Toms River in 1864

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NEW JERSEY COURIER 11 AUG 1864
Our Village
Never presented a livelier or more animated appearance than it does just now. We are in the height of "dog days" now, and the hot, sultry weather is driving thousands of men, women and children from the cities into the country, and to the various watering places. Hundreds find their way during the season to our village, and large numbers are daily conveyed to the various boarding houses on the beach. Here they have the sport bathing in the surf, gunning, sailing, etc. We learn that the houses have as many boarders as they can accommodate.
Our beautiful river and bay is alive with pleasure parties. Large numbers go fishing and are generally well rewarded. The hotels and boarding houses in the village are well filled.
A great many families in town are entertaining their "city cousins"- the visitors ranging from two to eleven in number, and extending their visit anywhere between one and six weeks. (Isn't it nice to have relatvies living in the country).Tom's River [note the spelling of the town at this time included the apostrophe, which is now absent from the 'official' spelling.] certainly is a charming place at this season of the year, and we do not recollect of ever hearing of a stranger's leaving the place with an unfavorable opinion
Location: Toms River, NJ, USA

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