The real Marvin Gardens, commonly misspelled due to a popular board game, is correctly known as Marven Gardens. It is a distinct and charming neighborhood located in Margate City, New Jersey, United States, situated along the picturesque Jersey Shore.
Location and Geography
Marven Gardens can be found approximately two miles (3 km) south of the bustling city of Atlantic City. Its unique geographical position places it directly on the shared border between Margate City and Ventnor City, contributing significantly to its identity within the region. This strategic location offers residents and visitors easy access to the amenities and beaches of both well-known coastal towns.
Key Facts About Marven Gardens
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Correct Name | Marven Gardens |
| Location | Margate City, New Jersey, United States |
| Proximity | Approximately 2 miles (3 km) south of Atlantic City |
| Geographic Feature | Situated on the Jersey Shore |
| Border With | Ventnor City |
| Name Origin | Portmanteau of Margate City and Ventnor City |
The Origin of Its Name
The name Marven Gardens is a clever portmanteau, a linguistic blend of words. It was specifically coined by combining parts of the names of the two adjacent municipalities: Margate City and Ventnor City. This innovative naming convention directly reflects its geographical reality, as the neighborhood lies precisely at the shared boundary of these two communities.
The Enduring Monopoly Misconception
While the actual geographic location is Marven Gardens, it is predominantly recognized and often misspelled as Marvin Gardens due to its prominent feature on the popular board game, Monopoly. Historical accounts suggest that the game's creators, Parker Brothers, inadvertently misspelled the name when designing the iconic Atlantic City-themed game board in the 1930s. This persistent misspelling has led to generations of players, and the general public, incorrectly referring to the real-life location.
For more information, you can explore the details of this unique neighborhood on its Wikipedia page.
