On Jan. 5, 1891, most of the country learned of the strange happenings in the Pines of New Jersey. The Los Angeles Herald‘s front page story was typical.

“A riot, which occurred at Barnegat Park, yesterday, caused the governor to order the militia put under arms today. The trouble was so serious at midnight, last night, that Lieutenant Farrow, U.S.A., fearing the place would be burned, made a requisition for troops.