Real Estate Matters
By Elisa Jo Eagan
This is in honor of my grandfather, William Joseph Eagan Jr., who was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1887:
My Pop Pop was the oldest son of William Joseph Eagan Sr., and Caroline W. Eagan. My great-grandfather, William Sr., was a Philadelphia fireman who owned and operated a livery stable in Philadelphia.
Following the development of Atlantic City in the mid-1800s, especially the Atlantic City Boardwalk, which opened in 1870, Atlantic City became an ideal place to invest in real estate, creating a boom in the development of beachfront hotels, boardwalk attractions, entertainment, churches and housing, much of which still stands today.
In the 1870s, my great-grandparents, Caroline and William Sr., began to visit and enjoy Atlantic City, falling in love with each other and everything about the city. They would bring their four children: Anne, the oldest daughter; son William Jr., who was my grandfather; daughter Olive, and youngest son Edward to enjoy the beach and the Boardwalk. They were among the pioneers of the Industrial Revolution, investing their time, talent, treasure and faith in God into Atlantic City real estate during the early days of “The World’s Playground.”
They made Atlantic City their full-time home around 1919, and their real estate business grew to include numerous properties on Florida Avenue and the Boardwalk, Stenton Place, Montpelier Avenue, and an Arctic Avenue rooming house until my great-grandmother’s death in 1955. She nearly made it to 100 years old. I am grateful that her inspiration and legacy live on in me.
My grandfather, William Joseph Eagan Jr., graduated from Harvard with a degree in finance and later served in the United States Army during World War I. During Prohibition he worked at the famous Babette’s supper club on Pacific Avenue for Enoch “Nucky” Johnson during the height of the “Boardwalk Empire” era.
My grandfather William, and my grandmother, Edna Mae Gouck Washburn, met at The Ritz-Carlton in the late 1920s, leading to the birth of my father, William Eagan III on July 4, 1930. Their love lasted until the day my Pop Pop died on Leap Day, Feb. 29, 1968.
My great-grandmother Caroline, a true inspiration, was a staunch Irish-Catholic woman and a prayer warrior. I am certain she was grateful, proud and considered it an honor and a blessing that her son, William Jr., was born on St. Patrick’s Day. Her youngest son, Edward, who was in seminary to become a priest, and her husband were tragically killed in a train accident.
Through her heartbreak, with her steadfast faith in God, she was inspired to devote herself to and invest in the building of Catholic churches in Atlantic City. She also assisted in bringing and sponsoring young women from the Eagan family hometown of Tipperary, Ireland, to Atlantic City to live, work, marry and raise families for a better life in the United States. I am pleased to know that one of these fine women is the mother of our dear family friend, Msgr. William Hodge, who shared this with me recently. Family truly is a circle of strength and love.
Happy Heavenly Birthday to you, my dear Pop Pop, William Joseph Eagan Jr. We love you and miss you! Here’s an Irish blessing to each and everyone on this St. Patrick’s Day week and the beginning of springtime:
May love and laughter light your days and warm your heart and home! The most important part of any home is the people that are in it!
With hugs, love, and warm regards.
For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan “The Real Estate Godmother” (609)703-0432 and Remember…”There’s No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!”
