Atlantic City in Atlantic County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
How Chicken Bone Beach Got Its Name
Historic Atlantic City: Missouri Avenue, 1900-1950's
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, October 10, 2010
1. "How Chicken Bone Beach Got Its Name" Marker
Between 1900 and the early 1950s, African-Americans were socially restricted to use the Missouri Avenue Beach Area.
Since many vacationing Black families arrived with chicken-laden hampers, the strip became affectionately named “Chicken Bone Beach.”
Visiting Black entertainers, such as Sammy Davis, Jr., “Moms” Mabley and the Club Harlem Showgirls enhanced the Black party atmosphere.
Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation, Inc. Email: [email protected].
[Photo captions:]
Chicken Bone Beach, circa 1940s. Background: Million Dollar Pier (currently "The Pier Shops At Caesar’s"). Designated as an Historical Landmark on August 6, 1997, Chicken Bone Beach survives as a symbol of family unity and African-American Brotherhood. (Photo by John W. Moseley - courtesy of the Charles I. Blockson, Afro-American Collection, Temple University.)
Captain William “Rube" Albouy. Lifeguard, 1925-1955. As many as 5,000 swimmers were assisted by the patrol of six lifeguards, headed by the first Black captain, William “Rube” Albouy, from 1947 to 1955.
Produced by the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority & Atlantic City Special Improvement District.
Erected by
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment • Landmarks • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 39° 21.275′ N, 74° 26.144′ W. Marker was in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in Atlantic County. Marker was at the intersection of Boardwalk and So. Missouri Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Boardwalk. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Atlantic City NJ 08401, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Chicken Bone Beach (within shouting distance of this marker); Spanish War Marker (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Home of the Miss America Pageant (about 300 feet away); Howard Persina (about 500 feet away); World War II Memorial (about 500 feet away);
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, October 10, 2010
2. How Chicken Bone Beach Got Its Name Marker -
close-up of photo from the 1940s - view toward the Million Dollar Pier.
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, October 10, 2010
3. Chicken Bone Beach today - off-season
- view toward the Boardwalk at Missouri Avenue. Note advertising on "The Pier Shops At Caesar’s" (the old Million Dollar Pier, at right), including posters for "Boardwalk Empire" the hit television mini-series about Atlantic City in the 1920s.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 8,552 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 12, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
