Nudists Flock to New Jersey

New York's Loss — New Jersey's Gain

DUE to the recent agitation in New York relative to nudistic activities, great numbers of nudists are flocking to New Jersey where many new camps are being inaugurated. Camps, formerly in New Jersey, are making many improvements and arrangements to take care of greater numbers than before. The situation is not particularly acute in New York, but many of the leaders have decided to pitch their tents in Jersey this summer and await developments.

All of those interviewed have voiced the opinion that it is extremely doubtful whether the practice of nudism may be stopped in any state—the movement having taken too great a hold, and the general consensus of feeling being that if there is any interference in one locality, it will simply mean that the nudists will move to another locale. This opinion seems to have a basis from the fact that where certain classes have been suppressed in the larger cities and interfered with in one locality, they have always moved to and settled in another, and authorities realizing their inability to cope with the situation, have in many cities segregated certain classes and limited them to definite boundary lines. This may be the solution of nudist camps in this country, and some such arrangement will, no doubt, be affected if the necessity should arise in the near future.

The movement in Germany, Sweden and other foreign countries has experienced, even to a greater degree, similar difficulties and adverse criticism than is now taking place in this country, but with the patience borne of high ideals and knowledge in the fact that they were right, nudists have overcome all obstacles and flourished to a remarkable extent, especially in Germany, where there has been created by actual scientific investigation a stronger and a much healthier set of men, women and children.

Extensive preparations have been made by The American Gymnosphical Society, at Stockholm, Sussex County, Northern New Jersey, for the summer season, their official opening a short time ago having been most auspicious. The grounds are extensive, there is, a beautiful lake, deep and sparkling—two fine buildings, one a fire-proof massive castle. There are porcelain bathtubs, showers, soft beds and comfortable cots, as well as substantial and reasonably priced meals. This camp, situated at Rock Lodge, will admit upon proper credentials, desirable guests and non-members, providing the guests sign a pledge and are vouched for as to their respectability. There are tent-sites and dormitories available, the latter having hot and cold running water. The camp under Dr. Herman Soshinski affords physical culture exercises, games, swimming under expert guidance, dances, lectures on scientific subjects and congenial company.

Four other organized nudist groups have leased ground at Pinebrook, New Jersey, approximately eight miles from Red Bank, and plan to begin operations early in June.

The Roxana Health Club is one of the latest groups to acquire acreage and has started construction of a swimming pool, tennis courts, golf course and a dormitory which will accommodate 150.

There will also be another new camp at Oakland, New Jersey, this summer, which we understand has considerable financial backing and intends to afford their members and guests a maximum in return for an apparently minimum charge. There is no definite information at this writing as to whether camps formerly located in New York State will operate this summer, although it is rather the opinion of the writer of this article that one of the largest projects of its kind, located at Highland, New York, and which represents the expenditure of a vast sum, will continue its activities under some arrangement or plan.