for whom our town is named. Mr. James A. Bradley, one of our very first settlers did much for the development and growth of B.B. He gave of his material and spiritual wealth, and it was to honor this fine gentleman that this town was named Bradley Beach
- As the years passed the little shoretown grew, and while perhaps Captain Kidd’s treasure might never have been located here, yet Nature fashioned the Jersey coast line with but one though in mind – a treasure trove of beauty, with golden opportunities for health, happiness and pleasure. So B. B. grew. Houses sprung up – people began to find here things most desirable in planning homes where they might live and raise their families to useful citizenship and worthy life.
- Wherever man goes to build a town, raise his children, there follows two things in this land of ours – the church and the school. So it was in Bradley Beach. Man wanted a place to worship his God – for that is America. Man wanted a place to teach his children the love of God and fellowmen, and also a place where his children might learn the three “R’s”.
- In May 1885, some of the folks of the town realized the need of a church, and from meetings in different homes there grew the desire for a church of their own. Through the kindness of the Ocean Grove Campmeeting Association and Mr. James A Bradley the Little Church in the Woods was dedicated to the worship of God by the Methodists of Bradley Beach in May 1886. This church was located on LaReine and Madison Avenues, and as people grew in numbers so the Little Church in the Woods grew to the present First M.E. Church of Bradley Beach.
Beside the great blue ocean
Rests our quiet, little town.
To its citizens, and vacationists,
Its name is now renowned.
Letters in the name remind us,
That living here is really a treat,
Here’s to our town, Bradley Beach,
Where coast and country meet.
B – a fine beach
R – the resort progressive
A – a new ambulance
D – a lake drive
L - outstanding leaders
E – educational facilities
Y - years of growth
B - a new boardwalk
E – energetic citizenry
A – the Atlantic Ocean
C – Cooperative officials
H – attractive homes
(letters raised as called)
Rests our quiet, little town.
To its citizens, and vacationists,
Its name is now renowned.
Letters in the name remind us,
That living here is really a treat,
Here’s to our town, Bradley Beach,
Where coast and country meet.
B – a fine beach
R – the resort progressive
A – a new ambulance
D – a lake drive
L - outstanding leaders
E – educational facilities
Y - years of growth
B - a new boardwalk
E – energetic citizenry
A – the Atlantic Ocean
C – Cooperative officials
H – attractive homes
(letters raised as called)
(This concludes page 4.)
36. The second church in Bradley Beach was the Catholic Church, located on Brinley Ave. This lovely structure wad begun in 1909 and completed in 1910. The rectory was added to the church five years later. In this church may be found many valuable paintings. Many of the statues and stations of the cross were hand carved in Italy. The altar is made of Italian marble. The windows in the church are all hand made.
37. In the year 1914 the Episcopal worshipers of Bradley Beach were meeting in the storeroom of Mr. Frank Appelly, on LaReine and Main Street. Growing in numbers and desiring a larger and more suitable place to worship they, too, started a building fund. When this fact was brought to the attention of Mar. Jas. A Bradley, this kindly gentleman presented the Episcopal Church with the site at the corner of Fourth Ave. and Hammond Avenue. The work progressed and on October 4, 1916, the cornerstone for the present church was laid. The formal opening of the church took place on Christmas eve. December 24, 1916.
38. In the year 1925 the Jewish people of the town found themselves in the same position as the earlier worshippers of B. B. Meeting in a private home on the corner of McCabe and Beach Avenue for their services they were forced to seek other quarters when this home was sold. The leaders of the Jewish church purchased a lot on McCabe and Central Avenue and erected their present synagogue.
39. And so man founded his churches in the town. Man erected his temple where he might build his faith and lay his hoped and prayers at the feet of God. SONG “WHISPERING HOPE” GIRLS
40. Education could not be a minor subject in such a promising place as the Jersey shore and about the same time as the first church was being planned parents were eagerly working toward an educational system that today ranks with the best. In 1886-7 the first school appeared in this town. It was not at all like our present buildings but was a little two room wood structure that was later made into a library, and still later returned to use for school purposes. In time there appeared a six room school, three rooms upstairs and tree downstairs. It was situated where the present primary grades and gymnasium now are.
41. Growth was so rapid, that in 1910 the present building was erected to meet the need. Proud as were are of our school building we believe that the interested person will find B. B. School system even finer than the brick building would indicate for school endeavors to develop the name sides of child nature. Here we are given physical education to develop our bodies, intellectual education to enlarge our minds, and special attention is given to the emotional part of our nature through the music program They have here a band and an orchestra which many grammar schools would be proud to claim. At this time 10 of the graduates will offer for your enjoyment an orchestral number. "EVENING BREEZES" Orchestra
42. Few towns can boast a better library than Bradley Beach. Before the present library was erected Mr. Bradley granted the use of a small building on Fifth Ave. for this purpose. This building stood where the supremacy and primary school grades are now situated. Books were donated by different people and some books were bought. Later this building was torn down and on the same site stands this school gymnasium.
43. The need for a library grew and in 1920 Mr. Bradley donated a lot to be used for that purpose. He stipulated that the library was to be built within ten years or the property would be taken back.
44. Bradley Beach was not founded on lost opportunities and in Dec. 1926 the present library was completed at a cost of about $50,000. Today they are provided with the latest books, not only in fiction, but science, religion, and psychology and in fact all new books that keep abreast of the times.
(This concludes page 5.)
45. “The mail must go through” is a slogan of the air-mail pilots today, and it might have been our slogan about 48 years ago, for about that time Bradley Beach boasted a little post-office on Newark and Central Avenue, where Woolley’s fish market now is. A Mrs. Katie Biskerton was the postmistress. At this time the mail was distributed from Asbury Park, but later when Mr. Paynter took over the office in his store on Main Street he was successful in having the train drop our mail at our own station. The post-office was moved to its present site in 1938.
46. Of course, a bank was inevitable in our fast growing town and in 1918 our bank was started, operating in a store at Main Street between Ocean Park and McCabe Ave. And in 1914 the bank was moved to its present site. An interesting sidelight on the opening of our bank is that the first depositor was Miss Margaret Yarnall. Mrs. Raymond Johnson, our present cashier, was also there ready to be first depositor in the Bradley Beach bank. Neither one was tall enough to reach the window. The first officers of the bank were as follows: James D. Carton, President; W. J. Paynter, Vice Pres.; W. T. Sherman, cashier.
47. (There is nothing written for 47.)
48. The first fire company of Br5adley Beach was the Pioneer Fire Company and followed by a second company called the Independent Fire Company. Today we have a fine equipment - vastly different from the first fire engine – which was drawn by a mule.
49. While some may yearn for a Utopia, the land of perfection, more man goes on, content to work toward the land perfect, but putting much of his trust for protection of body and property in the police force of the land. Bradley Beach established its police force in 1905 with Mr. Van Purlong as the first police officer.
50. Before going further let us summarize our developments. First we had the growth of the town itself, its houses, then its churches, its school, library, fire and police departments – it seems as though we have completed the town.
51. I beg to disagree, for what chance has a town without adequate transportation facilities. What about the railroad? We learned that at one time trains were not permitted to stop in B. B. on Sunday. The railroad company changed that, however, and stopped its trains at B.B. station when Asbury Park was made a train stop.
52. The Bradley Beach railroad station was formally dedicated on Saturday, June 24, 1895, and its dedication program was complete with the story of Capt. Kidd and his famous treasure. The program advertised “Music and refreshments” and “Eloquent Speeches by Well Known and Less Know Speakers” and was concluded with a copy of a song entitled “The Station” – which the class will sing for you. This program and song were graciously lent to us by Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Paynter. SONG “THE STATION”
53. The first store, the first car, and the first telephone in Bradley Beach were owned by Mr. W. Paynter, according to our information. When the first telephone was installed the company phoned daily to Mr. Paynter to check up on the service and to ascertain whether the phone were working all right.
(55-out of order) Many times during this program we have used the name W. Paynter. And here we wish to extend to Mr. and Mrs. Paynter and to Miss Margaret Yarnall, our sincere thanks for all their help. We know that without their generous assistance the gathering of all the information would have been an extremely difficult task. No matter where we went the usual advice was “You’d better see Mr. Paynter”. And so we did, and to these kind folks our class extends sincere thanks.
(54 – out of order) “Time makes great changes” is one of the great truths of the universe. No greater change can Father Time accomplish than those he does with the good earth. A settler builds a cabin to house his loved ones. A stranger or relative builds a second cabin. Time passes – a little settlement replaces a forest. From the little settlement grows a village – then a town – then a city. A settler and his lonely little family have become a nation.
Could Captain Kidd and his crew return we wonder whether their astonishment would leave room in their minds for the thought of buried treasure. Or could Sir Henry Hudson sail past our Jersey coast as history says he did the latter part of August, 1609, we wonder whether his amazement could ever calm itself into belief in the sights his eyes would see. For truly the building of a nation passes into the realms of accomplishment that makes man bow his head in reverence and homage to the divine builder who has made all these marvels of the age possible.
SONG “AMERICA” THE BEAUTIFUL”.
36. The second church in Bradley Beach was the Catholic Church, located on Brinley Ave. This lovely structure wad begun in 1909 and completed in 1910. The rectory was added to the church five years later. In this church may be found many valuable paintings. Many of the statues and stations of the cross were hand carved in Italy. The altar is made of Italian marble. The windows in the church are all hand made.
37. In the year 1914 the Episcopal worshipers of Bradley Beach were meeting in the storeroom of Mr. Frank Appelly, on LaReine and Main Street. Growing in numbers and desiring a larger and more suitable place to worship they, too, started a building fund. When this fact was brought to the attention of Mar. Jas. A Bradley, this kindly gentleman presented the Episcopal Church with the site at the corner of Fourth Ave. and Hammond Avenue. The work progressed and on October 4, 1916, the cornerstone for the present church was laid. The formal opening of the church took place on Christmas eve. December 24, 1916.
38. In the year 1925 the Jewish people of the town found themselves in the same position as the earlier worshippers of B. B. Meeting in a private home on the corner of McCabe and Beach Avenue for their services they were forced to seek other quarters when this home was sold. The leaders of the Jewish church purchased a lot on McCabe and Central Avenue and erected their present synagogue.
39. And so man founded his churches in the town. Man erected his temple where he might build his faith and lay his hoped and prayers at the feet of God. SONG “WHISPERING HOPE” GIRLS
40. Education could not be a minor subject in such a promising place as the Jersey shore and about the same time as the first church was being planned parents were eagerly working toward an educational system that today ranks with the best. In 1886-7 the first school appeared in this town. It was not at all like our present buildings but was a little two room wood structure that was later made into a library, and still later returned to use for school purposes. In time there appeared a six room school, three rooms upstairs and tree downstairs. It was situated where the present primary grades and gymnasium now are.
41. Growth was so rapid, that in 1910 the present building was erected to meet the need. Proud as were are of our school building we believe that the interested person will find B. B. School system even finer than the brick building would indicate for school endeavors to develop the name sides of child nature. Here we are given physical education to develop our bodies, intellectual education to enlarge our minds, and special attention is given to the emotional part of our nature through the music program They have here a band and an orchestra which many grammar schools would be proud to claim. At this time 10 of the graduates will offer for your enjoyment an orchestral number. "EVENING BREEZES" Orchestra
42. Few towns can boast a better library than Bradley Beach. Before the present library was erected Mr. Bradley granted the use of a small building on Fifth Ave. for this purpose. This building stood where the supremacy and primary school grades are now situated. Books were donated by different people and some books were bought. Later this building was torn down and on the same site stands this school gymnasium.
43. The need for a library grew and in 1920 Mr. Bradley donated a lot to be used for that purpose. He stipulated that the library was to be built within ten years or the property would be taken back.
44. Bradley Beach was not founded on lost opportunities and in Dec. 1926 the present library was completed at a cost of about $50,000. Today they are provided with the latest books, not only in fiction, but science, religion, and psychology and in fact all new books that keep abreast of the times.
(This concludes page 5.)
45. “The mail must go through” is a slogan of the air-mail pilots today, and it might have been our slogan about 48 years ago, for about that time Bradley Beach boasted a little post-office on Newark and Central Avenue, where Woolley’s fish market now is. A Mrs. Katie Biskerton was the postmistress. At this time the mail was distributed from Asbury Park, but later when Mr. Paynter took over the office in his store on Main Street he was successful in having the train drop our mail at our own station. The post-office was moved to its present site in 1938.
46. Of course, a bank was inevitable in our fast growing town and in 1918 our bank was started, operating in a store at Main Street between Ocean Park and McCabe Ave. And in 1914 the bank was moved to its present site. An interesting sidelight on the opening of our bank is that the first depositor was Miss Margaret Yarnall. Mrs. Raymond Johnson, our present cashier, was also there ready to be first depositor in the Bradley Beach bank. Neither one was tall enough to reach the window. The first officers of the bank were as follows: James D. Carton, President; W. J. Paynter, Vice Pres.; W. T. Sherman, cashier.
47. (There is nothing written for 47.)
48. The first fire company of Br5adley Beach was the Pioneer Fire Company and followed by a second company called the Independent Fire Company. Today we have a fine equipment - vastly different from the first fire engine – which was drawn by a mule.
49. While some may yearn for a Utopia, the land of perfection, more man goes on, content to work toward the land perfect, but putting much of his trust for protection of body and property in the police force of the land. Bradley Beach established its police force in 1905 with Mr. Van Purlong as the first police officer.
50. Before going further let us summarize our developments. First we had the growth of the town itself, its houses, then its churches, its school, library, fire and police departments – it seems as though we have completed the town.
51. I beg to disagree, for what chance has a town without adequate transportation facilities. What about the railroad? We learned that at one time trains were not permitted to stop in B. B. on Sunday. The railroad company changed that, however, and stopped its trains at B.B. station when Asbury Park was made a train stop.
52. The Bradley Beach railroad station was formally dedicated on Saturday, June 24, 1895, and its dedication program was complete with the story of Capt. Kidd and his famous treasure. The program advertised “Music and refreshments” and “Eloquent Speeches by Well Known and Less Know Speakers” and was concluded with a copy of a song entitled “The Station” – which the class will sing for you. This program and song were graciously lent to us by Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Paynter. SONG “THE STATION”
53. The first store, the first car, and the first telephone in Bradley Beach were owned by Mr. W. Paynter, according to our information. When the first telephone was installed the company phoned daily to Mr. Paynter to check up on the service and to ascertain whether the phone were working all right.
(55-out of order) Many times during this program we have used the name W. Paynter. And here we wish to extend to Mr. and Mrs. Paynter and to Miss Margaret Yarnall, our sincere thanks for all their help. We know that without their generous assistance the gathering of all the information would have been an extremely difficult task. No matter where we went the usual advice was “You’d better see Mr. Paynter”. And so we did, and to these kind folks our class extends sincere thanks.
(54 – out of order) “Time makes great changes” is one of the great truths of the universe. No greater change can Father Time accomplish than those he does with the good earth. A settler builds a cabin to house his loved ones. A stranger or relative builds a second cabin. Time passes – a little settlement replaces a forest. From the little settlement grows a village – then a town – then a city. A settler and his lonely little family have become a nation.
Could Captain Kidd and his crew return we wonder whether their astonishment would leave room in their minds for the thought of buried treasure. Or could Sir Henry Hudson sail past our Jersey coast as history says he did the latter part of August, 1609, we wonder whether his amazement could ever calm itself into belief in the sights his eyes would see. For truly the building of a nation passes into the realms of accomplishment that makes man bow his head in reverence and homage to the divine builder who has made all these marvels of the age possible.
SONG “AMERICA” THE BEAUTIFUL”.