Mantoloking Shores Property Owners Association

What we call Mantoloking Shores was, for most of its history, a mud flat.  Today, we more often use the word “wetlands.”   A mini building boom happened with the coming of the railroads in the late 1800s, and early 1900s, interest in these 17 acres labeled “Happiness” was minimal. It was not until after World War II that a developer from Brick, named Ramon LeCompte, acquired the property.  The barrier island began to develop with the general growth of prosperity and interest in moving out of the cities that occurred during the 50s and 60s.  LeCompte and his partner Judge Albert Larabee of Lakewood proceeded to create our lagoons by dredging the property and also by dredging some sand from Barnegat Bay. Although this development process probably could not be done today, it was not uncommon then. Most of the dredging was done between 1956 and 1976.

 

Little by little, 300 building lots were created and homes were built.  LeCompte was a strong-handed developer, creating a list of rules for how the homes in our community were to be built. LeCompte remained in the area, enforcing what he believed were rules in the best interest of Mantoloking Shores.  The early residents created a homeowners association to further advance and advocate for our community.  It continues to this day, doing similar civic-minded jobs.

 

Early residents of Mantoloking Shores tended to be older retired folks. A strong bond of community grew. As time moved on, newer residents used the community as a second home. During that transition period, many young parents with young children moved in, and daily life during the summer was vibrant and active.  Today, many homes are used as weekend retreats. There still exists a strong social element to our culture.

 

As has happened in most of New Jersey’s homes outside of the cities, Mantoloking Shores has become an affluent, upscale shore community. It biggest challenge today is rebuilding after the devastation of Super Storm Sandy.  That process will probably take many more years, and the physical appearance of our community will change.  However, the 17 acres of sledge know as “Happiness” has provided just that to generations of mariners, anglers and bathers who have had their wishes fulfilled in Mantoloking Shores.

 

(Much of this information was taken from the History of Mantoloking Shores written by Lou Vetter. Those interested readers who wish more details can find our history published in our community handbook or read the full story by clicking Here: " A Sedge Called Happiness")