By Mari D’Albora Dattolo
Ninety years ago, Mays Landing made news in the New York Times with the opening of Sunshine Park. Located on a riverfront tract on Mays Landing-Somers Point Road, it became a weekend getaway for as many as 750 practicing nudist families. Men, women and children would stay in cabins, enjoying the natural sunbathing, swimming pool, playing tennis, using the sauna, whirlpool and playing miniature golf. Most people would gather in the evenings before the mosquitoes would start biting and play volleyball. Older members would watch from the sidelines and also play bocce and shuffleboard. Although the park was for families, it also attracted showgirls from Atlantic City who were looking for full body tans. Crowds of people were also attracted by the $14 per couple weekend rate.
The famous nudist park was co-founded in the 1930s during the heyday of the naturalist movement by Dr. Ilsley Boone, referred to as “Uncle Danny,” a minister and geologist. He published the first American nudist magazine, The Nudist, which later became Sunshine & Health. The magazine was published by his Sunshine Publishing Company.
The park was purchased in the early 1960’s by psychologist Oliver York for $120,000. In it’s last years, the property drew the interest of a casino owner who offered $2 million, however a sale did not materialize. Eventually neighbors became critical of Sunshine Park, insisting township officials crack down on the facility, citing health violations for overwhelmed sanitary systems. A judge eventually ordered the park closed in 1983. In end the property was left to be reclaimed by nature.
