Jones Beach: An Illustrated History (Hardcover)

by John Hanc (Author), Ed Lowe (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Jones Beach opened inauspiciously amidst a howling sandstorm on August 4, 1929. In the years since, it has attracted 500 million visitors and become hallowed ground to generations of New Yorkers. Today Jones Beach evokes cherished memories of long-spent youth, old friends, and departed loved ones. In this evocative illustrated book, author John Hanc explores the traditions, institutions, controversies, and characters of this beloved seaside resort, now a state historic landmark.

From the Back Cover

Jones Beach opened inauspiciously amidst a howling sandstorm on August 4, 1929. In the years since, it has attracted 500 million visitors and become hallowed ground to generations of New Yorkers. Today Jones Beach evokes cherished memories of long-spent youth, old friends, and departed loved ones. In this evocative illustrated book, author John Hanc explores the traditions, institutions, controversies, and characters of this beloved seaside resort, now a state historic landmark. Vintage photos show buildings rising, parking lots filling, and generations of beachgoers having a good time.

Going all the way back to the British Empire days of pirate Thomas Jones, for whom the beach is named, John Hanc tells the stories of those who have shaped Jones Beach into a cultural icon - including Robert Moses, who promised to provide a refuge to the "teeming masses" from America's great city; a young Ronald Reagan, who starred in a Hollywood depiction of Jones Beach; and beloved entertainer Guy Lombardo, who revived Jones Beach Theater and created famously elaborate shows.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Globe Pequot; 1st edition (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762740248
• ISBN-13: 978-0762740246
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #109,949 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I still smell the petunias, May 21, 2007

By	P. A. Owens (New York USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Growing up on Long Island we went to Jones Beach all the time. We would go early in the day, have supper, swim in the pool and travel sandily home. The pictures are wonderful. So much I did not know about the park. Enjoyed it immensely.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars revisitng a "lifetime-favorite" place, July 9, 2007

By	Barbara Forsythe (Port Chester, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It's a fascinating history of a place I've enjoyed for more than sixty years. I recommend it to anyone who's had this wonderful beach as a special destination...either now or in years gone past.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK!!!!!!!!!, July 4, 2007

By	M. Brull (Dryden, New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I gave the book to my husband for Father's Day. We both grew up on Long Island and Jones Beach is a part of our past. The book is the greatest, complete with history, old photos of the past. I recommend it to anyone who wants to bring a piece of their past, into the present.