Lost Towns of the Pine Barrens

If you drive south on Double Trouble Road in South Toms River you’ll parallel the Garden State Parkway, at the end, at the intersection of County Road 618 you will be staring straight ahead at Double Trouble State Park.

Double Trouble got it’s start in the early 19th century as a sawmill. Just who started building is not clear. Some sources say it was Anthony Sharp, others credit Thomas Potter. Potter was the founder of the first Universalist Church. The village developed in the 1830’s after William Giberson bought the land. his lumber business thrived on white cedar. the wood was used in boats and homes and was shipped as far away as Long Branch. Edward Crabbe purchased the land in 1904. at that time there was another sawmill, workers homes and cranberry bogs.

The original sawmill no longer exists. The current sawmill was modernized in the 1920’s with steam power, and a kerosene engine. Crabbe expanded the cranberry operation while continuing the lumber business. Reports are in teh early 1900;s the Double Trouble Cranberry Company harvested up to 225 acres of cranberries.

The state purchased the land in 1964. While many buildings remain the state has not done much in the way of development. It is part of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail, and word is there are plans to develop guided tours. For the time being, visitors can guide themselves.

oh, as for the name…One story says the mill dam was washed out by storms in two days, causing Potter to exclaim “now we have double trouble.” Anotehr account says two muskrats ate through the dam for a second time a preacher named Tilton said “here’s double trouble!”

Cranberry Harvests at Double Trouble should take place in October.