In June 1914, after years of promises and waiting, the Long Beach Island automobile bridge and Grand Boulevard were finally opened to automobiles. The effect on the southern half of the Island was immediate.

The New Jersey Courier explained only weeks after the opening.

“Beach Haven just announced to the world that she is now connected up with the terra firma of America. Heretofore, although possessing the best yachting course and the best fishing grounds along the New Jersey coast, she was…