Years ago there were many more small businesses in New Gretna then there are now. Many were in operation over a long period of time and are well remembered. Others were in existence for shorter periods of time and have long been forgotten. Allen's Dock fits into the former category, while Larry's Dock fits into the latter. Many New Gretna natives would have a tough time remembering Larry's small boat rental, fishing, and crabbing establishment.
The following present day aerial maps show the location of Larry's Dock. It was located on Old New York Road (Rt. 9) just before the old iron bridge spanning the Mullica River to Port Republic.
Bird's eye view showing Larry's Dock in relation to New Gretna.
Closeup view of Larry's Dock location.
The following photo shows Larry's Dock location from the Mullica River looking toward New Gretna.
August 25, 2009 photo by Pete Stemmer.
Larry's Dock was adjacent to the old iron bridge on the Bass River side.
I believe that Larry's Dock was in operation around the late 1950s and early 1960s. The following advertisement is from a 1963 New Gretna PTA Minstrel Show program.
Another advertisement was given to me by a respected Tuckerton historian who shall remain anonymous. The advertising booklet is somewhat risque, so it is not reproduced below in its entirety. Should you wish to view it, CLICK ON THE PARTIAL AD CLIPPING BELOW. Use your browser's BACK ARROW to return to the Blog. If you are easily offended, please do not click on the ad, as you may find it objectionable. Children under the age of 18 should not click on the ad. It's rated "M", for mature audiences only. And remember that I don't make history, I just report it.
 |
Unfortunately, I don't know much about Larry, his business, or his performance on the lie detector test. I don't even know Larry's last name. I'm hoping that some New Gretna old timer reads this Blog entry and provides some recollection or other information via email or in the comments section below.
Keep on smiling!
Pete S