Pages of the Past
HOW DO YOU TRAVEL BACK IN TIME? PAGE BY PAGE IT SEEMS. THESE VINTAGE BRIGANTINE PUBLICATIONS NOT ONLY TELL THE ORIGIN STORY OF OUR BELOVED ISLAND, BUT ALSO THE TALE OF LIFE AT THAT TIME, THROUGH OLD ADVERTISEMENTS, ARTICLES, PHOTOS AND MORE.
Images provided by JESSE ESTLOW & THE BRIGANTINE HISTORICAL MUSEUM
The cover image of a pamphlet by the Brigantine Company of New Jersey
It’s easy to think Brigantine has always been as it is today, a thriving island for all seasons. Brigantine is cherished by locals and visitors alike, each charmed by its natural beauty and its involved leaders and community. But its origin story has humble roots.
According to Jessica (Jesse) Estlow, a third generation Brigantine teacher and local historian, the island was first populated by a few Coast Guard families who decided to make it home. As love for Brigantine grew and more families decided to stay and build their lives here, printed materials like pamphlets and magazines were published to spread the word and this incredible island’s offerings (we love continuing this tradition!). Here is a look back at Brigantine’s past as seen through its vintage pages.
“There are at least 2,300 lots, a majority within two blocks of the ocean.”
In January 1896, lots ranged from $100-$550.
An 1892 map of Brigantine Beach, showing the island’s railroad, trolley line and three major hotels.
“In 1890, the Brigantine Beach Railroad Company built a road from the middle of the island westward.
“In the summer of 1895, there were built eleven cottages. Seven of these belong to the Brigantine Company, and four to individuals”
“RENT - Of these cottages, for season, will vary between $200 and $350.”
“Brigantine Beach, owing to the protection it gets from the shoals off shore, is a safe one for bathers.”
“The Hotel Brigantine rises castle- like on the shore of this American Riviera.”
“You may not have had a truly good night’s rest for long past, but you will sleep soundly here.”
The cover of the Brigantine Home Beautiful pamphlet
Vintage advertisements include ones from C.J. Adams Co. and Master Plumbers Association of Atlantic City
“Luxurious buses maintain regular schedules between Brigantine Beach and the Playground of the World.”
“There is no draw-bridge annoyance, and craft anchorages are quiet and safe.”
“See Brigantine Beach for Yourself and Be Convinced ‘It’s a Good Place to Live”
“Make your own ice box a Frigidare - $190.”
“Today, electric refrigeration is considered essential to the well-equipped home. It renders a new service incomparable to old-fashioned methods of refrigeration.” This is the first line of the Electric Refrigeration story by Frank R. Pierce.
“Whether it be Summer or Winter, Spring or Autumn, Brigantine Beach and the Hotel Brigantine know no unhappy moods.”
“Most excellent fishing can also be had on the pier directly in front of the hotel. For those who enjoy the strenuous activities of a metropolis resort, large and extremely comfortable buses which travel back and forth between Brigantine Beach and Atlantic City will carry guests.”
“The playground of the Lenni Lenape Indians. The reported haunt of Captain Kidd and his buccaneers...” - A History of Brigantine Beach by H.G. Harris, the president of Island Development Company.