Books about Long Beach Island by Margaret Thomas Buchholz

Books about Long Beach Island by  Margaret Thomas Buchholz

Explore Margaret Thomas Buchholz’s captivating books about Long Beach Island. Dive into the rich history and beauty of LBI.

 Margaret Thomas Buchholz was the editor of “The Beachcomber” from 1955 to 1987. The Beachcomber was a free weekly newspaper with articles about the history of Long Beach Island as well as current events on LBI. In the days before the internet, The Beachcomber was the canonical source of information as to what was happening. You could find everything from tide tables to fishing reports and boats for sale.

Here are some of the books that she authored over the years


The Long Beach Island Reader Paperback – May 22, 2015

Explore the timeless charm of Long Beach Island through an enchanting collection of over sixty captivating essays and stories, transporting you from the 1930s to the 2000s. Immerse yourself in this meticulously curated anthology that embraces the heart of Long Beach Island. Dive into tales of carefree childhoods by the shore, thrilling journeys to the coast, lively summer beach parties, memorable summer jobs, exhilarating fishing and sailing adventures, the thrill of surfing, vibrant nightlife, the drama of storms, and the joy of beachcombing. Discover extraordinary accounts, including the infamous beach whale explosion, chilling shark encounters, sightings of a mysterious sea serpent, and the daring adventures of aquaplanes. Delve into the island’s natural history, exploring the world of terrapins, horseshoe crabs, and conservation efforts. These stories, selected from thousands published over five decades in the weekly Beachcombe, offer a rich tapestry of Long Beach Island life that goes beyond the surface, inviting you to truly savor its unique character.

[Summary] More than sixty captivating essays and stories spanning seven decades transport readers to Long Beach Island’s heart. This anthology reflects the island’s essence, from childhood memories to thrilling adventures, natural wonders, and unforgettable moments, carefully chosen from decades of publications in the Beachcomber weekly.


New Jersey Shipwrecks: 350 Years in the Graveyard of the Atlantic Hardcover – October 30, 2004

Presents accounts of shipwrecks and their aftermath on the New Jersey shore, from the seventeenth century through 1987.

See our shipwrecks article for maps and information regarding local shipwrecks.


Island Album: Photographs & Memories of Long Beach Island Paperback – June 6, 2014

Explore the captivating history of Long Beach Island in this deluxe softcover edition, akin to a cherished family photo album. This nostalgic journey features the island’s evolution from its early days of pound fishing and grand hotels to candid moments of fishermen, vibrant summer waitresses, and carefree children at play. Teenagers’ timeless antics, the architectural transformation of island homes, and the island’s profound significance are eloquently conveyed through a decade of interviews. Immerse yourself in the enduring charm of Long Beach Island through this heartfelt tribute, sure to resonate with both lifelong enthusiasts and newcomers to this special destination. Discover Long Beach Island’s rich history by clicking the Amazon ad link below.


Josephine: From Washington Working Girl to Fisherman’s Wife, A Memoir 1917-1959 Paperback – July 17, 2023

Learn about Josephine Lehman Thomas, a pioneering woman who ventured to Washington, D.C. during World War I, well before women gained the right to vote in the United States. Her daughter, Margaret Thomas Buchholz, shares her story through diaries and letters. Josephine worked with journalist Lowell Thomas, traveled the world, and then faced the Great Depression on a New Jersey island. This narrative reflects the early 20th-century optimism, the rise of professional women, adventure travel, success, economic hardship, and the eventual discovery of happiness by the sea. Get the book on Amazon to uncover this captivating history.


Long Beach Island Chronicles Paperback – August 1, 2018

This collection features a curated selection of outstanding writing from various publications like The SandPaper and The Beachcomber, offering a glimpse into the shared experience of Long Beach Island, appealing to both locals and tourists. It comprises over 70 accounts that capture the essence of life on the island, including the joys of beachside summers, the changing seasons, historical anecdotes, and environmental insights. The collection covers a wide range of topics, from landmarks and ice cream to fishing, sailing, surfing, rescues, and entertainment, providing a rich tapestry of Long Beach Island life.

The collection is divided into five sections, each exploring different aspects of LBI life: “Up and Down the Island,” “On the Water,” “Night Beat,” “Island Storms,” “The Environment,” and “Way Back When.” These sections delve into the island’s vibrant summer culture, surfing history, tales of rumrunners, beachcombing adventures, the history of a threatened lighthouse, experiences during severe storms, the island’s music and club scene, and the pleasures of summer crowds. In summary, this compilation offers a delightful and diverse snapshot of life on Long Beach Island.


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