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Weird NJ is a semiannual magazine that chronicles local legends, ghost stories, folklore and anything considered "weird" in the U.S. state of New Jersey.
History
Weird NJ began in 1989 as a personal newsletter sent to friends by Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman. Gradually it evolved into a real magazine published in May and October, with articles written by others. Abandoned places, creepy experiences, unique people, and strange landmarks are common subjects for the magazine. Past issues have covered everything from the Jersey Devil and UFO sightings to abandoned Nike missile silos and the life of Zip the Pinhead.
In 2003 a Weird NJ book, made up of letters written to the authors about oddities such as UFO sightings, supposed "portals to hell," ghosts, the Jersey Devil, and haunted houses, was published. The next year saw the followup Weird US, covering sites and stories across the country. That led in 2005 to a series of books were started for other states, including Florida, Illinois, and Wisconsin, and a TV series, Weird US, on the History Channel
"Tillie"
The painting of a grinning face named Tillie has appeared in many Weird NJ books and on the magazine covers. In 2004, the Palace Amusements building in Asbury Park with the image of Tillie on it was destroyed to make way for a hotel. When Weird NJ readers learned of the planned demolition, efforts were started to try to save the building. Tillie's face was saved; but the rest of the building, built more than a century ago, was not.
Weird NJ has also influenced other similar groups in New Jersey and around the United States. These include "The Midnight Society", "PsychoNJ", and "Myth mission".