Today on Long Beach Island we are part of the modern world. We have access to all the marvels of Wi-Fi, cable, cellphones and the services provided by progressive government. But not long ago, a trip from the mainland was a step back.

Two events in the 1930s involving the family of Burlington County detective Ellis Parker help point this out. The first took place in September 1930.

The summer season was drawing to a close. The Camden Courier Post of Sept.