Days Gone By

How better to remind us that spring has sprung than by taking a look at the world-famous Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary? This view is circa 1958. The sanctuary was formed in 1947 as the only heronry in the United States sponsored by and located within a municipality. It was an enormous draw for Stone Harbor, especially in the 1950s and ‘60s. In 1967, which was a record-breaking year for both number of visitors and birds in residence, 18,547 guests visited and signed the guest register. They came to Stone Harbor from all 50 states and 41 foreign countries. More than 18,000 visitors dropped a dime into the two pairs of pay binoculars for a closer view of the estimated 6,000-plus birds that populated the sanctuary that year. Although it’s virtually impossible to know for sure, it’s unlikely that the record for visitors set in 1967 has ever been broken. Updated today with scenic trails, the sanctuary is still a great place to visit on a beautiful spring day: a combination of nature and history in Stone Harbor.

If You Have A Photo From The Past Send It To Us: Days Gone By, PO BOX 134, Avalon NJ 08202 - OR - Email info@7miletimes.com