Laurence Harbor, New Jersey
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| Laurence Harbor, New Jersey | |
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Jersey |
| County | Middlesex |
| Area | |
| - Total | 2.9 sq mi (7.5 km²) |
| - Land | 2.8 sq mi (7.3 km²) |
| - Water | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Elevation | 26 ft (8 m) |
| Population (2000) | |
| - Total | 6,227 |
| - Density | 2,210.3/sq mi (853.4/km²) |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST) (UTC-5) |
| - Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) |
| ZIP codes | 08878-08879 |
| Area code(s) | 732 |
| FIPS code | 34-39360[1] |
| GNIS feature ID | 0877695[2] |
Laurence Harbor is a census-designated place and unincorporated area located within Old Bridge Township, in Middlesex County, New Jersey. As of the United States 2000 Census, the CDP population was 6,227.
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[edit] Geography
Laurence Harbor is located at (40.450756, -74.245585)[3].
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.5 km² (2.9 mi²). 7.3 km² (2.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.2 km² (0.1 mi²) of it (2.08%) is water.
Laurence Harbor is named after land developer Laurence Lamb, who bought much of the town's property and subdivided it into bungalow-sized lots.[4] In the early 1920s this was the first real beach for many North Jersey residents and was once very popular saving a further trip to Keansburg or Asbury Park. It had a beachfront unlike today with a few eating establishments much closer to the shoreline.
This area was inhabited before the 1700s though not densely; always having commerce going through the Amboys harbor and inland along the waterways. The highpoint of the cliffs allowed a great strategic viewpoint of any ship traveling from the Atlantic or New York, all very visible, even with the naked eye. All of Staten Island's southern shore is directly in the beach's northwest view; as is the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge on a clear day, and Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn can also be seen.[4]
One mile northwest, across the Cheesequake Creek and the Morgan Bridge is Morgan. Named after the 1703 family and the cousins of the infamous Pirate Captain Henry Morgan. This family had 645 acres here.
[edit] Environment
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There is hardly any old growth trees in all of the Jersey Shore, because it was used for lumber and fuel. Especially Laurence Harbor, a section of land that grows up to about 70' above sea level at its peak. Surrounded by the marshes on its other three sides. For this reason, it was an easy source of wood which fueled many nearby brick yards and the once very famous clay sources and kilns nearby in Morgan/Sayreville for the pottery market. Industry and population growth weighed very heavily on the trees in the area and it is very hard to find an old red, scarlet, pin oaks and Sycamores even reaching 70 years. Laurence Harbor may have a few reaching only 9'-11' circumference by comparison. Belvedere also has an old white oak known as The Shoe Tree, reportedly well over 200 years old. Many species die after 120 years so it is eventual that some do reach maturity. But many will never return to their multi-century potential that graced the coast a few hundred years ago.
Real estate in Laurence Harbor is inexpensive when compared to anywhere else around it in all three directions.[4] It was often considered a bit underclass because of its high working class and retiree population. For that reason however, is why it is a bargain if you like the particular homes and area.
The railroad divided the town's land mass after the 1900s when the train route cut a gap that was about 700 yards long through the east and west halves of town. Everyone in town has called the eastern half, nearer Route 35 'The Front'. It is here that one can catch a bus; eventually to anywhere.
Fishing and hunting were very accessible right here in town before the 1950s. Deer were always still around from Cheesequake State Park area. The marsh provided for eel & crab.
Pollution began in the area early. Water quality on the nearby marshes were already being damaged before the 1940s war era. The water table and health concerns only first became an issue in the early 1970s, a little late, but a beginning nonetheless. Water during the 1950s coming out of the tap was tinted orange and had a very heavy iron taste possibly copper. The petrochemical and paint industry were just miles away. The United States Government had an armory nearby and is responsible for tons of munitions waste nearby. World War I and World War II residue was dumped at the mouth of the Raritan River in Perth/South Amboy.
[edit] Demographics
| Historical populations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1990 | 6,361 |
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| 2000 | 6,227 | -2.1% | |
| source: [5] | |||
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 6,227 people, 2,286 households, and 1,634 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 852.6/km² (2,210.3/mi²). There were 2,362 housing units at an average density of 323.4/km² (838.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 90.65% White, 3.57% African American, 0.22% Native American, 2.20% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.64% from other races, and 1.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.86% of the population.
There were 2,286 households out of which 34.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.6% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.5% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.25.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 25.6% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 34.9% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 104.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.1 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $57,997, and the median income for a family was $61,470. Males had a median income of $46,439 versus $30,918 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $23,619. About 4.3% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.2% of those under age 18 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] References
- ^ a b American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ US Board on Geographic Names. United States Geological Survey (2007-10-25). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990. United States Census Bureau (2005-05-03). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ a b c Cheslow, " LIVING IN/Laurence Harbor, N.J.; An Old Haunt Re-emerges on Raritan Bay", The New York Times, December 26, 2004. Accessed May 15, 2007. "A two-square-mile enclave in Old Bridge Township, Laurence Harbor comprises mainly compact two- and three-bedroom winterized bungalows built in the 20's and 30's on 25- or 50-by-100-foot lots, and is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in New Jersey's booming Middlesex County.... Laurence Harbor is named for Laurence Lamb, a turn-of-the-20th-century entrepreneur who established a 400-acre shorefront golf and country club on the site."
- ^ Population Finder: Laurence Harbor CDP, New Jersey. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2007-03-18.
[edit] External links
- Laurence Harbor, New Jersey is at coordinates Coordinates:
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