INSTINCT

How Chicken Bone Beach Got Its

Atlantic City, United States

<br> Between 1900 and the early 1950s, African-Americans were socially restricted to use the Missouri Avenue Beach Area.<br><br> Since many vacationing Black families arrived with chicken-laden hampers, the strip became affectionately named &#8220;Chicken Bone Beach.&#8221;<br><br> Visiting Black entertainers, such as Sammy Davis, Jr., &#8220;Moms&#8221; Mabley and the Club Harlem Showgirls enhanced the Black party atmosphere.<br><br> <small>Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation, Inc. Email: [email protected].</small> <br><br>[Photo captions:]<br><br> 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.)<br> <br>Captain William &#8220;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 &#8220;Rube&#8221; Albouy, from 1947 to 1955.<br><br> <small>Produced by the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority & Atlantic City Special Improvement District.</small>

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