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The Foundation of the Free Public Library of the
Borough of Longport

The Longport Library Foundation was established is to support the Free Public Library of the Borough of Longport including library programs and services.  

Foundation Members:

President: Lynn Bilinski

Secretary: Betty Devereaux

Treasurer: Kate Subranni

Member: Ilene Matthews

Member: Dolores Wilson

Member: Ricky Gerhardt

 

What Has the Foundation Done:

  • Run the Porch Store at the Historical Museum
  • Run the annual Holiday Concert at the Church of the Redeemer
  • Assist the Longport Library with their summer reading programs, holdiay events, and various other programs.

The foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in 2021 to help support the Longport Library and Historical Museum and its programs and services.  

Anyone interested in making a donation can send it to:

The Foundation of the Free Public Library of the Borough of Longport

2305 Atlantic Avenue

Longport, NJ 08403

 

 

Jetty

Have you heard one of the biggest rumors in Longport – that there was a large storm that washed away the first 10 blocks of Longport and gave them to Ocean City? This is actually a myth! The original 10 blocks of Longport were originally from Sand Island, then washed away little-by-little by a series of major storms between 1900 and 1916.

Built in 1910, the Log Cabin at 11th Avenue was built by E.S. Dickerson, a lumber dealer from Philadelphia. The beachfront land only cost $3,000! The Log Cabin has had its fair share of legends and stories, but it is most famously known as a spot for Shag, the harbor seal. The Log Cabin was torn down in 1979.

The original Longport Jetty is located at 11th Avenue. The jetty near where you’re standing was built in 1920, after the jetty at 11th Avenue. Today, the jetty is an especially popular spot for fishing and viewing the sunset.

  • Clue #1: Built by the Boice family in 1895, this location burned down in July 1915. You could’ve stayed here for $12 to $15 a week.
  • Clue #2: This beach-front hotel was one of many located in Longport, and its location today is a popular beach spot!
  • Clue #3: From the jetty, head North up Atlantic Avenue approximately .2 miles. Turn right at 15th Street and head towards the beach. Keep your eyes peeled for a marker – if you reach the ocean, you’ve gone too far! Total distance from the Jetty: .3 miles.

High Water Point

Hurricane Sandy wasn’t the first storm Longport has seen. One of the worst storms in Longport history occurred in the winter of 1915; this storm damaged or ruined many of the original Longport homes and businesses, including Remington Cottage:

One of the most popular hotels in the area, The Aberdeen Hotel, was also damaged in the 1915 winter storm. Longport faced the extreme elements again in the storm of September 1924, which damaged the Aberdeen Hotel and many of the remaining original Longport homes and businesses:

One of the most memorable and destructive storms of today, Hurricane Sandy, established new high-water records for Longport and much of the Jersey Shore. Where were you when this storm hit? (Do you have photos of Hurricane Sandy or damage in Longport? Let us add them to our collection! Email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

  • Clue #1: Built in 1920, this favorite spot is at the meeting of 2 great waters.
  • Clue #2: There might not be much room in the sand, but the rocks are a great spot to fish the Ocean and the Bay.
  • Clue #3: From the high water point, head South down Atlantic Avenue approximately .3 miles. No need to get in the boat for your next clue – if you reach water, you’ve gone too far! Total distance from High Water Point: .3 miles.

Coast Guard Building

What is now Longport Historical Museum was first home to the U.S. Life Saving Station (later becoming known as the U.S. Coast Guard). Turn around – the original Life Saving Station was actually constructed in 1849 across Atlantic Avenue! Here is a picture of the original U.S. Life Saving Station, located in the area between 32nd and 34th Avenues and the Beach.

One of the most famous incidents was the seizure of 42 cases of liquor from “Anna May” by Captain James Turner in 1932 – the height of Prohibition. This was one of the largest seizures of illegal liquor imports in the history of Longport. Captain Turner was even commended by the Commandant:

 

Following the Coast Guard, the building was used by the Longport Borough Hall and Police Department until 1990. Longport Historical Society was given use of the building around 1994 and turned the building into a museum for Longport residents not long after that. Today, Longport Public Library maintains the Longport Historical Museum.

  • Clue #1: We’ve learned the importance of protection against the swelling Bay during major storms. Take a seat in the shade and learn about past storms that have hit Longport.
  • Clue #2: What record was established by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 in Longport? Look for the marker and you’ll find your next location! If you’re across from Costa Videre, you’re in the right spot!
  • Clue #3: From the Coast Guard Building, head South down Atlantic Avenue approximately .4 miles. Keep your eyes peeled for information about Hurricane Sandy. If you pass Costa Videre, you’ve gone too far! Total distance from Coast Guard Building: .4.

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