sland Heights was founded as a Methodist, Christian family resort July 1, 1878 to provide a place to hold camp meetings under the temperance influence.   In 1899, John Wanamaker purchased thirteen acres to be used as a campground for his youthful employees.

            These young people were already members of the John Wanamaker Commercial Institute, so when they arrived at Barnegat Bay they marched through town to the camp.  Arriving at camp, they settled into the camp’s two hundred two-man tents.

            Reveille sounded at 7AM to start the day.  Sitting up exercises, clean up, breakfast, assembly, and quarters inspection followed.  The rest of the day, the cadets participated in boating, hiking, fishing, crabbing, calisthenics, rifle practice, baseball, track and other games.

            Wanamaker felt that his Island Heights camp would raise the moral and ethical standards of the participants, as well as encourage team spirit in the environment of fun and games.

            If the reaction of Island Heights post card buyers is any indication, Wanamaker’s camp was a huge success.