Dorothy McMonagle Kulisek, So You’ll Know, llc. © 2022
18TH YEAR
FREE GUIDE
JULY - AUGUST 2022
NO BEACH BAG CAN BE WITHOUT IT!
watch
the
tram
car
please
!
. . . follow The Sun!
Love is in the little things . . .
SATURDAY July 23, 2022 Golf Cart Parade 10am - 12pm
• Register on RecDesk to enter and participate • Enjoy a summer visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus!
Christmas in July
12pm - 6pm at Fox Park
• Golf Cart Judging 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place • Get a jumpstart on Christmas Shopping with a Christmas Craft & Food Show • Free Entertainment brought to you by DJ Eric Bartello
Exclusively Available at
M.S. Brown Jewelers 3304 Pacific Ave., Wildwood, NJ 609-522-7604
SINCE 1950
MSBrownJewelers.com
5 South Main St., Unit 103, CMCH, NJ 609-463-8799
THE SUN P.O.BOX 2101 WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, N.J. 08260 609.522.2721
WWW.SUNBYTHESEA.COM THESUNBYTHESEA@GMAIL.COM
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JULY - AUGUST ‘22
"When I breathe in the scent of the salt air and hear the cry of the seagull, I know that I am home." ~Salt Life
HoffmaN. agency inc real estate
D Since 1945 D
WE KNOW WHAT MATTERS CHARMING HOME. 4 BR, 2 Baths, possible 5th BR, & lovely backyard. Come garden here! Wildwood $525,000.
OCEANFRONT. 1 BR & Bath unit in complex with every amenity, recently upgraded. Fully furnished. Perfect. $215,000.
NEW MASTERPIECE. 5 Spacious BR, 5.5 Baths, LR w/FP, smart home technology and deck to watch sunsets. Amazing. $1,699,000.
BUILDER’S FAMILY HOME. 4 BR, 3 Baths w/comfort and privacy. Spacious, open floor plan, game room & office. Wow! $875,000.
Joseph & Rita Von Savage c. 1940s on the Wildwood Boardwalk TWO BLOCKS TO BEACH. Pristine top floor 3 BR, 2 Bath condo has LVT flooring and is fully furnished. Much more! Wildwood. $569,000.
JUST LIKE NEW ! 5 BR, 2 Baths make this gently used home feel NEW. Open concept first floor, Custom trim throughout. $849,000.
Carole V. Pantalone Office: 609.522.8177 Cell: 609.425.4832 hoffmanagency@snip.net
JUST RENOVATED. 2 BR, 1.5 Baths, near great restaraunts, boating & fishing. and views of inland waterway. Relax! $349,000.
WHEN PEOPLE BUY FROM YOU BECAUSE OF WHO YOU ARE, NOT JUST WHAT YOU SELL, THAT’S A
MOVE RIGHT IN ! 3 BR, 2.5 Baths, gas FP in LR, Central AC, and Family Room. Sliders in LR & Kitchen. $639,000.
6301 Pacific Ave. Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260 609.522.8177 Fax: 609.523.0472 www.hoffmanwildwoodcrest.com
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the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“Instead of focusing on a To Do list, start a To Be list. Things you want to be: Happy, Calm, Loving, Healthy, Awesome.” “The Sun is one of the greatest publications I’ve ever read in my life… It is a true charm. You do a tremendous, outstanding service to our community. Thank you.” ~ Don, Anglesea, NJ Thank you so much Don, Dorothy dorothy’s
SO MUcH inside ! Harry Roecker Rows. . . Among Many Other Things and His 1916 Fishing Cottage by Dorothy Kulisek 12-13 Scully’s Beach Grill sent in by Barbara Holscher Hall by Dorothy Kulisek 18-19
w h e r e y e s t e r d ay
&
t o d ay m e e t b y - t h e - s e a
Happy Summer-Time Dear Sun Readers! Ben Franklin once said, “Time is money.” Well, Ben could have used a little “island Time” surrounded by sandcastles and diamonds on the sea, where time is not measured in dollars and cents, but by the ebb and flow of the tides. After all, who can put a price on a day spent doing little more than just staring out into the ocean? We shore-lovers would surely agree that there’s no place that feeds our souls more than being by the sea. Spirits can only soar when inspired, and inspiration is rarely found in endless “to do” lists (unless it’s about what “to doo” in the Wildwoods). The inspiration is priceless. Recently I’ve been inspired to try to make time stop moving so fast by learning to pause and slow down. I think you’d agree that we’re all moving too fast. While there is still a need for “to do” lists (because every day can’t revolve around the beach) it seems we merely abide by whatever our calendars, lists, emails and cell phones tell us to do. So let’s pencil ourselves in some more time on our calendars ... find opportunities to take a break from work, from social media, sit on a beach and simply BE. Strive to make everyday the best day of our lives, because there is no good reason not to. Let’s try challenging ourselves “to do” things we never thought we could... “to do” something ‘just for to-day’ that will make the world a better place, “to do” something for someone without any expectation... “to do” things more mindfully, being fully present, to learn to live one day at a time.
Each day has its own incalculable value no matter how it is spent. But if a price could be put on time, then isn’t a calendar full of an abundance of beach days all the more valuable?
Have the Happiest Summer ever!
Blast from the Past Yearbook Photos 20-21 Churches on the island 26 Buffalo Soldiers ~ Ed Chip Harshaw by Rachel Rogish Flammia 27 Lou Booth & Her Story by Anita Hirsch 28 Summer Love & Hot Potato Chips by George Fiorella 32 The Koeneke Family Home was once a Funeral Home by Dorothy Kulisek 34-35 True Love Found in Wildwood Bud & Bernie McKeown 36
Dorothy McMonagle Kulisek 609.214.5608
The SUN by-the-sea©2022 published by So You’ll Know, inc. with the help of those listed here:
Assistant Editor, Meg Corcoran Contributors:
Maureen Dunbar • George Firella • George Hanstein • Anita Hirsch • Michael Purdon Rachel Rogish • Kelly Saavedra • Barbara Sawyer • Leo Scanlan • Capt. Gary Sloan Grace Zambardi
I hope you ‘flip-out’ over this ‘endless summer’ Sun! When you finish one side, flip it over and start again... May The Sun bless you and refresh you and truly knock your flip-flips off!
Don’t Forget to Pack my Fish Shirt! by George Hanstein 6 O-Fish-ally Summer w/Capt. Gary Sloan & Tides 8-9 The History of Sightseeing Boats ~ Cape May Whale Watcher by Rachel Rogish Flammia 10-11 Wildwood Memories by Susan S. Carlstrom 12 Mayor Matt’s West Wildwood Roots by Rachel Rogish Flammia 14 True Love in Wildwood by Barbara Olsen Sawyer 16 W W W. S U N B Y T H E S E A . C O M w w w. S u n s t o r e . b i g c a r t e l . c o m
Original watercolor by Dorothy McMonagle Kulisek ©
James & His Super Hermit Crab by Dorothy Kulisek 16 The Art of Wildwood Nostalgia by Kelly Saavedra 22 High School Grads in Wildwood 1970-1972 by Gloria Blatnik 24
Humble Homage Poetry by Michael Purdon 29
Artist / Editor / Publisher The SUN by-the–sea, Wildwood, NJ
Artist, Editor & Publisher, Ad Sales
FLIP SIDE
West Wildwood’s Scanlan’s Bungalow by Leo Scanlan 26
Dorothy
gggggggggggggg
A Cottage for His Bride Dan Glaze by Dorothy Kulisek 30 Wildwood Memories 1978 by Maureen Dunbar 32 Downtown Wildwood Movie Nights with Meg the Movie Buff 36
To see my full line of cards, visit Sunstore.bigcartel.com Or visit me on Sunday, Aug. 14th at North Wildwood Flea Market (look for me around 7th St.)
*I’ll also be at the Family Holiday Market inside the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, Dec. 10th. LOVE IF YOUUR O Y OM, FREED VET! A K THAN
Disclaimer The Sun by-the-Sea© and So You’ll Know Inc. cannot pledge the accurateness or comprehensiveness of all editorial content in all of its constituent parts.
“Any society that needs disclaimers has too many lawyers.” ~Erik Pepke
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the SUN by-the-Sea
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“May your beach days be long and your work days short.” ~A Wildwood Motto
Events July Hath 31 Days.
Full Buck Moon
July 23rd 10:37 am
Aug. 13-14, 27-28 & Sept. 3-4 Boardwalk SID Craft Shows All
handmade products. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
7/14, 7/28, 8/7 Anglesea Nightmarket & Mobile Food Nights Olde NJ Ave. 5-10pm
7/8 WILDWOOD CREST SAND SCULPTING FESTIVAL Heather Rd. beach, 9am 7/8-10 Anglesea BLUES Festival & NJ State BBQ Championship Olde NJ Ave., Smokin’ hot blues on an outdoor stage. 7/9 SIDEWALK CHALK COMPETITION at Bill Henfey Park. North Wildwood. 9am. 7/16-17 Cape Express “MORE” Beach Blast Soccer between Spencer & Poplar. 7/23 NEW! Wildwood’s Christmas in July. Boardwalk & Pacific 10a.m. - 1 p.m. 609522-5837 7/23 Christmas in July with Santa Claus On the Beach in North Wildwood. Candy canes and entertainment. 1pm. 609.522.7500 7/23 WILDWOOD CREST CHRISTMAS in July Festival along Sunset Lake. 6pm-9pm 7/26 The Wildwoods Love Waddler’s Baby Waddle - Wildwoods Convention Center Turnaround circle. 10:30am 7/27 Wildwoods Baby Parade Wildwoods Convention Center, Boardwalk and Fox Park 6pm 7/30-31 Ultimate Beach Frisbee Tournament Beach at Schellenger Ave, Wildwood. 9-5 7/30-8/1 Battle at the Beach Mixed Martial Arts Tournament Wildwoods Convention Center. Sat: 10am - 6pm 860.295.0403
CD CENTENNIAL PARK E FERN RD, WILDWOOD CREST, NJ 08260
***********************
7/10 •7/24•8/7• 4-9 PM
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NEW LOCATION! SAME GREAT TRUCKS & CRAn VENDORS
7/30 Community Band by the Sea Byrne Plaza 3:30 - 8pm Rain date 8/1
7/31 Family Dance Night w/ DJ SLICE Sunday at Centennial Park, Wildwood Crest 7:30 pm
Summer Races
7/8 Cape May County Lifeguard Championships, Rambler Rd. Beach, 6:30pm 7/9 Greater Wildwood Yacht Club Youth Regatta. Sunset Lake 7/15 Beschen-Callahan Memorial Lifeguard Race 15th St. & Beach. 6pm 7/15 Wildwood Beach Patrol USLA Lifeguard Competition. Linclon Ave. Beach. 10am 7/16 BOOGIE BOARD Races 15th Ave. 10am 7/16 Sun and Sand Police & Fire Survivors 5K Elks Lodge, 1st & Olde NJ, 9am start 7/23 CHRISTMAS IN JULY BOAT PARADE Sunset Lake, Wildwood Crest at sunset 7/29 Dutch Hoffman Memorial Lifeguard Races Lincoln Ave. Beach, 6:30 pm 7/30 WBP Pier to Pier Challenge 1 Mile Ocean Swim 6pm. Lincoln Ave. 8/6 Wildwood Crest 5K Beach Race 8:30am 8/7 Heart of Surfing 1st Ave. Beach, 9am-12pm 8/7 Wildwood Navy Seal Challenge Lincoln Ave Beach 6:30 pm 8/13 “Live Like BOLLE” 5K Heather Rd. Beach, 8:30 am 8/23 Around the Island Row Inlet beach 7am 8/27 TRI THE WILDWOODS 15th & the Beach. 6:30am. Delmosports.com 9/9-11 N. Wildwood Rec Surf Fishing Tourn. 9/11 First MUD RUN- 16th St. Beach 10am
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the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“Every time I stand before a beautiful beach, its waves seem to whisper to me: If you choose the simple things and find joy in nature’s simple treasures, life and living need not be so hard.” ~Roxas-Mendoza
Events
August Hath 31 Days.
Full Sturgeon Moon August 22nd 8:02 am “A proper amount of sunshine is very necessary to good health. We need the sunshine from outside and the sunshine of love in our hearts and homes to make us happy.” ~The Old Farmer’s Almanac
47
Visit our Events Calendar at WildwoodsNJ.com
Whatever you’re looking for... You’ll find it at the North Wildwood Flea Market!
SUNDAY
AUGUST 14, 2022
8/7 National Lighthouse Day- Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. 10am - Noon
8/12-13 NEW! Spanish Music & Food Fest. Beach between Spicer & Garfield 8/12-14, 19-21 Baseball on the Beach between Andrews and Rio Grande Aves. 9am.-7pm. 609.522.2444 8/26-28 Sports Card, Toys, Comics & Collectibles Show. Wildwoods Convention Center
FREE Outdoor Concerts 4-Nights Each Week
FREE Beaches Always and Free Family Fun
DOO WOP ARCHITECTURE AND NEON BUS TOURS
8/4-14 Back to School Warehouse Clothing Sale. Wildwoods Convention Center
FREE Friday Night Fireworks
FREE Movies Under-The Stars Every Tuesday
Open Thurs.- Sun. 6pm-9:30pm June 10 - Sept 5 • 609-551-2289
8/2 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT - FREE 5:30-8:30pm WILDWOOD - Fox Park NORTH WILDWOOD - Bill Henfey Park WILDWOOD CREST - Centennial Park
Free Weekly Events All Summer Long
FREE Boardwalk Parades 4-Nights Each Week
Doo Wop Experience Museum 4500 Ocean Ave. Wildwood
Tues. & Thurs. nights, thru Sept. 1st $18 adults - $8 children (5-17) See retro 50’s & 60’s motels, neon signs as well as new Doo Wop architecture, narrated by a tour guide, while riding in air-conditioned comfort on a limo bus
Wildwoods Weekly Events!
9/3 Ed’s Funcade World Championship Skeeball Tournament~ 7pm-10pm sharp, Everyone welcome to enter. 9/4 Wildwood Block Party and Music Festival - Fox Park, Noon.
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“You’ll never be bored when you try something new. There’s really no limit to what you can do.” ~ Dr. Seuss Sponsored by the Tourism & Development Commission
Presents the
Summer 2022
Music Events Spanish Music & Food Fest August 13
on the Beach between Spicer & Garfield
Wildwood Block Party
Sept. 4 at Fox Park
Sunday Night Concert Series Fox Park at 7pm FREE
July 10
CAPTAIN JACK TRIBUTE BAND Billy Joel
July 17 DON’T CALL ME FRANCIS
10 Member, multi-instrumental Ensemble, many styles of Music
July 24 THE UPTOWN BAND/ BIG BAND SWING July 31 FOREVER TINA
Tina Turner Tribute Band
August 7
SENSATIONAL SOUL CRUISERS 60s, 70s, 80s Old School, Classic Soul, R&B, Motown & Disco
August 14
PURPLE REIGN
Pop, R&B, and Oldies, to Standards, Rock & Contemporary
August 21 CHICAGO 9 Chicago Tribute Band August 28
BIG BLEU
6-8 Piece Horn Band with Male/Female Vocals, playing the Best Mix of Motown Dance Rock
Community Events NJ Jeep Beach Invasion July 15-17
CHRISTMAS in JULY July 23
Golf Cart Parade, Craft Show, Music 10am-12pm Parade, 12pm-6pm Festivities at Fox Park
Wildwoods Baby Waddle July 26 Wildwoods Baby Parade July 27 on the boardwalk at 5pm.
National Night Out Aug. 2 Fox Park
Sporting Events Cape Express Soccer July 16-17
Dutch Hoffman Memorial Lifeguard Races July 29 Lincoln Ave. Beach
Ultimate Beach Frisbee Tournament July 30 - 31
Navy Seal Challenge August 7 Lincoln Ave. Beach
Beach Baseball Tournament August 12-14, 19-21
TeqBall Tournament August 26-28
Tri the Wildwoods Triathalon 5K & Kids Race Aug. 27 Beach Jam Sept. 10-12
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the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“Let the sand be your seat as the waves hit your feet.”
~Beach Bum quotes
North Wildwood Recreation & Tourism presents the Summer of 2022 North Wildwood, a place in the sun for family fun!
900 Central Ave, North Wildwood, NJ 08260 (609) 522-2955 Fax: (609) 522-0402 @North Wildwood Recreation and Tourism northwildwood.com
En oy
NW
northw
PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Independence Day Family & Pooch Parade
TM
Monday, July 4, 9th & Atlantic Aves. 9am
ildwood.com
NJ State BBQ Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival
Fri., July 8 - Sun., July 10 Fri 4pm-11pm; Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-6pm, Olde New Jersey Ave., North Wildwood, njbbq.com
Sidewalk Chalk Competition
Sat., July 9 All ages. Bill Henfey Park. Contest 9am, Judging 10:45am, Prizes 11am
Beschen-Callahan Memorial Lifeguard Races
Friday, July 15, 6pm 15th Avenue Beach, North Wildwood. 609.522.7500
Sun and Sand Police/Fire Survivors 5K Race & 1 Mile Walk
Saturday, July 16 Reg. 7:45am Race Begins 9am. - 1st & Olde New Jersey Ave.
Boogie Board Races
Saturday, July 16 Reg. 9am Contest Begins at 10am
on the beach at 15th Avenue, North Wildwood. Prizes!
Christmas in July with Santa Claus
Saturday, July 23 Begins at 1pm on the Beach, North Wildwood
National Night Out
Tuesday, August 2 5:30pm, Bill Henfey Park8th & Central Avenues
45th Annual Around the Island Row
Concerts Under the Stars
at LOU BOOTH AMPITHEATER 2nd & Ocean Aves. FREE Concerts All Summer Long!
July 2 Greaseband July 8, 10 No Show July 14 Lights Out Frankie Valli Tribute July 16 Classica July 21 Rod Stewart Tribute July 23 Real Diamond Neil Diamond Tribute July 28 AM Gold July 30 Jesson Garron’s Elvis Tribute Aug. 4 52nd Street Billy Joel Tribute Aug. 6 Chicago Tribute Aug. 11 Legacy Aug. 13 Asbury Fever Springsteen Tribute Aug. 18 Jimmy & the Parrots Jimmy Buffet Tribute Aug. 20 Village People Tribute Aug. 25 Lights Out - Jersey Beach Boys Aug. 27 The Cameo’s Sept. 3 Beatlemania Sept. 10 The Marinos - 7:30pm Sept. 17 The Fabulous Greaseband - 7:30pm
The Best #1 Free Beaches! North Wildwood’s Beach is 1.5 miles long and is guarded from the Inlet beach to 25th Ave.
Summer Camps
Buckets Basketball Camp NW Rec. Boys and Girls
July 4 - 8 9am-2pm Ages 9-15 yrs. July 18 - 22 9am-1pm Ages 5-9 yrs.
August 1 - 5 9am-2pm Ages 9-15 yrs.
North Wildwood Soccer Camp
Full Day 9am-3pm, Half Day 9am-12noon at Bill Henfey Park June 27 - July 1, July 11 - 15 Boys & Girls 5 to 15 yrs.
Igniting a love of the culinary arts in our young chefs Offering 10 different Virtual classes at https://kitchenwizards.info/
New Logic Marine Science Camp
Tuesday:
ZUMBA 8:30AM
(609) 522-7500
23rd & Delaware Ave. OPEN EVERY DAY Free. * Weather Permitting * Helmets & Pads required. No Bikes or Scooters.
Bill Henfey Park
8th & Central Ave. Playground, Basketball Court, Softball Field, Multi-Purpose Athletic Field
Playground on the Beach 16th & the Beach
5th Ave. Boat Ramp 5th & the Bay
Seasonal Permits Available Kayak Storage Permits
Summer Basketball Leagues Please visit NorthWildwood.com for all league schedules
Fall Events
New Year’s in North Wildwood Mummers Brigade & String Band Saturday Sept. 10, Rain Date Sun. 9/11
Irish Fall Festival
Thurs., September 22 - Sunday, 25 8am-11pm Daily
September 9 - 11
2022 Exercise Class Schedule Wednesday:
North Wildwood Skate Park
Boots at the Beach Country Festival Fri- Sat - Sun, Sept. 16 - 18 10am-10pm Olde NJ Ave.
Halloween Trunk or Treat Block Party
Fri: 7am-5pm, Sat: 7am-5pm, Sun: 7am-11am
GET FIT YOGA 8:30AM SUNSET YOGA 7:30PM
Do n’t forget yo ur Safet y Eq uip me nt!
Save the Date!
52nd Annual North Wildwood Rec Surf Fishing Tournament
9am-2pm K-8 Outdoor Camp Experience August 1 - 5, August 15 - 19
Monday:
22 Handicap Surf Chairs are available NWBP Headquarters 15th Ave. & Beach nwbp@northwildwood.com
The Surfing Beach is between 2nd & 4th Ave.
Kitchen Wizards Evening Cooking Camp
PILATES 8:30AM SUNSET YOGA 7:30PM
22nd & Delaware Ave. Playground, Tennis Courts, Hockey Rink, Basketball Court,, Gazebos, and an observation pier overlooking the beautiful back bay wetlands area.
All ShowsThursdays & Saturdays 8pm
Tuesday, August 23 Begins at 7am on the Inlet Beach
Lou Booth Amphitheater, 2nd & Ocean Ave.
North Wildwood Allen Park
Thursday:
CARDIO CUT 8:30AM
Sat. Oct. 29, Olde New Jersey Ave. Vehicle check-in 5pm; Event 5:30pm-7pm
$5. per class Friday:
CORE YOGA 8:30AM
*Sunset Yoga times will change as the sunset time changes in August. Please check schedule.
Saturday:
YOGA 9:00AM
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the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
"The greatest pleasure in life is to do a good turn in secret and have it discovered by accident." ~JUST FOR TODAY Family-Friendly
$35
$40 at Door
11th Annual
5 MILESof Smiles!
ROCK
Everything we need in life is in our beach cart!
the
FREE ADMISSION For Kids 12 & Under
DOCK at
Urie’s
Partnering with Coaches vs. Cancer
Waterfront Restaurant
588 W. Rio Grande Ave.
Wildwood 609-522-4189
Saturday, August 20th, 2022 12noon - 4pm
Includes ballpark food, domestic beer, wine & soda
Raffles, Prizes & Give Aways • Live Music by Second Vision
Special Guest
JOE CONKLIN
Joe Conklin has been a constant in Philadelphia radio for more than 30 years. His stand-up routine is legendary. Joe is a twelve-time AIR award winner for Excellence in Broadcasting and his work has been recognized by
the Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards. He’s worked with some of the nation’s most recognized performers including Kevin Hart, Tim Allen, and Ray Romano. His TV credits include: NFL Films Presents, NBC Sports, Entertainment Tonight, NBA on TNT, ESPN: Baseball Tonight, Good Day Philadelphia, The Q Show, Comcast Sportsnet, Finder’s Keepers, America’s Funniest People. Joe performs at Cathy Miller Cancer Fund events and every year he joins his family for a Conklin Family Holiday Sing-Along while the Cathy Miller Cancer Fund volunteers celebrate the holidays with Hope Lodge patients and caregivers.
All Proceeds benefit the AstraZeneca HOPE Lodge, Cheltenham, Pa. The Cathy Miller Cancer Fund was formed in 2006 with a mission to “Help Another Person” in their battle against cancer. To fulfill that mission, the Cathy Miller Cancer Fund selected the AstraZeneca HOPE Lodge as its charity of choice. Located in Cheltenham, Pa., the HOPE Lodge provides free lodging to cancer patients from all over the world, while they are being treated at any of the cancer hospitals in Philadelphia.
Not only does the HOPE Lodge relieve the financial burden of travel for its cancer patients, it provides access to the most advanced cancer treatments, administered by world renowned oncologists. With free lodging, advanced treatments, world renowned oncologists, the HOPE Lodge perfectly matches the Cathy Miller Cancer Fund’s profile for “Care, Comfort and Support” in our fundraising efforts.
More info contact the Cathy Miller Cancer Fund at cathymillercancerfund.org or on Facebook; email: cmcfcares@gmail.com
For more info Jean Diamond 609-320-4572 tisherselfjd@verizon.net Jeanine.Grafe@moreyspiers.com or 609.729.3700 ext.1101 Trisha Miller pmcosmos@aol.com 609-970-2128
Above photos submitted by Cortney Feld of Wildwood Crest: Pop Pop Ray Tintle with his loaded beach cart heads to the beach early to get everything set up for the day for the family. His grandsons sit high up on the chair at Diamond Beach Club, Nolan, Mason & Henry (lifeguards in training!) This is how we roll on a day to the Wildwood Crest beach. Robert Bombel vacations with his family every summer at Conca D’or Motel
Lenny Bernstein of Wildwood Crest offers the Daily Beach Report on his beach cart which includes Date, Temps - Air & Water, Winds, Humidity & Tides
the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
9
“You will find a music bath is to the soul what a water bath is to the body.” ~Oliver Wendell Holmes
Summer in the Crest www.wildwoodcrest.org
WILDWOOD
CREST
IT’S BETTER IN THE CREST
RECREATION & TOURISM
Presents the Summer of 2022
WILDWOOD CREST RECREATION DEPT.
5800 Ocean Ave. Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260 (609) 523-0202 Info Center: (609) 522-0221 Joseph Von Savage Memorial Pool (609) 522-0084 Wildwood Crest Tennis Courts
OUTDOOR SUMMER FITNESS CLASSES
SUMMER LIVE MUSIC SERIES
DAILY BEACH PIER FITNESS CLASSES
Centennial Park, Fern Rd. and Ocean Ave.
AEROBICS, PILATES, INTERVAL TRAINING & MORE
DAILY June 25 through August 27 8:30 a.m.
Wildwood Crest Beach Pier at Heather Rd. Various one-hour fitness classes overlooking the ocean from the scenic beach pier. Fee required.
WEDNESDAYS 7:30 p.m.
July 13 ~ Billy D. Light Trio (classic rock) July 20 ~ The Mugshots (rock/pop hits) July 27 ~ Mystical Majesty Band (Beatles tribute) Aug. 3 ~ Fuse Box (pop/rock/R&B) Aug. 10 ~Street Life Serenade (Billy Joel tribute) Aug. 17 ~ Abe Ovadia (jazz) Aug. 24 ~Dead Reckoning (Grateful Dead tribute) Aug. 31 ~ Christopher Dean Band (R&B)
SATURDAYS 7:30 to 9:30p.m.
OUTDOOR ZUMBA
at Centennial Park, Fern Road & Ocean Ave.
Saturdays, May 28 - Sept. 24 (No class June 18)
Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays June 20 - Sept.5 at 8:30 a.m. SUNSET YOGA ON SUNSET LAKE Sunset Lake Gazebo area
TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 7:00 p.m. June 28 through August 24 CREST COASTAL COMB
FREE MARINE SCIENCE PROGRAM
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Rambler Road Beach June 21 - Aug. 25
Centennial Park, Fern Rd. and Ocean Ave.
July 9 ~ Legacy Band (dance/party hits) July 16 ~ ‘70s Flashback (‘70s pop/rock/dance) July 23 ~ Gypsy Wisdom (pop/rock/R&B/country) July 30~ Shot of Southern (country/southern rock) Aug. 6 ~ Big Bleu (Motown/dance/pop/rock) Aug. 13 ~ Big House (rock/pop/dance hits) Aug. 20 ~ Kristen & the Noise (pop/oldies/dance) Aug. 27 ~ The Deck Band (pop/rock/dance) Sept. 3~ Damn The Torpedoes (Tom Petty tribute) Sept. 10 ~ Fatt Mezz Band (classic rock/funk) Sept. 17 ~ Winslow (Eagles tribute band)
WILDWOOD CREST SUNSET CELEBRATIONS
MONDAYS July 11 through August 22 7:30 in July, 7pm in August
Sunset Lake, Louisville and New Jeresey Aves. Family entertainment at sunset overlooking beautiful Sunset lake. Live music, street performers, FREE family photos, children’s activities and more.
LIVE MUSIC AT SUNSET LAKE
THURSDAYS July 7 through August 25, 7:30 in July, 7pm in August Various artists performing in Sunset Lake Gazebo
10th Annual Crest Sand Sculpting Festival Friday July 8th Heather Rd. Beach 9am-2pm
Cape May County Lifeguard Championships Friday, July 8th Rambler Rd. Beach, 6:30pm
New Venue!Crest Gourmet Food Truck Festival
Sundays~ July 10th & 24th, August 7th Centennial Park 4-9pm Award-winning Food Trucks, crafters, family entertainment
Christmas in JulyFestival
Saturday, July 23rd at Sunset Lake 6-9PM Christmas themed festival with visit from Santa. Boat Parade
Family Dance Night with DJ Slice Sunday, July 31, Centennial Park, 7:30pm
National Night Out
Tuesday, August 2nd, Centennial Park 5:30PM - 8:30PM Fun for the whole family!
Wildwood Crest 5K Beach Run Saturday, August 6th, 8:30AM
Beginning and ending at the Wildwood Crest Beach Pier
9/11 Memorial Services
Saturday, 9/11, Miami & New Jersey Ave.
Seafarers Celebration on Sunset Lake Saturday, Sept. 24th
9am-8pm Street festival along Sunset Lake
Fall Borough-Wide Yard Sale Saturday, Oct. 1st, 8am - 4pm
Crest Best Run Fest featuring the Crest Best 10-Miler Saturday, Oct. 8th - Sunday Oct. 9th
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the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“May your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, but never in want.” ~Irish Proverb ember 22nd • 25th Sept Sinc
e 1992
20 2 2
North Wildwood’s 31ST Annual IrIsh Fall FestIval estI val Thursday, September 22nd A.O.H. GOLF TOURNAMENT
Love those Wildwood Days
These treasured photos were graciously sent by Nancy Dee Joseph who loves reminiscing and tle Lisa with the SUN. So many of her most beautiful Lit her mom memories were spent here in the Wildwoods, Nancy 1977 where her true mermaid spirit shines
$120. before 9/8 and $130. after 9/8
Cape May National Golf Course, Time: Noon Rt. 9 & Fairway Dr. - 2 miles South of Rt. 47
Includes: Green Fee & Cart, Refreshments and Buffet Dinner
Friday, September 23rd
VENDORS - 8AM to 7PM Olde New Jersey Avenue LIVE IRISH ENTERTAINMENT - 12PM to 8:30PM
Saturday, September 24th
June 1975 Paradise Inn vacation. First trip to Wildwood for Lisa
5K RUN - 8AM SIGN-UP - $30. fee {prizes awarded} Olde New Jersey Ave. BRIAN RILEY PIPE EXHIBITION 10AM at Bill Henfey Park VENDORS - 8AM to 7PM Olde New Jersey Avenue IRISH DANCE LESSONS - FREE 10AM to 12PM - The Elks Lodge LIVE IRISH ENTERTAINMENT - 12PM to 8:30PM Olde New Jersey Avenue
Sunday, September 25th
CATHOLIC MASS - 10:30AM Saint Ann’s R.C. Church, Glenwood & Atlantic Avenues
Paradise Inn beach 1975. Gram, Lisa, Uncle Vince, Gina Marie and Nancy wearing the fabulous bathing beauty flowered hat
1975 Carousel with Gram (Betty) and her darling granddaughter, Lisa Lisa at age one, 1975, getting accustomed to Wildwood early with her Daddy
Protectors of the Faith Guards, the Emerald Society Color Guard & Bag Pipers including a liturgical bag pipe soloist
PARADE - 12:30PM Starting at 20th & Surf to Spruce & Olde New Jersey Avenues VENDORS - 8AM to 7PM Olde New Jersey Avenue
JITNEY SERVICE AVAILABLE North Wildwood, Wildwood and Wildwood Crest
1975 Out on the Boards doing what theylove Best!! Uncle Vince, Cuz Brian, Daddy, Nancy, Cuz Gina Marie, Gram & baby Lisa
Download the Jitney Surfer App
1-800-IRISH-91 www.cmcaoh.com
Lisa (left) on the 8th St. beach with her cousins, Brian and Gina Marie 1977
Mail your old photos and stories to: THE SUN, P.O. Box 2101, Wildwood, NJ 08260
or thesunbythesea@gmail.com
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“I know I don’t get there often enough, but God knows I surely try... It’s a magic kind of medicine that no doctor could prescribe.”
~Jimmy Buffet
www.ricks-seafood.com
RICK’S SEAFOOD
TAKE - OUT MENU
(609) 729-9443 (609) 729-9445
Celebrating 37 Years!
Open every day at 435 W. Spruce Ave. on the main road into North Wildwood “We just tryna catch a good time even if it takes all night”
Refreshments • Live Country Music • Vendors • Food Trucks • Dancing • Country Bands
2022 FESTIVAL
MARLIN DISC JOCKEYS FEATURING DJ DAVE KIM ALL WEEKEND
TITO’S MOCKINGBIRD STAGE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH
40 North :12pm -3pm Nikki Briar and the Sweetbriar Band : 3:30pm-6:30pm Shot of Southern : 7pm-10pm
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH Steel Creek : 12pm-3pm The Wallace Brothers : 3:30pm-6:30pm Triple Rail Turn : 7pm -10pm
The Anglesea Irish Society & 5 Mile Isle Events presents the 6th Annual Largest Country Music Festival in Southern New Jersey on Olde New Jersey Ave. in North Wildwood, NJ
Free Entry All in a Great Outdoor Setting by the Sea
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH
DJ and OPEN MIC You just may see the next up and coming Country Star!
www. AngleseaIrishSociety.net www.BootsattheBeach.com 609.770.8839
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JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” – Benjamin Franklin
Harry Roecker Rows among many other things! BY DOROTHY KULISEK
Harry’s Cottage & his boat which rowed a milestone 10K miles in 2020
“Believe me my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” So says Ratty to Mole in Kenneth Grahame’s classic novel ‘The Wind in the Willows’... to which Wildwood resident Harry Roecker can certainly attest to. Harry shares his own passions when it comes to messing about in boats, who’s waterway adventures took him south through the bayous of Louisiana, along the Mississippi River, the Gulf of Mexico, and as far north as Quebec, Canada, impressed by the quiet majesty of the fjords. When it comes to South Jersey and particularly Wildwood, Harry, who hasn’t stopped rowing since he laid hands on a set of oars, knows the inner coastal waterway like the back of his hand. Logging every mile, a celebration was held on the docks of Wildwood to honor Harry’s 10,000 miles in the summer of 2020. Harry loves to row to Beach Creek, the Wharf, Surfing Pig or Two Mile for some fresh oysters and other fine fare from the sea. Harry spends his summers in a circa 1916 fishing shack inherited from his parents Harry & Elsie who inherited it from Harry’s grandparents, John & Miriam Tomlin of Camden. The bungalow that currently sits on the edge of the water along old Rio Grande Ave. on the west side of George Redding bridge, was moved from its original location across the road behind where many years later the gorilla and go cart track were built. The house went through two moves over time between the 1940s and 50s to make way for a wider Rio Grande highway. For all who love reading Sun stories, I don’t need to tell what a dream Harry’s cottage is, with its quaint little screened in front porch laced with snowball bushes and old native Cedar and Crepe Myrtle trees. Its walls tell stories of storms it endured, while the rafters are lined with oars that contain their own
Harry & Ruth 2021
Harry is fond of the banner his friends designed for his 10,000 Mile Celebration
seaworthy stories. On a very fine fair-weathered summer morning I was welcomed onto the porch by Harry and his dear friend Ruth where we enjoyed a pot of fresh roasted coffee over exciting tales of a real true sailor. As his story goes, Harry purchased his first rowboat out of college in 1977, an “otter” style rowboat built by a Maine lobsterman. After wearing it out, in 2006 he commissioned the Philadelphia Wooden Boat Factory on Passyunk Ave. to build a replica of a fast-pulling rowboat designed by renowned naval architect L. Francis Herreshoff. Harry knew that was the one for him, out of the 100s he looked at during a special appointment with the curator of the Mystic Seaport Maritime Museum. To celebrate the building of his second rowboat, Harry took to the inner coastal waterway, starting through the surf at Sandy Hook and rowing to Cape May. A solid day on the water for Harry would begin by rising with the sun, packing a lunch, - eating fruit and nuts constantly, stopping at lunch for cheese, sausage and crackers, pushing an 8 hour day ~ the longest day ever was a 32 mile day, with many spent being caught up in torrential downpours. For every day caught in the rain, there were 10 as beautiful as anyone could ask for. It’s not every day one meets a Renaissance Man. Harry’s talents are many and his knowledge spans
countless subjects. An artist who has been drawing the Cape May lighthouse since childhood, (he’s still trying to get it right), a career as an engineer included in his lifetime resume, a simple google search on Harry Roecker, courtesy of his good friend, Kirk Gerbereaux (who recommended The Sun interview Harry), revealed links to deep sea historical wreck dives and major bridge repairs. Here’s to Harry Roecker and many more maritime adventures... “Here today, up and off to somewhere else tomorrow! Travel, change, interest, excitement! The whole world before you, and a horizon that’s always changing!” (Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows)
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
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the SUN by-the-Sea
“The way to weather life every day is to get out in the weather every day.” ~Anon.
Harry Roecker’s Old Cottage Generations at “Cottage Rae” circa 1916
Harry & Elsie Roecker found much pleasure in following along the back of trucks filled with Lima beans coming out of West Cape May, while they managed to salvage all the beans that flew out of truck onto the road. Harry Roecker’s “Cottage Rae” in its current location circa 1960
Harry puts up new outside shower at “Cottage Rae” July 5,1953
The oldest photo of “Cottage Rae” as seen in it’s former location, however, not the original location
Sweeping the dock
Above and below photos of Harry’s grandfather, John Tomlin pictured as a Camden Police Officer and at his cottage, always working on it.
The rafters are lined with oars containing their own seaworthy stories.
Harry’s etching of the waterway by George Redding Bridge as seen from his boat. (2021)
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JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“Stretching oneself too thin is the disease of modern life. Letting oneself get too thick, the other.” ~Terri Guillemets
Carini
Family Ristorante & Pizzeria
The Sanzone Family of Wildwood Crest are here to serve you along with their staff!
Inside Dining • Delivery • Catering
Janet’s
88th Birthday
at Duffer’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor
Janet Gall celebrated her 88th birthday at Duffer’s enjoying a big bowl of their delicious homemade ice cream. She has not missed a summer coming to the Wildwoods since she was born in 1933! This true bathing beauty still makes it onto the beach with her family! May the good Lord bless Janet with many more happy birthdays by the sea. These photos of Janet and her sister Mary and their parents are from the late 1940s and 1950s in Wildwood by-the-sea. And with her grandchildren at the good old-fashioned Duffer’s Ice Cream Parlor. Submitted by Lynn Schwartz Gall
OPEN DAILY 11AM • LUNCH & DINNER BYOB Available
Pizza • Pasta • Seafood • Veal Chicken • Steak • Sandwiches New! Breakfast Sandwiches
Thursday Prime Rib Night
609-522-7304 9854 Pacific Ave., Wildwood Crest, NJ www.Cariniwc.com
The Scanlon’s of West Wildwood 4th of July Parade ‘65. Read their wonderful story in this issue.
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“Slow down. Take a deep breath. What’s the hurry? Why wear yourself out?” ~Jeremiah 2:25, the Bible
Diamond Beach BuMs
5 MILES of Smiles! Follow your inner sunlight. Don’t hide your goodness.
DIAMOND
Natalie had some Fun in The Sun in New Orleans with her friends
BEACH BUMS
Come and Visit your
“Everything You Need at the Shore Store!” Clothing for the entire family! Sandals, sunglasses, gifts, housewares, art, jewelry, toys, beach chairs, boogie boards... you name it!
Bob & Margie Villone and Jim & Tina DiIulio enjoying the good life!
10100 Pacific Ave. • Wildwood Crest, NJ In the far southend at Diamond Beach
14 Years
Karen, Autumn & Frank in their very happy place :-)
r Don’t miss out on ou ! ar ye r he good eats anot s! bie oo Sh Beat a path to
It wouldn’t be summer in the Wildwoods without Neon Lights, Hot Dogs & Ice Cream Thanks Fred Neon, Hot Dog Frank & Fudgy Wudgy Larry
Signature Sandwiches
Mahi-Tuna-Shrimp Tacos Burgers • Steaks Salads • Paninis Blackboard Specials
Catering Available! Give us a Follow
Beach friends Ronnie McCusker & Mary Sawyer soaking up the Indian Summer
(609) 522-9552
Guy introduces his new best friend Norman to the beauty of a sunrise walk by the sea. Norman is loving the morning routine!
EAT IN - TAKE OUT ISLAND WIDE DELIVERY Pet Friendly Seating Outside
OPEN @ 11AM
OWNED & OPERATED BY THE RULLO FAMILY SINCE 2009
An eclectic eatery at 25th and New Jersey in always sunny North Wildwood
ShoobiesGoodEats.com (609)522-7466 (Shoo)
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JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“You can’t expect to be old and wise if you were never young and crazy.” ~Anon.
whacky
WavE
25TH WACKY WAVE CONTEST
SAVE THE DATE! AUGUST 20, 2022 PHOTOS BY HOLLY DORAN
In 2021, Atlantic Surfers’ Org. with Ocean Outfitters Surf Shop held its 24th Annual Wacky Wave Surf Contest on Rambler Road in Wildwood Crest. Wear a costume, bring your craziest surf moves, and help us raise money for the Woody Hall Memorial Surf Scholarship. From 10am to 12n is registration, music and surf-around time. The contest begins at noon with the Silly Paddle Race. Tandem, push-in, and age group heats from Groms to Old Guys Rule follow. All ages
and abilities welcome. Prizes awarded for best costume and wackiest surfing. No board? No problem! Loaner boards available. ASO provides a $1000 Scholarship annually to Cape May County high school seniors in memory of Woody Hall. Thanks to many people and organizations who contribute their energy to keep this going. Just one of the ways we spell Grateful here in Wildwood Crest. For more info contact Ocean Outfitters at 609-729-7400.
Authentically Irish
{except for the fact that we’re in North Wildwood}
Anglesea Pub Sunday Brunch Nightly Entertainment
Wishing all our friends a kind year, The McMullan’s
Jesus and the fisherman
Watercolor by Dorothy Kulisek
Hazard, Moxie, and Anslie
Open Lunch ~ Dinner ~ Late Night 116 W. 1st Ave. • North Wildwood • angleseapubnj.com (609)729-1133
Throwback to 2005 of Jeff Walden doing the ballerina. (photo Rob Kulisek)
Big Ben & little Ben Clark
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JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“Everytime we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” ~ Dale Evans Rogers
5 MILES of Smiles!
North Wildwood & Crest Locations Under Same Ownership
Always be kinder than you feel
Christmas in July
HEADING TO THE BEACH? PACK A PRIMO! Open Daily Call Ahead for Pick Up We Deliver 1209 NEW JERSEY AVE. NW (609) 522-1300 6105 NEW JERSEY AVE. WC (609) 523-6590
NOW AVAILABLE!
The Cieslinski Family ‘Christmas in July’ Party at 10th St. beach
Ho! Ho! Ho!
ORDER ONLINE at PrimoHoagies.com HOAGIE TRAYS FOR EVERY OCCASION Italian Sampler Trays • Specialties & Salads • Healthy Alternative Hoagies
FULL DELI COUNTER Lunchmeats Sliced to Order • Rolls • Pickle Barrel • Salads • Sides
CURRAN’S
great drinks! great food! great friends! MON. - FRI. Happy Hour 4-6PM 1/2 Price Select Apps $3. Domestic Cans
Where Olde & New Meet
VOTED “Best Philly Wings”
c. 1910
Gnomies: Joey, Bobby & Frankie Beck
Phila. Inq.
“Best Sports Bar” Phila. Mag.
EST. 2021
SPECIALS
Bill & Peg Cieslinski’s great grandchildren
Landon & Olivia
MON - Bobcat Plain Pizza $7. All day Live Music Ray Coleman 7PM TUES - Quizzo w/Anna-Re 7PM WEDS - All-U-Can-Eat Mussels $15. (6-9PM)
THURS - .80¢ Pudgy Wing Nite (Eat-in only, 5-11PM) Live Music 7PM FRI & SAT - Live Music 5PM DJ Smilin’ Jerry Smith 9PM SUN - Live Music w/ Irish Joe 5PM
Olde NJ Ave. North Wildwood • 609-551-4001
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“The sand never asks the sea where it is going. Likewise, the waves never worry that the shore will takes its leave. . . “
Scully’s Beach Grill
you are never far from my heart.
W I L D W O O D B Y-T H E - S E A , N E W J E R S E Y
They never realized they were making history, just hot dogs and burgers!
Dottie, Arnold, Dot & Kathy 1961
S
by Dorothy Kulisek isters Barbara, Dottie and Kathy fondly recall their days working at the Beach Grill. Dottie remembers being 10 years old when she started working there, continuing every summer until the year after she was married. Kathy and Barbara were around 11 years old when they started working there. There were two beach grills and their mother, Dorothy Scully Douglass Holscher managed the Schellenger Ave. Beach Grill in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. By Dottie’s recollection, their family operated the hamburger and hot dog stand located on Wildwood’s beach from sometime in the late 1930s until 1974. Their grandmother and uncle Paul (Scully, Jr.) worked at Scully’s Beach Grill at the Fun Pier location. Their mom, Dottie, Kathy and Barbara, in addition to other family members, worked at the Schellenger Ave. location under Marine Pier (now Mariners Landing). At one point, the family ran both beach grills simultaneously. After the grill closed at around 5 or 6 o’clock, when the lifeguards went off duty and the National Anthem had played, everyone would meet at their grandmother’s house on 121 E. Garfield Ave to count the day’s proceeds (with Dottie recalling the Fun Pier making more money, but most of her memories are of the years spent at the Schellenger Ave. location). Dottie and Kathy’s parents divorced in 1958. In the summer of 1960, at the beach grill, their mom met a widower with two children of his own. Soon, their families blended and their new “Pop,” along with their step brother Arnie helped out at the family business, with their sister Barbara being born in 1962. Their step sister Judy
Dottie & Dot
and her husband would often visit. By the late 1960’s, Dottie was in high school and her boyfriend (now husband) Frank, who worked at Atlantic Tobacco Company in Wildwood, would help on his days off. One of Barbara’s best childhood memories, according to Kathy, was when Barbara and their Pop would play the game wheels on the boardwalk, more often than not coming home with a prize. Kathy remembers their summers being planned out for them, often complaining that they had to work every day when their friends were at the beach having fun. They knew, however, if they didn’t work, they didn’t make any money! They got the occasional day off and, looking back now, realize it was a great way to make money. They didn’t realize at the time how lucky they were to be a part of a family business. While their grandmother continued to live in her house on Garfield Ave., their family lived in Cape May Court House. When their grandmother Dot stopped working, Kathy, and then Barbara, spent their summers with her until they were old enough to work. The sisters learned early on the importance of family helping family and what it took to make a business work. Happily, it wasn’t all work. Their mom loved the beach and the ocean. They
would bring their bathing suits to work, then head to the beach after hours, which they discovered was a nice time to be by the sea. During slow business days, they would head to the pier and play mini golf. Many nights they had dinner at the beach grill, which sold hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, chips, pretzels, Abbott’s ice cream, candy, cigarettes and sodas (called soft drinks back then). Their mom always had a pot of coffee brewing. Kathy says to this day she’s never tasted a hot dog as good as the ones they served at the grill. Many familiar faces visited the beach grill including lifeguards, their helpers and the Fudgy Wudgy men. Their mom would remind them how lucky they were not to have to sell their food on the beach like those men, all veterans and hard workers. Dottie recalls they did ‘pretty much everything’ at the grill. Their mom was the main cook but everyone learned how to cook as well as every other job imaginable, from lifting the windows and attaching them with chains to hold them up every morning, to waiting on customers, cleaning the juice machines, refilling the coke syrup and of course, sweeping the sand off the steps, along with restocking, refilling, and cleaning the fryer. They did it all.
Dot & Arnold met one day when he wandered down the beach and ordered himself a hot dog. As they say, “the rest is history.” Life was so good back then, truly the “good ole days.”
Back in the 60’s and 70’s, once Labor Day came, they closed up the grill during the week. After all, they had school. The day after Labor Day, the day before school started, was our only day to school shop on Pacific Avenue. Sometimes if they had plenty of stock, they might open on weekends into September but it was rare. The old saying back then was they rolled up the sidewalk after Labor Day in the Wildwoods, and it was true. They had school and activities, leaving their Mom with nobody to help her. Arn remembered when they had so many bags of potato chips and pretzels left at the end of the summer they gave them out to the kids for Halloween! By 1974 the cost to lease the beach grill had risen to the point where very little profit was made. By then, their family had embarked on a new family business in Cape May, a custard stand called Holscher Farms (currently Drydock). Dottie had finished college, married and started her teaching career. Their family was beginning a new chapter. Kathy remembers it was hard work, but their Mom and Pop made it fun. It was a wonderful time for their family and a wonderful time in the Wildwoods. The sisters are retired now but have their grandparents and parents, now long ago passed away, to thank for all their fun summer beach grill memories.
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
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the SUN by-the-Sea
“They say I’m old-fashioned, and live in the past, but sometimes I think progress progresses too fast!” ~Dr. Seuss
Scully’s Beach Grill
dear
W I L D W O O D B Y-T H E - S E A , N E W J E R S E Y
Dottie, Barb & Kathy summer ‘21
GrandMom & GrandPop Scully with a friend at Fun Pier Beach Grill
Kathy, Aunt Pearl Jones & Arnie, 1960
Barbara with mom Dottie and her “You Bet Your Bippy” Doll Barbie, age 7, and Mom, Dottie age 43, sitting on the train platform on Marine Pier, the train that chugged right over the Beach Grill. Little Barbie and her Pop (Arnold Holscher) would walk the Boardwalk every Sunday and take a chance on the wheels. That entire summer, she tried and tried to win the Bippy and finally did!! “You bet your Bippy” was a catch phrase from the show “Laugh In” in the 1960s and the stuffed Bippy was the best prize of all on the boardwalk that summer! Barbie was never so happy in her life! She reminiscres, they were truly the good old days!
My name is Barbara Holscher Hall. It wasn’t until I moved from my home in Cape May Court House, NJ, to Aberdeen, NC, that it hit me, I really missed my shore community. Luckily, I stumbled onto The Wildwood Sun by-the-Sea on Instagram. My first purchase was your amazing Christmas cards and calendar. Then later I found I could have The Sun Magazines sent right to my mailbox! Amen!! I love perusing your articles and checking out all the events going on in Wildwood. My grandson, Thomas, and I made the trek to Wildwood this past summer to visit relatives and enjoy the Boardwalk. We took in the amazing smells and games and rides and waterparks! We stayed with a wonderful friend in Wildwood Crest, Ruth Ouram, who is now 87 years old and still enjoys everything life has to offer. It was so sad when it came time to leave. Our visit made me reminisce of the good old days at Scully’s Beach Grill. It’s long gone now. The first Scully’s was tucked under Fun Pier around 1950, by 1960 it was tucked under Marine Pier, facing the old Fun Pier. And the Marine Pier Choo Choo train would chug right overtop of the beach grill! My Grandmom and Grandpop Scully started the Beach Grill. I have coerced my half sisters, Dottie Douglass Onorato, who is now in her 70’s, and Kathy Douglass Tomlin, in her 60’s, to write down their memories of working summers at the beach grill. I’m almost 60 and I know how our memories escape us!!
Dottie at 8 months old already learning how to fling burgers and hot dogs to the customers and as a teen opening up the hatch for the day at the Beach Grill
Dot with Kathy & Dottie on Garfield Ave. 1958
Thank you girls, for sharing your wonderful Wildwood story!
I’m honored to publish it! ~The SUN
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JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“Trust me friend, 100 years goes faster than you think.” ~Kenny Chesney
oW WE WE SStI tILL LL FFIIN NDD OOUR UR FRIENDS FRIENDS HHoW N 20 202222 !! IIN
G eorge F. B oyer M useum 3907 Pacific Avenue
B y - t h e - S e a, N.J.
609-523-0277 www .W ildwood H istorical M useum . com
SINCE 1979
VIRGINIA NICHOLS WCHS 75
THERESA VEY WCHS 75
PATRICIA LITTLE WHS 76
CAROL CAIRONE WHS 75
EDNA GAINES WHS 71
ALGIE’S PLACE BICYCLES
BICYCLE SHOP SPECIALIZING IN SALES, SERVICE, AND PARTS FOR 44 YEARS
6207 New Jersey Ave. • Wildwood Crest, NJ • 609-729-5669 ALGIESPLACE.COM
Ope
nE
THERESA GALLAGHER WHS 75
VER
Yd
Bayside Bar & Grill 5 Old N. Wildwood Blvd East • Grassy Sound, NJ
609-827-5299 · WWW.LAZYBASS.COM
Live music • Food trucks • Beautiful sunsets • Plenty of parking for both boats and automobiles
AY!
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JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“Want to soak up life for a while in laid back mode. . . No boss, no clocks, no stress, no dress code. . . “ ~Kenny Chesney
A Blast From the Past !
Tell Them You Saw them in The Sun!
BACK FOR OUR 20TH SEASON!
Service is our specialty!
STEVEN JETT WHS 76
ISAAC WILLIAMS WHS 77
ISAAC WILLIAMS WAS AN ALL-STAR PITCHER FOR WILDWOOD HIGH BASEBALL TEAM. THE BEST GAME HE EVER PLAYED WAS AGAINST WILDWOOD CATHOLIC WHEN HE THREW 21 STRIKE OUTS AND ONE WALK WITH HIS ‘NASTY 90 MPH CURVE BALL.’ (as told by Isaac himself) Today, he enjoys riding his bike around the island with his music cranked up :-)
SCOTT JETT WHS 82
CR AB ISLAND 1-STOP SHOPPING
LIQUOR STORE
26th & Park Blvd. Wildwood 609-522-9229
A Growing Selection of:
WINES - BEERS - LIQUORS CIGARS • CIGARETTES • LOTTERY
10 %
DISCOUNT
ACTIVE & RET. MILITARY
EXC. CIGS - LOTTERY
Raw Bar Sunset Dinners Monday thru Thursday Served from 4pm to 5:30pm
60 New Boatslips! 7 0 8
W E S T
B U R K
AV E N U E
Live Entertainment
Plenty of Free Parking for Cars & Boats
FOR RESERVATIONS
Call 609-522-6336
thewharfnj.com
Wednesday LeCompt Thursday Jamison Celtic Rock Friday Juliano Brothers Saturday Sindi Raymond Band Sunday Fat Mezz
SERVING DAILY 11AM-10PM • HAPPY HOUR DAILY 11AM-6PM • INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING
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the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.” ~Theodore Roosevelt
FAIR TRADE COFFEE • ESPRESSO DRINKS • JUICES AND SMOOTHIES BAGELS AND SPREADS • FRESH PASTRIES • SANDWICHES • SALADS FRESH BAKED DONUTS & MUFFINS RISE & SHINE! Open
7:30am
5 MILES
of Smiles! EVEN SMILING AT SOMEONE, I FEEL AS IF I’M DOING SOMETHING TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.
Patrick Brannen, grandson of Al & Diane Brannen of Wildwood, recently finished his freshman year at West Point Military Academy, finishing in the top 10% of his class. Congratulations Patrick!
enjoy life! enjoy the best coffee!
620 NEW JERSEY AVE, NORTH WILDWOOD, NJ • 609.600.3613 www.THEWILDFOXCAFE.com
College student Noah Dusich, recently spent a semester abroad in Vaduz, Liechtenstein. He took a little piece of Wildwood with him to brighten his travels. Best wishes in your studies Noah!
Lory Kondor of North Wildwood in sunny California at her grandson Josef’s High School graduation... Oh the Places The Sun will go! Shine bright Josef!
The Dawn Patrol at The Gym at 10th St.
(L-R) Joe Monzo, Bob Rogish, Fred Schmidt, Dave DeWeese, Ken Gallagher, Blaine Robinson, Jim Nugent & Eli Masood
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the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“The moon goes up and the sun goes down, we’ll find A little spot on the edge of town...”~Florida Georgia Line
North Wildwood’s Only Bayfront Restaurant Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner!
Key West Style Waterfront Restaurant & bar
Voted BEST BBQ !
AmAZING indoor/outdoor Deck! 231 W. 10TH AVE., NORTH WILDWOOD, NJ
LIVE MUSIC DAILY 3PM-7PM
(609) 522-0900 Serving a Full Selection of Beers
Shrimp • Oysters • Crabs • Clams • Pulled BBQ Chicken • Pork • Smoked Prime Rib • Sweet & Smokey St. Louis Ribs
& CocktaiLs! A L W ays S er V ing S unsets. . . North Wildwood’s Waterfront Fine Dining Experience. RESERVE YOUR TABLE OR WALK RIGHT UP
A STEP ABOVE THE PIG (609) 297-5238
The New Rio Station Restaurant & Bar! Three’s a Charm!
NEW Ambiance, NEW Menu, NEW Talent 3505 RT 9 S, RIO GRANDE, NJ
(609) 889-2000
American Restaurant Serving Breakfast, Lunch Dinner & Late Night 7 Days 8am - 10pm
LIVE MUSIC
Check our Social Media For Entertainment Schedule More Boat Slips & Expanded Parking at Surfing Pig & Swine Bar w w w. t h e s u r f i n g p i g . c o m w w w. t h e s w i n e . b a r
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the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“There must be something strangely sacred in salt. It is in our tears and in the sea.” ~Kahlil Gibran
5 MILESof Smiles! Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
Fellow publishers: Dorothy, Michael & Kirk met last summer at the book signing of the fabulous WILDWOOD DAYS of DOOWOP by Michael Jasorka & Kirk Hastings
Amber, John & Olivia love visiting from Dingman’s Ferry... Not all who wander are lost!
Joey & Julia Contino took a souvenir of the Wildwoods on their visit to see Julia’s family in Ukraine... shortly before war broke out.
Paula & Vinnie seriously went above and beyond to bring me a few vintage Honor Boxes for The SUN to restore... all the way from North Jersey. Thanks Vinnie the Paperboy!
Stella Star with her husband Ray Reagan from Cathode Ray and the Tubes
My ‘biker’ friends Karen & Claude Beaver happily help fill The Sun box
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
the SUN by-the-Sea
“How to have a beach body: 1. Have a body 2. Go to the beach.” :-)
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JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“Spirituality is the sacred center out of which all life comes, including Mondays and Tuesdays and rainy Saturday afternoons in all their mundane and glorious detail.”
Lazarus House LH Emergency Food Pantry
Churches in the Wildwoods Printed with compliments of The SUN with blessings.
To update your listing call 609-522-2721
~Apostle’s Creed
First Baptist Church of Anglesea
Beth Judah Temple
Burk & Pacific Aves. Wildwood, NJ
609.522.1500
3rd & Atlantic Ave. 609-522-2951
Sunday 10:30am
Eve. Prayer Meeting 6pm Weds Family Bible 7pm
OPEN MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY 10AM - 12 NOON
“For I was hungry and you gave me food”
“I believe in God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.”
Asbury A.M.E. Church Young & New Jersey Ave. 609-729-5584
Sunday 11:00am
NOTRE DAME DE LA MER PARISH
Assumption RC Church
7110 Seaview Ave. Wildwood Crest
609-522-4114
Sat. 4:30pm Sun. 8:30 & 10:30 Mon-Fri 8:30am
St. Ann’s RC Church 2900 Atlantic Ave. Wildwood 609-522-2709
Pacific & Spencer Aves. 609-522-7541 Shabbat Services Saturday 9:30am
bethjudahtemple.org
Eureka Transformation 142 W. Spencer Ave. 609-522-1028 Sunday Service 11am Wed Prayer 7-8pm
transformingnj.com
Holy Trinity Lutheran
2810 Atlantic Ave. 609-522-5000 8am Spoken Service w/Communion 10:30am Traditional Service w/Communion ~ Sunday School. Third Sunday of each Month 10:30am Contemporary Blended Service w/ Communion
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox 301 Anglesea Ave., 609-522-0152 Orthos 9am Divine Liturgy 10am
Sat. 5:30pm Sun. 7:00, 8:30 & 10:30 Spanish Mass: 7:00PM
Central Bible Church 18th Ave. & Central Ave. 609-522-5917 Sunday 11am & 6pm
Crest Community Church
Angel Visit Baptist 435 W. Garfield Ave 609-522-0056
Sunday Worship 10:45am
St. Simeon’s by-the-Sea Episcopal
Crocus & Pacific Aves
26th & Central Ave. 609-522-8389
609-522-1618
Please help us refill our pantry by making a gift to Lazarus House today! Your support will provide food to save lives. Thousands of individuals, families and children are facing food insecurity every day. Your donation will make a difference, while improving the quality of life for so many in need.
Sunday 9:30am Breakfast, Worship and the WORD! FOOD PANTRY, SOUP
KITCHEN & CLOTHING ROOM: Mon 4:30-6:30
First Baptist Church Maple & Atlantic Ave. 609-522-2981
Checks, gift cards & cash can be dropped off at our pantry or sent to:
LAZARUS HOUSE MINISTRIES, INC. PO BOX 1792, WILDWOOD, NJ 08260
Sunday School 10am Coffee Hour 10am
Sunday Service 11am
The Carpenter Shop
All donations are tax deductible and will be personally acknowledged by Lazurus House Ministries, Inc. 501 c3 Non-Profit
THANK YOU! WE COULD NOT FULFILL OUR MISSION WITHOUT YOUR GENEROSITY. OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
ALSO SUPPORTED BY VARIOUS CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS IN THE WILDWOODS
tcsministries.org
4505 Park Blvd. 609-523-1444 Sunday 10am Sunday Bible Study 2p Tues. Intensive Care Prayer 6:30pm
THE BOARDWALK CHAPEL 4312 Boardwalk 609-523-2307 NIGHTLY PROGRAMS Mon-Sat 8PM SUN EVE Service 7PM
Sun. Morning Liturgy 10am
West Wildwood Bible Church 9 Neptune Avenue Sunday 9am
North Wildwood United Methodist 2nd & Central Ave. 609-522-2271 Pastor Kate Aaronson Worship: 8am at Lou Booth Ampitheater 9:15am at the church
HOPE PREGNANCY CENTER 123 Fishing Creek Rd. Cape May 609-886-7022
321 West Ave. Ocean City 609-398-9449
hopepregnancycenternj.org
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the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“Behind you, all your memories. Before you, all your dreams. Around you, all who love you. Within you, all you need.” ~Anon.
THE RIDE, THE GLORY, THE MISSION. An Interview with Ed Chip Harshaw by Rachel Rogish
THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS
Marie’s FLOWER SHOP 5918 New Jersey Ave. WILDWOOD CREST
(609)729-0199
www.mariesflower.net T he L aw O ffice
Since 1973
Of
Seth A. Fuscellaro, P.A.
Chip & Libby Harshaw~ Buffalo Soldiers
Blue-coated figures glimmer in the
distance. Pounding hooves rumble across the plains and wild prairies. Sunlight glints off the brass fittings of Springfield Carbines. Against the setting sun, a lone soldier sits astride his horse, looking out over the vast expanse. His ancestors came to America against their will, but he serves the nation and protects the burgeoning civilization. This image is far removed from the beach scene of Wildwood, but for Edward “Chip” Harshaw, knowing your history is life-giving. Today, Ed rides his motorcycle across Cape May County and South Jersey, spreading the legacy and mission of the African American Buffalo Soldier. Born in 1950, Ed describes Five Mile Island as a different place. He and his wife, Betty, love Wildwood and are active in the community. As a member of Angel Visit Baptist Church, Ed carries on the spiritual legacy of his family. Ed also organizes a monthly food drive to help stock the food pantry shelves at Angel Visit. The club members also help local churches
with community projects and organize other charitable activities. “I like helping people,” Ed said. “It feels good.” Ed also loves teaching and sharing littleknown facts from American history. He graduated from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) with a degree in education. “I never read anything on the Buffalo Soldiers or the Tuskegee Airmen,” Ed said. “Not until I started teaching.” His professional journey spanned several schools in both Cape May and Atlantic counties. “I’ve done a bunch of other jobs,” Ed added with a chuckle. Ed’s resume includes time as a police officer, working at the Woodbine Developmental Center, and an ice cream delivery driver. He also served as a Wildwood City commissioner, in 2015. In 2005, Ed investigated a motorcycle club, in Maryland, who called themselves the “Buffalo Soldiers.” Intrigued, Ed contacted the group and met with the mother chapter president. The club honors the legacy of the 9th and 10th Cavalry regiments that served across the frontier. They faced combat with Native American tribes, adversity, and discrimination from settlers and fellow soldiers alike. “I learned the indignities that they suffered. I wanted to tell their stories,” Ed said. Ed founded the Southern New Jersey Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club; today, he and fellow members speak at local churches, telling the stories of those who’ve paved the way.
Seth A. Fuscellaro
Toni D. Z. Fuscellaro
Phone: 609.522.6633 Fax: 609.522.5030
Specializing in Divorce & Family Personal Injury Traffic Real Estate Wills, Estates & Trusts seth@fuscellarolaw.com
100 E. Rio Grande Ave. Wildwood, NJ 08260
Cafiero Law, P.a. Attorneys-at-Law A tradition of excellence since 1931. Personal Injury
James S. Cafiero Andrew J. Esq. of Counsel Cafiero tel:
Real Estate Corporations Collections Wills and Estates Planning and Eldercare Business Law Zoning and Planning
Andrea Balliette
Bruce B. Conwell, Jr.
3303 New Jersey AveNue • wildwood, NJ 08260 (609)522-0511 info@cafierolaw.com www.cafierolaw.com
Stefankiewicz & Belasco Trouble with the Law?
Call
609.729.5250 Experienced, Driven & Effective David A. Stefankiewicz, Esq. dstef@sblawteam.com
111 East 17th St., Ste. 100 North Wildwood, NJ
Robert T. Belasco, Esq. rbelasco@sblawteam.com
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the SUN by-the-Sea
Lou Booth
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“Her story is his-story too!” Hereford Inlet Park is a naturalized area in memory of Louisa Lou Booth located along 2nd Ave.
an� �er Stor�
Dave Williams Photo
You may be familiar with the Lou Booth Ampitheater on 2nd and Ocean Ave. in North Wildwood where free concerts are held during the summer on Thursdays and Saturdays and sponsored by the North Wildwood Rec and Tourism Dept. The ampitheater was named for Louisa Booth, an ambitious woman who lived from 1896 to 1992. Her family, the Menzel family, immigrated from Germany and settled in Baltimore. The family included five children: two sisters, Louisa and Tilly and three brothers, Ott, Lou and Fred. They were very poor and to make some money, Louisa gathered coal from the railroad tracks and sold it to be used for heating homes in those days. Brother Lou died young in a boat accident. They eventually moved up to North Wildwood, where the children lived with their mother at 18th and Surf. Louisa worked as a housekeeper at the Shelter Haven Hotel in Stone Harbor. She set up her brother Fred in business in Stone Harbor, with Fred’s Tavern. Louisa Menzel married Jim Booth and they had a daughter, Ann Marie, born in 1912. They lived in a house which Lou Booth was secretly paying off. When the mortgage was paid, Lou told her husband that she wanted a divorce and she sold the house and paid her husband half of the proceeds from the sale. Lou and Jim divorced in the 1930’s All is sketchy because according to Kurt, Louisa didn’t share that part of her life. Later Lou worked at the Dew Drop Inn at 440 Dock Street, which was on Otten’s Harbor. She saved the money she earned and was able to purchase what was the old North Wildwood Yacht Club on Otten’s Canal at 18th Ave. and convert it into a fancy restaurant/night club and called it the Chateau Monterey. (1933-1938) She was the only woman bar owner at that time. During Prohibition, Lou was selling liquor (aka Bootlegging). She purchased a fast boat that she named the “Rum Runner’. That boat could go faster than the Coast Guard boats and would pick up booze from down south and bring back to NJ and up the canal to sell. After several years, a fire destroyed the Chateau Monterey. Louisa heard that Henry Otten’s mansion at 18th and Surf was for sale and she purchased it and turned it into Lou Booth’s Chateau Monterey which she ran until she retired in the mid-1960’s. (1938-1965)
Lou Booth’s Hotel was converted to condos after her death
Originally the North Wildwood Yacht Club at Otten’s Canal at 18th & the Bay. Lou Booth purchased it and opened up her first Chateau Monterey Night Club in 1933. It was destroyed by fire in 1938.
Originally Henry Otten’s mansion at 18th & Surf Ave., and purchased by Louisa in 1938- Chateau Monterey Night Club
Dave Williams Photo
Photo from Dark in the Park FB page
From an interview with Lou Booth’s grandson Kurt Evans by Anita Hirsch
The Chateau Monterey Night Club became Club 18. Along with the Liquor Store, they remained open until the building boom began in 2000. There are condos in its place now.
Kurt said Louisa was known as Lou because his grandmother wanted people to think she was a man. It was hard to be a woman in a man’s world. A favorite story of Lou’s that she told Kurt was that when she owned the Chateau Monterey, top entertainers were upstairs performing one night. Someone was downstairs at the door and wanted to get in. Lou came down to the front door and the gentleman wanting to enter said to her he wanted to get in. Lou said, “I’m sorry we don’t have any more seatings.” So this man said to Lou that he was a good friend of the owner, Lou Booth, and to find him, and he would let his party in. Obviously he didn’t know who he was talking to. At that time, the guests arrived in boats, letting passengers off to gamble and drink and be entertained. They would be dressed in tuxedos and long gowns. In the movie theatres, there were ushers and Kurt’s grandmother got him a job as an usher. Louisa helped Ed Zaberer to start in business when she gave him some money for a hot dog stand at the end of the North Wildwood boardwalk. After Lou Booth sold the Chateau, when she was 70, she bought land in North Wildwood on the beach where she built the Lou Booth Motel, on 13th Ave. (1968-1974). In 1974 she bought a second piece of land and built a second motel, called the Lou Booth II which was on 14th to 15th Avenues and the beach. Lou loved the beach and lived in an apartment in the motel. She felt if you were at the shore, you should live in a house on the beach. She ran those motels until she was 90 and lived to be 98. Her daughter Ann Booth married Judd Evans and they moved to Washington, DC area. He worked for the Dept. of Agriculture and became the nation’s grain expert. He died when he was just 54. They had three children: Kurt, Carol Ann Evans Mayer and Judd Jr. In 1973, an agreement was made between the State Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the city of North Wildwood to construct a seawall along Hereford Inlet between Surf and Ocean Avenues. When Lou Booth died, her ashes were scattered into the ocean from 13th to 18th avenues, the area that Lou Booth loved. The mayor of North Wildwood at that time was Lew Vinci. The Lou Booth family donated money from the Estate of Lou Booth to be used for the building of the Lou Booth Amphitheater at 2nd and Ocean Ave. for concerts performed in the summers. Lou Booth’s grandson Kurt Evans and his wife Barbara and their daughter Cindy wanted to have the amphitheater named for her and dedicated to her memory. Every year the family toss rose petals into the water near the gazebo where she would be so proud because she loved entertaining and the amphitheater is right on the ocean which she loved. Visitors can enjoy concerts under the stars.
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the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“Hold on to the Happy and throw the rest away... that is the key...”
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215-244-3993
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30
the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“To know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge.”
~Nicolaus Copernicus
O P E N E V E R Y D AY 7 A M T O 3 P M
Voted Best Bagel
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Rolled Bagels • Micro-Roasted Coffees Breakfast & lunch Sandwiches • Salads Fresh Fruit Smoothies and more!
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Show someone you care, feed them Fresh! Call for more information 609-463-0275
• Bagel Trays • Sandwich Trays • Sweet Trays • Coffee Servers
Voted Best Coffee in South Jersey
the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“I wish that Beach Therapy was covered by my Health Insurance.” ~Beach Bum
•Soft Serve •Hand-Dipped •Specialty Sundaes •Specialty Fluringos •Belgian Waffles
& Ice Cream •Milk Shakes •Banana Splits •Floats 2 LIZZY’S LOCATIONS •Gelatis 1801 New Jersey Ave. North Wildwood •Water Ice 6305 New Jersey Ave. Wildwood Crest
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the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“Now think of the happiest things. It’s the same as having wings.” ~Peter Pan
Summer Love & Hot Potato Chips
For Over RUSSO’S
STEAKS
HOAGIES OPEN
BURGERS
OPENING MAY 26, 2022
Boogie Down Saturday Nights Back-in-the-Day Dance Party
Live from Wildwood by-the-Sea 7pm-midnight on www.mybnr.com and on OCNJRadio.com with your host D.J. JAMMIN JACK CHRISTY
Spinning 60s-70s-80s Dance Music For more info call Jack @ 609-408-5919 or go to BoogieDownSaturdayNight.com sponsored by Cape May Whale Watcher
on the Wildwood Boardwalk SUBMITTED BY GEORGE FIORELLA
M y family always spent the first week of August in Wildwood, New Jersey.
As an only child, a friend often shared this vacation week with me. The year I turned fourteen, I flew solo. My parents preferred nice restaurants for dinner. I preferred boardwalk fare. I had my favorites, Mack’s for pizza, Little Nicky’s for sausage and pepper sandwiches, Jumbo’s for clams, or shrimp, Kohrs’s for frozen custard, and Pierre’s for waffles and ice cream dripping with chocolate sauce. I always started my nights on the boardwalk at a potato chip stand. They were always hot, as if they came right out of the oven, and served in a waxed paper bag, about the size of a movie theater popcorn box. They were great potato chips. I always tried to commandeer one of the benches that lined the edge of the boardwalk, linger over my chips, and admire the ocean. I believed it was sinful to rush through something so enjoyable, like my mother’s meatballs or these potato chips. This particular night no benches were available. A railing edged the boardwalk, and I stood at this railing munching my chips. I was half way through the bag when I heard a scream behind me. I spun around, and saw a teenage girl sitting on a bench three feet from me. There was a potato chip bag identical to mine laying on the boardwalk, and potato chips were strewn about her feet. “What happened?” I asked. “A seagull swooped down and tried to snatch my bag of potato chips. His wing hit me in the forehead, chips flew all over.” “You said his wing, how’d you know it was a boy seagull?” She smiled, “A girl wouldn’t be so rough, or so selfish.” It was my turn to smile, “Are you hurt?” “No, more startled than hurt.” “Let me see if you’re bleeding.” I checked her head. She was cute. She had the kind of face you expect to see on a small-town high school cheerlead-
Hot Potato Chip Stand on the Wildwood Boardwalk from Rita Cullen Canning er. I said, “There’s no blood.” Seagulls were circling overhead, no doubt eying the chips on the boardwalk. I said, “I’d better pick up these chips before we have a hundred male seagulls squabbling over them. Here take my chips. I’ll use the bag on the ground to clean up.” When I finished picking up the chips from the boardwalk, I stood in front of her and smiled. She said, “What, what is it?” I pointed to her lap. Two chips rested there. She looked at her lap, and whispered, “Scaredy cat.” She plucked the chips off her lap, ate one, and held one up for me. I bent over and ate the chip right from her hand. My lips lightly touching her finger tips. “Taste good?” She asked. “Yup.” When I returned from the trash can, she was nibbling my chips. I said, “Can I have my chips back?” “Back? But you gave them to me.” “I didn’t give them to you. I asked you to hold them for me.” “You said, take my chips. That’s giving them to me.” “I don’t remember exactly what I said, but I meant hold them for me.” She smiled, “Are we having our first
33
the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“It’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine ... it’s summertime!” ~Kenny Chesney AS SEEN ON TV
North Wildwood's Newest Restauran� trionw.com
Reservations on
700 New Jersey Avenue North Wildwood 609.796.2446 fight?” “Fight, how can we have a fight. I don’t even know your name.” “It’s Beth.” “Beth, good, now we can have our first fight.” She chuckled, “I was just kidding? Here’s your chips.” “I was also kidding,” I said. “Aren’t these great potato chips?” “They’re the best,” she said. “I always start my night on the boardwalk with these chips. I try to snag a bench, look at the ocean and take my time savoring each chip.” “I do exactly the same thing, exactly. I’ll be right back.” I returned with a fresh bag of chips, and handed it to her. She now had both bags of chips. She poured chips from her full bag into my half empty bag, making them even. She handed me a bag and held the other bag out in front of her, as if it were a wine glass. “Cheers,” she said. “Cheers,” I said, as we touched bags. Lingering over our chips, I found out she was also fourteen, and spent each summer with her grandmother, who owned a home in Wildwood Crest. It was seven o’clock when we finished our chips. By eight, I was holding her hand as we walked the boardwalk. By
nine, I had my arm around her shoulder. By ten, I was awkwardly trying to kiss her goodnight on her grandmother’s porch. It looked so easy in the movies. We spent the rest of that week together. We stayed in contact during the year, but never met in person. This was long before the internet, or social media. For the next four years, my family continued to spend the first week of August in Wildwood. Since Beth spent each summer with her grandmother, to my surprise, she was always available to spend the week with me. We always started our night at the potato chip stand. Recalling our first meeting, Beth insisted we find a bench, or a spot on the railing, and clink bags before we could even think about eating a single chip. I lost contact with Beth after my family stopped going to Wildwood, and she moved with her family to Michigan. To this day, when I eat a potato chip, I’m reminded of those weeks in Wildwood. Eating potato chips out of a paper bag, which were, without question, the best potato chips ever. I’m also reminded of Beth, and the week we spent together each year, which was, for me, without question, the best week of the year.
THE BEST THING BETWEEN TWO BUNS
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Thank You for being part of our life and for supporting our family owned & operated business
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the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“Life is amazingly good when it’s simple, and amazingly simple when it’s good.”~Anon.
THE KOENEKE FAMILY HOME This is a story about the sturdy brick house at 14th and Central Aves., which may surprise you to know was actually Johnson’s Funeral Parlor at one time. It has been the proud home of the Koeneke’s since 1943. According to Brook Koeneke, his father, William Carol, came upon the house through good, old-fashioned hard work. For a small amount of historical perspective , just imagine you were born in 1918 as William Carol Koeneke was. World War I was just ending, killing 22 million people. For the next 2 years, a Spanish Flu epidemic hit the planet, killing 50 million people between 1918 and 1920. Then, in 1929, the Great Depression began. The country, along with the world economy, nearly collapsed. In 1939, World War II began, with the United States fully entering into it in 1941.
Fortuitously, Carol, who was born and raised on the island, had a love for the water and found employment as a lifeguard. When summer was over, reluctant, yet determined, he put on a suit and tie and landed a job as a teller at Marine National Bank (the main branch on Pacific Ave., now Crest Savings.) Thomas Jefferson famously stated, “I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” Carol Koeneke lived up to that theory of good fortune. Further adding to his good luck, while working at the bank, Carol met his true love Clara Brook, whose parents had immigrated from England. Her father was a home builder in Princeton, NJ. They soon married and Carol quickly moved up the corporate ladder with one promotion following another, becoming president in his later years.
Brook with his parents, c. 1944
Good fortune aside, he was contending with wartime rationing and needed a home for his new family. A little extra help that he needed came in the form of Mr. Harry Cinalli, a tailor who came from Italy with a tape measure and some pins. Harry had already found his success by landing a government contracts to cut and sew woolen pants for the army, with his factory located by Maxwell Field on Park Blvd. Harry generously loaned Carol what he needed to buy the house. Every Friday after work, Carol faithfully paid Harry until the loan was paid in full.
Brook & Candy Koeneke, 2022
The hard-earned Koenecke house was originally built as a single family home. With the Ingersoll family already having an established funeral business in town, Johnson’s Funeral Parlor didn’t last very long. Although Carol purchased it from them in 1943, he didn’t move his wife and young son Brook (b. 1936) into the home right away. Some work needed to be done first. He needed to replace the frosted windows with regular glass and convert the boiler system from coal to oil. Since money was tight during wartime years, Brook remembers they lived at his Nan’s boarding house on Spencer Ave. To help with family finances, the newly purchased Central Ave. home was rented to a Naval Com
William Koenecke (center) & Lineous Bright (right) after a Duck Hunting Trip (unknown back left)
courtesy of Wildwood Historic Museum
This home at 1405 was once Johnson’s Funeral Parlor
Consequently, people were desperate to find work, especially here in the Wildwoods, and were willing to do whatever it took to provide for themselves and their families.
Fun in the Sun in 2022!
35
“Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing.”
THE KOENEKE FAMILY
OPEN DAILY from 8:00am
Beautiful Beach-Themed Atmosphere Large Screen TVs Inside & Out Specialty Cocktails &Wines
20 Beers on Tap including Local Favorites Extensive Gluten Free Options Brook with his parents at the beach in the summer of 1936
mander who was stationed at the Naval base in Cape May. Time passed, happy days soon returned and life was very good for the Koeneke’s and America.
buying a 45’ pontoon party fishing boat to run trips on in the back bays. Brook loved captaining the Duke O’ Fluke for 22 years until his retirement a few years ago.
Following years of hard work, Carol retired as Chairman of the Board of Marine Bank. He found much enjoyment being on the water with his brother Otto and friends. He was also an avid duck hunter in his younger years. Brook recalls his father’s 3-to4 day hunting trips, which were common in those days.
Like father like son, success isn’t defined by achievements or how many material possessions one has, but rather how we live a life of purpose, fulfillment and meaning. As the Koeneke’s demonstrated, it’s the hard work that makes it happen.
On these duck hunting trips, a small group of friends would pack food and gear, including a small pot belly stove for heat and for cooking on, and tow their duck boxes up the Fortescue River and anchor in the marshes and creeks. Back at home, son Brook graduated from Wildwood High School in 1954 and earned entry into the US Coastguard Academy. He forsook his schooling with the Academy, however, and earned acceptance into Franklin & Marshall. After years working in the accounting field, Brook started his own contracting business. He later sold it and brought his wife Candy back to his hometown of North Wildwood where they operated several businesses before
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Brook graduated Wildwood High in 1954
2507 DELAWARE AVE., NORTH WILDWOOD, NJ www.thesaltymermaidbarandgrille.com 609.600.2165
36
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
There is only love --and stories. All else is but a shadow dream.” ~Vera Nazarene
They Found Their
True Love inWildwood by-the-Sea BUD & BERNIE MCKEOWN Bud & Bernie true love forever
Bud & Bernie at NWBP Headquarters Bud & Bernie McKeown, 1955
Bud & Bernie on right
Bud’s parents
Bud & Bernie McKeown
Bud’s mom on left
Following in the tradition of the truest of love stories, Bud and Bernie McKeown’s love was destined from the start. Bud’s family owned the original Lime Ricky on the boardwalk in the 1940s and Bernie loved coming to our romance-inspiring town with her girlfriends. One night while out strolling the boardwalk, the girls crossed paths with a group of guys, one of whom just happened to be her friend’s brother. Destiny took over and it was love at first sight. Bud was on the North Wildwood Beach Patrol. Ironically, as much as Bernie loved being at the shore, she had a fear of the ocean. Soon, however, she found her happy place on the beach, sitting near her very own lifeguard every day at 15th street beach. Time marched on, and Bud was drafted into the Army in 1950. Despite the many miles, their love only grew over the years through the letters they wrote one another (true love required no other form of “social media” in those days). They mar-
ried in 1955 and had six children, who they proudly shared their love of Wildwood with. They spent two weeks every year at a campground offshore North Wildwood, giving the McKeown clan the perfect Wildwood summer by the sea. Their days were spent soaking up the sun at Moore’s Inlet beach. While the kids played on the beach, Bud & Bernie would occasionally hop over to the infamous Patio Bar (where the “No Shower Happy Hour” originated). Although Bud & Bernie have since passed away, their children are left with the dearest of Wildwood memories. Carrying on that family tradition, come summer they can still be found at Moore’s ‘little beach’ by day and boardwalk strolling by night, fondly recalling where their love of Wildwood began...
Bud’s parents in their younger days
Carol found this treasured letter handwritten by her Mom.
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the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
ADVICE FROM THE DOLPHIN • Have a playful spirit • Find your life’s porpoise • Jump for joy!
s y a D 7 n e p O t & Lu n c h
On t . . . where Ol he corner of . . . d school meet s new school!
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Thanks for the story lead on Harry Roecker! Pages 12-13
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PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT AND COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHER Portfolio: www.deegiordanophoto.com
Email: contact@deegiordanophoto.com
CHEESESTEAKS • BURGERS • DOGS • HOT SAUSAGE • GRILLED CHICKEN • SALADS AUTHENTIC PHILLY RIB-EYE STEAKS • SEAFOOD • BREAKFAST SANDWICHES • OMELETTES
1110 New Jersey Ave. N. Wildwood • 609-435-2923 • We Deliver
38
the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
ADVICE FROM THE SUNRISE • Keep it light • Rise to the occasion • Look on the bright side • Be Brilliant!
Thank you
NNew JJersey
TO: WILDWOOD NJ FROM: SAMUELS SEAFOOD ADDRESS: 3400 LAWRENCE ST, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19148
Samuels Seafood is grateful for our clients in Wildwood, NJ and thank them for supporting our family business! -The D’Angelo Family
SAMUELSSEAFOOD.COM - 800-580-5810
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
the SUN by-the-Sea
39
ADVICE FROM THE SUNSET • Close the day with beauty • Be amazing • Have a glow about you • Show your true colors
CRAB CAKE HOTLINE
Rick’s Seafood
40
PUT THE BOARDWALK BACK ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST !
Everything WiLdwood under 3 roofs ! e Welcom Back r! e m m u S
11
Years
Everything for the Beach & more!
3 Gifts & Variety Stores on the Wildwood Boardwalk! Between Cedar & Schellenger Aves.
Souveniers & Gifts Galore!
16
Quality Clothing
for Men Women & Children
Years
The Largest Stores on the Wildwood Boardwalk!
Largest Selection of worldwide Shell Ornaments
On the corner of Glenwood Ave.
Biggest & Best Selection of Hermit Crabs & Accessories
Between 25th & 26th Aves.
21
Years Come Shell-abrate!
3 Fun Places to Shop!
Have a Blast on the Boards. . . Morning, Noon & Night! “America’s Best Boardwalk!”
41
~FamilyVacationCritic.com
www. Do0WW . com
BIKE RIDING everyday ‘til 1:00 PM
HOP ON
HOP OFAFND WRISTB AY EVERYD‘TIL
10
$
WATCH THE TRAM CAR PLEASE!
5PM
Explore the 2 Mile Wildwoods Boardwalk
DoWNLoAD The new Wildwoods Tram Car APP!
SINGLE RIDE. . . $4 PACKAGE FARES 5 Ticket Book. . . $18 10 Ticket Book. . . $35 25 Ticket Book. . . $75
$4.00
$4.00
Get a Free Ride with your 1st purchase
$4.00
Find the details on where to purchase discount ticket books and wristbands at DOOWW.com/tramcar
FRIDAYNIGHT FIREWORKS10pm through September 2nd
Rain Date is Sunday at 10 pm
PARADES
WEEKLY EVENTS
Parades march south from 16th to the Convention Center
7:30PM ALL MONDAY NIGHTS
Cape Atlantic Irish Pipe Brigade
SUMMER LONG
TUESDAYNIGHTS
Brass Bands on the Boardwalk
WEDNESDAYNIGHTS Duffy String Band
through September 1st THURSDAYNIGHTS
Philadelphia Mummers String Bands on the Boardwalk
COOL! State-of-the-art Boardwalk Sound System! Listen to your favorite songs and for the latest happenings on the Wildwoods Boardwalk!
L ike u s o n f a ce b oo k at W i l d w oo d by the s e a and v i s i t
www. Do0WW . com
Have a Blast on the Boards. . . Morning, Noon & Night!
42
BOARDWALK SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Craft Shows
on the Wildwood Boardwalk just south of the Convention Center
Summer of 2022
July 2-3 August 13-14 August 27-28 September 3-4 Family Holiday Show December 10, 2022 Wildwood Convention Center
www.boardwalkcrafts.com 9am - 5pm
FREE Admission
Parking Available
Rain or Shine
Call 609-522-0198 or 609-522-0378
43
www. D o0 WW . com
OPEN 10AM DAILY
h t b e fo r e ig N e h t s a Tw . C h r i st m a s . .
hen? t l i ‘t t i a w B u t wh y
A L OCA L
Holiday TRADITION
for over 40
Y ears
WO O D
EN SIG NS
H A N D PA I N T E D C L A M S H E L L S
S E RV I N G D I S H
S E A S H O R E -T H E M E D FIGURES SA LT & P E P P E R SHAKERS
2910 WILDWOOD BOARDWALK RIO GRANDE 609-465-3641
609-600-3751
CAPE MAY 609-884-8949
WILDWOOD BOARDWALK
SHOP ONLINe AT WWW.WINTERWOODGIFT.COM
44
PERFECT
BEACKH ! SNAC
Now Poppin’ n
O
Wildwood’s Boardwalk
Stop by and sample our sweet & savory popcorn flavors!
Bikes of the five mile written by Grace Zambardi, author of The Water Cage
The Water Cage is available at Hooked on Books whose ad is in the Downtown section
They are as ubiquitous on our island as the Laughing gulls, the sand between your toes, and the sun on your shoulders. They can be as sleek as the egrets skimming the back bays, or as clunky as a worn out, rusty Wonderwheel. Yikes! Bikes! Beach Cruisers, Hybrids, Mountain, BMX, and Tandem. Electric, utility, tricycles or training wheels. Baskets in the front and flags waving from behind. Huffy, Trek, Diamond Back, Cannondale, Raleigh, Schwinn, Mongoose, and whew, too many more to name.
3314 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ wildwood@clusterspopcorn.com clusterspopcornwildwood fb.me/clusterspopcornwildwood www.clusterspopcorn.com
SINCE
1953
Eleanor Karvounis 1933-2022
On the dune-lined paths by the beach, on the wooden way, off main streets and side, they fly, buzz, zip, zigzag and yes, sometimes race. Lazy, hazy days, and Sunday mornings can find them leisurely meandering and flitting along like butterflies. They are as invaluable as they are fun. All through the long summer months these rubber wheeled and steel or aluminum framed work horses transport young team members to their jobs on the piers, to rides, pizza palaces, French fry joints, and water balloon games. Whiz wait staff and seasonal help to their cafes, bars, restaurants, diners, crab shacks, ice cream parlors, and every other food, drink and dining establishments. They take barefoot, tanned lifeguards, with backpacks in tow, to start and finish their day on the stand. All sorts of families pedal in long rows, riding from one end of the island to the other. Cool teens with surfboards under one arm glide along steering with one hand, kids doing wheelies and seniors in no hurry whatsoever. The island sea air beckoning them all to get outside. They are brought from home, stacked three or four at a time on the backs of big SUVs or rented here by the day, half day or hour. Coming in more colors than a box of crayons, these pedaled perennials dazzle in vivid scarlet Geranium and Rose reds; Lavender purples and Coneflower violets; Bellflower, Periwinkle and soft Morning Glory blues; Eyepopping Sunflower, Goldenrod and Marigold yellows; Stunning tiger lily orange. The color combos are even more fabulous. Lime light Hydrangea greens with white highlights; Sea foam with purple trimmed rims; Metallic blue racers with white accents. Yummy Orange creamsicle with yellow and gold stripes; Cobalt blue and slate with sun yellow wheels. Trim, glossy black enamel with shimmering silver accents. And don’t forget, in a category all their own, the pinks! Fuscia fenders and a strawberry basket; Watermelon with Hot pink and white streamers and a bubblegum swirl banana seat; Soft pink frames with raspberry jam handle bars. Anything color goes!
OAK AVE. & THE BOARDWALK IN WILDWOOD
Yes, of course, there are the bikes of summer all along the coasts and islands and cities and towns across this country. They are everywhere there is a path, street, avenue, rural lane, or even a highway. They are well loved, but they are not our special bikes. For ours are the Bikes of the Five Mile.
Wildwood Historic Museum
Have a Blast on the Boards. . . Morning, Noon & Night!
www. D o0 WW . com
45
• Established in 1982 • Fully enclosed Air Conditioned & Heated Arcade!
Located on Mariner’s Landing Amusement Pier OPEN EVERY DAY AT 9AM
3501 Boardwalk at Cedar Ave • Wildwood, NJ www.marinersarcade.com
10
% OFF
ANY PURCHASE
Limit one coupon per person. Cannot be combined w/other offers. Expires 10/2022
OCEANVIEW PATIO DINING 3401 BOARDWALK & OAK AVE., WILDWOOD, NJ 609-522-0034 • 609-435-7319
46 Have
6eaBoa Y the on
Sam’s
d A re te IZZ ho Vo T P sey Sy.com r ill ES Je h B the FoxP on my
5 rsrdwalk
a Blast on the Boards. .
VINTAGE
1957
PIZZA
PALACE
26TH & BOARDWALK, WILDWOOD, NJ 609-522-6017
. Morning, Noon & Night!
47
“America’s Best Boardwalk!” ~FamilyVacationCritic.com
New & Unique on the North Wildwood Boardwalk!
illa
ourmet We’re the missing ingredient in your entertaining experience!
A VACATION TRADITION FOR OVER 50 YEARS Take A Taste of the Jersey Shore Home With You!
FOR ALL OF YOUR SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT NEEDS GF - Vegan - Snacks • Local Roasted Coffee • Organic teas • Tea, Java & Wine Wafers • Finishing Sauces • Vinegars-Oils -Dipping • Herbs Seasonings • Jams • BBQ • Functional Mason Jar Converters from fruit fly traps to honey jars • Everything for Cocktail Hour from Stonewall Kitchen • Baking Mixes • Kitchen things for Kids • Seafood Accessories AND SO MUCH MORE!! Stop by to see us! We’re Open! Whipped Creamy Fudge | Premium Chocolates | Saltwater Taffy
1-800-23FUDGE Stone Harbor 254 96th Street
fudgekitchens.com
Cape May
728 Beach Drive 513 Washington St. Mall
Ocean City 800 Boardwalk 1130 Boardwalk
@fudgekitchens Wildwood Roberts Ave & Boardwalk 2200 Boardwalk
2 Oceanfront Locations! HARRY & BEANS LOCAL ROASTED COFFEE
Specializing in Gourmet Specialty Foods & Gift Baskets Extraordinary & Unique Kitchen Entertaining Accessories
2208 Boardwalk, North Wildwood, NJ 08260 609-551-4135
Beer, Wine & Cocktails Lunch • Dinner Late Night Menu
2701 BOARDWALK (609)523-1700 3800 BOARDWALK (609)554-3183
Come and Enjoy Mexican Cuisine! OCEAN VIEWS & GREAT FOOD Open-air Seating - Roof top Patio Friday night Fireworks!
Magnolia Avenue on the Wildwood Boardwalk (formerly Stewarts)
48
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Have a Blast on the Boards.
. . . Morning, Noon & Night!
49
DOO
WW
SHOP • DINE • PLAY & STAY
NewWildwood Jewelry Exclusively Available
Meg the Movie Buff Goes to �ildwood’s Byrne Plaza
FREE DOWNTOWN MOVIE GUIDE by Meg Corcoran
M.S. Brown Jewelers
SINCE 1950
3304 Pacific Ave., Wildwood, NJ 609-522-7604 MSBrownJewelers.com 5 South Main St., Unit 103, CMCH, NJ 609-463-8799
UNCLE BILL’S PANCAKE HOUSE OPEN EVERY DAY 7AM ~ 2PM
Burk & Pacific Aves. Wildwood 609.729.7557
INDOOR - OUTDOOR SEATING PLENTY OF FREE PARKING
www.unclebillspancakehouse.com
With summer finally playing a starring role in the story of our Wildwood lives, we’re happily reminded: There’s always something to DOO in the Downtown Byrne Plaza in Wildwood! Our Tuesdays just go way more entertaining, courtesy of the Free Downtown Wildwood Family Movie Nights, Nights featuring some of our favorite stars every Tuesday night through August 23rd. Catch the Wildwood sunset (circa 8:25) then settle in with Hollywood’s most colorful stars… Bring your love for movies, as well as a beach chair and blanket! On July 12th, Tinker Bell (release date September 11, 2008, voice of Mae Whitman), along with her fairy friends (who would all love Beach Yoga), creates magic in Pixie Hollow, each possessing their own special talent. Follow the voices on July 19th, when Horton Hears a Who (release date March 14, 2008). Welcome to the Jungle of Nool, where friendly elephant Horton (voiced by Jim Carrey) discovers the tiny town of Whoville and learns to treasure life’s littlest things (wishing they had a tiny Merry Go Round and tea cups to make their wee world whole). On July 26th, we travel to a seaside town on the Italian Riviera to meet Luca (release date June 18, 2021), a young boy (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) enjoying a life-altering summer adventure, discovering his very own Adventure Pier. On August 9th, Rio 2 (release date April 11, 2014) finds Blu and Jewel (voices of Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway) married with three children, taking an action-packed voyage through the enchanted city of Rio to the Amazon wilds (sadly, no action-packed arcade in sight). On August 16th, Ron’s Gone Wrong (release date October 22, 2021) for awkward middle schooler Barney (voice of Jack Dylan Grazer) and his malfunctioning robot best friend, Ron (voice of Zach Galifianakis), who, despite his brokenness, would likely be the big winner at Skee-ball Tournaments. On August 23rd, we visit with the Madrigal family (voices include Stephanie Beatriz, John Leguizamo), who live in the magical town of Encanto (release date November 24, 2021), hidden in the mountains of Colombia, where each child possesses their own magical gift but secretly wishes for nothing more than to be participants at Beach Blast Soccer. We here at The Sun have our cinematic itinerary all set (no passports required). First stop: a tour through Pixie Hollow, Hollow unfound on a map but sure to find a place in our hearts. From there we’ll visit Whoville Whoville, where we’ll discover that good things really do come in small packages. Our travel plan includes exploring the Italian Riviera and the Amazon wilds, wilds certain to satisfy our adventurous (in our imaginations only) spirits. Our imaginative journey would not be complete without a revisit to our rollercoaster youth. Join us as we cautiously step back in time to our middle school days, where we’ll discover the biggest lesson; what’s broken is beautiful (if only we figured that out the first time around!) Movie class is now in session! Entertainingly guided (sans GPS) through our spirited, storytelling land, we intend to end our journey on the most beautiful note, with a visit to a magical, mountainous region, where the best gifts include the kindest hearts. Lest we forget, pre-animated excursion, we’ll enjoy unique Downtown shopping and delicious dining (we’ll need our strength for the show, obviously) and look forward to running into our fellow story lovers by the sea and alongside the Big Screen… See you there!
Downtown Wildwood
DOO
WW
DOO
WW
SHOP • DINE • PLAY & STAY 5210 Pacific Ave. 609-729-1817
48 sweet years
Home Made Ice Cream
U nde r w a t e r
Ad A dventuRe 18
. . . 18 Hole
Miniature Golf Course
breakfast lunch & dinner menu De-elicious food ! gift shop gifts galore in this little store ! arcade win prizes ! come see the
toy train
10
3
5210 Pacific Ave. 609-729-1817
d
Name
w e � t s Be taurant Resn 2021!
Take-Out Dine-In
i
�oroccan Comfort �ood comes to Pacific �venue!
Tagines - Stews Cooked in Traditional Pots Tara Kitchen offers a modern take on the traditional flavors of Morocco by Award-Winning Chef Aneesa Waheed a Gluten Free & Vegan Options a
Mortgage Loans | Construction Loans Home Equity Loans & Lines of Credit
5209 PACIFIC AVENUE • WILDWOOD, NJ 609-523-7053 View Menu at www.Tarakitchen.com
Downtown Wildwood
DOO
WW
Hello Summer! • Voted Best Book Store at the Shore • We Have Books You Can’t Find anYWHere else!
www.hookedonbooks.info
CATEGORIZED & ALPHABETIZED
“You won’t believe it’s a used books store!”
32
Come to Goodnight Irene’s Where every night is a good night!
Lite ra r y Ye a rs !
USED-BOOKS LOWER PRICES GREAT SELECTION 3405 Pacific ave. @ Oak in DOwntOwn wilDwOOD (609) 729-1132
OPEN 5PM-5AM DELIVERY TIL 5AM! • PIZZA • SUBS • SANDWICHES • STROMBOLI & MUCH MORE!
3707 PACIFIC AVE., WILDWOOD • 523-1515
TOTAL IMAGE
A FULL SERVICE SALON
LIVE MUSIC ALL SUMMER LONG
INSIDE & OUTSIDE DINING OUTSIDE PATIO BAR
44 Beers on Tap Featuring 2 Taps from Cape May Brewing Co.
CHECK OUR SOCIAL MEDIA FOR UPDATES AND MENU SPECIALS Poplar & Pacific Ave. Wildwood, NJ (609) 729-3861
Serving Dinner 5pm
byob hawk haven vineyard wines
On & Off site catering
follow us @
(609) 522-5223 www.onefishtwofishrestaurant.net • Coppola Keratin Smoothing • Foil Highlighting • Body Waves • Matrix Color & Precision Cutting • Corrective Color • Airbrush Makeup
local fresh ingredients
Open Thursday thru Saturday Call for Your Appointment
609.523.8700 On the corner of Rio Grande & Pacific Avenues Wildwood, NJ {COMPLIMENTARY PARKING DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET IN OUR LOT}
“The best of the shore” 3001 Pacific Ave. • Wildwood by-the-sea, NJ
WW
SHOP • DINE • PLAY & STAY
IN/OUTDOOR DINING TO-GO COCKTAILS TAKEOUT & DELIVERY ORDER ONLINE
609-522-8383
100 E. TAYLOR AVE., WILDWOOD, NJ
DOGTOOTHBAR.COM
OUTDOOR PATIO LIVE MUSIC
Wildwood’s
OnL Y BReWErY
BEER, WINE & COCKTAILS FOOD & DRINK TO-GO
609-846-7918
127 RIO GRANDE AVE., WILDWOOD, NJ
MUDHENBREW.COM
BYOB WINE & BEER TAKEOUT & DELIVERY ORDER ONLINE AUTHENTIC NEAPOLITAN BRICK OVEN PIZZA
609-600-3964
4709 NEW JERSEY AVE., WILDWOOD, NJ
POPPISBRICKOVEN.COM
Your table’s almost ready
DOO
Downtown Wildwood Thrift Store
WILDWOOD 523-1166 3 % 1/2
SALES TAX
Women’s Men’s Children’s Clothing - Shoes
and so much more
4712 PACIFIC AVE. WILDWOOD 609-522-2379 74TH YEAR ON PACIFIC AVE.
South Jersey’s �ost Complete Train Stop
ar
H
Rose Fine Dining!
HOLLY BEACH TRAIN DEPOT
ach Trains 28th Ye y Be oll LARRY’S
Cape May County’s Only Authorized Lionel & MTH Dealer
WE BUY, SELL & REPAIR TRAINS
NEW CUSTOM PRSL FLAT CAR WITH WILDWOOD TRAILER
“Watch the tram car please!”
NOW IN STOCK!
NOW IN STOCK!
INSIDE & OUTSIDE
Live Entertainment
FEATURING VEAL, STEAK, CHOPS, CHICKEN, SEAFOOD & PASTA DISHES A Wildwood Favorite Since 1985
EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT
TOY TRAM CARS IN STOCK CUSTOM O GAUGE HollyBeachTrainDepot.com WILDWOOD TROLLEY
OPEN 10AM - 4PM CLOSED SUNDAY
WW
and I mean cheap!
A Really Cool secondhand clothing shop . . . new merchandise arriving daily!
Corner of Taylor & Pacific Ave .
DOO
Coming Soon! Cape May Sand Cars
Oak & New Jersey Aves. WILDWOOD, NJ 609-729-5755
“In the Heart of the Wildwoods” for 25 Years!
HUGE SELECTION OF BEER, WINE & LIQUOR 26TH & ATLANTIC AVE. WILDWOOD 609.729.4300 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
SHOP • DINE • PLAY & STAY
DOO
WW
Duffinetti’s
Celebrating
75 years on the island
EST. 1947 Open Year Round
Traditional Italian fare with a Flair of Creativity HAPPY HOUR Monday thru Friday 4 - 6pm at the Bar Best �appy �our on the islan�! Inside & Outside Dining Dog-friendly
Preferred Seating Available
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 7 Nights a Week FOR UPDATES, CHECK OUR & THE GRID WE NO LONGER OFFER RUSSIAN VODKA
4600 PACIFIC AVE., WILDWOOD, NJ • 609-522-0002 • AMPLE FREE PARKING
Schellenger’s Restaurant Delicious Memories
BEST SEAFOOD & BEST FAMILY DINING –Freetime
since
1979
1 1/2 Hours
FREE PARKING
OPEN DAILY 3:00pm ‘til Cocktails • Beer • Wine • Martinis New Menu Selections • Children’s Menu ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
schellengersrestaurant.com TAKE OUT • IN-DOOR DINING FRESHEST Seafood • Steaks • Chicken • Pasta • Soups
3516 ATLANTIC AVE. • WILDWOOD, NJ • 609-522-0433
Downtown Wildwood t Cafe y We&sLunch KeBreakfast l
sPecia
56
lunch
$ .99 for
from
QUAINT SHOP WITH UNIQUE GIFTS!
EAR breakFaLY BIRD st sPec ia
$4.22
Eat-in Take-Out 2 e
11:30a i mon-fr h ic w d n a soup-s a, egg n, tun ese hicke he c , c t d l b , grille- coleslaw salad s ip - ch pickle m
Where the Locals Love to Eat!
l
mon-fri
8-9am
ggs - 2 P a 2 Pcs. bacnocakes n must be acco m panied w/purchase d bevarage
Reg. menu price after 9am
CORNER OF ANDREW & PACIFIC AVES. WILDWOOD 522-5006
JU
WW
Th� Yello� Umbrell� Gift Shopp�
Open Year Round 7 Days 8am - 2pm
ai
DOO
E NK
&
TRE
ASU RES THRIFT & GIFT SHOP
• Custom Gift Baskets • Pantry Items • Gourmet Balsamic Vinegar & Olive Oil • Home Decor • American-made • Candles & Soaps • Pottery • Ornaments & SO MUCH MORE!
“Where the old meets the new” Old, New Unique Gifts & Home Decor. . . a treasure for everyone!
clearance
$ale 4501 Pacific Ave. in downtown Wildwood
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday • 609-214- 2253
3419 Pacific Ave.,WILDWOOD, NJ • 609-374-4483
OPEN YEAR ROUND
Earlybird Special ‘til 5:30pm Daily
3415 PACIFIC AVENUE WILDWOOD, NJ
Open Open Every Every Day Day from from 4pm 4pm
Open Year Round Fri. – Sun. 10am – 6pm
Spring Fling COME CHECK OUT THE LATEST TRENDS
FOLLOW US
Indoor & Outdoor Dining! Reservations Fri & Sat
3813 Pacific Ave. Wildwood, NJ 609-522-8300
Free Parking on Corner of Garfield Ave. by Chubby Checker Mural
www.S H O P M A G G I E S I N W I L D W O O D.com
DOO
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SHOP • DINE • PLAY & STAY
EAT IN TAKE OUT CATERING
OUTDOOR PET-FRIENDLY PATIO
BAGEL TI
3 GREAT LOCATION
1. BAGEL TIME CAFE
BURKE & ATLANTIC AVE. WILDWOOD, NJ
(609) 600-2624
2. BAGEL TIM
at AQUA BEAC 5501 OCE
WILDWOO
THIS LOCATION OPEN YEAR ROUND
12 BAGEL 9 CAF 6 MORE THAN J
OFF LUNCH 10% GOOD FOR ENTIRE PARTY Expires 10/31/22
ONLINE ORDERING AT WWW. B AG
Downtown Wildwood ME CAFE
WE DELIVER!
NS OPEN 7 DAYS!
ME CAFE
CH RESORT EAN AVE.
OD CREST
BREAKFAST
DOO
WW
LUNCH
3. BAGEL TIME CAFE
HOWARD & BEACH DRIVE
CAPE MAY (609) 408-7596
2
TIME 3 FE 6 BAKER’S DOZEN OF BAGELS $15. UST BAGELS
ALL BAGELS & PASTRIES BAKED FRESH DAILY
GEL T IME NJ .COM
Expires 10/31/22
WITH PURCHASE OF LARGE CONTAINER CREAM CHEESE
DOO
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SHOP • DINE • PLAY & STAY pm t 9 a m - 4 eason) a S n o S M H o u r s : : 3 0 - 2 : 3 0(in 10 Sunday
We have everything for your Sandcastle at the shore. Great furniture at even better prices! Now carrying Two-Sided Bedding! Decorating Cape May County Interiors Since 1947 Dinette Sets
Condo Packages
Call today 609-522-3101
Sleep Sofas
• water proof luxury vinyl plank • ceramic tile • carpet • vinyl • window treatments • faux wood blinds
Baker & New Jersey Ave. Wildwood, NJ Major Credit Cards Accepted
Furniture I Flooring I Design Center
Downtown Wildwood
DOO
WW
Under New MANAGEMENT 3801 Atlantic Ave. WILDWOOD, NJ
3113 PACIFIC AVE IN DOWNTOWN WILDWOOD, N.J.
ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS EVERYTHING IS PRINTED AND EMBROIDERED IN-HOUSE
CUSTOM OPTIONS AVAILABLE
www.guppistyle.com IG: @guppisyle TikTok: @guppistyle FB: Guppi
ATELIER BLB
DOWNTOWN WILDWOOD’S NEWEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
FREE GIFT with every Purchase
*Must bring this ad. Offer good ‘til 5/1/23
FOLLOW US @ATELIERBLB
3113 PACIFIC AVE., WILDWOOD, NJ
A Fabulous 50’ 50’s Diner with a Contemporary Spin
FOR LIVE EVENTS ALL SUMMER LONG
SHOP IN STORE, AT LOCAL EVENTS, OR ONLINE ANYTIME
ATELIER BLB IS YOUR SHORE DESTINATION FOR UNIQUE HANDMADE CLOTHES, HANDCRAFTED LEATHER BAGS, ARTISAN JEWELRY, APOTHECARY AND VINTAGE GOODS...
Serving BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER (609) 305-4327 www.pinkcadillacnj.com
62
LOCAL SERVICE WITH A SMILE! “At the end of the day, what really matters is... Did we love our neighbors?”
T L S INE A O C h is � ing you a
Mike Leeper’s Tax Service Inc.
IRS Registered Tax Return Preparer
Wildwood, NJ 609-522-6392 Del Haven, NJ 609-602-8243 Cell: 804-894-0654 mjleepersr@comcast.net
Safe & �appy Summer!
BUILDERS
w w w. We L o o k C l o s e r. c o m
LLC.
609-523-6888
Specializing in Interior - Exterior
RICK DAVIS BUILDS THE COASTLINE
PAINTING - WOOD STAINING POWERWASHING Residential -Commercial Decks - Fencing - RVs - Boats DRYWALL REPAIRS
ONE HOUSE AT A TIME.
FREE ESTIMATES
LICENSE
#13VH11200300
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
Rick Davis at his newest Renovation in North Wildwood
STOP BY OUR OFFICE AT
2500 NEW JERSEY AVE., NORTH WILDWOOD SERVING ALL OF CAPE MAY COUNTY • Incorporated since 1993 • Fully licensed and insured NJ13VH04275700 • Free Estimates • Free Plans & Drawings • Large local customer reference base • Senior Citizen Discounts • Born & Raised in the Wildwoods WCHS ‘74 Rick is also on the following committees• Volunteer North Wildwood Fire Co., 25 yrs. • Member of Wildwood Rotary • Volunteer Five Mile Beach Firemen’s Assoc. • Greater Wildwood Scholarship Fund Member
Times are Tough! Building shouldn’t be rough! Ask us about local discounts.
609-602-3951 coloryourworldtoday@yahoo.com OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE
WE’RE HERE TO SERVE YOU!
63
“When you earn your success based on service to others, not at the expense of others, that is true success.” -- H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
TROIANO
Delivering fresh, pressed articles of clothing to Cape May County’s best dressed since 1987
CONCRETE & MASONRY
Mon-Fri 9am - 3pm
Sat 9am - 1pm FULL-SERVICE QUALITY DRY CLEANING New Alterations Department Specializing in Bridal Gowns
Pick-Up & Delivery Service Same Day Service • Repairs
Michael’s FABRICARE
3209 NEW JERSEY AVE. WILDWOOD 609-522-6291 • 609-522-4499
K
EST. 1918
Michael Cummiskey, owner MichaelsFabricare.com
R
oehler Floor Covering Contracto For All Your Flooring Needs! Finest Quality Installations!
SPECIALIZING IN CARPET VINYL - LAMINATE - TILE HARDWOOD FLOORS Call for a Free Estimate Today!
ED KOEHLER 609-780-0253
NJ STATE LICENSED & INSURED
MARK KOEHLER 609-780-0252
ERNEST TROIANO, Jr. President CONCRETE & MASONRY CONTRACTORS
Four Generations Serving THE WILDWOODS & Cape May County for over 100 years! QUALITY COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL WORK troianojr@comcast.net P 609-522-3355 C 609-517-0970
Serving Cape May County for 3 GENERATIONS!
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“As you go about your daily life, you will encounter many lemons. Sour expressions, sour attitudes! The good thing is that if you don’t want to be a lemon, you don’t have to be! Just don’t let those lemons rub themselves all over you! Let lemons be lemons!” ~C. JoyBell C.
Our Wildwood Memories 1978 BY MAUREEN DUNBAR
Maureen worked for Barbie Mattel Corp. This postcard was found in a Cape May Gift Shop
The Dunbar grandchildren in their happy place, 2016
The Dunbar children at Jolly Roger Motel 1989
Our story started over 43 years ago in 1978, when
my new husband, Mark, and I came to The Waikiki Hotel in Wildwood Crest for a 3 day Honeymoon. We so enjoyed our mini vacation that we decided we would return one day, whenever we had a family. Well a year later, we became parents to our first born, Matthew, and busily settled into our small apartment in Northern NJ. We were having nice weather in May of 1979, and being the seashore lovers we were, we decided on a quick trip to Wildwood with our new baby. Packing up the 1974 Gremlin with too much baby stuff, off we went down the GSP to Wildwood, Exit 4, armed with lots of quarters and dimes (yes, dimes) for the tolls. We had no hotel reservations, only $75 in cash, and wanted to see what we could afford. If you remember back in the later 1970’s, there were no ATMs, no cell phones, no hotel websites, and many places did not accept Master Charge, as it was known then. It was Cash only, or no deal. Our fervent hope was that we would have enough money to get a least one night in a motel, and then have enough for dinner and a trip to the Boardwalk Arcades, before having to head home the next day. We drove around the Crest looking for a nice place that might accommodate us, and would be in our scant budget. I expected to pay at least $40 for the night’s stay--big bucks to us then. We stopped at The Aztec on Lavender Ave, as the sign said “VACANCY”. It looked like a small, nice, family-type place so I went into the office to ask about the rates. I was delighted to be quoted $18 a night by the most pleasant man. We couldn’t believe we now had ample cash for two nights, plus enough for hot dogs and burgers on the BBQ Grill--maybe some chips, too! Since it was early in May, we could have been the only occupants until another couple with
Maureen with her children heading to the Wildwood Boardwalk 1981 a baby arrived the next day. Talking to them in the pool, we discovered they were from Harrisburg, PA, and had come to get away from the accident (partial meltdown) at the Three Mile Island Nuclear plant just a few weeks earlier. I always wondered about them after that. In 1980, we were blessed with our second child, a daughter named Meredith, and began introducing her to Wildwood in the spring of 1981. Every summer for the next 18 years, we always found the time and money to spend at least a few days in Wildwood with our two kids---but by then we were getting reservations and had more money to spend! The Wildwoods became the foundation of so many wonderful memories that we thought we may one day return permanently. Even though we took several family vacations to Disney World, my favorite trips were always the ones to the Wildwoods. A friend of mine bought a home on 18th Ave in NWW, and kindly offered it to us if not rented, and we stayed several times. On one occasion, we came to Wildwood first, then took the Ferry over to Delaware and drove to Williamsburg, VA. Lots of fun, but the kids really wanted to stay in NWW. Over the years as the kids grew, we stayed at The Aztec again, The Jolly Roger and Port Royal many times, The Diamond Crest and a few others. I have photos of the kids growing up in many of those places. My husband and I ended up buying a home in North Wildwood in 2000, and sold our northern house several years later. We now live in NWW full time, and have both finally retired from quite stressful careers. Over the past 20 years, I have walked my dogs---first 10 yrs it was Peanut and now it’s Lucky,
Mark with Meredith at the Azztek Motel 1979 down by the area around 1st & Surf most mornings, and have met so many doggies (and their very nice owners). I always seem to remember the dog’s names before their owners! One of my favorite things is talking to the vacationers in the summer on the Sea Wall, especially the ones with small children. I love telling them about our Parks and Playgrounds, weekly concerts at Lou Booth theater, the Beach and Boardwalk, and of course, the Cape May County Zoo, is very enjoyable for me. ***My only complaint---As I’ve now lived here for many years, I must say how much it disturbs me to hear other residents complain and spout off about the tourists in the summer. (Amen from The Sun!) I was a Tourist over 40 years ago, so that was me. I understand what it’s like to plan and save for just a few days at the shore with my family, and what cherished memories we made. We are very fortunate to have all of this natural beauty around us, and should be able to share it for a few months. (After all, it’s no scecret that September has the best weather anyway!) My husband Mark & I are so lucky to now have four healthy grandchildren--ages 9 through 15-- Matthew has 2 girls, Sara and Megan, and Meredith has 2 boys- Connor and Donnie Day. I can assure you that they are now saving and counting the days till they can come down each summer to visit---and they make it more than once and stay more than a few days! Our family has truly been blessed, and we are still here 43 years later.
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“The Summer, so far, had been a lucky and good one. Everything had turned out well that could have turned out badly.”
~ Ernest Hemingway, Islands in the Stream
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“Build me a home by the sea. . . Where the wild wind blows, and the birds fly free. . .”
A Cottage
for His Bride
on Hereford Inlet by Dorothy Kulisek
George & Lynn Glaze at their home built next to the sea at Hereford Inlet
George & Lynn Glaze married in June 1929. As is true of the greatest Wildwood love stories, they shared a love for the sea and were drawn to the beauty of the Wildwoods. Despite it being the Great Depression, George was able to purchase a little seaside home as a wedding gift to his bride with the money he earned from his South Philadelphiabased trash truck company.
The house today on the seawall, front and back
That little house, humbly residing at 217 Hoffman Ave in the Anglesea section of North Wildwood, has amazingly stood the test of time, enduring many coastal storms, including the infamous Storm of ’62. A trip to check on the shore house in the winter
Little did George know back in 1929 the lifetime of memories his fortuitous seashore investment would bring. Now his family celebrates their 93rd summer by the sea. Although there have been renovations and additions over the years, the original cottage, purchased for $1500 as a token of love, is still the heart of the home.
This enduring seaside cottage has withstood many storms including one of the worst in its 93 year history, the storm of ‘62
Dan, a retired TWA flight attendant, lives in this sweet cottage, blessed to continue the timehonored tradition of a beautiful life spent happily by the sea...
Dan and his Grandfather fishing in their backyard
The storm of ‘62 from the house. This is where the seawall is today
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“The sea is a child that doesn’t care whether you get wet. It just wants you to play with it every day.”
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ADVICE FROM THE MOON • Live life to the fullest • Be someone to look up to • Don’t be phased by difficulties • Light up the night! SUM MER
2022
SURFSIDE WEST DINER Flipping eggs for over 50 years!
Open 7 Days a Week I 6:30am - 12:30pm
Cresse & New Jersey Aves. I Wildwood by-the-Sea www.SurfsideWest.com 609-522-3392
FiVE MiLES of SMiLES “When one is stoked, there’s no limit to what is possible” Congratulations Chief Chav!
NORTH WILDWOOD
SAVE THE DATE!
sunday, august 14th
{Catering Services Available}
“Home of the Hangover”
FRESH DAILY BREAKFAST SPECIALS TripAdvisor
Thank you for your vote!
NWBP newly appointed Chief Bill Chiaverelli
Frank & Joyce Cuva longtime Sun fans
Surfside West wishes you all a safe & happy summer
indoor & outdoor dining
restaurant Bakery & take out indoor and outdoor dining
Carol & Bill love Wildwood history and their old house that was once Bill’s grandparents
The Grike’s Thank you for stopping to visit to tell me you love The Sun :-)
new outdoor Bar
OUTDOOR PATIO LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EVERY FRI AND SAT STARTING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND GAME AREA • CORN HOLE • BOCCE COURT ACTIVITIES FOR WHOLE FAMILY
New Jersey & Bennett Avenues Wildwood, NJ 609-522-7894
Family-Friendly dining
w w w . t h e r av io li h o u se w i ld w o o d . c o m
Ryan & Erin Hatfield Denise Boothman Erin, Celine & Anna
Tara & Mike McCourt Hazard, Moxie & Ainsle
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
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“A day spent in dreams, sunsets and refreshing breezes could not be better. “ ~ Nicholas Sparks
WILDWOOD USA
“Get your Slice of the Beach Life” HH
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Our single moon has control of when it comes and when it goes, a ghostly grasp on our treasured coast Our island paradises wetted edge is truly NOT ours, though we plan, play and dredge lest we hedge our chances of keeping that which IS ours...
Joseph V. Rullo ABR
As we hope to casually relax, tan and veg read a good book and otherwise lose our dread, of time spent office bound fluorescent lights overhead
Cell:609.827.9908 Off :609.522.6333 Fax:609.522.8350
The sun, the surf the sounds the sands tickling our toes, like no other place can, this is why we feel compelled to control the tides, the rain, the swells..any way we know “Mom was 17 and dad was 20. They were so young. But so in love. My mom left a note for her parents. My dad‘s older sister who was in on the secret, went with them to elope in Elkton MD where they stayed in a hotel for 3 days to establish residency in the state in order to apply for a marriage license. There they were married on September 9, 1950 in The Little Wedding Chapel in Elkton. And I came along almost 5 years later on June 20, 1955. It’s a helluva story!” ~From Judy Malloy about how her parents love story that began in Wildwood by-the-Sea.
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Sand wind water time Out of our control only The sublime, Can mix and swirl rip a tide and curl into an ever changing ever flowing surging purging merging churning mix that’s never fixed or rigid always always turbid underneath, belying at times it’s calmer massage of the beach
Serving all of the Jersey Shore points
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I’m proud to be a Wildwoodian where at least the beach is free And I won’t forget the gulls who tried to take my fries from me And I’ll proudly stand up next to you on the boardwalk at 11 am I am so proud, I love this sand, God bless Wildwood by-the-Sea
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BY MICHAEL PURDON
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“Humble Homage”
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Michael Purdon picked up some remnants from a storm and incorporated them into a two-canvas painting here.
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Poem & Photo by Taylor Henry
Fishing or drifting on rafts to the bar our staying and playing...nothing compares not by far Compelled by our nature we make mortal plans to build a fortress of rocks, concrete grass and sand, strengthened with steel and a resolve for more time, to play in the mix ‘ourselves’ of water and sand fine, a poetic play Of Our Will versus Divine....with whom we share, and bare our bodies and soul’s without care on towel topped shoals or draped in our chairs... Here’s to Summer on Restored Beaches...
Sales Associate
joe@capeislandsrealty.com #SliceoftheBeachLife #JVRrealtor
“We’re saving your seat.”
Selling a Lifestyle!
REALTY Cape Islands Realty 105 W. 2nd Ave. North Wildwood, NJ 08260 www.capeislandsrealty.com
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“Simple reminders that it’s not how big the house is, it’s how happy the home is.”
We s t Wi l d w o o d
The Scanlan‘s Summer Bungalow BY LEO SCANLAN
Leo & Eunice Scanlan, 1995
Mike bringing home the catch!
O
Laura & Andrew Scanlan
Katie, Jeanie & Jessie, 1990 4th Generation on Porch
Mikey, Cam, Connor & Victoria 5th Generation 2019-20
Summer friends Eel & Crab party 1969
Leo & Mike crabbing with dad, Leo, Sr.
ur story begins in 1945 when our grandparents, Andrew and Laura Scanlan, bought a house in West Wildwood. In 1966 my parents, Leo and Eunice Scanlan, became the owners. The last day of school my mom and dad packed the car and we headed to the “bungalow” for the summer. My brother Mike and I didn’t know what bungalow meant but we could not wait to get there. This is where we would stay and would not make the trek back to Pennsylvania until the day before school started. That ride home was very quiet knowing we were leaving our summer friends and the bungalow. Spending the summers in West Wildwood was and still are the most magical days where we spent them fishing, crabbing or swimming off of our friend Donna‘s dock in the canal. We would bring home our catch, whether it was crabs, eels, or clams, my mom would prepare and cook them. We had some awesome crab and eel parties with our friends. Growing up my brother and I had a number of summer jobs. Mike had a passion for the sea. He was a mate on the fishing boats and today is a captain on a boat out of Cape May. As for me, my most memorable job was selling the evening bulletin newspaper. I was the kid riding the streets of West Wildwood with a basketfull of newspapers yelling my song. Our house, bungalow, has always had a screened in front porch. Some very interesting stories were told on that porch. Some were true and many could not be proven. Our mom was the best at making up stories. My brother and I are now the owners. Our wives and children have enjoyed all the wonderful experiences that we were fortunate enough to experience. I now sit on the front porch watching and listening to the fourth and fifth generation of Scanlan’s telling their stories. It is most satisfying to pass on the memories to the next generation that occupy our bungalow.
Summer friends ‘69
Leo & Eunice Scanlan, 2001
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
the SUN by-the-Sea
“A little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about.” ~ John Mayer
Create Tradition. Build Your Family Legacy.
FOR SALE | 315 E 7th Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 50 x 100 Lot | $829,000
FOR SALE | Oceanfront Condo 520 E Stockton Rd, Unit 205, Wildwood, NJ 4 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,051 SqFt | $1,375,000
Nick Giuffre | Realtor® M 609.224.3837 nick.giuffre@compass.com Kari Giuffre | Real Estate Salesperson M 484.356.6130 kari.giuffre@compass.com
Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. 264 21st Street, Avalon, NJ 08202. O 609.967.9600.
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“Those were the days my friend. We thought they’d never end.” ~Mary Hopkin
High School Graduates
wildwood Summers 333 W. Glenwood Ave.
1970 - 72
The girls heading to work at the Admiral Quarters Restaurant under Guy Musiani. It was new that summer of 1971
Sue, Linda, Hilda, Candy & Gloria, 1971
Photographs are passports to a priceless place called memory. They help us remember to remember.
“Those were some of the best summers ever!”
Thank you for sharing your memories with The Sun, Gloria Yagojinski Blatnik! Marlene, Mel in her Wildwood Diner uniform, Linda & Gloria
The girls returning to their apartment on W. Glenwood, c. 2006
The girls returned to Wildwood by-the-sea, for a trip down Memory Lane. 2006
Mel & Linda with Mr. Roberts, their landlord
The girls at their apartment on W. Glenwood, c. 1971
Dee Yuhas, Linda Knoll and Gloria Yagojinski came down to Wildwood in April 1970 and found their summer place at 333 W. Glenwood Ave at Mr and Mrs Roberts Apts. Linda and Gloria graduated in 1968 from Liberty High School and Dee, who is Gloria’s best friend from Bethlehem Catholic also in 1968 in Bethlehem, Pa. Both Linda and Gloria worked at Wildwood Diner 1970, 71 and 72. Dee worked at Angie and Lloyd’s in 1970 plus Gloria did too, until she got a job at Wildwood Diner. Then in the summer of ‘72, the Admiral Quarter’s first opened and all three were waitresses there. The girls still have their aprons, one orange and one brown/ gold, so they’ll never forget how special those Wildwood Days were!
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
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“Everyday’s a holiday . . . and every night a Saturday night!” - Bobby Rydell, Wildwood Days
5 MILES of Smiles! Everyday’s a Holiday in Wildwood by-the-Sea!
Ho! Ho! Ho! r! H ELLO S Umme Debbie of Bliss Coffee was surprised by a special visit from Santa. BTW: Bliss merch make great stocking stuffers!
! We’rE OPEN
• Bring a Friend or two! • Reminisce !
• Enjoy a Large-screen Showing of Wildwood Documentaries • See the Wildwood of your Childhood! • Visit the Wildwood your Grandparents once knew!
G eorge F. B oyer M useum 3907 Pacific Avenue
B y - t h e - S e a, N.J. www.wildwoodHistoricalMuseuM.coM
MuseuM Hours: Mon-wed-tHur-Fri-sat 10-3, sun 12-5 closed tuesday
Paid in part by the Cape May County Culture & Heritage commission, from funds granted by the New Jersey Historical commission.
At the beach, it’s Christmas every day! John Porter, a retired Phila. Union Local 454 Piledriver took up playing Santa as a retirement gig. He loves nothing more than sitting in the sun reading his copy of The Sun! Ho! Ho! Ho! He is pictured here with his sister Bet summer ‘21, and it wasn’t even XMas in July, LOL
The special elf of North Wildwood Beach Patrol. Everyone loves Brian!
Tom & Pat McGuigan, of the NWBP Christmas Brigade... at the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Ugly Sweater Luncheon where Pat was honored for her retirement.
Christmas in July is July 23rd! Stop by to see the elves at Cool Scoops!
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“Memories are the most beautiful pictures our mind can paint, and nothing can ever erase them!” ~Anon.
Wildwood By-The-Sea My Family & Me
The Art of Nostalgia
STORY & PAINTINGS BY KELLY SAAVEDRA
o
ne of my favorite photos has been fading. I’m barely a year old in it, and my dad is holding my hand as we walk along the ocean, discovering it together for the first time. The photo was taken by my mom in Wildwood Crest on my family’s first summer vacation. She has displayed it on one of the sides of a vintage plastic photo cube since 1970. My family has been driving to Wildwood Crest every summer for the past 50 years. I asked my mom recently how this tradition started. She told me we first heard about Wildwood Crest from our next-door neighbors, a friendly couple who liked vacationing there in September after the rates went down. My parents were already enjoying weekends at my grandparents’ beachfront cottage on the lake, so a summer vacation at the shore sounded like a good idea. Being the owner of a small automotive parts business, my dad looked for opportunities to get away and recharge, even if it only meant taking my mom and my brother and me out for breakfast on a Sunday morning after church. Unlike dining out near our home, breakfast in Wildwood Crest meant putting on shorts and a t-shirt over your bathing suit and sliding into your flip-flops for the short walk to the magnificent Captain’s Table. As a kid, I felt so important being seated in one of those chunky wooden chairs. The dining room was casual yet regal, like the deck of a grand ship, and I sensed the Captain would be joining us at any moment. Many delicious cups of coffee, slices of bacon, scrambled eggs, toast and orange juice were enjoyed by my family there for decades, served with a spectacular view of the sand that stretched on for miles and lapping waves to gently soothe the soul.
“I love that feeling of the foam when a wave crashes over you,” my dad said. I had asked him why he loves the ocean so much. “Nothing refreshes you like salt water.” In earlier years, my grandfather, who was retired, would tag along to the shore with us. He was an early bird, so he would always be the first one with his bag packed and ready to head down to the beach. We’d find him sitting on the green wooden bench that faced the ocean at the end of the street. His sandy feet barely brushed the ground as he sat patiently waiting for us to join him — soaking up the warmth of the sun, watching the waves, listening to the sea gulls squawk and simply admiring the splendid view. Occasionally, our cousins piled into their own station wagons and followed us down to the shore. My grandmothers were happy to come along when they could. Both my grandmothers loved to “take a dip” in the ocean or in the pool, but not before first tucking their curls underneath their fancy swim caps. My dad decided one year on a whim to drive down for fourth of July weekend. We couldn’t get a room the first night. We had to sleep in the car. I wondered if that was the year my brother and I made up our silly “No Vacancy” song in the back seat. All these years later, I still remember the chorus. My brother takes his own family to Wildwood Crest now. His wife and two daughters talk year-round of their longing to get back to the beach. Last year, he got to introduce his first grandson to the ocean. My brother calls for reservations early and then counts the days until he can start packing the car for the trip.
I asked my dad, why do we always wait until August? He told me August is when the ocean is the warmest. So, there was a logic to making us wait all summer long. The warmer the ocean was, the more time we could spend in it. My dad has always been a smart man. Before my favorite photos get any more faded, I decided to start drawing them on paper with my chalk pastels. I call the series Wildwood By-The-Sea, My Family and Me. I introduced my husband to Wildwood Crest shortly after we were married. He loves it as much as I do, and now we’re making our own memories. My first dolphin watch adventure was with him and our son. I braved a ride on the Thunder Cat, where I discovered an army of dolphins that enjoy jumping the waves as much as my dad! Whether we’re coming back from the Boardwalk or cruising over to Diamond Beach Bums for treasures to take home, riding down Atlantic Avenue alongside my husband I can’t help but smile. There’s the Carriage Stop, the first motel my family stayed in. The El Coronado, where I sat on the balcony with my grandpa. The Beau Rivage, where my niece found me the latest issue of The Sun. I can feel Wildwood Crest blowing me kisses with every sweet memory that floats back to me on the ocean breeze.
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“Little darling, the smiles are returning to the faces..... it seems like years since it’s been here...” ~ The Beatles
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“Our lives were just beginning, our favorite moment was right now, our favorite songs were unwritten.” ~R. Sheffield
Love those Wildwood Days
Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals Free Delivery and Pick up
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Sometimes the fun in rummaging through old photographs doesn’t come from awing over the things that have changed over the years, but rather from the things that haven’t. Sure, the bathing suits may look a little differently, (well, maybe a lot differently!) as well as the landscape... but although everything around us seems to constantly change, there is one thing that remains timeless. It is perhaps the very thing that draws us all here ... the eternal sea... our soft, white sandy beaches... the real reason why thousands of vacationers flock to Wildwood by-the-sea every summer. Have a Happy Summer! P.S. Dig out your old photos and send to The Sun! thesunbythesea@gmail.com Connie Starr (black bathing suit) with her friends Lisa Tilley in pink bikini, Lynn Buhrman in white bikini, Mark Tilley & Louis Reitano at 22nd St. beach, 1976
We De l i ve r t o t h e Be ac h! Original South Philly Style
EAT-IN or TAKE-OUT • LOCATED AT THE ARUBA MOTEL
Cheesesteaks • Chicken Cheesesteaks • Burgers Sandwiches: Chicken Cutlet • Homemade Meatballs • Roast Pork
2001 Surf Ave. North Wildwood • 609-770-7002
SHORE STYLEZ Come See Bobbilyn & Noelle 4612 Park Blvd. at Andrews Ave. WILDWOOD 609-729-2521
Open 6 Days Year Round Walk-ins Welcome
Bathing Beauties Joan Starr & Francis Schgier (Connie Starr’s mother & grandmother) with Cass Buhrman at 22nd St. beach
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“Life is tough. it takes a lot of your time, and all of your weekends.” ~from the poem, Living Life in Reverse
where yesterday
& today meet by-the-sea
“The beach to me is a sacred zone between the earth and the sea, one of those in-between between places where transitions can be experienced, where endings can be mourned and beginnings birthed. A walk along the beach offers the gift of the unexpected.”
Happily Helping Families Buy, Sell and Invest in Real Estate Down the Shore!
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~Joan Anderson
Suzanne Gilson Realtor HomeDowntheShore Suzanne Gilson
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My Mother, Mary Schramm Lippincott, with bro. John at Grassy Sounds, NJ. around 1939. My Mother’s parents moved to Grassy Sounds from Philadelphia in the early 1920’s when she was a young child. She just loved it there. She learned to swim, took the small row boat and rowed back into the sounds, and took the train to school in North Wildwood. Her parents were Herman and Edna Schramm. Mother’s name was Mary. The house they lived in got washed away in the storm of 62. When my mother passed, we took some of her ashes and scattered them in the waters of the Sounds. She is swimming in her favorite place. Thank you for sharing! ~ Sent in by Gerry Lippincot Marion
Dear Sun, After reading your latest issue, I was inspired to look for some more old family beach pics and found a few for you. The first photo is of my parents, Nancy and Jack Murray - North Wildwood beach 1973. Next photo is of my great-great grandparents Steve & Anna Pfalzer on North Wildwood beach 1926. The last is my grandmother Anna parked at the beach street end in 1926. ~Steve Murray
Suzanne Gilson
Realtor, Sales Associate Office: 609-522-1212 Direct: 609-231-9347 Fax: 609-523-8227
Century 21 Alliance
5811 New Jersey Avenue Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260
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"So many memories in one yesterday..."
~The Sun
THE BOARDWALK Photo Booth
Closed Tuesdays
Jim & Kellie Dunn, 2014 Boardwalk Photo Booth
Mary Conway Rosenello (R) with her girlfriend early 1950s
Remember those “high
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quality” tiny-squared strips of black and white photos you once took with your nearest and dearest on the boardwalk? Before cell phones and “selfies” were all the rage, the boardwalk photo booth was the place to capture Summertime by the sea. Behind that curtain, facing that tiny spinning chair, friends & family would cram together for their photo op, often arguing over ownership of the four photos that would eventually drop down outside the booth. Sadly, the souvenir boardwalk photomatic photo booth is nowhere to be found. On our never-ending quest for all things Wildwood classic, we here at The Sun are betting many of our readers are in possession of those tiny, tattered memoirs. You already know how much we love to publish your photos. Please send your golden oldies to us at address on bottom of the front cover:-)
If you did not read her story in the last issue, you can read online at sunbythesea.com
The summer of 1965 on the Wildwood boardwalk, a month before I left for the Army. It was one of our first dates. Sharon and I have been married for over 54 years. Thanks to you and your wonderful publication. Gary & Sharon Hendrixson
The gentleman with my great grandmother Elsie Genarie is Ernest Barlow, in the 40’s or early 50’s. My husband & I retired in Wildwood and my mother’s sister gave us the picture as a gift... I truly treasure it. My family will love seeing it in the Sun! Thank you! Mary Merola
Renee and Steven Stieffenhofer, 1989
Siblings, Jim & Judy Jordan 1986
This is one of Renee’s most treasured pictures since she lost her son Steven in 2019
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
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“The sea is a perfect companion. The sea does not judge. The sea forgives. The sea heals.”
Accident? Injured? TELL US YOUR STORY
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“I am Summer, come to lure you away from your computer... come dance on my fresh grass, dig your toes into my beaches.” ~Oriana Green
The Day James
I �et �y True Love
saved Clark, the Superman Hermit Crab
in Wildwood by-the-Sea written by
Barbara Olsen Sawyer
by Lois Lane
Wildwood High School Sweethearts Thelbert Sawyer ‘64 & Barbara Olsen ‘65
Barbara & Tom’s wedding Sept. 1969
Two Mile dwellings in the 1950s
Tom & Jamie Sawyer, 1970s
Tom at Two Mile beach 1966
My husband Tom and I were students at Wildwood High School when we started dating in 1963. We were married in September 1969. Sadly, Tom passed away in August 2021, after nearly 52 years of marriage. Technically, our story began in 1955, when Tom moved here and we met at Philip P. Baker grade school. Tom’s grandparents owned a fishing shack at Two Mile and spent many happy weekends and vacations there from the 1930s until the place was washed away into history during the March Storm of 1962. After his father retired from the US Coast Guard, they built a house in the lower end of Wildwood Crest, which was one of the first buildings on their block. My family’s Wildwood story began in 1924. My mother was a sickly child and following the medical advice from their doctors, her family moved from Philadelphia to Wildwood Crest. My great grandfather had a house on 1st Avenue in Anglesea during the 1930s. My mother, aunt and their numerous cousins enjoyed visiting and having fun on the bays and beaches during the 30s and 40s. Proving how the times have changed, I recall Atlantic Avenue was the beachfront in the Crest in the 1950s. Amazingly, all of the houses owned by our family members are still standing,
with the exception of the one in the village of Two Mile that washed away in March ’62. I was born at Mrs. Long’s Maternity Home on Montgomery Avenue in Wildwood and resided in Wildwood Crest. Like most kids growing up here, we rode our bikes everywhere. In the off season, we made “forts” in the bayberry thickets behind the dunes. I worked at an ice cream parlor during the summers while Tom crewed on party boats. For fun on land, we enjoyed the Boardwalk, the Crest Pier and watching nearly every movie that came through town in the lovely Hunt’s Theaters. Our best memories, however, were on the water. From his early teen years, Tom always had a boat. Naturally, we took many trips searching out fish, crabs and clams. The ocean, back bays and Delaware Bay were our territory. There is nothing like fresh caught seafood! Many summer days were spent enjoying our favorite pastimes, swimming in the ocean and Sunset Lake, surfing, water skiing and scuba diving. Following in Tom and my families’ sand & surf-filled footprints are our grandchildren, all surfers. Our great granddaughter is the 6th generation to hang out on Five Mile Beach, with each family member proudly carrying on our Wildwood story happily begun so many years ago by the sea…
“Self confidence is a superpower. Once you start believing in yourself, magic happens.” On a lovely October day James Sawyer and his mom Mary were on the beach and decided to take a walk. As they neared the boardwalk, James spotted a bright colored shell which on closer examination turned out to be a hermit crab in a Superman shell. Apparently he ran away from his home in a boardwalk shop. The shops were closing their doors for the winter, and Clark, aptly named by James, was determined to find a home, so he put on his best self and headed to the beach... and he couldn’t have wound up in better hands that day than James. When James’ sisters Sienna and Lila saw Clark, they fell in love. The Sawyer’s set out to help their new family member be comfortable with all the makings of a hermit crab habitat, including larger shells to grow into. They spent many fascinating hours watching the life of Clark the Super hermit crab who is fed so well that he has now comfortably relocated to a size XL shell, super in its own way. Upon learning hermit crabs can die of loneliness, the Sawyer’s bought a couple friends, Captain & Benny. Sadly Captain didn’t make it, but as seen in the photo here, Clark & Benny have bonded well.
Hermit Crab friends, little Benny & Clark
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
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“Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” ~Gloria Steinem
Mayor Matt's West Wildwood roots Progress through Roots and Family Values The view is more than scenic: it provides perspective on the Wildwoods as a whole. Distance and a different vantage point can give new clarity. In his late teens, Matt headed to Vermont, leaving the salty air for snowy winters and majestic forests. Yet, even while attending university, he never forgot the bayside town of his youth. Matt obtained a bachelor’s of science degree and worked for a civil engineer, assisting in environmental projects. He married his wife, Hilari, and they welcomed their daughter Hannah into their family. West Wildwood Mayor Matt Ksiazek with his wife Hilari & daughter Hannah
BY RACHEL ROGISH FLAMMIA Every community has its ethos. For some, this indomitable spirit is not without “growing pains” as people seek both individual and collective change. West Wildwood is no exception and, as with many coastal towns, the borough faces environmental challenges in addition to past political strife. Yet, the sum of every town is its people and West Wildwood Mayor Matt Ksiazek celebrates his family’s roots in the bayside borough. His task is not without obstacles, but he looks forward with hope and confidence for a brighter tomorrow. Originally from Camden County, Matt fondly recalls childhood summers spent in his grandparent’s home. His great-grandparents Leopold and Gabriella Sedlak immigrated from eastern Europe, purchasing the land in 1954 before building their home in 1956. Matt is carrying on the legacy of his great-grandfather Leo who served as Councilman for the Borough in the early 1960s. The form of government back then was a Mayor/Council form, whereas today it is a Commissioner form, with Matt being one of three hardworking Commissioners. The home was inherited by Matt’s grandparents Walter and Elaine Ksiazek in the 1970s, before more recently becoming his. “I spent a lot of time playing in the water and mud,” Matt said. Crabbing from the docks, swimming in the bay, and watching the sun decline into a molten glow of red and orange enriched the future mayor’s life. He knew many of the old families who kept their summer and full-time houses. Raised in a devout Roman Catholic family, Matt learned the importance of family values and keeping one’s word. Today, Matt is part of the local surfing scene and enjoys fishing. He loves looking at West Wildwood from the open water.
Matt’s father, Michael Ksiazek 1957 1969 Matt’s parents on W. Magnolia, Michael & Carol Ksiazek
In 2008, the sea wooed Matt home for good. He and Hilari began creating a beautiful island-inspired life together, launching Diamond Beach Ocean Adventure Camp. They also embarked on a formidable project of love: restoring the family home in West Wildwood. “It was untouched since 1953,” Matthew explained. Nostalgia is a powerful force, but so is reality. Coming to grandma’s house is one thing – living in and reclaiming grandma’s house is quite another factor! Ripping up flooring, laying tile, installing new fixtures, and installing new plumbing requires a lot of time. Life on an island isn’t all beach-days, as Matt can testify. Yet, he is glad to help bring the house alive again and transform the structure. The bones were sound – all it needed was a new perspective and care. “We’re still working on it,” Matt said.
circa 2022 1967 Matt’s great grandparents, Leopold & Gabriella Sedlak with Linda, Richard, Christeeen, Maryann & Barbara
Matt also works with his father as an electrician. His passion for proper infrastructure and efficiency is contagious as he recounted a recent adventure. During the chill of December 2021, Matt climbed up each pole and installed electricity for the borough’s Holiday decorations himself. It was 100% donation from his family’s electric business. The West Wildwood Dept. of Public Works with help from the City of Wildwood hung the decorations. “I feel that West Wildwood is beginning a new age. We are 102 years old this summer, and in a better place than we have been in a very long time,” Matt said. “ We have new rateables and businesses, many new infrastructure projects, and new equipment and park improvements coming. Also, West Wildwood does all of this with less, we work harder, use creativity, and work together as a community; to get it done. I will always remain positive about the future of West Wildwood and will continue to work hard to make it one of the best towns in all of Cape May County.” “I’m here for the duration,” Matthew concluded.
West Wildwood, storm damage 1962 Magnolia Ave. beach 1967: Maryann, Elaine, Christeen, Richard & Barbara
Matt’s grandparents Walter & Elaine Ksiazek, 1974
West Wildwood, storm cleanup 1962
d
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
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Memories of Our Family Vacations
by Susan Signorello Carlstrom
n the late 1940’s/early 1950’s my dad and his family would travel to Wildwood every year from Union County, NJ via Rt. 9, often taking between 4 and 5 hours to get there. That tradition continued into the 60s & 70s with my dad taking our family there. I remember staying at the Elberon Apts. on Poplar Ave. There was no air conditioning and we shared a bathroom, but we had three meals a day. My mom shares stories of those times, one of us swimming in the public pool on the boardwalk, where I dove in and ended up getting several stitches at the local hospital! AnSue’s father, Joe Signorello with his Sue’s husband Cal Carlstrom & his other time, following a “big boardwalk win,” We were trophy winners of the Scavenbuddies at the Boardwalk Shooting father at the Boardwalk Shooting ger Hunt at The Admiral East Hotel we returned to the Elberon and the doll I’d Gallery, 1955 Gallery, 1961 won fell apart. Fortunately, my dad went back to the stand, where he was given a new doll. So many memories! Shopping for bathing suits at Silen’s, eating the best cheesesteaks at the original Mr. D’s restaurant, the handsome waiters at Dino’s Italian Restaurant and Zaberer’s and walking the boardwalk, which took us nearly a week to navigate! We have our own families now and have traveled to other places, but I enjoy treating my dad to a few Wildwood days. He loves driving down Poplar Ave., ending our day of memories by passing by the locations of our former vacation hotels, happily remembering those The Signorello family between the summers of 1969 and ’72 at the Conca D’Or Hotel and Admiral East Hotel, two Wildwood Crest hotels long-ago summers by the sea…
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“What are heavy? sea-sand and sorrow. What are brief? today and tomorrow. . .
THE HISTORY OF SIGHTSEEING BOATS
CAPE MAY WHALE WATCHER BY RACHEL ROGISH FLAMMIA Capt. Jeff Stewart Sr. & Jr.
Young Jack Christy, c. early 1970s
Miss Chris II
E
very town has its “perks,” and Cape May is no exception. Yet, aside from the bustling shopping and restaurant scene, one finds perpetual renewal and joy simply by the water. For Captain Jeff Stewart and his public relations guy and Christy the wonlongtime friend, Jack Christy, ders of nature are found atop the waves. Since 1993, the Cape May Whale Watcher continues to carry tourists and locals alike over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. An abundance of wildlife and fresh air never grow old as guests often return with the next generation of whale and dolphin watchers in tow. “It’s great to be out in the boat in the fresh air, away from everyone else,” Jeff Stewart said. The Coronavirus pandemic touched every area of life but Jeff and Jack remain committed to providing a safe and soulful experience. Nature offers many lessons if we would take the time to listen. Jeff grew up along the water and spent summers at the Shore. The sea was “in his blood,” and he signed up to work Big Flamingo,” Flamingo under Capt. aboard the “Big Ron Sinn, Sinn in 1973. Sinn operated the sightseeing vessel out of Wildwood Crest. Crest Aboard the boat,
Jeff learned the art of sailing a large craft, marine mammal watching, and the pulse of tourism. The season was “shorter” in the Wildwoods than in Cape May, according to Jeff. Around the same time Jack Christy who was born and raised in Ocean City, was learning the waves aboard smaller boats. Jack’s father, also Jack Christy, captained larger sightseeing boats in the summer while working in the commercial fishing industry in offseason months. A true “Jack of all trades,” Jack owned parking lots in Wildwood, and hosts a radio program, Boogie Down Saturday Nights. (see his ad for details on how to tune in)
Capt. Jack Christy, Sr. in wheel house
Jack Christy with his treasured photo album
“I’ve traveled far and wide,” Jack said. He isn’t always on the boats as the office requires him to manage the PR side of the Whale Watcher. Networking is like the current: a constant ebb and flow of people, ideas, and opportunities. Life on the water teaches you to adjust the sails when the wind changes and storms arise. After working for Captain Sinn, Jeff decided to strike out on his own, in 1993. He had returned a few years prior after selling yachts up and down the East Coast, but Jeff had new ideas.
Young Jack Christy
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. . . What are frail? spring blossoms and youth. What are deep? the ocean and truth.” ~Christina Rossetti
CELEBRATES AT MISS CHRIS MARINA Buccaneer Sightseeer, c. 1972-73 The Stewart Family and their family of employees are ready to help you experience the wonders of the sea
Buccaneer Sightseeer, c. 1974 - 75
Big Flamingo: sent in by Julia Staley with grandson Jack Staley 1950 “It was a God-sent blessing,” Jeff explained. “Nothing against Wildwood and Wildwood Crest.” By relocating to Cape May, Jeff said the location and longer tourist season made sense. Capt. Sinn preferred the Memorial Day to Labor Day flow. He purchased the Miss Chris Marina in Cape May and set up shop. Jack Christy & father captain on Miss Atlantic City II , 1973 One of the original Sightseeing boats
“It’s not about the whales and dolphins leaving – it’s about the people leaving,” Jeff said. He advocates finding your rhythm, regardless of outside pressure and changes. “Take your time, pick it, and stick to it,” Jeff said. Jack joined the crew and remains at the heart of the operation as younger faces join the venture, including Jeff’s Bridget son and daughter, Jeff Jr. and Bridget. Mary Stewart, Stewart Jeff’s wife since 1976, is also involved and stands beside her husband’s vision. What are some the challenges to Jeff and Jack’s enterprise? Covid-19 packed a punch to tourism but, surprisingly, Jeff spoke of 2020 with a smile.
Jack Christy getting ready to cruise his boat in the 4th of July parade
“I can’t say enough good about 2020,” Jeff said. After installing plexiglass
dividers and purchasing a fog machine (to spray disinfectant), the crew ran three tours each day. Each boat could operate at 50 percent and, according to Jeff, were full. People could be outdoors and enjoy the natural world. Although they lost $1 million in revenue, the Cape May Whale Watcher sailed on. However, finding dependable crew is still a challenge. Some of the questions posed by tourists and potential crew members also leave Jeff scratching his head. “What time does the one o’clock boat leave?” “How long is the three hour tour?”
Thunderbird, c. 1979
Jeff is thankful for his daughter, Bridget, who runs the office and puts wannabe sailors through their paces! Jack remains optimistic for the future of their business and of tourism in general.
Capt. Sinn’s PT 109
Local wildlife – from eagles to humpback whales – remains off the coast, regardless of human confusion and pandemic worries. Both Jeff and Jack believe many life lessons can be learned by simply paying attention. Permanence is a beautiful thing and the juxtaposition between changing tides and constant waves speaks to us all.
Capt. Sinn’s PT 109
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w i th C A PT. GA RY SLOA N Hello and Welcome Anglers, I hope all anglers use their influence on Mother Nature to bring a better season versus what has happen this past spring weather. I know complaining will have no effect on the weather, but a little grumbling helps the pain. The wind has been difficult most days. I am waiting for our normal summer weather. The warming ocean water will bring the varieties of fish who are on their way. Early reports of flounder fishing in the deeper waters have been good. The reef areas will be the first and most consistent for the bulk of Summer. Let us not get defeated. I have been told patience is a virtue. We will have months ahead for good fishing. Before you depart on a trip, I strongly suggest that you review the New Jersey Saltwater Fish Regulations. The sizes and dates on opening and closing of the fish. You must also have the Federal Fishing license that is obtainable on the internet. It is free. How about those feds giving you permission to go fishing?! The ocean will have an early arrival of Sea Bass and Fluke. Trigger Fish have also been a recent early species. Trigger Fish will give you a battle on light tackle and are excellent on the kitchen table. If you never cleaned one, have someone give you the tips. I like the ocean to be in the midseventies to have all the species in our range to catch them. The fish seem to agree with my temperatures for the ocean activities. The area offers all kinds of opportunities to fish or crab. Local tackle shops will give you the up-to-date information and tackle for your fishing. The area has a variety of places for fishing like rock jetties, beach fronts and the
back bay. If you prefer a boating experience, then rentals of all types can be found. The sizes of boats range from a small motorboat, pontoons, and bigger motorboats. In addition, you can venture offshore on larger sport boats for Bluefish, Tuna, Mahi and Billfish in the offshore canyons. The ocean is truly one of greatest wonders of this planet. Days on the Atlantic will inspire the feeling of mystery and visual chances of sighting the many animals in this environment. The diversity of life, color, and power fills your senses. Trips on the ocean will almost guarantee the chance to see birds of all parts of the world. Packs of dolphins glide thru the water so gracefully, it is amazing. Dolphins have no fear of boats allowing most close encounters. Nature puts on a wonderful show for all of us to see. Don’t miss your chance to see what really matters while living near the best place in the world with the greatest show on Earth! The experience is always special when you have shared them with friends and family. Children can be involved in some part of the fishing adventures. The memories created that day will be relived for years. Building these memories create bonds between generations of adults and children forever. God Bless, Captain Gary
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“Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind . . . Memories, sweetened through the ages just like wine. . .” ~Elvis Presley
Our One Week a Year in Wildwood ... and please don’t forget to pack my fish shirt! BY GEORGE HANSTEIN
wood. I am sure that it has changed a lot, but so have I. The Elbron is gone and so are my Mom and Dad, but I am sure the ocean is still there and when I get there I will sit on a bench and look at it. I might even play a game of miniature golf. Tomorrow I think I will go shopping for a camp shirt with fish on it.
A&LP QUALITY FOODS Founded in 1953 by “A”lfonso & “L”ina “P”izza
. . . Upon Returning. . . THE ELBERON
George holding his son, young George Hanstein wearing his “Fish Shirt”
My dad had a camp shirt with fish on
it. He only wore it once a year. That was when we went on vacation to Wildood, NJ. My dad was 51 when I was born. I have often wondered if that is what made him such a great dad. Perhaps by the time I was born, he had done all the things that distract many of us from being the perfect father. He worked in a plant that made airplane parts. It was one of those secure jobs that were around in the 50s and 60s. I don’t think he made much money, but I never remember wanting for much. I do remember those times when we had to “cut back” when he was temporarily laid off. Those times were few and far between and we always got through without too much of a problem, at least that I was aware of. He also did odd jobs around our neighborhood. He could fix just about anything or if you needed your house painted, he was your man. Once a year my dad took my mother and me to Wildwood, NJ for a week. This was in the 50s and early 60s. It was the event of the year in my house. Dad would ask my mom more than a few times if she had packed his “fish shirt”. We always stayed in the same place it was an old hotel about 3 blocks from
the beach on Poplar Ave. We had a small room with twin beds for my mom and dad and a cot for me. The bathroom was down the hall and was shared by half of the guests on the floor that we were on. The other end of the same floor had a bathroom for the guests on that side of the hotel. “The Elberon” was clean and the owners were very nice. I remember the big wooden benches hanging from chains on the huge front porch. You could sit on those swinging benches and swing gently while watching people walk by. The hotel served two, family style, meals a day, breakfast and dinner. Lunch was usually a hot dog on the beach. Our arrival at The Elbron was the same every year. We would pull into the parking lot and my mother would tell my dad that he had to bring the bags up to the room before doing anything else. He would tell her that he and Pal (that was me) had to go look at the ocean first. She would complain but to no avail. He and I would walk up to the boardwalk, sit on a bench and look at the ocean while mom sat on one of those big swings on the porch. After awhile he would always say, “I think we have time for one round of miniature golf but don’t tell your mother”. When we got back to the hotel she would always say, “you played golf, didn’t you”. I would look up at him and see a 60 year old man that looked like a kid that got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. My mom would just shake her head and we would all laugh. The week was always great. We would walk the boards, go on rides, play games and sit on those swings after dinner and Dad would get to wear his “fish shirt”. Well now I am at the age that my dad was when I was 12 and I am feeling a little nostalgic so I just made reservations to spend a few days in Wild
George wore his “Fish Shirt” when he returned to Wildwood years later WHAT I LEARNED FROM MY TRIP TO WILDWOOD: 1. You can never go home again. 2. Wildwood is best for young people. 3. I am not a young person.
Wildwood’s beloved Elio Pizza passed away peacefully on May 18th, 2022. Elio could be found hard at work every day at A&LP, the restaurant his parents, “A”lfonzo and “L”ina “P”izza founded in 1953. His name alone, combined with his charm and classic good looks, made this hardworking octogenarian one of Wildwood’s most famous treasures…
4. Not every woman should wear a bikini. 5. Not every man should go shirtless (I include myself in this group) 6. Although tanning may be unhealthy, everyone looks healthier with a tan. 7. Boardwalk pizza is still great. 8. Riding bicycles on the boardwalk is fun no matter how old you are. 9. Balding men can get a a sunburn on their heads. (Ouch) 10. Although Wildwood has changed, I have changed more.
Photo of Elio & Jeanne Pizza taken in 2007 by the late Bobby Kulisek for The Sun
11. Wildwood was more fun for my generation because, when we walked the boardwalk, we saw things other than our cell phones. 12. Wildwood has the best used bookstore that I have ever seen. (HOOKED ON BOOKS!) 13. Cape May is still beautiful. 14. Polish water ice is as good and refreshing as Italian ice. (Sorry to all my wonderful italian friends.) 15. Always, “Watch the tram car please”.
Elio traditionally liked to make his parents Easter bread to take on his visits to their grave.
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“Food may not be the answer to world peace, but it’s a start.“ ~Anthony Bourdain
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Italian Deli • Sub Shop • Grocery Store PIZZA, STEAKS, HOAGIES, PASTA Homemade Sausage, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Meatballs, Roast Beef & Pork
-522-357
6
6
09
Call for Pick Up or Free Delivery (609)
522-3576 Like us at A&LP
15th & New Jersey Aves., North Wildwood, NJ www.alpfoods.com
by-the-Sea!
FUN in the SUN! Dig out your old photos and send to The Sun! thesunbythesea@gmail.com
1953 Wildwood Joan Barrett Meyers with her daughters Teri age 3 and Lynn age 1
Fun in Old Grassy Sound c. 1940
Pete & Helen Raskis (L) - Uncle Brod and Aunt (R)~ sent in from Barbara Raskis Flower
We loved to play at the playground next to the boardwalk in the 50’s. ~sent by Dorothy Milliken
Dear Sun, I’ve been going to Wildwood Crest for over 30 years when my Mom bought a summer home, and didn’t know half the things you write about. I get so much knowledge and education about the island from your paper. I love it! ~Teri
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the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“For I was rich, if not in money, but in sunny hours and summer days, and spent them lavishly!” ~ Henry David Thoreau, Walden
FEEL BETTER FAST — AND GET BACK TO THE FUN. CONVENIENT CARE IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER.
3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS Wildwood · 406 W. Rio Grande Ave. Cape May Court House · Acme Plaza Marmora · 8 Route 9 South OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 8:30 AM TO 8:00 PM Extended summer hours. Walk in or Check In Online to reserve a time. Call 609.465.6364 or visit CapeRegionalUrgentCare.com for locations and details.
5 MILES OF
Wild-wood
SmilES
In these days, it’s nice to know the spirit of Aloha is alive and well at 3rd St. beach in North Wildwood... serendipitously across the street from the Aloha Motel & Coffee Shop. A group of local surfers formed a tight bond out on the water during the pandemic that continues to grow tighter. When there are no waves, they get together and have fun doing other things, like their Ugly Sweater party this past Christmas at Poppy Ted & Anita’s Surf Shack. Perhaps we could all learn a few things from this Hawaiian Spirit of Aloha. It’s not just a philosophy, but also kept as a law in their state that all government officials, citizens and visitors are obligated to be in accordance with on a daily basis. “Aloha Spirit” is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. We must think and emote good feelings to others.
Matt & Hilari Ksiazek celebrating a great end to a great year!
Boz & Tracey getting their ugly sweater on! Boz took the prize of a $50. gift certificate to Dogtooth for his Gansta shirt :-)
ALOHA MY FRIENDS. ENJOY YOUR SUMMER! Dorothy #aloha #peaceandlove #stoke Most insurance plans accepted.
Tracey & Mark all lit up
Travis rocked the perfect multi-functional sweater with beer holder and all, and a Christmas tree hat topper!
Jimmy McKee & Big Poppy Ted
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the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“Surfing isn’t about how good the waves are, it’s about joy, spirit... sharing the magic that liquifies our soul!” ~ The Feel, Johnny Abegg
a h o l A Open 7am to 3pm
Breakfast
Egg Sandwiches • Breakfast Entrees Omelettes • Pancakes • French Toast • & More
West Wildwood Mayor Matt & Hilari Ksiazek
Lunc�
Burgers • Hot Dogs • Steak Sandwiches Hot & Cold Sandwiches • Wraps • Salads • Fries Chicken Fingers • Grilled Cheese
(Above right) Travis Keefe in his zen, looking for waves. His sister Greye commissioned me (Dorothy), to paint this for him as a Christmas gift.
ATM
210 JFK Beach Dr. • North Wildwood
609-522-8495 ext. 150
Located at the Aloha Oceanfront Motel
Open Weekends 8am-1pm ( ‘til June 14th)
Located in West Wildwood at C Marina between Avenues P & Q
North Wildwood Surf Beach between 3rd & 4th on a quiet day Walk, Bike, Paddle, Kayak or Boat...
Come see us dockside in West Wildwood
Memorial Paddle Out for Jim Hewitt
from Jimmy McKee’s @sjpoolsharks, drone shot by Dustin
Rest in Peace Big Jim Hewitt! The Surf Community held a beautiful sunset Paddle Out for him Sept. 12th at 3rd St.pipe... where Jim actually surfed over a whale!
Grab Some Homemade Goodness
Puppy Goodness
Espresso • Coffee Homemade Baked Goods Quiche • Soup • & more
Follow us on facebook & instagram for daily menu & seasonal specials 100 E. 24th Street • North Wildwood, NJ • 609-854-3042
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the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
"Won't you be my neighbor?" ~Fred Rogers
WHY CHOOSE ME? HERE ARE JUST A FEW REASONS…
I’m a LOCAL agent… I live where I sell.
I’m a FULL-TIME agent…
Real estate is all that I do. Never settle for an agent that can only fit you in part-time.
I've been servicing Cape May County for 22 YEARS… There is no substitute for experience in this highly aggressive market.
I’m a TOP AWARD-WINNING agent…
Not by luck. Knowledge, experience, and hard work got me here.
DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS. I’M JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY.
Colleen Sowers
Broker Associate CELL: (609) 602-2008 ColleenSowers@outlook.com
www.ColleenSowers.com 3300 Pacific Ave. • WILDWOOD, NJ • 609-523-1112
95
the SUN by-the-Sea
JULY - AUGUST ‘22
“The sea is a perfect companion. The sea does not judge. The sea forgives. The sea heals.”
dorothy’s
ES
t o d ay m e e t b y - t h e - s e a
ACCESSIBLE HOL
&
Hello dear Sun Readers! You may have read this in my first issue... When nearing my final deadlines, I can’t help but ponder the thought of being an editor and the responsibility it carries. It’s a bit daunting to comprehend. So I honestly don’t focus on the size of my readership because I create the paper mostly alone... (but always in the presence of God... ) fully enjoying the gifts He’s given me to bless others. As I set out to work everyday, after my beautiful morning walks along the seawall, I realize it is this very expanse of sea, sun and sky that inspires The Sun... it talks to me... it says, ‘try to capture me, try to tap into my mystery.’ I paint it and photograph it, and tell stories that revolve around it because it has become a part of me. I acknowledge my part in it as a calling, even if I don’t entirely comprehend it. I only know that it requires that I work with a standard of excellence and sincerity. On one particular morning, I read a devotion that featured a favorite childhood fable called The Wind and the Sun.It brings us to ask ourselves, when influencing or inspiring others, which approach works best? To blow harder and harder like the wind, or to shine brighter and brighter like the sun? The Fable goes like this: The wind and the sun decided to have a contest one day to see which of them was the strongest. When they saw a man walking down the street wearing a warm winter coat, they agreed that whoever could get the man’s coat off would truly be the strongest. The wind thought this would be a piece of cake, so he began to blow with all his might. But the harder he blew, the tighter the man held onto his coat. Eventually, the wind gave up, and the sun took a turn. The sun came out from behind a cloud and began to shine brighter and brighter. As the man got hotter and hotter, he finally took off the coat of his own accord. The wind had to concede that the sun was indeed stronger. So the moral of the story is obvious... we are to Shine! We were made for sunny days! Knowing every summer has its own story to tell, and how much we love telling stories, I can’t wait for you to enjoy your time by the sea reading this issue of The Sun. It has been created over the long fall and winter months for your reading pleasure... with rays of light and a touch of sea spray left on every page from those morning walks... because salt & light make the most beautiful combination.
“Shine like the Sun!” ~psalm 37:6
Dorothy
. . . taken on a cold winter morning
Artist / Editor / Publisher The SUN by-the–sea, Wildwood, NJ
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Where the Wild Things Par
Dorothy McMonagle Kulisek, So You’ll Know, llc. © 2022
18TH YEAR
FREE GUIDE
JULY - AUGUST 2022
NO BEACH BAG CAN BE WITHOUT IT!
watch
the
tram
car
please
!
Original Pastel Painting by Dorothy Kulisek
“The most beautiful thing under the sun . . . is being under the sun.”
M.S. Brown Jewelers SINCE 1950
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THE SUN P.O.BOX 2101 WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, N.J. 08260 609.522.2721
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