NJ Shark Attack Said To Have Inspired ‘Jaws’ Recounted As Film Turns 50

MATAWAN, NJ — As the hit horror film “Jaws” celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the Matawan Historical Society is educating residents on similarities between the 1916 Matawan Shark Attacks and what’s depicted in the film.

In July 1916, the Jersey Shore was the scene of a series of shark attacks that led to multiple deaths and injuries, according to the Borough of Matawan website.

Among those deaths were Lester Stillwell, 12, and Stanley Fisher, 24, who were attacked by a shark in a narrow freshwater creek in Matawan.

Nets, guns and dynamite were used in attempts to kill the shark, but it wasn't until July 14 that a large shark was caught in Raritan Bay and put on display.

Decades after these tragic events, the Matawan Historical Society has commemorated the attacks through 1916 Matawan Shark Attack Commemoration Tours, where participants are led on a tour of Matawan that tells the story of the attacks where they occurred.

All proceeds from the event go toward supporting the society and maintaining Burrowes Mansion Museum. This year’s tours took place on Saturday, July 12.

“Thank you to all who attended this past weekend’s 109th Anniversary of the 1916 Matawan Shark Attack Commemoration Tours,” the society said in an online post. “This year’s event sold out in just two days, with hundreds of attendees joining us from all over the country.”

The attacks in the Garden State were told to be one of the inspirations behind the Peter Benchley novel and subsequent blockbuster film. A connection the author denied years later.

In addition to the commemoration tours, the society is also set to join the Matawan Borough Recreation Commission’s free screening of “Jaws” at Terhune Park on Friday.

Prior to the movie starting at 7 p.m., the society will give a brief introduction to attendees to discuss the similarities between certain aspects of the movie and the 1916 Matawan Attacks. Guests are invited to bring blankets and snacks to the event.

"It's the perfect way to celebrate the film's 50th anniversary right here in the town that helped inspire it," borough officials said in an online post.

To learn more, you can visit the Borough of Matawan FB page or the Matawan Historical Society FB page.