How Chicken Bone Beach Got Its Name
Historic Atlantic City: Missouri Avenue, 1900-1950's
Between 1900 and the early 1950s, African-Americans were socially restricted to use the Missouri Avenue Beach Area.
Since many vacationing Black families arrived with chicken-laden hampers, the strip became affectionately named “Chicken Bone Beach.”
Visiting Black entertainers, such as Sammy Davis, Jr., “Moms” Mabley and the Club Harlem Showgirls enhanced the Black party atmosphere.
[Photo captions:]
Chicken Bone Beach, circa 1940s. Background: Million Dollar Pier (currently "The Pier Shops At Caesar’s"). Designated as an Historical Landmark on August 6, 1997, Chicken Bone Beach survives as a symbol of family unity and African-American Brotherhood. (Photo by John W. Moseley - courtesy of the Charles I. Blockson, Afro-American Collection, Temple University.)
Captain William “Rube" Albouy. Lifeguard, 1925-1955. As many as 5,000 swimmers were assisted by the patrol of six lifeguards, headed by the first Black captain, William “Rube” Albouy, from 1947 to 1955.
Produced by the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority & Atlantic City Special Improvement District.
Marker is at the intersection of Boardwalk and So. Missouri Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Boardwalk.
Courtesy hmdb.org
