Island Beach, New Jersey facts for kids

Island Beach was a small town, or "borough," in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. It existed from 1933 to 1965. Today, the land where Island Beach once stood is part of a beautiful area called Island Beach State Park.

How Island Beach Started

Island Beach became an official borough on June 23, 1933. This happened after the New Jersey Legislature (the state's law-making group) passed a special law. The land for the new borough came from parts of three other nearby towns: Berkeley Township, Lacey Township, and Ocean Township.

People in the area voted to approve the new borough on August 18, 1933. Most of the land, about 2,694 acres (10.9 square kilometers), was bought in 1926. A rich businessman named Henry Phipps, who worked with Andrew Carnegie, bought this land.

The First Leaders

Henry Phipps hired a man named Francis Parkman Freeman to manage his large property at Island Beach. Francis Freeman and his wife, Augusta Huiell Seaman, took on many of the local government jobs for the new borough. They helped run the small community.

Population Changes

Island Beach was always a very small place. In the 1940 Census, its population reached its highest point with 31 people.

During World War II, the government asked everyone to leave the area. This was for a secret project called Operation Bumblebee. After the war, fewer people returned. By the 1950 Census, only 13 people lived there. In the 1960 Census, the population had dropped to just 11 people. This was the last time the population was counted before the borough closed down.

What Happened to Island Beach?

Island Beach borough officially ended on July 6, 1965. It was then joined with Berkeley Township. The land that was once Island Beach is now a protected natural area. It is known as Island Beach State Park, a popular place for nature lovers.

Notable residents

• Augusta Huiell Seaman (1879-1950), a famous author who wrote many books for children.