In the romance of the Middle Ages “Avalon” was the name of an island in the ocean, a castle of loadstone upon it “not far from this side of Paradise”. It was known as the “Island of the Blest”. “Avalon” was believed to be the home of the magical Oberton, King of the Fairies. The name Avalon was given to “7 Mile Beach” and purchased in 1722 from it’s British owner for $380.00. The name perfectly reflects what many have come to associate this island jewel with- a magical haven to escape to every summer season.

In the late 19th Century we saw a small area known as Stone Harbor, named for an English sea captain who found refuge here, begin to change. Thanks to the vision of The Risley brothers who purchased the area in 1905, they created the Stone Harbor we know today. In 1911 The Risley’s South Jersey Realty Company coordinated the dredging of three new basins, created surfaced streets and established water and sewer systems. The development of the "Ocean Parkway" now known as Stone Harbor Boulevard, connected the mainland to this wonderful resort that many flock to summer after summer - all thanks to the Risley Family!