Repeat Post from 2016-
During a recent move, one of my sisters found so many great old photos from the dark ages (our childhood in the 1960s!)
This one is appropriate for Father’s Day (3 daughters with one more yet to be born). Â I’m the one in the middle with the goofy hat…oh wait…
The real estate agent in me has to point out the background: Â 51st Street in Avalon NJ looking toward the bay- so few houses!
Thinking of my father today. He worked 6 days a week, so Sundays were a sacred day…at the beach.
My dad was blessed with hardy Irish skin that turned dark brown in the summer months. Sunscreen and the giant yellow umbrella with the lethal metal pole were for the rest of us who just freckled and burned!
My mother laughs when describing all of the equipment hauled to the beach, along with 4 little girls: a large playpen (even heavier than the massive umbrella), beach chairs, buckets, coolers, etc. And of course, my father’s fishing gear. At a certain age, my sisters and I were permitted to walk back to the house to retrieve more food and beer for the grown ups (wrapping the beer in foil to trick the lifeguards??)
The Sunday tradition continued with the next generation. My sons enjoyed beach days with “Pop Pop” and followed the rules at the end of the day: 1) “call” your turn for the outside shower, and 2) hang bathing suits/towels on the line. All beach items were thoroughly rinsed, set in the sun to dry, and of course, neatly stored by night fall. Even though we grew up by the beach, sand was NEVER permitted in the house!
Long beach days are an ongoing family tradition. My father’s rules are now enforced at my house (I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown the day this picture was taken…I am my father’s daughter!)
The love of the beach…and family time together.
Thanks Dad.
Rather than compete, the Boroughs of Avalon and Stone Harbor have scheduled their fireworks displays on 2 different nights.
Stone Harbor– on Sunday July 2nd off of the 96th Street beach area- from a barge on the ocean rather than on the beach (and a move from the 80th Street field). Â This central location will allow great viewing all along the Stone Harbor beaches.
Avalon– on Tuesday, July 4th off of the 30th Street beach. Â Also from a barge on the ocean, allowing easy viewing along the Avalon beaches.
Will post more activity updates closer to the holiday.
View the updated pictures for this bright and open 2nd floor unit!
2 bedrooms, plus a loft. Â Updated throughout. Â Gas heat and central air. Â Move in condition.
Excellent location near Nuns’ Beach, the Bird Sanctuary, Chelsea Playground, and downtown shops/restaurants.
MLS Fact Sheet and photos- click here
$625,000 fully furnished and equipped.
Thank you for your interest!
Ann Delaney 609-967-7950
The heat is on…
And we have availability for prime summer weeks in Avalon and Stone Harbor.
Visit our web site:  Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty or call me this weekend to discuss!
609-967-7950
Thank you for your interest!
Ann Delaney
Taking a moment to reminisce – prompted by recent world events and the passing of my late father’s oldest sister.
Avalon and Stone Harbor in “the old days”:
Back when two Irish immigrants moved to Avalon full time after enjoying family vacations in Stone Harbor when their children were young.
Back when the grown children of those immigrants helped their father establish and grow a prosperous business (the lovely obituary for my aunt).
Add to that mix the beloved general practitioner originally from Mexico-  Dr. Rodolfo Garcia (my post from 2011).  Dr Garcia, along with his wife Pat, cared for generations of residents from an office adjacent to their Avalon home.
Remembering a few children in our small elementary school mentioning their grandparents’ preference of speaking their native language (Italian) at home.
Remembering a tiny Baptist church on 81st Street in Stone Harbor serving the African American families living year round in the neighborhood.
A vibrant beach community created from different cultures. Â How refreshing…and how it should be.
It’s that time of year again- The Islandman Triathlon (a Tim Kerr Charities event).
Race Director Midge Kerr always appreciates volunteers along the bike course to monitor traffic. Â This is a closed course event for the safety of the participants (when you see how fast the riders pass, you will understand!)
Saturday, June 24th between 7:15am and 9:45am. Coverage requested for each block on Avalon and First Avenues along the course.
Volunteers will receive a logo shirt, plus witness a fun event!
Please let me know if you are available to help: Â ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com
For more information regarding the triathlon:
Tim Kerr Charities Web Site or contact Midge directly:   midge@timkerrcharities.org
Thanks!
As of this morning, the dredging company is actively pumping new sand on the beach at 94th Street, Stone Harbor.
The project will continue south to 104th Street in the coming days/week. Â And then all equipment will be removed from the beach.
Fascinating to watch! Â Click HERE for video (foggy morning, so not completely clear).
A Realistic View of the Past
I understand the need to reminisce…especially as we grow older. Â We often prefer to focus on the “good old days” and dismiss the realities of our history.
The article in Sunday’s New York Times about the Jersey Shore stirred up a few emotional conversations and comments.
Well, I’m here as the voice of reason!
Avalon in the “good old days” was still sparsely developed, with large land areas covered with marsh grass and reeds. Â Trucks regularly rode up and down the streets to spray for mosquitos and green heads (likely DDT or other now banned chemicals!). Â The children of the island thought it was fun to run behind the trucks through the “white cloud”- yikes!
Cottages were built low to the ground (more vulnerable to flooding), and often without insulation or central heat (and certainly not air conditioning). Â It was an upgrade to have a clothes washer out in the shed!
In the 70s, my sisters and I were grateful for waitressing jobs at the old Whitebrier (20th and the beach). Those were the days before smoke free restaurants. Â The smell from second hand smoke was imbedded in our polyester uniforms forever!
By the 1980s, I was selling real estate on the island. Â Ironically, even back then buyers grumbled about high sale prices. Â I would often hear stories of missed opportunities from years past.
Over the years, and still today, buyers purchasing a modest condo are in awe of the water front property owners. Â And, first time buyers are in awe of the condo owners. Â The seashore real estate food chain!
Even with the inevitable changes, Avalon and Stone Harbor continue to be premier coastal communities.
And I’m lucky to call the island my home 🙂