The Swanicks began their decades-long affair with Sea Isle in the mid-1960s, when Don and Mary Swanick bought their first house at 125 47th St., and filled it with their seven children and a German shepherd. The house had two units, top and bottom, and they lived on the first floor. It had three bedrooms, one bathroom, and no dishwasher or clothes dryer.

What a deal! This roadside sign is probably circa 1935-40 on Ocean Drive across from the Deauville Inn. Ocean City Gables still shows on Upper Township tax maps … Even at this great price, sales must not have been great because as of 2020 many are listed as “vacant land” owned by Upper Township. Not sure if this young lady stopped at the sales office after posing for what would have been a selfie today.

Among the great things about the Jersey Shore are the family traditions. There are tons of them … all along the coast, every town. Some traditions stretch back for generations. Others are just beginning. Regardless of how old the traditions are, they are all special to those who have them or are living them.