Chicken Bone Beach

Vintage African American Photography



Barbara Herbert, Mildred Smith and Joan Berry
on Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Barbara Herbert, Mildred Smith and Joan Berry on Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Herbert (Left), Smith (Center), and Berry (Right) posed on Chicken Bone Beach. Chicken Bone Beach was the segregated section for African Americans on Atlantic City's beach area. Between 1900 and the early 1950s, African Americans were socially restricted to use the Missouri Avenue Beach Area. Since many vacationing Black families arrived with chicken-laden hampers, the strip became affectionately named "Chicken Bone Beach." Circa. 1940's










1950's bathing beauties on Chicken Bone beach. Mrs. Edith Green (l.) !!!!

Four African American women and a young boy posing on Chicken Bone Beach. Between 1900 and the early 1950s, African Americans were socially restricted to use the Missouri Avenue Beach Area. Since many vacationing Black families arrived with chicken-laden hampers, the strip became affectionately named “Chicken Bone Beach.” Circa. 1950s Photo Credit: The Temple University Urban Archives




The women on the left is Mrs. Edith Green. I believe Mrs. Green is still living and still looks fantastic. We attended the same church; St. Augustine of Atlantic City. I believe this is Missouri avenue Beach affectionately called by some the "Chickenbone Beach" - William Demones 9/2/15






1960's bathing beauties

I remember this era. Negro women wore elegance and any education they had close to their composure. It was a defense for the times. It controlled men's action and dictated behavior for younger women and let each woman live up to their family names. - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 9/2/15