In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, wealthy residents of Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York City built summer cottages along the seashore.

[2] Town Selectman John Baker argued against the incorporation and in response to a bribery scandal, Oliver Ames vetoed the Act.

Non-residents must apply for an access permit; the waiting period is around six to ten years, because of the limited size of the facility.

[8] Annually on the Fourth of July holiday, a private organization of residents raises upwards of $60,000 through fundraisers to fund a weekend-long agenda of activities.

The weekend's activities include community dances, children's events, softball games, fireworks above West Beach and the well-known "Horribles" parade.