Atlantic City Memory Lane

Submitted by Bill Amadeo from Daytona Beach Fl. Entered on February 1, 2010
"More distressing news about ACs past, read in todays Press that the State of NJ auditied Atlantic City and found TWENTY THREE MILLION DOLLARS IN GOVT WASTE AND ABUSE....imagine that!!!! In addition there are stories about letting the Garden Pier fall into condemnation so they can off it to a Casino...not repairing the Boardwalk in the Inlet because they cant find the money. Jeopardizing the Lighthouse and Lucy the Elephant for lack of funds and the current Mayor threatening to close down several beaches to save money...I know I live in the glorious past of AC and maybe have selected memories of the Good Old Days but lets see, No Lighthouse, No Lucy, No Piers, No Beach, No Boardwalk, oh I forgot, No Bader Field, hardly anything that relates to the past with the exception of the Ritz, the Dennis and Claridge (part of Ballys) and Chalfont-Haddon Hall (part of the failing Resorts)is gone, seems to me the powers that be dont give a damn about the past and as there cash cow casinos start to go under what they'll have left is Camden-by-the-Sea" Edit Entry

Submitted by Kate from Mass.. Entered on January 31, 2010
"Thank you Lahri, I was thinking just what you wrote so well. This is not the place for prejudices, or cultural negatives. Let's keep posting our great memories of our youth in the World's Playground. " Edit Entry

Submitted by karen whitaker from north port florida. Entered on January 28, 2010
"I remember the smell of hot fresh roasted peanuts and the smell of tar on the boardwalk. I danced on the steel pier in the 60 with the tony grants stars of tomorrow. The tangy smell of the sea and the sights and sounds of the boardwalk will remain with me forever. I miss the old AC and do not like the casinos. I t may have brought work to the city , however it ruined the old city as I knew it. Growing up there in the 60s and 70s was a great experience and one of my favorite memories as a child. The tast of salt water taffy and the taste of the taylor pork roll on a fresh bun cannot be replaced. I remember the Easter parade which had many families wearing their best and the Miss America pagent before it became too commercilized. I sure had a lot of fun when I was a child on the boardwalk riding the rides of the 3 piers, and eating the great food that was available. My beat friend was the high diving girl, one of the last, as teens. The city has changed a lot but my memories are safe in my head and will always be a treasure to me." Edit Entry

Submitted by Elaine G from Salinas, CA. Entered on January 27, 2010
"When I was a kid (early 60's to mid 70's), my family started out staying in the Chalfonte Haddon Hall every year for several days. Economics being what they are, we eventually retired to the Oceannaire Motel in Ventnor...but no matter what, I was allowed to rent a bicycle and go the whole length of the Boardwalk, later with my kid sister, every summer. My Dad taught me to "respect, but not fear" the ocean by showing me how to dive through the waves; all the while my Mom was yelling, "You're too far out, Clyde. Too far out." I remember so many things...wanting to see, but never seeing, the famous Steel Pier Diving Horse...eating at Cap'n Starns and loving the heck out of the oyster crackers (to this day, I still have a soft spot for oyster crackers!) and having our pictures taken at the table...the Jitneys, which I always wanted to ride in, and once did...the arcade shops at the CHH (I bought a set of tarot cards and an Ouija Board there)...the option to turn the "seawater" tap on at the CHH...Mr. Peanut...feeding the pigeons...wishing to be able to have a cabana on the CHH's beach...fish 'n chips...Fralinger's Saltwater Taffy, with the story on the box...fudge...venturing, briefly, "under the Boardwalk" to see what the point was...digging for the ever-elusive clams...my A/C memories are extensive. I've gone on E-bay to buy dishes from the CHH; I have a travel booklet from A/C in the early 70's with coupons for Mme Tussaud's, and other attractions. I loved the cheap thrill of her "Chamber of Horrors!" I probably moved near Monterey to replicate all of that family fun by the beach. I will always think of A/C when I think of my Dad, who passed in Dec '09. We did catch and release fishing off Cap'n Starn's pier; we went swimming...it was a special time. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Richard T Fedeli from Margate City NJ. Entered on January 26, 2010
"I read this site for the first time, had tears forming in my eyes reading other peoples memories...from the building locations to beaches,high school to high school to places people lived...Wow! Atlantic city will always rule in our minds...1952 to 1968 then to FLA...Now back 1999 on... Special place in my heart for the Atl Cy street gangs good or bad they fought with fist... To all the Ducktown kids on here...thank you for keeping our families safe n having respect when it came to young kids and older people... Ducktown for ever!!!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Bill Amadeo from Daytona Beach Fl. Entered on January 14, 2010
"On Sunday Jan 10 a great article appeared in the Press titled "Atlantic City Historians - A Life that might Die Out? The story featured Allen "Boo" Pergament who is 77 years old, it lamented that the young people of AC didnt seem to have a sense of history and that those who do are approaching ages where mortality becomes an obvious issue. I think the writer of that article overlooked this wonderful site. While individually our contributors may not possess the memorabilia of Boo, collectively I believe we can keep the great memories of a great City alive." Edit Entry

Submitted by Barbara Reiner Foster from Albany, Oregon. Entered on January 4, 2010
"What a wonderful chance to share memories! The red chair (or electric chair, as my brother and I called it) in front of the arcade that vibrated for a few pennies was a favorite. My brother Jeff and I used to imagine that chair is stored somewhere around AC, in a warehouse, and that we'd love to have it. The Kitchen of the Future at Steel Pier, the Ripley's Believe It Or Not (which had someone taking donations for the heart fund half way through and would give you a plastic heart on a pin, which I wore proudly), choosing Champagne flavored soda at the Sodamat because it seemed sophisticated, going to Ice Cream Island on the way into town from Philly, the Elephant Hotel, the shop with the genuine (?) shrunken head in the window, the much-loved perfumerie that squirted cologne outside and most women put their handkerchiefs to it for the scent, the scary presentation about polio with a woman in an iron lung, Tony Grant's children's show, Martin and Lewis at Steel Pier, the animated taffy pulling display and the blue and white barrels of taffy that were banks, Ed McMahon hawking choppers, Clyde Beatty with his exhibit of venomous snakes, Captain Starns and having them take pictures of the family and put them on matchbooks---I think I could go on forever like this. The summers down the shore were the very best times of my childhood. My father sent payments all winter to the women who ran the boarding house where we stayed. The rate for the entire summer was $200. I have no idea what it cost my parents in lost buckets and shovels! I still crave stick pretzels with mustard, treats from Planters Peanuts, taffy and fudge, and Gray's turkey legs. There have been countless times when I tried to remember the order of the businesses on the boardwalk from the inlet to Million Dollar Pier. Taber's Toyland was the place my parents' friends took me to buy a doll, the Woolworth's that featured lamps with colored lights and a crucifix and shells was always a draw, and I eventually learned to enjoy the chairs on the beach rented by the hour in the winter with blankets and pillows available and the serenity of the ocean waves. My mother couldn't find a sitter so she took me along to see "A Streetcar Named Desire" when it came out. Throughout my life, I have often gone to The Atlantic City of My Mind, as I call it, a place to remember so many wonderful times. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Chris P MD from Colts Neck, NJ. Entered on January 3, 2010
"What a treat to find this great web site. I have such good memories of Atlantic City. We used to drive down there every summer for a week vacation. We did this every year since I was age 1 right up to age 16. It was the biggest event of our year when we were small children. We stayed in the La Concha Motel and swam all day in the ocean. Back then it was no problem climbing to the top of the Absecon Lighthouse, today I'm not so sure. When we were a little older, maybe 10 yrs or so, we stayed in the New Sea Breeze Motel (a real dump as I recall and we stayed there one time only) and after that we stayed every year in the Montego Bay Motel. It was run by really nice friendly people and I wonder if anyone out ther remembers that place on the Black Horse Pike and knows anything of its history or what happened to it. Evenings were spent walking on the boardwalk, or riding a rolling chair. We would eat Frahlinger's saltwater taffy, play miniature golf at John's miniature golf course just south of the La Concha, see Mr Peanut, eat those fantastic Belgian Waffles or go to Million Dollar Pier to play skee ball. The last night of of our vacation was always a big night since we went to dinner at Capt Starn's. Waiting for your turn to dine was even fun since you could tour the docks, see the sea lions, and see the fresh fish being unloaded from the fishing boats. AC has changed and as many things we remember fondly from childhood, has lost a bit of the old magic, but this site brings back such nice memories. Keep the entries coming, and if anyone knows anything about the Montego Bay Motel or any details about the La Concha Motel please let me know by email. Happy New Year to you all." Edit Entry

Submitted by Barbara Reiner Foster from Albany, Oregon. Entered on January 3, 2010
"It's a thrill to find this site! I try to share memories with those who never had the joy of Atlantic City in "the old days," but it's impossible to convey the emotions and sites this 2-7 year old experienced and have longed for someone to share it with--someone who saw it first hand. My mother, brother Jeff and I spent the week in a boarding house (Rochelle Cottage by the Sea) on New Hampshire Ave., 1/4 blocks to the beach. Dad came in from Philly on the weekends. These were the greatest times of my childhood. My love of novelty began with the painted turtles and the clam shells with flowers and flags in them that emerged in water. Everywhere I looked, something amazing was in my line of vision. From 1948 through 1953, every summer meant endless beach days, rainy days at Steel Pier, and nights on the boardwalk, smelling of Noxema." Edit Entry

Submitted by Tom from Pittsgrove, NJ. Entered on December 31, 2009
"PEACE and HAPPY NEW YEAR to all who visit this site, to those of you who add to the memories . . . thank You. To those who just enjoy reading our comments . . keep returning, perhaps you'll comment in 2010!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Tommy D from Italy. Entered on December 31, 2009
"Well, here we are at the end of what was, for me, the decade from hell. I was at an archery shop today with my son and memories flooded back of cold overcast days on the beach shooting (never hitting) seagulls with Denny Mason and Bobby Little and our little brothers. Or out at the end of Bader Field hunting rabbits and frogs. Once I hit Michael Mason in the eye, he ran home from the beach with the arrow hanging dangling off his head and his mother pulled it out. The arrow pierced his eyelid and lodged in the socket but caused no permanent damage. It took a while before Mrs Mason welcomed me back to their house on Montpelier Ave. In two and a half hours it'll be 2010, I still remember writing 1955, 1956 etc in my notebooks at OLSS and... the super hot radiators in the classrooms (spit and listen to it sizzle) Let's hope there's some sizzle in the year to come. Buon Anno, fellow beach (and bay) rats and Good Night Stumpy, Hap, Nucky, Skinny, Porky, Canopener and Cooks Books, wherever you are!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Bill Amadeo from Daytona Beach Fl. Entered on December 31, 2009
"Of all of the many things I am Thankful for, this site ranks up near the top. It has given me a priceless appreciation of sharing memories of Atlantic City's Greatest Years and brings back fantastic feelings. It has also connected me with people with whom I shared my youth with that might otherwise have been forgotten. Here's wishing all contributors and viewers of this site a Happy, Healthy and Prosporous New Year." Edit Entry

Submitted by Lois Kaness from Denver. Entered on December 27, 2009
"Danielle, in my junior year I dated a guy named Jules St Pierre and we would meet for coffee at Lamberts each morning, before school began. I thought this was such a sophisticated/adult thing to do! Jules was a postgrad student from Quebec who was taking an extra high school year to qualify for an English speaking school (his HS taught in French). He was my date for Junior Prom and taught me how to say "I love you," in his native language. Only in AC could a young girl build such beautiful memories..." Edit Entry

Submitted by Herba from Linwood NJ. Entered on December 25, 2009
"Jerry Blavat is still around. He will be 70 in July. He still has his bar (Memories) in Margate.He also has a lot of dances for different charities throughout the year. He will be at the Taj Mahal Casino New Years Eve. (Can't wait)." Edit Entry

Submitted by Bill Amadeo from Daytona Beach Fl. Entered on December 23, 2009
"Great memories mysterio, and almost correct with the exceptions that the Toy Bar which was originally The 2x4 Bar was on Maryland Ave not Va Ave. and the Opus One, originally The Torch Club was on Memorial Ave between So Carolina and Tenn Aves not Snake Alley which ran from (almost) Pacific to the walk between NY and Ky Aves. In the Spirit of Christmas and the Holiday Season if you're old enough to have such lucid memories of the great days of AC, youre old enough to have geographic lapses. All the Best" Edit Entry

Submitted by Larry Letzer from Copperas Cove, Texas. Entered on December 21, 2009
"Anubis, She remembers a sign on the front of the store saying Woolworths Five & Dime only the and symbol was not an ampersand. It was like a cycle to represent the and. She also said she remembered walking by Seagel Fruit company (Penna & Atlantic Aves) and the fruit always looked so nice. Seagel's provided the strawberries to Woolworths for the bakery department. My memories: I worked at 166 South Virginia Ave for Fred Hess and Son. The bus barn was on the same side of the street as we were, (Also Morton Hotel side) but right behind the gift shop that was at VA and the boards. There were wooden benches for the passengers to wait for the bus. Ticket agent had a little white enclosure to protect him from the weather. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Steve Liebowitz from Owings Mills, MD. Entered on December 18, 2009
"I have found that memories exist, but not always the exact dates. This is common, however, because events happened so long ago. For years, I've read about the times when Frank Sinatra appeared at the 500 Club. When I was doing the research at the AC Public Library for my Steel Pier book, I also saw the ads for the 500 because the big stars appeared at the same time that Steel Pier was open...in the summer. Therefore, even if I'm not 100% correct, I will list the dates that I found Mr. Sinatra appearing at the 500. I found no ads of him appearing there after 1962. By the late 1960's, the 500 was starting its slide like the rest of Atlantic City and didn't regularly book big names anymore until it burned down in 1973. Frank Sinatra at the 500 Club: August 30, 1953; August 23, 1956 with Joey Bishop; July 25, 1959 with Red Norvo and Pat Henry; July 26, 1960 with Buddy Lester; August 22, 1962 with Dean Martin. If I've missed anything, let me know." Edit Entry

Submitted by Bill Amadeo from Daytona Beach Fl. Entered on December 16, 2009
"Love reading memories of the halcion days of AC....some of the great places to eat not often mentioned were Sambo's (later Frank's) Extra Dry on NY Ave...In the summer the Dugout on Tenn Ave or Joe Borowski's on Va Ave...McGee's on Pacific Ave for a great steak and some organ music...the Carolina Grille for sandwiches, Gilchrist's for breakfast, Jacks (Mass & Oriental for a cheesesteak and black & white milkshake). Lew Mathis's Dutch Kitchen...Venafro's Village Bar or Ferraro's on Missouri Ave or the Rex on Tenn Ave for home made Italian food. In the 50s there were over 250 operating bars and at least that many restaurants in AC what glorious time" Edit Entry

Submitted by Woody from Mays Landing, N.J.. Entered on December 15, 2009
"Let's not forget the following: Planters Peanuts, Mammys, The Soda Mat, Greys & Childs. These were all on the Boardwalk plus many more. I just finished reading the new book called "The Steel Pier" by Steve Liebowitz. It brought back so many memories of working on the pier in the 50's. It made the hair on my head stand up and I am bald. It is a must read. Happy Holidays to all and "Thanks for the Memories" (Bob Hope)" Edit Entry

Submitted by Kate from Mass.. Entered on December 14, 2009
"I'm so sad to know what they are doing to Illinois Ave,aka MLK Blvd. My mother and grandparents lived on Illinois, between Atlantic and Pacific. I took walks with my grandfather to the Post Office, and I watched out the apt. window, the mail workers loading and unloading. I got my hair done for prom on that block. We bought penny candy on that street, and on and on. The Mid-City and the Marburg were torn down, and now the P.O. I can't even walk the old place, since it will be road. Like so many of us, our memories will depend on us to keep them alive. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Fave place on earth from Haverford PA. Entered on December 13, 2009
"Last December, many former local residents shared memories of Christmas/Honika season(s) in Atlantic City, especially during the 1940s and 1950s. It would be nice if you could share memories once again." Edit Entry

Submitted by Inletbrat Mary from Absecon, NJ. Entered on December 9, 2009
"Hi Ratso thanks so much for remembering my brothers. After Franks death his wife and I were going through some old pictures and came across one with Frank & Charlie and an un-named youth but I could not guess who he was. They were all standing in a boat, I wonder if it was you? Light brown or blonde hair (hard to tell in B&W photos) they were all about 10 - 12 years old. It's funny Charlie and Frank used to sneak into Steel Pier. Our Mom's good friend was one of the ticket takers at the entrance. I guess it was an adventure that they just couldn't pass up. The 2 of them were very close all of their lives. Since the discussion has entered into the Chelsea area. Does anyone remember Eleanor Russo's beauty shop on Florida Ave. I know they had 2 sons - one by the name of Tommy (can't recall the other). Anyway I worked for them for about 1 1/2 yeas in the early 70's. Tommy (the dad) was such a nice man, plus he gave a great hair cut and color job. Eleanor was just a fabulous and unique individual. Both very generous and sweet people. We all worked like crazy in that shop and Eleanor and Tommy were the best bosses. Part of my job was to pick up lunch every day. I remember going to Prevites (sp?) for cold cuts and bread from a place nearby, best bread in AC. Pastries would come from Hornbergers on Atlantic Ave. Funny how these memories always seem to indclude either food and/or drink. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Lahri from Leverett, MA. Entered on December 7, 2009
"Hey Ratso, Some more South Carolina Ave memories. Do you remember the candy store, across from the YMCA, best place to buy comic books in AC. Also there was some sort of club at the bottom of the ramp on SC leading up to the boardwalk (opposite side from Childs), it was next to a small shop where you could buy suntan lotion (as opposed to sunscreen) and straw mats for the beach. The club was always loud and had some sort of doorman/bouncer to keep under-aged kids out. Do you remember it's name? Also summer of 69 was the summer of the waterbed, I remember early mornings on the side streets of AC as poor hippies shook out limp waterbeds after their girlfriends had climbed onto them with high heels. My uncle had an apartment attached to the side of his hotel and one of his staff was always busting his waterbed (probably with someone he picked up across the street at the Bluebird). Ah those were the days! Funny how small a world it is, I now work as an art teacher in a college in western Massachusetts, and just discovered that one of the professors (Phil Lawrence) in my department used to work at the rent a bike stand on North Carolina. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Bill Amadeo from Daytona Beach Fl. Entered on December 7, 2009
"Ratso, Thanx so much for bringing to our attention the moving tribute to our boyhood friend Dennis Delasandro. It was a great piece although quite sad. While it stirred memories of our youth and AC...it also evokes the emotion of There but for the Grace of God go I." Edit Entry

Submitted by Bill Amadeo from Daytona Beach Fl. Entered on December 5, 2009
"Henry, You are correct I did live on Congress Ave as a youth. Those were the days, gone but not forgotten. You got married in 67, I was on my second tour in Vietnam, but thats a whole other story. I love the movies Atlantic City with its great scenes, especially So Carolina Ave with the parking carousel and the Senator Hotel and the Vermont Apartments. I also watch King of Marvin Gardens which took place in the magnificent Marlbourough-Blenheim. After I sold the Bluebird I bought Naces in Pville and turned it into the Gaslight Pub, when I sold that I went further offshore into Galloway and EHC. The last place I had before moving to Florida was Billingsleys at Sovereign and Fairmount next to Local 54. By the way did you ever figure out who Ratso is? Hint another Congress Ave guy!! I dont go back to AC anymore, too depressing...I was an AC cop for 10 years and most of the people I knew, sadly, moved or died. I read the Press on line everyday and that makes me feel even worse. I love this site because it brings back good feelings and great memories. Good to chat with you, Best of the Best to you and your family....Bill" Edit Entry

Submitted by Henry Weiss from Galloway NJ. Entered on December 3, 2009
"Lahri, wow, what a small world, talk about 6 degrees of separation. My family owned the Normandy Hotel, and I do remember your uncle. The other hotel we owned was The Pershing, which was next to the Carolina Sub Shop. I went through school with Andy Jr., who sadly passed away about 4 or 5 years ago at a too young age. My father was Morris, or Maurice - as the ladies liked to call him, he ran the Normandy. My mother was Pauline, and she ran the Pershing. You are right, the Bluebird Bar afforded one an incredible sex education. But my really good "bar" memories were of the Senator Hotel Bar, in it's heyday, probably the late 50's and early 60's, when the entire street was inundated with summering college students. It was truly the years of "Where the Boys Are" and the Girls as well. To Ratso, please call me Henry - not Mr. Weiss - I'm too old to be a mister.......... If you worked at the Carolina Sub Shop, I may know you by a different name. Care to share it with me? " Edit Entry

Submitted by Lahri from Leverett, MA. Entered on December 3, 2009
"Henry and Ratso, Thanks for your response about the Carolina Sub Shop. I remember them being good and the shop always being packed and very busy. My uncle Leonard Kaplan's hotel was the Washington Hall, across from the infamous Bluebird Tavern (talk about sex education) and sandwiched between the Belvedere and the Normandy Hotels (I believe), now all sadly parking lots. Henry, what were the hotels your family owned? As many AC Memory Lane readers know, I'm working on an illustrated book that takes place in AC during the summer of 1969; slow going, but I'm making some serious progress. Again, thanks to everyone for your memories!!!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Bill Amadeo from Daytona Beach Fl. Entered on November 30, 2009
"Sad to hear of the passing of Al Alberts, one of my greatest memories was standing on the Conneticut Ave side entrance of the Dude Ranch and hearing the Four Aces do an early evening show. It had to be in the mid 50s which suggests were all getting a touch of gray." Edit Entry

Submitted by Tom from Pittsgrove, NJ. Entered on November 26, 2009
"H A P P Y T H A N K S G I V I N G everyone, have a great day filled with family, friends, memories of days past and good thoughts for the days and years ahead." Edit Entry

Submitted by Bill Amadeo from Daytona Beach Fl. Entered on November 25, 2009
"To all the Denizens of this great site I wish you a heart felt very Happy Thanksgiving...With the Country falling apart and the current state of Atlantic City I am most thankful for having grown up in what was once a great city, maybe the greatest on earth. As time passes I find myself more and more Thankful for these cherished memories. May God Bless and Keep you and again all the Best to you and your families for this Holiday season." Edit Entry

Submitted by Tom Whitehead from fayetteville,ga.. Entered on November 22, 2009
"My father ran The Atlantic City Transportation Company from 1945 to 1956 any picture would be appreciated . Iwas born in 1946 at Atlantic City HOspital in March . Captain Starns has many memories eating flounder sandwiches after my mother would trolley in Ventor.Another memory of Captain Starns my grandfather sold boat ride tickets at Virginia almost across the boardwalk for Steel Pier they would call him Captain Andy thank you for letting me share some memory many more to come" Edit Entry

Submitted by Roberta from Fairfax VA. Entered on November 21, 2009
"Just saw Jersey Boys...brought back such great memories. I was so lucky to have grown up at the shore. " Edit Entry

Submitted by mark steelman from calif.. Entered on November 10, 2009
"Kate and Lois, Lake lenape...wow whole family, egg salad sandwichs, chicken. rowboats. roller skating rink. chain swings. That float off the beach. Big old hand pump for water. Lake lenape/holy spirit. About 51' or 52' [sister herman].Girls were taken for day at lake. Eddie crosson, or buddy meaghan had a girl friend. We cut school, hitched over. had great time. Next day, busted. Of course I had been seen... my bogus absent note was worthless. Sr. herman grilled me. "who was with you?" In my best gangster imitation, "I aint no squealer". She just said, Ok. Ratso, asked about pete, my youngest brother. He was so bad Sister tomisina used to give him all the contraband confiscated from the class. Some of us went service, some more school. petey went to rahway.History morsel: Claridge hotel was built on the block occupied by the disston villa. He made a ton ,saw business. His wife mary steelman disston had this 6 story villa built as a surprise. He opened the 1st lumber yard in AC. Built a number of house's also.This around 1870. Henery Disston at the onset of the civil war, encouraged his employees enlistments by continuing their pay while in the service. when they built the 1st boardwalk, schooners offshore threw the lumber over board, Shore crews retrieved it from the water. Question: The old empty mansion which sat on corner, new jersey and atlantic. Fence around it topped with spikes/ glass? Any body else sneak in there? Spooky. More history later. Keep the old memories coming." Edit Entry

Submitted by mark steelman from calif.. Entered on November 6, 2009
"Just back from yosemite valley. Re:new posts. History , good or bad is fine. Acidic modern political climate we can do without. Iron lungs. Any one remember those on the walk , poor souls in them? I had nightmares , hearing that rythmic pumping , as only thier head stuck out.Polio touched nearly every family.I remember ,early/mid forty's Huge water filled trench's when the bulkheads were installed. Every one said the stagnant water was to blame.We used to dive off the fishing boat mast's in clam creek, and gardeners basin. Saw the basin frozen over once.Some may have called it bucket of blood [the bar] Those of us who lived around the place knew it as the blood pit. My grandfather , often had that beat, and used that name. Mostly commercial fishermen dukeing it out.Those days ,no patrol car, no radio, no mace , no partner.Gramps was tall thin, limp from a railroad accident.Wartime , older , minor physical defects were hired. Call box on strategic corners were only contact with station.Flashlight, baton, blackjack, .38 revolver . That was it.{some packed brass knucks as well].He told me he never drew his gun. Cops knew about everyone in thier area by sight, and name. Kids you did'nt chase...You just told the parents. A local father too deep in his cups, sent home in a cab, or sleep it off at the stattion.[These were not drivers]. Family episodes were often. Both the husband and wife knowing the cop smoothed things.Hard core thugs using AC , would find themselves worked over , told to leave.Part of some police duty was protecting the water pipe over the meadows from sabotage.The beat on boardwalk was door checker type. Cold winter nights ,a small bottle of gin under the doormat insured thourough effort.Sam Slotoroffs clothing. Spring 1956 I was on huge fort hunter liggete. Nearly empty , combat eng. finishig road from the coast. Met pretty girl at swimming hole, invited to church in tiny bradley.[her family ran thousands of cattle on the post] Anyway , 17...jersey accent, black on black shirt, mr. c collar, yellow tie, powder blue suit.[sam's best] Ranchers,cowboy's. A three headed space alien wouldnt have gotten the attention I did. Good folk's , I had to laugh myself. Still friends with a few left. Keep those memories coming. Each one wake's up a few more of mine." Edit Entry

Submitted by Steve Liebowitz from Owings Mills, MD. Entered on November 6, 2009
"This relates to memories in a big way: my book "Steel Pier, Atlantic City: Showplace of the Nation" is finally here after many years of research! It is a beautiful book with many pictures in color. "Boo" Pergament and myself will discuss the book on Pinky Kravitz's Saturday night program November 8 program. There will also be a book launch and reception on Monday, November 9 from 1-3 PM at the historical museum on Garden Pier with many Steel Pier alumni. We'd love to see you and discuss your Steel Pier memories, which I'm sure number the thousands." Edit Entry

Submitted by Jim Cunningham from Marmora, NJ. Entered on November 3, 2009
""Let us remember this and nothing else?" Is this from mind control central? Yes, post your great memories - and your not so great ones. Seems that Mr. Warner is stuck in a distant past where fact and fiction never intersect. It can never be a "very nice site' when a small minority constantly dictates what can, or should be posted. " Edit Entry

Submitted by William F Warner from USA. Entered on November 3, 2009
"Charles, I think we are getting a little off subject on this site. For the most part we like to talk about and remember Atlantic City in it's prime. This is a very nice site with people exchanging memories of when we were kids growing up in a great resort town.I hope we can keep it this way. We lived in a great era that will never be duplicated, lets us remember this and nothing else. Thank you " Edit Entry

Submitted by BONNIE ROTHMAN GUTNER from KAILUA, HAWAII. Entered on October 27, 2009
"Hey there all you A/C kids...have you any memories of DOWNBEACH? I grew up in Ventnor, went to Troy Av School and Ventnor Av Jr High in the 40's and ACHS in 1946-51 and I'd love to hear from old classmates one and all. Still have 'sand in my shoes' and return to visit relatives nearly every year. Did anyone remember Billy Maynard's in Margate on the bay? He was a retired boxer and would serve anyone if you could see over the bar and I was taken there on 'dates' in my very early teens and always ordered his 'ladies special' Champale, which was champagne mixed with ale. Went to Ventnor movie theater every Saturday for double feature (and took brown bag lunch with us) We would hike around the bay every autumn and pick cattails and holly. Transportation was our bikes and rode often from Ventnor to the rocks at the very end of Longport and once we rode all the way to Bargaintown lake, without a penny in our pockets and didn't realize just how far it was or how thirsty you would be..and then had to ride all the way back. The Boardwalk was my playground and most days in highschool I walked bothways (guess its 7 miles thereabout) to save my streetcar fare to spend on other things. The PURFECT summer day was to spend it on Steel Pier and then in the evening out to the ballroom at the end of the pier to listen to and dance to the great Big Bands with 'unknown' vocalists who nearly all became famous." Edit Entry

Submitted by Tom from Pittsgrove, NJ. Entered on October 24, 2009
"Anubis, when you asked where the bikes could be purchased, the name Jolly Jerry's popped into my head. I hadn't thought of his shop in decades! Located on the "south side" of Atlantic Between Rhode Island and Massachusetts Avenues??? He had all kinds of bikes for sale. Anyone else have memories of his place?" Edit Entry

Submitted by joe from coaldale. Entered on October 21, 2009
" Lois, Keep those good memories coming. This site brings back many great memories about people and places.Let's not allow it to be spoiled by those with their own agendas " Edit Entry

Submitted by Judith Moorman from Occidental, CA . Entered on October 21, 2009
"Hi! I'm looking for information about Mr. Peanut. Does anyone know what it was like to wear that costume? Could you understand what he said? Was it hot in there? Does anyone know someone who worked as Mr. Peanut. I'd also like some memories of Atlantic City boarding houses and the Deauville (was there a hotel by that name) around 1965. This may seem ridiculous but I also can't remember what the public restrooms were like. I'm writing a short story and need these details. Thanks. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Lois Kaness from Denver. Entered on October 21, 2009
"Yes Jerry, the Jitneys did offer a five cent fare for school kids; I was one of many ACHS students who enjoyed that fare. Ask your dad if he attended the dances at the Inlet Social Club; my grandmother (Nanny B) lived close to the club. I can remember being tweleve-years-old and dancing to Chuck Berry's "Maybelline," and "Tweedle-Dee, Tweedle-Dum." I think they played "Earth Angel" that same night. I can still remember being sad, because I had to leave so early to meet Nanny's curfew. There was a Mrs. Perry who lived on S Belleview Ave. Was she related to Tom Perry? I remember her at this season because her's was the last place we visited on Holloween; her "treat" was always an apple that you had to dunk for. How many out there recalling "soaping" windows, especially car windows, on "Mischief Night"? PS: To all of you fools who invade this site and try to lay waste to our desire to share our memories~~~I'm still here. And the principled stubborn woman my husband lovingly refers to as his favorite ECB (East Coast B---h" will steadfastly defend~~~and attend~~~the turf she shares with all who help her recall wonderous years in a wonderful place... " Edit Entry

Submitted by Lois Kaness from Denver. Entered on October 19, 2009
"Huh?? What! is Joe Hogan's problem? Is this someone who knew me years ago, and didn't like me?? I've been visiting here since 2002 and in those years have enjoyed many "side" conversations with folks who emailed about shared memories and mutual friends. It saddens me to block my email address..I am offended and would like his comments removed from this site. I would hate to quit this spot and would miss the many friends I've met here." Edit Entry

Submitted by Mort Solitare from The Villages, florida. Entered on October 17, 2009
"Hi, My name is Mort Solitare. I was born and raised in Atlantic City. my father owned a liquer store on Oriental Ave for over 30 years. What a great place to grow up. My memories enclude hanging out at the Jewish community Center on Virginia Ave, sing alongs with Lois Miller at Heinz pier, dances at Steele Pier, baseball games at Altman field and too many others to mention. Some of the guys I hung around with at Jacks candy store at Mass and Oriental were Ben Ginsberg, Jerry Tarter, Sammy Solomon,, Arnie Kozalski Myron Goldfinger, Ronnie Wagner, Herb Wichner,Murray(Satch) Silver. Jake(Moose) Mendelsohn, Buddy Feinstein (Vasser),Leon Chudnow, Murray Friss, Rudy Ponzio. Would love to hear from any of you guys. contact me at asolitare@aol.com. Just found this Atlantic City Memory Lane web Site. It sure brings back a lot of good memories. I'm living the good life in The Villages, Florida . Love to hear from you. asolitare@aol.com " Edit Entry

Submitted by Albie from Bordentown NJ. Entered on October 14, 2009
"It's so good to see others remembering the Claredon - where all the Tony Grant performers stayed during thier week or weeks on "the pier" - The Steel Pier, of course. I watched my older sister dance there til I was 6 and then I began dancing on the Pier myself...into my teens. I beformed with the Halletts from Trenton and later with the Parkerettes from Hamilton. I also did the famous "Side by Side" number Tony Grant coreographed himself, (with my partner Karen.) The most wonderful, enchanting, exciting and fondest memories I have are from these years between the late 50's and early 70's. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Ken Morris from Juneau, Alaska. Entered on October 13, 2009
"Hey Richard...excuse me,I meant to say, "Doctor Farnsworth"...I was a friend of your older brother, Jack...We played football together and fished in the surf near Captain Starn's...I remember how you hated catechism at Holy Spirit Elementary and were always competing to be better than "Jack" ( How's Jack doing?). Thanks for the brilliant Astor Theater memories...reading those words was like opening a door and walking back into Atlantic City in the 1950's...You absolutely nailed it...Knowing you, you probably won Jack's "movie quarter" from him that Saturday, "flipping heads and tails"...just as you used to get all of his best baseball cards,especially his Mickey Mantle All-Star cards. Do me a favor...write about the times we sneaked into the Steel Pier....and those marathon stickball games we played in the summer in the playground at Massachusetts Avenue School...Say hi to the family...." Edit Entry

Submitted by Mary Ellen from Mt. Laurel, NJ. Entered on October 13, 2009
"Dr. Farnsworth...Thank you so very much for your wonderful article...Reading it was like entering a "virtual time machine", thrusting me back to my childhood in the AC Inlet. My brothers, sisters and friends all spent our Saturdays at the Astor and we treasure those memories. Your words...descriptions and childhood memories of the Astor are so "photographically exact" that I felt as though I were standing next to you...as if I were your "date" on that special Saturday... ( I am jealous, I guess, of your "Roseanne"). I could see every color of every candy wrapper in that glass case...and all the hundreds of smudged, little finger prints on the glass. You brought the Red Popcorn Machine back to life in my mind...And brought a flood of beautiful Atlantic City Memories back into my life...PLEASE....post many more of your memories...and I'll keep coming back to read them !!!!!!!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Fav place on earth from Haverford PA. Entered on October 10, 2009
"Thanks, Joe from Coaldale(sp?) and Anubis. I'll be eager to take a look at all the sites, as soon as I can figure out how to access/navigate them for the A.C. stuff (and I will!) And, of course, thanks to Woody and everybody else on this once-in-a-lifetime website. I guess I sound like I've just received an academy award or something. But actually this site is better because to be sharing on it, you have to have had the memories to being with. Everybody has his/her own memories, but I said it before, and I'll say it again: What I wouldn't give to be a kid again, back in the Atlantic City of old, getting ready, after a long afternoon at the beach, dinner at the Wilrose or Kent's, and a short nap, to be getting ready for another nightly adventure on the Atlantic City Boardwalk of old. Nothing ever topped a night on the A.C. Boardwalk of the mid 1940's as a 9-year-old, and I didn't miss much in life. Always the saddest day of my young life -- my last day in Atantic City for that summer. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Anubis from Las Vegas/Fairfax, VA. Entered on October 10, 2009
"Let's see if this triggers any food memories or anyone can add to it: Working your way down Ventnor Ave from ACHS towards Ventnor in the 50's there was Josh's, the Chinese restaurant at Trenton Ave, Dannenbaum's Bakery?, Lamberts Ice Cream, Gorman's Deli, Lisc Bakery?, (somewhere in here there used to be a Saylor's with the big blocks of cheese and butter), Roth's Deli, Super Sub, Shane's Deli. Further down the island was Lou's sandwich shop, Rapetti's at Newport Ave and Casel's Deli. On the other end of town was the Carolina Grill, Lincoln Drug on Atlantic Ave at South Carolina. What a selection of places to get good food and goodies! Some of the above might be incorrect but add your memories/corrections." Edit Entry

Submitted by Anubis from London. Entered on October 8, 2009
"To Fav and others: Fav said "My personal memories, of course, would be of greater interest to vacationers like me than to year-round residents". As a former resident I find all memories interesting as are the different perspectives. I think those of us that lived in AC can better appreciate it when we hear all viewpoints (and also learn new things like the "Bug Palace"). " Edit Entry

Submitted by Fav place on earth from Haverford PA. Entered on October 8, 2009
"Woody, thanks again. I do know about the shop you're referring to on Atlantic. But I'd better clarify a few anecdotes I ventured on an earlier post re the old Palace/Surf movie. When I first discovered this site I ran down a litany of childhood memories I had of old A.C. in the mid-forties, especially. You can read about my memories by typing in "Fave place on earth," OR "Fav (no 'e')place on earth." My personal memories, of course, would be of greater interest to vacationers like me than to year-round residents who might find them rather humdrum, especially if they've read them before. I was so young and impressionable at that age. And Atlantic city, the beach and Boardwalk were my own little magic world back then. I'd never seen anything like the Old Boardwalk at night, all lit up. I guess it would be something like a kid's visit to Disney World, although I can't imagine the DisneyWorld experience even being close to how utterly mesmerized I was about Atlantic City in the mid 40's. As a young soldier, I was stationed in France for a full two years and because of my band, I made enough money to buy my own car and fly all over Europe on my annual thirty day leave, each year, where I didn't miss much, including at least 50 days in London (because I was homesick and tired of being forced to speak French). So, I've been around the world as a soldier and musician but Atlantic City is still my favorite all-time place on earth. I also worked in NYC for many years, but, as I mentioned before, I wouldn't care if I ever went there again -- although I loved working there at the time (and wouldn't want to work anyplace else.) My brother and I plus my two cousins, Franny and Ann, could never afford the magnificent Warner in those days, so the only other movie close to where we rented a small apartment every summer was what was then called the Palace. I only learned from commenters/posters on this site that it was later renamed the Surf and that it had the rather "thought-provoking" dubious nickname/epithet/sobriquet, the "Bug Palace." I DO remember, though, asking my older cousin, Ann, one summer, walking back to our apartment after the movie: "I wonder why they call it the Palace, when we have to sit on barrels?" I don't know exactly what I meant by that (probably sarcastic, but true) question way back in the late 40's, but when someone mentioned on this site that it used to be jokingly called the Bug Palace, I thought my question of that summer day, many years ago was finally answered -- They were renovating and putting in new seats. (I really don't know if that was true, and I guess I never will). Another contibutor to this site once mentioned that her father worked for the Palace theater, and that (if I'm not mistaken) she helped her father clean up the theater before it closed for the day. I could be wrong about this and if so, I apologize -- but I think that's what this nice lady wrote in answer to my many questions about the old Palace. In those days, the movies were my whole world, even when I was in Atlantic City on vacation. I have another question. We used to eat supper in the Willrose(sp?) restaurant. Can anybody PLEASE GO INTO DETAIL about the old Willrose/Wilrose. I believe it was right off Pacific before or near St. Nick's. My next question will be the hardest of all. I asked once before but nobody could answer it. What I wouldn't give to be a kid again, looking forward to walking the Boards again at night (the way it used to be), buying my apple taffy and going to the penny arcade. Only us true Atlantic-City-of-old souls have these priceless, treasured memories that all the world's riches could never buy, or even come close. " Edit Entry

Submitted by russell borden from berkley springs west virgina. Entered on October 4, 2009
"I lived on the beach and steel pier all four years of high school had a great time many memories" Edit Entry

Submitted by Tom D from Italy. Entered on September 30, 2009
"for JL: see what you did with all that happy talk about how great everything was? You disturbed the evil spirit 'Propecia' and her acolytes 'Vigrx' and 'Vimax' and now they're wreaking havoc on our rose tinted memories... Paging Dr. Phil... Paging Dr. Phil... Call for Dr. Phil. Wait! I just heard a rumor that Stumpy and Hap have sent for Jack Portock and his Horsemen to clean the joint out.. fadeout.... the sun sets into the back bay and the lights of the Traymore, Haddon Hall and the Claridge start to twinkle... the moon comes up out of the ocean signalling 'all clear' on the boardwalk." Edit Entry

Submitted by JL from CT. Entered on September 29, 2009
"OK enough!-- I was at my place at the shore again last weekend and partied with the old boys and girls from HSHS and ACHS 60/61/62. Everything now is downbeach and not "our AC" but it is still remarkably beautiful and it's still very easy to love. We have some special memories of our jewel and the way it was, but you're all on a collision course with enjoyment if you keep up this psychobabble about all this negative crap that just intrudes on your good memories of this place we all loved so much. Me? My memories and those of my buds are- the beach, the lifeguards, Blums, St. James. the Y, Starns to fish, Bacharach Field, Soveriegn Ave Football, the White House, The Senator Bar, The Fort Pitt, Carsons and FF lobster tails, Altman Field, our incredible HSHS and ACHS (I went to both), Lake Lenape, Gravelly Run, The Dog House, and two million more!! Get a grip here or Dr. Phil will be in session with you all!!" Edit Entry

Submitted by ernest b. kuhl from michigan. Entered on September 28, 2009
"Casinos? In my growing up years in a.c. it was a wonderful place to be. (40's, 50's, ealy 60's) Hands down. Corruptions only benefited those who were at the top. What they gave to the little guy was only to insure being at the top. It rarely gave the little guy a chance to move up and improve his life style. It always kept him where he was. I moved away from a.c. to make a better life for me and those close to me. I still love a.c. for the memories it holds for me. Before leaving A.C. I worked for the atlantic county engineering dept. for 3 years. Stories I could tell you about that. The city sold out to the casinos in hopes of improving the town. casinos were only in it for them selves" Edit Entry

Submitted by Professor Ann from South Jersey from Gloucester County, NJ. Entered on September 25, 2009
" Reading this site made me homesick for the AC I remember from the 40s. I too lived on Saint Katherine's Place and have fond memories of growing up with many of the people named. But I saw no mention of the Vilenskys, Bill, Lenore, Louis and Jill; The Nattermans, Caplans, and Pieris who lived on the even side of SKP; Patsy Jenkins, whose brother David was killed in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge; Maxine Gelfand, Barbara Blum, the Ginsberg family of rye bread fame; the Brahas, relations of the Nehmads; the Glenns, Johnsons, and Suttons, who lived just behind SKP but played on that street; the Schwarzes, and others whose names escape me. I remember Randall's store on the corner of SKP and Atlantic Ave and also Slotoroff's candy store and luncheonette on Atlantic Ave just off the boardwalk. It later was owned by a man named Nick, who despite living in the town where subs were supreme, never learned how to make a proper one. He cut his cold cuts as if they were to be roasted rather then sliced for a sandwich. I remember the Astor movie theater, the Saturday home of the SKP kids--at least all who had a dime. If one had to be poor--or marginally poor--Atlantic City was the place to grow up because we were year-round vacationers and had no idea what our economic status was. We were considered the lucky ones because we had the ocean and beach all year. Yeah, AC! " Edit Entry

Submitted by Tom from Pittsgrove, NJ. Entered on September 23, 2009
"I agree with you Kate. It seems the person who left the comment had an axe to grind, or had flawed memories!" Edit Entry

Submitted by PatMcHale Rogers from Virginia Beach (formerly AC). Entered on September 22, 2009
"RATSO: Thank you so much for posting that video. I wish I could go back there...but only in my dreams now. What a place...what a town...what memories. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Tom D from Italy. Entered on September 22, 2009
"Just saw the video, taken at what may have been AC's 'tipping point'. My first clear memories are from around that time. Growing up in the 50's in AC had a sense of 'privilege'. We were 'special', almost invariably regarded with envy by the kids from Philadelphia etc.. It's a shame we didn't have any Joyce Carol Oates', Richard Russo's or Raymond Carver's in our coterie to chronicle that time. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Linda from Pennsylvania. Entered on September 15, 2009
"My first "real" boyfriend, temporarily, I met on the beach, named Norman Draper. Yes, a lifeguard, so very tall and handsome and he and I went out once because of the fact that I lived in North Jersey and visited AC only as much as I could. Even though it was only one date, we visited on the beach when I was there and enjoyed each other's company. I'm sure he didn't realize the impact he had on me and I debated over Norman or fellow lifeguard, Warren Brown who was also a cutie. AC memories are still fun thinking about and the two men (boys then)that made special memories for me. Thanks guys!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Lois Kaness from Denver. Entered on September 12, 2009
"I grew up at 2505 Pacific, in the apartment atop a store first owned by Joe Levine and then by Carlos Sulprizio; it was always a gambling establishment. My best memories are of the time when Carlos was the proprieter. Revenue was earned from, and winner cash payouts made for, pinball machines. My mother (alas!) was among the many who submitted long lists of numbers, straight, boxed and combinated, in hopes of winning the big prize. There was always a poker game going on in the back room. I can remember a rare occasion when an unannounced "raid" happened (State? Fed?) and Carlos handed me a stack of papers and told me to go into the back bathroom and tear them into shreds and flush them. If anyone knocked on the door, I was to say I was sick and to leave me alone. In return, I earned the then wonderful sum of $5.00. When my parents learned where I got the money they were POd. Ah yes, those of us who grew up in AC have memories far less prosaic than our age-mates who were raised in more mundane environments. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Susan from NJ/FL. Entered on September 6, 2009
"RE:Richmond Ave. Don't forget Mrs. Englehart, Mrs. Hartman, Mrs. Morgan, Mrs. Moskowitz, Mrs. Kramer. Mrs. Stoffer, Mrs. Laster (music teacher), Mr. Ordille (principal) Mr. Salada, and of course Mr. Bennett. Good Memories. Some of my classmates of 40 years ago met ths summer at the Greenhouse in Margate. We had a great time and hope to meet next year with a bigger group. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Loreta Iannucci Cericola from Aldan Delaware County Pa. formally of Overbrook P. Entered on August 29, 2009
"My dad use to operate the Spooky House ride on Steeplechase Pier in the early 70's. You sat in little cars that ran on tracks that went into the dark and spooky haunted house. He would get a pass for me so my kids could ride the rides for free. What great memories of them on the fire engines ringing the bell, riding in the little row boats and motor cycles over and over again. Then we would go down to Woolworth's where mom worked behind the lunch counter and get lunch and a slice of that great cheesecake. Day's that were not good beach days, with my 3 kids in a huge old coach, we would walk the whole board walk from Conneticut Ave. to Million Dollar pier back down to Hackney's then back to Congress Ave. where mom and dad's house was just 1/2 block from the boards. Good beach days were spent sitting on the beach while my mom sat under The Garden Pier in it's shade, water dripping from the fountain on the pier. A good place to wash off the sand. These are treasures of our A. C. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Daniel Mathis from Indianapolis, Indiana. Entered on August 27, 2009
"Ernest - My brother Kenneth, ACHS "62" was in the seminary for three years after graduation from HS. He left his priestly studies and then lived and worked in NYC for a few years. In the mid 70's he was the director at the Dayton Ohio Museum 0f Art followed by a position at the Museum of Art at Columbia University in NYC. Kenneth died in 1994 of throat cancer and of course missed by his wife and children. I graduated from ACHS in "63" and have spent the last 42 years in Indiana both as a teacher and school administrator retiring in 6/08. I return to the Jersey Shore to visit my brothewr Paul, ACHS "65" who has a second home in the AC area and we fish as often as possible. I have great memories of AC from the 50's, 60,s and 70,s working on the beach, Embassy Movie Theater, Fralinger's Salt Water Taffy factory and other part time jobs. Living in Indiana, I do not miss what has happened to AC and Casino life but I miss my old friends, life on the shore and beach and the "old Atlantic City where I grew up! " Edit Entry

Submitted by sandy from mill valley, ca. Entered on August 21, 2009
"I want to get in touch with Lori Feldman who talked about AC memories of Minnie Lowe who was my father's cousin. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Alec Jiri from Switzerland. Entered on August 21, 2009
""DOES ANYONE HAVE PICTURES OF RELATIVES, FRIENDS OR THEMSELVES WITH DOLLS OR TOYS IN ATLANTIC CITY BETWEEN 1918-1936? I KNOW IT'S A LONG TIME AGO, BUT MAYBE PEOPLE HERE MIGHT HAVE GRANDPARENTS OF PARENTS WHO MAY HAVE BEEN PHOTOGRAPHED WITH DOLLS, MAYBE KAMKIN DOLLS FROM THAT ERA. I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WITH SUCH PHOTOS OR MEMORIES. THANKS AGAIN, ALEC JIRI"" Edit Entry

Submitted by Gayle Fontana Adkins from West River Maryland. Entered on August 20, 2009
"How great to find this interesting site. I was among many others who sang and danced every summer for "Tony Grant's Stars Of Tomorrow" at the old "Midway Theater" usually for several weeks every year, and also during what was then called, "All Star Week," the week of the Miss America Pagent. I recall Mr. Grant very well, his kindness, and all of his really funny antics behind the curtian. I used to introduce him, for every show: "Good Evening, and welcome to the Midway theater. And now, I'ld like to have you meet the man who is the maker of the Stars Of Tomorrow. He's your friend, and he's our friend too, so lets bring him on with a great big round of applause, here he is, our own, Tony Grant!" Those were such happy times, and the memories are certainly treasured ones. Four shows a day, wasn't it? After each show, we used to run all the way to the Grand Ballroom, and hand dance to the big band sounds, between our four daily shows at the Midway! In those days, it was all about dancing! Benny Santora, a great tap dancer, and Philly style hand dancer, was usually my dancing partner. The days were virtually filled with dancing, and somehow, in our youth, we never tired of dancing. I met many stars of the era, who were performing professionally on the Pier at that time. Fabian, Paul Anka, The Lennon Sisters, Johnny Mathis, the list goes on, and on. During New Years Eve, we returned and performed at the Haddon Hall Hotel, in Atlantic City, for their New Years Eve Show. In those days, we were dancing somewhere nearly every weekend, doing loads of USO shows, up and down the coast. Ted Mac's Amatuer Hour, in New York City, and a number of Washington D.C. television shows. We (our line of dancers) all lived in the Washington D. C. suburbs, in Maryland, so there were always many opportunites for performing. I danced in a line, The Jean Hartman High Steppers, and also performed solo, singing and tap dancing, at the Midway Theater, and elsewhere, but opn the Pier, from around 1956 through 1962. Basically throughout my adolecence. Many, many years later, while vacationing in Ocean City Maryland, I noticed an advertisment for a performer at Duffy's Tavern, named, Benny Santora. Anyone out there remember Benny? I thought, oh no, it couldn't be the same person, after all these years, and this was about ten or twelve years ago, maybe even longer. Of course, I went that very evening to Duffy's, and couldn't believe my eyes when I walked into the restaurant. There was Benny, same ol' Benny, somewhat bald, but still slender, smiling, and unmistakably, Benny Santora. He took one look at me as I came through the door, and I couldn't believe it, he remembered me, even my name. I always knew Benny was a great tap dancer, but never knew that he could sing, and play both guitar, and piano. He was basically a one man show at Duffy's, and still performing, and enjoying it as much as ever. What a BLAST it was seeing him again, and talking with him during his breaks, having him meet my daughter, and husband, and recalling all the memories we shared! Benny used to be the main assistant and stage mamager for Tony Grant, at the Midway Therater, and had taken lessons in Tony's Grant's old dancing school, in New Jersey. What a delightful reunion we had, recalling our youth, and remembering Tony Grant, who had since passed away, and also, some of the other acts who performed at the Midway, during those long ago, happy and fun filled years. How I wish the kids of later generations could have grown up during the fifties, and early sixties, when dancing was the core of our social life, and we knew our place, and relished in our youth. Our vigor and innocence the basis of our joy, and none of it through artificial, or illegal activities. Although Benny and I vowed to stay in touch, I somehow misplaced his number. I was very much looking forward to checking at Duffy's the next summer, and seeing Benny once again. Sadly, the following summer I went back to Duffy's again, after seeing the same ad, for the one man show, "Benny Santora" only to learn that Benny had passed away the previous week! I was devastated! I think we were both probably in our fifties, at the time of his death, and he had had a new family, at that time, with rather small children. The owner, a friend of mine, said that Benny had had a sudden cerebral hemmorage, and died. What a shock! It was truly a very deep disappointment, and I felt such regret that we had lost the opportunity through that previous year, to stay in touch, and get our families together for further socializing. I hope that his wife, and children, have gotten along OK, since his death. If there is anyone who knows about how they have managed since his death, please let me know. Gayle Fontana Shadyq@aol.com " Edit Entry

Submitted by Lori Feldman from Coconut Creek, Florida. Entered on August 12, 2009
"When I think of AC, I think of my grandmother Minnie Lowe. She used to have a little ice cream/general store called Rossman's back in the 40's-60's in the inlet area. The flood that came through AC back in the 60's wiped out everything. My uncle owns a sub shop called Spanky & Son on Porter Ave-best subs in town. Someone had mentioned Garwood Mills-my grandmother worked in the greeting card dept. at Garwood. My grandmother lived on Mediterranean Ave for 17 years. I have fond memories of walking down the avenue when we were kids with her to the Woolworth 5&10 and picking out little toys and going up on the boardwalk to Steel Pier. My grandmother's cousins Florence and Al Rossman had a Kosher Deli in AC and I remember they had this victorian house with a big front porch. Things were so simple back then. My grandmother is gone now but my memories of her and AC will live in my heart forever!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Bill Amadeo from Daytona Beach Fl. Entered on August 10, 2009
"The Morton Hotel on Virginia Ave brings back memories. On the Boardwalk end was the pool with a street entrance, you could pay to go in. I used to swim there in the winter after playing pool at the Jewish Coomunity Center (almost next door). Virginia Ave was such a vibrant street because of the Steel Pier. I would go to Kornblaus Deli next to the restaurant on the corner and get a Kornblaus Special, corned beef, coleslaw and russian dressing. Walking up to the boards in the summer I would pass Joe Borowskis Restaurant, The Mortimer Bar with the open windows, the Virginia Bar, Buddys Commodore, Malia's Saloon, and across the the street on the Morton side, the Showplace Bar next to the bus station on my way to the Pier." Edit Entry

Submitted by Susan from Orlando. Entered on August 9, 2009
"I was going through some old memories and found stuff about a family visit to Atlantic City (stayed at the Morton Hotel in the late 60's)... I was so disappointed in the early 80's to hear that it was taken down to put up a casino! I know that it was an older hotel but it had such character! I, too, LOVED the pool.....I was really young when we went there ....does anyone remember???? was it in the basement of the hotel???" Edit Entry

Submitted by Lois Kaness from Denver. Entered on July 27, 2009
"To Larry Letzer: Thanks for your efforts to keep the idiots from destroying this site. I found this site, and have been sharing memories here, since July 2001. Not only has it helped me connect with long lost family and friends, it has stirred wonderful memories that bring many smiles. Thanks again to all of you who have labored to preserve this site!" Edit Entry

Submitted by joe from coaldale,pa. Entered on July 22, 2009
"The Greater Pittsburgh Cafe on S. Tenn.Ave. was sold by Bob Maguire about 3 years ago to the people who operated Maloney's in Margate. They did extensive renovations but it has been closed for some time. I remember Charlie the piano player and the song sheets that contained about 120 sing alongs!my neighbor Dot McCann from N.Maine Ave.loved to sing there.I have the greatest memories of the old Pittsburgh!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Martin Lizerbram from San Diego, CA. Entered on July 22, 2009
"Maureen W., I remember the Fredonia Hotel. It was one hotel in from the Boardwalk, behind the Mayflower Hotel which I believe was at Tennesee Avenue and the Boardwalk. We usually stayed at the Mayflower, but if it was full, we stayed at the Fredonia. In front of the Mayflower was a Bell Telephone office on Central Pier. To call Long distance to Philadelphia, you would go to the desk, pay for the call, and the operator would send you to a phone booth where you would be connected to the number which you wanted to call. The hotels did not have direct dialing in the late 40's or early 50's. There were jetties along the beach there where you could place your clothes on a non-sandy surface. You could walk out on a wooden jetty which was T-shaped, sit on it, and feel the waves pass under under your feet. There was horseback riding there, in the spring and fall after the crowds left. Great memories there." Edit Entry

Submitted by Maureen W from Philadelphia, PA. Entered on July 21, 2009
"I have wonderful memories of visiting AC as a child with my grandmother in the 1960's. I remember Reese's Restaurant and the tiny old woman who ran the place. They had the most incredible pies & PA Dutch style food. Also, the Dugout, a tiny basement level restaurant where I used to get my granny's morning coffee. We stayed in the Greater Pittsburgh Hotel on Tennessee Ave. I remember rocking in the green wicker rockers on the 2nd floor porch and listening to the people passing below. On my last visit to AC I went to find the hotel - it's the only building left on the whole block - everything else has been leveled. Does anyone remember the Hotel Fredonia? We also stayed there." Edit Entry

Submitted by Barry from Seattle WA. Entered on July 11, 2009
"Thank you, Kelly from Ducktown, for your recent posts that brought back memories of pool-hopping and "hiding out" under the boards. A generation before you, I, too, knew the cool clammy air of those places that had a distinctive odor composed of all things fair and foul but was made attractive by the often successful search for coins dropped between the planks. My favorite place was under the Steeplechase Pier at Pennsylvania Avenue because many visitors had out their coin purses and fumbled with their change for the rides or snacks there. Other under the boards activities (that I can write about here) included sneaking onto Steel Pier; there was at least one route that started from next to the vehicular tunnel that extended Virginia Avenue under the Boardwalk to parking for Pier equipment and station WFPG. The roundabout passage, negotiated on all fours and involved squeezing around pilings and under concrete supports, led into the fun-houses. We'd come out through a hole in the wall behind one of the "scenes" in a walk-through fun-house route (I think there were three separate walk-throughs on different themes) and then wait for a break in the line of visitors before stepping out onto the path. I didn't pool-hop (probably because we never thought of it and, besides, swimming pools a block from the ocean would have seemed a bit too much in the mid-1950s.) What I did instead was go into the game rooms at the nicer Boardwalk hotels, e.g., Ritz-Carlton, Chalfont-Haddon Hall, the Dennis, the Shelbourne and the Marlborough (forget about the Traymore; they had security at the 'walk entrance that could spot a townie kid at a distance!) Until I was detected (which usually didn't take too long) I behaved appropriately and I played pool or ping-pong with actual guest-kids or simply enjoyed the amenities of a world beyond my reach then, e.g., sitting in the hotel library or a lounge and listening to string quartets. There would often be a "writing room" in the finer hotels that offered free stationary embossed with the hotel's name and likeness, all free for the taking. I did. I wish I had some of that stationary now. What I'm sorriest about most now is that kids, in AC or elsewhere, could never have such experiences without running the serious risk of being charged with some misdemeanor and slapped into Harborfields, i.e., "juvie." Back in the day, we were half-expected to do those things and the worst that could happen would be that one would be escorted out; gee, I know I was. Happy to see this site back to its true self and thanks to those who made it possible!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Tom D from Italy. Entered on July 9, 2009
"here's a terrific site w/fotos of AC back in da day: barryrich.net/acnj/acsitemap.htm Does anyone have memories of the docks and boats burning in the early fifties at Gardeners Basin in the Inlet? I remember the awnings burning from the embers that flew, what? a half mile? to Adriatic and Maine." Edit Entry

Submitted by Jim from Kansas. Entered on July 7, 2009
"Two AC places my father spoke of but I haven't seen mentioned here. Rendezvous Park, apparently an amusement park in the early-mid 1920s on the site of Boardwalk Hall and "Little Hollywood", AC's name for the local Hooverville of the 1930s. Any thoughts or memories by our more senior contributors? I enjoy the comments of what AC used to be like. Thanks." Edit Entry

Submitted by Lois Kaness from Denver. Entered on July 5, 2009
"Anubis, living near Pacific and Florida, I loved Funcade and remember one pinball machine I particularly loved. I think it was called Lucky Lady and I got to know it well enough to know just how far I could push it before it would tilt. Kelly, your discussion of street games prompted my own memories of playing a girl's game where you would bounce the ball against the a wall and either clap your hands, spin around, etc before hitting the ball again; with each bounce new motions were added and so it became increasingly more difficult. Also loved some of the games that were usually for boy's only, especially pitching pennies and flipping baseball cards. Does anyone else remember collecting charms from the penny gum/candy machines? Cutting your tongue on the metal spoons that came with the small metal dish of hard fudgelike candy? And were AC girls the only kids who used the neighborhood shoemaker's old heels when playing hopscotch? I rmember being suprised to learn that my cousins from other locales used a stone." 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 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 Inlet Kid from Massachusetts. Entered on June 20, 2009
"Memories keep pouring back...Somone in an earlier post had mentioned the Belgian Waffle guy and asked about his Schtick. He was a stout bald old guy with lungs like Pavorati. He would stand at the front window and yell across the boardwalk. I do not remeber his whole routine but remember he would yell "belgian waffles, served at the 1930 World Fair, they'll make POP right of bed!" He would accent the POP by banging his open hands on the metal counter. Arthur's Pizza across from Garden Pier, I used to work for Arthur making those square pans of pizza and selling slices. My cousins used to come up to the stand to see who could eat the most. It was great pizza! I remember being able to hear the music from the Ampitheatre at the end of Garden Pier, when it was over we knew the rush was about to begin. Arthur later bought that place on the white Horse Pike at the Delilah Road overpass, it was a gas station with a Pizza parlor on top. Never really made it there. The Breaker's and Saint Charles Hotels were Kosher and when I was 12, studying for my Bar Mitzva, my Rabbi was the inspector. A young Chasidic Rabbi from Philly, he would take me on Sunday mornings into the kitchen where a table was set for us. While I studied he would go through his routine with the chef and manager and then we would eat a huge lunch, free of course while we studied Torah. We would trade off, the beakers one week, the St, Charles the next. My Mother was a waitress at Haddon Hall and my Brother and I both had our Bar Mitzva's in the main ballroom which is still in tact. It is that room with the intricate copper colored cieling on the second floor. We did not appreciate at the time, the opulance of the venue. It has been raped and pillaged for the most part. Still love White House Subs. When I was 17 I worked at MC Weiss Provisions and I would deliver to White House at about 9:30 am with a hand truck. Uncle Pete used to let me in and feed me breakfast. Bongiavanni's, The Baltimore Grill, Angelo's Fairmaount Tavern. I remember Angelo loved my father, he would come sit with us when we had dinner. During the days of eminent domain when they tried to take my familie's property, I remeber my father had fueds with Pierre Hollingsworth, they later became best of friends. Nelson Fressus had a little convenience store on the North side and Tommy Nardone had the Brown Derby right near Gardner's Basin on Maine Ave. Gerald Stevens (Goldwater) was a most charming man who my father took under his wing. Gerald became a succesful antique dealer with a shop at Gardner's Basin. I am rambling so I will stop for now, I am sure more stuff will bubble up later... " Edit Entry

Submitted by Inlet kid from Massachusetts. Entered on June 20, 2009
"Hi all, I am an Inlet kid, I lived at 239 South Metropolitan Ave. I came to the inlet later than many of you and inherited the streets your families had, for the most part, long since abandoned. We moved to my grandmother’s guest house in the early 70’s. The inlet was still densely populated but the neighborhood had long since past its heyday and was in decline. Learning to navigate the streets of the inlet and adapt to the challenges of living in a multicultural area gave me an education no institution of learning could have. In the early days the Sardes brothers, Sam and Joe, taught me the ins and outs of getting around the neighborhood without drawing attention to myself. Pointing out which places to avoid and which to rely on. The neighborhood still had some of the gems of the past in its midst, Neiman’s Kosher butcher shop was still in business, The Savory Bakery, Bernie and Sarah Cohen at the corner of Metro and Oriental. Mike (the Greek) had his convenience store further down Oriental near Blum’s. I went to middle school at Central Jr. High with Eddie Blum, his sister Geryl was a regular around our house. She, like many of our Inlet friends met an early demise. I remember the Trentnor Sisters, Barbara in particular, my first kiss, under the boardwalk on Metropolitan Ave. I think Mike Garcia married her sister. I remember Bossie’s on Congress Ave and Bennie’s deli and Willie’s fish market on Oriental. Of Course Volpin’s liquor store on the corner of New Hampshire and Atlantic is still there. Old man Volpin was a sweet old guy and his son Steve was a good friend to my family when my father had the Budget Butcher Shop across the street. Barry Iaconnelli was a great friend to my father and our family as well. Just behind Volpin’s was the Ware, short for the Warehouse, which was at the top of the Slipidis house, a glass room leading out to an open porch. Robin was the king of the surfer crowd with Roger Datesman, Steve Neiman, Georgie Coen, Mikey (Toe) Ellis, Robbie Wilson, who later married Alice Holescome, my sister’s best friend at the time. Dennis Ruly, Mac McNew, John Han and Joe Heck, The Garcia brothers, Hector, Mike and Pork Chop and many others too numerous to mention. Tim Slipidis and I would usually be playing chess in the corner, trying to keep a lid on Robbie Wilson and others when things got out of hand. I remember one night Joe Sardes got mad at Robbie and practically threw him down three flights of stairs and out the door. It was a great group of kids. Joe Sardes also was among those who met an early demise as Joe Hasson pointed out in an earlier post. Joe we missed one another in the mix, but your family’s flower shop was iconic in town. I had a wonderful childhood with summer jobs at Steal Pier and Irene’s gift shops. The Devlin family was near and dear to me and Irene was a sweetheart of mine for a short time. I ended up marrying one of her good friends, Patricia Evans. We did not know until much later that we were both friends of Irene. I now live in Massachusetts and my parents just sold my Grandmother’s guest house about two years ago to Revel. They are on their way to Florida right now, having bought a nice condo to spend their golden years in warmer climbs. I wish my friends still holding fort in the Inlet good thoughts and the best of luck. The Zarych family, Tim Slipitis is still there, Kathy and Bill, my parent’s neighbors. Mike the Greek’s wife is till making a living there as far as I know. I made it out of Inlet and now live in Massachusetts. Patricia and I have been together for thirty years and have a daughter who is a junior in College, getting her BSN in Nursing Science. Having gone back to school as an adult, I went to college nights for six years while working full time and raising a family, I graduated from Harvard in 1999. I am a Realtor in Marblehead, MA and my wife is a Banker in Boston. Atlantic City destroyed many of my friends, Joe Sardes, Robin Slipidis, Pork Chop, Geryl Blum and others. It has a dark, cold underside, but it also has that warm summer glow which nourished many of us into adulthood. I will be checking this site for your wonderful additions and memories! Richard Gindes" Edit Entry

Submitted by Judy Gilmore from Boston. Entered on June 12, 2009
"Tanya, I had great memories of the Harlem Club, saw Dizzy (can't spell his last name) as a lounge act. Went to a topless review (my Grandmother, the perfect Irish Catholic) and she loved it. The girls were so classey I don't think she noticed. Then something happened with race relationships and we never went again. Maybe it was Mississippi, I have to look up the dates. I can remember feeling tension that was never there before." Edit Entry

Submitted by tanya buell from delaware. Entered on June 12, 2009
"My father always drove a new caddilac every 2 yrs. and that about 3 or 4 times it was used to transport Miss America down the boardwalk in the early 60's & 70's. My dad ran the numbers racket in the black community until about 1 year after the legalization of the casino's and the n.j. lottery. Family & friends from all over the country would come to visit us & stay with our family or a friends family so they could attend the social functions & entertainment that the black community offered. Sarah Vaughn used to stay at my friends house everytime she came to town because she didn't like the hotels there. In fact we knew all the club owners & their families and got to meet every entertainer who came to town since the late 50's. The boardwalk never closed & the liquor stores would deliver!! I used to make about $200.00 a day at least by babysitting all the youngsters who were visiting with relatives & friends. All I had to do was walk them up & down the boardwalk, stop at the steel pier, the steeplchase, chicken bone beach then walk them home for dinner. I still have ton's of memoribilia from all of atlantic city's hottest spots. I have fond memories of the playground of the world. The knife & fork, abes, that one uptown across from garwood mills in the inlet. Sap's, Club Harlem, The collisuem, Edgehill's, Timbuktu's, Hickory House, Zaberers, Copsey's and Skinny somebody's club arcoss from Abe's. Those were the days!! Also the Red Klotz, and Post Time and Johnson's Family Restaurant on Ky!!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Tori from York, PA. Entered on June 11, 2009
"My parents and I went to AC/NJ every year from the end of the 50's thru 1968. We stayed either at Haddon Hall or the Seaside (right off the boardwalk). Right up from the Seaside, going towards the boardwalk was a mini golf, which I think is now the Hard Rock Cafe. Over these years in AC, I was very fortunate - I actually met and got autographs of all of the 1960's Miss America's, Frankie Vali & The 4 Seasons, the Everly Brothers, Bobby Vinton (my Dad sang with him on stage), Frank Sinatra, Jr., Peter Noone & Herman's Hermits, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, and Gladys Knight & the Pips. I have very fond memories too - diving horse at Steel Pier, the Mr. Peanut Man, the boardwalk grill that made taylor pork roll sandwiches, James Salt Water Taffy, and being able to walk under the boardwalk to get to the beach. I remember how we always dressed up to go out - day or night. My Mom wore plastic caps over her high heels so she wouldn't get her heels stuck in the boardwalk. Oh yea, remember the flag pole sitters?Those were such great times!!!!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Miles Spiller from Merion, PA. Entered on June 9, 2009
"To John Sullivan: Thank you for your kind words. My grandmother, of blessed memory, who passed away at a "young" 88 used to tell me a person is only as old as they feel. Reading these memories, and reliving happy times is a good way to stay young. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Anubis from Las Vegas/Fairfax, VA. Entered on June 7, 2009
"I really appreciate it when people share knowledge here about books, web sites, etc with an AC perspective. The last one I saw was about the Jewish Shops in AC and that sure brought back memories. Kligerman's, Slotoroff, et al. I really miss those AC deli's with their meat selections and breads. How about some Boardwalk salad? " Edit Entry

Submitted by Carolyn from Allentown, PA. Entered on June 7, 2009
"Does anyone else remember the piano playing duck in the entryway to Steel Pier? I believe it was called 'Duck Ellington'. If you dropped a coin in, food would drop on the piano keys and the duck would 'play the piano'. This had to be in the late '60's/ early '70's. Even as a small child I thought it was cruel. I also thought the diving horse was cruel, because it always seemed to me that the horse REALLY did not want to jump! I was always afraid that the horse would get hurt, though thankfully it never did anytime I saw the show. My good memories are of dancing as a teenager in the Golden Dome ballroom, though I was never there during the filming of the show.Eddie Nixon was a very good dancer!" Edit Entry

Submitted by John Sullivan from St. Charles, Missouri. Entered on June 5, 2009
"For Miles Spiller: My Goodness! I have read, enjoyed, identified with the comments on this site over the years, and they have rejuvenated me , as I'm sure they have for many of the loyal participants here. We have been reliving the Thirties, Forties, Fifties, and Sixties in our great town. But, today, with your post, have we started to relive the Seventies? I've never seen a post on this site that referred to a casino as part of a "fond memory". Am I getting that old? Perhaps so. Well, welcome to all you folks out there whose memories start in the Seventies. I hope I'm around for those of you whose memories will start in the Eighties. Can the Nineties be far behind. Let's hope that the inheritors of this site keep it as great as the city it honors!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Miles Spiller from Merion, PA. Entered on June 4, 2009
"I was born in 1971. My parents had 2 houses, one in Phila, and one on Windsor Ave in A.C. I lived in Philadelphia, but my heart always longed for Atlantic City. I remember 35 cent Jitney rides with my grandmom, and crabbing with my dad in the back bays, old tires and discarded, rusted shopping carts and all. Whenever I am near a body of water at low tide, and it has that low tide smell, I remember those special times with my dad. I used to go to the piers with my family. I loved the diving horses at Steel pier. However, I loved going on the rides at Million Dollar Pier with my sister the most. My mom used to take me for ice cream at "The Creamery" at the Golden Nugget. Eighty cents a scoop!! I spent a lot of time at the beach near Annapolis Avenue. I had a lot of friends, some from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, others from NJ. I enjoyed that part of the beach because the Children's Seashore House was there. I enjoyed playing with the kids who were in treatment there, and thinking how fortunate I was that I was healthy. There are so many other things / places that I could mention, like the White House, the old bus station, the libraries at the Richmond Avenue School and Illinois Avenue, Playcade Arcade, and Tony's Baltimore Grill, to name a few. Many of these places, and even some of my family members are no longer here. However, I feel blessed to have had these experiences, and memories that I will cherish forever. " Edit Entry

Submitted by ernest b kuhl from michigan. Entered on May 28, 2009
"Mike O'Hare. Sorry Mike, I hear Knife and Fork just closed. Dock's might still be open. Others you mentioned are gone, gone gone. Casinos might be your best bet. Baltimore Grill is still the best for Italian. If you read back among all the inputs, you may find a.c. has changed quite abit. I have not be back in about 7 or 8 years. It's a weary old town now in what you might remember. Still close to my heart in all the good memories. I dated a gal from the village in chelsea heights named alice. Don't remember her last name. Just as well. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Marge Dollard Kane from Hallandale Beach Florida. Entered on May 28, 2009
"Anyone know the location of Joan Gallagher Sullivan? I have too many memories and no time to submit them right now. I enjoyed reading this. My brothers and sisters are more interesting to read. Later!!!!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Bob R from Ventnor. Entered on May 22, 2009
"This once great site has become a trash can and no longer holds interest for AC Memories Good bye" Edit Entry

Submitted by Tom from Pittsgrove, NJ. Entered on May 13, 2009
"Marty, you keep giving the name of your Group as "Atlantic City Memories 50's to 70's" and that's why folks aren't finding it when they search. > Atlantic City Memory Lane 50's to 70's < is the actual name of Your Group and if people search for that wording when on Facebook they'll find you!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Marty Hyman from South Philly. Entered on May 13, 2009
"1. Yes the last time I checked I am a real person. 2. I lived on Connecticut Avenue year round until I was about seven years old. I had Miss May in first grade at Mass Ave School. 3. I also live at 20 S New Hampshire Ave. (my folks had to move a few times. 4. My Dad was a vice president of the Jitneymens Association in the early fifties. 5. After that I spent the entire summers in AC until I was 17. 6. I played Accordion on Garden Pier in Aunt Lucille Russo's Boardwalk Star Revue. So Come on over to Atlantic City Memories 50's to 70's. We can add photos and start separate streams of conversations. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Ross from Margate. Entered on May 13, 2009
"use the Facebook search, type 'atlantic city memories' in search box, search facebook (not the web). A bunch of AC memory groups are there, 60's, 70's 80's, others, some with pictures." Edit Entry

Submitted by Bill Amadeo from Daytona Beach Fl. Entered on May 13, 2009
"To Bill Warner & Tom D., There is a REAL Atlantic City Site on Face Book. Atlantic City Memories 50s - 70s. Ive gone there on a few occasions and it has some decent content. Its not however as good as this site used to be. I wish someone in authority could catch these yahoos who are spamming up this once marvelous site and banish them. I dont know if Marty Hyman is a real person (I assume he is), says he lived on So Conneticut Ave as a kid, but the site is real and maybe with additional participation it will get better" Edit Entry

Submitted by William F Warner Jr. from Northfield NJ. Entered on May 12, 2009
"Marty Hyman I went to face book. I signed in and searched for Atlantic City Memories 50's to 70'and had no luck finding the site. Could you help me out. Thanks, Bill Warner" Edit Entry

Submitted by Marty Hyman from South Philly Pa. Entered on May 11, 2009
"I urge you to join FACE BOOK. Then join the group,"Atlantic City Memories 50's to 70's". No spam, no bullshit, just great conversation and photos." Edit Entry

Submitted by Maxine Lischin Block from Philadelphia and Longboat Key Fla. Entered on May 5, 2009
"Maxine Lischin Block, Phila and Longboat Key Fla. May '09.What a great site!! Memories are made of this.... S.A.G.S Let's get there early so we can walk "the halls" Good friends, great fun times,(oh, our naivete) I wish the kids today could have just a little of our times. I'd love to hear from some of you. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Marlene Branca from Northfield. Entered on May 3, 2009
"Tom Dollard asked if anyone remembered Miss McGreal from Our Lady Star of the Sea. Wow!!! I sure do. She had a HATE for me. I was a quiet little 4th grader. She would take my red bus ticket away and keep me after school day after day. So many days I walked home to Chelsea Heights. And many of those days did not make it to the bathroom, arriving with a big wet spot on my green uniform. Finally, my mother had enough of it and took me back to school. Sister Rosanne met us at the top of the stairs. I can still see her that day, with the hem of her habit tucked into her belt as she scrubbed the staircase on her hands and knees. I don't know if she had pity on me or just wanted to quiet the situation. But she agreed to take me into HER 4th grade class. Sister Rosanne taught 3rd and 4th in one room at the same time. 65 kids in one room. Can you see that happening today. I will never forget Mary McGreel and I also will never forget Sister Mary Roseanne. One still makes me shudder and one brings back memories of a good, good person. I heard that Sister Roseanne died at a young age and I am sure she is a saint today. And by the way, Sister Stephen is still living. She is in her 90's." Edit Entry

Submitted by Barry from Seattle WA. Entered on April 29, 2009
"I certainly didn't mean to deny others' feelings or memories or the facts of their experiences during their formative years nor that we weren't graced by the great privilege of having grown up at the shore when kids could more freely and easily be kids. It was simply that the AC I knew best, from about 1950 until the mid-1960s, when I left for college, military service and then a career of transfers was a very stratified and segregated place. Brigantine, you may recall, Larry, was a virtually all-white town into the 1960s; if there were any non-whites on the island they didn't send their kids to the public school there. Look at the yearbooks, perhaps especially ACHS, at the sports teams and cheerleader squads for who's not in the pictures. The thing that frosts me the most in recollection is that no one ever told me at the time that the old man from the custodial staff who handed out towels at the communal shower after a PE class - and whom everyone just called "Pop" - was John Henry "Pop" Lloyd, the Hall of Famer. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Bill Amadeo from Daytona Beach Fl. Entered on April 28, 2009
"To Lois from Denver, One small correction, Perrs store was on the corner of Bellvue and Pacific Aves not Atlantic. My Grandmother Lived on Pacifc between Georgia and Florida Aves behind a huge garage that later became The Black Orchid. I used to go to Perrs for fruit and groceries, Cardamones on Florida Ave next to the Killarney Hotel & Bar for real Italian Lemon water ice. On the corner of Florida & Pacific was O'Byrnes Bar and at Texas & Pacific was the Town Tavern. Nice memories." Edit Entry

Submitted by Tom Dollard from Italy. Entered on April 28, 2009
"Stuff happened over 45 years ago? And you guys can remember all that detail!? Anybody remember Mister Martinelli, who taught us how to dissect frogs in the tower (and may have had a 'substance problem')? Mister Heller's freshman home room in '60-'61? Miss Barbara Inness, freshman English, who had a spinsterish 'noir' allure about her? Met Patty Dee's (DeDomenicis) uncle on the boards a few years back, he told me that his beautiful niece met a sad early end. And Irv Waters, any memories of Irv...or Cathy Blackburn?? Fights after school in the park? (in which I was too often a participant) Ratso, it wasn't OZ, there was plenty fun to be had but Barry's right, you may have turned into one of those old guys talkin' about "When I was young.... everything was almost free and love was in the air." It wasn't. At least for me, it wasn't. If it was all that great, why did AC turn into a borderline wasteland by 1970?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Kate from Mass.. Entered on April 19, 2009
"Just my opinion, but I wouldn't make the trip to AC if your mission is just to see the diving bell. A picture says it all, well enough. There are certainly many other memories to be rekindled through a trip down though. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Woody from Mays Landing N.J. . Entered on April 19, 2009
"Yes, The Steel Pier Diving Bell now sits on display at the entrance to the Historic Gardner's Basin Maritime Museum. It was found years ago at a scrapyard, refinished and moved to the Museum in the Inlet. A California inventor by the name of Edward Martine built the Bell and had it moved to the Steel Pier in 1940. At that time the pier was owned by Frank Gravatt. The Bell only held a maximum of 10 people and went down to 15 ft in the ocean. There was an extra charge to go on the bell. I have the original tickets. The price was 35 cents and in later years went to 50 cents. It is worth the trip to see it again and bring back the memories of The Steel Pier. Make sure you bring your cameras." Edit Entry

Submitted by Roberta Hersh ( Bobbi Cole ) from Shaker Heights, Ohio. Entered on April 17, 2009
"I just discovered a great site. I spent a couple of hours on it last night. It is called, "CardCow.com." It has hundreds of vintage pictures of AC. Many are before our time, but still they bring back those wonderful memories. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Charlotte (White) Partin from 2145 Tudor Place, Sumter, S.C.. Entered on April 15, 2009
" I lived in Atlantic City as a Child. My sister and I lived with our grandparents Charles D. White and Margaret White at 138 North Harrisburg Ave, The entire family has been involved in the hotel business since the 1arly 20th century...Builder and owners of the Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel on the boardwalk. During World war II (I was 5 to 7 years then)My mom worked at the pentagon so we were in Atlantic City. I remember jitney rides, The Knife and Fork restaurant, the beautiful sand beaches, watching salt water taffy being made. Miss America Parade was on the boardwalk.. it even had Elephants in it Steel pier, Hammods Pier ... and the glitz and glamour. My Grandpa White had been Mayor of Atlantic City in the 1930's and my grandma was instrumental in starting the Chaperone system for the Miss America Pageant. So many wonderful memories. It was war time and headlights were painted half black, we hat to save all tin cans and also save stamps for Victory bonds. I went to Richmond Avenue Elementary School . Would love to get in touch with anyone who lived there during War years. Lots of memories to share " Edit Entry

Submitted by Larry Letzer from Copperas Cove, Texas . Entered on April 14, 2009
"We moved to Brigantine when I was 11 years old. I cannot count the times I hitch-hiked to and from Brigantine to AC. Many times I would leave my home at 4:30 to be at Barbara Burnhams Bicycle shop to get the bikes on the walk by 6:00 am to rent. In all the years walking through all parts of AC and hitching I always felt safe. After 9:00 am people could not ride on the boards so we would bring the bikes two at a time back to the shop. Then, I would go next door to Sid Schriers photo shop and work there all day often picking up film all over AC and returning the finished photos the next day. Was manager for the ACHS football and baseball teams in 54,55 and 56. Would run for a jitney from bader field and often miss the hourly bus. If so, I would walk to Walbash and Maryland avenues right where the car inspection station was and hitch hike home. Never a problem. On a few occasions, I would sleep under the boardwalk until I got well known as a photographer in the hotels and would grab a few winks at the Chalfonte or at the Claridge in one of the crew rooms. Darn, it was a great place to grow up in the late 40's, most of the 50's and a short while in the 60's. My Brigantine and Atlantic City are no longer there except in our memories and they will be with us forever." Edit Entry

Submitted by Renee from Ocean County, NJ. Entered on April 12, 2009
"Atlantic City in the summer during the 1950's, 60's and early 70's was a magical place. I cannot remember a happier time in my life. Everyday was a beach day and every night was cool and comfortable up on the boardwalk. Well, that is how I remember it anyway! The beaches were so wide and the waves were very high. The lifeguards had to rescue me once and to this day, they remain my heroes. I remember a cafeteria across from the Steel Pier, Mr. Peanut out in front of the Planter's Peanuts Store, watching the fudge being made in the store windows and when The Beatles came to town. Back then the whole city was my playground. Hanging out in the Steel Pier all day with friends that worked there was a joy. Sleeping overnight on a boat in Brigantine was the best nights' sleep I have ever gotten. Riding my bike on the boardwalk at dawn was the perfect way to begin the day. My Atlantic City was beautiful, happy, family oriented, safe and the people that I met there were wonderful. I learned to speak a little French from the Canadian tourists. I was told stories about the Holocaust from two of the survivors when I asked why they had numbers tatooed on their arms and the friends that I made there will forever be in my heart. Working in Atlantic City in the 80's was stressful at times, to say the least. It was not the same place. If I had not have my memories I would not have been able to make it through some days. I miss my old city. I cannot be there now without feeling sad. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Barry from Seattle WA. Entered on April 9, 2009
"The Press had a fine obituary for Mr. Swartz accessible on-line through www.pressofatlanticcity.com and found by searching though the current obituaries where those of Marty Brenner and Andrew Coia can also be read. Through the webpage one can leave a note of condolences and tribute to his life's work and the memories his name evoke for those of us "of a certain age." To those same persons, well we remember that Mrs. Mildred Swartz was also a fondly-recalled role model and counselor at ACHS through the 1950s and 1960s. Value and honor those remaining from among our teachers and our friends while they - and we - can read and appreciate the comments." Edit Entry

Submitted by John Sullivan from Saint Charles, Missouri. Entered on April 7, 2009
"For Joe Gallo: I, too, still have my copy of "Absegami Yesteryear". That was his first book. He has authored quite a few, and his photographs appear all over other writers' work. Jack is a great friend of all those who have fond memories of Atlantic City and the surrounding area. He lectures heavily on the subject, although slowing down a bit since retiring from the Historic American Building Survey in Washington last year. I'll bet your dad knew Ray MacGrogan, who was an Atlantic County game warden at about the same time! Ray has started a new life in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Another interesting guy!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Richard Ney from Springfield NJ and AC. Entered on April 6, 2009
"Lots of memories of AC, especially as relates to the Deauville and Teplitzly's. Started working as a BB at T's at 14. Fred T. made me a waiter at 16, and I was even tending bar then for Bar Mizvahs and weddings. What a time it was. A fire burned down the old Chelsea at T's and my friends and I went to work for the Deauville as waiters. We were all still in H.S. It's intresting to see the new Chelsea built on the site of the old woodframe Chelsea adjoining the old motel section of T's. Also, looking at the Trop, it appears tht the Wellington Steak House might be sitting over the old footprint of the old Wedgewood Dining Room of the Deauville. While in college, I worked as the night auditor for the Deauville West. Remeber one night encountering one of our waitresses coming down on the elevator from having done some side business upstairs. She begged me not to tell. Intresting rememberance. I ran into Bernie Ashner, one of the D's owneres, several times. The most memorable, about 11 years ago, after I got canned from my V.P. position at Suburban Propane, I busied myself doing taxes for HR Block in Phila., Bernie, who was about 70 then, was biding his time doing taxes in the same office. We shared lots of memories. I was sorry to learn recently that Bernie died in March 2005. He was always very good to me. By the way, the old Deauville West is still standing....I believe it might be a Best Western....not sure." Edit Entry

Submitted by joe from coaldale,pa.. Entered on April 3, 2009
"To Tommy D. No I don,t think our memories are fooling us about A.C. during those "growing up" years which for me was the late 50's through the mid 60's. I kept journals from the time I was about 10 until I was a senior in high school and the entries about Atlantic City aren't from rose colored glasses rather they were made by a kid who literally thought he was in OZ. To a kid Atlantic City was magical and very safe town in those years,and as I look back now an absoultely wonderful and totally crazy place. As I grew older I actually became a year round resident and got to know how great all the locals are, some of whom have remained my close friends for over 30 years. Like you there's not a day goes by that I don't think of "the way we were" in the old Atlantic City." Edit Entry

Submitted by Henry Weiss from Galloway, NJ. Entered on April 1, 2009
"It was indeed a different time - a different place. It was an era of innocence, and I'm sure that there are places just like "our Atlantic City" in other parts of the country. But our memories serve us well, they transport us back to that wonderful time, a real age of innocence, a time that allowed us all to fulfill the rites of passage that we experienced and remember. We are all children of a different era, when things were simpler - we are children of the 40's, the 50's, the 60's, and even a few from the 70's. And it was then, in the beginning of the 80's, that everything we knew, remembered and cherished began to change. Atlantic City will never be the same as it was in those special years. This was a truly remarkable place in which to grow up - as is evident by all of our varied and different incredible memories. And the best thing we can do is continue to revive those memories, keeping alive, at least in our thoughts and minds, that wonderful, colorful, exciting and remarkable place at the shore where we all came of age." Edit Entry

Submitted by Tommy D from Italy. Entered on April 1, 2009
"Has anyone ever seen a site like this? I'm sure they exist for other towns but I've never come across anything close to the intensity and honesty that comes from remembering this most unusual place in time. My family came down from Philadelphia almost 90 years ago and well, in spite of leaving over 40 years ago and now living on another continent, and having lived many other places, AC is still with me every day. The beach at dawn in June when all was still possible, when everything was in front of me, waiting to be seen, to be challenged. We all seem to have very fond memories of our youth on the shore. Was it really that great? There sure were a lot of fun things to do and interesting characters to learn from (or not learn) My son is 9 years old, he's a happy independent kid but I absolutely can not imagine letting him do most of the things we took for granted. Crossing the railroad bridge to go rabbit hunting, walking home alone from kindergarten, swimming in the ocean completely unsupervised (out where the lifeguards couldn't see you, for hours etc. etc.) Was it because we had big families and the risk of losing a kid was all part of the bargain? I don't know, but we sure had a lot of freedom... Maybe AC really was a sort of safe, secure island compound. Or do our memories fool us?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Rick Perrin from 6Lauradell Dr. Seaville, N. J.. Entered on March 28, 2009
"Sammy, I lived at 229 S. Rhode Is. across the street and two houses closer to the beach from you. I think your house was directly across from Soiefer's guest house. Reed's was next to that and then mine. Billy Williams goes to the same gym as me and I see him every week. Also see Alan Moss at the gym. Don't know if you remember Paul Carr; he hung out with us too. Just mentioned that because he passed away 2 years ago. Paul worked with me as a fireman for the ACFD. I retired from the acfd in Dec. of 06. Do you remember Billy Simpson and Ronnie Pickins. My memories of you seem to be associated with them for some reason. As for Danny Hahn, the last I heard of him he was getting in trouble with the law alot. His brother Henry is doing good and living in S. Carolina. Also a retired fireman. Anyway its fuuny were life takes us. Never thougth I'd be hearing from you in Australia. By the way, what year did you move there? In the early 1990's Paul Carr organized an Inlet reunion party. It was held at Gardner's basin (the old Capt. Starns area). We thought maybe there would be 50 or 60 people that still lived in the area that would show. Would you believe over 800 people came. They came from all over the country as far away as California. People that grew up in the Inlet as far back as the 1930's. I saw people like you that I haden't seen for 30 or 40 years. It was really an awesome party. I'll sign off here. Hope your doing well. " Edit Entry

Submitted by max Pearlstein from NYC. Entered on March 27, 2009
"My memories of AC are absolutely pricless! We were a bunch Bohemian Lords and we didn't even realize it! Driving down from Philly in the '66 Mustang with an ice cold Miller on a Friday night as dusk settled in, catching Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young WITH Santanna at the AC Racetrack in the driving rain, making love to our girlfriends at the La Concha on Chelsea, and the "El Supremo". How grand those times were!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Marty Hyman from South Philly, Pa. Entered on March 26, 2009
"Woody and everybody, join Face book and then join : Atlantic City Memories. No phony entries and you can add Photos and start specific memory lists. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Woody from Mays Landing N.J. . Entered on March 25, 2009
"To the creators of our Memory Lane. Is there some way to keep people from soliciting their products to sell? This is not for sales. This site is for our memories and good times growing up in Atlantic City." Edit Entry

Submitted by kesslec from Marlton, NJ. Entered on March 24, 2009
"I was also a student of Pedro Albani. Nice man and a good teacher. His students competed in accordion competitions and did very well. And we had an all-accordion band that played for seniors. I remember Belle Weller, Nicole Perella, Joe Mancuso and others. My years of accordion lessons allowed me to study piano for three months and be accepted by Glassboro State College as a piano major. A few years ago I bought a used accordion and can still play. Fun memories." Edit Entry

Submitted by favplaceonearth from Haverford PA. Entered on March 23, 2009
"There was no place on earth for a vacationing youngster like Atlantic City in the 40's and 50's. There were so many great things to do. The memories of those years are still vivid today. I'm still in Atlantic city several times a week, but it's completely different now, with the exception of early morning walks on the boardwalk -- or the boardwalk any time." Edit Entry

Submitted by Lane Watson from Hughesville. Entered on March 23, 2009
"I remember the band at the Claridge. Angie Marendino was in that band and was a good friend of my Dad's. I can still see my Mom and Dad dancing to their music. I would sit at the bar and drink Shirley Temples til I was blue in the fact. Great Memories!" Edit Entry

Submitted by joe from coaldale,pa.. Entered on March 22, 2009
"Let's see if some of our readers remember these places in the grand old hotels.Chalfonte Haddon Hall-the Peacock Inn featuring Harold Ferrin and his orchestra,"the most danceable music in town.Dennis Hotel-the Fjord Room music by the Norsemen, Traymore-the Submarine Room Martin King and his orchestra,The Claridge-the Mayfair Lounge with music by the Guardsmen,the President Hotel-Round the World Room A.C.'s glamorous home of Latin Rhythm,the Shelburne-Boardwalk Lounge with the Bert Mann Trio,The Ritz Carlton the Merry Go Round Lounge, the Penn Atlantic Hotel-the Riptide Room,the Mayflower-the Holiday room featuring Pedro Albaniand his Society Band,the Seaside-the Surf and Sand Room,Jefferson Hotel-the Plantation Room,the Monticello Hotel-the Coach and Four Room,the Brighton Hotel-the Punch Bowl with Joe Stern and hid orchestra,the Ambassador Hotel-the Embassy Room, the Senator Hotel-the Sun and Star Roof with Dolf Traymon and his orchestra,the Lafayette Hotel-was it the Rathskeller(sp)?,the Marlborough- Blemhiem Hotel-the Blue Room and the Silver Lounge,the Holmhurst Hotel-the New Orleans Room.I'm sure there are more but these names may bring back some memories of days long gone. " Edit Entry

Submitted by al levine from Downingtown,Pa. Entered on March 21, 2009
"Capt. Starns, Miss Atlantic City speed boat. Walking with family on boards. Italian Village at Million Dollar Pier. 500 club seeing all the great ones. Memories that I will never forget. Wish my children could have been part of AC." Edit Entry

Submitted by Marty Hyman from South Philly, Pa. Entered on March 19, 2009
"Allow me to invite everyone to join Atlantic City Memories on Facebook. Photos, and conversation" Edit Entry

Submitted by Keith Kendall from Linwood NJ. Entered on March 18, 2009
"Everytime I come to this site its a fresh wash of warm memories, Glorias mention of her time at Bader staying on with Butler. I was a Limo driver for Joe Geiger , I use to love to watch the Dash come and go. I remember the parking lot flooding real bad..wow so many of you have great memories, I was born in 62, so Many of you will consider me a bay :) Bader ave connects with Irving ave. I went to brighton ave school in maybe 71 4 th grade. Ms coulter(?) was principal. One of the many places I lived was behind Authers Jewelry store on Michigan and Atlantic , north of Authers before the pep boys I remember a club, bar ? not sure. Today its the Bus station. I have a picture of my grandfather taken in 1921 or 22 , the camera is on the boardwalk looking northwest up VA ave, the street was dirt and there is a mix of horses and horseless. my grandfather is in top hat and tail and the ladies are all in their best....today its the main entrance to the taj mahal casino...I lived across from Richmond ave school up a block , down below our apt was a prevettis and a few doors north was zuckermans candy.....we could alway get a fee piece from the lady...this was in 67 68 69 thank you " Edit Entry

Submitted by Fran Victor from Portland, OR. Entered on March 16, 2009
"I stumbled upon this site as I was researching to write a book about my years, late 60's-70's, sketching portraits at Louis Artist Village. I lived in Atlantic City till I was 13, in the Inlet, on a small street, Metropolitan Ave., then moved to Miami Beach, Florida. As a child, it was a great place to grow up. In the summers we were little marine biologists, climbing in and around the jetties finding crabs and sea shells; summer evenings, dressing up after a long day at the beach and strolling the boardwalk with my family, eating paddles (not sure if that's the right name) candy apples and salt water taffy. In the winters, I have fond memories of roller skating on the boardwalk, not a person in sight. It's funny the things you remember. I'm looking for photos of Louis Artist Village and particularly the front entrance and interior. If anyone can help, you'll be included in the credits. The book is autobiographical, my thoughts and impressions of the era, what it was like to draw there and somewhat of a "how to sketch quick portraits." I was 16 when I started sketching as a summer job, came back in the summers for 5 years. Also any info on Louie Levine? I did find some of his drawings are being auctioned at a gallery. Look forward to hearing from you." Edit Entry

Submitted by Tom Dollard from ITALY. Entered on March 14, 2009
"My family left the inlet in '54 for Chelsea but being a little kid living a hundred yards from the ocean was great. I remember going up the ramp to the boardwalk in winter, I must have been 6 or 7, and feeling a pleasant melancholy. The Andrea Doria sinking, shark sightings, a plane going down in the ocean, the docks burning, a cop shooting a rabid dog in the alley behind our house, punks with 'ducktails' hangin' out in front of the Casa Loma bar with cut down hotrods, a drowning victim (he was green) on the rocks under Hackney's. Sitting on the steps (113 Adriatic) on summer nights were heaven and riding my bike around the block alone at 11pm was 7th heaven. I remember walking to and from school (and kindergarten) by myself. I can't imagine (I have a 9 year old) doing anything like that now. Leaning against the wall at Holy Spirit during recreation and feeling the icky result of a pigeon dropping it's caca on my forehead. My sisters bringing their dates home (Bob McNesby was one of Jean's beaus) Dad coming home at closing time from ???, the bar on the corner of Adriatic and Maine (Cal Smith's?) Mom bringing cold fried shrimp home from Hackney's where she waitressed. I think one of my friends was Johnny Burns and there was a kid who had palsy or polio (he was kinda crippled) but became a really good athlete in his teens. It's true, the older we get, the clearer the memories of our childhood become." Edit Entry

Submitted by Sam (Sammy) Miller from Gold Coast, Australia. Entered on March 14, 2009
"I grew up in Atlantic City in the 50's & 60's. I moved away, travelled a good portion of the world and ended up living in Australia. I had the oppoutunity to recently visit my old town of AC for the first time in 37 years. It was a great visit and was devestated by what they had done to the Inlet where I spent most of my younger years. I took lots of photos and my memories will last for ever. Any one out there remember me?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Bob R from Ventnor. Entered on March 7, 2009
"Beach chairs bring back interesting memories. I worked the chairs from Virginia to Maryland for Jake Barab when we got hit with the 1944 hurricane. We tied everthing down as secure as possible and after the storm it was ALL buried under the boardwalk. It took a coupl;e months to dig it all out. We actually trenched under the walk from Va to Mary. After the storm past {about 11Pm} the beach was like a tabletop and the ocean was like a lake. Thanks for reminding me." Edit Entry

Submitted by Jon Clifton from Elizabethton, TN. Entered on February 21, 2009
"I have several memories of Atlantic City. I was born in the inlet on New Hampshire avenue and grew up in Pleasantville. The steel Pier was the place to be in the 1960's and early 70's. the Ed Hurst record hop, Summer Time on the Pier that was broadcast live on television and going to Garwood Mills with my mom as a little kid. I worked on the Million Dollar Pier running the Orient express ride for a while. Captain Starnes and Hackney's brings back a lot of memories. My older sister worked for a collection agency and a friend of mine and I would cut school and go to Atlantic City. We would go to the collection agency and have my sister call in at two different times and say she was our mother and we were home sick from school. It worked a couple of times but we were caught at it also. The jam joints on the boardwalk always amazed me. The tourists in them would by almost anything and some of them didn't even realize they were being ripped off. Nathans had the best hot dogs around and Dunkin Donuts on Atlantic Avenue had the best hot chocolate. Ice skating at the Seaside Hotel, swimming at the President Hotel, the smell of the fresh produce at Wagenheim's, horse riding on the beach, watching the Ice Capades and midget racing in convention hall-yes those were the days. Haven't been there to visit in years but the last time I was, it sure was a drastic change from the good old days. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Gloria Clauson Herring from Atlantic City, NJ. Entered on February 19, 2009
"For Marty Hyman, Yes I knew that doctor very well. His name was Sam Kasdin from Phlly. He would fly in and call his patients from the phone in our lobby. I really don't think he was too experienced a pilot but because he could afford it, he bought a twin engine plane which we all thought was too soon in his flying career. After the crash, there were stories going around that he hadn't done a preflight check before he took off. We'll never know. He was a nice guy tho. Anyway, there are a million stories I could tell from my years at Bader.We used to have all the Cessna 172s that overshot the runway and ended up in the bay lined up on the ramp and we'd kid that we were going to have a sale because there were so many. Does anyone remember Winnie McLees from Bader? She started there in 1975 and then when Butler came in she stayed with SJA and worked over at the commuter building. We have remained friends till this day. She feels the way I do about Bader and we exchange memories all the time. As you can tell, I love talking about Bader. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Gloria Clauson Herring from Atlantic City. Entered on February 18, 2009
"For Anubis- Your mention of Cotton Townsend brought back a flood of memories for me. I worked at Bader Field from 1974 to 1989 and they were some of the happiest times of my life. I first worked for Southern Jersey Airways and then in 1980 when Don Young sold out to Butler Aviation, I stayed and worked for them till 1989. Cotton was a fixture at Bader and it was great fun when he was around. I learned to fly there and had to withstand the jokes of all the old timers who used to sit outside the office on the sofa that the City Manager,Paul Argus, put out there so they could critique all the students. It was great when Petroleum Helicopters came to town to transport all the "roughnecks" out to the oil rigs offshore. I got to ride in their choppers and then when gambling came in it was really exciting! Meet many movie stars and politicians,got to ride in Caesar's helicopter and also went to lunch at Smithville in the Eagle's chopper. Yes, they were exciting days and Bader Field will always have a special place in my heart and memory.My son began his aviation career flying the Allegheny Commuter out of Bader and has now been flying for US Airways for 23 years. He is now a Captain on the Airbus, the same plane that just landed in the Hudson. Anyone else out there with memories to share of Bader?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Barry from Seattle WA. Entered on February 18, 2009
"Yes, there was a Japanese garden, complete with lantern and cherry trees, on the grounds of the old ACHS. It was located along the western wall of main building and closer to Trenton Avenue than to Albany and across a grassy way from the power plant. It fell into disuse, disrepair and finally vandalized before it was removed altogether when they built the new gymnasium building in about 1963 or '64. It was a neat place to "hide-out" at age ten or so, back when high-schoolers were the "big kids." I only remember a vacant lot where kids played at NW corner of Harrisburg and Ventnor (mid-1950s) until that first large condo was built about 1960 but almost all the houses that backed onto that bight had docks under the living quarters. So did many of the houses that backed onto Inside Thorofare around the Dorset Avenue Bridge in Ventnor/Ventnor Heights. Is all that gone, too? A good man, Izzy Noveck (1914-1992), was the scoutmaster of Troop 7 that met at the Massachusetts Avenue School (hello again, Ernie!); his printing shop at 1109 Atlantic Avenue was a treasure trove of cool stuff and only he knew where things were. Izzy's daughter Ina, now Ina Molinari, lives on Brigantine and is an AC grade-school teacher thinking about retiring. Camp Edge summer weeks and winter weekends with Troop 7 and Explorer Post 1 also loom large among my memories. This coming weekend will be the 50th anniversary of one particularly memorable hilarious/harrowing camping trip to Camp Edge with Post 1 (sans Advisor Bert Holman.) The trip involved midnight walks out onto a (mostly)frozen Lake Sycamore. We also amused ourselves by tossing live .22-long calibre shells into the roaring fire we built in the hearth of the waterside ("Dr. Harley's") cabin with "excess" furniture and waiting for the ricochets off the stone walls. Oh, yes, of course, one of our number brought along a .22 cal. rifle and two guys brought along bows and sharp-pointed arrows for use in the woods. What could possibly go wrong? Ah, youth!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Linda Brummett Dillon from New Mexico. Entered on February 17, 2009
"Looking for people who I may know from school years and growing up in Atlantic City, NJ. Have memories before the city changed. Captain Starns, Steel Pier, Convention Hall, Boardwalk, Garden Pier, etc. Just joined face page to try and connect with A.C. People." Edit Entry

Submitted by John Sullivan from Saint Louis, MO. Entered on February 14, 2009
"Yeah, Kate, I see on google maps that Oxford Avenue School is gone! What happened? I remember every corner of that building and every teacher from when I started there in the Kindergarten Class of September, 1950! Anyone want to match me for memories on that "Grand Old Lady" of Oxford Avenue? Do (sic) the name "Rothholz" mean anything to anybody? Anybody, anybody, anybody? Is this piece of our past going to die with us?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Kate from Mass. . Entered on February 9, 2009
"I've shared about the Hall before, but...my grandfather was shipping and receiving. He had every key to that building, including all the nooks and crannies. You wouldn't believe how many there are. I asked him one time if he could get me a new carpet for my bedroom, and his reply was "what color?". I said, orange (imagine an orange carpet)(hey, I was a teenager), and he said, "No problem!" When the conventions left town, they didn't want to haul their stuff back to wherever, so tons of things were left and distributed to charities, like baked goods, ice creams, paper products, cases of soda, yarns, fabrics, and so much more. I was one of those princesses at the Miss America pageant every year. I graduated in the ball room from HSHS. I was a cheerleader in the great hall, for the ACHS vs HSHS game. Talk about great memories. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Larry Letzer from Copperas Cove, Texas. Entered on February 9, 2009
"For jim tuohy, I spent half my younger life inside the hall. Working for Mike Blizzard (AC Press, then for Fred Hess and Son's and also for Central Studios all as a photographer. During many Miss America pagents I had the #2 or #3 position from the stage. The photographer closest to the stage was the AP photographer, then the photographer from Fred Hess and Son (official pageant photographer) then the AC Press. Always parked below the hall with press passes or with the Hess truck and never was bothered. Remember going to the hall to see the AC Seagulls when I was 8 or 9. Graduated from ACHS in the Ballroom (Class of 56). Joined the Army after HS and was stationed at Ft. Dix. A lieutenant in my basic training company girlfriend was Miss Mississippi in 1956. I got him into the hall back stage for a ride to and from Ft. Dix. Most importantly, I got a pass for that entire weekend. Spent hundreds of hours in and in front of the hall doing convention photos. We would take thousands of them then rush back to our shop at Arctic and Missouri (next to Capones Bar) to develop and print the photos. We put them on big boards when the prints were still wet then rushed them back to the hall to sell them. One time, I was photographing in the ballroom on the stage and a piano was blocking my shot. I pushed the piano with my hand and three burly men started to yell at me, "You're taking my job away. We could fine you." It was a very unpleasant learning experience about unions and that mentality. My father in law and I would have many discussions about unions after that. He was a life long union member. I also remember during the Miss America pageants when we did the swim suit photo. That was before political correctness. We set up stands for the girls to stand on and took three photos all with a circuit (panorama) camera. Then we rushed back to Fred Hess and son at 166 S. Virginia Ave to develop and print the photos. We sold over 5000 copies of that mostly to barber shops around the country. When we started to do that photo in evening gowns, the orders dropped to less than 1000. Men like looking a legs and bosoms. I also remember attending a few football games in the hall. Was amazed that an entire 100 yard field could fit inside. Yes, like Atlantic City, the Boardwalk, Steel Pier, the Convention Hall gave this kid some fantastic memories. Learned to fly at Bader Field when I was in the Civil Air Patrol." Edit Entry

Submitted by jim tuohy from ventnor. Entered on February 9, 2009
"Memories of Convention Hall: Our hotel, The Wyoming was just a few short blocks from the A.C. Convention Hall. When we were little kids, our first trip to the Hall was to see the Ice Capades. This spectacular show came to town in the summer for at least 2 weeks… I think. The Hall looked great for this event. You could feel the cool air rising off of the ice & the lighting was dark & dramatic. The skaters were amazing. Beautiful girls & funny clowns drew "ooohs & aahhs" from the kids in the balcony. There was a guy who jumped over a dozen barrels. They even had chimps on skates! The Ice Capades show drew big crowds… a wonderful family event. How many of you have an Ice Capades program packed away somewhere? I was 15 years old when the Beatles played at Convention Hall. This was their only A.C. performance. Fans lined up for what seemed like a mile along the boardwalk for this show. There were guys hawking cheap plastic binoculars up & down the line. I think my ticket was $5 for a good seat. The Righteous Brothers were the opening act. As soon as the Beatles hit the stage the girls broke out into hysterical screaming. All you could hear was a high-pitched scream which sounded like hundreds of police sirens. You couldn’t hear the band at all. All across town, kids told stories about where the Beatles were staying & how they got in & out of the Hall & their hotel. I think they stayed at the Lafayette Hotel uptown. One of my favorite pieces of memorabilia is a surreal photo of the Boys from Liverpool in their hotel room holding what looks like a 6 ft. White house sub! With a young “sub master” Mousy crouching in the foreground. Awesome - the greatest pop band & the greatest sandwich in one fab photo… in my hometown! I only saw two rock shows upstairs in the Convention Hall Ballroom, but both were memorable. I don’t remember which year, but we saw The Beach Boys in this relatively intimate venue. This was back when Brian Wilson was healthy & touring with his brothers. “God Only Knows”, "Sloop John B." & “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” were big hits that summer, & to see them performed live by these rock legends in such clear high harmony was a transcendent experience. Ray Charles also tore up the ballroom one special night… rocking out on the piano, bouncing around on the stool & shouting to the heavens. He had a big band & the gorgeous Raelettes on backup vocals - All this soul & excitement right on the boardwalk with a magnificent view of the ocean through the Ballrooms immense windows. Probably the most significant use of the Hall was in September during the Miss America Pageant. This was A.C.’s chance to shine on national television. We always watched the big Sat. night finale at home on tv. Hundreds of homes in South Jersey held Pageant parties & almost everyone you knew was in the Miss America office pool. The preliminary nights at the Hall were inexpensive to attend & you could pretty much sit anywhere you wanted. Hundreds of “little princesses” streamed into the Hall wearing tiaras & carrying batons. It was interesting to get a look at what hairdressers & costumers from Nebraska & North Dakota looked like - strange! Bert Parks was the emcee during his heyday & he was a local favorite. Where else could you be entertained by 50 lovely young ladies in swimsuits & high heels? Singers, pianists, dancers & just about any act you can imagine graced that beautiful stage. We’d buy a program & study it so we could call out the girl’s names during the parade on Fri. night. anywhere else in the USA, a boy would be a sissy if he followed the Miss America Pageant, But not in A.C. The pageant belonged to us & we were proud of it. The Friday night parade along the boardwalk was a bittersweet affair. The unmistakable feeling of fall & the end of summer was in the air. We’d bring sweatshirts & blankets up to the boards. Families met at the same spot every year. Sometimes we’d bring along subs from the White House or pizza from Tony’s. We’d always get salt water taffy & fudge from James or Fralingers. Fralingers employees would tape the 8x10 glossies of the girls in the store window. Parade night was maybe our last trip up to the boardwalk until Easter the following year - an unimaginable length of time for a kid. After an exciting pass by the ACPD motorcycle squad, with their lights flashing & sirens wailing, the Atlantic City High School funky marching band led the parade – a moment of great pride for us locals. There were plenty of great HS bands from all over the East Coast, also Shriners, Mummers & numerous floats. The contestants cruised by in alphabetical order, in vintage convertibles. Miss NJ & PA usually got the loudest cheers & if you wandered down to New York Ave. you would hear the raucous calls of “Show us your shoes!!!” And the girls would oblige. It was a history lesson, a geography lesson, & a spectacle all rolled into one big party. In later years, we’d drag a lifeguard stand up to the boardwalk rail & snuggle up in it, protected from the chilly breeze that had by now ominously shifted from the south to the northeast. By the time the ACFD firetrucks rolled by, we knew the parade & another fleeting summer season had come to an end. And all memories of soft, sultry nights would soon slowly fade away. We’re still hoping the Miss America Pageant will return to its rightful home someday.... During High School years we'd watch our beloved Holy Spirit football Spartans get whipped by the A.C. Vikings inside the Hall. A year after my graduation, Holy Spirit managed a victory against A.C. in the Hall. I worked on the crew that put down the sod for that game. Because by then, I was a young married man with a pregnant wife & no real job. One of my summer employers, Peg White called in a favor to her friend Frank Brennan. Frank ran the teamsters local at the Hall & he grudgingly agreed to give me some work on the loading dock. I don’t remember what the hourly rate was but I do remember that it was pretty damn good for the time. I'm talking about the early 70's. The set up was scary. This would be my first real job as a young man with responsibilities. A large group of men, young & old would assemble in the early morning on the street at the dock. I had never before been surrounded by so many strangers. These were big, tough S.O.B's. The Hall was on what seemed like the coldest & windiest block in A.C. or anywhere north of the South Pole. Mr. Brennan, a quiet & imposing figure who resembled the Dallas coach Tom Landry with his suit, tie & porkpie hat, stood quietly in the background while one of his foremen stepped forward and called out who he was putting to work that day. I never understood the system, rhyme or reason of the selection. There were a lot of men as hard up for work as I was, & I could smell the desperation & fear around me. I was now trying to get work in a building that had provided so many of my favorite childhood memories. If I was lucky enough to be picked for work, the world suddenly brightened. I was then sent inside to set up the convention booths & displays. The guys that operated the forklifts were like gods to us peons. I remember using the “johnson bar”, a sort of crowbar/hand truck combination to wheel huge crates from the front of the tractor-trailers that never stopped rolling in. Sometimes we were assigned to haul out big carpet sections for the numerous display booths. These giant rolls of red & blue carpet felt like they weighed a ton & required all of our strength to wrestle around. Once in a while, during a break I'd wander up onto the stage & imagine what it would be like to perform there. Close by, in disrepair & sitting silently, was the massive Midmer-Losh pipe organ. The Hall seemed to have a thousand rooms, hallways, nooks & crannies each with their own mystery & secret stories. I made a lot of good friends on that job.... Years later, as a father, I got to experience the wonder & majesty of the Hall all over again. I took my son to midget car races, wrestling matches & the circus in the Hall. We’d go up early when the circus came to town & watch them parade the elephants into the Hall. It always blew my mind when I would be cruising up Pacific Ave. & catch the elephants getting a shower bath on the loading ramp. Now that looked like a fun job! I even took my boy to his first rock show at the Convention Hall – We saw The Police perform there in the early ‘80’s . Standing next to my boy while the music reverberated throughout that sacred place filled my heart with pride & joy. More recently, I’ve seen NJ's own Bruce Springsteen play the Hall a couple of times. Bruce & his E Street band opened the first show with a rollicking version of “Atlantic City”. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place… laughing, cheering, clapping & crying - all at that magical moment. A couple of years later, Bruce came back to the Hall for a solo/acoustic show. I never experienced such respectful quiet & peace in the Hall while Springsteen wove his tales of days & nights spent on the boardwalks, piers, & arcades of South Jersey… I never felt more at home. Please share your fun or work memories about our grand dame – the Boardwalk Hall. " " Edit Entry

Submitted by jin tuohy from ventnor. Entered on February 8, 2009
"Ernest... I remember the Beehive in the early 60's. I was pretty young & my parents forbid me to go there. Of course that piqued my curiosity & I would sneak in there when I got a chance. If i remember correctly, it was a soda shop with great pinball machines. You had to step down into sort of a basement. There were plenty of kids in there & I remember wondering what why I wasn't allowed. I haven't thought about the Beehive in many years. Please share your memories." Edit Entry

Submitted by jim tuohy from ventnor. Entered on February 6, 2009
"Atlantic City: READ ALL ABOUT IT! I recently got a quick look at a great book about Atlantic City. I think it's called "Atlantic City: Then & Now". Pretty cool - you open it & there's an old AC photo of a famous landmark on the left page & a photo of what's there today on the right page... very clever & it should bring back fond memories. I'll bet you all have Vicki Gold Levi's wonderful "Atlantic City Madness"...filled with terrific photos taken by her dad, photographer Al Gold. Try to get your hands on a copy of "Atlantic City Proof". It's an odd & facinating novel written by the the late Chris Cook Gilmore. Our eccentric poet laureate. It's a rags to riches story that takes place during prohibition. The young protagonist & his family live in Lucy the Elephant! "The Last Good Time" by Jonathan Van Meter is the sad tale of A.C's Skinny D'Amato. This one should be made into a broadway musical, like "Jersey Boys". Go ahead, steal this idea! And if you love old A.C. I'm sure you're aware of the upcoming HBO series based on Nelson Johnson's "Boardwalk Empire". Can't wait for that one. Steve Buscemi (Fargo) will play Nucky Johnson. I always imagined Nucky as a big guy... I'm sure you can add many more books to this list. Let's hear about them. By the way, Vicki Gold Levi was interviewed by Pinky Kravitz on his radio show today. They were riding on the inaugural trip of the ACES train from NYC to AC. An interesting & informative show today. if I hit the Pick 6 I'll give that train a try!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Daniel Mathis from Indianapolis, Indiana. Entered on February 6, 2009
"To Ratso - I think I asked you before but did you work the summer of "Ben Hur" (Embassy) and "Psycho" (Strand)? What year was that? I was excited because we only made 75 cents an hour but we did get tips for reserve seating for Ben Hur and would move people up in line at the Strand.. I also remember having gym on the beach. Played touch football in the fall, went inside the gym during the winter and back to the beach playing sofball in the spring. We had to line up and march to the beach like little soldiers. I remember having sand in my pant cuffs, shoes and socks as well as my hair and my ears. We never were given time to clean up and smelled funny the rest of the day. Some of us used to pray for rain. Anyone remember the name of the great ACHS yearbooks or the newspapers? In 43 years of my career in education, I never saw anything compared to those publications! Keep up the great memories. - Dan" Edit Entry

Submitted by Ratso from PA. Entered on February 6, 2009
"I have great memories of the movie houses in AC; in particular, the Strand, Apollo and Embassy. I worked at the Strand for 2 summers, probably the best 2 summers of my then young life. The Watson brothers were the greatest bosses a person could ever have. They really shared the wealth. We were a tight buch and really worked hard putting in many hours. There were only 3 ushers and we did every shift. Strand had a midnight show. I can recite the line from (1) Mutiny on the Bounty, (2) Lolita (3) Hud (4) Rosemary's Baby (5) By-bye Birdy (6) Irma LaDouce (7)Tom Jones (8)Georgy Girl (After the show, we would go to Kornblau's. We had an apartment on Virginia Ave. We were juniors in high school; did not even drive, but we had a summer apartment. Guess what we did there when we were not working. I'll never tell. So, I remember Jimmy Hamid letting us on the pier whan ever we wanted and the Taylor Pork Roll people giving us free sandwiches and soda because we let them in the movies. They liked to bring their dates for free. It was called a "pass". My aunt and cousin were the ticket takers. It was a lucritive job. Ed McMahon was on the corner at Blender Quieen liquifier demo. We broke his balls daily, but later became friends with him. Frankly, he had no choice as there were 3 of us. Oh, then there was Cleve Lorado.....that's another story in and of itself." Edit Entry

Submitted by PatMcHale Rogers from Virginia Beach, VA. Entered on February 6, 2009
"To once again see those old movie houses go to Barry Rich's photographic essay at barryrich.net/ Click on Digital Atlantic City...then, two thirds down the first column you can click Movie Theaters. I felt like I was on Atlantic Avenue getting off the trolley to go to the Cinema et al. Barry's collection is superb. His photos of the library and the old AC Hospital brought back some special memories for me. I am grateful to him for his skill in capturing my favorite places, and for sharing his work with us. THANK YOU BARRY! " Edit Entry

Submitted by ernest b. kuhl from michigan. Entered on February 5, 2009
"All the inputs and some of the names bring back many memories. Anybody remember the firemen's parade that use to come to town each fall? How about riding the trolly? Anybody ever go to the ymca dance? Anybody out there from the class of 62? How about taking h.s. gym on the beach?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Mary from Northfield from . Entered on February 5, 2009
"I remember both Kerstetters. The one of States Avenue was my favorite...such nice people. Bob and his beautiful Mother. I remember we used to hang out there so much Mrs. Kerstetter would set an alarm clock on our booth so we wouldn't overstay our welcome. I used to work at Kay Kustard on the boardwalk on South Carolina Ave. On my break I used to go down to Kohrs...to buy their custard...Rasberry was my favorite...One time when I was wearing my uniform from Kay's Kustard...the man said I didn't have to pay...I was good advertisement. Atlantic City was so fun when I was growing up there...you met the nicest people in the summer and in the Winter it was a quiet small town with wonderful neighbors and fun things to do too...like going to the dances while in High School at Our Lady Star of the Sea and St. James in Ventnor. The movies were so nice too...used to meet everyone you know while waiting in line. Wednesday nights on Atlantic Ave...was another place to meet fun people shopping. Have GREAT memories of AC...Love this sight" Edit Entry

Submitted by Gloria from H. B. Calif. Entered on February 3, 2009
"To Judy... Just thought I would let you know Tom Dooley is my brother. He is living in Florida in the winter and spends time in AC in summer. I love reading your memories. " Edit Entry

Submitted by jim tuohy from ventnor. Entered on February 2, 2009
"you got that right JL from CT! I had many friends on ACBP. My son worked 10 years on the beach. You know it's a great job when you have guys working 40+ years on the job. Friends often ask me how they can get their kids on the fire or police dept. I tell them to take the beach patrol test & the transistion will be easy. working on the beach, going on "layout", & checking out the action walking by all day... + all of the extra hijinx, is there better summer employment for a young person? Add some of your memories. ACBP stories could fill an entire website I'm sure. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Lane Watson from Hughesville. Entered on February 2, 2009
"To Judy, Lois, Fave and Woody, great memories of terrific places. I remember my parents going to Nicholsons on the corner of Atlantic and ?, beer was .25. Remember Nates, great food, Sheps hamburgers. I worked at Sheps summer of '66, it was right down the street from where we lived on Chelsea and Atlantic." Edit Entry

Submitted by jim tuohy from ventnor. Entered on January 28, 2009
"Answers for the South Jersey Drinkers Quiz #2: Feel free to make corrections, add comments & memories - Slainte! 56. Bay Rat, of course 57. Gregory Gregory Gregory 58. DeSalle’s 59. The B & B Lounge 60. Delirium 61. Tuckahoe Tomahawk 62. The Sand Castle, & for a brief moment, Fire & Ice 63. The Longport Inn 64. The Rugby Inn 65. Iron City 66. Brownie’s 67. The Quaker Bar – now Los Amigo’s 68. Strotbeck ‘s, the Edgewater, Live Bait (for a hot minute) 69. Gable’s 70. The Oasis 71. She was a Go Go dancer at the Wagon Wheel (?) on the Black Horse Pike, EHT 72. Duke Mack’s 73. The Waterfront on Bay Ave. in Somers Point 74. The Boatyard 75. New Rd. in Northfield – later called The Parrot Inn 76. The Black Cat 77. The Duquesne 78. Delilah’s Den 79. Saratoga 80. Searstown Tavern " Edit Entry

Submitted by nuck johnson from eht. Entered on January 28, 2009
"Let me add my memoreies, First the Los Amigos on Atlantic ave was the Quakerbar, McGurks was on the corner of del. and atl, and on nj and atl. There was two. The one on nj and atl was owned by the Pantalina brothers. Frdddies was the Fredonia. Dont any of you people remember the bar of bars ? The Clock .Bartenders that I remember from there was Bill Stork and Hurky? Come on Warner add your bar memories , Iknow you have been known to tip a few back then" Edit Entry

Submitted by jim tuohy from ventnor. Entered on January 22, 2009
""Take a trip to Davy Jones locker!" Remember that phrase? My memories of the Steel Pier are from the early 60's through the 70's. As kids we loved the Diving Bell. Jim Shilling ran the Diving Bell for many years & if you run into him , ask him to do the spiel. We never saw a damn thing through those portholes, except an occasional bubble. The bell only went about 12' feet down. Just below the surface. It was pulled down by a cable & then released so it would pop up in the water. The operator threw a switch that turned on a microphone in the bell. The screams & comments were broadcast up to those waiting for the next dive. After the pier was destroyed the diving bell was relocated to Gardiners Basin, where it sits today, rusting away. I saw a roll of diving Bell tickets at a flea market - 50 cents each! Sorry I didn't buy 'em. " Edit Entry

Submitted by joe from coaldale,pa.. Entered on January 16, 2009
"To Jim Tuohy, ok I'll try to answer some of the places mentioned! 12.Mcgettigan's had the Wyoming on S. Ark,Mc Gettigan's and Maguire's corner of Ark. and Pacific and Mc Gettigan's on Albany .13 Anchorage 7 beers for a dollar.15 Mcgettigan'sand Maguire's, Rags Gordon's,the Norwood but Ican't remember the fourth place!16.Rum Point Pub,17. Retiche Etchell(spelling)the greatest host on the Jersey Coast! 18. the Ship's Prow at Starn's 19. the Melody,20. Little John's, 21. Tattinger's formerly the Chez Paree,now Dejavu,or was it the Chester which also had a stainless steel dance floor? 23.the Continental,24. the show was called the Celeberity Breakfast Show 28. the Opus,31.Bluebird, the Scranton on S.C.Ave 32.Dunes tillDawn 34. the Erin on Ark. Ave 36.Kentucky Ave,37. the 500 CLUB 40.Frank's Extra Dry on N.Y.Ave,41. Carson's on the triangle,43 one is the Flying Cloud on the Inlet,46. Zabarer's 48.Circle Liquors in Somers Point it's busy because Ocean City is dry!52.Robert Sutor, he was a year ahead of me at Mt. St.Mary's College and a great basketball player 53. who remembers the name of the Irish Pub before Cathy and Dick Burke became the owners? Thanks Jim for the memories. Itwas a great way to spend a cold day in January.Oh yes my liver is fine! " Edit Entry

Submitted by Ned from Margate. Entered on January 14, 2009
"answering the 55 questions, here are some 1.George Naame, recently deceased 2. closed and torn down condos there now 3 Hot roast beef 4. The Flintstones at the "GREENIE" on weekends 5. Timmie the bartender 7. White house and Cantwells 8. Gables 9. Memories 10. Moylans 30. Rocky Castalani's 52. Robert Sutor--Varallos Bar 53. Irish Pub 54. Margate Log Cabin on Jerome Avenue " Edit Entry

Submitted by Ned from Margate. Entered on January 14, 2009
"answering the 55 questions, here are some 1.George Naame, recently deceased 2. closed and torn down condos there now 3 Hot roast beef 4. The Flintstones at the "GREENIE" on weekends 5. Timmie the bartender 7. White house and Cantwells 8. Gables 9. Memories 10. Moylans 30. Rocky Castalani's 52. Robert Sutor--Varallos Bar 53. Irish Pub 54. Margate Log Cabin on Jerome Avenue " Edit Entry

Submitted by jim tuohy from Ventnor. Entered on January 14, 2009
"I vaguely remember these places from my misspent years in the late ‘60’s & through the 70’s. Many of these fine establishments are long gone. A few are still going strong. Enjoy this tipsy trip down memory lane. And good luck finding the answers in cyber space. Hit me back & I’ll send you “my”answers. Feel free to point out mistakes, make corrections, or break my wagon in any way. And please add Q’s & A’s to the bottom of this list. Jim Tuohy 1. Famous owner of Maynard’s in Margate. His son owns it now. 2. Famous owner of Maloney’s?. 3. Signature hot sandwich at Maloney’s? 4. For many years, the homey house band at the Green House (1970’s – 80’s)? 5. Name of the tall bartender at Maloney’s? 6. Name of the popular female bartender at Maynard’s 70’s -90’s? She may still be there. 7. 2 great bars near Atlantic & Washington Aves., Margate (they ain’t there no more)? 8. Corner of Washington & Amherst in Margate - (now Tomatoes) what was it? 9. Where can you get a “free drinky winky” if you “stump the Geator”? 10. There was Maynard’s, Maloney’s, Memories, & what other “M” bar in Margate? 11. Speaking of “M’s” name the motel on Amherst Ave. with the double M name. 12. Name 3 “McGettigan” bars. 13. Famous drink special at the Anchorage in the 60’s & 70’s? 14. What ingredient makes a “High Point Special” so special? 15. Name the famous bars on the 4 corners of Arkansas & Pacific Aves. 16. The Cole Brothers were the house band for this great A.C. bar with a view of Brigantine. 17. Who was “The Greatest Host on the Jersey Coast”? 18. Name of the bar at Capt. Starn’s where you could “watch the fishies”? 19. This South Carolina Ave. joint was a popular place to dance & a hangout for A.C. police? 20. It was a church, then a great bar for disco dancing in the ‘70’s. 21. This beach block place had a stainless steel dance floor & was popular during the early days of the Casinos. (bonus points for its earlier name). 22. You could sit on couches, drink, smoke pot, & do lines of coke in this intimate A.C. lounge. 23. Popular with Bally’s casino workers, it was affectionately called “the sleaze bar”. 24. Crazy Chris Colombo played at this hot spot across the street from Club Harlem. 25. Entertainers would often drift into Club Harlem late at night. What did they call the last show at this great nightclub? 26. Johnny Caswell & the Crystal Mansion played many nights at this decrepit Somers Point Bar. 27. What toppings are on a Tony’s Special? 28. Go out the back door of the Melody Lounge, cross the alley, & you were at the front door of this hard to find club. 29. A great bar that served minors on Michigan Ave. tough one! 30. 3 A.C. bars/restaurants named for, or owned by professional boxers. 31. Name 3 great bars on the beach block of South Carolina Ave… hint: “animal, mineral, & a city in PA.” 32. “Homicide Dresser” Billy Harner performed often at this funky joint on the Longport-Somers Pt. Blvd. 33. You could almost make a “place setting” out of the names of these 2 bar/restaurants in A.C. 34. Tommy McDonough was the proprietor of this popular musical bar on S. Arkansas Ave. A.C. 35. Great bands played every summer weekend at this A.C. joint named after a Trini Lopez song. 36. . Sammy Davis Jr., Sarah Vaughn, Nat "King" Cole, Moms Mably, Slappy White, Billy Daniels, Billy Eckstine would most likely perform on this soulful street in A.C. 37. Chickie Narducci tended bar at this club where “Dino & Jerry” first teamed up. 38. This spooky bar had a painted mural of a naked guy with a “fig leaf” latch in the ladies room. If the latch was lifted, a buzzer went off in the bar! 39. “Eddie & the Cruisers” was filmed at this rockin’ club on the mainland. 40. You could get a frosty mug of beer & the best roast beef, cole slaw, & Russian dressing sandwich on Ginsberg’s rye at this dive on New York Ave. 41. The shot glasses were triangular at this Uptown bar/restaurant. 42. This Albany Ave. bar was named for a place you’d end up in if you got in trouble. 43. Only a couple of establishments where you can currently dock your boat for cocktails in A.C. – name them. 44. Brigantine bar where you could admire a replica of a record breaking Striped Bass. 45. Name this off shore bar that was “the last of the friendly taverns” 46. If you got an extra shot of booze in your cocktail at this sprawling off shore restaurant, you ended up………..? 47. Who is the Budweiser distributor for the South Jersey area? 48. This is probably the busiest liquor store in South Jersey… why? 49. Speaking of liquor stores, you can actually get order a shot at this one located Downbeach. 50. How do you order the good homemade vino at Angelo’s Fairmont Tavern? 51. This bar has been renovated, but it used to feature a great bumper pool table. 52. Owner of Robert’s place in Margate, & what was it called before it was Robert’s? 53. If it’s St. Pat’s day in A.C., you’re drinking on what street & at what bar? 54. You have to be a member to drink cheap at this Downbeach establishment. 55. Finish this little ditty: “Atlantic City, Casino City, the city by the sea. Where a whisky glass…” " Edit Entry

Submitted by Don from Chattanooga. Entered on January 6, 2009
"Ok, a couple of quick Steel Pier memories. I was there in the mid 60s to mid 70s. My dad used to watch me in the batting cage. There was a person there keeping score of your hits and home runs. My dad also embarrassed me in the Chinese shop once by putting on a fake Chinese accent! My mom and I rode the rocket ship; it moved while you watched a movie up front. And I loved the fortune telling parakeets. Out in the front, in the "free" part, I actually won a boom box at one of those lucky wheel games. I always thought those were rigged, but I guess not. I am 55 years old and have that very boom box on a shelf in my bedroom! Lots of nice years staying at the Colony Motel. I would trade nothing for those wonderful times." Edit Entry

Submitted by Mouse from Miramar. Entered on January 3, 2009
"To "Woody" and "bob r" your right about the Ocean Theater. There was one,just passed the Music Hall. There was a stair case that you took to get to the second floor. I believe there were at one time Musical Production Shows, presented. It caught fire, and was never rebuilt. It was between the Music Hall and the Diving Bell locations. Perhaps someone from the Atlantic County Historical Society could help. This is circa'30s and early '40s. I can still hear Frank Sinatra music as I passed the staircase to the Ocean Theater which was closed off. A little farther down {toward the ocean} was a food counter, and then you passed the Glass encased stables of the diving horses. Enjoy everyones comments and memories. These years it cost $1.25 for 1 adult with 1 child all day. And the aroma of the Hot Dog Stand Over Tony Grants on the North side watching the swimmers at Virginia Ave. Archie B. had it right, "Those were the Days"." Edit Entry

Submitted by Janet Welsh from Ormond Beach, FL. Entered on December 31, 2008
"I have nothing but wonderful memories of Atlantic City and Steel Pier. I saw a paunchy Kenny Rogers in a skimpy bathing suit performing there in a clown show with the diving horse and Barney Cipriani before Kenny even started with the "First Edition." My last visit to Steel Pier was in 1973 when they celebrated their 75th. anniversary. The show featured Frankie Lester and his band. It was a wonderful show of big band music that brought back so many memories. I even bought the 75th. anniversary record they were selling as a souvenier, which I have since converted to a CD because I no longer have a turntable. I love big band music and play that CD over and over. It will always serve as a reminder of Steel Pier and the wonderful showplace it once was. For a few years we owned a summer home in Brigantine and then as my children became parents we started taking our family vacations in Ocean City, NJ where we rented a beachfront umit for a week and made unforgetable memories. We love the Jersey Shore... Atlantic City, Ocean City, Wildwood, Cape May, etc. Al Alberts has a wonderful CD called "Summertime Memories" which includes "On the Way to Cape May, Sea Isle City, "On the Boardwalk in Atlantic City", "Harbor Lights" and a few others. When I listen to it, it takes me back to those wonderful times at the Jersey Shore when life was gentler and uncomplicated. Great memories that will last forever! " Edit Entry

Submitted by Susan Voci from NJ/FL. Entered on December 31, 2008
"Steel Pier was one of my fondest memories. I remember being scared of the fun houses. (can you imagine) Crazyville and Mystery Ride I wouldn't think of going into. The best buttered popcorn was in the Casino theater, best french fries in the center. Lets not forget that unique smell in the Chinese store. Tony Grant was my favorite show. I used to take lessons and had to quit because my family couldn't afford $3:00 a week. Different times. I don't submit much on this site but I read it almost daily. The memories that are shared are close to my heart. Everyone have a HEALTHY HAPPY NEW YEAR " Edit Entry

Submitted by Jim Bloom from Silver Spring, MD. Entered on December 31, 2008
"Geez--- all these memories from AC and downbeach from the 50s and early 60s. There was an Italian Restaurant in Ventnor on Ventnor Ave. and I can't remember the name now but it was pretty decent. In my ACHS years , 1953-57, we'd hang out at Super Sub Shop just a few blocks down from the school. Once in a while Albion Hart, the assistant principal would send his goons out to look for kids (like myself) who were cutting classes while shmoozing at the sub shop. I think the owners were the Kaplans and they moved to Florida in the late 50s. When I worked the rides at Million Dollar Pier, they would have us on "stand-by" on rainy days when they closed the Pier, and this is when we'd go to the Steel Pier to look for girls. If we hooked up with a girl, then it cleared up, we had to decide whether to report back to the Pier or not---risking getting canned. Lou's was Community Central for the Jewish crowd. You could meet just about every Jewish person in town there at one time or another. Kornblau's likewise and Shumsky's. Tony's is still going strong and has great pizza----at least as of a couple of years ago when I was last in town. I am probably confusing ski ball with the pokerino as I worked both of them for a while. The gimmick for when someone won a free game was the slug on a wire that you could feed into the coin slot and then remove. Selling papers on the boardwalk was a pain in the butt. I did tnis in the early 50s and I learned to make up ridiculous headlines to shout so I could sell the paper. I would usually make up stuff about Frank Sinatra in a shooting or even about flying saucers landing as I was a sci-fi fan. The idea was to move on once you sold a few that way because the buyers sometimes came back and asked where was the story. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Mark Haynie from Somers Point, NJ. Entered on December 29, 2008
"I was born and raised in AC and loved the old city. I have a million memories....penny arcades, all the piers, Easter parade, restaurants, etc. I'll start with my job history: My first job at age 14 was at Irene's at 1529 Boardwalk where I worked as a stockboy. The next year it burned down and we worked cleaning it up and getting it up and running. Ed Devlin was a real character. Debbie Sarkees was my boss and she said she hated Ed but later married him. Heime Bobbins was the maintenance man there and taught me a lot. I used to go to the bank at Central Pier to get change for the store. Amos would always be walking around there and would say "pink bags mean rain" when he saw me as Irene's used pink bags. I also worked a summer at Sabatini's Restaurant as a dishwasher. That was when Vince only opened in the summer and worked at the 500 Club. Next, I worked at the newly-opened Burger Chef at Indiana and Atlantic. Corky Epp worked there also and later won a million at the casino. I also remember the night manager, Stanley, got arrested for robbing the place. What a group we had there! Then I got a job at Children's Seashore House for a couple of summers. My friend's family owned the Mayflower Hotel and I worked occasionally there as a bus boy and in the spa. I spent a lot of time at the pool where the owner's son was the lifeguard. We used to go to Windy's at Virginia and Atlantic and buy a whole box of food for less than $5....15 cent burgers and 20 cent cheeseburgers...those were the days! " Edit Entry

Submitted by Judy Gilmore from Boston. Entered on December 25, 2008
"Funny, most of our memories center around food, How about a White House Sub, lemon Water Ice, New York Cheese Cake. Wait we have to fit Max Fries in there! Merry Christmas to everyone. Judy" Edit Entry

Submitted by faveplaceonearth from Haverford PA. Entered on December 25, 2008
"Merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah to all Atlantic City Memory contributors. Anyone have any memories of Christmas/Hanukkah in Atlantic City in the old days? Love to hear from you." Edit Entry

Submitted by joe from coaldale,pa.. Entered on December 24, 2008
"Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and best wishes to all this holiday season! Iwas in A.C.last week and when I met with some friends of mine who are A.C.natives we began to name restaurants that we knew of during our high school years,1962--1966.Here's the list in alphbetical order that we could recall.I left out hotel dining rooms and night clubs for a later time.Hope this list brings back some fond memories. Abes's Oyster House,Alfred's Villa,Arthur Maisel's, Carson's,Capt Starn's,Cathy House,Chinaland,Coachman's,Conrad's Dock's,Flying Dutchman,Gina's Townhouse,Hackney's,House of Chang,Jack Guischard's,Janel,s,Jem, Junior's,the 3 Kent's,Knife and Fork,Langerman's, Lew Tendler's Lido,Luigi's Maria's Rag Gordon's Sid Hartfield's, Ranch House Stanley,Strand,Teplitzly's,Tony's Baltimore Grill,Trench's Neptune Inn, Warwick,Venice,and Vienna.I'm sure there are many more that people can add from that era.Now if only someone would invent a time machine!! " Edit Entry

Submitted by jack mendelsohn from Glenside, Pa.. Entered on December 23, 2008
"This is for the real oldtimers.Some of my jobs between 1940-1950, 1. I worked as a shill for a business on the boardwalk at Arkansas Ave. I believe a race car was involved. 2. I sold newspapers on the boardwalk. 3.I sold ice cream on the beach. 4. I sold flowers on the boardwalk for Mothers Day. Pink for deceased, White if your mother was alive. 5Iworked as a board boy for I think Bache and Company. Located on Steeplechase pier. We would write in chalk current stock prices. 6. I was a bellman at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. I would walk home with many "greenies" dollar bills in my pocket. Great memories " Edit Entry

Submitted by Larry Letzer from Copperas Cove, TX. Entered on December 19, 2008
"Reading about the ski balls brought back fond memories. I used to work there. The employees had a Nickle on a flexible steel wire called a "fish". Putting the fish in the nickle slot and pulling it back out would trigger the mechanism to fool the machine that a nickle was inserted. We used the fish to award free games to high scorers. About the Steel Pier book. I am interested. I was the Steel Pier's official photographer when I worked for Fred Hess and Son back in the early 60's. Unfortunately, all of the negatives belonged to Hess so I only have memories. Great memories. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Leebo from Baltimore. Entered on December 18, 2008
"Just want to let everyone know that I'm finishing up the second draft of the Steel Pier book being published by Down-The-Shore Publishing. After that, the final choice of pictures and layouts will begin, with the hope of a release date in March or April at this point. It will be over 200 pages and contain EVERYTHING going back to Opening Day in 1898. It's a guarantee that you will LOVE this book! I have communicated with some of you out there---you know who----and I want to thank all that helped me with their memories of the most fantastic place on Earth that will never be seen again." Edit Entry

Submitted by Leebo from Baltimore. Entered on December 18, 2008
"Just want to let everyone know that I'm finishing up the second draft of the Steel Pier book being published by Down-The-Shore Publishing. After that, the final choice of pictures and layouts will begin, with the hope of a release date in March or April at this point. It will be over 200 pages and contain EVERYTHING going back to Opening Day in 1898. It's a guarantee that you will LOVE this book! I have communicated with some of you out there---you know who----and I want to thank all that helped me with their memories of the most fantastic place on Earth that will never be seen again." Edit Entry

Submitted by M S MC LAUGHLN from EGG HARBOR CITY N J . Entered on December 18, 2008
"ALL THESE MEMORIES DOES ANY ONE REMEMBER THE SKI BALL ALLEYS AT FLORIDE AVE AND THE BOARDWALK. I WORKED THERE IN THE WAR YEARS. THE ALLEYS WERE NOT LIKE TODAYS ALLEY THEY PROBABLY WERE AS LONG AS A BOWLLING ALLEY AND THE BACK BOARD WAS AT LEAST SIX FEET HIGH. THERE HAD TO BE AT LEASR TWENTY TO TWESNTY FIVE ALLEYS AND IT COST A NICKEL A GAME,WHICH CONSISTED OF NIME BALLS." Edit Entry

Submitted by ron from galloway. Entered on December 14, 2008
"I worked a lot of years at Starns, and we would close the yacht bar at midnight and all thar were there would head for Carson'sand meet the gang from hackneyS. A lot of real good memories there." Edit Entry

Submitted by chris from san fran. Entered on December 13, 2008
"The website administrator should set this site up so people can post old pictures of Atlantic City to really bring the memories alive. " Edit Entry

Submitted by favplaceonearth from Haverford PA. Entered on December 8, 2008
"Thanks Mario. My three favorite and earliest recollections of Atlantic City (maybe at four or five years old). The first scent of the Atlantic Ocean air as we drove into Atlantic City. The first day on the beach, and the first night on the wonderous A.C. Boardwalk -- the most exciting place in the world back then (and now, because of the memories)! " Edit Entry

Submitted by Jim Bloom from Silver Spring, MD. Entered on December 5, 2008
"It's been a few years since I visited these pages. I've attended my 50th ACHS reunion (October 2007) and enjoyed re-living some good memories. My most memorable days in AC were working on the boardwalk to earn college tuition, from around 1950 through 1962. I worked the rides at the Million Dollar Pier, Pokerino, rolling chairs, and most memorably, the refreshment stand near the water circus -- no the high diving horse never stopped by, but the lion tamer lady did when I fed the cubs raw hamburger meat. The Steel Pier job was a bonus in that it was right near the ballroom so on break got to meet and see some top entertainers, like Ricky Nelson, Fabian, Bill Haley, Woody Herman, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman ( will never forget watching Gene Krupa in that long Sing Sing Sing drum solo), Elvis, the Beatles....so many. The entertainers were quite down to earth, but the "regulars" on the Grady & Hurst show were often quite snooty...they felt they were superstars, just for basically showing up. I think the AC of the 50s and 60s marked the end of that seaside resort as we know it, before casinos left the rest of the boards to the schlockmeisters. " Edit Entry

Submitted by stan sladek from cockeysville md. Entered on December 1, 2008
"Woody..enjoyed your article about "South Pacific" My wife and I just watched Glen Close in the modern movie, last night, and this AM I read article. My family visited A/C every summer with our son and daughter in the 60's. We remember our 5year old (1963) getting on stage at CHILDS and sang with the star.."Give Me A Little Kiss". We stayed at Mr Dubins aprtments directly across from hospital entrance. We sat on porch and watched the people going to the hospital all night. We enjoed the Steel Pier, Mich Miller, the Osmonds and the Diving Horse. What great memories we have walking the board- walk, using the beach and Storybook Land. We later spent 26 years going to the Sands Casino (day one until watching the Implosion from Bally's Ballroom). I enjoy Memory Lane and have 18 scrapbooks of our Fun In The Sands (casino) in the library, if interested." Edit Entry

Submitted by Barbara from LINWOOD. Entered on November 28, 2008
"I gave a whole morning looking at this site. It brought back many memories. Mother took us to the beach in the inlet and we stayed the whole day. Had family that came from Pa and we would go the Steel Pier and spend the whole day. Can remember taking lunch and eating it in one of the movies. Loved seeing Tony Grant's stars and the going thru the fun house and being scared by the boys. We had fun and were not afraid of being anywhere. I loved the Garden Pier and going to the Easter Sunrise Services. Also the garden pier with Aunt Lucy's children shows. In fact I was one of her kids singing "Sisters " with one of my best friends on stage.I remember going to Madison Avenue school and going to a soda fountain called Minnie's and getting chocolate sodas. Kerstetters Ice Cream and Ice Cream Island were also favorites of mine. When I worked on South Carolina Ave and Atlantic across from Blatts, Snellenbergs, Lits, our office would send down for lunch from the Stanley Restaurant and sometimes I would go to lunch at the Lincoln Drug Store or Kents or Woolworths 5&10. I liked to shop at Petries and buy gifts at Loft's candy store. It was always fun to go to Atlantic City. My grandfather used to sell flowers on the street and he would give me money to go to the movies. My Uncle John also sold flowers for many years on Atlantic Ave. This was a business started by my grandparents on the boardwalk and in front of the hospital. Oh, and remember Tony who had a cart and pushed it and made shaved snow cones? We used to track him down. Well I could go on and on now that my memories were recharged. Thank you for this moment. Barbara" Edit Entry

Submitted by favplaceonearth from Haverford PA. Entered on November 27, 2008
"The diving "bell" was one of my earliest memories of Atlantic City. It was over sixty years ago and about all I'm able to recall is the ball-like shape of the what then seemed liked a cast iron outer shell and the cables. But my most vivid memory was looking out through the window/port? and seeing very murky water and (I couldn't swear to this) I believe I saw a few fish. Thanks for the reminder. Can anyone out there give a full description? Also, what did Atlantic-City born kids do for Thanksgiving? It must have been kind of desolate in the winter months back in the forties and fifties. But maybe I'm wrong. I love hearing about how you "then-kids" passed the winter months. " Edit Entry

Submitted by joe from coaldale,pa. Entered on November 21, 2008
"Bob, Atlantic City has been part of my life sincc 1954. I even owned a home on Maine Ave from 1976 until 1993. Today I still visit and can find or remember streets that life-time A.C. residents aren't or weren't familiar with particularly in the Inlet! I still return several times a year to catch up with old friends and of course a lifetime of memories. Today it is a Casino resort and not a beach resort. Many visitors are strictly down for the day and have no interest in the town except to win money. The type of carefree visitor we knew has all but disappeared with most of the places mentioned in Memory Lane.If you do look for a place I'd suggest the Ventnor side of the site of the old A.C.H.S.There are still many old,familiar places in the town as I'm sure you have read about and some great new spots that aren't casino related. The restaurants and attractions at Gardner's Basin have that real shore A.C.feeling. The Ozone Room in the Flagship Resort on Maine Ave. has fantastic views of the ocean and Inlet along with a nice bar and good food. Unfortunately parts of the Boardwalk are still in considerable disrepair, the rear of Garden Pier, after 50 years, is still rotting away and you'll be apalled at the entrance of what they dare call the Steel Pier.But somehow there is still a certain magic to the place. I'm sure other contributors will have many suggestions as to where to go and where to avoid and if you plan it right you can still have a great time. I always do! " Edit Entry

Submitted by Marcia T. Mancini from Northfield. Entered on November 7, 2008
"Bob R. thank you for remembering the "grand daddy" of sub shops - Mancini's. I'm the daughter of Emma and William "Dagi" Mancini. The store was actually at Georgia and Arctic Aves. It certainly brought back a rush of wonderful memories. How exciting for my niece and nephew from Boston to see the sub shop referred to as the "grand daddy" of sub shops, which it was. Thanks again." Edit Entry

Submitted by alan Hafter from . Entered on October 27, 2008
"The Super Sub Shop was on the corner of Richmond and Ventnor Avenues. Lots of great memories there!" Edit Entry

Submitted by PatMcHale Rogers from Virginia Beach (formerly AC). Entered on October 19, 2008
"I just added a group to FACEBOOK for Theta Alpha Chi...OAX. (HSHS sorority). Any readers who were members of Theta can go to Facebook.com. Search Theta Alpha Chi. Once there you can post your memories of Theta...photos are welcome. Come on, I know some of you are in this AC memory lane audience. I know you were Kate and you too Mary. Be sure to tell us when you were a member and the name of your chapter. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Dan Mathis from Indianapolis, Indiana. Entered on October 17, 2008
"Help! - Can someone instruct me on how to contact a person that has made a entry on AC Memories? I have tried to click on the both "name" as well as "edit entry" without any success. Thanks! - Dan" Edit Entry

Submitted by Gloria from Calif. Entered on September 26, 2008
"How about The Cozy Corner Rest. I think it was on the corner of New Hampshire and Madison Aves. Also a little grocery store on New Hamp. and the owner was a sweet lady named Anne. She would let us play the juke box and dance. How about Newmans grocery store and they sold subs. It was on the corner of Houston Ave across from the fire dept and back bay??? All these are Inlet Memories.." Edit Entry

Submitted by ratso from PA. Entered on September 26, 2008
"Inlet memories: Anyone remember the A&P on Madison near New Hampshire which sold everything except meats. Meats were sold at the Leader Market on the corner owned by Bill Leader. The "Cat LAdy" lived next to the Leader Market. There was a bar on the NE corner of New Hampshire and Madison that had a 3 piece band playing on weekends. Sam Wadsworth, a fireman, was the guitar player and did a lot of Les Paul songs. The band also played with Jan (not Gene) Krupa on Pacific Ave. near Illinois." Edit Entry

Submitted by CHARLEY SPRINGER from PENNSYLVANIA. Entered on September 26, 2008
"I lived in AC from about '75-'80. Just as gambling was coming to town. I was in my twenties and a runner and made a lot of friends on the beach and boardwalk. New York Avenue was "the place" with lots of bars, clubs and restaurants. I worked at the Algiers down on Pacific and Morris. It was leveled to make way for the Trop. I'd love to hear from anyone with memories of that time. Charley" Edit Entry

Submitted by Alan "Woody" Woodin from Mays Landing N.J. . Entered on September 26, 2008
"Tom, You mentioned the new Acme at Connecticut & Atlantic. I remember walking behind the Acme, in the back. past those smelly trash cans to get into "Tonys Baltimore Grill" Down 2 steps & into the back restaurant. The best pizza & pasta around. The people going into Tonys location today at Iowa & Atlantic have no idea of our memories. Anyone remember 'The Picadilly for pizza"" Edit Entry

Submitted by favplaceonearth from Haverford Pa. Entered on September 21, 2008
"Lois, Thanks so much for reminding me of a long-lost (and alas forgotten) childhood treasure: Our little white prayer book. Again, I had completely forgotten about it -- and I was an altar boy -- until you so thoughtfully awoke that wonderful memory in me. Even though it was many years ago when going to Sunday mass with our little white prayer books, somehow it seems like yesterday (almost). How time flies. Remember the solemn-looking black Sunday Missals? If I hadn't found this site, with its excellent writers like you and, of course, many others, there would have been a huge gap in my memory bank. Thanks again, Lois -- and everybody. What a city! What a site! What wonderful memories that no amount of money could ever buy." Edit Entry

Submitted by Lois Kanessc from Denver. Entered on September 21, 2008
"favplaceonearth, I was a public school student who attened weekly Sunday school at OLSS. I especially remember summer school. At age 65, I still have a string of glow-in-the-dark rosary beads that were my award for doing well at whatever. To this day, the smell of plastic recalls memories of the little white purse holding white prayer book and rosary I carried on my first communion there...My mother attended grade school at OLSS. Google their website to learn more about the upcoming 100th anniversary of the school. Both alumni and friends are welcome." Edit Entry

Submitted by favplaceonearth from Haverford PA. Entered on September 20, 2008
"Kate, before I forget...what did you shop for and what stores on Atlantic when they let you off early on rainy days? Let us know. I'm sure it'll make for some great memories. My favorite church in the whole world is Our Lady Star of the Sea, and it always was. I should go more often...." Edit Entry

Submitted by Gloria from Calif. Entered on September 14, 2008
"O.K. I remember the ice cream men on the beach. They had to be a Veteren in order to sell it. It was originally called Van Vets.The drop for their ice cream were in I think 3 different locations . The one I knew for sure was under the Deauville Hotel and that was for the so end of AC John O"Connor Mussles was his nickmane..Chaney was a colored guy with a great sense of humor.very funny and then T K. I remember 2 of their slogans..Mommy I want ice cream..Freeze your teeth and give your tongue a sleighride the other was Fudgy Wudgy's. My sister worked at Blatt's in the lingerie dept and my Mom worked in the baby dept upstairs . They both worked there at the same time. I worked at the Cardinal Neckwear on Kentucky and the boeardwalk.It was next to the Warner Theater. My first movie I saw there was Oklahoma. Does anyone remember the Taylor Porkroll?? I used to love those. Ate lunch there often. I worked there I am thinking 56,57,and 58. Tie shop that is. I worked at James Salt Water Taffy too I think the summer when I was a Jr. in High School. My nephew watched them level The Traymore in 71 or 72. Not sure. I love this website. It brings back so many good childhood memories for me." Edit Entry

Submitted by Barry from Seattle WA. Entered on September 12, 2008
"For Lois Kaness: In response to your query, I dug out a 1950s postcard I have showing "the three locations of Kents Restaurants in Atlantic City." The locations listed are "Uptown" at 1214 Atlantic Avenue (at North Carolina Avenue); "Midtown" at 1700 Pacific Avenue (at Illinois Avenue); and "Downtown" at 2124 Atlantic Avenue (at Arkansas Avenue) or, as the card reads, "opposite the railroad station." The card also cites a "Boardwalk Candy Store" at 1735 Boardwalk, in the Brighton Block. Apparently, the Kents operation was linked to the Chimney House Restaurant in Haddonfield NJ, at the circle-intersection of N.J. Routes 38 and 70 because that business is also listed on the card. As an aside, it's always a pleasure to visit this site and share the memories; the images of Atlantic City formed by reading our summed recollections are sometimes more real to me than the videos I can find on YouTube.com or the stills I can punch up at Flickr.com. Thanks to all of you!" Edit Entry

Submitted by favplaceonearth from haverford pa. Entered on September 12, 2008
"Thank Heaven for 7-11? No! Thank Heaven for this WONDERFUL website!!! (and the very-knowledgeable Gloria...and everybody else who contributes to this happy site). All the money in the world couldn't buy the happy/nostalgic remembrances that we're able to share -- whenever we want, wherever we are -- with a few clicks on our keyboard. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I'm able to be in my favorite city on the planet several times a week (or more) year-round. I drive from the western Philly suburbs (150 miles, round trip). I play cards at all the casinos. I don't bet a lot. I don't have to. I'm an exceptionally "proficient" blackjack player, so I'm able to make enough, long-term, of course, to break even money-wise, after expenses. I find cards boring, but I love being in Atlantic City, and low-limit card-playing gives me the reason to be there. My favorite place to be in the fall of the year, is on the Boardwalk in Atlantic city, especially in the early morning. If there's an Eden on earth, that's it. Like everybody else on this happiest of sites, I could fill volumes on my over-60 years of Atlantic City experiences, even though I'm from the Phila area. But as fate would have it, I'm a blackjack/poker maven and I will gladly answer ANY questions ANYONE has regarding casino gambling. Of course, my advice ALWAYS is: Don't gamble; save your money and help Atlantic City grow in ways other than gambling. There is simply NO way for the average person to beat the casinos; that's why they're still there. I don't want to be "greedy" message-wise on the first couple posts, so "thank you for your memories," and I'll be glad to share a few of mine from time to time. Just ask." Edit Entry

Submitted by Gloria from Calif. Entered on September 12, 2008
"I remember the Kent Rest. My brother worked there and the Palace Movie.... I remember when I was preteen, I used to helpmy Dad clean the theater. That brings back alot of memories. I used to see the same movies over and over because we got in free because of my Dad. The Penney Arcade was one of our hang outs too as a teenager.Any more to remember????" Edit Entry

Submitted by Nancy A. Curinga from South Jersey Area. Entered on August 31, 2008
"I have memories of going to Capt. Starns for boat rides on Miss Atlantic City and the sail boat. Going down town to shop on Saturday mornings and meeting all of my classmates. Such wonderful stores we had on Atlantic Ave. Buying my socks at M&H and shopping at George Kays on Pacific Ave." Edit Entry

Submitted by Daniel Mathis from Indianapolis, Indiana. Entered on August 27, 2008
"I have many memories of AC and ACHS ("63"). After 41 years as a music teacher and school administrator I retired 6/30/08. Many memories incluse Drexel Av beach and 1 cent pretzels/yellow mustard and from 48-55 and moving to Fairmount Ave and attending Brighton Ave School. Worked at the Fralinger's factory for 4 summers and parked cars across the street from the 500 Club too. I attended Madison Ave School K-4,Brighton Ave School 5-6, Central Jr.High 7-8 and ACHS 9-12. Mr.Robert Heath was my Band Director and influenced my music education career. Great memories include many of the things I have read on this site plus the Chelsea Mob, Defiores Pizza, good buddies like the Fielder brothers, Bob Rust, Joe Cardani, Joe Scanny, Jim McGuigan, Gary Murphy, Tom Boardiaro, Hank Fiaconi, my brothers Paul and Ken Mathis, Franny and Johann Ginnetti, Kathy Barker, and many many others. No one has mentioned the Friday night dances at the YMCA and Saturday Night dances at St. James in Ventnor. I could go on and on but will stop here for my first entry. " Edit Entry

Submitted by M S M c Laughlin from Egg Harbor City N,J,. Entered on August 25, 2008
"The name George Brower brings a smile and warm memories to my mind. Your grandfather in order to boost his pay worked part time AS A house detective at the Ambassodor hotel when he was a detcctive not when he was a captain though. I grew up in that neighborhood and new the Brower well, I would be you uncle Georges age, it was a great time fishing,swimming in the bay and playing ice hockey in the winter when we would flood the street. When I Married I LIVED FIRST ON CHELSEA AVE THEN MONTPELIER AVE, WE BUILT A DOCK ON THE BAy AT MONTPELIER AVE. WHEN MY DAD AND I WENT FISHING IN BRIGANTNE IF GEORGE WAS ON THE DOCK YOU WERE NEVER ALOUD TO PASS WITHOUT STOPPING FOR A BEER,CLANS OR STEAMED CRABS. THEY WERE A GREAT FAMILY AND PROVOKE WARM MEMORIES.THANKS FOR BRINGING THEM BACK" Edit Entry

Submitted by MARK from PHILLY. Entered on July 22, 2008
"Does anyone know what happened to the Segel family who owned the Segel pharmacy in Ventnor right outside Marvin Gardens, I have terrific memories as a kid sitting getting ice cream and float treats." Edit Entry

Submitted by Lois Kaness from Denver,CO. Entered on July 21, 2008
"Eddie, I think that's a great idea. In my own memoirs I've tried to create word pictures that will help my grandkids---and perhaps their grandkids, as well---know what it was like to grow up in AC in the '40s and '50s. Contributions to this site have sometimes jogged my memory, and thus enriched my writings. Via this site I have also reconnected with long-lost cousins who have shared with me many of thier own AC memories of our family. The memories of others always add perspective. Perhaps in unison we might take a stab at that "perfect recall" that proves so elusive when working in solitude..." Edit Entry

Submitted by Lois Kaness from Denver,CO. Entered on July 14, 2008
"Does the number #215 stir any memories?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Alan "Woody" Woodin from Mays Landing N.J. . Entered on July 10, 2008
"Anyone remember "The Coast Line Hotel"on States Ave? Our family would stay there in the early 50s. It was a rooming house. It was owned by a lady named "Rhea" Also looking for the Downey Family from Seaside Ave. Our family rented their house for many summers and they would move to the apt in the lower level.There were 2 Sons. The Mother, Isabel worked for Bell Telephone and the Father Chickie, was in the Merchant Marines. Also renting that lovely home from the Steins on Oriental Ave and never meeting their son-in-law, Reds Klotz. The wonderful memories of the Inlet in the 50s." Edit Entry

Submitted by stan from cockeysville md. Entered on July 6, 2008
"I am not part of the Memory Lane gang...just a person who came up in the 60's with my family and stayed at Mr Dubin's Apts. across the street from the hospital on michigan ave. Just wondering what you paid for the Jitney in the 50's and 60's? we spent over 26 years visiting the Sands Casino and have a collection of Sands scrap books at the library. I enjoy reading about your great memories on Memory Lane." Edit Entry

Submitted by Martin Lizerbram from La Jolla, CA. Entered on July 4, 2008
"I have great memories of Kornblau's from the late 40's when I was a kid, to the mid sixties. I remember the smell of the restaurant, kind of like a mixture of warm baking Challah mixed with the smell of fresh cole slaw. The tables had linen napkins and tableclothes. The waitresses were there for centuries and had 1940's upsweeps and arched penciled eyebrows. The corned beef sandwiches, were never to be replaced by anything today, on cake-like consistency, moist rye bread, not the straw dry, particle board rye bread of today.I used to look out the window and see the Ocean City interurban trolleys switch over to the other track on their way to and from the inland towns, and Ocean City. The Trolley line dead ended at Virginia Avenue and the Boardwalk. What a wonderful tourist attraction that would be today. In the sixties, one time we wanted to take our children out on a Sunday night. We lived at the AC Hospital where I worked. Snow was falling. We took our 2 todlers on garbage pale lids, punched holes in the lids, and put a rope in them. We pulled and slid the kids along the isolated snowy boardwalk from Michigan Avenue to Virginia Avenue to Kornblau's. We all had hot Chicken Noodle soup with Matzoh balls and thick noodles. I was disappointed because my mom told me that snow never lies on the boardwalk due to the salt air which melts it. Well, she was wrong. The snow was was piled up on he boards like drifts at a ski resort. Terrific memories. Everything was on a human scale then." Edit Entry

Submitted by joe from coaldale,pa.. Entered on July 4, 2008
"In no special order:The Beach Boys, The Four Tops,The Supremes,The Four Seasons,and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas singing Heat Wave! My most memorable experience was the Fabian show.I was about 9 years old and my 14 year old cousin and two of her girlfriends were in charge of me for the night.We went on the pier to the show and the three gils stood on their seats screaming and crying the entire time Fabian was on the stage.At the time I was humiliated to be with them but as years have passed the story has become part of our Atlantic City collection of Memories when we talk about those great times in A.C. Happy Fourth of July." Edit Entry

Submitted by Alan "Woody" Woodin from Mays Landing N.J. . Entered on July 2, 2008
"I worked in the Music Hall Theatre of the Steel Pier from 1957-1960. The best summer was 1958. There were great entertainers that summer. Pat Boone, Jimmie Rodgers, Andy Williams, Red Buttons. Bill Haley & the Comets, Les Paul and Mary Ford, Paul Anka, Al Alberts & The Four Aces & The Andrew Sisters(for the old timers). Ricky Nelson broke Frank Sinatras attendance record with 44,000 people. It was so crowded that we had to move the show from the Music Hall to the Marine Ballroom to handle all the people. There was also a live TV show brodcast from the Ballroom that starred Joe Grady & Ed Hurst. It was broadcast on channel 12, WVUE-TV. At night the big bands in the Marine Ballroom featuring guest orchestra leaders. What wonderful memories." Edit Entry

Submitted by Kate from Mass.. Entered on June 16, 2008
"Just one question Ned...what was the name of a bar that was near Memories on Amherst, on the northwest corner of it's block. It was either the Lighthouse or the Beacon, I think? Same era-- I frequented it in the early 70's. Great bumper pool tables there. Thanks," Edit Entry

Submitted by Ned H from Margate. Entered on June 16, 2008
"The Margate Casino was at Essex & Atlantic, Gables was at Washington & the bay, and the Seven Seas was the earlier name of the Casino. The Greenhouse was at Decatur Avenue and the beach, the White House was at Washington & Atlantic and Maloneys was on South Washington Ave. Maynards was and still is on Amherst Avenue and Moylan's was at Monroe and Monmouth. The Sailfish was at Douglass & Ventnor Aves, and Cantwells was at the foot of Lucy when it was on Cedar Grove and the beach. Arata's Bar was at Adams and Amherst and Memories was at Madison and Amherst. There was also a fine dining establishment called Strotbecks at Monroe & Amherst, now Steve & Cookies. The Gables is now Tomatoes, Arata's turned into Zooms and Zooms turned into Sophias. Both Tomatoes & Sophias are fine dining and drinking establishments..The area, once world renown, was dubbed THE BARBARY COAST and hosted youngsters from all over the east coast. That's the history of the bar scenes in beautiful downtown Margate..Any questions??" Edit Entry

Submitted by Jim Byrne from Vienna, VA. Entered on June 7, 2008
"For Phyllis in Florida; The diving horse was on the Steel Pier, not Hamid's million dollar pier. But anyway, I also have great memories of the 1930's and 40's era They were fine times." Edit Entry

Submitted by Shirley from Payson, Arizona. Entered on June 6, 2008
"I used to love to go and watch the diving horse. I just watched the movie "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken", again. It has been on Dish Network, on Bravo. I have home movies of the diving horse from the 1960's. It was such a fun time. It would be nice to go back in time... Thanks for the memories...." Edit Entry

Submitted by ALEC JIRI from Switzerland. Entered on June 3, 2008
"DOES ANYONE HAVE PICTURES OF RELATIVES, FRIENDS OR THEMSELVES WITH DOLLS OR TOYS IN ATLANTIC CITY BETWEEN 1918-1936? I KNOW IT'S A LONG TIME AGO, BUT MAYBE PEOPLE HERE MIGHT HAVE GRANDPARENTS OF PARENTS WHO MAY HAVE BEEN PHOTOGRAPHED WITH DOLLS, MAYBE KAMKIN DOLLS FROM THAT ERA. I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WITH SUCH PHOTOS OR MEMORIES. THANKS AGAIN, ALEC JIRI" Edit Entry

Submitted by Alan from Mays Landing N.J. . Entered on May 27, 2008
"To Shelly in Florida: For info on Memories in Margate N.J., e-mail Jerry at Ask the Geater @A.C.Weekly.com or contact his office. He is at Geator Gold Radio, 626 Market St Phila, Pa. 19106. Phone 215-923-0550. Hope this helps." Edit Entry

Submitted by shelley from lower moreland. Fla. Margate NJ. Entered on May 26, 2008
"I danced on Jerry's show in the late 70's when it was being televised. I would love a tape and also. HOW DO I LISTEN TO JERRY FROM MEMORIES IN MARGATE IN BOCA RATON FLORIDA? HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP" Edit Entry

Submitted by Patrick T Broomell from Marlton N.J.. Entered on May 21, 2008
"I remember my grandmother viola who lived on vermont ave. The three story house was the home of every grandchild , and child she could name.We loved going to the summer mansion. I slept in a room with my uncles that was cooled only by a decrepid fan. The cacophany of my uncles snoring kept me awake most nights; as well as the sweltering heat and clammy sheets, Ah! I loved it. Grand would cook fabulous morning meals of eggs, pancakes( bricks) and greasy bacon; but the most memorable food I have ever eaten. We would walk to captain starns and watch the big boats go in and out all day. Oh the beautiful smells of the summer inlet will never leave me. The lighthoue on atlantic ave was so beautiful when the b purple flowers bloomed. I was in awe of the spectacle. I lived behind the school on massachutes ave . That is where I learned to ride a bike , curse ,smoke and fall in love with A.C.kerstetters icecream! The strand !all day movies with yoyo shows ,and bike giveaways. We would stay all day for .20 cents and never feared.Lady star of the sea was our church. The church burned down.So many great memories! When we were done with our visit to grandmom broomell, we would then go to grandmom gorman on tennessee ave. Granny was a bookie. Wow what a strong and kind woman. My memories all fond ;could go on for pages. It was truly a blessing to have had that time capsule of joy and contentment!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Pat McHale Rogers from Virginia Beach,VA. Entered on May 2, 2008
"Phyllis and Tom: I have great memories stopping in Richter's after Sunday Mass at Holy Spirit in the 40s and early 50s. I've wondered if anyone remembered it. Their cinnamon buns...now called 'sticky buns' were so good. I'm always in search of a place that can match those sold at Richter's." Edit Entry

Submitted by steve conover from atlantic city. Entered on April 20, 2008
"This is to Scott Maxwell......I knew your family when you lived in A.C. Your house was on the corner of Mullock Ter. & Drexel ave. I grew up with your brother Calvin. Many fine memories of those years. Last saw him during the summer or fall of 1969.I had just returned from the war and he was on his way back. We met at Capt. Starn's yacht bar where I was tending bar. I miss him and respect what he did for us. Best to you and your family.....Steve" Edit Entry

Submitted by Felice Horacek from Palm Harbor, FL. Entered on April 20, 2008
"I have vivid memories of the 1944 hurricane. I was emmployed by the army as a civilian employee at England General Hospital which was formerly Haddon Hall Hotel. When the electricity went off, the elevators no longer could run and, therefore, it was necessary to evacuate the patients to a safe facility. (I think it was Governer's Island, New York) This meant that the GI's station at the hospital, had to carry all the non ambulatory patients down the 13 flights of stairs. I lived at Illinois and Pacific and both streets were flooded. The Coast Guard was carryng people across Pacific Avenue." Edit Entry

Submitted by Barry from Seattle WA. Entered on April 19, 2008
"I hesitate to provide commercial information on this great, nostalia-inducing website that I check almost daily. However, I've found for those who share an interest and perhaps personal memories relating to the storms that affected the AC area, there is a relevant book with accounts and photos of the major storms: "Great Storms of the Jersey Shore" by Larry Savadove and Margaret Thomas Buchholz, published by Down the Shore Publishers in 1993. I found the book searching on-line for such works and ordered it through a local bookseller. The same publisher also has "New Jersey Shipwrecks; 350 Years in the Graveyard of the Atlantic" by Ms. Buchholz (2004). www.down-the-shore.com is the publisher's website. I really enjoyed both books for all the pictures of AC and Brigantine during and after the storms of '38, '44, '62 (which I remember because I was an ACHS senior at the time) and more recent storms. Another book I found is in the "Images of America" series, "New Jersey Coast Guard Stations and Rumrunners" by Van Field (2004); www.arcadiapublishing.com relates. In this small book there are photos and stories of the Life Saving/USCG stations that formerly stood at Holgate, Little Beach, North and South Brigantine and all the way up and down the coast. " Edit Entry

Submitted by joe from coaldale,pa.. Entered on April 15, 2008
"I was in A.C.on April 10 and 11 and stayed at the Flagship on Maine Ave. Callaghan's is no longer Callaghan's. It is now known as the Ducktown Pub. Dock's still serves great food and definitely reminds one of the A.C. of the 1950's and 1960's.I wish the city would repair the boardwalk from Melrose to Caspian. It just looks awful and has been that way for a number of years.Those mini mansions recently built on Maine, with the exception of one, appear to be unoccupied. We were looking at old photos of the interior of Holy Spirit Church, probably from the day of the final Mass.I remembered the Ancient Order of Hibernians window near the Blessed Mother's Altar.Does anyone remember this group in the parish? Iwas curious as to where they met and when the local group disbanded. Finally it was great to stay in the Inlet again if only for two days.Ididn't even have to close my eyes to remember what it was like in the old days. Just the sound of the ocean against the jetties was enough to bring back many pleasant memories!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Patty from Feasterville Pa.. Entered on April 13, 2008
"Benefit for Andy J... (Junikiewicz)...CHALFONTE HADDON HALL RACQUET CLUB...AND FAMILY...Proudly Sponser the 5th annual...ANDY "AJ" Junikiewicz Memorial Tournament and Springfest Benefit...Saturday May 10th..2008.. The Flying Cloud restaurant at Gardiner's Basin.. (inlet)..Sponsored by Ross Costantino(owner). 1 pm til 6:00 pm.. 25.00 per person..Free soda..Beer on tap..Hot and Cold Buffet..All proceeds going to AJ's favorite charity...THE AFLAC CANCER CENTER (for children)..ALL are Welcome(including children..(free )Come join the fun, food, music..(DJ....Philly's (in the mix enterntainment) door prizes..outdoor deck bar on the water...friends and AC Memories" Edit Entry

Submitted by Sherry Hoffman from Margate, NJ. Entered on April 2, 2008
"I’m writing a story on Al Gold, Chief Photographer for Atlantic City from 1936-1964. He also photographed the first Miss America pageant. The story will be published in Ocean Drive Magazine. It’s a new publication, a sister magazine to NJ Lifestyle and one intended for visitors. I'm hoping some of you who remember him could tell me a brief bit about him or some particular memory you have of him or perhaps one of his photographs has a special place in your heart. Although I was born and raised in Atlantic City and have known his daughter, Vicki for years, I never had the opportunity to know Al, so I’m looking to you to help me make him come alive for the readers. I appreciate your time and your memories. I love AC as much as all of you. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Woody from Mays Landing N.J. . Entered on April 2, 2008
"I cannot believe the impact that this site has had on me. I just heard from 2 friends from the inlet. The last time we saw each other was in 1959. One in North Carolina and one in Israel. It's amazing how many people look at this site and respond. Only on this site can we relive such memories. Have to go to work now as the next stage show on Steel Pier is at 7:30pm (I wish)" Edit Entry

Submitted by Kate from Mass.. Entered on March 29, 2008
"I agree, Ken. Although the loves of my life were born and bred on the island, there were summer crushes. Boys who I hoped would arrive with the summer, from out of town, or from Ireland! If it were not for the summer people, would there have been summer jobs for me on the boardwalk and in the hotels, as babysitter, and as PBX operator? Yes, there are memories you never had on the island, off season memories, but you have your winter memories of somewhere else, and as has been said, we are all somewhat interwoven, especially in memories of summer. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Ken from Columbus, OH. Entered on March 28, 2008
"AN APOLOGY: When I first stumbled upon this site, I thought it was a wonderful collection of summertime nostalgia. I responded with a rather lengthy recollection of my two summers working in AC before really delving into the meat of the other entries. I also spent the evening sending out emails to several other contributors, many of whom responded with very kind, helpful and informative emails. And then it hit me. Atlantic City is, indeed, a city. Not just a resort. And as such, it carries memories for many who grew up there, whose lives were a part of the fabric of the city, and who never knew the city as a retreat, but, rather, as a home. Its a place with a soul. A life of its own. And I was nothing more than so many tens of thousands of others. An intruder. A worker bee. A necessary part, yet an expendable, replaceable part that often caused more irritation than exhaultation. My New Jersey experience prior to Atlantic City was 5 summers in Ocean City. OC was a barren island in the off season. To actually know a true resident was a merit badge. Those people were the ones with the good jobs; life guards, real-job kind of people. The majority of the, quote, population, was a summer influx of people seeking relief from far away locals. People, like myself, looking for a respite from commonality. Looking for the good life, so to speak, relative to that from which we were escaping. Those of us who spent the summer working and playing at places like OC, took great pride in not being "shoebes"; those who inflated the town and beaches only on weekends. We were truely snobs when came to that. And now I realize that ownership is not temporary. That roots are not shallow. And, in particular, if the name of the street, store, or event, doesn't ring a bell in my mind, that perhaps its because my bell was in a different tower. That perhaps it isn't my privelege to share in memories that aren't truely my own. And for this I apologize to the wonderful people of Atlantic City. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Gloria Clauson Herring from Webster,NY. Entered on March 4, 2008
"For Bob Rosenfeld I moved to upstate New York a few months ago, Dec 7th to be exact. But Bobby, since I've seen you, I've lived in Charlotte,NC and Claymont, DE. What are you doing in Vegas? When will you be coming back to AC? There is no place like Atl. City that's for sure!! Actually, in between No. Carolina and Delaware I moved back to AC for four years.Sorry to say it's not the same town we all grew up in but the Boardwalk and Ocean are still there and so are all our memories. We really had some terrific ones too!!. What a pleasant surprise to read your entry. Regards to Joan. Keep in touch." Edit Entry

Submitted by fareed nasir aldeen aka dennis (bay-bay) from north new jersey. Entered on March 2, 2008
"i have so many good memories growing up in pitney village. i first moved into pitney in 1970 when i was just 3yrs old. initially me and my family lived on the apartment side on missouri ave. in 1975 we moved to the playground side at 219 n mississippi ave. one of the funniest things that i remember is when me and my first girlfriend so-called got married in the tunnels that use to be part of the playground. mind you we were only in second grade. smile! my best friends at the time were the wilobees, im sure that im spelling the name wrong. but anyone with a history, dealing with pitney will know who i am talking about. from what i understand a reunion is held every year uptown a the beach. i do plan on going this year for the first time. unfortunately i lost my mother last year in febuary. most people wil remember her as "bootsy" i can remember being sent to the corner store by my mother in the early 70,s back then the store was called chris,es. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Nina Garrett from Atlantic City. Entered on February 19, 2008
"I don't have a memories to share but I do have a piece of history that I would like to knoe more about..Someone gave a me box of pictures and in it was a picture taking according to the back by Leo Weintrop. It also says "formerly with Franc Mandey, photographer to Carmen Sylva Queen of Roumania." The picture is on a postcard and the studio "Only Studio" was located at 1520 Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City. If anyone can help me with any information about the history of the studio I would be most appreciative. The person on the picture could still have relatives who live in AC and it would be nice to give it a home. Thank you so much!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Gloria Clauson Herring from Webster,NY. Entered on February 16, 2008
"To Henry Weiss My uncle Ben's sons were Arthur and Elliott who ran the business after he died. Arthur and his wife Ethel had two sons, Cary & William. My brother, also named Elliott, had a son named Ken. Cary is now running the business and I hear he moved the store to Gardners Basin in the inlet. By the way, are you the same Henry Weiss who used to come to the airport at Bader Field when I worked there from 1974 to 1989? Lots of happpy memories there!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Jeffrey Miller from North East Pa.. Entered on February 16, 2008
"My grandfather Ben Clauson ran clauson's picture framing on artic ave until he died in 1963 .Does anyone remember Berth and Ben Clauson . I would love to share memories." Edit Entry

Submitted by Shirley from Scottsdale, Arizona. Entered on February 14, 2008
"Need your help, with a few names. If anyone can help me with the name of the Italin Restaurant, on Maryland, right before getting on the boardwak? Also need the locations or street names, where the 500 Club and the Black Orchid, were. I am a writter and my latest novel, has a few charters, that take place in Atlantic City. I also spent my summers, in Atlantic City. 1955-1964. Best memories, of my life. Enjoy reading your memories. Thanks for the help." Edit Entry

Submitted by TOM WHITEHEAD from fayetteville, ga.. Entered on February 7, 2008
"My dad managed the atlantic city transportation company from 1945 to 56 nothing but great memories of steel pier growing up the white house sub shop which from time to time I get back to my grandfather sold boat ride tickets for captain starns across from steel pier on virginia ave if anyone has pictures please let me know thank you tom whitehead" Edit Entry

Submitted by Kendall from Linwood, NJ. Entered on February 6, 2008
"Wow, I stumbled across this site today. 02/05/08 do I have some memories, I came of age in Atlantic City, late late 60s, all of the 70s. Was very fortunate to turn 18 when caming came here. I like to thick of it as being on the ground floor. I live in maybe 15 different places from Mass. ave to the top of Previtis Meat market on Ventnor and Annapolis ave(?). I lived on the 1500 block of Atlantic ave on top of the Rite Aide store when the Lee Cohan stuff was happening. We had a few relatives in the PD who had worked that detail and some lost their jobs if you remember. I guess this was about 72-74 ? I was in Brighton ave school then. Ms Coulter was Principal. But one of my favorites was going to President hotel across from Knife and Fork and being able to use the swimming pool and gym that was in the basement. This was a few before casinos came to town. gotta go to work :( Wish I could belly up to the bar with you folks, I bet we would have a great time chewing this all up. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Robert Martin from Virginia. Entered on February 6, 2008
"I'm from Margate, downbeach of Atlanttic City. When we were in our first years at Holy Spirit High School - we spent a lot of time exploring inside the rotting old shell of Lucy the Elephant. She was an old wooden structure, about 5 stories tall, who stood on the beach and faced the ocean. I believe she was built over 70 years prior as a tourist attraction. Pictures of her can still be found in various image databases of popular search engines. Well, I fell through one of her rotted out wooden floors one afternoon, all the way through down onto the floor below. I can't remember if that was the time I broke my wrist or my tailbone, but thanks for the memories Atlantic City! Robert Martin - now 46 years old and living in Virginia with my beautiful wife and daughter." Edit Entry

Submitted by Paul Oliver Martin from 3343 Cross Rd. Buford Georgia 30519. Entered on February 6, 2008
"I grew up in Margate and my mother always worked in executive positions in high end hotels in AC her whole life. Hotels like the Claridge. She broke down many barriers for women deserving of executive positions in large establishments in the roughly 50 years she worked in Atlantic City. I graduated Holy Spirit High School in 1980 and proceeded onto college in Florida. It was always my feeling that Atlantic City was a great place to be from. My uncle founded and owned a home improvement company in A.C. for many decades and its name is mentioned in someone else's memory. The company name was G. E. A. Thomas. They did windows and siding and things of that nature for homes on the entire island. My first sometime job was with that company, before moving onto college and after a long and winding road of almost 30 years, a near college education in the computer industry - I now find myself doing well in the home improvement / window and siding business - down here in Georgia. I'm somewhat considered one of the leaders in the local industry and have some pride in that, I miss my 100+ relatives that remained in the A.C. area who probably wouldn't know me to look at me today, and I can't honestly say that I made the wrong move in leaving the A.C. area when I did. I do, however, feel a great sense of disconnect and abandonment of my own doing by not at least staying in touch minimally - and for that I'm truly sorry. I hope, one day, to make that up in some way - for I know all too well the horrible feeling of abandonment. My first extremely vivid memories of Atlantic City are of the general feeling of the people after just having learned that gambling had been approved and the city was soon to undergo an amazing process of renewal. Contrary to what many have expressed since then, concerning what improved verses what should have improved - if you weren't around prior to that landmark decision to change - you'll never know the true deep feeling of despair on a massive level. The shallow, empty, hollow feeling of hopelessness of a beautiful city that once was but would be no more. One lesson I walked away with from my youth in Atlantic City, was that a city, a state or even a nation can decide to change. The can make any decision they want to. But it's up to each individual to decide for themselves if they are going to change or not. And if so, how? Furthermore, I learned that one doesn't have to wait for something or someone else to change, in order to make a change for themselves. It requires two things, a decision to do so - and then the actions to follow it up. Thank you, Atlantic City! On behalf of myself and many others. Thank you for your Jitneys, your Pacific and Atlantic avenues - and the others that comprise the gameboard. Thank you for your beaches, your bays, your subs and your tomatoes. Your bars, your bands, your locals and your Shoobies. Thank you for showing others that change is possible, and that it's up to each individual to decide what changes to make and giving them the opportunity to make that change. Stay beautiful A.C.! And please have me home some day. I miss you. Paul O. Martin - topdog@mindspring.com" Edit Entry

Submitted by Woody from Mays Landing N.J. . Entered on February 2, 2008
"To Sondra in Florida. As head usher on the Steel Pier, one of my assignments was to work "Cowboy Morning. Every Friday kids could get on the pier for .25 cents. Food Fair Markets gave out the coupoons when you checked out. We opened the Casino Theater at 9:30am & the mob of kids piled in. You had a chance to win a schwinn bicycle. A couple times a month we had a Cowboy star appear. I met Bob Steele, Randolph Scott, Wm Boyd(Hoppy) & Gabby Hayes. Your .25 admission let you stay all day on the pier. What a mess was left in the theater. Popcorn & candy all over the place. I would not give up the memories for anything." Edit Entry

Submitted by Sondra from Florida. Entered on February 2, 2008
"In 1950-51, my parents rented the "top" part of Eddie's Restaurant ( on the corner of Vermont and Pacific.) They called it "Bates' Cottage," and it was a "rooming" house. The actual address was 101 A. South Vermont Avenue.We loved the grilled cheese sandwiches and the thick milkshakes at Eddie's Restaurant! Eddie and Adeline Blum had the upstairs apartment which sort of connected to the rooming house part. In reference to the big hotel fires near the corner of Vermont and Oriental Avenues, I think one of those hotels was named the Meriam ( or Marion ? ) After the fires, the land ( across from Blum's Grocery store) was a parking lot, at times run by the Weinstein family ( who owned many of the apartment buildings in the Inlet--Mrs. Weinstein was the landlady of the big buildings on both the side of our 225 S. Victoria Ave duplex, and also of the building across the street. ) How wonderful it was to grow up in the Inlet--we lived in apartments on beachblock Victoria Ave., Massachusetts Ave,, and Dewey Place. The beach was our summer camp, with a once a week 25 cent visit ( on Elsie Morning ) to the Steel Pier. Thanks again to all those who share their memories on this wonderful site!" Edit Entry

Submitted by ALAN BECHTEL from Lindenwold, NJ. Entered on January 15, 2008
"I have many memories of AC because my family was involved in a few businesses there. My grandparents and Uncle owned many hotels the most famous being the St. Charles on the boardwalk. They also owned the nightclub "Dude Ranch" on the boardwalk that featured many well known celebreties. But my best recollection was as a performer in the high diving show at Steel Pier. As was my Uncle Sammy Hyman before me (performed in the early and mid 40's) I performed for the first time in 1950 as a High Diver and aquatic performer. The famous "Diving Horse" was a part of our show. I also performed there in 1975 which, I think, was the last year that the diving show performed. I have since been performing in High Diving shows and stunt shows all over the world. At 73 years old I'm the oldest performer in this crazy business. I remember so many wonderful times while growing up and visiting my relatives in Atlantic City. As a youth I was dropped off at Steel Pier in the morning and staying there all day riding the rides and seeing the shows particularly the diving show where my Uncle Sammy performed. I also became a musician at 13 years old and as I grew up I played at Club Harlem and the 500 Club. My Uncle Ben Cotey, one of the Dude Ranch owners, also owned a night club: Ben Cotey's Theatrical Bar and I played with some famous Jazz Greats there. The big bands at Steel Pier would come there after their gigs and jam till the wee hours of the morning. I could go on but I would be writing a book about my experiences in Atlantic City. Alan Bechtel " Edit Entry

Submitted by Sondra ( ACHS 1962 ) from Florida. Entered on January 6, 2008
"During the summer of 1964 I worked as a waitress ( along with many other college girls ) at the Ambassador Hotel, in the Fiesta Room. The Florida delegation stayed there and had late night meetings, so we stayed open until the wee hours of the morning to accomodate the conventioneers. A nice memory for me is that Mayor Elliot Roosevelt ( of Miami ) gave me a $5.00 tip for a cup of coffee!! That was a lot of money back then !! Thanks to all of you who have submitted such wonderful memories!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Ken Shane from Springfield, NJ. Entered on January 5, 2008
"Judy, I was at that Beatles show, and it's still one of my great memories, even though I couldn't hear anything much but the screaming. The opening acts were the Bill Black Combo (Elvis' former bass player), The Exciters ("Tell Him"), and the Righteous Brothers, who were not yet well known at that point. The Beatles played for twenty minutes, as was their policy in those days, and escaped from the Hall in ambulances. They stayed at a hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, though I can't remember the name. The also ordered extra long sub sandwiches from the White House. If you go there today, you can see the photos of them with the sandwiches on the wall behind the cash register. For many years, I had my orange ticket stub from the show, but it got lost somewhere along the way. The other interesting thing was that the Democratic Convention took place in that same hall only a few days, was it before or after, the concert. Quite a contrast." Edit Entry

Submitted by PatMcHaleRogers from Virginia Beach. Entered on January 2, 2008
"Yes, Lois and Woody it is fun to read the memories of everyone. I read all the lifeguard stories and started to think about the jobs we 'girls' had. I think 99% of every girl I knew (ACHS and HSHS) worked for Ma Bell for one or more summers. I remember the summer ('57) before I left for nursing school, I was so thrilled to tell 'Thelma' (one of the service assistants) that I wouldn't be coming back. Yes. I no longer would have to worry about her or whomever sneaking up and plugging into my position to check me for 'timings and releases'. When we placed a long distance call to a destination where we had no light indicating they'd hung up, we were supposed to closely monitor the call. At three minutes we were to go in and say'speaking three minutes signal when through'. We'd placed a blue clip on the cord. Often times we'd be talking among ourselves and forget to time the call. A supervisor would come along and ask "how long has that call been up?"...we'd immediately take down the cord and respond "oh Mrs. So and So, they just stopped talking". Well I guess they did. I've often wondered how many folks got disconnected that way. When working Intercept we often were asked to verify someone's number which was busy for a long time....we could go in an listen and then report back 'there is talking on that line'. One time a fellow operator called and asked me to go in and see if her boyfriend was talking to some other girl. Honorable me...said "oh I couldn't do that"...LOL. They were fun days. I learned some things I carried with me even in nursing e.g.the benefit of 'morning report'. This was a good way to get you focused for the day with any new changes. At the Bell it was called 'service'. We'd stand there with our headsets and listen to Ms Sackert sternly get us in line. In nursing school we stood with our scissors in front of Sr MT for morning inspection before going 'on duty'. Ah....memories. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Lois Kaness from Denver,CO. Entered on January 2, 2008
"I join Woody in saluting those who keep this site alive, as well as all of you who continue to share with us memories of a time and a place we once knew---and continue to love. Because I want my grandkids to know the fascinating place my childhood world was, copies of my own submissions to this site have found their way to the, "Memories Journal," I am leaving as a legacy. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Woody from Mays Landing N.J. . Entered on January 1, 2008
"I want to thank the people that are responsible for keeping this site alive. We can all relive our memories of Old Atlantic City. The redevelopment may have taken away our memories of years gone by, but we have this site, our old pictures (thanks to Barry Rich), and each of us for responding to this site. Have a safe, healthy and happy New Year to everyone." Edit Entry

Submitted by joe from coaldale,pa.. Entered on December 23, 2007
"At this time of the year I always remember tne beautiful decorations in the lobbies and lounges of the Chalfonte Haddon Hall.They were just great.There are times when I wonder if time and sentiment have affected my memories of the Atlantic City of my youth and perhaps it wasn't that great.Then I get out the old photos,postcards,etc and realize that yes Atlantic City in the 1950's and 1960's was really as wonderful as many of us remember it.I was still having a great time there in the 1970's.Even though things were falling apart there was still the beach, the boardwalk,and many great people who hadn't given up and still called Atlantic City home.Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Memory Laners and their loved ones" Edit Entry

Submitted by Marcia (Jacobs) Goodfriend from Scotch Plains, NJ. Entered on December 20, 2007
"Just looking at this site the very first time. What memories it brings back to the old AC of the 60's. Anyone here from the class of 61"? Interested in the whereabouts of old friends such as Marty Klein, Sandy Jackson, Susan Schwartz, and Marty Stark. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Woody from Mays Landing N.J. . Entered on December 20, 2007
"My wife & I just got back from a 2 week vacation to Ormond Beach Florida.It is located on the East Coast, 2 hours from Fort Lauderdale & 25 minutes before you get to Daytona. Weather was 80 every day. One day I put on my red t-shirt that said "Baltimore Bar & Grill, Atlantic City N.J." It was amazing how many people from other parts of the United States came up to me & were so excited to see the shirt & say they were originally from the Philly & the shore area. It seems that wherever we go there is always fond memories of Atlantic City. Maybe at the next Steel Pier reunion we can invite people from the Memory Lane. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Charles Draper from Pleasantville, New Jersey. Entered on December 19, 2007
"My favorite memory is quite simple. It is how lucky I was to have spent my early years on the Inlet section of Atlantic City which led directly to my becoming a lifeguards on 1960 at the tender age of 15. Those early years provided me with rich memories. Here is one I wrote a few years ago. Perhaps it will strike a chord for you too. There were enough ex lifeguards there that you wouldn’t need to hold a clamshell to your ear to hear the ocean, or the bullshit. It isn’t the ocean front we were used to, with rockpiles, jetty’s, groins, and piers, but the bay at Gardiner’s Basin is certainly a great setting for a million memories and, time and sobriety allowing, about half again as many stories. Old lifeguards as well as new stage one Hell of a reunion there every year in the late afternoon heat of August. They come from far away, like Charlie “The Flying Hawaiin’ Moore, who actually heads east from Minnesota. Maybe Halvor “Bucky” Harley who flew in from California with his young son in tow will be here again. I’d say that Boomer comes from far away, but he still spends his summers back in Brigantine, playing the snowbird routine when, as the cooler breezes begin ushering in another winter he and Candy head for the warmer climate of Florida. I have yet to figure out why the Tracey’s need a reunion, there were enough of them at the last soiree to stage a coup and take over the current administration. Oh yes, where were they? Sorely missed I’m sure. Let me check with Joe Rush and Bob McDevitt. Inside humor there. The Sykes’ are numerous also. Lou Wagenheim scaled the bridge out of Brigantine. I mean, how many of us have a street named for us? Lou Wagenheim Road…….really. Didn’t Ben Burness appear svelt? How about John Gormley? The ex-senator’s top aide John Keeley, Marvin Kramer, the Sarkos brothers, John and George,with about 110 years on the beach between them. the Preveti’s, Matt and Bob, Earl Wark, Scott Conesky, which brings back memories of Lloyd, Tim and Marty Friel, Jim Tracy, Tony Tripician, John Pope, Mike “Flip” Flannigan, Tom Lacovara, Eric Grant and Eric Grace, Ray Shepperson and his old partner Pat McVeigh. Bill and Frank Kelly, Charlie Paxon and his old stand partner at Arkansas Ave. Herbie Perlstein. His Honor Jim Whelan, Dean, Mike,and David Castellani, Bob Lashley, Tom Dougherty, Bob Quigley, Mike Dougherty, Dick Block, Jack and Eddie McKnight, Joe Rush, Norman Draper, Bob McDevitt, “Easy” Charlie Dillon, Bill “Willie” LaBarre, Norm Wilson, Bill McLeis, Angie Saltis, Bob Palmara, Dennis “Submarine” Fitzgerald. Chuck Goudy Sr, “Meatball” Billy DeLorenzo, Paul Steelman, Joe Mufferi, Rick Yates, Mark Sykes. Our own answer to the Toast of the Town, Jim Schilling or Jim Crane, I can’t really tell the difference. Deputy Chief of the A.C.P.D. Willie Glass How about Russell ”The Muscle” Alquist. Freddy “Face” Cress. Bob Strehle , Jim Boyer the other half of many Boyer and Strehle fiasco’s. Jim is now a Battallion Chief on the A.C.F.D. Paul Carr, Detective Tim Mooney, Buddy Mancuso, Rob Harley, and Frank Finnerty .Where was Ted Gray, out dreaming up new stories? “Meatball” Tony Nicastro, Bob Howie, Dr.Bert Estlow, “Wobblin” Willie McCullough. Asst. Chief Teroy Collins, now with about 60 years on the beach which I am sure is a record. George Naame, who this very September is getting out of Maloney’s in Margate. That should be one Hellacious party to close the place. Great ride George. Capt. “Death” John Schreiner, oh the stories there. And yours truly, Charles Draper. Where are guys like Charlie Lind, Chuck McClain, Tom Eagan, Dave Van Wickle, Jeff Weidig. Bunny Smith, Mad Dog Stanley, Bob McNesby, Tom Russo, Bill Ernie, Chuck Mottola, Harry Weiner, and where is the Fry? John Friehofer. How about Emerson J Ford Jr, lifeguard #121, and one of my oldest and best friends, Sir Thomas Dooley? Roger Creveling, Larry Davis, Billy Austin, Ted Menasakos. “Ocean” Allan Moss. This list could go on forever. Many of us toasted the late great Duke McCarron who passed away last October. I am equally sure that he had one in his hand to toast right back at us too. We didn’t know it that night but Joe Mc Monagle (Howdy Doody) took the old lifeguard boat to the big stand in the sky only a few days after the party. Another passing not so long ago was his old stand partner at New York Ave, Dr. Al DeSimone. The only man left from that stand from that year is Bob McDevitt. That must have been one Hell of a crew at Ky back then. . Old Capt. Rails McCullough leading the way with spit from the chewing tobacco staining his white shirt as he tried in vain to spit and talk at the same time.Yo Rails, you don’t spit into the wind. Got to stop for a while guys, typing at work can be problematic. See you in the morning, or soon anyway. Well, I’m back, and the Atlantic City Press gave me still another name to pass on to you. Many of us who seem to dwell on reading the obituaries first thing in the morning found a name there today. Mickey “Nose” Polistina passed away. Mass at St Mike’s on February 11th. Where else would it be for an Italian from Ducktown? Not exactly the kind of reunions we like to attend but the place will be filled with old guards and , you guessed it, memories. I’ll try to tell a couple of stories about him a little later. Right now it’s all a mishmosh of memories,and all that pops to mind presently is huge spreads of Italian food and fights with Guy Germana way back when they were co-captains at the assylum called Lincoln Place. That was the last outpost, before Bartram Ave. was built. Fred McMenamin, Mad Dog Stanley, Billy Coffey, Joe Grady, Joe Brown, and before Mickey and Guy there was Capt Byron “ Spider’ Jacoby. Listen my children as I tell my tale Of the time I shot the sea in the gale ‘Twas a hundred feet high and that ain’t no shit and that ain’t no lie. Ahhh yes, these are the true tales from the crypt. He caught that damned sea and watched as a jitney driver short changed a passenger on Pacific Avenue. Shot the damned thing all the way to Pleasantville and would have riden the backwash right back to the rollers but got stuck under the Albany Avenue Bridge. Swear to it! Back at work and looking at the reunion picture of 2004. Class act there. You didn’t think this all came solely from memory did you? A single glance at a face staring back at me from the picture dredges up more faces that weren’t there and the memories and stories of them too. These damn fingers type at the rate of maybe twenty words per minute while my mind remembers at the speed of thought. Hence, keeping up is tough, no, impossible. Put up with the rambling guys, it’s worth it. If I need help, I’ll call someone older to jog their mind so that as many stories as possible hit the pages. So, the picture again, and starting nowhere inparticular. Boomer Blair, well, there’s a damn book. “Me and Babe Repp……”that booming voice will echo in story for generations to come. You can ask Bobby Fiocco or Willie LaBarre at the next get together. States Avenue Tent.(Right. They are still referred to as tents a good seventy years after the last real tent disappeared.) Now there was another assylum. Bedlam reigned. Not when Capt. Yates was there, but once Yatesy was promoted and transferred to South, duck, incoming thought………… Capt. Ed Stetser. “Where is my little toad? Who took my toad?” The search was on, up and down the beach, Fiocco, LaBarre, Fred Burwell, Roger Maxwell, Paul Lambrakis, Boomer, and ostensibly leading the search a character that certainly could have been developed in the mind of Stephan King.The” Lapper”, Jackie Bishop. Lot of love there. “We’ll find the little shit Cap, give us time.” Sure they would. Combing the beach for a horned toad. What a sight that must have been. Up and down, back and forth. Right up to lunch time. All the guards went to their stands and Dutch went back to the tent a little depressed and a lot mad. He knew somebody stole his damn toad Hunger ruled and Dutch ate at noon..To the refrigerator for his lunch bag. So far so good. Got out his iced tea and poured a glass. Still good. Went for the ice tray and the shit hit the fan. There it was, frozen solid in the tray, Dutch’s loving little horned toad. His day took a turn for the worse as he let out a maniacal scream and a seemingly never ending stream of curses. I think his lunch was ruined. Remember those tantrums he used to throw? How many remember the beautiful compass he painted on the floor of the tent. The thing was perfect in every detail and beautifully colored. Then the party after the boat race, the kegs of beer, the weights for all that training. Spillage, about an inch of it and a minor quandry as to how to drain it before Dutch came in in less that an hour. Now there may have been a better way, but thinking and drinking don’t mix well. Lifeguards can be a touch on the vindictive side, and Dutch had make a few enemies. That night, there was a whole damn tent full of them, and most of them worked at “The Tent of Champions”, and lifted those weights. It may have been folly, but to my rememberance, Bob Fiocco climbed up on the little table there, right over that compass with a fifty pound weight and played bombradier. Not too sure here whether that weight went through the floor the first time or the fifth, or somewhere in between, but it did go through. It also put a hole in the floor, coincidentally or not, right in the middle of that compass. About an hour later the floor was still wet, the weight protruded from the floor blocking any rapid disperssment of the beer, and all the guards were gone as Dutch inserted the key into the lock. Well, Dutch was right about one thing, lifeguards are the most underpaid professional athletes in the world. They are also certiftiably crazy. That night may have set the stage for the Stetser-Fiocco fisticuffs. {Burwell-Stetser-Bishop was threatened by Fiocco and backed off} I saw Bob McDevitt today and started to tell him about the toad and the first thing, after the laughter, was”Don’t forget the little man in the tank. Who took my little man?” Needless to say, that reminded me of John “King Farouk” Daily, who was the actual culprit. Rambling on guys, a series of incomplete thoughts streaming through the barren wasteland I refer to as my mind. Digressing a bit here, but which of us could ever forget The Test? How about training for it? The Machiavellian style of thought where grown men, our teachers, gave something near thirty year old, thousand pound, creaking, ill repaired boats that leaked like a sieve to skinney thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen year old kids Add oars that no one else would ever think of to use. Bent, generally in several directions, bowed, and slippery. Remember, no tape on those oars, we had to prove we were men. From first day blisters to last days callouses, tightening in your arms, a back that ached and those dreaded strawberries. Remember the shower you discovered them in? You knew your ass was sore, right there at the top of the crack where your cheeks meet, but, until the first shower, you had no clue as to what pain was. Anyway, my rookie pay was eight dollars a day, seven days a week. What did a rookie do to deserve all that money?” Lock your self in kid, you could get killed doing it that way. Jesus H. Christ, whoever taught you that? Dutch would jump in the boat on dry land, sit in the bow seat, bad back and all. This is the right way. One foot in front of you and on the stern seat and the other one you put sort of underneath you, on one of the ribs, it’ll lock you in. Another thing, don’t just sit around when you aren’t practicing rowing, get in the water and swim, and don’t a one of you leave until after we all swim around the pier. We will all do that twice a day, every day. You will be graded the day of the test not just on the test itself, but you’ll get points for how you trained and how often you are here” It was never really mentioned that who you were, or knew, could make a difference as to where you placed on the list, or even made the list. It was also lost in the translation somewhere that the test was not given on some heretofor specified date. Hell no. The test was to be given on the first rough day after, say, June fifteenth. The row will be given first, sort of the washout, if you get my drift. Everyday everyone of these kids showed up. You just didn’t miss the test. That would mean waiting another year to take it. You had to be a lifeguard. Had to be.We would get down to North at nine in the morning, and how many of those days after the fifteenth did we think it was pleanty rough enough for the test? Yet every day it just wasn’t quite rough enough. Then the day came. Maybe for some it was Capt. Dick Towel,others Capt. Elmer Draper,and still others Capt. Tom Ford who finally announced ”Today we are giving the Test. It’s just rough enough.” That day after a small storm that passed sometime in the night, or a hurricane passing a thousand miles at sea,or whatever caused what appeared to a bunch of scared shitless waifs who were overwhelmed with confidence only the day before to be minor, at least, tidal waves. Waves crashing down on the beach at Mansion and North, other waves rolling off Bew’s knoll just where those same Machiavellian freaks who had given us those lousy oars and wooden tubs to train in placed the turn flags. We could have been killed, except that our adrenalin was so high that pain and suffering were as alien a thought or concept as the one thought we kept from our minds. We might not pass the test. We weren’t cold, we were shuddering in fear.Then a Captain stepped forward and said,”Here are your instructions. You will all get a number. When your turn comes you will run to the boat, get in correctly,and set yourselves up. You will all receive the same push so that the test is fair to all. You will row to the flag and turn uptown, if you do not do this you will fail. The boundries are Steeplechase Pier and the groin at North Carolina Ave. If you row out of bounds you are disqualified. When you finish, if you finish the row, you will ship your oars and run to this line here and shout out your number”. Daunting words on a day your whole life and a year or a career on the beach were at stake.”If you pass the row portion of the test, you will then take the swim test.That is it boys. Good luck to all of you.” What was wrong here? God, I came from Absecon where I was clamming and making eight, sometimes ten dollars a day working maybe six hours, and who knew of taxes? All during the day the test proceeded, and if your row was successful enough that you made it back to the beach, stern first, and you left the boat with at least two oars still in it, you pprobably got the opportunity to take the swim test. The swim test. The next step that may or may not put a kid on the beach, the last of course being politics. We all know there are two kinds of tears on test day depending on where you held your head. High and they were tears of joy, so mixed in with sweat and saltwater that no one would ever notice them nor see the sense of pride that you still had a chance. If, on the other hand,if your head was low you were probably hiding the second kind of tears. You had to be there, train, and take a test to know either or both feelings. We were all friends by the day of the Test, and as it proceeded all of us felt both kind of tears as we watched over half of those fail that row, pick up their towels, sneaks, bermuda shorts, and head down leave the beach. Why did we do this? For the most cherished thing a young boy from Atlantic City could ever want. The red shirt. So much for the digression. Back to the semi- reality of stories from the crypt. I still can’t tell them all, guys are still alive and if their wives ever heard some of them, the death count would start looking like Bush’s budget including the war and revamping social security. Damn, another name out of a past that is only a blink away…..Hotsie Totsie, Joey Ruiz, the” amboolanse driver”.” Feed them beans and chew them up”….draw your own conclusion there guys.Lunch and beer runs in an ambulance with the lights and sirens on. You are from the fourties and fiifties if you remember that one. How about Dutch Weiler,the worlds oldest mascot, working at South in the early fifties? How about the old timers who hung around the tent you worked at? Were you at Ky? They were there so long they had a club name. The Kentucky Avenue Crabs. Little George, Lefty, etc. South had Kelly, plates in his head and all. It was from an old war injury, so Tom Ford would’t take a shot at him despite being called Foo Foo to his face.The guy drove Tom crazy. Make that crazier.Tents have had them for years. One guy or a shitload of them. Channell Rats. That alone will bring’em back alive. Capt. Floyd B. Hunt. If you were a Channel Rat, how about some stories for the next issue? Well, gotta take a bit of time off, Saturday, February 12th, 2005. Damn, time is flying… I told you the time was flying…….today is February 22, 2005, yesterday was another milestone, or is it millstone? I turned 60. I was my father’s mascot in 1949. I went on the beach at fifteen in 1960, fourty five years later I am sitting at some damn computer recalling memories some of which I didn’t personally have, but the stories people tell me somehow become a part of the old memory bank. Eddie McKnight was in a few days ago. I tossed a picture from 1944 on the desk he was at and asked him if he remembered anyone in it. Amazing how good his memory is, even at 75. It certainly didn’t hurt that 1944 was his rookie year. He rattled through so many of the names I never had a chance to jot them down. Sure hope he drops in again soon with a tad more time to sit and recall…..I have another pic here, South tent shot from, my guess, 1948 or 49, complete with names. From left, Lou Wagenheim, …….Bennett,…….Tracy(imagine that) Marvin Kramer,Boardwalk Billy Smith,Captain Dick Towell, Walt Bradley, Winnie Conover, Pete Young, Willie McCullough, and Starrett Hill .Down front there, from left once again, Instructor Ed Solitaire, Chief Richard Hughes, Sec’y Bobby Dean, Assistant Chief Alec Miller, and Instructor Ed “Dutch” Stetser. The old Senator Hotel looms large in the background. Up the boardwalk, towards Steel Pier, Mammy’s, damned hot, greasy doughnuts frying in the window. It is no wonder that we have heart attacks now. Look at what we ate. A full cacophany of smells always did generate from the boardwalk. How many Case’s Taylor Pork Roll Stands or were on the boardwalk? Damned if can remember them all, and I’ll wager I ate in every one of them.Another smell from just down the street at South, one we all remember, The Carolina Sub Shop, with Andy screaming out orders on subs, burgers, hot dogs, and hot cinamon buns, the famous roasted toasted with shampoo to fly, on the same boat with cheese steak, tears, hold the garden. Duck your head when you go down the stairs. That place was right down the street on South from the Senator Hotel and Lounge. Ten cents a draft, and getting involved with Boomer there was dangerous. Ask Ted Manos, Tom Dooley, or me. Anyway, back to that summer of 44 shot, just toss a few names at you. Harry McGarrigle, Stetser as a lifeguard, Joe Broome. I will never forget his viewing, Laura seated by Joe’s casket, with Joe resting comfortably, his hands covering the massive hernia he never had fixed .The line passing by offering their condolences to the greiving widow when she stepped in and asked Joe Barrett where the insurance check was. Joe looked right at her and said”You’ll have to ask Joe Grady, he’s the president of the Organization now”. Joe was next in line. Right to him, she asks, not so meekly “Where’s my fucking insurance check?” With out a thought, Joe answers “We need to see proof of death.” That was the best one liner at a viewing since Charlie Dillon at Gussie Rizzo’s viewing. Seems Charlie was astounded they were burying him on his back. Gus would have appreciated the thought, just in case there is a Heaven. John Grace is there in the picture too, along with Willie McCullough, Fred Burwell the first, John Sarkos, Mickey Polistina, Ed McKnight, Spider Jacoby, Harold Levy, Guy Germana (Tom Dooley’s mentor and best friend) Yinnie Sykes, Ed Solitaire, Murph Levy, and Captain Lonnie Conover, who, if I have it right, was the captain of pro footballs Canton Bulldogs. That was the same team that fielded the greastest athlete of all time, Jim Thorpe. Hap Farley is there too. Remember being sworn in? “You men are the frontline of Atlantic City, our ambassadors of goodwill. You have to make sure that all the people who come here are satisfied, especially the women.” Well, we all did our best , didn’t we? “I, and state your name………” God, we were kids and that swearing in gave us police authority. Also there are Captains Rails McCullough, Floyd Hunt, Ed Kite, who also presided as head of the Edmund C. Kite Social and Literary Club, Harry Yates, Rube Albouy, Sam and George Damico, and the “Black Duck” John Furlow. The Chief was Richard Hughes and the Asst. Chief was Alec Miller. How did they ever manage? Eight Captains, one secretary, one asst chief, and one chief headed approximately a hundred and twenty lifeguards, no cell phones, walkie talkies, wave runners, trucks, 4x4’s, just one ambulance and it’s driver. Not like the efficiency we have today. Ten lieutenants, twelve captains, three area chiefs, two asst chiefs, and a chief. Oh yea, and approximately one hundred and ten lifeguards. Dylan was right,…..” and the times they are a changing.” Damn it, back in a while…….. Isn’t that the greatest, today is Tuesday, March 15, 2005. My where does the time go? Here is a little something I plagerized from Willie Nelson, based on the song about growing up and becoming a cowboy. I put this together about a week before Bob McDevitt and I retired in 1993, him with fourty four years and me with a paltry thirty four. Thanks Willie…..Here is my version. We grew up dreaming of being a lifeguard kids loving the lifeguard ways Pursuing the dreams of our wave shooting heroes we burned up our childhood days We learned all the rules from those old time lifeguards Son don’t hold on to winter too long Just do what you need to to make it till summer you’ll be back on the beach before long Yes we grew up dreaming of being a lifeguard and we passed the test about fifteen a long time ago when our bodies were rockhard and lean Now time has erased the youth from our bodies and added some lines to our face But deep dpwn inside we’re still that young man that walked on the beach We no longer dream of being a lifeguard those sands now for somebody else We said goodbye to the time of our lives And took our memories along Yes we grew up dreaming of being a lifeguard and God we still love those ways We caught on to the dreams of our wave shooting heroes as we burned up our childhood days We did because we loved it each in our own special way You know lifeguards are special with their own brand of living It’s from being on the beach for so long Where we were always in search of and one step in back of ourselves and our slow moving dreams All because we grew up dreaming of being a lifeguard and loving the lifeguard ways and somewhere while pursuing the dreams of our wave shooting heroes we burned up our childhood days That about sums up some feelings for me anyway. Seems every time I read that a tear comes to my eye. Enough for today, not much, but I think it s says a lot. Thanks Willie. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Linda Blum Trutt from Cumming, GA. Entered on December 12, 2007
"My memories of Atlantic City were from my early childhood visiting my grandmother's house and the store that was run by my Uncle Bill, Uncle Sheldon and my Aunt Sylvia. I loved going on the Boardwalk with my cousins or my brother David. I also remember going to my Uncle Eddie's restaurant and spending time with my cousins Susan and Jay. It has been ages since I visited Atlanta City. The last time I went was in 1993 when my husband and I went to visit his cousins who live outside of Atlantic City and we went to one of the Casino's there it was not the Boardwalk of my youth but it sure did bring back a lot of memories of going to Steel Pier or riding the rides over at the amusement park at Steeplechase. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Barbara Neary nee Gallancy from Hammonton, NJ. Entered on December 8, 2007
"Thanks to Mary for remembering my Nana and Uncle Larry. I too remember hot summer nights on Ocean Ave. Going up to the boardwalk for some ice cream and a toy from Woolworths. Playing with the girls next door and Peggy down the street. When I was a teenager I worked selling hot apple pie on Steelpier. I had a crush on the boy who sold frenchfries across the way. Can't remember his name though. We used to go to the Ed Hurst dance on our break and to lots of concerts to see stars like Fabian, and Bobby Rydell. The traditional first date was going to the Million Dollar Pier on Easter Sunday. Those were the days. My Uncle Larry was friends with Chubby Checker and I did get to meet him and got his autograph too. These are just some of my memories. Any one else have memories like these??" Edit Entry

Submitted by Barbara Neary nee Gallancy from Hammonton, NJ. Entered on December 8, 2007
"Thanks to Mary for remembering my Nana and Uncle Larry. I too remember hot summer nights on Ocean Ave. Going up to the boardwalk for some ice cream and a toy from Woolworths. Playing with the girls next door and Peggy down the street. When I was a teenager I worked selling hot apple pie on Steelpier. I had a crush on the boy who sold frenchfries across the way. Can't remember his name though. We used to go to the Ed Hurst dance on our break and to lots of concerts to see stars like Fabian, and Bobby Rydell. The traditional first date was going to the Million Dollar Pier on Easter Sunday. Those were the days. My Uncle Larry was friends with Chubby Checker and I did get to meet him and got his autograph too. These are just some of my memories. Any one else have memories like these??" Edit Entry

Submitted by Barbara Neary nee Gallancy from Hammonton, NJ. Entered on December 8, 2007
"Thanks to Mary for remembering my Nana and Uncle Larry. I too remember hot summer nights on Ocean Ave. Going up to the boardwalk for some ice cream and a toy from Woolworths. Playing with the girls next door and Peggy down the street. When I was a teenager I worked selling hot apple pie on Steelpier. I had a crush on the boy who sold frenchfries across the way. Can't remember his name though. We used to go to the Ed Hurst dance on our break and to lots of concerts to see stars like Fabian, and Bobby Rydell. The traditional first date was going to the Million Dollar Pier on Easter Sunday. Those were the days. My Uncle Larry was friends with Chubby Checker and I did get to meet him and got his autograph too. These are just some of my memories. Any one else have memories like these??" Edit Entry

Submitted by Jay Blum from Philly (but AC is "Home"). Entered on December 4, 2007
"I just wanted to post the very sad news that my dear uncle, Sheldon Blum, passed away in Atlantic City Hospital last week at age 82. Many of you may remember him from BLUM'S Grocery located for many years at Vermont and Oriental Ave. I've seen many posts mentioning fond memories of the store, and wanted to pass along the news. Jay" Edit Entry

Submitted by jg from nj. Entered on November 28, 2007
"What memories. I grew up in the Inlet in the 50's and early 60's and remember the Steel Pier (I worked across the boardwalk from it) and Johnny Lupton doing his show at night from in front of the Steel Pier. The baskerball courts at Altman Field and the Sunday morning softball games there with the "old men" playing. They'd look pretty young to me now. Fishing at the sea wall or off the jetty at New Hampshire Ave" Edit Entry

Submitted by Lois Kaness from Denver,CO. Entered on November 26, 2007
"Grandmom's house was at 215 N Vermont and each spring, before summer tenants for the downstairs apartment arrived, the screens at the front and back doors would be replaced. I was always one of many of her grandkids (she had 14 kids) who tried to be there to claim a portion of a screen: it was a money-maker. With bread as bait, we had a net to catch minnows/bait to sell to those fishing off the rocks and piers. Or we could go under the boardwalk, at grandpop's Guess Your Weight stand at Missouri and the Boards or at any one of a dozen other profitable places, and sift sand for coins that had fallen through the cracks. How many who read this remember collecting empty soda bottles (2 cents each when returned) to earn enough money to go to the Steel Pier or play pinball machines, or buy a macaroon or fudge from Tripician's or Fralingers? How many of you climbed the rocks at the Inlet after storms to find weights and fishing tackle brought in by the sea and valuable to the fisherman who was eager to buy? I was one of many local kid without means who managed to enjoy all our city had to offer because we were industrious and aware of the opportunities available to us. Class distinctions blurred. I remember working behind the counter at the Boardwalk Woolworths with twins, the daughters of a surgeon living in a magnificant house, who had wonderful cars brought by daddy, but no gas money unless they earned it. Over the years I've shared my memories with others from many other parts of the country and have come to realize that the industry and initiative our community fostered, although not necessarily unique, was and is unusual. We grew up with more than sand in our shoes; we grew up knowing that initiative and industry enabled us. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Ken Shane from Springfield, NJ. Entered on November 24, 2007
"Since we were talking about radio stations, I have very vivid memories of lying awake at night in a darkened room, lit only by the glow from the table radio. It must have been the mid-sixties, and on the weekend there was a station that broadcast live from the Dunes and Bayshores in Somers Point. It seemed that one of those clubs came to life when the other closed, and between them they were basically open all night. I used to love to tune in those broadcasts when I was in my teens and had just come home from a night of fun at Chelsea." Edit Entry

Submitted by Jerry from new jersey. Entered on November 20, 2007
"Since Connecticut Ave will be a casino soon, is there anyone out there with memories of having lived there during the 40's & 50's. Wire ball was most popular next to step ball." Edit Entry

Submitted by Jerry from new jersey. Entered on November 20, 2007
"Since Connecticut Ave will be a casino soon, is there anyone out there with memories of having lived there during the 40's & 50's. Wire ball was most popular next to step ball." Edit Entry

Submitted by Tom from Pittsgrove, NJ. Entered on November 20, 2007
"Ahhh, Thanksgiving, the memories of getting our butts kicked every year! My how things have changed! To ALL have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Tom from Pittsgrove, NJ. Entered on November 16, 2007
"I just discovered this great web site a couple of days ago. Thanks to all of you who have shared your memories and thoughts. Reading some of your great comments has caused some of my own random memories to "pop-up". Remembering Pacific Avenue beach, with no waves, which made it great for swimming. The Life Guards whistling us back in, as we swam out to the "big piling" about 150 feet from shore. Altman Field and the "beach tent" where we could play table games out of the direct sunlight. The two hotdog stands right there on the Walk less than a blockl from each other. Playing football in the Lighthouse Park. Having the caretaker, Pop, chase us away, and then pretending not to see us when we came back and continued to play. Sneaking into the Lighthouse, and having the Cops wait for us to come down, there was only one way out! Last summer I paid an admission fee to climb the stairs to the top . . . What a beautiful view! Sledding down the boardwalk ramp at Main and Atlantic Avenues. Butch's Deli(and betting palor), Blum's, Doc's Seaside Pharmacy at Vermont and Atlantic Avenues, Pat's Sub Shop, next-door. Some of you mentioned the Acme at Connecticut Avenue and Atlantic. I have two questions for you. #1- What was there before the Acme? #2 - Where was the Acme(actually the American store)before it moved to Connecticut Ave.? The best subs ever in AC? No contest, Big John's Delaware Subs! Simply the best subs ever made. Carson's Triangle Cafe, the best fried shrimp and lobster tail I've ever had. Friends I remember from the South Vermont Avenue neighborhood; Tom Parr, Jack Hansberry, Bob Frolow, Paul (Corrado) Gillespie, the Shaws, the Butlers, the Grades, the beautiful Kuhn girls, Trish, Ginny and the departed Susie. Ellen Freet, my first crush, she never knew, Gerald and Susan Fishelburg . . . The Hebrew Old Age home before it moved downtown. The March storm. no need for dates, we all know them! We looked out of our windows and were amazed to see the lighthouse in three or four feet of water! Holy Spirit Grammar and High Schools closed due to flooded cafeteria. Working my first real summer job as Mr. Peanut. Getting fired for the first time less than two weeks later, for conduct unbecoming Mr. Peanut! All I did was "flip-off" the suit and have a fist fight in front of the store. Getting my dream job three days later, one that lasted five happy years! The job? The chance to be Captain Ted Champion of the interstellar space ship, Star Flyer, on the Steel Pier. "Its a fun ride, its a thrill ride, a ride designed for people of all ages to enjoy". How many times did I start my "pitch" with those words? Eventually wound up working at the space ship during the day and at Crazyville Fun House at night until closing. The Pier was really a great place to work and meet people. My fondest memory though, is meeting Charli there! One last thought for now. I saw Jimmy Hamid's name mentioned. I wonder if he remembers the night he watched the Miss America parade from the roof of the Pier. Has he ever been as drunk as he was that night? I know I haven't and that was at least 45 years ago! " Edit Entry

Submitted by Lahri Bond from Leverett, MA. Entered on November 14, 2007
"Can someone please tell me more about the Italian Village on the end of the Million Dollar Pier. I have pretty vivid memories (from the 60s) of The Gorilla Girl (I even have film footage), the rides (loved those little boats in the water when I was 6), the tram, and the games of chance, but only vague memories of my mom liking to go into The Italian Village for pastries. I’m writing a novel that takes place in AC in 1969, and these little details really help. Many Thanks - Lahri" Edit Entry

Submitted by Barry from Seattle WA. Entered on November 9, 2007
"To Anubis, Ken and Arthur and the rest of the gang down at the sub shop: Yes, old ACHS originally had a basement swimming pool just east of the gym. It was ruined when a storm raised the water table so that it flooded out and cracked and so was boarded over to make classroom space; the gym floor,too, was repeatedly warped by ground water pressure brought on by storms. Speaking of ACHS: the school principal in my time, Albion Hart, is alive and active in community and church at age 99, residing at a Methodist campground on Marthas Vineyard MA. I wrote him a card a few months back when I first learned on the web where he is. I thanked him for the instruction, guidance and example that he and his generation of educators set at ACHS. I specifically mentioned Esther Werntz, Irma Burns, Paul Tschudy, John Bankert and Ray Williams, all names that I am sure conjure memories for many who peruse this site. Mr. Hart wrote me back assuring me of his recollection that the Class of 1962 was the best of the lot, possibly the best ever; well, he's 99, you know, God bless him! I was up to 03 00 PST this morning reading entries to this page; I probably have another 2000 to go so I'll be up late again. A few entries jogged a long suppressed (or repressed)memory that I, too, worked for Irv at Funcade for a few weeks in the summer of 1961. Yes, that man was obsessed with accounting for those Skee Ball coupons. I remember that we were half expected to fight any "cuz" from South Philly who'd try to con us out of a few of them. Twenty years later I saw one of Irv's perennial employees, a grim-faced man possibly named "Steve," stooped and gnome-like, running a kewpie-doll operation in a subway station under Herald Square. As for AC radio stations: Jay Snyder started out following a man named Michael Guerra who used the radio name, Bob "Who Cares?" Mitchell, on WMID in the late 1950s; Guerra/Mitchell was a Jerry Blavet-copy who had a "Who Cares?" club that solicited fanciful Rube Goldberg verbal contraptions whose recitations would/could/should prompt the response, Who cares? Jay was an early contributor of these tales and became interested in radio at about age 15 or 16; I remember him as really sharp kid, very personable. Sadly, I don't know what happened to him but I found that there's a Bob McClay on the radio in Phoenix who I think is the same man who, as a late teen, also whetted his interest in radio at WMID in those days. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Barry from Seattle WA. Entered on November 8, 2007
" Perhaps it's a sign of advancing old age that, as Dickens observed in "A Tale of Two Cities," I'm coming full circle to reconsider the days of my childhood as not having been so long ago. The sights, sounds and smells of a half-century ago, of a city, an area so changed as to be unrecognizble were I to return now crowd my memories as they did not when I was younger. I grew up in and around Atlantic City in the 1950s and early 1960s, graduated from ACHS in 1962 and worked locally for two years before heading off to Rutgers, graduate school, then the Army and a civil service career that took me to several places and finally to Seattle where I inadvertently dropped anchor and retired. Through these years I've lived on Jekyll Island GA, South Padre Island TX and an island in Puget Sound but none of these can compare to my memories of AC. I can still conjure the feel of the salt spray on the Maine Avenue jetty on a blustery day and the sight of a swell rising beneath the boards on that stretch of the 'walk that led straight from Atlantic Avenue to Captain Starn's. Does the Florimore's bow still jut from the restaurant's entrance? Does anyone still remember the boat's story? Does anyone else remember the trolley car barn that became "Garbage Mills" and where Bader Avenue and "Snake Alley" were? Is The White House Sub Shop still in "Ducktown" and does that man in black, Mr. Paley, still take his artsy out-of-town guests there? Wasn't WMID in the old Brighton Hotel, where the Sands rose and now falls? WLDB high atop the Hotel Senator, WFPG on the Steel Pier's east side? Across 3000 miles and fifty years, it's easy to wax nostalgic on a quiet drizzly evening in this dank, drear upper left-hand far corner of the map for happy days recalled, for the smell of boardwalk fries and the automated soft-drink dispensers at States and the 'Walk; of Grady and Hurst hosting a "hop" out in the Marine Ballroom, recalling the old guys who shuffled into the Globe for what must have been the last burlesque show on the East Coast." Edit Entry

Submitted by Arthur G. Woodin from Johnson City, NY. Entered on November 5, 2007
""Memories, light the corners of my mind...misty water colored..." 1)- The sound of the lifegurads whistles 2)- the white zinc oxide on all lifeguards noses to prevent too much sun 3)- The voice of Singin' Sam the 10 cent ice cream man 4)- washing the sand off our feet so as not to bring the sand into the house and risking the ire of Grandmom 5)- watching the end of the Phiilies games with my Grandfather on Saturdays around 4PM as I came off the beach and before my shower making sure to put a dry towel on the sofa so as not to get killed by the powers that be 6) Fishing in the back bay of Brigantine on most saturdays with Uncle Ben and my father, almost always bringing home 6-8 fresh flounder which grandmom fileted and fried. She served it with the home fried Potato chips and homemade coleslaw that we all ate 7)- Just like a Norman Rockwell painting, the sight of her still warm Peach, Blueberry and Apple Pies cooling on the ledge of the kitchen with the window open sucking in the setting sun's rays. 8)- Watching the Miss America Final night with "the family" the night before we closed the house for the winter. 9)- Greasing up every day on the beach with Bain de Soleil or Baby oil & Iodine with a reflector (who knew about the damaging rays of the sun? 10)- on cool days when the ocean was too chilly, shooting myself in the face with a water pistol and spreading the sun crap I had on my face all over me evenly so as to ensure an even golden tan to be shown off in school for at least a month upon our return in September till it wore off. 11)- Carrying the beach chairs from the porch up to the attic to hopefully be used again next summer (I had one chair that was so old we threw a Bar Mitzvah for it upon it's maturation. 12) Watching my Grandparents walking the boards still holding hand even after 52 years of wedded bliss 13)-Cheesesteaks with extra onions from Rex, or the Whitehouse and eventually Sackos 14)- Taking the Jitney from the terminal on New Hampshire Avenue listening to all the cigar smoking drivers bitch and moan about the way they were being treated( 1956-1985) 15)- Good old New YOrk Avenue from Pacific to the Boardwalk. I got married many times on that street even if it was just for the night 16)- Working at Grand Maison Blanche, next to Sid Hartfields, selling novelties, shirts, souvenier ashtrays of Atlantic City, Made in China. 17)-Cruising the boards after midnight. 18)- Watching the seniors eating and spitting their polly seeds as they sat in the inert "chairs" across from Roth's in Chelsea. Yes, my life has been replete with my memories of the World's Playground causing me to have eternal "sand in my shoes" even to this date in my 61ST Year. Want to hear more? Let me know... Arthur G. Woodin also known as Art Bradlee www.globalmobile.org...email= artbradlee1@aol.com *********************************************************************" Edit Entry

Submitted by mark tabak from Philly. Entered on October 31, 2007
"Yes I believe the drug store was Segals, they had a malt shop, lunchentte service. I remember being taken there for a treat when I was young. Does anyone know what happened to the owners of Segals? Anyway if anyone has additional memories of Marvin Gardens in the 50's or 60's I would appreciate them." Edit Entry

Submitted by MARK from PHILADELPHIA. Entered on October 30, 2007
"Anyone have memories of Marvin Gardens, my grandfather owned a house in the community in the 50's and mid 60's. Also I remember a drug store across the street on Ventnor, does anyone remember the name of the store and what it was like, I believe they had a lunchenette there." Edit Entry

Submitted by Anubis from Las Vegas/Fairfax, VA. Entered on October 28, 2007
"Touched a few memories reading the latest here. Young's rink and Hazel Young. Anyone know if Hazel is still in the area? Wow a name from almost 60 years ago. Annette's (?) sub shop on Dorset avenue. Mull Scull's boating shop right off the bridge. Funcade on the boards was owned by Irv Fishelberg who was paranoid about prize tickets being stolen by the workers. Is the Dairy Queen at Ventnor and Harrisburg still there? How about the old chicken coop at Dover and Ventnor Aves (was a farmer's market in summer)and the victorian house that was behind it? The victorian house did not have an electric meter which was discovered one year when they put an air conditioner in - owned by the Springers." Edit Entry

Submitted by Claire Welgus Kessler from Marlton, NJ. Entered on October 27, 2007
"My farther knew the band leader on the Steel Pier, Jules Lavan. In the early sixties, after a show, I would go down front and tell Jules I was George's daughter. He would say "Ok, come on" and he would take me back stage to meet the star of the show. I remember meeting Neil Sedaka this way. I met Dion, Paul Anka, Ricky Nelson, Bobby Rydel and others. Great memories." Edit Entry

Submitted by Walt Craig from Mickleton, NJ. Entered on October 21, 2007
"To Rudy Florentine who is still just a kid (his late brother "Koochie" aka George DeWitt of TV, Stage, Movie and Radio fame would be 85 if alive today) and before anyone else corrects Rudy (who really has a wealth of memories of Atlantic City's past) Kersetters was in the Inlet and across from AC High school at Trenton & Ventnor ave was the "Double Dip Ice cream store managed by the late Bill Weeks. Anyone else of that vintage remember? " Edit Entry

Submitted by Ken Shane from Springfield, NJ. Entered on October 18, 2007
"To Steve from Absecon - I have very fond memories of Lou's. I was particular fond of the milk shakes, and the roasted chicken. I think someone posted here that it was recently torn down, although it hadn't been Lou's for a number of years. Super Sub was in our neighborhood, as was Great Josh's. Neither was quite as good as the White House, but they were a lot closer and more convenient." Edit Entry

Submitted by Charles Draper from Pleasantville. Entered on October 15, 2007
"Growing up on the corner of Congress and Oriental Avenues across from Chocko Solitares Liquor Store and back room bar. Maybe a little gambling going on there too. I remember being sent out to collect envelopes from people in the area and having to "Get right back here fast." Everyone talks about Woodies but how about fresh donuts almost next door or even the night the St. Charles burned and the fireman tossed a lot of toys out of Taber's Toyland? Connecticut Ave. and Atlantic was where Tony's original establishment was located. Lifeguards let the kids be their mascots and tipped us nickels and we thought we were rich. From mascots to Lifeguards, so many of us made that switch in the fifties and sixties. There are sooooo many memories. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Woody from Mays Landing N.J. . Entered on October 15, 2007
"On Saturday,Oct 13 my wife & I attended the Steel Pier reunion at Gardners Basin.(Former site of Capt Starns & Garwood mills area) What a pleasure to meet & see Ed Hurst (Host of Summertime on the pier,the 950 club in Philly on W.P.E.N. & the Grady & Hurst show) Jimmy Hamid, son of Geo Hamid Jr & grandson of Geo Hamid Sr. Miss Sara, she rode the diving horse. Jim Crane & his orchestra & Roxann Grant, grandaughter of Tony Grant.Roxann & her committee did a great job of putting it together. Lots of pictures, new friends & reminiscing of the 40's 50' & 60's. As Bob Hope said "Thanks for the memories". " Edit Entry

Submitted by Luigi from Allentown, PA. Entered on October 15, 2007
"Here are a few more memories that flashed into my mind.. Anyone remember the sound concentration effect at the Chalfont-Haddon hall rounded ceilings on the boardwalk. It was my favorite place to take new folks. I'd say "stand right there" walk 20 feet away, whisper and they'd hear. Also I remember standing for minutes (seemed like hours over time) at the Copper Kettle fudge shop where they made the fudge in huge copper kettles with wooden paddles. My brother dated Bunk's (from the grocery store on New Hampshire and Oriental?) daughter but I forget her name. I once jammed my neck body surfing and running into someone and was looking for a doctor on Pacific ave. I was too young to know the specialties so I just picked one that sounded right. Unforunately, it was a podiatrist, but he had a good laugh, at my expense. I remember standing in front of the air-conditioning demonstration at the GM exhibit, feeling cool after a hot walk on the boards. You know, with all the friends that I made and had as part of the Mass. Ave. beach crowd, I haven't seen one on this board. I wonder where they all have gone..." Edit Entry

Submitted by aceddie from Boardwalk West. Entered on October 12, 2007
"OK Ratso, Where was Kerstetters exactly? I could have sworn it was a little half street between Pacific and Atlantic and between Maryland and Delaware Aves, but I could be wrong. ...... I remember Community Synagogue was on the Southwest corner of Maryland Ave. I could have sworn it was a little half street between Pacific and Atlantic and between Maryland and Delaware Aves, but I could be wrong..... On my last visit to the South Inlet I noticed a for sale sign on the synagogue. I thought that was a bit sad.....All of us guys from the South Inlet put in our time at Wolfie's Pennyland. For my money the best arcade their ever was. You could go down to Texas and Chelsea Ave to find the latest games but Wolfie's had the "The Classics. I remember the "Shoot the Bear ' game . If you hit the bear with a beam of light it roared up and reversed itself. The first gambling I ever did was on the "Catch the Marble " game. The player had to catch a metal marble with a small moving bucket and deposit into the safe port and was rewarded with a penny after catching a minimum of 3 of 5. Being good with hand to eye co-ordination I was able to play alot longer on just a little bit of money .....My favorite pinball game was "Hay Burners". There were six horses who moved corresponding to how many times you hit the bumpers until one of them won the race. I've seen a variation of the old pitch and hit baseball machines around. I still play a little pinball but not like back then......Didn't the Sodamat have automated drinks made by machines? ....Anyway thanks for the memories. They are good for our souls... StreetLookUp.com has good map of the streets in Atlantic City." Edit Entry

Submitted by steve from absecon. Entered on October 9, 2007
"lous restaurant, there was nothing like it, got introduced to hot roast beef sandwich, awesome, the corned beef and roast beef specials, nothing like them, rye bread was nice and fresh. i remember the days of the miss america parade, it was tues oringally, after the parade went there for after parade snack, or san dwich, or milkshakes. has anyone mentioned , inside all the drug stores in atlantic city, they all had counter eating, that was great to, how about super subs, and joshs. hope to hear from other people on this, tell of your memories of these places " Edit Entry

Submitted by Gloria Clauson Herring from Claymont, Delaware. Entered on October 8, 2007
"This is for Mark from Philadelphia who asked about Lou's restaurant. I just spoke to Helen Adelman who along with her husband, Lou, opened Lou's restaurant at 5011 Ventnor(Nashville & Ventnor)on February 7, 1946. Lou passed away some years ago but beautiful Helen is still going strong in Ventnor. Lou's was a great place to meet and eat and the waitresses were there for years. Helen still misses the place, and people still recognize her and always stop her to talk about what a terrific place it was. When I spoke to her a few minutes ago and told her about this site, she was thrilled to hear about it and she wanted me to let her know if anyone replys to this memory, so if anyone else has some fond memories of Lou's, post them because it will really make her happy. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Luigi from Allentown, PA. Entered on October 3, 2007
"Walking the boardwalk was a social and culinary experience, at times, for free. With as many friends that I had met and hung out with, we all had jobs, mostly on the boardwalk. So, when I wasn't working, walking up from Rhode Island or Vermont Ave., depending on the year, we would go shop to shop, talking with the friend working there, grabbing a freebie, whether it was pizza, fries, hamburgers or custard and continue this way all the way up to Chelsea. Now, during the summer you won't find any kids working the stands, but young adults from Sweden, UK, Denmark, etc. When I first experienced this, I thought it odd, until I realized that there was no cadre of kids anymore; no parents staying the summer; no affordable housing when the casinos took over and no throngs of kids hanging out for the summer together. That's why memories are so important." Edit Entry

Submitted by Al Altman from Pittsburgh, PA. Entered on October 1, 2007
"Longport point, Super Sub Shop, Steel Pier, Tony's Pizza, Lou's Corned Beef Special, Margate Theatre Sat. afternoon, Elephant Hotel, riding bike and jogging on boardwalk, Huricane of '44 and destruction of Margate's boardwalk...among some of the best memories of my youth growing up on the island." Edit Entry

Submitted by Lois Kaness from Denver, Co. Entered on October 1, 2007
"Reading and reflecting on recent postings...how sad that many or most of our kids and grandkids will never experience the delight of good food prepared by neighborhood folks. Subway, MickeyDs, etc have sadly replaced much of the good food we once enjoyed. Like the neighborhood store, where our parents charged food to a handwritten account, or the old ME Blatt's where you used your (then new fangled) metal card to charge a purchase, standardization has replaced what was. I well remember the first time I was offered, and refused, an invite to enjoy pizza. Tomato Pie was the dinner I refused; now we know it as pizza. I envisioned Grandmom's apple pie with a crusty top and was appalled that anyone would consider that great food. We were naive in a time of innocence and we were without sophistication, but I wish I could capture those times and offer them to my grandkids. The taste of great food and wonderful memories..." Edit Entry

Submitted by Luigi from Allentown, PA. Entered on September 26, 2007
"Does anyone remember a sandwich shop in either Somers Point or Ocean City named only with a girl's first name. I "think" it's Annette's but I may be wrong. Their claim to fame was that they over stuffed each sandwich, with the meat (I loved their corned beef) stacked like 4-5 inches high! Mmmmmmm. You do realize that I'm losing sleep, waking up at 3AM with memories being unlocked after 40 years of cobwebs.." Edit Entry

Submitted by AC Eddie from Boardwalk West. Entered on September 25, 2007
"It's been a month and a half since I made my yearly sojourn back to AC. I took my wife to the South Inlet where I grew up. I must admit that I got rather saddened by the sight. I'd been there many times before of course but this time seemed to hit me harder than ever. Like Ratso and Luigi, I remember the joys and happiness we had so many years ago. Unfortunately our children and their children will never be able to enjoy the things we did. What has happened to this once great town is a real tragedy. I think our longing for those days it what keeps this blog alive and so enjoyable.....I did visit the new museum at Gardener's Basin. I loved seeing and touching the old "Steel Pier Diving Bell". I lamented for my days playing Little League on the same piece of ground back in the late 50's. I was alarmed however at how dirty the old seawall was just steps away from the new museum. Of course I made my pilgrimage to "The White House" and to "Tony's Baltimore Grill".... "Pennyland", "The Globe Theater" and "The Dude Ranch" are all distant memories along with all the great art deco movie houses.... The Absecon Light House still stands as a monolith to a time gone by,like the one in Stanley Kubrick's "2001 A Space Odyssey". If my thoughts have caused you any sadness I apologize in advance. As the Doomsday Clock ticks ever closer to thermonuclear World War III and the world seems so out of balance [Koyaanisqatsi], I can't help but to hold onto the sweet memories of my childhood in the South Inlet. Keep those cards and letters coming in kiddies " Edit Entry

Submitted by Luigi from Allentown, PA. Entered on September 24, 2007
"Hi. I'm excited to get the chance to add my (very much inflated) 2 cents to the memories. I get very nostalgic when I think of my childhood which was vastly influenced by the times I had and the friends I made in AC. I hope you'll look forward to my postings with as much interest as I have had reading yours. This is very cathartic for me to be able to share. I'll be back (very) soon with my story and memories. Luigi." Edit Entry

Submitted by Lois Kaness from Denver, Co. Entered on September 17, 2007
"I remember a stationary store on Atlantic Ave; I think it was Schiff's. Everything was more expensive there than at the five and dime, but one year grandpop gave me money for school supplies and I had enough to buy any pencil box in the store. I think I may have deliberated for hours befoe I was nudged along. September memories...girlfriends I had grown close to moved back to Philadelphia, and a young boy I was in love with back to Parissipany. Though the air was cooling, the sea was warm and inviting. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Maureen McNamee Cook from Saint Cloud, Florida. Entered on August 28, 2007
"I remember as a a young child and teenager in the 70s spending my summers in Brigantine NJ. We lived in Wilmington DE and had a summer home on the Island. It was a great place to spend my summers and I have many fond memories of going to the Boardwalk in Atlantic City and Wildwood. (Before Casinos) And of course of hanging out at the Arcade across from the Seahorse Pier. I also remember sitting in the lifeguard boats at night kissing our boyfriends who ALL gave the girls white rope braided bracelets that they called shark repellent and swore that little braided rope would keep the sharks away! I remember twin sisters who I believe had the last name Eberding. That I always met up with every year. I believe they were year round residents. Anyway I have great memories of the place. That is probably why I make my home in a small town the size of Brigantine on the water just south of Orlando FL." Edit Entry

Submitted by Lois Kaness from Denver, Co. Entered on August 19, 2007
"Graduated ACHS 1961. Some of the sororities I remember: GALS, DELTA DELTA, SAGS, PALS, DOBS. Some were exclusivly Jewish, others Christian or African American. I remember, "boobing," and carrying at least two or three packs of Chiclets that had to be always on your person if a member asked for gum. You were also required to carry your, "boob book," a small notebook with a pencil tied with a string to the wire binding, in which members would record merits and demerits. As a high school student I enjoyed belonging to a sorority, but I've come to realize how painful it must have been for those on the outside who were not permitted access. Although I relish my memories, I'm glad these organizations are a thing of the past. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Woody from Mays Landing N.J. 08330. Entered on August 10, 2007
"I was the head usher on the Steel Pier from 1956-1960. I am looking for memorabilia to buy & looking for people that worked there those years. I was born & raised in Philly but spent every summer renting with my family on Seaside Ave in the Inlet section. After retiring from the Phila School System recently, I still go around with an entertainment business & talk to my audiences about the great old days. I also talk about working with all the stars on the pier. What fond "Memories"" Edit Entry

Submitted by Gail Brown Gilman from Florida. Entered on August 9, 2007
"Atantic City was an idyllic small town of "neighbors" in the 40's & 50's. Magical beach and ocean. Houses with striped awnings and flower boxes; 1954 centennial fireworks in the summer nights; Garden Pier concerts; Pennyland; Steel Pier and Steeplechase; boardwalk bicycling; horseriding on the beach; And Jitneys took kids everywhere. No soccer moms in that world. The AC Press simply confirmed what all knew from the inlet to Margate in minutes. Very few strangers, including everybody's dogs. October was the best month -- Absecon farms. Each season celebrated by all. Easter saw the whole town on the boardwalk. And the best parades; the Pageant; Ice Capades; Captain Starns; Brigantine fishing; Lake Lenape; horse drawn huckster wagons, and inevitably airplanes that led to AC's great decline and metamorphasis. This website is a treasure. Congratulations and thanks to Barry Rich for preserving so many memories. Gail Brown Gilman " Edit Entry

Submitted by mary peterson from ventnor. Entered on July 30, 2007
"I remember the A&P at the corner of Morris and Atlantic Aves. My father Al Durney was one of the managers there. before that, he worked at A&P on Arctic and Florida.Aves. it was a very small store and did not stay there long. we shopped at Russo's market on Florida ave. during the 1940's. owned by Frank Russo and his 2 nephews, Joe and Sam. I love to read all about A.C. from the people who were there in the 40's. brings back a lot of good memories. We lived on Nevada Ave. for many years and attended OLSS. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Terri Pollan from Staten Island, NY. Entered on July 26, 2007
"My family vacationed in AC from 1958 to mid 70's - our first hotel was the Fredonia on Tenessee Ave.(owned by Sam Metz) There was a restaurant calle Mary's where we'd eat every day - next hotel was the Lombardy on Kentucky Ave. I remember so many things - ..Million Dollar Pier - the italian village (seeing thru the planks to the water) - the man who built the minature cathedral (anyone know what happened to him?) - the games, always winning a stuffed animal ..Irenes - they had a "mermaid" caught off the coast that I could stare at for hours (anyone remember that) ..Planters where Mr. Peanut walked around ..Central pier where there was an aquarium ..Woolworths where someone was always demonstrating a kitchen gadget ..every nite walking from the Steel pier to the million ollar pier - just up an down the boardwalk looking at all the stores So many great memories that every year my husband and I go back and just walk the boardwalk and I remember.......... " Edit Entry

Submitted by Don from eht nj. Entered on July 15, 2007
"For all you old Inlet people I suggest you go to www.barryrich.net There is a digital essay of AC pictures. enter then click on Historic Gardners Basin. Pictures of Starns Gardners basin and more. Brings back a lot of memories" Edit Entry

Submitted by Ken Shane from Springfield, NJ. Entered on July 8, 2007
"Does anyone remember Lou's restaurant on Ventnor Ave. in Ventnor? It was a regular stop for my family when we lived on South Ridgeway Avenue. I know it was there until fairly recently, and I think another restaurant is in the space now, but I have very fond memories of the place, especially the milkshakes. Another place I remember was called Junior's. It was a small food shack on the boardwalk, not far from the old President hotel. That was a regular stop for me as well." Edit Entry

Submitted by PAUL ZITO from BOYNTON BEACH. Entered on June 18, 2007
"While in the Navy from 1956 to 1958, we spent many great nights st The Clock...McGettigans&McGuires, Tony Marts, Bayshores, and sobered up at Ben's Drivein on the Pike. I believe there was a great Lounge called "The Cove" on upper Atlantic Ave ran by two brothers.. ??????? How about a joint called The Shore,where "Night after Night"there was a "fight after fight"?????? I used to go out with Lilly McKain, Miss Ocean City 1956 (?) ..wonder what ever happened to her ?...Had a great time pumping gas at Boemer's Esso station where I got 5 cents for every can of oil I could sell....Great memories.....Would love to hear from anyone that was from that era...Paul Zito " Edit Entry

Submitted by Wayne Hackney from Absecon,NJ. Entered on June 11, 2007
"HI y a all.. Just found this place this morning. I can remember many of what others have already posted, but, being an INLET boy, i remember Rondevous park where the old car barn was. Used to meet all the girls from then, (about 1954) and then later wonder down to the Sea Wall. How many of you remember the Submarine Races down at the Sea Wall ? Or maybe you can remember when Don Hauck owned the little Hamburger joint next to the sea wall across from USCG Base. Or the old Crash Boat USN base on Rhode Island Ave and the bay.... ahh well just some of my memories. Atlantic City was fantastic place to grow up....Especially the Inlet " Edit Entry

Submitted by Jo-Ann Kalish Bullock from Saint Petersburg, Florida. Entered on June 4, 2007
"Hi All. I was born and raised in Duck Town. I now live in Florida. My birthday was a few days ago and had one of the best birthdays ever. My wonderful husband (who is not from AC), had cheese steaks, and regular subs flown in overnight from SACK O'Subs. Wow!!! they were GREAT. The memories of my childhood really rushed in and brought back all my great memories of Atlantic City when I was growing up. (To bad the White House doesn't do the same). Jo-Ann" Edit Entry

Submitted by m manco from london. Entered on June 4, 2007
"Reading everyone's memories has been fascinating. I am a novelist researching a book set in Atlantic City in 1933 and would love to hear from anyone who knew anyone who was working then, particularly as a chambermaid or musician...or who remembers anything about the Ritz-Carlton hotel or the Miss America pageant. Thank you so much. " Edit Entry

Submitted by m manco from london. Entered on June 4, 2007
"Reading everyone's memories has been fascinating. I am a novelist researching a book set in Atlantic City in 1933 and would love to hear from anyone who knew anyone who was working then, particularly as a chambermaid or musician...or who remembers anything about the Ritz-Carlton hotel or the Miss America pageant. Thank you so much. " Edit Entry

Submitted by AC Eddie from Boardwalk West. Entered on April 30, 2007
"Ken.....I caught Poogie McNeil for Captain Starns little league team . He could really throw hard. I remember one time he threw a pitch low and outside and I reached out to stop it with my barehand. I never did that again.......Marty ....I believe the store across the street from the Jitney Station you are referring to was "Zwiebach's". Tony's Baltimore Grill also had a mean antipato salad ......Ratso....I'll never forget the day I was in Miss Shrenk's room and all of a sudden it sounded like a herd of buffalo was stampeding above us. The ceiling shook and we all wondered what was happening. This was my first ever exposure to a race riot as the cafeteria had exploded into a confrontation. It was front page in the Atlantic City Press I believe..and then again maybe not. I'm not certain......Sondra I must admit I was one of those kids that rolled the golf ball up Humpty Dumpty's ramp and into his mouth to win a free round. How much was the price of admission there?....Joe....my most vivid memory of the Globe theatre was taking turns standing on each other's back with Joel Chudnow trying to get a peek of "Busty" Russell...well thanks for the memories. keep those cards and letters coming in" Edit Entry

Submitted by Ken Beck from Miami. Entered on April 25, 2007
"Ratso,How about the name of Poogie Mc Neil? He was a pretty good pool and baseball pitcher and a lot of fun to be around. Do you remember the singing group we formed called "2 Days and a Night". It was Danny Jones, myself and a gay (I think)black guy. We went to some kind of church talent show and sung "The Key to My Heart" and it was terrible. I thought it was pretty cool when a couple of nice looking girls asked for our autographs. Can you imagine us in a church talent show? Ratso, keep the memories coming, Your friend always, Ken" Edit Entry

Submitted by JOE from PA.. Entered on April 19, 2007
"THE MINITURE GOLF COURSE WAS ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE GLOBE THEATRE RIGHT OFF THE BOARDWALK RAMP.I GUESS THAT'S DELAWARE AVE. I TOO PLAYED THERE IN THE LATE 50'S AND EARLY 60'S AND HAVE THE SAME MEMORIES OF THE MUSIC COMING FROM THE GLOBE. THE WOMAN WHO WORKED THE ADMISSIONS AT THE GOLF COURSE WOULD OCCASSIONALY ALLOW ME TO PLAY FOR FREE. THE HOTEL ST. CHARLES TOWER WAS RIGHT NEXT TO THE COURSE. YOU CAN ACTUALLY SEE A PHOTO OF THE COURSE ON MR. RICH'S A.C. PHOTO ESSAY. THE 18th HOLE LIGHTHOUSE IS VERY DISTINCT.IT,S FUNNY I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE THAT PARTICULAR PART OF MY A.C. MEMORIES UNTIL I FOIUND THIS SITE! " Edit Entry

Submitted by JOE from PA.. Entered on April 19, 2007
"THE MINITURE GOLF COURSE WAS ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE GLOBE THEATRE RIGHT OFF THE BOARDWALK RAMP.I GUESS THAT'S DELAWARE AVE. I TOO PLAYED THERE IN THE LATE 50'S AND EARLY 60'S AND HAVE THE SAME MEMORIES OF THE MUSIC COMING FROM THE GLOBE. THE WOMAN WHO WORKED THE ADMISSIONS AT THE GOLF COURSE WOULD OCCASSIONALY ALLOW ME TO PLAY FOR FREE. THE HOTEL ST. CHARLES TOWER WAS RIGHT NEXT TO THE COURSE. YOU CAN ACTUALLY SEE A PHOTO OF THE COURSE ON MR. RICH'S A.C. PHOTO ESSAY. THE 18th HOLE LIGHTHOUSE IS VERY DISTINCT.IT,S FUNNY I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE THAT PARTICULAR PART OF MY A.C. MEMORIES UNTIL I FOIUND THIS SITE! " Edit Entry

Submitted by JOE from PA.. Entered on April 19, 2007
"THE MINITURE GOLF COURSE WAS ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE GLOBE THEATRE RIGHT OFF THE BOARDWALK RAMP.I GUESS THAT'S DELAWARE AVE. I TOO PLAYED THERE IN THE LATE 50'S AND EARLY 60'S AND HAVE THE SAME MEMORIES OF THE MUSIC COMING FROM THE GLOBE. THE WOMAN WHO WORKED THE ADMISSIONS AT THE GOLF COURSE WOULD OCCASSIONALY ALLOW ME TO PLAY FOR FREE. THE HOTEL ST. CHARLES TOWER WAS RIGHT NEXT TO THE COURSE. YOU CAN ACTUALLY SEE A PHOTO OF THE COURSE ON MR. RICH'S A.C. PHOTO ESSAY. THE 18th HOLE LIGHTHOUSE IS VERY DISTINCT.IT,S FUNNY I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE THAT PARTICULAR PART OF MY A.C. MEMORIES UNTIL I FOIUND THIS SITE! " Edit Entry

Submitted by JOE from PA.. Entered on April 19, 2007
"THE MINITURE GOLF COURSE WAS ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE GLOBE THEATRE RIGHT OFF THE BOARDWALK RAMP.I GUESS THAT'S DELAWARE AVE. I TOO PLAYED THERE IN THE LATE 50'S AND EARLY 60'S AND HAVE THE SAME MEMORIES OF THE MUSIC COMING FROM THE GLOBE. THE WOMAN WHO WORKED THE ADMISSIONS AT THE GOLF COURSE WOULD OCCASSIONALY ALLOW ME TO PLAY FOR FREE. THE HOTEL ST. CHARLES TOWER WAS RIGHT NEXT TO THE COURSE. YOU CAN ACTUALLY SEE A PHOTO OF THE COURSE ON MR. RICH'S A.C. PHOTO ESSAY. THE 18th HOLE LIGHTHOUSE IS VERY DISTINCT.IT,S FUNNY I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE THAT PARTICULAR PART OF MY A.C. MEMORIES UNTIL I FOIUND THIS SITE! " Edit Entry

Submitted by JOE from PA.. Entered on April 19, 2007
"THE MINITURE GOLF COURSE WAS ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE GLOBE THEATRE RIGHT OFF THE BOARDWALK RAMP.I GUESS THAT'S DELAWARE AVE. I TOO PLAYED THERE IN THE LATE 50'S AND EARLY 60'S AND HAVE THE SAME MEMORIES OF THE MUSIC COMING FROM THE GLOBE. THE WOMAN WHO WORKED THE ADMISSIONS AT THE GOLF COURSE WOULD OCCASSIONALY ALLOW ME TO PLAY FOR FREE. THE HOTEL ST. CHARLES TOWER WAS RIGHT NEXT TO THE COURSE. YOU CAN ACTUALLY SEE A PHOTO OF THE COURSE ON MR. RICH'S A.C. PHOTO ESSAY. THE 18th HOLE LIGHTHOUSE IS VERY DISTINCT.IT,S FUNNY I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE THAT PARTICULAR PART OF MY A.C. MEMORIES UNTIL I FOIUND THIS SITE! " Edit Entry

Submitted by bob crawford from ohio. Entered on April 9, 2007
"i love atlantic city,lots of good memories" Edit Entry

Submitted by Eddie Lischin from Boardwalk West. Entered on March 12, 2007
"To the best of my knowledge the only Atlantic City resident to perform in one of the three major sports at the professional level was Chris Ford in the NBA. If there was anybody else I sure would like to know. .....Some vivid sports memories I have of Atlantic City were the indoor football games played at the Convention Hall between ACHS and Holy Spirit, the National Biddy Basketball championships at the same venue and last but certainly not least was the Camden Purple Avalanche team led by Ron "Itchy " Smith and "Sonny" Sunkett. I'll never forget that team because they came out on the floor in the old gym and the first five players out all "dunked" the basketball. I believe the ACHS team was led by Lew "Little Man" Graham, Frank Oatman and Louie Polisano." Edit Entry

Submitted by Kate from Mass.. Entered on January 11, 2007
"Homberger's on Atlantic av.,was a very toney place for my money. A great place to browse if you had none. Their goods were quality product. I don't have a lot of specific memories, but I DO remember that for important occasions, such as a graduation dress or Easter, it was a great place to go. I remember a lot of velvet dresses there. My mother bought me coats there also--you want to have a GOOD coat. IN 1977, my parents bought me the most incredible coat there(although now that I think of it, had it moved to the Sears towne Mall at that point?) My biggest memory(and I am talkin'about the late 60's)is that they had a purse made of reddish brown leather and you could order it with your initials attached to it. It was about 4 by 8 inches and about 6 inches deep. The initials were made of goldish(probably brass)metal(they didn't tarnish) and EVERYBODY(teens and 20's) wanted them. They were expensive and really didn't hold that much, but they were a status symbol. And they looked great with Bass Weejuns loafers and your school uniform. Much like todays Coach bags, expensive status symbol. If your name was ABC(ann beth cook) you would likely put those initails on the bag as ACB(the last name initial in the middle). I never bought one, because I knew I'd never fit all my stuff in it. You'd have to order them in the summer for school in Sept. Funny what you remember. " Edit Entry

Submitted by JOE from pa.. JOE's Web Page Entered on December 19, 2006
"Happy Holidays,happy Hanukkah,Merry Christmas,and Happy New Year to all the people with so many great memories to share of the old days in Atlantic City.I feel like I'm in touch with old friends even though I may never have met any of the regular contributors. some holiday memories:the decorations on and in many of the boardwalk hotels,especially the Chalfonte--Haddon Hall, having New Year's Eve dinner at the Marborough--Blenheim in the pre-casino 1970's.We were all in our early 20's and after our dinner stayed for the music and dancing in a solarium type ballroom over looking the boardwalk. people were at least 20 years older than our crowd and many were in formal dress.the music was the big--band sound and it turned out to be a really good and memorable evening.anyhow to all Atlantic City fans out there--a HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS 2007 " Edit Entry

Submitted by Gail S. Moore (Harkins) from Long Beach, MS. Entered on December 14, 2006
"Drinking in the bars on New York Avenue and Snake alley..they didn't card you! Walking Atlantic and Pacific Avenues in the evening when there was nothing to do..But then watching the people was better than TV. Hitch Hiking up and down absecon island as a main means of transportation. Taking my dog for rides on the Transit buses..of course with a pass. Walking to Atlantic High...with that cold wind blowing off the beach in March. Hanging out at the Parkway Park..drinking and doing other things. Getting high under the Lifeguard houses in the fall. Running the dog on the beaches in the winter. Smoking in the Senior Lounge at ACHS. Josh's, the WhiteHouse, Delaware Subs. I lived down the street from Tony's Baltimore Grill. Lots of Pizza. Water Ice. Fresh Italian Bread. Boy do I wish I could get some down here. Anyone have a recipe, for Italian Bread? My dear friend Kerry Shapiro who is no longer with us, and the lost of Bennett Saul. We were the 4 Musketters-Tina Snitman, Kerry, Bennett and myself. Friday night skating in Ventnor. Memories are great. Have been back several times and it's hard..but I do miss those days." Edit Entry

Submitted by Kate from Mass.. Entered on December 13, 2006
"As I read Ken's last message it got me to thinking that, of course, it's always about the money, and so AC changes. Not saying that's the way it should be, but it is. Then I wondered, and I am not accusing, but I wonder, how many of us, who love AC so much, actually still put/pump money into AC. Ya know? We all have great memories, but I bet a lot of us on the memory lane, don't go there anymore. I have a lot of friends who have left and only visited there until their parents passed, or there was no relatives there anymore. We're not there to vote, or to spend, and so we are disappointed. Sad, but true. We always will have our memories. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to all of us, Spartans, Vikings,Shubies and all the rest. Good health in 2007. Kate " Edit Entry

Submitted by Kate from Mass.. Entered on November 21, 2006
"It's that time of year to remember the AC/HS football games in the Convention Hall. WOW! Great pep rallies, bon fires and the most amazing games IN THE Convention Hall! Such an incredible venue! for HS kids! Amazing memories. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Ken from Glen Ridge, NJ. Entered on November 21, 2006
"In the 1960's I remember staying at two motels have been out of operation for awhile. One was the Sahara Motel (long gone) on Pennsylvania Avenue, the other the Californian Motel (still standing but I understand slated for demolishing)on California Avenue. Does anyone have any information or memories of these motels?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Ed Baranowski from Joppa, Maryland. Entered on November 18, 2006
"I'm 54 years old now but will never, ever forget my love for the Steel Pier and the Boards. My father worked a hard, "blue collar" job at Western Electric in Baltimore, MD and saved his money to take me and Mom to this annual summer vacation spot. We always stayed at the Princess Hotel (Carolina Avenue) where we had our "peanut chews" snacks and "nutty buddy" ice cream from the Planter's store. I couldn't wait to get into the Taubman's toy store! Mom and Dad always fought, yelled, and screamed at each other all year round except during this wonderful vacation. Dad took me to the Steel Pier every year. Later, I was fortunate to see (and shake his hand) --- the great Duke Ellington and his Band at the Domed Ballroom before he died shortly thereafter. I "love you madly, Duke!" The Diving Bell was awesome! My stomach is STILL down at the bottom of the Atlantic! The Rocket was my intro to Star Trek! God, why can't there be another local family oriented vacation spot like A.C.! I thank all of you who worked at the Pier and gave us all permanent good memories of a better time! :)" Edit Entry

Submitted by Eddie Lischin from Boardwalk West. Entered on November 13, 2006
"Barry, every once in a while I take a nostalgic cruise through your photos. The movie theatres are exceptional. I didn't remember many of them until I saw them on your website. I noticed you have a postcard image of the Astor Theatre. Being a South Inlet kid, I went there alot. I will never forget seeing "The Creeper" there. Scared the livin' daylights out of me. They used to have an old popcorn machine there. I remember putting a nickel in and placing the ready made bags around the spout which dispensed the popcorn. Probably worth a fortune now on "Antiques Roadshow" ....... My father's family meat market Lischin Brothers was right next door on the New Jersey Ave side and Sarkee's Soda fountain was on the Connecticut Ave side. The correct name may have been Sarkos but we affectionately called the old man who owned it Sarkee. Ratso may remember that place as it was close to his Congress ave neighborhood. Do you have any photos of Blum's grocery, Barry? If not I will see if my uncle Sheldon Blum has some in his memoribilia. Thanks for the memories. They are all that is really left of a magical time in my life." Edit Entry

Submitted by Eddie Lischin from Boardwalk West. Entered on November 4, 2006
"Thanks for the nice words Ron Green. Yes I remember Leon Chudnow and Murray Starr. leon's brother Joel was an original in "the Inlet Five" with myself, Norm Chazin , Rickey Bobbins and Eddie Goldstein. I can remember sitting in Leon's Bonneville while Joel waited for the green "COLD" light to go off. Leon told Joel not to drive the car until it went off. Of course I realize now how ridiculous that was......Altman field was where I cut my basketball teeth. I can remember many hours spent shooting hoops there as a child. My basketball memories are still vivid in my mind. I started organized b-ball at the Virginia Ave JCC with Uncle Sam Greenberg. I played for the Akiba Club. Didn't you play in that league, Ratso? I was fortunate enough to be chosen at the ripe age of 12 to represent Atlantic City on the St. Michael's team. Along with myself, Normie Chazin, Joel Chudnow, Eddie Goldstein and I believe Ronnie Gabler; we joined Bubby Walker and Wilfred Turner from the Arctic Ave Y.M.C.A. and Jimmie Rando, Mike Pavese, Marty Wilson, Joe Rich and the Bucci boys Georgie and Joe from St Michael's on the team. We travelled to Jersey City and competed against all-stars from other New Jersey towns for the right to represent NJ in the National Biddy Basketball tournament. We lost to the home standing Jersey City team led by a Dennis DeFeo in the final seconds on some bad calls. We were all heart broken. Does anybody remember the year that the National Biddy tournament was held in Convention Hall? The Atlantic City team was represented in part by Richie Goldstein, Kenny Mauer and Jimmy Bradley amongst others. I could go on and on.......Does anybody remember the Colonial Theatre? It was adjacent to the Hollywood Theatre on Atlantic. I remember it so well because my Aunt Anna Mae used to work the ticket booth and let us in for free. Just up the street on the same side was the Embassy Thetare and across the street and up a block or so was The Beach Theatre. I think it was tragic they could not preserve all those old Art Deco masterpieces. Oh well(sigh). Keep those cards and letters coming in because there are alot of people out there like myself who enjoy the hell out of them." Edit Entry

Submitted by Sondra from Florida. Entered on November 3, 2006
"As always, thanks for all the memories. The name of the children's variety show at Steel Pier was "Tony Grant's Revue," featuring the "Stars of Tomorrow." The closing song was "Give My Regards To Broadway," with the entire cast on the stage. The shows were great, and the kids were all so talented!!! What a magical time!!!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Julius DeAngelus from Philadelphia. Entered on October 31, 2006
"Please forgive the length of this piece, but I would appreciate any feedback on it. True story.

Old Friend

Old Friend

This past June I climbed into my car armed with a camera and a black satchel filled with notes that I had complied over the past year, memories really.

At the end of the Atlantic City Expressway, an hour later, fog had crept in and I felt I was driving through a dream, maybe back in time. I couldn’t see the city in front of me, though I had taken this trip enough times to be able to picture it in my head.

Drivers passed me in the early gray of morning, their cars appearing from the haze like ghosts, desperate to have their money removed from them in clockless rooms filled with ringing bells and flashing lights. I hummed to the music on the radio.

At Pacific Avenue, where most of them turned right, I turned left.

Soon I was passing small stores with black windows and stuttering neon signs; brick-faced drug stores and corner sandwich stops, check-cashing places with gray-eyed people who meandered behind smudged windows. A small, tired hardware store stood with its door open wide in an endless yawn.

I continued and the stores gave way to emptiness; a few standing buildings which only reach a couple of stories into the air. The pavements became cracked and splintered as if something had burrowed under the very earth and taken entire blocks, leaving only weed-strewn lots and ashy, brown dust behind. Gaps separated houses along the street like broken teeth in an old mouth. What houses were still standing had lumpy and warped porches, fumbling staircases and quiet doorways. Children played in one of the empty squares where houses used to stand, kicking a ball that was sorely in need of air.

I took it all in: the slow decay, the sun-bleached lots of crumbled brick and the stark contrast it wore against the violent blue sky above, peppered with the forms of seagulls flying on wings that seemed made of liquid.

I turned on Seaside Avenue, which was no different, really, from any of the other desolate avenues in this part of town, the area known as the Inlet. The only difference it might have boasted was that it was one of the few not named after a state.

My car rolled down the black asphalt and I saw at the end of the street the ramp to the boardwalk; beyond that, one could easily be fooled into thinking it was the edge of the world - only sky and boards, nothing more.

On the right side of the street there were only two houses left on the entire block. I had walked past them thousands of times when I was younger and blonder, usually on my way to the beach with my best friend, Mike Ellis. The bottom windows of the one nearest were covered with plywood.

Only one house remained on the opposite side of the street. It was now painted a battleship gray and the blinds were drawn crookedly over the porch windows. I looked up and saw that the second floor deck had no railing left and was probably not being used anymore. I climbed out of the car and thought it looked alien now that it officially wasn’t ours anymore, even though we had owned it for twenty five years.

I felt a bit intrusive approaching it, as if it would rebuff me like a scorned lover, but my feet carried me to the pavement in front. I looked down.

“Julius ‘77”

I remembered the white hot sky and the shadow of Mike falling over me as I bent down and carved the words into the fresh cement with a broken clam shell. He then patted me on the shoulder and his brown lips pulled back into a smile, and we trotted off to the beach. Again.

I turned around and looked to where Michael’s house used to be. Where was he now? Where was his sister, Kelly, who had given me my very first real kiss one warm night?

It seemed back then, during the slow, wide open days of summer, there were only a handful of things to do with our time: go swimming, go fishing, hit the boards. Each left lasting memories.

I walked around the side, into another dry, empty lot mottled with scratchy weeds that brushed against my legs. I tried to look up into my old bedroom window but could see only the drab, white ceiling. I remembered the wallpaper that was a tight pattern of red flowers. In fact, all four bedrooms that made up the second floor of the house all had the same wallpaper but in different colors: red, blue, yellow and orange. It made it easier to tell one from the other. All were the same shape as well, with one twin bed, a closet and a rickety bureau or dresser. Perfect.

“I got the orange room!” a visiting friend might say, claiming the only room with a door to the upstairs porch.

“I call yellow!”

“Red room!”

Blue was always my grandmother’s room. When we didn’t have guests over I would glide from room to room like the richest person in the world, sleeping in whatever color room matched my mood at the time.

I craned my neck and saw a man moving some boards in the backyard. He hadn’t noticed me yet and I hesitated. I didn’t recognize him but that meant nothing, I hardly recognized anything in the neighborhood anymore. I walked over, unsure of what to say.

“Um, hi,” I said in a low, safe voice.

He looked at me through thick lenses, under the shadow of his worn baseball cap. The light revealed soft cheeks and he wore his buttoned shirt open to show a strong body that had been darkened by many hours under the sun.

“Hi,” he answered with a bit of caution and then, turning his back, placed the armful of wood onto a growing pile. I hadn’t seen the backyard in years, twelve to be exact, and I paused, letting more memories drift through the open window of my thoughts. He turned back to me and brought me back from visions of the swing set that used to be there and my mom standing at the top of the stairs watching me and smiling.

“I, uh,” I started. I wasn’t sure how to say anything without sounding a little crazy. Why was I here? What did I expect to gain or see? “I, um, I used to live here,” I finally blurted.

He went away again, now for his tool box and began rooting through it. “You don’t say,” he said, rather dismissively. “Tell ya what, I’ll let the owner know and if you want, you can live here again.”

He obviously thought I was a loon, wandering through old, decrepit neighborhoods, like a lost ghost, looking for houses that I could connect myself to, someone who had no identity. I thought to walk away but didn’t.

“No, I mean my family used to own this house,” I said a little more solidly. It felt good to get it out and it added a bit of authority to my words. I relaxed despite myself and put my hands against the gate that kept me and the rest of the world out.

The man walked up with a curious look in his eyes, which I now saw blended quite a bit of intelligence with the initial caution. In the eyes, the curve of the mouth, the broadness of his brow when he removed his cap, his face became warmer. The shadowed face I first saw was a costume.

He said nothing, so I continued. “Yeah, we owned this place for, oh, God, twenty five years.” I looked into the yard again and saw that he had been working on building a new back staircase. Fresh, bright wood climbed up to the door in the back of the house. It might have been the only building going on in the Inlet in the last twenty years. Things never got built here anymore, only torn down.

“No doubt, she’s a beauty,” he agreed. “This is my favorite house to work on, bar none.” He introduced himself as Justin and I liked the way he talked. “And I’ve worked on a lot of houses, my friend.”

I used my words to take him through the house, up the front stairs, through the L-shaped porch, into the living room with all that dark wood. I was still trying to prove to him that I still carried a piece of the house with me.

“Man, I think I could still go through it blind-folded and not hit a thing, you know?” I said.

He smiled and nodded and then went back to his tool box. I took another sweep of the place with my eyes and remembered the voices, the laughter and crying that had been done in there. I felt that those voices were still there, absorbed into the rich wood, like a new stain. I imagined the house releasing them when it was lonely.

Justin came back with a set of keys and held them up to me. “You want to take a walk back inside?”

I wanted to say yes but I stopped, looking stupid with my mouth open. I had been wondering about the house for years; what had changed, who was in here now, but when it got down to it, did I really want to find out?

“C’mon,” he said, waving me around the gate, “it’ll probably do you good.”

I argued no more and went up the front steps and took another look at my mark on the steps, using it as a mental key to let me in the house. My family used to own this place, there’s my name. I belong here.

He opened the front door and without waiting, I entered the somber, shadowed porch. It seemed naked without the furniture I was accustomed to: the round, fake marble table that served as a wonderful place to play cards while the sun cut lines across the floor through the windows. There were always a couple of bikes leaning in the back, their tires ready for the early morning rides to the end of the boardwalk.

I went into the living room, which I always picture in my head as being dark, and see a set of eyes staring back at me. A girl and a boy, probably in their early twenties, are sitting on a sofa and each is cradling a laptop. They smile pleasantly and Justin tells me that they are working in one of the casinos and he introduces me to them. We shake hands quietly and they go back to their blue screens and it lights up their faces in the dark-wood paneled room.

I see that the fireplace is still there, still unlit and the mantle above, made from rich, blackish wood, is empty. My mother used to make small clay figures and display them on it. They were quite good.

There are stairs leading up to the second floor but I turn to the kitchen and dining room. A door stands where there used to be an unobstructed view, clear through to the back of the house, right out the rear windows. The door darkens the house and I am amazed that such a small thing can have such power.

I turn to Justin, puzzled and quiet, as if I hadn’t authorized it, and he says, “They made that into a bedroom.” I nod slowly and we move over to the kitchen.

It hasn’t changed. The only thing missing is the large wooden kitchen table and I wonder whatever happened to it. My cousin and I once sat there, drinking glass after glass of water under the supervision of my mother and Aunt because we had eaten a whole bottle of Flintstones vitamins. How could we resist? They were so colorful and tasty!

I notice that the refrigerator is different, no longer a boxy olive green, it is now updated. The counters and cabinets, even the linoleum has remained the same and that both comforts and pulls at me at the same time. I walk out to the rear room, just off the kitchen, where we use to keep the heavy door open by using a concrete statue of a small cat that we bought at one of the farmers markets along route 30. Its tail was broken.

The light still brightens this room and it feels familiar as if I can see out the back window and look down on my yard, before it was cemented in, when it had grass and vines that climbed up the back wall. When I was very young I once walked out and there were hundreds of dragonflies humming among the flowers. Forever I wondered if it was a dream or not.

We walked back through the kitchen and out to where the blue glowing faces of the young casino workers are. They seemed to hover above the worn sofa that they are sitting on. As they watch us ascend the stairs I remembered I often leaped off them. One day I set up my lime green beanbag chair at the bottom and aimed myself well enough to land in it perfectly. It burst instantly, with a loud pop, and sprayed tiny, broom-shy pellets across the whole room. It took forever to clean up.

We reached the second floor and all the doors to the bedrooms were closed. I looked down to the floor and the same scuffed white floor was beneath my feet. I wanted to take off my shoes and feel the specks of sand that I knew were there. The same grains that I would rub off my feet every night before I climbed into bed. I would then curl up near the bedside lamp and read until I could not longer say awake.

I was glad that the four doors were closed. It allowed me to remember the rooms as they were, letting me keep something. We climbed the stairs to the top floor, where my parent’s room was. A lot of work was being done, with sawdust on the floor and exposed studs behind the crumbling drywall. It looked small to me, even without a queen size bed, end tables and a long dresser. I pulled out my cell phone and dialed my mother.

“Hey mom,” I said, as casually as possible.

“Hey,” she said. The television was on in the background. I looked out the front window and saw a gull swoop in the distance.

“Guess where I am?” She knew I was going to drive to the old neighborhood but that was all she knew.

“Where?”

“In your old bedroom,” I said. There was silence from her. I heard CNN blaring on the set. I could picture her reaching for the remote and lowering the volume.

“On Seaside?”

“Yep,” I said.

“How is it?” She asked, her voice trembling a bit. She, like everyone in our family, adored the house. Selling it was like losing a member of the family.

“Tired looking, but she’s still here. Some things are different and some aren’t.”

We laughed over a couple of stores and then I said that I would see her soon and hung up. Justin let me wander a bit more and then we went downstairs. I stopped at the top step and looked at the back of the door. There, still on the old wood, was a large, ripped batman sticker that I had put there many, many years ago. I grinned and pointed it out to Justin, who smiled also.

“You did that?”

“Yeah,” I said, almost whispering. “My dad had bought me a whole page of super hero stickers; Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, The Flash and I went around the house and put a sticker on every door in the house. I caught real hell for it and tried to pull this one off but…no luck.” I touched my hand to the sticker before we went down to the living room.

Justin and I talked out in the backyard for a while. He sawed as we both recalled the Atlantic City we remembered and it occurred to me that everyone’s Atlantic City was the best; mine, Justin’s, my mom’s, who worked here as a waitress before I was even born. Everybody older than you always says, “Yeah, but you should have seen Atlantic City back then!” and they are all right. Maybe it never really existed in the present, who knows?

I spent every one of my young summer days here and while under the blaze of the sun or riding waves into the beach, maybe even I sensed that the city was in trouble. It was in the very air. It was in the wood of the Boardwalk and the sand. I don’t know how I could have missed it because it was in the black windows of the old hotels, standing like quiet giants along the shore. Maybe I chose not to let it bother me. Maybe I thought everything would always stay the same.

I was born here and the very first place I called home was right down the street, in the Vermont Apartments. They’re gone now, too. I’ve tried to look up Mike but have had no luck. Mike Ellis is a pretty common name.

As I said goodbye to Justin we both sensed that a hug was in order and it felt natural. I walked back out of the yard and, after thanking him and saying I’d be back, I climbed back into my car and back into 2006.

I drove back through the neighborhood and I couldn’t shake that sense of the house being smaller than I remembered but I later figured that that it was probably because of all the memories I had carried inside with me." Edit Entry

Submitted by Pat McHale Rogers from Virginia Beach,VA. Entered on October 29, 2006
"I remember getting my social security card in that ofc above Segals. I didn't lie then, but did lie to get into the Girl Scouts when I was 10. You had to be 11. I remember standing there taking the oath...'on my honor I will try'..etc and I was lying thru my teeth. Well a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, right? Does anyone remember getting a bicycle license. Why did we have to do that? This would have been in the late 40s or early 50s. I remember the clerk told me "you Catholics have too many names....I was Mary Patricia Ann McHale so then and there I dropped Mary and Ann and hated that man ever since. Well, I didn't hate him, but I don't have fond memories of him. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Martin Lizerbram MD from San Diego, CA. Martin's Web Page Entered on October 22, 2006
"It's gratifying that this site still continues. I was on it last time several years ago. Amazing the memories that this town evokes in people. I was a busboy at the 500 Club the summers of 1956-59. Saw all the performances. I interned in AC Hospital 1965-66 and am now a retired physician, living in the San Diego area since 1969. As an avid gardner, I am remembering the pristine and beautiful, manicured turf and gardens all around the Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel, and the garden in front of the Chelsea Hotel with it's lily pond, all facing the boardwalk. The 100th AC Anniversary celebration in 1955 had the park in front of the Claridge Hotel cultivated magnificently with concentric circles of Cannas, Geraniums, and Dusty Millers, and Ageratum. The Fountain was refurbished with it's beautiful colored changing lights, pre-computer era by far. There was also the 75th Anniversary of Edison's invention of the light bulb, with the same park magnificently manicured and full of flowers. The "Bridge" from the boardwalk to the Marlborough -Blenheim was lined with urns of flowers. The AC High School's grounds were also exquisitely manicured, with the most magnificent Hydrangeas that I ever remembered having seen. In fact, there was a drive which was sign guided, past the homes in lower AC, Ventnor, Margate and Longport with homes displaying the best Hydrangeas. This was the "Hydrangea Trail" drive. Two other magnificent gardens were hhe Gimbel Mansion and the Flamingo mansion on Paific Avenue around Stenton Place and Brighton Avenue, in 1951-53. These gardens are imprinted in my mind.There was something about how the flowers and grass grew lushly in the sandy soil, and the expert gareners who tended them. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Eddie Lischin from Boardwalk West. Entered on October 22, 2006
"Thanks for the kind words about my entries , Joe from Pa. 1977. You experienced the "Last Days of the Golden Age in the South Inlet". Indeed Sylvia Lischin (born Sylvia Blum)was my mother and Jeryl Blum was my cousin. My mom worked in Blum's for over 30 years. She was an angel of a person. Many in the neighborhood came just to tell my mom the troubles they were having in their lives. She had an open heart and always listened attentively to them. Jeryl Blum was Sheldon Blum's daughter. You mentioned the drowning at Seaside Ave beach. Jack Lischin was my brother. He swam every day and so it was quite surprising they found him washed up there. Blum's was truly an Atlantic City landmark. I worked there in my younger years doing everything from selling at the cash register, unloading the van, stocking the shelves and delivering to customers. I have so many rich memories of my childhood in the South Inlet. It was a neighborhood with colorful characters and a rich history...... I often watch the Louis Malle movie "Atlantic City" starring an aging Burt Lancaster and a younger Susan Sarandon. I can remember delivering to the Vermont Apartments (Burt and Susan's residence in the movie). In the scene where they come out of the apartment building and onto the boardwalk, I can catch a glimpse of 231 Oriental; the big brown 4 story building which housed Blum's on the bottom floor. Many a morning, someone would climb the steps to the second floor, where we lived and beg us to open the store so they could get their morning danish pastry or bread from Ginsburg's Bakery..... There are many many memories and one day I hope I can put them all down in print and share them with everybody. Here are just a few. 1) the Merion Hotel fire at Oriental and Vermont Aves. 2) the many times we had to sandbag the entrance to Blum's for fear of flooding in a hurricane or high tide 3) the Astor Theatre (14 cents admission) 4) Sarkee's Soda Fountain (adjacent to the Astor and just two doors down from Lischin Bros Meat Market) 5) The Jewish Community Center on Virginia Ave 6) Kerstetter's Ice Cream Parlor on States Ave 7) Playing Little League ball on Capt Starn's team with mailman Hank MacDonald as manager. I can still remember the starting line-up on our championship team.......Film at 11:00. Thanks for all the entries and keep those cards and letters coming in!!!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Bob Lamoreaux from Camp Hill, PA. Entered on October 21, 2006
"Thanks for the replies to my "memories"! It was NOT a destroyer, just my brain thinking it was! Must have been the LST, but I have only a hazy memory of it, mainly the "ladders". Foggy on the streets in AC, excepting the Pacific Ave. area around Kentucky Ave. (Used to live at 1515 Pacific.) Remember when a fabulous Italian resturant moved in at ground-level at what must have been 1517-1519 Pacific. The kitchen aromas were wonderful. First moved to AC in about '52 or '53 and stayed with my Grandmother in her apt. in the Emmanuel Apts. at the corner of Kentucky and Pacific (now a parking lot?). Moved to 1515 about 3 months later. Both these apartments had "Murphy beds" -- remember those? Also a fabulous sub shop on Kentucky Ave. between Pacific and the Boardwalk. Was greatly disappointed at the loss of the Taylor Pork Roll place on the Boards! (Said that in an old post, but as you can see by my mixing up an LST with a DD, the old memory just ain't what it was -- if it ever was!)." Edit Entry

Submitted by PatMcHaleRogers from Virginia Beach,VA. Entered on October 6, 2006
"Bob: I remember a big LST that visited Capt Starns in the early 50s. It was quite a thrill to walk around the ship. I also remember climbing those steep ladders...in those days I wore dungarees now called Jeans. The sailors were all so 'cute' at least to us 11 yr old girls. That was before I got my job in the ice cream stand. Good memories." Edit Entry

Submitted by Bob Lamoreaux from Camp Hill, PA. Entered on October 5, 2006
"Two memories from the mid-1950s: There was a railroad convention with alot of "train" equipment (engines, etc) at the old railroad station and the public was invited to climb around on these "toys for big boys". At about 10 or 11 years of age, I was mightily impressed. On one Armed Forces Day in the mid-'50s, the Navy sent a destroyer or a destroyer escort that tied up at Cap't. Starns' and had an "open house". As I recall, the sailors had a great deal of fun watching females climb ladders (steep stairs) wearing skirts! The smart women wore pants or shorts. Come to think of it, I'm not sure women's slacks were popular in those days! Anyone remember either of these events?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Bob Lamoreaux from Camp Hill, PA. Entered on October 5, 2006
"Two memories from the mid-1950s: There was a railroad convention with alot of "train" equipment (engines, etc) at the old railroad station and the public was invited to climb around on these "toys for big boys". At about 10 or 11 years of age, I was mightily impressed. On one Armed Forces Day in the mid-'50s, the Navy sent a destroyer or a destroyer escort that tied up at Cap't. Starns' and had an "open house". As I recall, the sailors had a great deal of fun watching females climb ladders (steep stairs) wearing skirts! The smart women wore pants or shorts. Come to think of it, I'm not sure women's slacks were popular in those days! Anyone remember either of these events?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Sondra from Florida. Entered on September 27, 2006
"More from "The New Jersey Shore," for those interested in the history of my beloved hometown- A.C. "Atlantic City takes credit for inventing the boardwalk, citing Alex Boardman, railroad conductor, and Jacob Klein, hotel keeper, as the discoverers. It seems that Boardman didn't care for sand in his cars, any more than Klein liked sand on his hotel carpets--so the pair persuaded the city to lay a plank walk on the sand in 1870. Atlantic City's rise dates from the first boardwalk, and to this day ( this book was published in 1958 ) Atlantic City's charm centers around that wooden pathway. There is nothing like it on the face of the earth, and-even though shops may be featuring the latest fads and 'walk theaters may be showing the latest Hollywood smashes--The Boardwalk's appeals are old, old stuff. Take the amusement piers which have stretched out over the ocean since 1882; the newest of the lot came into being in 1913. None is as much a magnet as the great Steel Pier, with its incredible variety of amusement, but that dates all the way back to 1898. Possibly no single amusement enterprise in any corner of the globe has been so widely advertised as the Steel Pier; probably no other single spot has featured as many different stars of show business." *** We ( a group of neighborhood kids from the Inlet ) went to the Steel Pier at least once a week during the summers of the 1950's and 1960's. Sometimes the admission was 25 cents ( Elsie Mornings-- also you could win a free bike ); we usually stayed until the early evening. What a wonderful time we had--2 movies ( at the Music Hall and Casino theaters ) , stage show, Tony Grant's Children's Theater, the Diving Circus Show ( including the Diving Collegians, who were so talented and funny) , the Diving Horse, funhouses, Diving Bell, all sorts of exhibits, etc. During my high school summers, we had great times at the Grady and Hurst Record Hop in the Ballroom. I will always treasure my special memories of Atlantic City!!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Kate from Mass.. Entered on September 24, 2006
"Just to counter the bores let me tell you about my last trip to AC. I picked up by car, a friend, at the train station. She arrived in Philly from Fla., at the airport and trained down. She reported it was a great, smooth trip. We dropped bags and headed to the beach. We hadn't seen each other for 14 years, so we had a great catch up session. What a great place to do that. We grew up in Ventnor. We had dinner at the Flying Cloud and watched the finish of the Yates Swim--great fun and memories. We had lunch at Sacco's with another old school chum. Great food and more laughs and memories. We went to Mass at St. James and toured the school and went to a reunion at Maynards. ALL, great fun and we created a lot of new memories. Fireworks finished the weekend off. Not at all boring! Unlike our site invaders. ;~) " Edit Entry

Submitted by Alan"Woody"Woodin from 125 Medinah ave. Entered on September 17, 2006
"My fondest memories were leaving Phila at the end of school in June & living at the inlet(Seaside Ave) all summer. Then it was off to my job as head usher on the Steel Pier. Working with all the stars during the late 50's was the best. Today I am a retired school administrator & have a motion picture business. The audiences love my stories about the old days in Atlantic City." Edit Entry

Submitted by Sondra from Florida. Entered on September 16, 2006
" I found an interesting book titled "The New Jersey Shore" by John Cunningham, Rutgers University Press 1958. I hope others who were raised in A.C. or have wonderful memories of A.C. will enjoy this information. ( This is the beginning of Chapter 8. ) "Call it a sand patch, a desolation, a mosquito territory, but do not talk to me about a city. You could not build a city there in the first place. And, if you could, you could not get anyone to go there." Logic touched these words spoken in 1854 by a good, hardheaded Philadelphia businessman approached by promoters who schemed to build a "city by the sea." They proposed to call it "Atlantic City" or some such name- and they sought to induce the Philadelphian to invest $17.50 per acre of sand on a barren island. Laugh not in hindsight as that careful gentleman from Philadelphia-he merely tried to be logical about Atlantic City. The surest way to be confounded by Atlantic City always has been to try to view it as something logical, something to fit the ordinary pattern of things. Imagine a city on a sandbar four miles at sea, where nothing can be grown and no fresh water is naturally available. Imagine skyscraper hotels built on sand, amusement piers jutting into the ocean nearly a half mile, boards spread over a million square feet- and all of these where there is no steel, no lumber, no clay. Imagine a city with 60,000 year-around residents in the most unlikely spot for a city. That's Atlantic City!" Edit Entry

Submitted by joe from pa.. joe's Web Page Entered on September 6, 2006
"My first summer in Atlantic City was 1954. To me it was always the greatest place on earth.I returned every summer until 1977 when I purchased a brick duplex at Maine and Melrose in the Inlet and became a year-round resident.Needless to say the house at Maine and Melrose is gone and I no longer live in Atlantic City. Memory Lane keeps me "in touch" with a world that has all but disappeared. Keep up all the good memories. " Edit Entry

Submitted by joe from pa.. joe's Web Page Entered on September 6, 2006
"My first summer in Atlantic City was 1954. To me it was always the greatest place on earth.I returned every summer until 1977 when I purchased a brick duplex at Maine and Melrose in the Inlet and became a year-round resident.Needless to say the house at Maine and Melrose is gone and I no longer live in Atlantic City. Memory Lane keeps me "in touch" with a world that has all but disappeared. Keep up all the good memories. " Edit Entry

Submitted by joe from pa.. joe's Web Page Entered on September 6, 2006
"My first summer in Atlantic City was 1954. To me it was always the greatest place on earth.I returned every summer until 1977 when I purchased a brick duplex at Maine and Melrose in the Inlet and became a year-round resident.Needless to say the house at Maine and Melrose is gone and I no longer live in Atlantic City. Memory Lane keeps me "in touch" with a world that has all but disappeared. Keep up all the good memories. " Edit Entry

Submitted by joe from pa.. joe's Web Page Entered on September 6, 2006
"My first summer in Atlantic City was 1954. To me it was always the greatest place on earth.I returned every summer until 1977 when I purchased a brick duplex at Maine and Melrose in the Inlet and became a year-round resident.Needless to say the house at Maine and Melrose is gone and I no longer live in Atlantic City. Memory Lane keeps me "in touch" with a world that has all but disappeared. Keep up all the good memories. " Edit Entry

Submitted by joe from pa.. joe's Web Page Entered on September 6, 2006
"My first summer in Atlantic City was 1954. To me it was always the greatest place on earth.I returned every summer until 1977 when I purchased a brick duplex at Maine and Melrose in the Inlet and became a year-round resident.Needless to say the house at Maine and Melrose is gone and I no longer live in Atlantic City. Memory Lane keeps me "in touch" with a world that has all but disappeared. Keep up all the good memories. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Felice Lohren Horacek from Palm Harbor, Florida. Entered on September 6, 2006
"What memories I have of the Steel Pier in the thirties!! We would arrive when the pier opened and remain until it closed, enjoying three molvies, Vaudeville, Minstrels, Water Circus, Dancing in the beautiful ballroom and all the other extras. We would bring lunch AND dinner with us. And all of this for just 25 cents." Edit Entry

Submitted by Ken from Springfield, NJ. Entered on September 5, 2006
"I just read that Julius. I feel very sad about it, even though like you I feel that the Pier has not been what it once was for many years now. I had always hoped that the city would try to become more family friendly, but apparently that's not going to happen. I even wrote to Donald Trump some years ago suggesting that he try to restore the Pier to its former glory. Of course I never got an answer. Like most of us, I have a lot of great memories of the Pier. Maybe people can share some of their memories here." Edit Entry

Submitted by Julius from Philly. Entered on September 5, 2006
"A sad day, indeed, folks...In the Philadelphia Inquirer today there was an aticle saying that there are plans to raze Steel Pier and put a hotel or condo there...what was trying to pass as "Steel Pier" these past few years ill no longer be...maybe it's for the best...it was kinda like watching your best friend on life support... Love ya Steel...thanks for the memories... Julius" Edit Entry

Submitted by Marty Hyman from Philly, Pa. Entered on August 29, 2006
"Eddie, I used to go every week to cowboy mornings at the Steel Pier. First we sat in the front row of the Music Hall theater and saw a cowboy movie followed by a prize drawing .(i once won a pack of Mickey Mouse cards). Then we saw the regular feature followed by the stage show. {that's why we suffered in the first row. Then it was on to either Tony Grants Stars of Tomorrow or the water circus. Of course don't forget the smelly but wonderfull Fun House down stairs. There are more memories that I can list here. Does anyone have any photos of the old Steel Pier other that the website? " Edit Entry

Submitted by Eddie from California. Entered on August 28, 2006
""Cowboy Morning" at the Steel Pier was the greatest entertainment value ever . To the best of my knowledge it cost us 35 cents with an "Elsie's the Cow" coupon marketed by Borden's. Blum's always had alot of them and I was well connected. I can remember the lunch area . It was just between the Casino Theatre and the Music Hall on the Virginia Ave side of "The Pier". It was on the second floor and provided a great view of the Virginia Ave break and we could see all the way down to Garden Pier. The "Class of '64" had their class party in the Music hall. There are piers all over the world but there will never be another Steel Pier. My memories remain, albeit bit hazier now, but reading your AC experiences helps jog my memory a bit. Thanks." Edit Entry

Submitted by Julius from Philly. Entered on August 22, 2006
"Hi everyone! Does anyone have any memories of Million Dollar Pier, specifically in the 1970s? Doing some research and would love to talk to someone who worked the pier around then, or at least has memories. Thanks! Julius" Edit Entry

Submitted by Stanley Slome from Granada Hills, California. Entered on August 14, 2006
"I remember national lifeboat competitions in Atlantic City in the 1930s and into the early 1940s (if memory holds true). I believe I saw once entries from Jones Beach (New York), Miami Beach, Asbury Park and even Manhattan Beach, California. The competition started from the North Carolina Avenue lifeguard stand with boats lined up virtually to Central Pier. Question: Are there any oldtimers with similar memories who can provide extra details and when did the competition end?" Edit Entry

Submitted by An American from Northfield, NJ. Entered on July 21, 2006
"What the heck is this????Get off of our AC Memories site. You have ruined it. Go back to your own countries. I don't care if its the Ukraine or Russia or London or what!!!!!!!!Get out of here!!!!! You G--damn forieners. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Marlene from . Entered on July 20, 2006
"What is all this crap thats on our Atlantic City Memories site from china and Korea. We had a good site here where we could talk about the good old days in AC. I WANT IT BACK!!!!!!! Get off of here and find your own spot." Edit Entry

Submitted by Julius from Philadelphia, PA. Entered on July 18, 2006
"Hey everyone! I was in Atlantic City this past week (Tuesday) to take some pictures of the Inlet (research for my novel), and was driving and walking around the old neighborhood. I walked on the beach and down Seaside and New Hampshire. My house is the light blue house on Barry Rich's webpage. We had sold it back in '94 and I had not set foot inside since then. I spotted a man working in the back yard of our house.He was building a new set of stairs on the back and the two of us got to talking, his name was Justin and he invited me in for a walkthrough. I hesitated only for a second before saying yes. I wasn't sure how I would feel but felt I needed to do this, especially since I'm writing a novel based on a lot of memories of our house. She looked pretty good, though a little weary. The porch is the same as I remembered it as was the living room with it's dark wood and fireplace. The kitchen hasn't changed at all...same cabinets and lazy susan and same mudroom leading out to the backyard. I couldn't get to the dining room or the little back room there because it is now a bedroom and they put a door up there. Also couldn't get to the basement because they are renting it out. Wonder if they are swinging from the ceiling pipes like I did? The second floor and the white and black flooring that was part of it is still is there as is the bathroom on the landing, but couldn't get into the four bedrooms because they are all in use. Maybe that was for the better because I might have broken down if I saw my old bedroom again...couldn't get an answer whether the wallpaper was changed but that was fine...I'll remember it as clearly and colorfully as it was when I was younger. The third floor still has the two bedrooms and bathroom and that was where I called mom from on my cell...from her old bedroom. She was stunned and sounded as if she was about to cry. I couldn't believe that I spent every summer of my life in this very house...until, when going back downstairs, I saw the half-ripped batman sticker on the door. I had put there when I was seven or eight years old, so, it seems that I had indeed left an indelible footprint in this place. I've always believed that certain places can carry memories just like people do and I know that, deep within the walls and empty rooms of that beautiful house, my family's voices and laughter are still echoing. When I left the house, it was with the feeling that 211 Seaside seemed smaller to me that I remembered. That was probably because of all the memories I was carrying back inside. Julius" Edit Entry

Submitted by kate from Mass.. Entered on May 17, 2006
"Thanks Jeff, As I have written before I was young and it was my first concert. SO I have very muddy memories of it. Probably my first contact high. SO, who did I see besides Santana? Do you have any recollection of the lineup order? I had no idea it was a whole weekend of music. I suppose I knew it then. Ya know what they say, if you remember it, then you weren't there! " Edit Entry

Submitted by JANICE L. COOPER (OGDEN) from A.C Inlet, Back In The Real Day.... Entered on May 14, 2006
"The Inlet, in the 60's. can be described in 1 word, "MAGIC"!!! Way too many memories to mention, but I do have to mention "Pat's Sub Shop"! Capt. Starn's! Hackney's! Carson's!"Calm Beach"! The "Jetty"..." Edit Entry

Submitted by alan woodin from mays landing n.j.. Entered on May 11, 2006
"The best years, summertime on Seaside ave in the mid 50's. I was the head usher on Steel Pier. The memories of the kids from the inlet will last forever. I would love to hear from you. Alan"Woody"Woodin" Edit Entry

Submitted by Steve Conover from Baltimore, MD. Entered on April 21, 2006
"Mary Bollinger...My Father, Capt. Bill Conover was the owner and Capt. of the Sea Spirit II out of Capt. Starn's. I remember all of your family very fondly. My Dad is 91 years old and is residing in Meadowview Nursing Home in Northfield. I know that he would appreciate any of you folks that remember him and the good times we experienced in A.C. visiting him. He is in room 257. I share in all the memories of our youth in a city that continues to provide good thoughts. Steve Conover" Edit Entry

Submitted by Jo-Ann Kalish from Florida. Entered on April 15, 2006
"Myself and my best friend would also go every weekend to the club. This was a great place to hang out. I remember a group called the Side Kicks. The band members names were Harry, Randy, Zak and John. They sounded just like the Beatles. Another group was called Vengeance. They were the best, with John Murphy and Jeff Hersh. I use to work the lights and some time sell and make pizza there, What a great time. I also remember Garwood Mills I loved that store. It was a long trip for me. I lived in Duck Town,but I did spend my summers in the Inlet with my cousins. We would go to the calm beach to swim almost everyday. Do you remember that there was a summer kids camp that would meet on that beach? Wow what great Memories. I love this web site don't you? Keep posting. Jo-Ann " Edit Entry

Submitted by Mary Bollinger from Atlantic City, NJ. Entered on April 15, 2006
"I just wanted to add a few of my own memories of Captain Starns. My father worked as a carpenter there for many years - maybe 1955 - 1965 (I'm not too sure I know he was there through the March storm in 1962 and sometime thereafter). My brother Butch worked as a steward in the restaurant but prior to that he worked in the packing house opening clams and oysters and then feeding them into the grinding machine (he lost a finger on that job). My brother Bill worked outside of the packing house during the summer, opening shellfish to entertain the tourists. I would go and visit him and he would let me help open clams (I was probably about 8 years old then), the tourists were just "amazed" by my ability. We lived just two blocks away on Stroudsburg Ave, a small street just across from Garwood Mills (anyone remember that?), perpendicular to New Hampshire Ave. I remember the whale bone and the huge clam shell. My first job was selling chopped up fish to the tourists to feed to the Sea Lions! We had a family friend who had a deep sea fishing boat "The Sea Spirit" that worked out of Captain Starns pier and over the years almost everyone in my family spent at least one summer as first mate on that boat. There was just so much to do and so much fun growing up in the inlet! We fished at the end of Captain Starns pier and at the sea wall. We went to the beach every day as soon as the warm temperature would allow us, we rode our bikes everywhere and just had a great time. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Jo-Ann Kalish from Florida. Entered on April 10, 2006
"Oh yes, I sure do remember that candy store. Every year my husband has to hear the same story about how great, that candy store was. I have the hardest time trying to find coconut eggs that come close to them. Just the other day I thought that I found a place on the web. They had one pound dark chocolate coconut eggs { hand made } looked great. I ordered three. They were good but not like the ones from when I was a kid. I do not remember the name of the store but I think the photo shop next door was called Mike & Saul or was that the candy store ? Do you also remember the little yellow chicks under the lights in the window. I bought two of them as soon as I moved out on my own as a young dumb adult. Within weeks they had gotten so big that I had to take them in the middle of the night and drop them off in the pound at Smithville. I am so happy to know that others have the same memories as I do. Oh and about the names being put on the eggs. I was telling a friend of mine that lives here in Florida and she said " Oh your parents must have been rich" And I just laughed. That was just life in good old A. C. Thank for the memories Jo-Ann Kalish Bullock" Edit Entry

Submitted by Gloria Clauson Herring from Claymont, Delaware. Entered on March 23, 2006
"This is for everyone who mentioned Miss North, the kindergarten teacher at Texas Ave School. How well I remember her! I still have a picture of our whole class (1936-37) standing on the stage with Miss North. I lived on Atlantic Ave across from the Lyric Theater when I was growing up so it was just a short walk around the corner for me to go to school. Do all you Texans remember Miss Rosenberg, Miss Cordery, Miss Burachio, Miss Dillon, Miss Steelman and Miss Krepper? They were all terrific teachers. My sister Selma had kept in touch with Bea Burachio thru the years and I had the pleasure of visiting her a few years before she passed away when she was in a nursing home near Washington, DC. Whenever I'm home and pass the school I start to sing the school song to myself. Yes, there was a school song! It started with "Now let's sing for Texas and the old red and blue... I won't bore you with the rest. Also, I'd like to ask the Alianto writers if they are related to the family that had the grocery store on Florida and Atlantic back in those real old days. What great memories. I love reading this site and know most of the places everyone mentions. I was born and raised in Atlantic City and am full of nostalgia for the old days!!!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Lois Klempfner Kaness from Denver, CO. Entered on March 13, 2006
"Does anyone else out there have fond memories of Mrs. North, the kindergarten teacher at Texas Ave. School? I still remember the mock fireplace with nursery rhyme tiles and sitting in a circle around her as she read Snip, Snap and Snur stories. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Chris Collins from . Entered on March 5, 2006
"Trying to locate anyone who remembers the Tony Grant Stars of Tomorrow on the good old Steel Pier! The best memories are from my summers in Atlantic City." Edit Entry

Submitted by Kathy MacGregor from Mequon, WI. Kathy's Web Page Entered on February 22, 2006
"I used to go to the Inlet Social Club dances with some friends from the Inlet. I think it was in 1951 or 1952. After the dance we all went to Kerstetters for ice cream and to listen to the juke box. Lots of good memories. Thanks for reminding me." Edit Entry

Submitted by Eddie Lischin from Santa Cruz -Boardwalk West. Entered on February 16, 2006
"Bravo Pat...A wonderful entry. Thank you very much. It really brought back some great memories. The whale bone the lobster pools and the boats. . You must consider yourself lucky to have worked there. A simpler time for sure." Edit Entry

Submitted by Eddie Lischin from Santa Cruz -Boardwalk West. Entered on February 16, 2006
"To Pat McHale Rogers: I wonder if you would be so kind as to write more about Capt. Starn's? I remember it well. I used to play for the Captain Starn's little league team and we used to have our year end party and awards banquet there. I can even remember "The Captain" himself attending. I remember vividly a giant holding tank for lobsters on the wooded promenade outside the restaurant. I guess those things which scare us the most remain in our memories longest. I always thought how it would hurt to fall in there. I remember there were two separate sides to the promenade. Like the boardwalk itself, it was made of the same 2 by 4 wood pieces. There were always fishing boats docked along side loading or unloading or just waiting there for the next days early morning call to "go fishin". The seagulls were always in attendance looking for a "handout" of any kind. I remember a house in the parking lot that claimed you could defy gravity. I can't ever remember going inside but that was its claim. Can you tell me the name of this place? Please describe in your own words some of those things you remember about Captain Starn's......Thanks " Edit Entry

Submitted by Ken Beck from Miami Beach, Fl. Entered on February 10, 2006
"To Ratso, I almost forgot about that Deauville-West incident until you brought it up. The walk in was quite a shock to say the least. Leave it to you to remember the the GOOD times in old AC. Thanks for the Memories. Have you heard anything from Danny Jones?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Eddie Lischin from Santa Cruz, CA. Entered on February 9, 2006
"St. Michael's always brings back memories of that awesome year (1958) we had representing Atlantic City in the New Jersey State Biddy Basketball Tournament. Biddy basketball was for kids 12 years and younger and 5' 6" was the tallest allowable player. The baskets were only 8 feet in height and the court's dimensions were smaller than a regulation sized court. The team was a reflection of the community in that it was comprised of young Italian, Jewish and African American players. Shorty Sacco was the coach. The team so far as I can remember had myself, Norm Chazin, Ronnie Gabler, Eddie Goldstein and Joel Chudnow from the Old Jewish Community Center; Marty Wilson, George and Joe Bucci, Jimmy Rando, Joe Rich and Mike Pavasi from Saint Michaels and Bubby Walker, Bruce Weeks and Buzzy Greene Jr. from the Arctic Ave. YMCA. I may not be completely correct but this is what I can remember of it. We used to practice in the old St Mike's gym which was also the meeting room and auditorium. We went to Jersey City to compete and won our first three games and advanced to the finals against (you guessed it!) Jersey City and a player named Dennis DeFeo. We were robbed in the championship game by the officials and came home with 2nd place. There was a great disparity between first and second place because the champions went on to the national tourney to represent the great state of New Jersey. The runner-ups went home...... I thought the Rando's owned and operated the italian bakery next door. We used to drop by after practice to get some fresh bread. That was a great time in my life." Edit Entry

Submitted by Scott Pellegrino from Raritan, NJ. Entered on February 9, 2006
"Nothing but great memories growing up in Atlantic City. I can't tell you how many people I come across in my 41 years who respond, "you actually lived IN Atlantic City?". In reality, there was no place better. The people on the island made it a great place. I remember going to the boardwalk as a child with $5 and making it last at Million Dollar Pier. Having tee shirts made at the boardwalk shops. Chelsea Little League, the Atlantic City Hurricanes Youth Football, Chelsea Hockey League - all just tremendous memories. ACHS were four memorable years. St Michael's on Mississippi Ave, with Pannarellis bakery right next door, and the White House Sub Shop 1/2 a block away, can it get any better? My parents were born and raised in Atlantic City - I will always be proud of my family ties here. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Marlene from Northfield. Entered on February 4, 2006
"Norma, So sorry to hear of the death of your brother Bob Jones. He always had good memories to post here in AC Memories. We will miss him." Edit Entry

Submitted by Jack Albert from Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Entered on February 4, 2006
"I enjoy your posts Eddie Lischin and think that I knew you way back when. My grandfather had a parking lot and a little tailor shop that also sold toys on Vermont Ave in the middle of the block between Pacific and Oriental. I hung out with Jay and Susan Blum alot along with my brothers. We ate at Eddie's all the time and shopped at Blum's. Wasn't there a Sheldon Blum in the family too. I remember a guy named Pete, maybe an older fellow who worked at Blum's. My parents rented some space above Eddie's for a number of summers and also rented the Levine's place in the middle of that block. I remember a girl named Elenore who used to babysit for the Blums.I remember those back hiddden alleyways between Vermont and Seaside Aves and playing hide and go seek back in them or smoking cigs on the sly.I think that I remember someone named Ivan in your family, a cousin perhaps.You are a few years older than I but we may have hung out together a few times. I had a number of cousins who lived in the area during the summer, twins Marsha and Paula, about your age. I remember Louis, Puerto Rican boy on the block and Theresa a girl who always fought with my cousins. My grandparents used to eat at Reisman's kosher style restaurant a few doors down from Eddie's. I remember the great waffles and ice cream at Eddie's and rectangular block ice cream cones at Blums or sugar cones with jimmies. Anyway thanks for your memories. Regards, Jack Albert " Edit Entry

Submitted by Ronald Murray from High Point,N.C.. Entered on January 24, 2006
"I've noticed in reading a lot of the posts that it's hard for me to get a feeling for when some of the memories took place because no dates are mentioned.I'll try to give you dates of my fondest memories.I remember growing up in the Village(1948-1956),going to Indiana Ave.School and having Mrs Coleman as a teacher, in the early '50's.Played a lot of stick-ball in the schoolyard(and broke a few windows above the 1st floor).Is the school still there?And what about the firehouse that was across the street?----Ron" Edit Entry

Submitted by Ronald (Ron)Murray ACHS-1956 Yearbook Pg-90 from High Point,N.C.(The Triad) Greensboro & Winston-Sa. Entered on January 24, 2006
"Wow,what a site! I Googled Atlantic City and I'm home,virtually!!! I have been reading all of the posts and the memories of home are as if I just left last year. I was born in A.C. in 1938, lived in the Village( Stanley-Holmes) on Drexel Pl and No.Illinois Ave until I graduated in 1956. I read in some of the posts that ACHS,Class of 1956, will have a class reunion this year . I have not attended any of the renunions but would like to come this year. I will try to email Malcolm and let him know.----Ron " Edit Entry

Submitted by Sandy Conrad-Zoeller from Burlington, NJ. Sandy's Web Page Entered on January 22, 2006
"I cannot believe I found this site. I performed with the Murrettes and the Debutantes on Tony Grant's starting from 1969 for 7 years. I remember Mr. and Mrs. Casper, he even got me one time with that paddle of his. They were the kindest people ever. I had such a crush on Steve Kay. There was always this baton twirler there, I think her name was Judy. One time my father opened our door and she had put string or tape of some kind all acrossed it so he had to crawl out. My mother was handicapped and we always got the same room on the first floor. The funny this is, my father liked a harder bed, so I think the second year he brought his own piece of plywood and put in under the mattress. Every year, he would look and it would still be there. I eventually got involved with Lucille Russo at the Garden Pier. In 1978, I was Miss Garden Pier, Kathy Chapman was Miss Boardwalk Star Review. The Mayor Joseph Lazarow present the trophy to me. I remember Lisa Zompa, Tom Sawyer, the Dewitt Delights, The Chapman sisters, Karen and Kathleen McNight, Debby Costa, Kevin and Brenda Berdini, Doreen Donovan and Kathy Donovan, Terri Dent and a whole slew of others that the names are just not coming to me right now. I remember being in the Miss America Parade with Aunt Lucy's float. My dog Toto was even in it one time when it was a circus theme. The year I was Miss Garden Pier it had rained, my gown was soaked. But I still kept on smiling and waving. Thank you so much for the memories." Edit Entry

Submitted by JERRY ROSEN from LOS ANGELES,CALIF. Entered on January 11, 2006
"I CAN RELATE TO ALL THE RECENT MEMORIES BECAUSE I GREW UP IN THE INLET...I GRADUATED FROM ACHS IN 1956 AND I REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING ALL OF YOU AT OUR 50TH REUNION AT THE TAJ MAHAL ON SEPT 16TH...I WILL BE STAYING IN A SUITE AT THE BORGATA AND EXTEND AN OPEN INVITATION TO ALL MY FELLOW GRADS TO COME TO OUR HOTEL ANY TIME FOR SOME REFRESMENTS AND ADDITIONAL MEMORIES...PLEASE E-MAIL ME AND LETS GET START CHATTING ABOUT OUR EXPERIENCES "BACK IN THE DAY". MY CURRENT E-MAIL IS JEROSEN@SOCAL.RR.COM...." Edit Entry

Submitted by Notashooby from Northfield. Entered on January 11, 2006
"Todays Press story on the murder of Sonny Burke brought back a lot of memories from the 60's. He was a good guy and such a great loss. Where have the years gone? Does anyone remember his '54 Ford with the Lincoln engine? It had ABRAHAM GO'ER on the side of the front fender. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Barry Noonan from River Vale, NJ. Entered on December 30, 2005
"I remember childhood summers in the 1960's. I remember Captain Starns: Bike riding there in the early morning and having breakfast at their outdoor restaurant... Feeding the sea lions from the dock... Wearing a jacket & tie and standing in line to eat dinner at the indoor restaurant. I remember The Steel Pier: Seeing movies and concerts, from Frankie Laine (my parents' favorite) to doing the mouse on stage with Soupy Sales (I was 5.)... The diving horse and the clowns that put on an amazing show... The chicken that would dance in its cage after you put a nickel in the machine. (Thinking back, I believe a hot plate was involved and this would be viewed as cruelty to animals today.) I remember Mr. Peanut handing out coupons for free souvenirs... and not far away was the old man who played the kazoo outside Woolworth's on the boardwalk. I remember the restaurants: Junior's for lunch, with all of the clown pictures hanging on the walls... Carson's Triangle, where I had my first shrimp... Hackney's, where we wound up after Carson's closed down... Tony's Baltimore Grill, which I still visit today! I remember staying at Irv's on Pennsylvania Avenue. We would visit every year and Irv would treat you like family. I remember the days when you would walk underneath the boardwalk to get to the beach. Dad would take us there as early as 8 am and we'd spend the day. I remember the men selling ice cream on the beach and there were delicious Kohr's ice cream cones available on the boardwalk. Hey, I almost forgot about the Belgium Waffle stand where you could get waffles and ice cream with any topping you desired! There was also a shop that was set up like an an automat, that offered only soda, but any kind you could imagine. I miss the OLD Atlantic City, but today I still visit often and hope that my son will cherish his memories the way I do mine." Edit Entry

Submitted by Eddie Lischin from Santa Cruz. Entered on December 25, 2005
"Yes Dave, I can remember those days at the Virginia Ave JCC but perhaps not as well as you. I do remember all those things that "Uncle Sam" taught us.... "Its not who wins or loses but how you play the game that counts".. ..."If you don't have anything good to say , why say anything at all?". Such great advice, I still adhere to many of those.... Do you remember the oversized boxing gloves? Uncle Sam would break them out whenever there was a conflict brewing between two kids. He would take everybody into the handball court , strap the gloves on the combatants and let them punch themselves into submission. The gloves were so heavy and over padded that no one ever got hurt. I believe "Uncle Sam" guided more kids in a postive way than anybody I can think of during my life. He lived in the Soth Inlet of course in the apartment buliding on the corner of New Hapshire and Oriental Aves with his wife, Yetta if I am not mistaken........I can remember the JCC vividly. Ihad so many memories from that place. I can remember Mr Ross's Health(Sex) Education class, of course Joe's Pool Room with Ping Pong table room adjoining and the large auditorium on the second floor which housed many amateur acting plays and musical events. Eddie Goldstein's mom< Jean worked in the JCC office. Can anyone else jog my memory about some of the goings on at the "Old Center"?" Edit Entry

Submitted by kate from Mass.. Entered on December 22, 2005
"HI all, I am listening to old Beatles, Listen, do wa, do...She was just 17...Anna...Chains...I wanna hold your hand... And I thought of AC and Ventnor. If you have memories of those old Beatles that are connected with AC or vicinity, do share. FOR ME, it takes me back to the Ventnor Roller Rink. I remember the man who owned the place and there was a booth in which he had a turntable and I remember his reaction to playing those 45's. Previous to the Beatles, they played instrumental organ music to skate with. He wasn't into it, but ALL the kids were. I spent Sooo many hours in that place. Good times! Do share." Edit Entry

Submitted by Eddie Lischin from Santa Cruz. Entered on December 18, 2005
"I have been reading some of the entries. They should call this page "The Atlantic City of My Mind" because it doesn't exist anymore except in our minds and hearts. By reading other people's memories it helps to bring back some of my own which there are many. I was born in the South Inlet in Feb, 1946. One of my earliest memories was waking to my mother's pleading to get up out of bed and get out of the house. I looked out our bedroom window and all I could see was a wall of fire. It was the Merion Hotel fire just across from Blum's on the corner of Vermont and Oriental. I can't remember the exact year but I couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old. Eventually it was to be torn down because it was not restorable. It was like a ghost or skeleton of its former self. In future years it became a sandlot baseball field for the youth of the neighborhood. I was always amazed at how small the lot was to have housed such a big hotel. OK I am going to put out some names of places to see if they jog anybody's memories. Pat's Sub Shop(Atlantic between Vermont and New Hampshire), Gary's Restaurant( corner of Rhode Island and Oriental), Sarkie's Soda Place (next to the Astor Theater on Atlantic Aves between Connectuicut and New Jersey), The Picadilly Restaurant(on the corner of Pacific and Connecticut Aves). Pats was the very first place I ever gambled. He had one of those pinball machines with 30 holes in it, I believe. The display on the top of the machine (perpendicular) was like a bingo card actually many bingo cards. The object was to get at least three in a row to be awarded credits. Each credit was actually a nickel because once you earned enough credits you could cash it in to money. Gary's Restaurant was famous for "The Thing". It was a huge waffle covered with scoops and scoops of various flavored ice creams. The deal was , if you could finish one , by yourself, you didn't have to pay for it. Sarkie's was an old fashioned soda shop with the silver plated taps which dispensed seltzer water. he used to make a mean Vanilla 500. We used to stop there often because Lischin Bros meats was only two doors down and I often stopped in after visiting with my father. The Astor Theater was a great AC Inlet landmark. My earliest recollections was a .14 cent admission. The Picadilly restaurant was on the bottom floor of a hotel. I used to go there with Joe Goldstein amongst others. They had pizza comparable to Tony's which was only a short 5 minute walk away. They had one of those old bowling machines that used a hockey puck like ball to knock up the pins. I could go on and on about Wolfie's Penny Arcade on the boardwalk at Massachusetts Ave. I spent alot of money and many hours there. I've read some earlier memories on this site about it. If only I had collected the machines from that place. I loved "Hayburners". it was a pinball machine with triple Crown winners racing each other in a pinball format. I remember the rifle shooting bear game and the old style kinescope type movie shorts which you had to handcrank to make the still photos move. Last but not least was the penny game where you could win 3 cents if you caught the silver balls and placed them in your home base. Anybody?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Henry Weiss from Galloway, NJ. Entered on December 11, 2005
"This is for Eddie Lischin, in response to your posting and to your question about ACHS1964. First, let me say that I share many of the similar memories of growing up in the inlet during the 50's and 60's, as do many of our classmates, who I seldomly see posting on this web site (except for Ratso, who will identify himself to you if he so desires). My memories encompass the inlet, mass ave school, chelsea jr hs, and ACHS. I still live in South Jersey, so I am more in touch with all of the things that many of you remember but don't see every day. When one is here regularly, the changes seem gradual, but I cherish all of the great times in the 50's, 60's and even 70's that all of you wonderful atl city alumni remember. As far as the ACHS1964 web site, I'm sorry to report the following: As a member of the Class of 64 Reunion committee, it was one of my responsibilities to set up the class web site, which I did with exceptional help from Paul Hartman. However, when it came time to renew the website maintenance fee with Urb, our committee finance people neglected to pay, and even after my reminder, did not submit the necessary fee to Urb. Unfortunately, I'm not in control of the class finances, and could do no more. Hopefully, someone will read this posting and prompt the committee members with financial powers to do the right thing, and our web site will be up and running again. Sorry for the bitching, got carried away...... please always keep the memories alive, there was no better time in our lives than those special early years growing up in atlantic city, which will never be the same." Edit Entry

Submitted by Kathy from Wisconsin. Entered on December 9, 2005
" Barry,nice job on the pictures of the old hotels. It brought back memories when I saw the Senator Hotel as I was a switchboard operator at the front desk in the early fifties. I remember when Eddie Fischer stayed there. Thanks for bringing it back to me." Edit Entry

Submitted by Julius from Philadelphia. Entered on December 8, 2005
"Hi Eddie! I'm sure you don't remember me, but my family lived at 211 Seaside Ave, right across from the Ellis'. We used to go to your store every morning for, just like you said, our milk and rolls. My mother's name is Eleanor DeAngelus and my father's name was Alfred. We spent every summer of the mid-sixties to the mid-eighties in the inlet - you can't buy memories like that. Our house is one of the only ones still standing...anyway, miss the old neighborhood, even though it was crumbling all around us. Loved your store...thanks for checking in with us. Peace, Julius DeAngelus" Edit Entry

Submitted by Barry Rich from Mt. Laurel NJ. Barry's Web Page Entered on December 7, 2005
"Eddie Blum: Nice to see you adding comments to the AC Memories Site. I would love to hear from you Eddie. I have a picture of Blums from the old days on my AC Site. Will you please email me, just click on my name and then you can send me an email." Edit Entry

Submitted by AC Eddie from Santa Cruz,CA. Entered on December 7, 2005
"Born and raised in the South Inlet. I don't know really where to start because I have so many memories. I guess I could start with Massachusetts Ave School. My brothers and I and the rest of the Inlet Gang would walk to school from Oriental and Vermont. We owned Blums Grocery and Delicatessan. It was a time before supermarkets and K-marts and Wal-Marts and chain drugstores. It was a time when neighborhoods were still little communities and everybody knew each other. The corner butcher, the barber and the pharmacist all knew you by name. A haircut was .75 cents. aquart of milk was .32 cents. We had Ginsburg's bakery deliver fresh Kaiser rolls and assorted danish every morning. If Blum's wasn't open by 7 AM, people would come knocking at our door. "Blum, open up! We don't have milk for our coffee. We need to have some rolls for our breakfast." The store was an intinsic part of that community. I have so many fond memories of my childhood. Needless to say "It really was a kinder gentler time back in the 50's." I used to deliver groceries to the Vermont Ave Apartments, which of course made it to the "Silver Screen" in the Louis Malle picture "Atlantic City". I actually was able to see my old house as Burt Lancaster and Susan Sarandon exited the apartment building onto the Boardwalk on her way to her job training at the casino. My home is no longer there, having been razed like so many others in the South inlet. What used to be one of the greatest neighborhoods in Atlantic City is now a vast prairie waiting to be the site of some giant casino. The Steel Pier, Steeplechase Pier, Million Dollar Pier, Wolfie's Penny Arcade, Louis Artist Village, Planter's Peanuts all gone but not forgotten. I can remmber sitting in brand new cars at the GM Showroom next to Steel Pier. I would daydream about owning a big new American car when I got older. Of course now that I live in California, I own a fuel efficient Japanese car. I still live by the Boardwalk but here in Santa Cruz, it's made of concrete not wood. There is so much more to write but I must ready myself to go to work now. Please tell me if you enjoyed this brief trip down memory lane. I have much more to impart. tell me what you'd like to hear about. Does anybody remember the Astor Theatre on Atlantic ave between New Jersey and Connecticut Aves? I remember the admission was .14 cents at one time. How about "Cowboy Morning" on Steel Pier sponored by Borden's and promoted by "Elsie the Cow"? Was George Hamid really the first Al Qaida?" Edit Entry

Submitted by ratso from PA. Entered on November 15, 2005
"I can vouch for Mr. Truitt. He is indeed a fine writer, and certainly a person who has seen many sides of the 50/60's in AC, the dark and the light. He is the real McCoy who spent many a cold winters in the Inlet (the 62 March storm in particular) shoveling coal into a stove on Congress Ave. and washing the dinner dishes with his 3 brothers and parents. The guy tell it like it was. I knew Bruce and Richard, in fact I worked with Richard at the Strand movie theater. I can still hear his voice. Nice thet Mr. Truitt never mentioned Bla Bla Buckets, or Andy Anderson's daughter. We all have our dark memories. Believe me Mr. Truitt is a good man." Edit Entry

Submitted by O. Truitt from bostom. Entered on November 13, 2005
"Seems it may be worth the time for me to clarify a little about my latest posting. This was an actual set of memories of mine. But, I realize that they are not the same as others have had. While I have a lot of good images I could share about my younger years ( the 50's) growing up in A.C., this posting was specifically related to a period of time ( late sixties-early seventies) in the inlet section of town. This was an era when so-called urban renewal decimated a lot of my neighborhood and many of my friends, already from broken homes, were taken by heroin or methadrine ( I lost a brother to the former). Yes, Atlantic City was once a wonderful place; but not for everyone at every period of time - else why did everyone from my old neighborhood move out? This is a site for memories. This was mine. I'm not depressed about that; I have, indeed, move on. But I prefer to remember the good as well as the bad. That's how individuals grow. We may want to view the past as idyllic, but that past also has its demons. Peace." Edit Entry

Submitted by kate from Mass.. Entered on November 11, 2005
"Sounds like the first chapter of a really sad ugly Tull-like book. If you are an author, get on with it and good luck, but this bulletin board is meant for those of us with excellent nostalgic dreamy memories, not for naughty bits, nor for regret, nor pity! " Edit Entry

Submitted by Bobbi Cole ( Roberta Cole hersh ) from Shaker Heights, Ohio. Entered on November 1, 2005
"Hello again....I'm really missing AC right now. My memories of Atlantic City in the fifties is so magic..........the best memories of my life. I try to get there every year or so, but we all know it's not the same...although our memories will never change. The last time I visited was year before last when I rented a condo for the month of April. I want to visit again this spring for two weeks. Does anyone know of a reasonable furnished apartment I could rent? Maybe something near but not exactly in Ventnor? Thanks, Roberta...AKA Bobbi Cole...jbhoceanview@earthlink.net" Edit Entry

Submitted by kate from Mass.. Entered on October 31, 2005
"What a great idea to map the Steel Pier. In the meantime, I have very few memories of it, BUT I do remember that near the boardwalk end was the guy who blew glass-fascinating. I remember then the dancing chicken. I remember the diving bell was about half way out, and then the spooky house which I was sooo scared of. ?Then the movies and then the ballroom? At the end of course was the circus show with the diving horse. I would love to see a map, or at least walk us through it more accurately. My memories are from the late 50's thru the early 70's. What fun." Edit Entry

Submitted by Marlene from Northfield. Entered on October 30, 2005
"Thank you to Boo Pergament for an enjoyable evening at the Northfield City Hall Thursday Nite. His pictures and history of Atlantic City are as interesting as he is entertaining. Anyone with nostalgic memories of the Ole Place should catch his collection." Edit Entry

Submitted by Christine Bryant from Delhi, CA. Entered on October 22, 2005
"My memory is of places in Atlantic City as a child. I remember my parents taking me to Kornblau's after walking the Boardwalk. I remember watching the taffy machine at Fralanger's Salt Water taffy, I remember Mr.Peanut, Steel Pier and the rides. I remember walking under the boardwalk picking up money that had fallen through the cracks above. Out in California, a Boardwalk to the people in Santa Cruz is cement. Yes, it has rides but it is not Atlantic City's Boardwalk. You can't even walk underneath. The song wasn't written for them as some believe. The places may be gone but not the memories. " Edit Entry

Submitted by sandy yaffa geiger from . Entered on October 20, 2005
"I think it is great the way everyone remembers so many great places.. I remember them, after I read what someone else remembers. Thank you for the time you take to recall memories of A.C. Sandy Yaffa Geiger" Edit Entry

Submitted by Ron Green from Sarasota, Florida. Entered on October 17, 2005
"If memory serves me correctly...the curio shop was called Lee's Curio Shop and it was one of several stores at the base of the Breaker's Hotel on New Jersey and the boardwalk. Spent many idle hours perusing the odds and ends he offered for sale. For a young lad of my age at the time...those curios were fascinating. The 'shrunken head' with the sewn lips was an eye catcher. Supposedly the shrunken head was from some tribe of indians, possibly Peruvian, and was a result of some cultural ritual. Rare coins, unusual jewelry, a plethora of unique items were part of his inventory. It was a welcome contrast to the typical schlock stores selling sea shells , etc. that lined the boardwalk eagerly awaiting the tourist wanting to bring home souvenirs. Does anybody remember that juice stand at Conn. and boardwalk next to Wolfies arcade? Dude Ranch was on one side of Conn. and Wolfies on the other side. The juice bar, served actual fruit juice. They extracted the juice of cocoanuts, pineapples,bananas etc. right into a paper cup and sold them for about 10 cents. Ice cold cocoanut juice and pineapple juice were awesome. That, and those steamed hot dogs for 10 cents further down the boards, near Kohrs, were the two best bargains around. Guess Thomas Wolfe was right...'you can't go home again' but he neglected to mention we can always take a trip down nostalgia lane and recall times gone by. Those memories will be forever treasured till they throw dirt on us. Not to get too maudlin...but my ashes will be strewn where those memories began." Edit Entry

Submitted by Sondra from FL. Entered on October 5, 2005
"The Pierpoint Hotel and the Majestic Hotel were also on New Jersey Avenue beach block, same side of the street as the Breakers. Both hotels had big dining rooms and served kosher style meals. Many Atlantic City boys worked as busboys there during the summer and holiday seasons. I remember the Pierpoint had a big front porch with lots of rocking chairs. I somehow remember the name of Yudalah Belzer ( excuse the spelling) as being connected with the Pierpoint. The Meriam Hotel was on the west corner of Oriental And Vermont Avenue, across from Blum's Grocery Store. That hotel burned down sometime in the late 50's or early 60's, and then the land became a parking lot. I lived at 308 Oriental Avenue in a 3 story apartment building owned by Paul Dunayer ( who owned the Majestic Hotel.) What a grand place Atlantic City was. Thanks to all the contributors to this site, for all the memories!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Sondra from FL. Entered on September 20, 2005
"This is my favorite site!! I love reading all the memories of the Atlantic City that I grew up in!! ( I graduated from ACHS in 1962.) Thank you, Larry Letzer, Notashooby, Barry Rich,and many others for all your excellent and interesting stories. My grandson ( born and raised in Jensen Beach, FL, where all of the houses have lawns and lots of trees , and look like they are from a different planet when compared with the old Inlet apartment buildings, rooming houses, etc.) was fascinated by Barry Rich's "Photographic Essay" of A.C. He was mesmerized by the pictures of Oriental Avenue and the Inlet Section ( which is where I lived.) I couldn't believe that our old duplex ( 225 S. Victoria Ave.) was still standing. So--to all the contributors to this site-- keep up the good work!! " Edit Entry

Submitted by Notashooby from Northfield. Entered on September 19, 2005
"I just put Larry Letzers name into the search and came up with every letter he has put in here. NO repeats!!!! And I read all his stories. He has some good memories. Larry, you are a little older then me. I graduated ACHS in 63. Maybe we are all getting at little senioritis at this age. I look forward to everyones memories on this site. We should have a (re)union just for us old folks that tap in here now and then. WE are a good group." Edit Entry

Submitted by Notashooby from Northfield. Entered on September 17, 2005
"Yes, Lois.....I am 61 and here it is Saturday Nite and the Pageant would be on TV right now. So many memories of the Pageant. Like selling peach baskets for the folks to stand on at the parade. Can you imagine anyone standing on a peach basket today. And speaking of soda bottles......Poor ole Frank Demarco. Us kids used to sell him our soda bottles (2 cents for the little ones and 5 cents for the quart size) He used to put them under the steps outside of his store. Then the kids went around back and pulled them out and sold them back to him again. And they say kids are BAD TODAY. We Atlantic City kids were great ones for sneaking into things. Remember sneaking into the President Pool and the Ambassador pool. Sneaking into Steel Pier, Sneaking into Convention Hall, and sneaking into Bader Field for the night football games. What were we thinking!! But we had some great times growing up in AC." Edit Entry

Submitted by Notashooby from Northfield. Entered on August 24, 2005
"Has anyone seen this site?http://www.steel-pier.com/dedicated_to_the_diving_horses.htm I just found it, and have spent a couple of hours reading and going over the pics. There is some really good stuff for us old AC nostalga people. Sure brings back a lot of memories." Edit Entry

Submitted by SUSAN from FLORIDA. Entered on August 24, 2005
"STEEL PIER: CRAZYVILLE HAUNTED MANSION ROCKET FUN HOUSE MILLION DOLLAR PIER: ROCOPLANE SCRAMBLER OCTOPUS OR CATAPILLAR I THINK THEY WERE CALLED CRAZY CUPS (MADE YOU SICK) TILT A WHIRL THE BEST PART OF THE APE LADY WAS WATCHING EVERYONE RUN OUT GREAT MEMORIES//////////////" Edit Entry

Submitted by Julius DeAngelus from Philadelphia. Entered on August 16, 2005
"Hey everybody! Spent every summer of my youth growing up in the inlet...late sixties into the mid eighties...211 Seaside Avenue...the only house left standing on the north side of the street. Memories? sure! The little paper grab bags of toys you got for .50 at Taber's (the best toy store in the world), Blums grocery store, the miniature golf course near the vermont apts, The Strand, Woolworths and the kazoo man, The aquarium on central pier, the ape-lady that scared the heck out of me, The Italian Village, Starn's, Abe's, Hackneys and the Lighthouse Tavern! Ocean Manor, still ugly after all these years...The Miss Atlantic City, the Ice Capades, Tussauds Wax Museum and the guy impaled on the hook! The T-jetty and the Rocks on Crystal Beach, the Graystone house. Riding my big wheel up to Oriental Avenue and back... Also, even though it wasn't in AC, Brigantine Castle and the Trampoline yard in Brigantine, where you could bounce on trampolines -- remember that?

Anybody remember... The Ellis family (Wayne, Kelly, Mike and Joan)?
The Flanigans (Timmy)?
The Boyers (Lisa and David)?

I will always, always be a jersey boy in my heart...nothing in the world like the Jersey shore...peace :)" Edit Entry

Submitted by Larry Letzer from Copperas Cove, Texas. Larry's Web Page Entered on June 29, 2005
"Ratso mentioned Mr. Albion Hart as principal of ACHS when he graduated. He was my English teacher and later asst principal (1956). He made me want to learn English. I remember him as a wonderful teacher, friendly and helpful asst principal and an overall credit to his profession. Had not thought of him in a long time. Hope he is still with us. Thanks Ratso, for mentioning his name. Fond memories." Edit Entry

Submitted by kate from Mass.. Entered on June 28, 2005
"Let's start a new thread. Share your memories of graduation day. ACHS? HSHS? St. Augustines? Friends School? HS '72 graduated in the convention hall! How cool. My parents took me and friends to The Flying Dutchman for a celebration lunch! Very good! Of course, lots of parties. Where was The Flying Dutchman? I can't remember. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Ken Shane from Springfield, NJ. Ken's Web Page Entered on June 17, 2005
"I am on the Board of Directors of the newly created NJ Music Hall of Fame. I am interested in having people provide their musical memories of NJ. The museum will encompass all genres and all eras of NJ music. For the purposes of this board, I'd like your memories of music in Atlantic City, as well as places like Somers Point, which had a legendary music scene at places like Bayshores and Tony Mart's. I'm also interested in anyone that has any memorabilia that they'd like to donate or loan to the museum. If you'd like to learn more about the Hall of Fame, you can go to: http://www.njmusic.org I look forward to your responses by e-mail. Keep in mind that your memories can involve musicians, music business people such as club owners and promoters, and venues. Ken Shane New Jersey Music Hall of Fame" Edit Entry

Submitted by Stanley Slome from Granada Hills, California. Entered on April 11, 2005
"Mention of the Earle Theatre at Missouri and Pacific brings to mind that in the summer of 1935 (when I was 7) either there was the world premiere or east coast premiere of one of the most notable films of all time, the screen adaptation of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The all-star cast included Mickey Rooney, James Cagney, Olivia de Haviland and Joe E. Brown. I distinctly recall searchlights illuminating the area. Earl Kanter may have even clearer memories of that opening night." Edit Entry

Submitted by Suzanne from Philadelphia, PA. Entered on April 7, 2005
"Lots of fond memories but for this submission, a question. Does anyone know if Elvis Presley ever performed in Atlantic City or if he had any history with the town? (I'm referring to the real Elvis, not impersonators)." Edit Entry

Submitted by Mike Tribulas from Collingswood, NJ. Entered on April 5, 2005
"Here are a few memories of the old inlet that some may remember: (if anyone has pics of these locations I'd love to hear from you!) Remember: Seaside Pharmacy, Pat's Subs, Rae's Water Ice, Blum's Grocery, Markowitz Grocery, Carson's Restaurant, Mary's Bait Store (Atlantic & St. Katherine's Place), Garwood Mills, Duffy's Cleaners, the OLD Sea Wall...(which still stands!) The inlet was a great place to grow up. You should see the inlet today!" Edit Entry

Submitted by steve from absecon. Entered on March 26, 2005
"hello what a great site, i have a long list, here go,s the 5 cent soda machine store next to the golf course near the breakers, all the minuture golf courses, how bout roth candy near garden pier, we can not forget, wolfies arcade, a nickle went far in the old days, square pizza, 75 cents, next to the shooting gallery, the globe, the burloquse, theaters,can not forget taylor pork roll, oh yea with a birch beer, great, all the auction houses, the magic store on virgina ave, right off the boardwalk, shumksys and shamitz jewish restaurants all the coffee shops, or shall i say drug store eat in counters, russ miller records, all the movie houses on atlantic ave, how about the firemans parade on atlantic ave, all the parades on the boarwalk, how about, could go on , but i hope this stirred up some good memories" Edit Entry

Submitted by Gordon Spencer from Pittsburgh PA. Entered on February 14, 2005
"Hello! I'm currently working on a novel set in Atlantic City in the 1950s, a time when I worked and/or lived there. So I'm fascinated by the many memories on-line. A quick response to this submitted by Stanley Slome from Granada Hills, California. Entered on April 5, 2004 "Sid Trusty places the Cotton Club on North Illinois Avenue.Duke Ellington would certainly not have played just at a bar and he certainly would not have been in the Marine Ballroom of Steel Pier in July 1957 in what was essentially still a segregated town." Actually I heard Duke at the Cotton Club in 1957.It was a sort of bar, just like many jazz clubs were in other cities. It was on Kentucky Avenue. Later Duke wrote a piece inspired by being there, called "Kentucky Avenue A.C." He shared the bill back then in 1957 with Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln. FYI: At that time I was a d.j. on WOND and had a once-a-week jazz show called "Just Jazz." In fact I interviewed Duke at the Club. I still have the tape. I was also a daytime d.j.at WOND; Bob Richter and Larry Carle were a couple of others. My wife, Vene, worked for Bill Rolley at the Steel Pier. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Iris Salkoff Robinson from Boca Raton, Florida. Entered on December 19, 2004
"Fond memories of a.c.h.s. 1957 1956 DOBS, Lake Lenape, dances and a great place for kids." Edit Entry

Submitted by Iris Salkoff Robinson from Boca Raton, Florida. Entered on December 6, 2004
"Wonderful memories from A.C.H.S and DOBS, Lake Lenape, horseback riding, many friends, dances, sub shop and many more. I would like to hear from old friends." Edit Entry

Submitted by JERRY ROSEN from SAN FERNANDO VALLEY IN LOS ANGELES. Entered on November 30, 2004
"ST CATHERINES PLACE...ACHS CLASS OF 1956...."clam Diggers" Inlet Gang...THRILLO BINGO PARLOR ON THE boardwalk...MU Delta Epsilon...AC HOME FURNISHING COMPANY...JUDY STEINBERG..Stealing jitneys...Altman Field Playground..."THE GREAT TIMES, ALL THE MEMORIES OF A SOFTER SIMPLER TIME......" Edit Entry

Submitted by saul gitomer from Kansas City. Entered on November 30, 2004
"How sweet the memories, Dewey Place, Couff's grocery store, Zwibacks, Massachusettes Ave School,Altman Field,Jewish Community Center, Jewish Community Synagogue,Jr High ACHS class of 56, Mu Del, and so much more was my past. Anybody out there have similar reflections?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Mary from Northfield NJ. Entered on November 23, 2004
"+ JMJ This wonderful time of the year, Thanksgiving...I recall fun times going to the football games between HSHS and ACHS in the late 50's. ..how at the exciting pep rallies...we all would yell "eat crow Harry"...and sadly at that time he never had to.... but we always said "we had the Spirit..." I am very grateful to God for those wonderful memories and want to wish all old friends and classmates a very Happy Thanksgiving." Edit Entry

Submitted by Susie Sax Young from Vero Beach Florida. Entered on November 10, 2004
"I have so many memories from growing up in the inlet. I grew up on Rhode Island and the boardwalk, we used to swim in the Boardwalk Hotels Pool all summer when we werent on the pier. What wonderful times on Steel Pier Some days I just close my eyes and remember. I would love to find old friends if I have any old friends out there please connect me." Edit Entry

Submitted by Sondra from Florida. Entered on November 4, 2004
"I haven't seen any new "memories" recently, so I thought I would add one. I remember the wonderful parades held on the Boardwalk on Veteran's Day.I was in Grade School ( Mass. Ave Elementary) during the early 50's ; my friends and I always looked forward to hearing the bands, and seeing all the uniformed soldiers, veterans, and civic club representatives. Whenever I hear some of the Sousa marches (Stars and Stripes Forever, The Washington Post March ,Semper Fidelis) or Anchors Away, When the Caissons Go Rolling Along, Semper Paratus Is Our Name, my mind's eye transports me back to a wonderful, safe, patriotic time! Atlantic City was certainly a magnificent place to grow up in!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Gloria Clauson Herring from Atlantic City. Entered on October 23, 2004
"To Stanley Slome. Yes Stan, Ray's parents did own a uniform store somewhere uptown on Atlantic Ave. Ray also had a brother, Arnold, I believe. Gee Stan, I must have passed you every day on my way to school if your guard position was on Florida and Atlantic because we lived on Atlantic between Florida and Georgia. Imagine that, we never said a word to each other then and now some 66 years later, we are "talking" up a storm to each other! This is really a great site, isn't it? Stan, You'll never believe this! I just looked up Ray's number in the telephone book and he was there!! I called and we had a nice conversation for about 10 minutes. I told him about this site and he is going to go to it. He said he thinks he remembers you too. I will e-mail you his e-mail address. He remembers that you were a baseball fan. We all remember Herbie and Sophie Stern too. I've seen Herbie quite a few times through the years. He and his wife owned a card shop for years in Margate. Enjoy the memories." Edit Entry

Submitted by Stanley Slome from Granada Hills, California. Entered on October 23, 2004
"To:Gloria Clauson Herring (and others from our time period).Ray Reisman, whose parents--check me out on this--owned a uniform store on Atlantic Avenue, the northwest corner of a street my memory fails to recall,was on the Texas Avenue School Safety Patrol with me. I started out as a lieutenant but was busted for fraternising too much in making my rounds. So I wound up as a patrol guard on the northeast corner of Florida and Atlantic.Ray was my "buddy" on the northwest corner, a few stores down from the candy store Herbert and Sophie Stern operated for their parents. (Do those names ring any memories?) I don't know if Ray is still around.In the 1938-39 time period I seem to remember Ray as sort of a pleasant,softspoken fellow who dutifully worked in his parents' store after school. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Gloria Clauson Herring from Atlantic City. Entered on October 14, 2004
"to Stanley, Most of the names you mentioned are familiar to me but the one who really brings back memories is Raymond Reisman. Ray and my friend Annette Langweiler went together all through Hugh School and we all hung out together at Annette's home on Bartram Ave. In fact, I still have a picture of Ray and a bunch of us kids clowning around in front of her house. Great memories!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Stanley Slome from Granada Hills, California. Entered on October 14, 2004
"Do any of the following names of my classmates at Texas Avenue School in the late 1930s bring back any memories for any of you? Pietro "Pete" Perri, Charles "Chickie" Moretti, Joseph Damiano, Alvin Trilling, Arthur Moriano, Harry Bachan, Joseph Bendesky, Meyer Rabinowitz, Shirley Wahrhaft, Bobby Walowitz, Raymond Reisman, Sophie Stern." Edit Entry

Submitted by Gloria Clauson Herring from Atlantic City. Entered on October 12, 2004
"To Sandy, my memories of Texas Ave School are very vivid. We lived right around the corner on Atlantic Ave across from the Lyric Theater. Miss North was my Kindergarten teacher, Miss Rosenberg,1st grade, Miss Cordery 2nd, Miss Burachio, Miss Dillon, Miss Steelman and 6th grade was Miss Krepper. My sister Selma was a friend of Bea Burachio and kept in contact with her through the years. Her final years were spent in a nursing home near Washington, DC and after exchanging a few letters with her I had the opportunity to visit her in the home. How wonderful it was to see her again after all those years. She looked great and it was remarkable how much she remembered about all her students. It was a wonderful visit and I'm so glad I was able to see her because she died soon after. This was in the late 1980s while I was living in Charlotte, NC. Who remembers the School Song? "Now let's sing for Texas and the old Red and Blue, we'll fight to win for Texas to our flag we'll be true. The red stands for bravery and the blue loyalty so give a cheer a cheer for Texas, T-E-X-A-S. I can't help singing it every time I drive by the school. That school was the greatest. The kids who went to Brighton Ave School were considered our mortal enemies. My years there were 1936 to 1942." Edit Entry

Submitted by Sondra from Florida. Entered on October 11, 2004
"Columbus Day always brings back fond memories of taking 3 years of Italian at ACHS with Mr. Vincent Plesha, a very dedicated and gifted teacher. I will always appreciate the Columbus Scholarship Committeee of the Sons of Italy for awarding me their scholarship in 1962. They gave me $500 a year ( which was one half of the tuition in those days), every year for 4 consecutive years. On every Columbus Day from 1962 through 1966 my parents and I were treated to a beautiful dinner at the 500 Club. My Dad ( nicknamed "Bates") was a member of Local 508 ( Bartenders and Waiters Union); he often worked at the 500 Club, and he was so proud that his daughter could read and speak Italian! I still have the Atlantic City Press photo from June 1962 (the first dinner was at the Penn-Atlantic Hotel, and in the picture are Mr. John Baratta, Mr. Salvatore Consalvo, Mr. Michael Fiore ( handing me a plaque and certificate) and Mr. John Ordile. So, nel questo giorno di Cristoforo Colombo, "Grazie Mille a Figli d'Italia!"" Edit Entry

Submitted by sandy from . Entered on October 11, 2004
"Does anyone have any memories to share of Texas Avenue School in the mid 40s to 1950? Remember Miss Cain/Mrs. Ballen/Miss Burachio/Miss Brodie and of course Miss North? Thanks. Sandy" Edit Entry

Submitted by Larry Letzer from Copperas Cove, Texas Y'all. Larry's Web Page Entered on October 8, 2004
"Notashooby and Skip and others thank for sharing your particular memories of our favorite area (at that time). I am from the little island across the sea better known as Brigantine. Wasn't that an innocent time in our lives. We went every where on the island either by bike or walking. If we got lazy we would hitchhike a ride usually to the Sweet Shop where everyone hung out. If we were not there, we could be found at Holst's basketball court (Thanks Mrs. Holst for putting in lights for night play. Brigantine really had a very fine basketball team back then. Remember our team playing the Arctic Y team at the Arctic Y gym in tournament finals and we lost the game by only 1 point. Back then Nat Parker, Gene Hudgins, Jim Usry were players on the Arctic Y team. We were a bunch of younger guys, but could we play. Some of our other activities were bushwacking out at the Brigantine Country club. Don't understand why the lovers got mad at us. he he. We called Atlantic City Atlantic (I think we did that so people would not think we were visitors. Sometimes we would start walking on the north end of the island and walk all the way to the coast guard station. That was so desolate it felt like the end of the earth. Actually, we were only about five miles from 14th north which was the end of Brigantine proper. However, walking 5 miles on the beach made it seem pretty far out. We all (mostly all) went to ACHS 1952-1956. 55 and 56 I was the manager for the football team so I would stay until football practice was over put the uniforms in for cleaning and run like hell to the jitney and usually get off at Tennessee Ave and run for the Brigantine bus which got to Tennessee and Bacharach Ave about 35 past every hour. If I was lucky I made the bus, if not I walked through the Northside to Maryland and Walbash Avenues (right by the motor vehicle inspection station) and hitch hike home. This happened every practice day for football and for baseball during those two years. Only once in all of the time walking at night did I get bothered and that time I was walking home with a baseball bat which was given to me by coach Keating as I won the game bat. Never thought anything about walking anywhere with a bat, but some people were concerned that I was walking through their neighborhood with a baseball bat and confronted me. When I told them I was given the bat that night by the coach and two of the guys knew me from ACHS they did not bother me. My point is we had no turf problems back then. Everyone got alone and it was great growing up in AC. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Notashooby from Northfield. Entered on October 7, 2004
"Skip, your Memories of Atlantic City are beautiful. So well written. I cried as I read them and remembered a childhood on the OTHER side of the city but basically the same. Grade school days spent at Star of the Sea with Sisters that I still think of often. High school days at Atlantic High (some good, some bad) but still remembered with fondness. Warm and breezy nights walking home over the bridge after a night on the boardwalk. Teenage dates at The Drums and Bens. Skip, you did a fine job of connecting two worlds with your memories and I look forward to reading the next chapter. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Skip from Seattle, Wa.. Entered on October 5, 2004
"I have read many of the memories on this site and I thank you for them. I have found them to be both similar and yet, somewhat different from mine. I have two memories that I will share now. Others will follow later. My first memory is the love we shared in our own special way on AC's Northside. We did not have much money, but we had loads of love! Laughter filled the air. We played carefree, but not careless. The girls I grew up with were all little ladies. White gloves in Second Baptist Church. Cute, well mannered. Sweet! Good girls and we were good boys. Soft-spoken gentlemen! We all came in the house when the street lights came on. Wiped our feet on the door mat. Did our homework, like clock work. Played basket ball in Carver Hall, hide-go-seek in the Desert, roller-skated in the Colisium and Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball at Pop Lloyd. Honored our mothers and our fathers... or else. Our parents loved us but, they did not play. Our parents were strivers, low-paid, but very hard workers, so they always encouraged us to maximize our potential, design a better life, use time wisely, stay-in-school, go-to-college, make-a-difference, make a friend and be a friend. Love was all around us. We never saw our poverty, because our lives were so rich. The second memory is that we had four distinct seasons.The summers were warm and beautiful. The "chicken-bone-beach" was our Honolulu! The waves breaking sweet music to our ears. The sand hot under our feet. Sun high in the sky. Smells of cotton candy in the air. Soulful chit chat and hip goings on. Beautiful, bronze babes in bathing suits... bouncing. Sweet soul sistas! Toes, lips and nails fire-engine red. Hair Dixie-Peached, skin smooth and smelling like vannilla. Soul brothers buffed, making plans, running game and drug free. That night, it would be "Reggie Edgehills" live music bar, or Club Harlem, or Brodie's Pool Hall. Tomorrow, The Steel Pier Disco. Next week...Pleasantville! Let the little girl dance and dance with me Henry. Doing the cross-fire, the bop, the slop, twistin-the-night-away, all on the menu until the "mewnin." Fall meant weather change and back-to-school. That was always bitter-sweet for me. I loved summer, but I also loved school. I always loved going back to school. Westside School. Indiana Ave. School. School at first all on the Northside. Then came Central Jr. High School and ACHS. No problem! We were prepared... academically. Financially and socially... now those are different stories. My fondest memories are of ACHS. It was my launching pad. ACHS was like a private school! I had great teachers. I played football, wrestled, played in the band and orchestra and ran track. All very purposeful and college-prep. ACHS provided valuable academic and social information that I would use over and over again through out my life, all over the world. ACHS and The Northside/KY provided a first-class, hip foundation for a college education and a wonderful life. The winters were cold, yet beautiful too. As a child when it snowed we built snow men in the streets. They directed traffic on Tennessee, Kentucky and New York Avenues. In high school I remember walking with my partners from the Inlet to the Westside in February. It was freezing. We were happy and going to a party. We wore Velore Hats with Peacock Bands, Six-Button Bennies and Stacy Adams Ball-Toed shoes. Singing do-wap songs. It was wonderful. And Christmas was great too. In the Spring we lightened up. We enjoyed the lengthening days, watched the girls slide into Spring dresses, the flowers come back and waited for our friends who always came every summer to come back too. We prepared for summer, looked for jobs and longed to get back to the beach. Around the Spring of the 10th grade, after visiting friends in Margate and Summers Point, I started hearing and thinking about square footage, a boat at the dock of the bay, a cabin on the lake, skiing... and began to ask, why not! I thought that these material things would be fun. Back in the day, the Northside was full of encouragement. Everybody cheered, for everybody else. They cheered for me and encouraged me to go get that ski lodge. And I did! When I lived in AC, from 1945 to 1964, the town seemed so big and clean. Now, when I visit, it seems small. It still looks clean, but in need of much repair. I still don't recognize Atlantic Avenue, but, I still feel the love, smell the cotton candy and dream of the chicken-bone-beach. I still judge the women in my life by the high standards set by my mom, grandmom and the good little glove wearing girls, of Second Baptist Church. I still think of the four seasons and dress for success. I still thank God for my parents, their values, the Northside of AC, ACHS and especially Kentucky Avenue. And, my boat, cabin and ski-condo were not as much fun as I thought they would be. Next time I will write memories about the key people who shaped my thinking about how I would design and live my life. Thank you for your memories and this website. Skip! " Edit Entry

Submitted by Sondra from Florida. Entered on October 3, 2004
"This is my favorite site!! Many thanks to all who write their memories. I just survived "Frances" and "Jeanne" which hit right here in Jensen Beach; luckily we had no damage to our house other than about 20 trees heavily damaged. I remember "Donna" closing school for a few days in 1959, and also the March 6th, 1962 storm. I was a senior at ACHS ( what a great high school) and we lived in the Inlet in a 3 story apartment building owned by a very nice man ( Mr. Paul Dunayer )at the corner of Victoria and Oriental Avenues.) The entire basement ( which was really street level) was flooded. The duplex apartments with their entrances on the boardwalk at Dewey Place ( from where we had moved the year before)were knocked down by the force of the waves during the night. However, Atlantic City is looking much safer to me than Florida now!! Also ( nothing to do with hurricanes), I remember "Beller's Grocery Store on the ground floor of a house on Rhode Island Avenue near where Hygea Place cut through from Victoria Avenue. During the summer months, we would get "Elsie Morning" passes to Steel Pier, where they gave away a bike once a week. A group of neighborhood kids would go together ( with our paper bags of baloney sandwiches), and we would stay all day. What a great time we had - two movies, a stage show, the water circus, the diving collegians, Tony Grant's Children Theater, the Fun Houses, the Diving Bell, watching the dancers in the Marine Ballroom,feeding the seals, watching the man heat the glass into different shapes! Then we would walk over to the General Motors Exhibit where we would sit in every car, and get lots of little ice cubes. Growing up in Atlantic City was magical! " Edit Entry

Submitted by Stanley Slome from Granada Hills, California. Entered on September 24, 2004
"For those "youngsters" on Memory Lane,here are some childhood memories of elementary schooldays in the mid-1930s during the fall and winter ,from the standpoint of a boy: the thrill of buying a brand new pencil box,complete with protractor and ruler..getting that black leather aviator's cap with goggles and ear flaps..that first suit with long pants...an Erector set as a present...Places: watching the big mechanical scoreboard at Pennsylvania Avenue and Atlantic depicting the World Series..Watching the Mickey Mouse cartoons in the tent area of the toy department at the M. E. Blatt Department Store during Christmastime and hearing the endless playing of "The Music Goes Round and Round" and "Old Man Mose" over the PA system..buying a book of "Knock-Knock Jokes" at Blatt's..visiting the editorial office of the Atlantic City World on Atlantic Avenue west of Pennsylvania Avenue (and what was the name of that alleyway that led to those brownish row houses with porches, the same as those on Congress Avenue?)..." Edit Entry

Submitted by jack from eureka springs, Arkansas. Entered on September 20, 2004
"My grandparents had a parking lot and tailor shop on Vermont Ave in the fifties and sixties and I spent every summer there and have a wealth of memories that continue to sustain me. Up the street on Oriental and Vermont the old time musty smell of Blum's grocery where we used to get block ice cream in a large rectangular cone. The gum machine outside--if you were lucky enough to get a little bell you could redeem it in the store for a nickle candy bar. The newspapers outside, the Bulletin, Daily News, the Forward, Morning Telegraph--the honor system put a nickle down or whatever and take a paper. The great shakes and cheesesteaks down the street at Eddie's were owned by the same family who had Blum's. A few doors down on Pacific was Reisman's Kosher type restaurant owned by holocaust survivers--great chicken in the basket. Meyer Wolf's Pennyland which I later worked at had in addition to the classic foot massager and electric chair those penny machines where if you shot the penny in the green hole you win two pennies. And the old movie cavelcades for a penny you'd turn the handle and got Babe Ruth, the Wright Bros takeoff, Tom Mix etc. The fresh juice place connected to Pennyland where for 15 cents got orange or grapefruit or mixed in a cone paper cup in a silver colored metal base. The sodamart on the boardwalk had a great selection of nuts to boot. Sneaking in to the Globe by climbing the fire escape up to the third balcony. The original pizza at Tony's Baltimore Grill on I believe Conn. Ave and Atlantic. Playing a pinball machine with no flippers called Golden Gate for hours on end at many candy stores around AC--they would pay off in cash if you racked up enough games. The great 45rpm record collection at Garbage Mills where I bought classics with little holes punched in for 49 cents a piece. The tiny original Carson's Triangle Bar where my parents dined and I was always served a beer even at 12 years old. Waiting in line forever to eat at Lou's, Luigi's, Abe's or Captain Starn's. Watching the movie A HARD DAY'S NIGHT at Steel Pier continuously from 10am to 11pm four times on the first day it came out. Walking on the huge rocks on the beach at New Hampshire Ave out into the ocean. Rolling the ball by hand up the ramp into the clown's mouth to win a free game at the miniature golf course near Rhode Island Ave. and boardwalk. Getting dressed up to go to The Shamitz for schupper. I worked at Zingo,Tango,Skilo,Bango and Monte as a ballboy then a mikeman for years and saw the old ladies come and go,some of them playing their 12 or 16 cards while knitting. Played Fascination and skiball as if there were no tomorrow. I remember Chaney the little black ice cream man on the beach who would speak a little yiddish to entertain his customers--and of course the melodous strains of Singing Sam the 10cent man--how he undercut the other ice cream men by a nickel. Wearing a raincoat and riding Miss Atlantic City was way cool. Riding the big sailboat from Captain Starn's and throwing up on it was not too cool. Used to win cigarettes at Million Dollar Pier playing the wheel--they didnt care about underage back then. I went to many of the amateur shows at garden pier for a special night out. Waffles and ice cream at Lambert's was special as were the sundaes that were so large I could never finish one. Does anybody remember a little hole in the wall restaurant called the Toddle Inn on North Carolina between Pacific and Atlantic? You could get a steak dinner there for a couple of bucks. And oh yes, just hanging out in the old Lighthouse square lounging on the benches until dusk along with the pigeons." Edit Entry

Submitted by Mina from former New Jerseyan. Entered on September 14, 2004
"I'm really enjoying reading all of the memories that so many people have posted. I was born in Atlantic City but was only a resident for a very short time. I'll have to pick up the book that was mentioned in a previous post, about Atlantic City. It's nice to read about the place where I was born. Thanks!" Edit Entry

Submitted by jack mendelsohn from phila. pa.. Entered on August 30, 2004
"Yo Ron, It was great seeing the names of all the guys we grew up with. Great memories. That's what this web site is all about." Edit Entry

Submitted by Walt Craig from Mickleton, NJ. Entered on August 26, 2004
" To all those with fond memories of Atlantic City - "Like a thief in the night the best years of our life slip away before we ever realize that they were" " Edit Entry

Submitted by Ron from Sarasota, Florida. Entered on August 25, 2004
"Barbara; Thanks for the trip down memory lane, as I used to live on Congress Ave. for quite a few years(late 40s-early 50s)My family shopped at Smith's grocery store on the corner of Congress and the little cross street(name escapes me) that connected Mass. Ave and Conn. Ave. Mr. Smith was a very nice gentleman and never minded me bringing back empty soda bottles for deposit. Congress Ave was loaded with a bunch of my friends and real super guys whom I assume have passed on over the years. Just to name a few ...Ben Ginsberg, Jerry Tarter, Sammy Solomon,Jerry Green(alive and kicking), Arnie Kozalski(alive and kicking), Myron Goldfinger, Jerry Dwyer,and just around the corner Ronnie Wagner, Herb Wichner,Gil Solitare,Murray(Satch) Silver. Very rare to have a street with that many cool guys on it. As we got older we gravitated to Jack's on the corner of Mass and Oriental. Hanging on the corner was a way of life then and was the focal point of our lives. Other dynamite guys joined in i.e. Jake(Moose) Mendelsohn, Buddy Feinstein (Vasser),Leon Chudnow, Murray Friss, Rudy Ponzio(pin ball machine expert and a real ladies man). The older guys were soon supplanted by a younger group..Harry Fuchs, Jerry Weiss,Bruce Gardner, Billy Ritter,Ronnie Grade, Dave Thurlow, Larry Kosdan, Bobby Friedenberg(best sandlot quarterback in the neighborhood)...the names changed but the corner still remained "the" place to mingle.A couple of readers of this site....were quick to remind me that there also some fine young ladies in the "hood" . As we grew up and as a rite of passage we discovered places like "Pine Acres" in Plesantville where age apparently had no bearing on your desire to hoist a few cold ones and the "Pic". I would be remiss mentioning the "Pic" on Conn. & Pacific, without mentioning the "mayor" of the "Pic" ..Harold Garber.Amazing how many 10 cent drafts we could consume over the course of an evening. Nothing like listening to some "war" stories of how the guys "made their bones" the night before and sipping on a cold one. Life was good then...no doubt about it.We all had different memories...some still recall those 25 cent banana splits at Kerstetters, Wolf's arcade at Conn. and boardwalk, roast beef sandwiches with cole slaw and russian dressing at Kornblaus, those marvelous tuna subs at super sub shop, etc. Sorry for getting soooooooo nostalgic....you just struck a chord and stirred up some great memories. If that's a sign of getting old...so be it..guilty as charged." Edit Entry

Submitted by Walt Craig from Mickleton, NJ. Entered on August 15, 2004
"To Bill from Wilmington - Dale Carnegie taught me many years ago that one of the best ways to "Win friends and influence people" was to never criticize, condemn, or complain". I still try to adhere to that principle. I personally would like to thank Stanley Slome, Rudy Florentine and Dr. Earl Kanter for their many memorable postings to this site that bring back memories long forgotten." Edit Entry

Submitted by Gloria Clauson Herring from Atlantic City, N.J.. Entered on August 9, 2004
"To Stanley Slome My sister was Selma Clauson, class of 1944. Selma was a beautiful blonde who didn't wear glasses, so you may have her confused with someone else. Unfortunately, my sister died in 1998. Also, my family had a linoleum store (later, carpet) on Atlantic Ave between Florida and Georgia Aves across from the Lyric Theater. What a wonderful neighborhood that was to grow up in. We lived behind the store. Lots of great memories. Also, you may be thinking of Soltz's Paint Store which was on Atlantic Ave one block from our store. They are still there and also off shore." Edit Entry

Submitted by Barry Rich from Mt. Laurel NJ. Barry's Web Page Entered on August 6, 2004
"ACHS Alumni: Nice to see so many alumni visiting this page and posting their memories. So far there are web sites for: HSHS 1957, ACHS 1953, ACHS 1960 & ACHS 1965. To visit these sites click on 'Barry's Web Page' Then click on 'Alumni Sites' . If there are any other ACHS Sites out there please let me know, my email address is above." Edit Entry

Submitted by Gloria Clauson Herring from Atlantic City, N.J.. Entered on August 6, 2004
"Calling all "49ers". The ACHS class of 1949 is having its 55th class reunion October 30, 2004. Please contact me and I'll have an invitation sent to you. We'll all share some great memories there. Hope to hear from you soon." Edit Entry

Submitted by Gail S. Moore (Harkins) from Long Beach, MS. Entered on July 30, 2004
"Drinking in the bars on New York Avenue and Snake alley..they didn't card you! Walking Atlantic and Pacific Avenues in the evening when there was nothing to do..But then watching the people was better than TV. Hitch Hiking up and down absecon island as a main means of transportation. Taking my dog for rides on the Transit buses..of course with a pass. Walking to Atlantic High...with that cold wind blowing off the beach in March. Hanging out at the Parkway Park..drinking and doing other things. Getting high under the Lifeguard houses in the fall. Running the dog on the beaches in the winter. Smoking in the Senior Lounge at ACHS. Josh's, the WhiteHouse, Delaware Subs. I lived down the street from Tony's Baltimore Grill. Lots of Pizza. Water Ice. Fresh Italian Bread. Boy do I wish I could get some down here. Anyone have a recipe, for Italian Bread? My dear friend Kerry Shapiro who is no longer with us, and the lost of Bennett Saul. We were the 4 Musketters-Tina Snitman, Kerry, Bennett and myself. Friday night skating in Ventnor. Memories are great. Have been back several times and it's hard..but I do miss those days." Edit Entry

Submitted by Gail S. Moore (Harkins) from Long Beach, MS. Entered on July 18, 2004
"Drinking in the bars on New York Avenue and Snake alley..they didn't card you! Walking Atlantic and Pacific Avenues in the evening when there was nothing to do..But then watching the people was better than TV. Hitch Hiking up and down absecon island as a main means of transportation. Taking my dog for rides on the Transit buses..of course with a pass. Walking to Atlantic High...with that cold wind blowing off the beach in March. Hanging out at the Parkway Park..drinking and doing other things. Getting high under the Lifeguard houses in the fall. Running the dog on the beaches in the winter. Smoking in the Senior Lounge at ACHS. Josh's, the WhiteHouse, Delaware Subs. I lived down the street from Tony's Baltimore Grill. Lots of Pizza. Water Ice. Fresh Italian Bread. Boy do I wish I could get some down here. Anyone have a recipe, for Italian Bread? My dear friend Kerry Shapiro who is no longer with us, and the lost of Bennett Saul. We were the 4 Musketters-Tina Snitman, Kerry, Bennett and myself. Friday night skating in Ventnor. Memories are great. Have been back several times and it's hard..but I do miss those days." Edit Entry

Submitted by Jeff from pittsburgh. Entered on July 17, 2004
"To Ratso from Philadelphia. Just returned form Atlantic City trip after not being there for 30 years. I was not as disappointed as I expected. You were right. I still managed to be able to get a feel of the old A.C even though everything is drastically different. The dunes were definetely disappointing being that they basically blocked the view of the ocean. The only thing that baffles me is that I can understand the explanation the city officials give about the need for the dunes to block erosion of the beach but to my knowledge and I may be wrong, it seems that no other beach town on the entire eastern shore of the u.s did this. It couldn't possibly be that the casino's whose primary concern is protecting their financial interests which would include their property could have any iinfluence on the city's officials could it???? I was also surprised at the lack of kids that are working there like we did. It seemed that most of the employees throughout the city are foreign adults who have become permanent residents. I think the main reasons that kids can't work there anymore is because they don't have any place to stay since the thousands of cheap rooming houses and hotels are gone. I still found a lot of the old charm and beautiful beach homes if you just go a few miles into Margate or Ventnor. But walking the boards, swimming in the ocean and people watching are the same and did bring back old memories. But I agree, those summers I lived and worked there will never be able to be experienced by kids today. By the way. To (Julina), I founf a place on the internet which I visited wheb I was in Atlantic City called PRINCETON ANTIQUES on Atlantic Ave. It's owned by the guy who is head of the Atlantic City historical society. Apparently he has accumulated something like eight buildings of stuff and put a lot of it in this store. It's amazing. The store is filled with tons of books and different items. It's so crowded that you can't even move around. They have shelves full of photo albums that they try to organize alphabetically that have pictures of about everything that ever existed in A.C from the beginning of time. These photos are for sale and they will even enlarge them for you. I spent about 2-3 hrs there one day while my wife graciously sat there and coughed from the dust and found and bought several photos of places I had stayed at and workd and ate. You may want to check out their website for photos of the Brigatine Castle." Edit Entry

Submitted by JeffS from Los Angeles. JeffS' Web Page Entered on July 16, 2004
"I'd noticed a few weeks ago that St. Charles Place didn't appear on http://maps.yahoo.com - I believe it is a purple property. States Ave. appears on it as "State Ave." (radically shortened though) but I'm pretty sure it was "States." I haven't noticed any other differences, but then I don't feel like digging into the closet for my copy of the game. Of course "Marvin Gardens" never existed as such, though I have heard in the past that it was a modified version of the area "Mar-Ven Gardens", which lies around the Ventnor/Margate border. I have an old friend on Belmont Ave. which I believe is in this area. I have always felt that all of those Monopoly games they've sold that were NOT based on AC were completely missing the point... But I suppose that's because AC and memories of playing the game will always be a part of me." Edit Entry

Submitted by Stan Slome from Granada Hills, California. Entered on July 4, 2004
"To Jim et als: Please, thanks for the compliment, but I'm not an historian. Just a guy with a lot of old memories of the Thirties, Forties mainly and the Fifties. I'm still trying to fill in the blanks of my 76-year-old memory. One is this: during the Great Depression my dad,Robert (Bob) helped put in the seats (a PWA project under FDR's administration) for the Hollywood Theatre. What year would that have been? Now here's where old memory plays tricks. I know I saw Stepinfetchit, the Black (then called Negro) movie actor on stage at the Hollywood but my mind wavers on whether I saw Bill Robinson perform or whether it was just seeing him in a film with Shirley Temple. It didn't cost my dad any money to send me to the movies. He had passes from the theatres and piers for displaying ad placards in the window of his restaurant on New York Avenue near the Boardwalk underneath George Gilpin's hotel,at the bend into Snake Alley (Westminster Avenue). " Edit Entry

Submitted by Henry Weiss from Galloway, NJ. Entered on July 4, 2004
"Julina, go to google and search for "brigantine castle". you'll find numerous web sites about this once famous attraction, which burned down in 1987. i'm sure that many of us have very fond memories of visits to "the Castle"." Edit Entry

Submitted by Julina from Texas. Entered on July 4, 2004
"I remember the Boardwalk and Brigantine Castle a haunted castle that you could walk through, scary like the Haunted Mansion at Disney. This was in the early 70's I was just a kid!!!! Heart's "Barracuda" use to play on the radio every hour. I wonder what happened to it? Do they still have it? It was fun when I was a kid and my family lived there. I remember it and the beautiful ocean. I juse to bodysurf the huge blue waves of course my Dad would look on. The amusment Castle was on the beach on the Atlantic Ocean and it looked real!!!!!! Any info. or pictures nostalgia you may direct me to? osaranemet@juno.com. I would like to show my family now. Fond memories. Thanks. " Edit Entry

Submitted by dan greenberg from margate. Entered on July 1, 2004
"Christopher Cook Gilmore died June 29,2004. The Atlantic City area as well as the rest of the world has lost a great person. Chris always marched to the beat of his own drum. Those that really knew him realized how special he was. He was one of a kind. We all have memories of him for which i consider myself extremely lucky. He will be missed..." Edit Entry

Submitted by Henry Weiss from Galloway, NJ. Entered on June 28, 2004
"To Jeff in Pgh - My family owned the Pershing Hotel, and we lived there every summer. I would guess that you stayed on the 4th floor, where all of the "college kids" stayed. And I was childhood friends with the son of the family that owned the So Carolina Sub Shop, which was next door to the Pershing. Tell me more of the memories you have of south carolina avenue - do you remember hanging out at the Bluebird Bar and the Senator Bar? How about the Opus One, about a block away, near Tenn Ave?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Jeff from Pittsburgh, PA. Entered on June 28, 2004
"It all started for me when I was a kid in the 50's. Our family vacationed almost every year in Atlantic City. We always stayed in Margate at the White Sands Motel which was right next to Lucy the elephant. We often had breakfast at Woolfies on the boardwalk and I remember restuarants like Shumskeys and Sid Heartfields.Sometimes you took a ride in the rolling chairs or some people would just rent them to sit and people watch. They always had a bunch of them lined up against the rail on the boardwalk up near the Deauville Hotel. I always felt guilty riding in one thinkining about some poor skinny guy pushing my whole family in a chair. Then in the mid to later 60's starting with the end of my junior year in highscool, I worked in Atlanti City for three straigt summers. They were the best summers of my life. The first summer I worked there I went up with five or six other guys. We were all best friends and it really was the first time on our own for all of us. We all stayed in the same place. I even remember the name. It was called FAN AND DAN"S and it was a rooming house on Virginia Ave. We all managed to get jobs driving the Blue Shill Motor chairs on the boardwalk. We pretty much had the same routine every day all summer. We would veg out on the beach all day, get cleaned up about 4:00, get something to eat at either dandy's subs on Pacific Ave. or the South Carolina Sub shop, I never ate so many hoagies in my life as I did that summer, then hop on a jitney for a quarter and get off at Texas Ave, walk up to the boardwalk which was right about about where the chair station was and get our chairs and drive up and down the boardwalk until about midnight. We would all then walk the boards back to Virginia Ave where we would all hang out in front of the Steel Pier for a while before going back to Fan and Dans. It was sort of a meeting place for a lot of kids that worked on the boardwakk and just finished for the night. We would just hang out and BS and listen to music broadcast from WOND radio station. Unfortunately being that we were sometime goof- offs, one of would harass Mr. Peanut who would get agitated and chase us around waving his cane. We pretty much repeated this routine all summer. The next two summers I worked at a custard stand on the corner of Texas Ave and the boardwalk. I don't remember the name. If anyone does, let me know. I lived at the Pershing Hotel on S. Carolina Ave. Remember how many rooming houses and cheap hotels were there. The boardwalk had the classics, The Ritz Carlton, The Shelbourne, Mayflower, Claridge,the Dennis and others. Then on Pacific Ave there were all the newer motels. But on all those streets between Pacific or Atlantic Aves and the boardwalk were hundreds of old rooming houses and cheap hotels Those summers were the greatest in my life, all the memories, frienships, the comradary among all the kids that worked there was amazing. Those were the days. There will never be a place like the old Atlantic City" Edit Entry

Submitted by Andrew Aurora from New Haven Ct. Entered on June 13, 2004
"Hello Everyone, When i was a kid my parents always took me to alantic city. Almost every July.We always stayed at lombardies motel it was like a rituall. We stayed for 5-6 days. Those where the most memorable times of my life. i loved the million dollar pier. They had italian food behind all the rides. There was a stand that sold Italian water ice it was the best youve ever had. Once in a while the owner would be there and my parents would converse in Italian. Then the steel pier with the diving bell. I tell my friends about that and they say yeh right. But that was so cool. Isaw Steve lawrence and Edie Gormet in the theater there. There was a stand on the boardwalk that made belgium waffles. The man come and get them while there hot. Still till this dat never had one like that before.Still not to forgrt the diving horse wow what a trip. My parents are gone now but those are just a few of my favorite memories at alantic city. Great website." Edit Entry

Submitted by Jim from Moorestown, NJ. Entered on June 8, 2004
"I need some help from one of the AC Memories historians ( like Stan Slome). After my father's recent death, I found a letter addressed to him on official AC letterhead ,from Albert N. Shahadi, AC Commissioner of Public Relations ( the name Mall W. Dodson is also on the letterhead). The letter was dated around the time of my father's return from Europe after WWII. The information it contains has literally staggered me. I am anxious to begin researching the information, however I am doubtful that public records from that time are available. I am also considering researching archives of the old AC newspapers, which may be as difficult. Can anyone suggest where I might find records from that era? The letter also references the "City Press Bureau" at 2307 Boardwalk and even provides an old phone number, 5-3600. If you can help in even the smallest way, I will grateful." Edit Entry

Submitted by Beckey from . Entered on May 28, 2004
"What a great site. Would anyone with memories of this kindly help me out: what were those little "cups" of crust or dough with the meat and sauce inside, open topped, fit in your hand, but not tiny. What were they called? And was there a "pink castle" in Atlantic City itself? I didn't care for salt water taffy but the macaroons you could buy, they were a very favorite. I think Atlantic City still feels the same, everything is changed, but it's still the same "soul" dressed differently, that's just my feeling, I know others don't agree. I love this site, thanks for all the memories." Edit Entry

Submitted by E dHorrocks from Revere,Ma.. Entered on May 18, 2004
"Every time I read this page the memories come flooding back, such as Virginia Ave area. I'm 76 so some of these are very dated. Theh Home plate Restaurant on Atl.next to I think Maegans Electric the peanut roasting place on so.Virginia near Atl.Merlins Bar on So. Virginia I've seen mention of the Hot Dog stand underthe incline at Vir and the Bdwk the aromas were great.I too think those sand dunes are more for the interests of the Casinos Than erosion." Edit Entry

Submitted by Marge Sobjak from Reading PA. Entered on May 5, 2004
"Wow do I love Atlantic City, when I was growing up it was the only place we ever went on vacation. Every year we would rent an apartment at the Shamrock Hotel on St James Place for the first two weeks in July. We never went anywhere else, I even came here for our honeymoon (35 years ago). We have since come back to celebrate our anniversary roughly every other year. This year will be so special as we are goint to the Miss America Pageant. This is a dream come true for me. We are doing the whole package and I can't wait. My fondest memories are Hackney's, Sid Hartfields, bringing up the nets at noon on Million Dollar Pier and Steel Pier as it was in the 50's and 60's. Such wonderful memories! Things sure have changed!" Edit Entry

Submitted by kate from mass.. Entered on April 10, 2004
"Let's talk Easter on the boardwalk! I know every one always got dressed up for it. In the late 60's we found a date and definitely went, even when the clothing got more casual. You had to couple up and go to spend a fun day uptown. Share your Easter boardwalk memories." Edit Entry

Submitted by Mary from Northfield NJ. Entered on March 12, 2004
"+ JMJ I have such fond memories of Atlantic City at Easter time. The boardwalk was always so crowded. People came from all over in their finest Easter outfits. It was so fun as a young child gettin all dressed up and after Holy Mass going on the boardwalk and going on all the rides at Steeplechase and Million Dollar Pier. Later when a teenager going the Steel Pier with all our friends. I would like to wish all my "Old Friends" and their wonderful families a very Happy and Holy Easter." Edit Entry

Submitted by BARBARA from . Entered on March 11, 2004
"LINDA I DID NOT PUT ALL THOSE MEMORIES IN THEY JUST KEPT REPEATING THEMSELVES, THEY ARE NOW GONE AND SO ARE MY MEMORIES OF ATLANTIC CITY THANK TO YOU" Edit Entry

Submitted by Stanley Slome from Granada Hills, California. Entered on March 10, 2004
"You'll have a lot of great memories if you watch The Miss America Pageant in The American Experience series on PBS. This almost two-hour program, seen March 9 here in the Los Angeles area on KLCS,is a socio-historical view of the Pageant. Marvelous footage. Vicki Gold Levi, co-author of "Atlantic City: 150 Years of Ocean Madness" figures prominently as an interviewee. Especially noteworthy are the sequences with Bess Myerson, Vanessa Williams and Lee Meriwether. I was fortunate, as a reporter for the Vineland Times-Journal in 1956, to have a ramp seat for the finale when Miss Colorado, Sharon Kay Ritchie, was crowned Miss America. Later it was revealed that she wore contact lenses, a mild no-no at the time. She later married golfer Don Cherry. Lee Meriwether still performs in a repertory theatre group in the San Fernando Valley. She still looks lovely after all these years. This PBS special is highly recommended. You could probably order a video copy from PBS. If you go to www.pbs.org and type in Miss America Pageant you'll valuable information about the program. " Edit Entry

Submitted by Sondra from Florida. Entered on March 3, 2004
"I just adore this site! Another teacher that I remember from Mass. Ave. School is Miss Libby, who taught 4th grade. She was the teacher of my good friend Barbara, who is now a published author and poetess. What a magnificent education we children from the Inlet received! How fortunate we were! And to think- my parents were immigrants ( from Romania) who never even graduated from Grade School, due to the Depression, etc.) I attended Central Jr. High School during 1956-57 and 1957-58. My English and Social Studies teachers were: Miss Julia Goens ( extremely strict), Miss Elizabeth Abary ( a great taskmaster), Miss Harding ( thank you for making us memorize so many poems); My Math teachers were: Miss Grenada and Mr. Johnson; Art: Mr. Wismer and Mr. Feinberg; P.E. : Mis Grace and Mrs. Bankert ( whose husband John was my great Chemistry teacher at A.C.H.S.); Science: Mr, Hill. The Principal was Mr. Ben Barken and the Assistant Principal was Mr. Charles Sage. All the teachers had such memorable personalities and really nurtured my love of learning. As a result of their attention, I became a Jr. High School Math and Science teacher; after 30 years of teaching in Florida, I am now enjoying a well-deserved retirement! If only the kids of today behaved as well as we did... That's all for now. Thanks again to all of you for sharing your wonderful memories. I will always have Atlantic City sand in my shoes ( the beach here in Jensen Beach just doesn't compare!)" Edit Entry

Submitted by Sondra from Florida. Entered on March 3, 2004
"All these memories are just fantastic! I think the first names of the O'Keefe sisters were Julia and Mary. I know that Rose Kauffman and Evelyn Weiner were very good friends ( when Garwood Mills opened, they both worked there.) Jan and Janice were always together- two very charming, wonderful girls! When I lived at 115 Dewey Place ( from 1957 to 1961), Jan and Janice also lived in duplexes ( on the opposite side of the street.)We used to ride our bikes up the ramp to the Boardwalk ( sometimes in the early mornings, we rode all the way to the end of the Boardwalk in Ventnor , or in the opposite direction, to the end of the inlet at Captain Starns.)We spent many hours paying "wireball" and also "jailbreak" (in the back alleyways that faced the back porches of the rooming house and Apt. buildings on Pacific Ave.) Sometimes we crossed Pacific Ave. to shoot baskets at Altman Field, which connected to the beach. Then we would walk over to Zwiebach's Candy Store for a treat. Also, Janice and Lenny's Father was Morty- he was a milkman for Kligerman Dairies. I remember having milk delivered in brown bottles. If only we could go back in time with a video camera!! More memories to come..." Edit Entry

Submitted by BARBARA from PHOENIX AZ. Entered on March 3, 2004
"LINDA I THINK IT WAS CONGRESS A CONTINUEATION OF THE OTHER ONE. MY MOM ALSO WORKED AT SCHRANKS AS A BUTTON HOLER. I LIVED AT 242 SO MASS. AVE UNTIL I WAS 17 THEN MOVED TO SEASIDE AVE. I ALSO HAD ONE OF THE O;KEEFE SISTERS I ALSO HAD MRS JASPER DOES ANYBODY REMEMBER HER? SHE HUNG HERSELF I GRADUATED IN 58. I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH IRV TANNENBUM. AND ALTOUGH LENNY WEINER WAS A LITKE YOUNGER HE WAS A FRIEND OF MINE I LOVED HIS DAD NORMAN. KEEP THOES MEMORIES COMING" Edit Entry

Submitted by Ginny GOrdon Kamis from Central Jersey. Entered on March 2, 2004
"I also had Miss Gordon for kindergarten in Mass. Ave. And now that someone mentioned the janitor that rings a bell also.All the Congress Ave. memories are great from oenny arcades to the Dude Ranch which was forbidden. I remember Steven Rosenberg and may be he was class of 64. THanks for the memories!!!" Edit Entry

Submitted by jerry gordon from north jersey. Entered on March 2, 2004
"the Conn ave memories are great. Does anyone remember the name of the little street(alley) that ran between mass ave & conn ave near the broadwalk? Jerry" Edit Entry

Submitted by Sondra from Florida. Entered on March 2, 2004
"How I enjoy reading all the great memories on this site! My teachers at Mass. Ave. School were Miss May. Miss Cummings, Miss Roth, Miss O'Keefe, Miss Darrah, and Miss Palmer. My sister had Miss Libby, Miss Reddy, and Miss Walsh, who had eyes in the back of her head! All my teachers were so dedicated and really did a wonderful job! I also loved Mrs. Martin (the Music Teacher; her husband was a Science Teacher at A.C.H.S.) and Mr. Bracalante (the P.E. Teacher.) I thought the custodian was a kindly man named Mr.Mallen. My Mother was a sewing machine operator ( she "set sleeves on a "Merrow machine") at M.C. Shranks, and I always had the cutest pajamas!Later on , she worked at the Atlantic City Coat Factory, on New Hampshire Ave. near Melrose, where they made winter jackets for the soldiers during the Korean War. Those places were aptly named "sweat shops;" no air-conditioning, and so hot in the summer-just big fans on poles. She also worked for awhile as a waitress at the Moose Hall ( on Atlantic near New Jersey Ave.) I also was a safety- my post was at the corner of Mass. Ave, and Atlantic Ave., mostly "guarding" the Holy Spirit kids.Our Safety Patrol Song was sang to the tune of the Gillette Razor Song ( Friday night fights on T.V.) The words were " We look sharp in our belts of white, we are sharp cause we do what's right, we'll be sharp cause we're on the ball, we're the Atlantic City Safety Patrol." We had a trip to the Philadelphia Zoo, as a reward for our service. When I lived on Dewey Place, Jan Kauffman lived across the street from me- she was a great girl, and always a very talented artist;as a matter of fact, she became a professional artist. Her Mother was our Girl Scout Leader- Troop 7, based at Mass. Ave. School. Mrs. Evelyn Weiner ( mother of Lenny and Janice) was the co-leader. They were both so nice and loving to all of us!They always had wonderful arts and craft projects for us to do, and also took us on a "day camping trip" to Mays Landing, where we roasted ( toasted) marshmallows on tin cans ( on which we had punched holes at the top.) Very exciting for a kid who didn't get too see too much grass and trees, other than at the Lighthouse Park!) I will always be so very grateful to all the caring adults who helped make my childhood so magical! That's all for today- more to come later. I really appreciate everyone who is sending in their memories- how lucky we were to grow up in such a fantastic place and era!" Edit Entry

Submitted by BARBARA from ARIZONIA. Entered on March 2, 2004
"I WAS JUST READING MEMORIES FROM OLD AC. I USED TO WORK AT JUICE STAND, MY SISTER WORKED AT THE FUDGE SHOP. REMEMBER TWIN KISS NEXT TO DUDE RANCH AND HARRY;S BAR AND PIZZA ON BOARDWALK AT CON VE AND BOARDWALK. USED TO GET PIZZA AND ORANGE SODA. ALSO REMEMBER THE OLD PICADILLY AT NJ AND PACFIC. I ALSO WENT TO MASS AVE SCHOOL AND REMEMBER THE TEACHERS, HOW ABOUT MISS WALSH (OUCH) WOW I COULD GO ON AND ON BUT WONT. DONT GO TO THE INLET WHEN I GET TO AC. THEY TOOK AWAY MY CHILDHOOD. ON THAT NOTE I WILL SAY GOODNIGHT AND HAPPY MEMORIES " Edit Entry

Submitted by Henry Weiss from Galloway, NJ. Entered on March 1, 2004
"Linda - I don't remember the name Steven Rosenberg, but Allan Moss sounds familiar. It's a shame you left AC at that young age, the memories of growing up here during adolescence and the teen years are wonderful. There was a time when Atlantic City was a fantastic place to live and grow up, those were the "old days", when there was harmony between everyone, and we were all good neighbors. It's funny how progress changes things not always to the better..... " Edit Entry

Submitted by Barry Rich from Mt. Laurel NJ. Barry's Web Page Entered on February 21, 2004
"JG---yes they are fond memories of a time long past by. I see from your email address that your name is 'GOLD'. I knew a Judy Gold who lived two doors from Bunks. Do you happen to be related? By the way do you remember Lenny Blum, from Blum's? He is still playing the piano at a restaurant offshore. We lived at 228 So Seaside Ave in the late 30's, 40's and 50's. Do you remember Frank's on the boardwalk in front of the Vermont Apts?" Edit Entry

Submitted by Sondra from Jensen Beach, Florida. Entered on February 14, 2004
"I graduated from ACHS in 1962,Temple U. (the big city) in 1966, then moved to Florida-the land of perpetual summer! I grew up in the Inlet section (101 S. Vermont Ave., 225 S. Victoria Ave., 274 S. Mass. Ave, 115 Dewey Place, and our last apartment was at 308 Oriental Ave.) My childhood was simply magical, even though my family was "money" poor.I have read through all the memories on this site, and I am amazed at how many of us still cherish the wonderful times we had at so many places- Steel Pier, the Boardwalk,Mass. Ave. School. Central Jr. High, and ACHS. I taught in Jr. High School for over 30 years here in Florida, and I can honestly say that the schools we attended were THE BEST!! In the late 40's my parents had a rooming house at Vermont and Pacific, on top of Eddie's Restaurant ( that made the thickest milkshakes in the world), across from the lighthouse.I can remember "charging" my food at Blum's Grocery ( corner of Vermont and Oriental). Bunks ( New Hampshire and Oriental),and Jack"s (Jack and Esther Carp) at the corner of Mass. and Oriental Ave.( where I had the best lunches every day that we went "home" for lunch ( from 11:40 to 1:00 from Mass. Ave School.)My grandchildren do not have any concept of what a "rooming" house was, or a family-run "under the house" grocery! It was so safe in those days! I used to ride my bike to Seahorse Pier, at the end of Brigatine, with a school pal.We also used to go fishing ( with baloney on a string) from the T-jetty on new Hampshire Ave. Many delicious sea bass and porgies were on our dinner table! More memories later... T!!!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Roberta Cole Hersh from Cleveland,Ohio. Entered on February 11, 2004
"(Thanks Ratso ) Hi, it's just me again with random memories of a summer resident: airplanes flying streamers, icecream on the beach, every rainy day at the Steel Pier and the high diving horse, model homes, baloney and onion sandwiches, kiddie shows, Stan Kenton and Louis Prima and Keely Smith and Vaun Monroe in the ballroom; Dion Quints on display, Moms Mabely and Billy Daniels at the Harlem Club, baby oil and iodine, sitting next to Eddie Arcaro on a jitney, afternoon tea at the Breakers with my grandparents, Kornblaus at 2 a.m., Stanleys for dinner, Childs on the boards, elegant hotels and movie theatres, Hombergers, taffy in a blue and white barrel, James chocolate molasses paddles, the Vegematic man, Dupont exhibit, auctions, all the traffic lights blinking at the same time for emergency vehicles, Irenes, and going 'down the shore' on the train during the second world war with the service men sitting on their duffle bags in the aisles, sleeping on the sofa in my cousin's apartment on Maryland Ave. and hearing 'Peg o My Heart' through the open window every night...and a million and one things I no longer remember. Those were the days........Roberta " Edit Entry

Submitted by Roberta Cole Hersh from Cleveland, Ohio. Entered on February 7, 2004
"Hello, again. I am sitting here with a bout of sciatica ( OUCH ) and thinking of all I have to do before moving "back home." My mind is full of the most wonderful memories of my life. The end of May is my target moving date. Have been looking in The Press of Atlantic City on line for an apartment and it seems anything decent is more than I can afford. Is there anyone here who can help me find a comfortable one or two bedroom apartment in Margate, Ventnor or a safe area of AC? I am visiting in April to look around in person. But, you know....this is a pretty frightening thing for a 70 year old to make such a big change. However, they say, having the courage to change is a beautiful thing. It will be the first time in my life that I will be living in a city where I don't know anyone ... and have no support system. Oh, heck! if not now, when? Atlantic City, here I come!!! " Edit Entry

Submitted by L J Taylor from Princeton NJ. Entered on January 27, 2004
"I remember my great-uncle Terrell Jacobs, who was a lion tamer, from my childhood in Texas. He died in 1957. I live in New Jersey now, but didn't then, when he performed in various area places, including Hamid's Million Dollar Pier in Atlantic City. If anyone has any circus memories like these, I'd love to hear about them. Thanks! " Edit Entry

Submitted by Walt Craig from Mickleton, NJ. Entered on January 15, 2004
"I find it both interesting and fasinating that so many natives and visitors to Atlantic City (including myself a former native) that have so many happy memories and love of Atlantic City do not choose to live there. In my case it was the war college and career opportunities that deprived me of that privlige " Edit Entry

Submitted by Allen "Boo" Pergament from Margate, NJ. Entered on January 3, 2004
"This information is for Stanley Slome and anyone else interested in it. You're right on target about the Seagram's horse racing sign on Million Dollar Pier. It was a big one. The best I can recollect, there were four horses of different colors running across the top of the oval track toward the left and then down and back along the bottom to the finish. These were random finishes. And yes, there were many "bets" wagered by people standing along the Boardwalk railing. It was a capitivating sign. I don't know for sure the period of time it was up but I saw it in the early forties. I'm still trying to check out when it came and when it went. George Hamid, Sr. leased the Pier from June 1938 to Nov. 1948. People continued to call it Hamid's Million Dollar Pier after that making it seem like he had for a longer time. My father managed the ballroom there for three years during WWII. He contracted all the Big Bands like Glenn Miller, Vaughn Monroe, Mal Hallet, Charlie Spivak, Tony Pastor, Les Brown, Georgie Auld, Johnny Long, etc. I remember seeing the famous cowboy Ken Maynard there as well as Sally Rand, famous bubble and fan dancer. It was always a treat to see them bring in the Net Haul at the end of the pier as well as the wild animal circus. I used to watch the elephants in their stalls for hours. Who can forget the huge, three story giant slide or the flying disc (where everyone piled together in the center of the round wooden disc and held on for dear life as it picked up speed. What wonderful times and memories!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Roberta Hersh from Shaker Heights, Ohio. Entered on December 19, 2003
"( continued ) Ah, those were the wonder years. I discovered boys. While stying at the Lafayette I had my first date, my first kiss, found out it really was not fun to "make out" under the boards, had my first cigarette. ( Marty Binder of Philadelphia .. you should be ashamed...and you became a doctor...so, now where are you when I am trying to quit? ) found my first love. Murray Davis of Squirrel Hill, PA., where are you? Do you know I have never forgotten you. And I am still looking for you after fifty years. We had the best two weeks ever. Every day on the beach with your family, every night going to the Shelburn bar ( never had a drink before I met you ), or going to the movies or just walking the boards. It was all so innocent, really. And then meeting up with the rest of your clan at Kornblaus at 2 A.M. Remember...we made a date to meet at the Taft Hotel in New York for Christmas. We both kept the rendezvous and spent several days together. But I never saw you again. I suppose no one ever forgets their first love. During those years when my father came down for the week ends, we never failed to stop at Taylor Pork Roll before going back to the hotel for the night. Sometimes we went to Frailengers for ice cream sodas. And I remember the sightless man who sold news papers on the boards in front of Haddon Hall. I can picture all these memories in my mind. They give me great comfort...still...and forever. More next time. Roberta " Edit Entry

Submitted by Aad van den Hout from Voorburg (Z.H.) The Netherlands. Entered on December 8, 2003
"Atlantic City in the beginning of eighties! Saw the beginning of Oceanclub, next to Tropicana! Have nice pictures! Building Oceanclub! You want to share! Mail!! Favorite! Marie Krassen in the Tropicana! What a time! The old Wild Swane! Not any more like I understood!Memories all over!God friends with Ronny & Taylor as artist in de lounche!Trip to Europe with good friends working in teh casino. My weddingpresent for them!Great for them and for me!Trip in private KLM-machine! Mote to come! Mail me!!" Edit Entry

Submitted by Allen "Boo" Pergament from Margate, NJ. Entered on December 6, 2003
"It seems that everyone responding to the "Tabers" questions with varied answers were all correct. I can only give you the following information based on the years I had reference information. In 1935 the only store was at 813 Boardwalk (States Ave.). In 1940 it appears to still only be at 813 Boardwalk. By 1957 it was at States Ave. AND 1019 Atlantic Ave. (bet. Virginia and Penna. Aves. under the Presston Apts.). In 1968, it was at 1125 Boardwalk (under the Haddon Hall Hotel)AND 1633 Atlantic Ave. (bet. Kentucky and Illinois Aves.). In 1972, it only had the 1125 Boardwalk address. In 1981, the address was 1727 Boardwalk (bet. Illinois and Indiana Aves.). The Boardwalk stores were know as "Tabers Toy-A-Rama" and the Atlantic Ave. stores were "Tabers Toyland". That's the best that I can offer. I remember vividly, walking on the boards and stopping in the recessed double display window at States Ave. and the Boardwalk and gaping at all the wonderful toys. Then walking along the States Ave. side of the building and peering into the several large windows full of so many exciting things to see. They were great times. Aren't we lucky to have the memories???" Edit Entry

Submitted by Michael Jones from Maryland. Entered on December 5, 2003
"I remember spending the summers of 1968 through 1972 working on the Steel Pier operating the Magic stand opposite the artist concession between the diving bell and the mystery ride. I worked for the owner, Steve Falcone for a couple of summers and then had an opportunity to purchase the business. I never worked so hard in all my life! I was earning between 20 and 60 cents per deck of magic cards sold and if I did not sell any, I did not eat! So for any of you that were entertained enough to purchase one, thank you! What a wonderful experience for a 17 year old. I remember staying at the Clarendon Hotel on the beach block of Virginia Avenue where Mr. and Mrs. Martin Casper created the safest haven for all of the performers on the Tony Grant show. I remember my first week there and wandering down one morning only to find the entire hotel checking out! I did not realize the shows changed every week. Do any of you know where the Caspers are today? I believe Mr. Casper also had a married daughter Linda. I think her married name was Hamberger. Every performer on the Tony Grant show must have great memories of the Clarendon, the Pier and Atlantic City and there are many of them out there. I have a thousand memories of working on the Steel Pier and made many friends. I use to keep in touch with Gabby Engle who operated the artist stand but I have lost touch. If anyone knows Gabby, could you please let me know if she is still "with us." And if anyone knows Bryant Visinant (sp) who worked as a pastel artist for many years, I would like to know where he is now. With respect to the city, I remember walking up and down Atlantic avenue at 2am window shopping with not a care or worry about who might jump out of the shadows. I remember the great steak dinners at the Ranch House on the boardwalk and Tabors Toyland. In 1974, I met the owner Fred Dodd and convinced him to let me sell some magic cards in his store for the summer of 1974 after I left the Steel Pier. Fred was a great guy as were all the staff and threw a surprise party for me and my bride to be. Fred, where ever you are we just celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary! I watched the casinos gradually push Taber's out of the hotel, I watched the fall of Virginia Avenue including the Clarendon Hotel to the Taj, and the complete disappearance of the Steel Pier I once knew so well. I do visit AC one or two times a year but I have never made the trip without tears in my eyes.....never." Edit Entry

Submitted by Lahri Bond from Amherst, MA. Entered on November 29, 2003
"I'm looking for information on Taber's Toy-A-Rama, which was a onderful toystore, both on the boardwalk and on Atlantic Avenue back in the sixties and early seventies. Does anyone out there know who owned it and are they still alive? Would also love to hear anyones memories of this beloved pre-casino Atlantic City icon." Edit Entry

Submitted by Jeff S. from Los Angeles. Entered on November 3, 2003
"Harriet - I'll bet we knew each other at least by sight across the boardwalk or around Congress Ave. I lived on Mass. Ave. two doors from Oriental and Rick, my friend from school in Philly, lived on Connecticut. Random memories: Hanging out playing the nickel pinball at Wolfies (a couple years later I worked for the Wolfs in the winter giving change), selling punch balls, tee shirts and soft pretzels for Herbie Brookstein next to Wolfies (Herbie and wife Gertie, baby daughter and gentle german shepard Buddy lived on Congress Ave.), walking Buddy, running errands to the Acme, going to Lou's late at night for pizza, walking down to Planters Peanuts for chocolate pretzel logs or a bag of hot peanuts(I was also terrified of Mr. Peanut when I was younger, would hide out with my parents in Mammy's, eat a donut and watch the door in case he came after me..), schmoozing with Rick at Belgium Waffles while he sold water ice ("Getcher Marino's Italian Ices, chocolate cherry lemon orange grape and pineapple"), laughing at the people who tried to steal the fake water ice on the cooler (made from colored instant mashed potatoes), drinking pina coladas (non-alcoholic) from Steeplechase, hearing great stories from Fitz, the Belgium Waffle salesman extraordinare whose normal speaking voice carried at least a half block away, ("Oh, they're SOO tasty, and when you wake up in the morning you BOUNCE right out of bed..") joking with Bobby the gypsy weight-guesser (who always tried to fix us up with girls he knew from the boards), buying 15 cent fudge scrap bags from Duffields, drinking weak cream soda from the Sodamat, etc... great malteds from the Haddon Hall drugstore soda fountain, Mac Fries, The Trip (we thought we were so cool), the Italian Village, the Ape Girl ("she's alive!") ... I could go on and on...." Edit Entry

Submitted by CARL BAILEY,JR from Fort Mill,S.C.. CARL's Web Page Entered on November 2, 2003
"hi I have fond memories of Atlantic City and the Steel Pier. I lived in Millville N.J. about 45 miles West of AC On a cold Sunday in January circa 1936 My parents were driving me to A/C and there was thin ice on the roads we were heading to th Steel PIER TO HAVE my picture taken with the dog that played in the movies of "Our Gang" a few miles out of Millville and our car skided on the road and we crashed into a large tree no one was hurt and we journeyed on to the Steel Pier to have my pix taken I still have that picture today there are many more fond memories Like when I was a life guard in 1944 one of the guards knew Woody Herman ,the band leader, who was playing in the Marine Ballroom, I was personally introduced to Mr hERMAN and what a great thrill for a 16year old There ar4e many more but I'll save them for a later time ciao Carl Bailey" Edit Entry

Submitted by Patty Giliberti from Paterson New Jersey. Entered on October 29, 2003
"As a child we spent every summer in Atlantic City, we stayed at The LeChatue on Pennsylvania Ave just off of Pacific Ave. I remember Mr. Peanut, The Old Steel Peer (we just couldn't wait to see who was appearing there) Mammys donuts right out side of the Steple Chase Peer, Miniture Golf, bike riding on the boardwalk early in the morning. Italian Ice from the Million Dallor Peer, Walking the boardwalk at night not a worry in the world. I love the memories of Atlantic City and being there with my family that are all gone now, but will forever remain alive in my mind on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. " Edit Entry

Submitted by c. stewart singler from seattle. Entered on October 22, 2003
"Does anyone remember the Mortimer Hotel? A small residental(?) hotel from the early to mid 50's? I'd like to hear your memories of it. Especially how far it was from Steel Pier. Thanks. Please email me. c.stewart singler." Edit Entry

Submitted by Dee Ann( Morris) Ridley from Oklahoma City,OK.. Entered on October 20, 2003
"In the summer of 1966 my Brother-in-law and sister were stationed at McGuire AFB in New Jersey. My mom always planned a summer trip for my sisters and brother. This time we went to visit my sister. Part of our outing was to go to the boardwalk and see the diving horse. It was a awsome experience and something I will never forget. I was so afraid the horse or the rider would be hurt. After they dove in the small pool and they were alright we all cheered and asked for an encore. Those are some of my most cher