The Villas began to develop as a resort destination in the early 1900s. The first bungalows were built in the 1910s, attracting tourists from cities like Philadelphia and New York. The town was officially renamed “Villas” in 1931. Following World War II, the area saw significant development as developers built modest homes for returning veterans. The Villas became a popular summer home destination for many blue-collar Philadelphians.
The Villas began to develop as a resort destination in the early 1900s. The first bungalows were built in the 1910s, attracting tourists from cities like Philadelphia and New York. The town was officially renamed “Villas” in 1931. Following World War II, the area saw significant development as developers built modest homes for returning veterans. The Villas became a popular summer home destination for many blue-collar Philadelphians.
Today, The Villas is a quiet residential community with a small-town atmosphere. It’s known for its natural beauty, including the Delaware Bay shoreline and stunning sunsets. The area is home to historical landmarks like the Fishing Creek Schoolhouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While it has evolved from its whaling and resort days, The Villas maintains its identity as a peaceful community with a rich history.
We will be researching, collecting, and interpreting a variety of historical materials to bring this story to life with support from a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.
Here are the deliverables for the Project
- Exhibit at Fishing Creek School on history of the Villas, later to become part of rotating exhibits at the Foster House
- Collection of oral histories of the township, video to be shown at celebration
- Community celebration at Mulligan park/field (in the Villas) for residents and visitorsfeaturing exhibit and oral history video