Group: Iconic ‘Judge’s Shack’ could be destroyed in next big storm

<p>An iconic piece of the Jersey Shore could be destroyed by a bad storm, according to a New Jersey group.</p>

News 12 Staff

Oct 3, 2018, 12:59 AM

Updated 2,031 days ago

Share:

An iconic piece of the Jersey Shore could be destroyed by a bad storm, according to a New Jersey group.
The Judge’s Shack is a 108-year-old sportsman shack nestled in the sand dunes in Island Beach State Park. It is one of the most photographed spots in New Jersey and has appeared in L.L. Bean catalogues and in calendars.
The nonprofit group Friends of the Judge’s Shack says that the building is in danger of being destroyed if New Jersey experiences another large storm. The group works with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to care for Judge’s Shack.
“It's a rare survivor of a type. It's probably the best preserved sportsman's fishing shack on the coast,” says group member Bill Bolger. “There are a couple in museums. But this is really unusual to have one that's never been modernized, never been transformed in any way.”
The Judge’s Shack was built in 1911. In 1942 it was bought by Richard Hartshorne, a federal judge from East Orange for $200. The judge renovated it to make it a weekend family retreat. The Hartshorne family used it until the early 2000s, and then turned the deed over to the nonprofit group.
The Judge’s Shack and the sand dunes are off limits to the public for visits because they are not sturdy enough. There are some thoughts about moving the shack to a safe spot.
Bolger says that the shack could be in danger of a storm. He says that the surf line was 100 feet farther away when the shack was first built.
“A good nor’easter could take this out. What happens in the end, I think is particularly up to nature,” he says.
Although the shack is off limits to the public, the DEP does lead weekly moonlight hikes near it in the summer. Those hikes include a bonfire on the beach and a discussion of the shack’s history.


More from News 12
NJ Forest Fire Service: 510-acre wildfire in Wharton State Forest now 100% contained

NJ Forest Fire Service: 510-acre wildfire in Wharton State Forest now 100% contained

1:53
Plenty of sunshine today with cooler temps for New Jersey; freeze watch until Friday

Plenty of sunshine today with cooler temps for New Jersey; freeze watch until Friday

0:20
NJ Transit rail service into and out of Penn Station New York delayed due to overhead power issues

NJ Transit rail service into and out of Penn Station New York delayed due to overhead power issues

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:50
Threatening message found at Dwight-Englewood middle school

Threatening message found at Dwight-Englewood middle school

New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

2:27
How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

0:25
Asbury Park man sentenced to 40 years in prison for 2021 home invasion, sex assault

Asbury Park man sentenced to 40 years in prison for 2021 home invasion, sex assault

0:26
Union police searching for missing 60-year-old man last seen at Whole Foods parking lot

Union police searching for missing 60-year-old man last seen at Whole Foods parking lot

0:24
Fanwood police warn of possible concert ticket scams on Facebook

Fanwood police warn of possible concert ticket scams on Facebook

0:36
New Jersey Instagram fraudster 'Jay Mazini' sentenced for his crypto scheme that preyed on Muslims

New Jersey Instagram fraudster 'Jay Mazini' sentenced for his crypto scheme that preyed on Muslims

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Your Road Trip Close to Home adventure guide for April 25

Your Road Trip Close to Home adventure guide for April 25

1:13
The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

2:54
Longtime Democratic US Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65 following heart attack

Longtime Democratic US Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65 following heart attack

0:56
Passaic to get $1.6M in federal funds to reduce flash flooding where 2 people died

Passaic to get $1.6M in federal funds to reduce flash flooding where 2 people died

2:56
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend New Jersey woman's life

Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend New Jersey woman's life

0:43
Jersey Proud: Manchester HS students teach older generation about tech

Jersey Proud: Manchester HS students teach older generation about tech

2:23
'The tower is an eyesore.' Demolition of former Nabisco factory tower set to begin after 1-year delay

'The tower is an eyesore.' Demolition of former Nabisco factory tower set to begin after 1-year delay

1:03
Rep. Gottheimer announces another attempt to put an end to NYC’s congestion pricing plan

Rep. Gottheimer announces another attempt to put an end to NYC’s congestion pricing plan