History of Sunshine Park, circa 1939

Sunshine Park was first thought of some six or eight years ago shortly after the Natural Life Movement took foothold in Americas By reason of the unconventional character, both of the principles and the practice of sunbathers, it became necessary in the early lays to organize the new interest in order to afford channels through which the individual might find opportunity to express his confidence and approval of the principles and else to enjoy and participate in the practice of the new freedom, which socialized sun and air bathing indicated. This early impulse to organization more or less necessitated the formation of local groups and later on of a National organization, today known as the American Sunbathing Association, But it was still felt, both by persons within as well as persons outside of the organization, that unless the practice of socialized nudity could demonstrate its value in a community, it would have fallen short of its promise as a way of life to any considerable portion of "civilized" society, It was deemed, therefore, highly desirable, if at all possible, to establish a real community in which the principles of the National Association might be demonstrated as practical as a mode of daily life and social intercourse.

It was with this objective in mind that the early organizers of Sunshine Park undertook the task of developing such a community. Three stages in the growth of this project are now distinctly marked. The first stage was one entirely of inquiry during which, through repeated advertisements in the Nudist magazine, the question was raised as to whether or not any considerable number of persons would be interested in much a project. The responses received were overwhelmingly in favor of such an undertaking, and they came from every portion of the country, Many persons were frank to say that while they themselves would not be able to participate in the adventure, they nevertheless heartily approved of the undertaking; and persons as far away as England and the Phillipine Islands immediately subscribed to a participation in the enterprise. With this much of encouragement, the Board of Directors of the American Sunbathing Association entered into a contractual arrangement with the owners of the real estate now known as Sunshine Park. Under this contract it was agreed that a separate corporation should be organized to hold the property; that on the Board of Directors of three persons, the American Sunbathing Association should be represented by at least one member, that member to be else on the Board of Directors of the American Sunbathing Association. Mr. Al W, Flynn was elected to that position, end for the period of four consecutive years has served in that capacity. A further provision of the contract arrangement was that all activities of the real estate developing group were subject to the veto power of a special committee of the American Sunbathing Association Board of Directors, and that no sales of the property could be made to anyone other than to members of the American Sunbathing Association.

The second stage in the development of Sunshine Park came with the actual proposal to dispose of portions of the property to bona fide nudists who might be interested in becoming members of such a community. At first, this proposal was naturally interpreted as affording summer and vacation opportunities, and the earliest purchasers were those who merely conceived of establishing suitable summer cabins or cottages. This type of development was naturally fostered by the real estate owners, even to the point where there was danger that the original idea of a community might be indefinitely postponed, This and other considerations, especially as to the type of control over the affairs of Sunshine Park, served as the basis of criticism to the effect that it would be much better if the Park were to be taken over entirely by a small group of nudists and developed more in keeping with the original concept. Efforts in this direction were successful and in the summer of 1938, the corporation known as Sunshine Park, Incorporated, was transferred to the hands of a small group of nudists of which Henry A. Stone, then President of the American Sunbathing Association, was the head. Mr. Stone still remains President of Sunshine Park, Inc.

With the transfer of the property and the Corporation to complete nudist control, the third stage of development of Sunshine Park begins. Under the present regime, the community aspect of Sunshine Park has made very genuine progress. Several families ore now located here more or less permanently with their own homes established in which they enjoy the modern conveniences of hot and cold running water, electric lights, gas, and other modern conveniences. All of the conveniences of modern home life are available but in an entirely natural environment and among people of like mind so that our natural mode of living integrates itself with perfect normality with the daily life both within and without the home.

The economic aspects of such an enterprise are, of course, fundamental to its success, and a small group of light industries now constitutes the basis of our economic activities, affording opportunity to those who so desire to work at some remunerative task. In dealing with the economic aspects of this enterprise, I cannot fail to mention the almost astounding revelation end revolution which is thus brought about, The costs of the essentials of living are reduced to a figure far below that which is regarded as requisite in normal clothed society. It is not an exaggeration to say that the living costs at Sunshine Park are considerably less than 50% of normal costs outside of Sunshine Park.

Cultural and educational aspects of the community are also of the primary importance end significance. At Sunshine Park we maintain a program of cultural activities throughout the year; and provision has been made through other channels for a Nature School on property adjacent to Sunshine Park, thus affording under highest educational auspices the opportunity for children to attend a modern progressive school. (A brochure dealing with the school, known as sunshine Acres, Inc., will be sent to any interested person upon request).

It is thus clear that Sunshine Park is to be regarded not as the usual camp conducted by any local group of sunbathers or naturists, but as a community in which the clothesless life is a normal and happy incident of a socialized, self-sustaining and self-sufficient group.

The development of the enterprise has now reached the point where our primary concern is not with the disposal of property but has to do with the character of the applicants for owner—membership in the Parks. The method now in vogue is to limit such membership entirely to couples and families. Opportunities for interested persons to visit the Park are male available upon prior correspondence.

The element of cost in any case attaching; to such owner-membership is actually of secondary importance, since lots may be secured from $69.50 up depending upon location, and payment for same may be adjusted to meet the needs of any applicant who is able to meet the standards of requirement now in force. Correspondence in regard to these matters is cordially solicited. In order that interested persons may the more readily become acquainted with the work that we are doing and the nature of our enterprise, provision has been made for shorter or longer visits in the Park by approved persons after correspondence and at rates that would make it possible for any such persons to enjoy a brief stay with us.

We begin this our fourth season with approximately 1/4 of all available lots taken up, electricity is in, as is available, streets are being cut through, and owner—members are erecting permanent, all year—round homes in the community. The Park is an ideal area for sunbathing with plenty of choice of sun or shade, while the healthful and invigorating climate is exactly the same as has made Atlantic City famous. The supervision of the enterprise by the American Sunbathing Association insures the desirable character of the enterprise and goes far toward assuring congenial associates.

Sunshine Park includes approximately one hundred acres of beautifully wooded and open land on the shores of the Great Egg Harbor River, located approximately 16 miles southwest of Atlantic City. Water frontage on the river is little less than one mile in length, and abundant opportunity is afforded for swimming, boating, and all other types of water sports. A five-acre sports field and a rambling log Club House, 40' x 44', afford ample opportunity for such sports on volley ball, tennis, badminton, table tennis, checkers, and similar recreational activities.

Why not make Sunshine Park your Park, either as a vacation retreat or as a year—round residence place?

The Park makes a special appeal to advocates of the life au natural. It is required of all owner—members of Sunshine Park that they maintain cooperative membership in the American Sunbathing Association. They may build, pitch a tent, or live trailer style, or use the sleeping and dining facilities furnished by the management. It is further called to the attention of visitors that a social balance between the number of men and women present in the Park is not only desirable, but is essential to the best social spirit. We therefore distinctly urge that persons desiring to visit the Park do so as families—father, mother, and children, or in suitably balanced social groups where the number of women visitors equals the number of men visitors. Only persons of the highest character in every respect are desired, either as guests or as owner—members, and any infraction of the rules of courtesy or gentlemanly behavior will make the perpetrator immediately liable to cancellation of all Park privileges.

Get any further information without delay and make your arrangements to spend at least part of your time in Sunshine Park. It is a fresh adventure into the larger freedom of body and mind. Address all inquiries to Sunshine Park, Inc., Mays Landing, New Jersey.