Long Beach Island. Picturing Long Beach Island, with Price Guide for postcards by Glenn D. Koch.

Schiffer, 2007. Pictorial boards, like new except short closed tear in dust jacket near top of spine. Dust jacket identical to cover of book. Illustrated with numerous LBI postcards, for which estimated values are provided, ranging from a few dollars to more than $300.  Considerable historical information also provided about the development of the area, hotels, etc.  Subjects: New Jersey; Jersey Shore; Postcards; Beach Haven, Barnegat; Little Egg Harbor; Brant Beach; Ship Bottom; Arlington; Harvey Cedars; Loveladies.  Issued at $39.95. Summary:

Picturing Long Beach Island (2007) is a specialized historical and philatelic study by Glenn D. Koch that chronicles the visual history of the New Jersey barrier island through the medium of the picture postcard. Part local history and part collector's manual, the book serves as a definitive resource for those interested in the evolution of LBI.

Core Components

1. Visual History of LBI

The book features hundreds of high-quality reproductions of vintage postcards, documenting the island's development from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. Key areas covered include:

• Lost Architecture: Images of grand Victorian hotels and early cottages that have since been destroyed by storms or modern development.

• Maritime Heritage: Documentation of the Barnegat Lighthouse ("Old Barney"), life-saving stations, and the various iterations of the Causeway bridge.

• Coastal Life: Scenes of early bathers, fishing fleets, and the legendary "Tucker's Island," which eventually succumbed to the sea.

2. The Price Guide

A unique feature of this volume is the inclusion of a comprehensive Price Guide for collectors. Koch provides:

• Valuation Metrics: Current market values based on rarity, condition, and the specific era of the postcard (e.g., Real Photo postcards vs. lithographs).

• Checklists: An organized system to help collectors identify missing pieces in their own LBI collections.

3. Chronological Mapping

The book is organized geographically and chronologically, allowing readers to "walk" down the island from Barnegat Light in the north to Holgate in the south. This layout illustrates how specific towns—like Beach Haven and Ship Bottom—transformed from isolated fishing outposts into bustling summer resorts.

Key Themes

• The Golden Age of Postcards: The book highlights the period between 1900 and 1920 when postcards were the primary way visitors communicated their vacation experiences.

• Environmental Change: Through the comparison of old images and contemporary knowledge, Koch illustrates the vulnerability and shifting nature of the island’s shoreline.

• Preservation through Documentation: The book acts as an archival "rescue" of the island's social history, preserving the likeness of landmarks that no longer exist.

Summary Takeaway

Picturing Long Beach Island is an essential archival tool for historians and a "bible" for postcard collectors. Glenn D. Koch successfully combines a nostalgic trip down memory lane with the practical, technical data needed to assess the value and rarity of LBI ephemera.