See the stars in Strathmere 5/12

The Strathmere approvement Association presents it's 2007 springtime Strathmere Star Party, this Saturday May 12th at 8:45PM on the beach at Randolph. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer from the Franklin Institute will be the star guide. Learn about the constellations, stories of the stars, spot planets and the North Star. You can bring a blanket, binoculars or telescopes to enjoy the view.

Strathmere Memories - from Maurice J. Woolman

With permission, I'm sharing this email that I recently received -

'I was looking through your website (www.strathmere.net) this evening. The memories, emotions, and feelings of wonderful times at the beach came to life once again. I fondly remember my parents taking day trips to Whale Beach with my sister and I in tow. Friends of my parents had a home on the beach side of the highway, just north of a motel (I think it was called the Dolphin Motel). I remember walking across the hot sand and going through a break in the dunes to reach the beach. It seemed like it took forever the reach the water. Once, we had the good fortune to stay at my parents’ friends’ house overnight – it was awesome. I remember the water tank mounted to the side of the house, facing east so we could all “rinse off” after playing on the beach (true solar water heating). And I have fond memories of the diner/restaurant in Strathmere, where we had some incredibly enjoyable meals.

In the wee hours of March 6 1962, one of my brothers was born (we lived near Elmer). I can still remember the winds and driving rains at the time but was unaware of the devastation occurring at the beach. The images of that night will be forever stored in my mind. My sister and I did make it to Whale Beach that summer on Labor Day weekend with my father. I can still remember the bulldozers piling up sand from the beach to protect the highway. From just north of Sea Isle City to almost Strathmere, the beach was barren – not one house was left standing. The home of my parents’ friends ended up in the bay. I remember a Catholic Church was the northern-most building on the beach until you were almost in Strathmere. The little motel somehow survived intact, although it was now on the bay side of the highway. They later put a new foundation under it and opened for business. One other thing I remember most about this time is how the water line had moved so close to the highway…it was as if the line have moved 100 yards or more closer to the highway. From the 1998 photos on your website, it would appear the water line has moved even closer to the highway.

I had the opportunity to revisit the area about seven years ago and was amazed at the build up of houses and buildings along the highway. I remember thinking to myself, “had people not learned anything from the 1962 storm”? I now own a home and live in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. As to how I ended up here is a long story, but suffice it to say, those summers at the Jersey shore left a lasting impression on me, and my desire to be near but not on, the ocean. I hope to come back for a visit in the next year or so…nothing can quite compare with the Jersey shore and the wonderful restaurants.'

Maurice J Woolman
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Beach photos 4/20

Some photos taken 4/20/07 - Click images for larger views

A cute couple takes a romantic walk on the beach-

The beach just above Seaview, walking towards the Point -

These two photos are the dunes at the end of Seaview -

The beach at Seacliff -

On the dune at Seacliff, looking north -

Looking North from Seacliff beach -

Another north view, with the dune cliffs of Seaview to the left-

Staying Afloat, Against Rising Tide of Taxation

Read the story about Strathmere Taxes in The Upper Township Gazette

Upper Township Gazette

Yeah! The Upper Township Gazette is now online - http://www.uppertownshipgazette.com/

The bridge has reopened today too.



(yeah, I know, I need to post some Strathmere news or photos in the blog, I've been neglecting it)

Winter construction

Here are pics of some of the construction projects going on currently in Strathmere and Whale Beach.

First is a serious dismantle going on at the southern part of Whale beach.

Next are 2 Whale Beach constructions well under way

Next is a big one going up on the south-east side of Vincent

A house on the south-east side of Willard has been stripped and temporarily moved, waiting for new piles so it can be put back in place and then rebuilt.

Studded out at the corner of Bayview & Tecumseh

Clearing the lot on Commonwealth, near Winthrop.

Work continues on the south-east side of Seaview

And on the ginormous house on the north-east side of Seaview (where the Spanish house and the stilted cottage use to stand)

If you are an owner of any of these homes, and you'd prefer that your house not be pictured here, just let me know and I will remove the photo. I only post the pictures because people who are away from Strathmere during the Winter just like to see what's going on it town.