Island Beach State Park & New Jersey Beach Buggy Association share a birthday.
It is not accidental or coincidental that Island Beach State Park (IBSP) and New Jersey Beach Buggy Association (NJBBA) were born approximately at the same time. As New Jersey’s purchase of the Phipps Estate (now IBSP) was in process, rumors flew that once under state ownership existing beach buggy access would be banned. Phipps Estate anglers took action to maintain their beach access; thus, the foundation of NJBBA was laid.
I was not involved at the beginning, as I was in my junior year at Haddonfield Memorial High School. I became a member of NJBBA shortly thereafter, around 1957/58. I will, however, do my best at describing the events as I know them.
Founding Father
In the official NJBBA Newsletter under the title “NJBBA NEWS” the association proudly proclaims “Dedicated to the Preservation of Beach Access for Mobile Surf Fishing and the Conservation of Coastal and Marine Resources since 1954.” Most people plying the sand today are unaware of the circumstances leading to the founding of the NJBBA or the individuals involved 70 years ago. To begin, we have to get to know the late Jeff Paul.
Jeff is considered the principal founder or “father of NJBBA,” and was the first President and, later, President Emeritus. I first met Jeff when I was very young, when he was president of the Merchantville Fishing Club. I would often accompany my father to the club meetings. I was very proud when I became a junior member. Even at my early age Jeff made a significant impression on me, due to his leadership qualities and the obvious respect he received from the membership of the Merchantville Club.
During these years Jeff was owner/publisher/editor of the Community News of Merchantville. He fished on the Phipps Estate, known today as Island Beach State Park. His beach buggy at the time was a beautiful Model A Ford Woody station wagon, roll-up curtains and all. Several years later, when I began fishing on IBSP in “Sand Hopper,” my Model A Ford two-door beach buggy, Jeff would regularly stop on the beach for a short visit and fishing report. I was impressed that this “regular” or “pro” stopped to talk to a kid just out of high school who was new to Island Beach.
Later, Jeff moved to the Outer Banks, and was involved in the fight to preserve beach access in North Carolina. In the early 1960s Jeff was involved in the founding of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association. But my contact with Jeff did not end with his departure from New Jersey. I would visit him whenever I was on the Outer Banks. Additionally, during my early years as President of NJBBA, Jeff would occasionally phone to offer encouragement during those difficult times for NJBBA. But that is another story.
A $2.75M Investment
Returning to 1954, New Jersey purchased the Phipps Estate for $2,750,000. Talk about a bargain! During the Phipps family ownership fishermen with beach buggies were permitted. Fishermen would apply for a pass, issued by the Mayor of Island Beach (Francis Freeman, then Joseph Tilton) until New Jersey’s purchase. All pass applicants had to have two pass holders as sponsors prior to receiving a pass.
Due to rumors that the State of New Jersey planned to eliminate all beach buggy access, anglers began circulating petitions and sign-up sheets to form an association. These were placed in local tackle shops in Seaside Park. Soon interested parties had a meeting in Seaside Park. Jeff Paul was elected president, $2 per year dues collected, and Jeff was instructed to meet with Salvatore Bontempo, Commissioner of the New Jersey State Department of Conservation and Economic Development. This Department was the forerunner of today’s Department of Environmental Protection.
During the meeting in Trenton, Bontempo not only gave Jeff his assurance of continued beach buggy access at Island Beach, but also $2 for his membership in the new New Jersey Beach Buggy Association. Subsequently, a group of the original NJBBA members hosted Bontempo on a tour of ISBP.
As NJBBA began to grow, traditional fishing club activities and benefits were incorporated. This is attributable to the involvement of anglers from Merchantville Fishing Club and Mercer County Anglers, along with others. Member fishing contests, pools, team tournaments, banquets, and picnics were added over the years.
It didn’t take long for NJBBA to expand efforts to preserve fishing access at many locations along the coast.
The Original Superstorm
As a result of a March 1962 storm, NJBBA community service began. This storm clobbered the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. In New Jersey, Long Beach Island (LBI) was especially hard hit. After the storm receded, many NJBBA members, utilizing their four-wheel drive vehicles, volunteered to transport property owners onto LBI to assess their properties. This was followed by years of beach clean-ups, dune grass plantings, snow fence installations, hosting veteran and special needs groups for a day of fishing and lunch, and many other activities. Thousands of hours of NJBBA people power have benefited New Jersey citizens.
“And the rest is history” might be the thing to say here, but that seems too simplistic to me. I recognize that Jeff Paul did not give us NJBBA all alone. Many others were involved in the beginning, just as many hundreds of members have been involved over the years resulting in NJBBA becoming the respected organization it is today in New Jersey, as well as along the entire East Coast. I am proud to be a Life Member and extremely proud to have been entrusted to serve as President for 7 years. Since I first began fishing at Island Beach, as I drove down the road on Island Beach, I have often said out loud: “Thank you New Jersey and Jeff Paul.”
Over these many years various government entities and others have recognized NJBBA, the organization, and many individual members for successes achieved. A list of a few would include the U.S. Congress, U.S. National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior, N.J. Department of Environmental Protection, N.J. Division of Parks & Forestry, N.J. Fish & Wildlife.
From the bottom of my heart, I wish New Jersey Beach Buggy Association and Island Beach State Park a Happy Anniversary. Both have brought great joy to me and my family.
I encourage anglers to join NJBBA. Beach buggy ownership is not a requirement, all are welcome. Membership is very rewarding, and you’ll meet many fine folks. I am confident a feeling of pride would be felt as one helps guide NJBBA into the future. Check it out at NJBBA.org.
The author is a life member and past president of the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association, and holder of NJBBA plate #3. After spending time in the wilds of Wyoming he now resides deep in the heart of Texas.
