This week we celebrate the beginning of Shark Week with articles found in NJ newspapers. Shark Week is a week long programming event that is aired on the Discovery Channel during the summer. It initially aired to correct misconceptions about sharks and devote towards conservation efforts. In commemoration of Shark Week, below shows images and stories of shark encounters publicized in New Jersey newspapers.
This nine-foot shark weighing 600 pounds was brought in by a hook off the Massachusetts coast after causing quite a fight! Image featured in July 27, 1923 Perth Amboy Evening News.
This article, featured in September 10, 1898 The Jersey City News, describes the stunning defeat of a shark by a woman named Marguerite Jarvis.
In July 1916, several shark attacks occurred at the Jersey shore, events that are believe to have inspired the plot for Jaws (dunnnnnnn…dun…..dunnnnnnnnnn….dun…dun…dun..dun…dun…dunnnnnnnnnnn..dun…). The shark first killed two swimmers at Beach Haven and Spring Lake.
The shark later attacked two boys and one young man at Matawan creek. The entire creek has been dragged and so far nothing was brought up. The net that was laid down was left undisturbed. The shark made his escape! The article above is featured in July 14, 1916 Perth Amboy Evening News.
The search is on to find the shark that killed a young boy, as mentioned in the article above featured in July 14, 1916 Perth Amboy Evening News. Rewards are being offered for capturing the shark.
About a week after the shark attack as Matawan creek, two men captured a shark, believing it was the infamous creature. The article above, featured in July 20, 1916 Perth Amboy Evening News, raises the question on proving
the identity of the captured shark. If only it was as easy as taking
fingerprints.
(Captured by Kristi Chanda)