Shown here is the actual listing of a Stone Harbor, N. J. property located on the southwest corner of First Avenue and 101st Street. While no date is given, we know that this two-story beach front detached corner seashore cottage with a standard lot measuring 60’ x 110’ had a list price for sale of $5,750 with only $750 cash down required. Included is a photo of the Dutch Colonial house with a downstairs sun porch is pictured here along with a map showing exactly the location of this property. Interestingly, the map in the lower left actually shows the boardwalk in place so we must assume that this ad dates and appeared sometime in the latter 1930s or up until the summer season of 1944. We have also learned that the construction of Colonial Revival style houses in Stone Harbor became increasingly popular in the late 1930s and well into the 1940s. But we also must remember, it was the great Atlantic hurricane of September 1944 that decimated Stone Harbor’s popular wooden promenade and that what remained of that iconic feature would be entirely dismantled and not be rebuilt.
Key property features included in this listing:
FIRST FLOOR: – Living room with fireplace, large sun porch overlooking the ocean with dining room and kitchen.
SECOND FLOOR: – Four bedrooms and a bath.
ONE CAR UNATTACHED GARAGE: – Electricity.
COMMENTS: This modern fully furnished seashore home – close to the bathing beaches – overlooking the ocean – with yacht clubs, golf courses, boardwalk and safe bathing beaches – all within a short drive from Philadelphia and with excellent train service is offered for sale at a low price for quick disposal and with very little cash required.
Ordinarily, this is the point where in most instances such an account would come to an end. However, I must advise our readers that new information has recently been brought to my attention and at this point a new development in connection with this article and the associated realtor’s ad has surfaced.
According to long-time Stone Harbor resident, current Stone Harbor Museum Board Member and good friend Graham Hueber, we have a discrepancy that needs to be clarified. When consulting with Graham about some questions I had regarding this advertisement, he immediately recognized that something was amiss or inaccurate about it. Here’s exactly how he put it. Regarding the photo in the ad, “This house (shown in the ad) was actually located at 102nd and First Avenue. The map shows another house at 101st and First Avenue that happily still exists. Looking at the map, the house drawn there has more of its frontage on 101st Street than it does on Second Avenue. That is the site for the old house that currently sits on the corner of 101 and First Avenue. The house in the picture had more of its frontage on First Avenue and less on Second Avenue. In any case the house in the picture is gone”.
In addition, Graham Hueber goes on to state: “There were three of these houses all on First Avenue. There is a brown sepia tone post card (see illustrated above) published by Simon in New York City of one of these three houses and it is labeled ‘The Home-by-the Sea’. Sadly all three have been torn down”. We are of the opinion that this house was built during the 1925-1935 time period.
Finally, Graham believes it should be noted “The photo that Diller and Fisher used includes two other historic homes that appear at least partially. The one to the left – a small one and a half story bungalow stands to this day with an extra lot next to it. You know what a rarity that is these days. Behind the house is featured a large two and a half story house covered in brown shingles that I always loved, Sadly, it is gone.”
In conclusion, Graham “wonders if Diller and Fisher used the wrong photo or the wrong map?” In any event, we may just never know but we do thank Graham Hueber for his keen eye and his authoritative input.