SURF CITY, A NEW ADDITION TO NJ "CITY" COLLECTION

"LETS GO SURFING - SURF CITY, N.J.

                         By Dennis Beyer

OK, breakout my old Surfboard and let's go surfing again. Maybe even call the Beach Boys to bring their Old Woody down to the beach to join us in a grand old party. I know a great spot, and it's not in California. It's in New Jersey.

I'm talking about Surf City. This is a mega metropolis, at least between Memorial Day and Labor Day ! It is located on Long Beach Island, or to the local folk "LBI."  At its' Northern tip is Barnegat Light House marking the Barnegat Inlet,  which opens to the Atlantic Ocean. On the West is Manahawkin Bay. You have to be from New Jersey to understand these names.

There are about 1200 full time residents, one Yacht Club, and one Police Dept. Including the Chief, there are eleven officers staffing this Department. Head Quarters is located in the Municipal Building, where they share offices with other employees.

Today the Officers where oval badges marked with the word "Patrolman". The badge pictured here is "of the day" - maybe 1930-1940. It was stamped POLICE, and at the bottom of the center circle SURF CITY.

At the center of this 1.75" tall, gold toned shield is the N.J. State Seal. It is a little smaller then a dime. The back features a pin with locking clasp, that are functional.

 

 

Underneath the pin, on the backside of this badge is an old hallmark. It is from C. G. Braxmar. When they made this badge they were located at 242 W. 55th St in N.Y.