Asbury Park

Asbury Park, founded as a Christian resort community on the Jersey shore by developer James A. Bradley at the turn of the century, was carved from a small but impressive tract of undulating sand dunes and towering forests. This marvelous new photographic

history chronicles the early development of Bradley s resort, and looks at some of the other influential civic and religious leaders who contributed to the city s heritage. Bradley s ability to market and promote Asbury Park in the early years was noteworthy; the first streets in town were named after prominent political and religious figures, and a good deal of signage advertised the city s

Christian image to those passing through. To attract visitors, Bradley sponsored the East Coast s first baby parade and music on the boardwalk. Over the years, Asbury Park became home to a variety of different cultures and religious faiths, and this book published in the centennial year of the city s incorporation offers

early evidence of the city s diversity."