The Great Storm Turns 60
March 6, 1962 – 60 years ago. The Great Storm of ’62, also known as the Ash Wednesday Storm. Regardless of what you call it, it still ranks as one of the 10 worst storms in U.S. history. It lasted three days and the ocean met the bay at multiple points on the Seven Mile Beach. Fifty homes were lost in Avalon, which paled in comparison to the 285 buildings lost in Sea Isle City. Reports of standing water higher than 5 feet was reported at multiple locations in Avalon and Stone Harbor.
Thanks to the late Bob Penrose, we can look back on the destruction through the marvelous color photos that Bob took just days after the waters receded. Bob spent much of his life on the Seven Mile Beach, first in Stone Harbor and later in Avalon. Aside from being an excellent photographer, Bob was also a noted historian and the author of “AVALON On The Seven Mile Beach,” the 520-page authoritative reference on Avalon’s history. So, thanks to the Penrose family for sharing Dad’s photos with us on this 60-year milestone of the storm. And if you’d like to own a copy of Bob’s book, be sure to visit the Avalon History Center.
