Avalon and Stone Harbor have always been communities of transformation – shaped by tides, time, and the people who call them home. This summer, the Avalon Historical Society takes a meaningful step to honor that legacy with the launch of the Avalon Historical Marker Program.

The program will annually recognize people, places, and events that have made a lasting impact on Avalon’s story. Nominations are submitted by the public, and final selections are made through a blind vote by longtime Avalon residents and visitors. This ensures the process reflects the collective memory and pride of the community.

The inaugural class of honorees includes the Avalon Pier, the Avalon Swing Bridge, and William Tozour Jr.

Originally built in 1929 at 29th Street, the Avalon Pier was once one of the East Coast’s premier entertainment destinations. It housed the Avalon Theatre – a 500-seat movie house – as well as a luncheonette, showers and changing rooms, a fishing pier, and a second-floor ballroom that hosted dances, holiday events, and lifeguard balls. The Pier, also home to shops like Marion’s Pokerino and Avalon Skee Ball, remained a hub of social life until its demolition in 1981.

The Avalon Swing Bridge opened on July 4, 1929, serving as the first bridge to bring vehicular traffic into town. Unlike today’s lift bridges, it was hand-cranked to swing open for passing boats. It opened the door – literally – to Avalon’s rapid development and established 21st Street as the town’s original entrance until Avalon Boulevard was rerouted in 1969.

Finally, it’s only fitting that William “Bill” Tozour Jr. becomes the first individual to be honored. Known by many as one of “the men who built Avalon,” Tozour grew up in town and never left. Alongside partner Dave Kerr, his firm Tozour-Kerr Builders constructed nearly 1,000 homes and commercial buildings. He also opened Avalon’s first large-scale real estate agency and dedicated decades of service to the Avalon Board of Education and the Avalon Fire Company.

The Historical Marker Program ensures that these stories – and those to come – are preserved for future generations. Each year, new honorees will be celebrated, chosen by the very people who continue to shape Avalon’s legacy with their love for this unique shore town.