Atlantic City Memory Lane

Submitted by Mike Buckley from Mt. Dora Florida. Entered on July 3, 2009
"I remember peaking down through floor boards at the Dude Ranch as my father played in a band, the 20th Century Pioneers. I guess I was about 3 years old. People seemed to be having a great time. The band's act involved a lot of comedy. One other act I'll never forget involved monkeys on a miniature stage coach being pulled around the dance floor by large dogs and chased by monkeys dressed as indians while riding large dogs. Does anyone remember the band or the monkey act or was the whole thing just a weird dream?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Kelly Smith of Ducktown from West Sonoma County, California. Entered on July 3, 2009
"OK,AC is oozing out of me over here in Northern California. What were the names of the movie theaters in Atlantic City? were they The Astor? (near New Jersey Ave). and The Strand? Is Gordons alley still there, on Presbyterian Ave.(Rob Wilson's folks lived the re for years) Here is some AC Trivia... two things we did with sidewalks in AC were "Punching Blocks" and a game we played on the sidewalk called "Scummy" involved shooting, like a marble, a checker or a sodacap around a series of squares drawn with chalk onto a sidewalk square. Did anyone asides from me and my hoodlum friends Anyone remember that? Does anyone Remember When the Blue I Thank The guy who corrected me on Tony Marts...I did not go there much,(twice) but remember ACHS had a half-assed Graduation Party there...When I went to ACHS (1970-1975)we had a rash of race riots that really hurt school spirit. One of the results of this was class o f 1974 did not have a Senior Prom. I remember an impromptu Prom was held at Tony Marts. (Can someone Verify this for me?) Does anyone Remember When the Blue Angel Jet Crashed in the ocean off the boardwalk. Does anyone have pictures of the speed boat "Miss Atlantic City"? Does anyone remember the sand crabs you could dig up where the boardwalk While working at the Dennis Hotel, My mom was best friends with Martha Cash who was the mother of Rosalind Cash the actress who stared with Charlton Heston in "The Omega Man" Soupy Sales once walk up to me on the boardwalk and started shaking my hand. turns out he was being interviewed by a bunch of news people and as a gag he just jumped out the crowd and started shaking my hand." Edit Entry

Submitted by Anubis from Vegas. Entered on July 2, 2009
"For Woody (and others): Where was the "Fun Spot Arcade" located? I remember Irv Fishelberg's Funcade at Florida and the Boardwalk and worked there. Don't remember Fun Spot though and am curious as to the location." Edit Entry

Submitted by Walt Craig from Mickleton, NJ. Entered on July 2, 2009
"Anybody out there know anything about Tom Mosby ACHS 1940?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Woody from Mays Landing N.J. . Entered on July 1, 2009
"Glad to see our site returning to those of us who are real "Memory Laners". I am looking for old friends that I worked with on The Steel Pier. I worked in the Music Hall Theater from 1957-1960. My son(Carl) is also looking for old friends he worked with at Funspot Arcade on the boardwalk in the 70's. " Edit Entry

Submitted by ernest b kuhl from michigan. Entered on June 30, 2009
"I just recall her attending achs. I believe she graduated in 62 as I did. Was Just trying to recall names from my time growing up in ac. Such as, Lonregan*, Tom Cohen, george kurtz, steve burger, mike borowitz, paul fielder, toni blazer, ted manosockis, and others I've included in past writings." Edit Entry

Submitted by Charles Ross from San Diego, California. Entered on June 30, 2009
"My dad told me that you could find Ed McMahon near the Steele Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1947. He was the guy working under the umbrella on the board walk as the tourists walked by. If he caught your eye, he'd whip out an onion, palm a small cupped device with a handle and spring, and "Voila!", he's have that lacamer chopped in seconds with no tears! The CHOP-O-MATIC! Of course, as my dad said in those days even "real" celebrities like Danny Kaye would walk out of their Steele Pier shows, shake hands and sign some autographs. Ed McMahon was 24 years old and already the pitchman! I know about this because the skinny 14-year-old kid across from Ed on the other rail of the boardwalk with the hot dog cart was my dad, Chuck. He had run away from home that summer to save enough money to buy his first car. He succeeded, and bought a 1937 Chrysler that didn't run that he traded for a 1939 Chrysler that did run. Some years ago my dad contacted Ed and asked him if he still remembered. Ed McMahon wrote a nice note back saying how surprised he was that he was remembered from those days, and they shared a laugh together. Now, unfortunately, those two old soldiers are both history. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Lois Kaness from Denver. Entered on June 30, 2009
"Margo Licata lived not far from me around Florida and Pacific, although I cannot recall exactly where. We were good friends; I remember playing paperdolls with her. I remember one dinner at her apartment when her dad made corn fritters, a treat that was new to me and I thought quite exotic. I know her dad was a single parent I believe it was through divorce; it was something Margo never talked about.. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Bill Amadeo from Daytona Beach Fl. Entered on June 30, 2009
"To Ernest B. Kuhl, I remember Margot Lacotta, email me with any questions you may have" Edit Entry

Submitted by ernest b. kuhl from michigan. Entered on June 29, 2009
"anyone remember a girl by the name of margo lacotta? " Edit Entry

Submitted by Henry Weiss from Galloway NJ. Entered on June 29, 2009
"Joe, thanks for the kind words about my Mother, Pauline Weiss. I grew up on So Carolina Ave during the 50's and early 60's, and lived in the Pershing Hotel during the summer months with my Mom. My Father, Morris, also owned the Normandy Hotel, across the street from the Bluebird Bar. I was just a youngster during those years, but I know how vibrant, lively, and incredible it was on So Carolina Ave during the summer months. What years did you stay at the Pershing?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Bill Amadeo from Daytona Beach Fl. Entered on June 29, 2009
"To Joe from California, thanx for your memories of South Carolina Ave. I was actually the the last owner of The World Famous Bluebird. I purchased it from Abe Berman in 1975 for $10,000 and ran it for 2 years, had great fun and made a ton of money. After gambling passed in 1976 I sold the liquor license for $65,000 and moved on. Another Atlantic City Legend Pitch Man Billy Mays of commercial and infomercial fame just passed away in Florida" Edit Entry

Submitted by joe mcgroarty from encinitas,ca.. Entered on June 28, 2009
"i was a bartender at the fabulous marlborough-blenheim hotel-and lived at the pershing on south carolina avenue-our landlady,pauline weiss was a great person-the street was wild and crazy-the senator-the scranton-the bluebird-and the melody lounge-heaven on earth." Edit Entry

Submitted by Barry from Seattle WA. Entered on June 26, 2009
"Thanks for your post, Lillian; we're all glad you found the site, here, too. As to your election as possibly, in fact, probably, the first Black and female senior class president for your ACHS class of '72: I remember that Barry Beckham, subsequently a published author who went on to a long and distinguished career as a Brown University professor of English, was hailed as the first Black senior class president for the ACHS class of '62, my year. You'll find out more about him by googling his name. It may have been remarkable then that there was no real big fuss at the time but everyone knew the times were, as the song said, "a-changin'" and, besides, he was very bright and personable. I sort of remember that the Black community sometimes preferred the term, "Westside," rather than "Northside" for their community, however." Edit Entry

Submitted by Lillian from Atlantic City, returned '08. Entered on June 26, 2009
"I am soooo glad I found this site. It has been a pleasure reading other people's memories and learning things I did not know about my hometown. I grew up in my family's restaurant business on Arctic Avenue, Wash and Sons' Seafood Restaurant, mainly during the 60's. As a Black girl born in 1954, I have no memories of the inlet or Venice Park being anything other than Black and Puerto Rican (probably various Hispanics, but we always said "Puerto Ricans). My world, mainly on the Westside and north of Atlantic Avenue, was almost totally Black --- neighbors, business people, doctors,hotel workers, lawyers, teachers, preachers, entertainers, all Black,which made me feel like I could be and do anything in life I put my mind to. I think I was the first Black female senior class president at A.C.H.S. That was 1972. If you know otherwise, please let me know. I moved back in June '08 after more than 30 years. Our city is so different now. My book, "Growing Up in the Other Atlantic City: Wash's and the Northside", will be out soon. Look forward to sharing." Edit Entry

Submitted by Bill Amadeo from Daytona Beach Fl. Entered on June 26, 2009
"Kelly, Interesting memories, one slight correction, Tony Marts was in Somerspoint not Margate. In the 50s and 60s the Point strip had Tony Marts, next door was Steel's Ship Bar, across the street on the bay was Bayshores and Orsattis Casino, down the street was the Anchorage and across the street the Point, then if you went over the bridge heading to Margate there was O'byrnes (later The Mug) and of course the world famous Dunes til Dawn." Edit Entry

Submitted by Tom D from Italy. Entered on June 26, 2009
"Kelly, welcome to ACML. Fascinating post about a part of AC I didn't know. The mouse story is undoubtedly true, though I find it hard to believe that Kent's didn't pay off the health inspectors as was common practice (could be they were doing a competitor's bidding). I left for Marin County in California a coupla years before you and have lived all over the map but still seem to have 'sand in my shoes', Ciao, Tom" Edit Entry

Submitted by Kelly of Ducktown from West Sonoma County, California. Entered on June 25, 2009
"Here are some spirits of Alantic City who should be eternal. Im just dropping names so that for all time on the internet,,,these names will not fade from history.,,,,, Bullies of New Jersey Ave School ; Moke Toombs, Herbert Pew, ,,,,The Imperial Knights Drum and Bugle Corps.,,, The Fraternities of Atlantic County; the Playboys of Plesantville, the Rogues and Satans of Atlantic City, The Bones of Margate, and The Cossacks, who I created and named back in 1974 ,,,,My Best buddy at Chelsea Junior high,Calvin Miller, of Venice Park, who's mom passed just two days ago.,,,, Marco Barella who save me from getting my ass kicked by Italians in Ducktown, and my Italian friends who saved me from getting my ass kicked for hanging with "white boys".,,,, The Faze II Discoteque on Virginia Ave,,,, Joe Hasson, was my best friend, Tommy Felti, Joseph Sardes was my best friend, Marco Barella who's family moved from Italy and lived next door to me in Pitney Village, Patrick, Robin, Anne, Gus and Tim Slepitus Thank God for the Slepitus's House near the Lighthouse. That Place was magical in that it allowed me to dream of more than the ghetto's of the cities I live in all the years of my youth, Dennis Ruley, Robert Wilson, Cameron Smith, Mary Bastine Kelly, my mom,Therese Hortense Smith, My Dear aunt Sarah Derry of 1309 Caspian Ave, My Cousin Raymond Derry who endured Prison, and cousin Roderick Gains who's a detective for ACPD ....Dave Klemm and Alan Klemm of Brigantine who taught me to surf, introduced me to Robin Trower, Pink Floyd and the Grateful Dead.....Tony Marts in Margate,,,,,the Roller Rink in Ventnor... Linda Stanfa of Ventnor, who was the first girl to hold my hand. Barbara Payne, My first girlfriend. who killed herself so many years ago. Francie Smith of Brigantine, who I share a special secret with in a garage attic. and Rosanne Venuto of Havertown PA., just because she was Beautiful.,,, After watching for years the destruction of the beauty of my hometown, I Hitchhiked from AC in Summer of 75 for California, with Pat (justin) Slepitus, and never went back. The East Coast was no place for a "Colored kid", who likes the Grateful Dead,and the Green Bay Packers.,,,, But the beaches, The Piers, the parades, Santa claus Climbing down the fire department's longladder From Lit Brothers at Christmas, Mischif Night, June Bugs, the smell of Coppertone suntan lotion in the air...is forever a big part of who I am. Forever AC, AC Forever!!! ------------------------------------------------------------- Remember Kents Restaurant?....That Place was shutdown because one of the dishwashers (there were three including myself) took a mouse and placed it in a sandwich as a joke. The waitress we wanted to scare did not see it, and took the sandwich out to the customers. We heard the screams in the dining area. I knew we were in trouble but had no idea the health department would shut the whole place down (they had a rodent problem)...ending a 50 year business. Glad that is off my chest. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Anubis from Vegas. Entered on June 24, 2009
"I well remember Ed McMahon and the sales pitches and stories. One person also mentioned Charles Bronson too. I don't remember any stories about him or seeing him in AC. Anyone here have more information?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Larry Letzer from Copperas Cove, Texas. Entered on June 23, 2009
"Also saddened by Ed McMahons passing. I would watch him hawk the blenders standing almost next to him. He always had a friendly word. Even at 11 I thought what a nice man. My opinion has not changed. He will be missed." Edit Entry