Bradley Beach

Prior to 1893, the territory now known as Bradley Beach was a part of Neptune Township and was commonly referred to as Ocean Park. This territory was comprised of a line equal distance between Fourth and Fifth Avenues on the south, the center line of the railroad tracks on the west, the center line of Fletcher Lake on the north, and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. The citizens of this section appealed to the legislature of the State of New Jersey asking for a referendum on whether the area could become a separate municipality. This act became a law in 1892, and at the referendum, the voters decided to become a separate borough.

According to the report of the election board, the judge and inspectors of the election assembled at the residence of A.T. Jones on the corner of Cook Avenue, now known as LaReine Avenue and Main Street, at 7:00 pm on March 21, 1893. In the statements signed by the election board, 137 votes were cast. One week later on March 28, 1893, Bradley Beach was incorporated as a borough. Rules and regulations covering procedure and administration were adopted during the first council meeting.

In 1908, citizens living in part of Neptune petitioned the state legislature to have their neighborhood annexed to Bradley Beach. This section of Neptune was bounded by a line equal distance between Fourth and Fifth Avenues on the north, Atlantic Ocean on the east, Sylvan Lake on the south, and the center line of the New York and Long Branch railroad tracks on the west. The addition became part of Bradley Beach later that year.

The Borough continued under the council form of government until March 16, 1915, after a referendum to determine whether the form of government should be changed. The vote was recorded in the affirmative and election for commissioners was held on March 9, 1915. This is the form of government in effect today.

About 1870, James A. Bradley, a frequent visitor to Ocean Grove, began buying land south of the Grove when it was nothing but pine forests and sand dunes. At the same time, William B. Bradner bought a farm across the lake south from Ocean Grove. Bradley and Bradner laid out plots of land for sale. Observers at that time thought both men were crazy. Who would want to live in this sandy pine forest? Bradley took a fatherly approach to the pioneers who decided to settle in this newly established community. He patrolled the beaches to make sure bathers were safe. He donated plots of land for churches, public services, and the library. The land was donated with certain stipulations, of which the most important was a prohibition on selling or making alcohol. Bradner named the land Ocean Park, but soon learned that there was a problem with the post office, which fused Ocean Park with Oceanport; therefore, the town had to be renamed. The postmaster reportedly said, “You have a man down there named Bradley. Why don’t you call the town Bradley Beach?” And that’s just how it happened, easily and without any fanfare.

Travel to Bradley Beach initially was time consuming using horse drawn wagons, some of which came from the ferry terminal at Long Branch. Development accelerated beginning in the 1880s with the introduction of train service by the New York and Long Branch Railroad. By 1927, Bradley Beach had become a popular resort with two open-air swimming pools, attracting visitors especially from New York, Pennsylvania, and Newark. Beach badges were introduced in 1929, making the town the first to use them in the United States. That year, an International World Chess Tournament was held at the Hotel LaReine, which had 500 rooms. The 30-room Bradley Hotel was built next door to accommodate the overflow guests. World Champion Alexander Alekhine won the tournament.