Many of New Jerseys firsts are associated with healthy living. Graham crackers were invented by Presbyterian minister Sylvester Graham in Bound Brook in 1829 as part of a healthy diet plan that included fresh fruits and vegetables, whole wheat and high fiber foods. Welchs grape juice was developed in Vineland by Thomas Bramwell Welch and his son Charles Welch in 1869, first as a non-alcoholic substitute for sacramental wine and later as a healthy and refreshing drink.

The Jersey Shore began in much the same way. According to Victoriana.com, Atlantic City developed from Dr. Jonathan Pitneys idea to make the New Jersey shore into a health resort. Born in Mendham in 1797, Pitney preached the restorative properties of the sea air and salt water, but travel to the states beaches at the time was a long and laborious task. With Pitneys urging, development of hotels and spas in Atlantic City began in 1850 and in September 1852 a contract was awarded to Pitney for the construction of a railroad between the Delaware River and Absecon Island; it was completed in 1854. The Atlantic City area soon became a popular summer resort and winter health spa.

The citys famed Boardwalk opened in 1870, initially so that those staying at hotels didnt have to step directly onto the hot sand of Atlantic Citys beaches, and the Jersey Shore was officially born.

Heres a gallery of vintage photos of going down the shore in New Jersey. If you have vintage photos youd like to see in our slide shows, send them in an email to greghatalagalleries@gmail.com.

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Vintage photos of going down the shore in N.J. - nj.com