West Jersey Chapter held its October membership meeting at the Francis J. Ward Recreation & Community Center in Audubon, N. J., and virtually via Zoom, on Monday, October 27, 2025. The New Jersey shore was seen as a place of healing and relaxation in the 19th century and even earlier. However with primitive roads and few lodging options it was difficult to travel there. The railroads made it possible for people of even modest means to vacation at the shore, thus creating the shore tourism industry we know today. By 1927, of the 120 miles of Jersey coastline, only 8 miles were not directly accessible by railroad. Our presenter is Bill Elwell, a WJC member and Adjunct Professor of History at Monmouth University. You can play a recording of the presentation by clicking on the image or by clicking here. The length of the program is 59:48.