1902 - First City Council Meeting in 1902
January 10th, First City Council Meeting in 1902. The following is a quote from the minute book: “Absecon Town Council met at the usual time and place, no quorum present, on motion of Mr. Hamilton, the Council adjourned until the next regular meeting in Feb. Attest Jesse S. Showell, Clerk”
1902 - First Electric Powered Train
September 1, The Atlantic City and Suburban Traction Company petitioned Town Council to construct lines of railway for an electric powered train including rails, tracks, poles, conduits along Shore Road, Station Avenue and Charlotte Street. (Now known as Ohio Avenue)
1902 - Population of Absecon approximately 600
1902 - Edward A. Wilson elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1903 to December 31, 1908)
1903 - According to tax 1903 records on file with the Tax Assessor’s Office the total value of the City of Absecon was $184,345.00
1904 - Subdivision Plan filed creating “Absecon Highlands”. Including lands northwest of Elm Avenue.
1905 - New Jersey Avenue scene looking west from present day Ben Franklin Variety Store. Note present day Victorian Plaza at its original location on New Jersey Avenue
1908 - Westley C. Smith elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1909 to December 31, 1912)
1912 - Elmer C. Bates elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1913 to December 31, 1914)
1914 - Alton J. Mitchell elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1915 to December 31, 1916)
1916 - 1st National Bank of Absecon Opens on the northeast corner of Station Avenue and New Jersey Avenue
1916 - Harry E. Mattson Sr. Elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1917 to December 31, 1930
1917 - Abescon Women’s Club formed and became part of the federated Women’s Club in 1925.
1920’s - The Absecon Republican Club formed with Everett Hooper Sr. as of its early leaders.
His son Everett continues to reside in Absecon and recalls many a boisterous meeting in his family’s living room.
1921 July 7th, First National Bank of Absecon new brick building opens at the southeast corner of Station Avenue and New Jersey Avenue.
1922 Martin Pitney, grandson of Dr. Jonathan Pitney, while residing at his grandfathers home, dieds.
1923 Howlett Hardware Opens
The family run hardware store served the community for 73 years until Leo and Margie Howlett retired in 1996.
1924 Absecon Library Organized. Mrs. Mae Townsend, first President.
1925 Absecon Blvd. constructed from Atlantic City to Shore Road.
1926 Absecon Girl Scout Troop Organized. First in Atlantic County.
1928 Charles A. Hammell Post #28, American Legion chartered.
1928 Absecon Blvd. constructed through Absecon from Shore Road to Galloway Twp. Border line.
1930 Alfred J. Kurtz Elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1931 to December 31, 1934)
1933 Subdivision plan filed creating “Atlantic City Estates” with streets named after famous Atlantic City Hotels. Area is now known as “Absecon Estates”.
1934 J. Potter Reilly Elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1935 to December 31, 1936)
1935-1940 At-grade railroad tracks through Absecon raised for public safety.
1936 Ira L. Giberson Elected Mayor (January 1, 1937 to December 31, 1940) THE FATHER OF OUR LARGEST BENEFACTOR DOROTHY GIBERSON
1940 Absecon Kiwanis Club Chartered. Eugene J. Brown, first President.
1940 J. Potter Reilly Elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1941 to December 31, 1950)
1945 September 13th, City Council adopts ordinance to create Planning Board, Master Plan, Zoning Plan, Subdivision regulations.
1950 Leo Howlett, Sr. Elected Mayor (January 1, 1951 to December 31, 1953)
1951 First National Bank of Absecon opens at its present location two doors away from the old brick bank building. The new bank includes the first drive-thru in Atlantic County.
1954 Franklin D. McCarthy served as Acting Mayor (Served January 1, 1954 to November 23, 1954)
1954 Warren C. Irelan Elected Mayor (Served November 24, 1954 to December 31, 1968)
1954 Madden Hall added to Absecon Presbyterian Church that was originally built in 1865. Other additions included The Christian Education Wing in 1978; the Bakely Mission House in 1988; the new steeple dedication in 1995; the Emma Showell Stopfer Annex in 1996; and the Keill Lobby and Cobb Lounge in 1999.
1954 October 14th, Noise ordinance was adopted by City Council prohibiting unnecessary noises from automobile horns went not in motion, playing of radios, phonographs or any musical instruments between the hours of 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM. The prohibition included horse drawn wagons without rubber tires or horses without rubber or other noise deadening material on their hoofs during the same hours.
1955 The Absecon Democratic Club was formed.
1956 Absecon Lions Club Organized. Morrell B. Tomlin, first President.
1957 September, Barry Hackett scores the first touchdown at Memorial Field for the Blue Devils.
1962 Absecon Estates Civic Association Incorporated. Joseph Scardilli first President.
1962 Absecon Baptist Church established. Name changed to Hope Baptist Church on October 25, 1992.
1963 December 7, Master Plan hearing held, proposal included pedestrian mall on New Jersey Avenue and the extension of Pitney Road to New Jersey Avenue and the White Horse Pike.
1964 November 11th, Time Capsule closed by the Absecon Tercentenary Committee. R. Grant Michael, Jr. Project Chairman.
1968 Joseph L. McGahn Elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1969 to December 31, 1972)
1972 David S. Hodgson Elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1973 to December 31, 1976)
1975 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton church established in the little brown Chapel (known as St. Ann’s Chapel) located on a gravel road know as Florida Avenue. The new parish has the distinction of being the first Roman Catholic parish to be named after the soon to be canonized St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. In 1977 the Chapel was replaced by the new octagonal nave and Florida Avenue was replaced by a new paved parking lot.
1976 April 28th, A seven ton granite boulder was unveiled at Heritage Park dedication.
1976 July 4th, Absecon Celebrates America’s Bicentennial. Eagle linebacker Bill Bergey was on hand to sign autographs at the American Legion.
1976 Orvis R. Leopardi Elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1977 to December 31, 1988)
1977 Fast food restaurant McDonald’s replaces Absecon’s Panelrama at the intersection of US Route 30 and Mill Road.
1980 August 26th, Absecon’s own Ben Grazino invited two famous celebrities to visit Absecon, (his personal friends) Frank Sinatra (Old Blue Eyes) and Dean Martin (Old Red Eyes). They choose teams and played baseball at Memorial Field. The start time was 3 am still thousands of people showed-up to watch the game end in an 18 – 18 tie. The event raised money for the Lions Rehabilitation and Recreation Center for the Blind.
1981 The King and His Court 4 man softball team performed at Memorial Field. The pitcher Eddie Feigner was capable of throwing strikes from 2nd base.
1981 June 27th, the Philadelphia Phillies, including Mike Schmit, Tug McGraw and Gary Maddox played baseball at Memorial Field to benefit St. Vincent’s Children’s Home of Philadelphia.
1981 August 19th, softball teams featuring Playboy Bunnies and the mad Batters squared off at Memorial Field for the fundraiser softball game for bullet-proof vests for Absecon and Pleasantville Police.
1988 July 6, 1988 Absecon City Municipal Complex at 500 Mill Road was dedicated.
1988 Peter C. Elco Elected Mayor (Served from January 1, 1989 to December 31, 2012)
1997 Dr. Jonathan Pitney House becomes Bed & Breakfast
1998 - Pitney House placed on National Register
The Dr. Jonathan Pitney House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1999 - October 16th , Downtown Clock Plaza Dedicated. With the help of hundreds of sponsors which included many Absecon residents and Absecon businesses through the leadership of ABCD Corp. Inc. and Absecon Council, over $33,000 in donations was collected to erect the Downtown Clock Plaza.
1999 1999 Reexamination of Master Plan Adopted
On November 9, 1999 the Planning Board adopts the1999 Reexamination of Master Plan. The Planning Board recommends as part of the Reexamination the re-zoning Memorial Field to C-1 Central Business District, re-zoning approximately 80 acres to expand the Dr. J. Pitney Recreation Park to approximately 103 acres, to allow for age-restricted housing on the former Marsh School site on New Jersey Avenue.
1999 July 28th, Capt. Francis Babcock House, 324 S. Shore Road was placed on National Register of Historic Places
1998 Based on 2000 censes the population of Absecon was 7,638 ( 1,173 % increase since 1903)
2000 Hewlett’s Donate former Bank Building
Leo and Margie Howlett donate former First National Bank of Absecon building to the City of Absecon for use as a Historical Museum.
2001 After many years negotiation between and City and the State, the NJDOT starts much needed improvements on US Route 30 in April. The existing 4 lane highway is expanded to a 6 lane divided highway. The completion date is the summer of 2003 just in time for the opening of the new Borgata Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. Welcomed major improvements to the intersection of Mill Road and US Route 30 were completed by July 4, 2002.
2002 Absecon Celebrates First one hundred years Incorporated as a City
2006 2005 Reexamination of Master Plan Adopted
On May 23, 2006 the Planning Board adopts the 2005 Reexamination of Master Plan. The Planning Board recommended as part of the Reexamination the re-zoning a small remaining portion of vacant wooded City own land as Park / School and Public Building; portion of downtown to be zoned Train Station Overlay Area to allow for mixed residential and pedestrian oriented commercial uses within walking distance of the Train Station to help revitalize downtown.
2006 Marsh School Demolished
September 2006, the former March School on New Jersey Avenue was demolished to allow for the construction of a new multi-unit development to encourage much needed pedestrian traffic on New Jersey Avenue.
January 10th, First City Council Meeting in 1902. The following is a quote from the minute book: “Absecon Town Council met at the usual time and place, no quorum present, on motion of Mr. Hamilton, the Council adjourned until the next regular meeting in Feb. Attest Jesse S. Showell, Clerk”
1902 - First Electric Powered Train
September 1, The Atlantic City and Suburban Traction Company petitioned Town Council to construct lines of railway for an electric powered train including rails, tracks, poles, conduits along Shore Road, Station Avenue and Charlotte Street. (Now known as Ohio Avenue)
1902 - Population of Absecon approximately 600
1902 - Edward A. Wilson elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1903 to December 31, 1908)
1903 - According to tax 1903 records on file with the Tax Assessor’s Office the total value of the City of Absecon was $184,345.00
1904 - Subdivision Plan filed creating “Absecon Highlands”. Including lands northwest of Elm Avenue.
1905 - New Jersey Avenue scene looking west from present day Ben Franklin Variety Store. Note present day Victorian Plaza at its original location on New Jersey Avenue
1908 - Westley C. Smith elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1909 to December 31, 1912)
1912 - Elmer C. Bates elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1913 to December 31, 1914)
1914 - Alton J. Mitchell elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1915 to December 31, 1916)
1916 - 1st National Bank of Absecon Opens on the northeast corner of Station Avenue and New Jersey Avenue
1916 - Harry E. Mattson Sr. Elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1917 to December 31, 1930
1917 - Abescon Women’s Club formed and became part of the federated Women’s Club in 1925.
1920’s - The Absecon Republican Club formed with Everett Hooper Sr. as of its early leaders.
His son Everett continues to reside in Absecon and recalls many a boisterous meeting in his family’s living room.
1921 July 7th, First National Bank of Absecon new brick building opens at the southeast corner of Station Avenue and New Jersey Avenue.
1922 Martin Pitney, grandson of Dr. Jonathan Pitney, while residing at his grandfathers home, dieds.
1923 Howlett Hardware Opens
The family run hardware store served the community for 73 years until Leo and Margie Howlett retired in 1996.
1924 Absecon Library Organized. Mrs. Mae Townsend, first President.
1925 Absecon Blvd. constructed from Atlantic City to Shore Road.
1926 Absecon Girl Scout Troop Organized. First in Atlantic County.
1928 Charles A. Hammell Post #28, American Legion chartered.
1928 Absecon Blvd. constructed through Absecon from Shore Road to Galloway Twp. Border line.
1930 Alfred J. Kurtz Elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1931 to December 31, 1934)
1933 Subdivision plan filed creating “Atlantic City Estates” with streets named after famous Atlantic City Hotels. Area is now known as “Absecon Estates”.
1934 J. Potter Reilly Elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1935 to December 31, 1936)
1935-1940 At-grade railroad tracks through Absecon raised for public safety.
1936 Ira L. Giberson Elected Mayor (January 1, 1937 to December 31, 1940) THE FATHER OF OUR LARGEST BENEFACTOR DOROTHY GIBERSON
1940 Absecon Kiwanis Club Chartered. Eugene J. Brown, first President.
1940 J. Potter Reilly Elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1941 to December 31, 1950)
1945 September 13th, City Council adopts ordinance to create Planning Board, Master Plan, Zoning Plan, Subdivision regulations.
1950 Leo Howlett, Sr. Elected Mayor (January 1, 1951 to December 31, 1953)
1951 First National Bank of Absecon opens at its present location two doors away from the old brick bank building. The new bank includes the first drive-thru in Atlantic County.
1954 Franklin D. McCarthy served as Acting Mayor (Served January 1, 1954 to November 23, 1954)
1954 Warren C. Irelan Elected Mayor (Served November 24, 1954 to December 31, 1968)
1954 Madden Hall added to Absecon Presbyterian Church that was originally built in 1865. Other additions included The Christian Education Wing in 1978; the Bakely Mission House in 1988; the new steeple dedication in 1995; the Emma Showell Stopfer Annex in 1996; and the Keill Lobby and Cobb Lounge in 1999.
1954 October 14th, Noise ordinance was adopted by City Council prohibiting unnecessary noises from automobile horns went not in motion, playing of radios, phonographs or any musical instruments between the hours of 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM. The prohibition included horse drawn wagons without rubber tires or horses without rubber or other noise deadening material on their hoofs during the same hours.
1955 The Absecon Democratic Club was formed.
1956 Absecon Lions Club Organized. Morrell B. Tomlin, first President.
1957 September, Barry Hackett scores the first touchdown at Memorial Field for the Blue Devils.
1962 Absecon Estates Civic Association Incorporated. Joseph Scardilli first President.
1962 Absecon Baptist Church established. Name changed to Hope Baptist Church on October 25, 1992.
1963 December 7, Master Plan hearing held, proposal included pedestrian mall on New Jersey Avenue and the extension of Pitney Road to New Jersey Avenue and the White Horse Pike.
1964 November 11th, Time Capsule closed by the Absecon Tercentenary Committee. R. Grant Michael, Jr. Project Chairman.
1968 Joseph L. McGahn Elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1969 to December 31, 1972)
1972 David S. Hodgson Elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1973 to December 31, 1976)
1975 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton church established in the little brown Chapel (known as St. Ann’s Chapel) located on a gravel road know as Florida Avenue. The new parish has the distinction of being the first Roman Catholic parish to be named after the soon to be canonized St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. In 1977 the Chapel was replaced by the new octagonal nave and Florida Avenue was replaced by a new paved parking lot.
1976 April 28th, A seven ton granite boulder was unveiled at Heritage Park dedication.
1976 July 4th, Absecon Celebrates America’s Bicentennial. Eagle linebacker Bill Bergey was on hand to sign autographs at the American Legion.
1976 Orvis R. Leopardi Elected Mayor (Served January 1, 1977 to December 31, 1988)
1977 Fast food restaurant McDonald’s replaces Absecon’s Panelrama at the intersection of US Route 30 and Mill Road.
1980 August 26th, Absecon’s own Ben Grazino invited two famous celebrities to visit Absecon, (his personal friends) Frank Sinatra (Old Blue Eyes) and Dean Martin (Old Red Eyes). They choose teams and played baseball at Memorial Field. The start time was 3 am still thousands of people showed-up to watch the game end in an 18 – 18 tie. The event raised money for the Lions Rehabilitation and Recreation Center for the Blind.
1981 The King and His Court 4 man softball team performed at Memorial Field. The pitcher Eddie Feigner was capable of throwing strikes from 2nd base.
1981 June 27th, the Philadelphia Phillies, including Mike Schmit, Tug McGraw and Gary Maddox played baseball at Memorial Field to benefit St. Vincent’s Children’s Home of Philadelphia.
1981 August 19th, softball teams featuring Playboy Bunnies and the mad Batters squared off at Memorial Field for the fundraiser softball game for bullet-proof vests for Absecon and Pleasantville Police.
1988 July 6, 1988 Absecon City Municipal Complex at 500 Mill Road was dedicated.
1988 Peter C. Elco Elected Mayor (Served from January 1, 1989 to December 31, 2012)
1997 Dr. Jonathan Pitney House becomes Bed & Breakfast
1998 - Pitney House placed on National Register
The Dr. Jonathan Pitney House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1999 - October 16th , Downtown Clock Plaza Dedicated. With the help of hundreds of sponsors which included many Absecon residents and Absecon businesses through the leadership of ABCD Corp. Inc. and Absecon Council, over $33,000 in donations was collected to erect the Downtown Clock Plaza.
1999 1999 Reexamination of Master Plan Adopted
On November 9, 1999 the Planning Board adopts the1999 Reexamination of Master Plan. The Planning Board recommends as part of the Reexamination the re-zoning Memorial Field to C-1 Central Business District, re-zoning approximately 80 acres to expand the Dr. J. Pitney Recreation Park to approximately 103 acres, to allow for age-restricted housing on the former Marsh School site on New Jersey Avenue.
1999 July 28th, Capt. Francis Babcock House, 324 S. Shore Road was placed on National Register of Historic Places
1998 Based on 2000 censes the population of Absecon was 7,638 ( 1,173 % increase since 1903)
2000 Hewlett’s Donate former Bank Building
Leo and Margie Howlett donate former First National Bank of Absecon building to the City of Absecon for use as a Historical Museum.
2001 After many years negotiation between and City and the State, the NJDOT starts much needed improvements on US Route 30 in April. The existing 4 lane highway is expanded to a 6 lane divided highway. The completion date is the summer of 2003 just in time for the opening of the new Borgata Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. Welcomed major improvements to the intersection of Mill Road and US Route 30 were completed by July 4, 2002.
2002 Absecon Celebrates First one hundred years Incorporated as a City
2006 2005 Reexamination of Master Plan Adopted
On May 23, 2006 the Planning Board adopts the 2005 Reexamination of Master Plan. The Planning Board recommended as part of the Reexamination the re-zoning a small remaining portion of vacant wooded City own land as Park / School and Public Building; portion of downtown to be zoned Train Station Overlay Area to allow for mixed residential and pedestrian oriented commercial uses within walking distance of the Train Station to help revitalize downtown.
2006 Marsh School Demolished
September 2006, the former March School on New Jersey Avenue was demolished to allow for the construction of a new multi-unit development to encourage much needed pedestrian traffic on New Jersey Avenue.