DescriptionThis photograph shows the Egg Harbor City Skating Rink which was located between Cincinnati and Buffalo Avenues on Atlantic Street. In Egg Harbor City, NJ. It was a W.P.A project built during the Great Depression. Over the years, the concrete slabs settled and cracked making it difficult to use. This photo was taken in April 1988, shortly before it was demolished and leveled in preparation for becoming a parking lot across Atlantic Street from the NJ Transit train station.
The original demolition was called for as part of the environmental clean-up caused by the gas plant that occupied the space bewteen the rink and Buffalo Avenue. It was found that organic componds such as benzene and toluene were being produced there and had polluted the ground water and was spreading throughout the city. South Jersey Industries was the successor of the gas company and became liable for the clean-up. This included digging a large hole into the ground and having the contaminated earth sterilized in a fluidized bend furnace before returning the soil to the hole. In addition, several wells were installed to pump water into the ground and forced the polluted water to a central well head where the water was cleaned up and pumped back into the ground.
The buildings in the background were once part of the Nurre Mirror Company. Nurre bought the property following the fire that destroyed Liberty Cut Glass. Pembroke Clothing Company also occupied part of the building, making overcoats for the U.S Navy and U.S Air Force.
CollectionEgg Harbor City Historical Society Photographs
Organization NameEgg Harbor City Historical Society
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