In March 6th-8th of 1962, Avalon was rocked with one of the most devastating storms to hit the east coast. Below are images of the storm damage donated to the Avalon History Center by Jim Thatcher.

“Ninth and beach. This house was built the previous year by a building contractor. There were large dunes in his front yard, so he had them plowed down to improve the view. He also build on the cheap, on a slab, with pilings around the perimeter only. When the waves undermined the slab, the whole first floor fell out with all the furniture. We walked under the house and looked up to the second floor.” – Jim Thatcher
62storm 6r – is the Stone Harbor Women’s Civic Club @ 96th st. The Tides Motel is in the background.
I remember coming down to open our house on 34th street in April and cleaning nonstop. I was 4 years old and probably got in the way more than helped. I also have vivid memories of the beached houses; they haunted my dreams for years! And driving to the Sea Isle inlet to see the drowned streets: washing machines and cars still visible in the tide.