Historic AT&T Radio Transmitter Site at Good Luck Point Faces Deterioration
BERKELEY, NJ — The once state-of-the-art AT&T communications center at Good Luck Point, a critical link for maritime communication, now stands in a state of decline. The site, bought in the late 1920s, was pivotal in providing high-seas service to ships and overseas connections. Known under the call sign WOO, this facility was part of AT&T’s expansive “long lines” system, integral to mid-20th-century communication.
The Good Luck Point site, functioning as a transmitter, was operational from the early 1930s. It was essential for shore-to-ship communication, serving U.S. bluewater and coastwise shipping until the advent of cellular technology. Mariners relied on this station for placing telephone calls via VHF channels, connecting through AT&T’s New York City switchboard.
Complementing Good Luck Point was a receiver site in Manahawkin, NJ, approximately 15 miles south. Together, these sites bolstered AT&T’s national communication network, along with sister stations near San Francisco and Miami.
The site’s historical significance is marked by its innovative use of technology during its peak operation years. However, its current state reflects neglect and decay, especially since its closure before Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
The property once dotted with poles and antennas extending into Barnegat Bay, was integral to the area’s communication landscape. In recent years, these structures were removed, and the land was donated to the Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge. This transition marks a shift from a technological landmark to a part of the natural landscape, though the site’s historical importance in communication technology remains a significant chapter in Berkeley’s history.
Epic Exploration recently visited the site and gained entry. This is what they found: