Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1910-10-06
SQUAT1ERS ARE
PREPARING TO GO
Cabin Dwellers Will Leave
Chicory Park.
A SCORE OF THEM.
Must Leave a Place that Seemed
for Years to Be Public
Domain.

There are good many people who
do not know where Chicory Park is
Many folks have never even heard of
the place. But Chicory Park has
been a place where people have gath
cred for years, and many have looked
!. upon 1t as public domain whepe they
had rights that could not be dis
turbed.
Chicory Park belongs to the Central
Railroad Company. The corporation
gave to the city of Bridgeton $500 for
the nearly four acres comprising the
property. 1t is located north of the
Central railroad trestle bridge, is
bounded on the west by the winding
Cohansey river, on the east by the
Central railroad, and extends north
ward to the south line of the Cumber-
land Glass Company's plant
Chicory Park is down upon the
water level, deep descent from the
level of tn Central railroad embank-
ment. 1t is hidden by heavy shrub
berry and trees, and is really rather a
pretty place in its natural beauty.
For many years it has been a favor
able place for outdoor life. Here the
youngsters have gathered and bathed
in the river in the garb of nature.
Many have been the parties who have
had lunches and famous stewbangs,
who have gathered there. And more
than score of cabin dwellers have
squatted upon the property and have
been living the simple life, near to
natures heart, wholly free from any
molestation. Chicory Park is not so
far removed fom civilization, but it is
cut off entirely from any contact with
These cabin homes are largely
house boats. Some times in the years
agone, these boats were floated up
the river and beached. Changing tides
have produced an entirely different
course for the river channel and now
these cabins are a great distance
from the shore. How they can be re-
moved is a problem that the forty or
more people who live in them, have
not yet solved.
Bill Massey is trying to get in shape
to get off the railroad property. His
house boat is nearer the water than
any OF the others, but the bottom of
the hulk is open and it certainly will
not float. Massey has worked some
within the past week building a scow
bottom upon which he will attempt
to place his cabin and if he meets
with success, he will launch his prom
erty and float off to the high water
mark, where he declares he will re-
main under the laws of navigation.
Massey claims to have inside in
formation to the effect that the rail-
road company will not use this prom
erty for 25 years, if ever, and he feels
that the corporation is doing a wrong
in forcing the cabin dwellers to va
cate.
Some of the cabins are rather elab-
crate affairs, while others are much
more modest. In these places men
live their lives without many of the
conveniences of modern homes, but
they appear to be we'll satisfied.
Sometimes there is revelry at Chicory
Park. They have their social gather
ings and usually the enthusiasm is
helped along with barrel of beer
Chicory Park has also quite a repu-
tation of being the home of poker
players and many a quiet game is
pulled off there
The railroad company proposes to
change the entire situation at the
Park. All of the trees are to be cut
down and the shrubbery cut, away
The low land will be filled in and
branch tracks and switches will be
placed which will give much greater
facilities for the company's increasing
business.