In November of 1914, the New York Tribune, cooperating with Mr. Bertram Chapman Mayo (founder of Beachwood) issued an "Extra" announcing
"Subscribe to the New York Tribune and secure a lot at Beautiful Beachwood. Act at once, secure your lot in this Summer Paradise now!"
This was the greatest premium offered by a newspaper - nothing equal to it was ever attempted in the United States.
Mr. Mayo, a resourceful, imaginative man who had successfully "founded" four (4) other communities between California and New Jersey (Browns Mills) before he came upon Beachwood. Each was founded in a similar manner.
Trainloads of prospective buyers were met at the railroad station and taken by "automobile" to select their lots in the 1763 available acres. After a successful morning transacting business, they were taken down to the beach for an afternoon of "free lunch" and family fun.
By 1915 a clubhouse, yacht club, pier, bathhouse, railroad station, and a 37 room lodge were available to house the new residents. Ninety-three (93) cottages had been built by then as well.
By 1917 the community had grown substantially and the desire to strike out on its own became prevalent. On March 22, 1917, by the legislation of the State of New Jersey, Beachwood was an Incorporated municipality.
By 1919 population exploded to 1200 summer residents, and by 1960 it boasted a year-round population of 2,774, quite a jump. Current (90' census) puts the number at nearly 10,000.
A rural, residential community, boasting two schools, Beachwood Elementary, and Intermediate South
(Toms River Regional School District) soon to be the home of Ocean County's newest park, "Jakes Branch Park".
Municipal Complex
Beachwood Municipal Complex1600 Pinewald Road
Originally governed under the Commission form of government, the municipality had a Special Election on June 20, 1967, submitting a question to the voters to change from the Walsh Act to a Borough Form of Government. The result of this election was favorable upon the Borough Form of Government. Mayor and 6 Council Members elected at large were sworn into office on January 1, 1968, at the Boroughs Re-Organization meeting. All Council serve a 3-year term and during every general election, two (2) Council seats are voted upon. The Mayor serves a 4-year term.
For more information about the current Borough Government please see our Borough Government menu.