By Paul Goldfinger, MD, Editor Blogfinger.net
Isn’t it interesting? There is no mention in this ad of “Christian Seaside Resort,” “OG Camp Meeting Association,” religious programs, Sunday closures, or “blue laws.” Is it possible that the 1938 CMA/Ocean Grove was less religious than now? Or is this merely nuanced advertising?
Instead the sales pitch in this ad includes: safety, playground, no saloons, no mosquitoes, “invigorating breezes,” “congenial aquaintances,” “clear open lawn and boardwalk,” and the vague promise of “re-creating mind, body and spirit.”
They do call themselves “God’s Country” but how about a definition of what that means? You could visit Montana or Jersey City and call it “God’s Country,” without any actual religious identity.
It looks like the CMA, despite its governance in 1938, lacked sufficient influence to put its true identity out front in advertising Ocean Grove. Were they embarrassed to call a spade a spade? (Oh, no card playing on Sunday either.)
THE KODOKS. (What the heck avenue does Kodok mean?)
The earliest usage of “God’s Square Mile” I could find was in a 6 Jun. 1930 account of a dinner for religious workers. It was spoken by M. E. Snyder, the Superintendent of the Association.
Many ads of OG mention its being a place of safety for women and children. It makes one wonder what was going on in other places.
David H. Fox