Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2007
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Absecon
A piece of South Jersey history
Running along the White Horse Pike, the 5.5 square miles that lie adjacent to the casino lights make up the city of Absecon.
Small-town charm and beautiful landscape combine with a historic background dating back before 1716. Named from the Algonquin Indian word Absegami, which means “Across Little Water,” Absecon is the backbone to Atlantic County’s history.
Absecon was chartered as a town on February 25, 1875, but did not officially become a city until March 24, 1902. Over a century the city became home to churches, banks, parks, athletic groups and businesses.
The land found its place on the map when the “Father of Atlantic City,” Dr. Jonathan Pitney, moved to the town in 1820 and built the railroad line between Camden and Atlantic City by way of Absecon. His home, which was originally built in 1799, still stands on Shore Road as a historic landmark and successful bed-and-breakfast.
“Absecon is a real slice of Americana that has maintained the charm of the 1950s with its downtown, vibrant churches and very active volunteer organizations,” said City Administrator Terri Dolan. “It’s the kind of city that makes you want to get on your bike and just ride around to see everything.”
Now a city of nearly 8,000 residents, Absecon prides itself on being rich in tradition. The city holds the annual Miss Absecon Scholarship Pageant, which dates back to 1965. Also, the volunteer fire department, which just celebrated its 92nd anniversary, pairs with the 25-officer police department and community businesses for yearly parades on July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“Absecon's hometown flavor and varied lifestyles make it unique in many ways,” said mayor Peter Elco. “Our strength and vitality revolves around the citizens and businesses who provide the foundation needed to ensure a stronger and more binding community. In the same way, our rich tradition serves as a prelude to an exciting and productive future. Absecon, Absolutely!”
Municipal Complex Address
500 Mill Road Absecon, NJ 08201 609-641-0663
Mayor: Peter C. Elco
City Council: Lynn Caterson, Gerald Valivene, Bobbie Gorman, Joseph Marzcyk, Fred Green, Jr., Charles Norris, Bill Wilson
Population: 7,794
Tax Rate: 3.778 (per $100)
Schools
H. Ashton March (K-4)
Emma C. Attales (5-8)
Pleasantville High School (9-12)
Holy Spirit High School (9-12)
Fun Facts
Casino employees make up nearly one third of the Absecon population.
Approximately 120,000 cars pass through Absecon every day.
An Absecon time capsule was sealed on March 23, 2003 and will be opened on the city’s 150th anniversary on March 24, 2052.
The First National Bank of Absecon was established in 1916 in a small frame building on New Jersey Avenue (now the White Horse Pike).
Absecon contains two of the county’s oldest churches (Presbyterian and Methodist) with cemeteries that have graves dating back to the 1700s.
When Absecon became a city in 1902 the population consisted of 600 residents, slightly more than an 11 percent increase from three years earlier.
Every Sunday at 7 p.m. during the summer months, 400-1,000 residents attend live band concerts in Heritage Park.
