The Jersey Shore Beachcomber: A Passion for Treasure Hunting by the Sea

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‘Kris is a retired attorney and avid beachcomber who lives at the Jersey Shore. Kris shares how she first discovered the joys of beachcombing and mudlarking about a decade ago after buying a home by the coast. She has since developed a deep passion for seeking out unique and historical treasures along the shoreline, from Seaglass to vintage artifacts’.

Background

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Hi, everyone! My name is Kris, better known as @jerseyshorebeachcomber on Instagram. I’m a retired attorney and live in New Jersey with my husband.

Beachcombing and Mudlarking is not an all too common outdoor activity. Can you tell us how you first got into this activity?

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About ten years ago, we bought a house at the Jersey shore. I started walking on the beach and discovered Seaglass! I began collecting pretty pieces of frosted Seaglass and it became a passion of mine. When I joined Instagram, I began meeting a wonderful community of fellow beachcombers and mudlarkers.

I began exploring different beaches in both New Jersey and New York City. I try to get out about once a week, depending on the weather and tides. It’s a year-round hobby. When I go to the beach, I live in the moment. I’m not thinking about the daily noise, I’m just focused on the beach before my feet. It’s very therapeutic.

What is it about beachcombing/mudlarking that keeps you going back for more?

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The thrill of the hunt is a driving force. I look for seaglass as well as any other interesting finds. I’m frequently surprised by what I find. I enjoy finding vintage pottery, bottles and jars, beads and buttons, bisque cake toppers, figurines, doll parts, dice, Cracker Jack prizes, jewelry, reflectors and unusual glass items. I try to identify the pieces I find and search online to find a match or similar item.

What are the most unique or unusual finds you've discovered? Further to this, can you share with us about a particularly memorable find and the story behind it.

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One of my most historical finds is a vintage metal civil defence tag, similar to a military dog tag.

These tags were issued to school children in a number of cities across the United States following the end of WWII and the beginning of the Cold War. In 1952, New York City’s school system was the first to issue these tags and provided them to approximately 2.5 million students who were told to wear them everyday.

The tags typically contained their name, the name of one of their parents, their street address and birthdate. The purpose of these tags was to help identify the remains of children following a nuclear explosion. Civil Defense Tags were used for at least ten years stopped in the 1960’s. These metal tags symbolize an important part of our country’s history and are a sobering reminder that the threat of nuclear war still exists today.

What are some of the challenges and rewards of beachcombing and mudlarking?

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Beachcombing usually depends on the weather and tide times. I like to hit the beach about four hours before low tide. Sometimes, during the summer months, it’s just too hot to go out in the afternoon so I try to go very early in the morning.

What do you generally like to do with all of your finds? Do you take any home?

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I don’t take home everything that I find. I’m actually trying to thin out my collection because it’s taking over the house. I often take a photo or video of something interesting and then leave it on the beach. I display my favorite treasures in a large glass top table in the living room. I enjoy seeing everything I’ve accumulated, and the table looks a little like a “Where’s Waldo” picture!

What are your favourite resources for learning more about beachcombing and mudlarking?

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Fellow beachcombers and mudlarkers are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to identifying beach finds. I also learn a lot from various Facebook groups. Sometimes, I like to buy books on particular topics, like Cracker Jack prizes, Depression glass and pottery.

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting their own beachcombing or mudlarking journey?

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My best advice to someone interested in beachcombing is to just get out there! Explore different areas. Try beaches near marinas and harbors, old garbage dump sites near the water. It’s a hit or miss adventure so don’t get discouraged. I prefer to hunt during the off-summer months. There are usually less people on the beach and it’s not so hot outside! I recommend going with a friend or partner. Some of the terrain can be rocky and slippery. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and a bag for your treasures. Happy hunting, everyone!