Boardwalk Hall
One of the most recognized landmarks on Atlantic City’s skyline is historic Boardwalk Hall. Opened in 1929, it was considered an architectural marvel in its prime. The barrel vaulted ceiling at a height of 137 feet was the largest clear span space of that era. The Hall became home to the Miss America Pageant in 1940. Designed to extend the tourist season at the shore, the tradition dates back to 1921. Later In 1932, Boardwalk Hall unveiled what is considered to be a masterpiece in musical instrumentation. The World’s Largest Pipe Organ took in excess of two years to complete, recognized as the loudest instrument ever constructed as recorded by Guinness Book of World Records. This massive organ, built by the Midmer-Losh company of Merrick, NY, is estimated to have 33,000 pipes. In May 1937, two years prior to America’s involvement in World War II, the Hindenburg left Frankfurt Germany for the Lakehurst Naval Air Station. As it made its descent at the conclusion of its three day voyage, the hydrogen-filled airship could be seen soaring above Atlantic City, sixty miles south of its destination. Making it’s approach as it reached the airfield the zeppelin burst into flames, killing 35 civilians and crew members. Once the country entered World War II, Boardwalk Hall would be recommissioned as a military headquarters and training facility. The base would come to be known as “Camp Boardwalk” during the
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period from 1941-1945. During this critical period in U.S. History, dozens of American ships had been sunk by German submarines just off the Jersey coastline. As a result, nightly curfews were instituted to protect northeast cities from a potential attack. In August 1964 with the nomination of presidential hopeful, Lyndon B. Johnson, Atlantic City stepped into the arena of national politics. The Hall hosted in excess of 20,000 delegates for the August Democratic National Convention. Following at the weeks’ end, The Beatles performed one of their scheduled concerts before 18,000 devoted fans at Convention Hall. The fee to the venue on this second U.S. concert Tour was $25,000. During their stay in Atlantic City,
Jersey Shore Family School Resource Guide 2020
