Bertrand Island, New Jersey facts for kids

Bertrand Island is a small piece of land that sticks out into Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey. It's part of the town called Mount Arlington. This island is famous for two main things: it used to be home to the fun Bertrand Island Amusement Park, which was open for many years until 1983, and it's where Bette Cooper, who became Miss America in 1937, came from!

A Fun Place to Visit

Bertrand Island became very popular around 1925. It was a lively spot with lots to do!

The Amusement Park

The Bertrand Island Amusement Park offered many exciting attractions. Imagine a place with 20 different rides, including a thrilling rollercoaster! There were also fun boardwalk games for everyone to enjoy. It started as a picnic spot even before World War I.

Changes Over Time

The park was a big hit for many years. However, things started to change when the Great Depression happened. This was a time in the 1930s when many people lost their jobs and money. Because of this, fewer tourists visited Lake Hopatcong.

Another big change happened in 1938. Before then, making ice was a huge business around the lake. But when electric refrigerators became common, people didn't need to buy ice anymore. This meant the end of many hotels and a big shift for the area. The amusement park eventually closed in 1983.

What Bertrand Island Looks Like

Bertrand Island has a unique shape. It looks a bit like a spoon!

The "Handle" and the "Bowl"

On the part that looks like the "handle" of the spoon, you'll find many modern condominiums. These fancy homes were built in 2001. The wider, rounded part, which is like the "bowl" of the spoon, is a regular neighborhood where people live.

Life on the Island

At the very tip of the island, there's a boating club. This is a great spot for people who love to spend time on the water. No matter where you are on Bertrand Island, you can almost always see the beautiful Lake Hopatcong sparkling nearby.

Bertrand Island in Movies

Did you know that Bertrand Island has even been in a movie?

A Film Location

Scenes from the 1985 film The Purple Rose of Cairo were filmed right here. This movie was directed by Woody Allen. The parts of the film featuring characters named Tom and Cecilia were set at the old amusement park. The park had just closed down before the movie was made. You can clearly see Lake Hopatcong in the background of these scenes!