How Chicken Bone Beach Got Its Name

Between 1900 and the early 1950s, African-Americans were socially restricted to the Missouri Avenue Beach area, and because many vacationing Black families arrived with chicken-laden hampers, the strip became affectionately known as Chicken Bone Beach. Visiting Black entertainers including Sammy Davis, Jr., “Moms” Mabley, and the Club Harlem Showgirls added to its party atmosphere. Designated an Historical Landmark on August 6, 1997, Chicken Bone Beach survives as a symbol of family unity and African-American brotherhood. Captain William “Rube” Albouy served as a lifeguard from 1925 to 1955, and from 1947 to 1955 he headed a patrol of six lifeguards that assisted as many as 5,000 swimmers as the first Black captain.

Atlantic City, New Jersey · United States