The Jersey Devil panic of 1909 | Inquirer South Jersey
🗳️ And former Gov. Chris Christie’s predictions.
Good morning, South Jersey.
More than a century ago, mass hysteria over the Jersey Devil absorbed the region because of a hoax as local newspapers — including The Inquirer — played into the gag.
And former Gov. Chris Christie predicts a blue wave this upcoming midterm election.
Plus, a former Mantua Township police officer was convicted of ‘computer crimes,’ and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)
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The hysteria began on Jan. 16, 1909, after reports of peculiar hoofprints in the South Jersey snow began popping up.
It wasn’t long before hundreds of local newspapers jumped on the intrigue.
The Inquirer began reporting on subsequent run-ins, claiming that most of Gloucester County and portions of Camden County had seen the tracks near chicken yards or garbage cans. At one point, it reported the creature was a cross between a kangaroo and a mammoth bat.
The fear quickly intensified. Schools and factories temporarily shut their doors, armed farmers attempted to track the creature for miles, and the myth with origins dating back to the 18th century started to become widespread.
Eventually, the ruse fell apart after its reported capture and public display. That’s when people had the opportunity to see the Jersey Devil up close, and it turned out to be a painted kangaroo.
Reporter Nick Vadala reveals the story of the man behind the scam.
P.S. Read the article for the wild story, but stay for the opportunity to dig into our old archives.
While standing in front of 200 business leaders at a Southern New Jersey Development Council conference in Mount Laurel Friday, former Gov. Christie told the room that the upcoming November election will be designated as “the official end of the Donald Trump era.”
Christie’s prediction comes as polls show Democrats are well-positioned to gain control of the House with possible wins in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
His comments also come after he said last month that he would consider a third run for president in 2028. He was a supporter of Trump in 2016 after ending his first run, but broke away in 2020 after Trump claimed the election that year was stolen from him.
The Inquirer’s Susan K. Livio has more on Christie’s other predictions.
What to know today
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office recently announced that a state prosecutor in New Jersey is facing multiple charges for using AI to create and share child pornography.
Statewide, almost 9,000 students in New Jersey were involved in incidents that led to schools calling the police during the 2024-25 school year. Camden County Technical School in Camden, Kingsway Regional High School in Woolwich Township, and Williamtown High School in Monroe Township are among the 10 schools that notified the police the most that year, according to NJ.com.
A former Mantua Township police officer was found guilty Thursday on multiple charges after he used the department’s law enforcement databases to read and manipulate a report of an incident involving him, according to Gloucester County prosecutors.
The Voorhees planning board approved the plans for a super Wawa on the Voorhees-Berlin border on Route 73 last week, after a previous denial and a court case, 70and73 reports.
With the help of a $1.25 million grant, five Camden schools will have more resources for expanded programs.
A Evesham Township man transforms his lawn every year into the ‘Newman House,’ featuring his 30-year collection of Halloween decorations, 6abc reports.
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🧠 Trivia time
Which South Jersey author wrote Silver Linings Playbook?
A) Matthew Quick
B) Pam Jenoff
C) Melinda Leigh
D) Daniel Nester
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re ...
📸 Viewing: Photos from Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s recent visit in Philly.
🐦 Taking: A trip to Cape May National Wildlife Refuge to look out for some cool birds.
💭 Wondering: Is it worth it to try to befriend standoffish neighbors?
📬 Your South Jersey view
I had a classic fall day on Saturday, which included a quick hike along a portion of the Batona Trail in Southampton in the Pinelands.
What does your community look like? What South Jersey memory would you like to share? Submit a photo and/or a brief description for a chance to be featured in the Monday edition of this newsletter.
🗞️ What other South Jersey residents are reading
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