Year 12 Vol. 3
SEPTEMBER ~ OCTOBER 2015
No BEach BAg CAn Be WithOut iT
!
watch
the
tram
car
please
! Spreading SUNshine throughout the Wildwoods!
Where YESTERDAY and TODAY meet by-the-sea
g t ’ o n o ! d S hoobies
Compliments of our Advertisers
L UN C h
The Rullo family of SHOOBIES in North Wildwood takes the long way home after a great summer of fun! Studio Photo by Shooters Old Time Photos, Oak Ave. & Boardwalk. Photoshopped by The Sun
TONY LUKE’S O ld P hilly S tyle S andwicheS
Dorothy McMonagle Kulisek, So They’ll Know, Inc. © 2015
Now Delivering!
609-770-7033 6200 New Jersey Ave. at Sweetbriar Rd. in Wildwood Crest the beSt CheeSeSteAkS At the JeRSey ShoRe! AA-B2B_2015-JEWELRY_STUDIO-5x4.indd 1
8/18/15 3:22 PM
THE SUN BY-THE-SEA P.O.BOX 2101 WILDWOOD, NEW JERSEY 08260 609.522.2721 WWW.SUNBYTHESEA.COM THESUNBYTHESEA@GMAIL.COM
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
the SUN by-the-Sea
“I want to thank you for giving me the most wonderful summer of my life.� ~Robin Ward, 1963 song
SHORE LIVING AT ITS FINEST
404 and 406 W. Illinois Ave., North Wildwood NEW CONSTRUCTION WITH BAY VIEWS. Shore living at its finest! There are only two spacious units in this building. The units boast numerous upgrades throughout. The first level offers a tile foyer area, large walk-in closet in hall and junior master suite with a full bath. The second level has a living room with gas fireplace, upgraded kitchen with custom cabinetry and soft close feature, custom range hood, granite tops and stainless steel appliances. This level also has a powder room and large storage closet. The third level consists of three bedrooms, two full baths, laundry room and walk-in hall closet. One of the bedrooms on the top floor is a master suite with his/her closets. All the bedrooms on this level have cathedral ceilings. There are sliders that lead to private decks off of the living room, dining room, and three of the four bedrooms. Beautiful bay views and amazing sunsets can be enjoyed from each level. All of the sliders and windows are Andersen and there is and upgraded trim package throughout. All of the full baths have upgraded custom tile and granite tops. The unit has already been prepped for the installation of an elevator. This is an optional upgrade. There is a one car garage with a driveway for additional parking and a private outside shower. The exterior will be landscaped with sod and sprinkler system. This beauty is ready for occupancy. Each JUST $649,000.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIMOTHY FLEMING
3300 Pacific Avenue WILDWOOD, NJ 609-523-1112
weichert.com OPEN HOUSE EVERY WEEKEND
COLLEEN SOWERS
Broker Associate CELL: (609) 602-2008 ColleenSowers@outlook.com www.FromBeachtoBay.net
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
“Life and summer are fleeting, sang the bird. Snow and dark, and the winter comes. Nothing remains the same.” ~Elyne Mitchell
with love from your Editor
See what’s inside! {There’s a memory on every page}
gggggggggggggg Artist, Editor & Publisher
Dorothy McMonagle Kulisek 609.214.5608
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER 11 - 56 5 MILES OF SMILES 44-45, 51, 53, 55, 57 THE WONDERFUL JACK MOREY by Hope Antonelli 14
BOBBY KULISEK 11/25/58 - 7/09/15 Can I sail through the changing ocean tide, can I handle the seasons of my life? These are just some of the questions I ask myself on a beautiful, sunny day in August as I sit writing on the beach, my sanctuary. As many of you know, my husband, Bobby passed away following a long illness on July 9, 2015, beginning another season in life that I currently find myself slowly sailing through. Bobby helped me start the paper. (Read our Sun story in the centerfold) He was my biggest fan. I know there’s only a thin veil that separates us from heaven. I feel him very close to me. He used to say, “You’re amazingly amazing, Dorth!” Over the past couple of months, when I needed the extra wind beneath my wings to get my work accomplished, I could hear him cheering me on, echoing those words. With his encouraging words in my heart, I believe The Sun has been a saving grace for me. It has provided me with a place where I can pour out my heart. Creating these pages keeps my mind occupied and causes me to move... being out and about delivering papers and meeting with my advertisers, who have become like family over the years. I feel very blessed to be able to do work that I love and that everyone loves so much. I’m reminded once again; God shines all over The Sun! Comforted by the belief that God’s light is always shining, I’ve read that dying is the last shadow of earth’s night before heaven’s dawn. What’s astonishing to me is that the world keeps spinning, the tide continues to ebb and flow, and the sun and moon take turns rising and setting. When a piece of our souls has been torn away, it seems as though the natural rhythm of life should stop. Out of reverence or recognition, it almost seems rude that it does not -- at least for a moment -- pause to acknowledge the fact that those left behind are no longer whole and left with broken hearts. But some sweet day, death and parting will be no more. Our broken hearts will be mended and we will be whole again. Until that Day, we walk in rhythm with the world around us, striving to find a new normal, keeping the clouds away and The Sun shining. Nothing will ever be the same. But even that won’t last forever. I am forever grateful for the love and support so many of you have shown. Thank you to all who wrote cards, or left comments on my Facebook posts, who sent baskets, and who lifted my son & I up in prayer. I love my Sun family. Seasons are changing once again, as the calendar (and life) dictate. Now, as the summer sun slowly fades into the horizon to make room for the Harvest Moon, I wish my Sun family a glorious Indian Summer and Second Season by the sea… Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Dorothy
Artist, Editor, and Publisher The SUN by-the–sea, Wildwood, NJ
DEAR SUN 15 THE SUN TRAVELS TO TELLURIDE MOVIE BUFF GOES TO HOLLYWOOD by Meg Corcoran 27 RACE OF THE GENTLEMEN 28 THRIFT SHOPPING IN THE CAPE by Cathy Tchorni 29 TREADMILL TO THE SUN The Kulisek Family Makes Wildwood History 30-31 DR. MACE / HATTIE LONG PHOTOS 34-35 CHURCHES ON THE ISLAND 36 REMEMBERING BILL JAMES 38 THIS IS FRANK’S by Wayne Vogel 40-41
So They’ll Know, inc. The SUN by-the-sea©2015 is the original nostalgic bi-monthly paper published by So They’ll Know, inc.
Published, Edited & Designed by Dorothy Kulisek with the help of those listed here: Assistant Editor, Meg Corcoran Contributors: Hope Antonelli, Al Brannen, Marilyn Guidetti, Kirk Hastings, Steve Murray, Mark Peyko, Caroline Shields, Gary Sloan, Cathy Tchorni, Wayne Vogel, Chris White
Next issue: Nov. 18th
no beach bag can be it! without
here comes The Sun!
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment or religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” – 1st Amendment to the Constitution of the U.S.A.
Words to Live by I Daily Sunshine
Work for a cause, not for applause. Live life to express, not to impress. Don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt.
EMPTY CHAIRS by Marilyn Guidetti 42 NORTH WILDWOOD’S BUSINESS DISTRICT by Steve Murray 46-47
“As we have opportunity, let us do good to all.” ~Galatians 6:10
BLAST FROM THE PAST 48 WILDWOOD POSTCARDS by Chris White 49 MEMORIES OF MARINE BAKERY by Mark Peyko 50 WILDWOOD VILLAS by Caroline Shields 52 PHILLIP BAKER SCHOOL by Kirk Hastings 54 TIDE CHART & GONE FISHIN’ with Capt. Gary Sloan 58
God Bless our Vets!
Disclaimer The Sun by-the-Sea Newspaper© and So They’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’s not so hot in the sky today, I can feel summer slippin away.” ~James Taylor, September Grass from October Road
The Borough of
WILDWOOD CREST
Recreation & Tourism
Presents Fall of 2015
WILDWOOD CREST RECREATION DEPT.
5800 Ocean Ave. Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260 (609) 523-0202 fax: (609) 522-1669 Joseph Von Savage Memorial Pool (609) 522-0084 Wildwood Crest Tennis Courts (609) 729-2628
Patriot’s Day Memorial Service
Friday, September 11th, 5:30pm Miami & New Jersey Aves.
Outdoor Zumba at Centennial Park Saturdays at 8:30am through September 26th
Firefighters’ Weekend Craft Show Crafters of all Kinds! FREE! September 18th-19th Sunrise Park at Rambler Rd. & Ocean Ave. Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 1pm
WILDWOODS HYDROFEST FINAL EVENT FOR EPIC RACING SERIES Visitors to the Wildwoods the weekend of October 3 and 4 will have the chance to experience hydroplane racing up close and personal when the Wildwoods New Jersey Governor’s Cup Hydrofest returns to the bay area known as Sunset Lake in Wildwood Crest. The Wildwoods Hydrofest includes not only exciting hydroplane and flatbottom racing, but also a 6-block Marketplace with craft, merchandise, and food vendors. Admission to the racing is free. Bleachers are provided on the grassy park area, but fans are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on. To get up close to the drivers, crews and boats, a pit pass can be purchased for just $10. The Hydrofest will have ten racing classes and 65-75 power boats are expected to participate; teams will travel from the Eastern seaboard—New England to Florida—as well as Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Canada. One of the most exciting classes sure to get everyone’s attention is the Grand Prix hydroplane class; the GP’s are the supercharged “hot rods” of hydroplane racing powered with a Chevy V-8 engine up to 468 ci with methanol fuel that produces 1500 hp. On big courses, they hit 170 mph
producing huge water rooster tails. They are often the highlight of the show! The flatbottom Jersey Speed Skiff class is another crowd pleaser. The JS skiff races with a driver as a riding mechanic; these boats bounce and jump and are a lot of fun to watch. Severn hydroplane classes offer speeds ranging from 80 mph up to 150 mph on the small one-mile course. Hydrofest is the final event for the EPIC Racing Series so race teams will be anxious to have a successful weekend of racing to earn the EPIC High points title in their respective classes. EPIC Racing can be followed on the website: EPICboatracing.com The Wildwoods Hydrofest, a free event, is possible from grants by the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Industry Development Authority, New Jersey Dept. of State, Division of Travel and Tourism, and Wildwood Crest. Area businesses are always needed for additional support. Area businesses interested in sponsoring one the racing classes or the EPIC Racing Series are encouraged to contact the event coordinator, Ann Fitzgerald, at 609889-9181. More information about the Wildwoods Hydrofest is available at www.WildwoodsHydrofest.org
Seafarer’s Celebration Friday & Saturday, September 25th & 26th
Friday, Sept. 25th - Centennial Park: Live music at 7p.m. followed by beachfront fireworks show at 9 p.m. (Rain date for fireworks is Saturday at 9 p.m.) Saturday, Sept. 26th - Sunset Lake: Day long street festival (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) featuring live music, food, craft vendors, street performers, children’s/family entertainment
Wildwoods’ Hydrofest & Festival Saturday & Sunday October 3rd & 4th
Sunset Lake along New Jersey Avenue between Rambler Rd. & Miami Ave., 9am-4pm. Live powerboat racing, along with food, craft and merchandise vendors. www.wildwoodshydrofest.com
Tot Soccer Program
mid-September through mid-October Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 pm Instructional, fun Soccer Program for 4-year-olds
Trunk or Treat
Thursday, October 29th 6:00pm
Crest Pier Parking Lot, Heather & Crocus - DJ, Refreshments, Prizes Dance/Gymnastics, Zumba, Yoga, Aqua Zumba & Water Aerobics (Von Savage Pool) and more coming this Fall! Call 523-0202 for more info
“They say that all good things must end someday. Autumn leaves must fall.” ~Chad and Jeremy
September Events 30 Days Hath September.
FULL Harvest Moon September 27th, 10:50p.m. the fullest moon of the year.
Said of hurricane season: September - remember.
-The Old Farmer’s Almanac
October Events
October Hath 31 Days. FULL Hunter’s Moon October 27th, 8:05a.m. “Of Autumn’s wine, now drink your fill; the frost’s on the pumpkin, and snow’s on the hill.” ~ The Old Farmer’s Almanac
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
11/3 Fall Back! at 2:00am. Daylight Savings Time.
“BEST EVENTS AT THE JERSEY SHORE”
9/4-6 Boardwalk SID Labor Day Weekend Craft Show - FREE 9/5 BEATLEMANIA 8pm. FREE Lou Booth Ampitheater, 2nd & Ocean, N. Wildwood
10/2-3 Wild Thang 15 Chrysler Car Show FREE. Wildwoods Boardwalk from Schellenger Ave. & north. Sat: 8 a.m.-3p.m. 860.388.6441 or ChryslerOwnersGroup.com
9/5 WWE LIVE Wildwoods Convention Center. 729-9000 or WildwoodsNJ.com 9/6 Wildwood Block Party Music Festival Fox Park, 609-522-2444 9/10-13 ROAR TO THE SHORE Motorcycle Club Rally Oak & Atlantic Aves. 609.729.8870
10/2-3 Law Enforcement Survivors Weekend Honoring those who gave their lives in the line of duty. 2nd & Surf 4pm-9pm 609.522.2030 x1504
Sept 4 Fireworks Spectacular: 10pm
Sept 25-27 Boardwalk Classic Car Show
10/2-3 Olde Time Italian Festival Fox Park, Wildwood. FREE. 609.374.0016
Sept 5 WWE Live
Oct 2-3 Olde Time Italian Festival
Sept 6 Block Party & Music Festival featuring Chubby Checker!
Oct 2-3 ‘Wild Thang’ Chrysler Car Show
9/11-13 North Wildwood Rec. Surf Fishing Tournament. Registration at 3rd & JFK Blvd. 7am
9/11-12 Mummers String Band Weekend & Strutters Contest Olde New Jersey Ave. You strut! 9/11 September 11 Commemoration. North Wildwood Fire Station, 15th & Central. 8:40am. 9/11 Patriots Day Memorial Service 5:30pm. New Jersey & Miami, Wildwood Crest. Honoring and remembering those who perished in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, especially our own Andrew Alameno. 9/12 DUBS ON THE BOARDS CAR SHOW for all VW and Audi enthusiasts on Boardwalk. 9/13 MOREY’S PIERS WATER-BARK GONE TO THE DOGS Raging Waters, 5pm-7pm 9/17-19 New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention Wildwoods Conv Center.Sat:1pm. Parade.856.433.0386 www.njfireconvention.com 9/18-19 Firefighters Weekend Craft Show - FREE Rambler Road & Ocean Avenue, Wildwood Crest. Fri: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
9/18-20 Morey’s Piers Beach Jam “Fall Harvest,” Ultimate camping experience for scouts
9/19 ZOMBIE MUD RUN~ Mariners Pier. Wildwood Post-apocalyptic 5k obstacle race. 9am–3pm TheZombieMudRun.com 9/18-19 Boots at the Beach Country Fest NEW! North Wildwood Ent. Dist., Olde NJ Ave. Country music, vendors, crafts & food. 609.770.8839 AngleseaIrishSociety.net
19-20 Morey’s Piers “Wild Fly In” NEW! Wildwoods Beach btwn Juniper & Spencer Ave. All day aviation spectacular! 609.522.3900
10/2-4 MONSTER Truck Beach Bash609-522-4546 or WildwoodMotorEvents.com 10/2-4 The Race of Gentlemen Vintage Car & Motorcycle Beach Drag Races. TheRaceOfGentlemen.com See page 28 10/3-4 Wildwoods NJ Governor’s Cup Hydrofest Sunset Lake, Wildwood Crest. 609.889.9181 WildwoodsHydrofest.com 10/3-4 Boardwalk Bunk Down. Adventure Pier, Wildwood. 609.522.3900 x 1195 10/3 61st Annual Pennsauken SURF FISHING Club Tournament Anglesea Firehouse, 2nd & NJ Avenues, North Wildwood. Reg 6am Tournament 7:30am-1pm. 856.231.9110 or asaconline.org
10/9-11 Charismatic Conference Wildwoods Convention Center. 609.522.5010 10/10 Seafood & Music Festival Atlantic Ave. btwn Wildwood - Schellenger. Rain Date 10/11 10/10 Annual New Jersey Beach Buggy Association’s Great Fall Classic SURF FISHING Tournament Reg. at Anglesea Firehouse, 2nd & NJ, North Wildwood. 5am-5pm. 856.981.3787
10/10-11 George Pratt Memorial Soccer Tournament County-wide soccer tournament. 8am - 6pm. www.capeexpress.com 10/16-17 Wildwoods Fabulous 50’s Weekend island-wide celebration of the Wildwoods’ role in the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll. gwcoc.com 10/17-18 New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. 609.522.4520
9/24-26 Annual Wildwood, NJ Boardwalk Classic Car AUCTION AND SHOW in the Wildwoods Convention Center. 609.522.4546 9/24-27 Boardwalk Classic Car Show. 609.523-8051 9/24-27 IRISH FALL FESTIVAL N. Wildwood. 9/25-26 Seafarers Celebration Fri. Cent. Park 7pm, Sat. 9am Sunset Lake. Live music, food, crafts, special entertainment. Fireworks 9pm.
10/18 Wildwood Catholic Car Raffle 6pm.
Save the Date!
10/31 TRUNK or TREAT BLOCK PARTY 5:30-
GREG DiANTONIO REGGAE FEST Sunday, SEPT 13th, 2015 URIE’S RESTARANT 3-8pm
10/24 Boardwalk PUMPKIN RUN 10am, Wildwood Conv Center 609-849-8887 10/25 Pumpkin Fest. Fox Park & Wildwoods Beach
10/29 TRUNK or TREAT 6pm
Crest Pier in Wildwood Crest, 523-0202 8pm North Wildwood Ent Dist. 2nd & Old NJ.
10/31 Elks Halloween Haunted House
Elks Lodge, 1st & NJ Ave. Free. 5pm-8pm. 609.729.2170
Here Are Some of the Exciting Events Happening This Fall:
Sept 10-13 Roar to the Shore Motorcycle Rally
Oct 2-4 ‘Race of Gentlemen’ Vintage Car & Motorcycle Beach Drag Races
Sept 11-12 Mummers String Band Show
Oct 3-4 Hydrofest Powerboat Races
Sept 11-13 | Oct 3 | Oct 10 Surf Fishing Tournaments
Oct 10 Seafood & Music Festival
Sept 18-19 ‘Boots at the Beach’ Country Music Festival ~ NEW!
Oct 16-17 Bowzer’s Rock ‘n Roll Party featuring Freddy ‘Boom Boom’ Cannon, The Legendary Teenagers, The Vogues, Jay Siegel’s Tokens, The Chiffons, and Bowzer & The Stingrays
Sept 19 Zombie Mud Run Sept 24-26 Classic Car Auction Sept 24-27 Irish Fall Festival Sept 25-26 Seafarers Celebration
Oct 17-18 Lighthouse Challenge of NJ Oct 24 Boardwalk 5K Pumpkin Run
J.com N s d o o w d l i visit W , s t n e v e e s e o on th f n i e r o m r o F 800.992.9732 LOVE THOSE WILDWOOD DAYS!
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“So I’m gonna sit right here on the edge of this pier, watch the sunset disappear and drink a beer” ~Luke Bryant
the SUN by-the-Sea
INDIAN SUMMER 2015
“Wag more, bark less.” ~Underdog Press
THIS FALL AT
MOREY’S PIERS
SEPTEMBER 19TH EAT OR BE EATEN ALIVE IN THIS CHALLENGING 5K RACE FOR SUPPER OR SURVIVAL. Run for dear life as zombies hunt you like the meaty prey you are or get infected and chase down your dinner! The obstacles include huge sand mounds, slides, and “quicksand” pits. The course will have a combination of both natural and manmade obstacles that go running through the ocean and under the boardwalk to the deep, dark, recesses of the unknown and down Morey’s Piers’ famed WipeOut slide and the Great White coaster.
REGISTER TODAY AT WWW.MOREYSPIERS.COM/BUNKDOWN
CAROL CAIN, GIR
OCTOBER 3RD
Boardwalk Bunk-Down, Morey’s Piers newest camping adventure for the entire family! Camp under the Great White coaster on Adventure Pier and enjoy rides on Mariner’s Pier, a movie under the stars, s’mores, exclusive game time, breakfast and so much more.
L GONE TRAVEL
REGISTER TODAY AT WWW.MOREYSPIERS.COM/ZOMBIERUN
WILDWOOD, NJ • 609.522.3900 • MOREYSPIERS.COM
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“Did you ever walk in a room and forget what you walked in for? I think that’s how dogs spend their lives.” ~Sue Murphy GREATER WILDWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
presents:
Fabulous ‘50s & Beyond Weekend Concert OCTOBER 17 , 2O15 W I L DW O O D , N EW J E RSEY
BOWZER’S ROCK ’N’ ROLL PARTY HOSTED BY BOWZER, FORMERLY OF SHA NA NA
featuring:
PREVIEW: 12PM-5PM
Saturday 9/26
AUCTION: 10AM- TIL
24th Annual
2015
Irish Fall Festival Thursday, September24th
A.O.H. Golf Tournament - 12:30PM $90. fee before 9/10 and $100. after 9/10 Cape May National Golf Course Rt. 9 & Fairway Dr. CMCH
Friday, September 25th
VENDORS - 8AM to 7PM Olde New Jersey Ave. LIVE IRISH ENTERTAINMENT 12PM TO 8:30PM Olde NJ Ave. FOOD COURT STAGE AND BEER GARDEN 12PM TO 8:30PM
Saturday, September 26th
CATHY MAGUIRE & Haley Richardson
Sunday, September 27th
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: www.ticketmaster.com • 1-800-745-3000 or www.GWCOC.COM • 609-729-4000
Friday 9/25
1992
For info, please call 609-522-7257 $10. in advance, $15. at the door
*Artist are subject to change
PREVIEW: 3PM-7PM
Since
5K RUN - 8AM SIGN-UP - $15. fee Olde New Jersey Ave. VENDORS - 8AM to 7PM Olde New Jersey Avenue BRIAN RILEY PIPE EXHIBITION - 10AM - 8th & Central Aves. IRISH DANCE LESSONS - FREE - 10AM to Noon - Irish Music Tent LIVE IRISH ENTERTAINMENT 12PM to 8:30PM Olde NJ Ave. FOOD COURT STAGE AND BEER GARDEN 12PM TO 8:30PM CONCERT- 7PM - Wildwood Catholic High School, 15th & New Jersey Ave.
FREDDY “BOOM BOOM” CANNON THE LEGENDARY TEENAGERS THE VOGUES JAY SIEGEL'S TOKENS THE CHIFFONS BOWZER & THE STINGRAYS
Thursday 9/24
ember 24th -27th t p e S
MASS - 10:30AM St. Ann’s R.C. Church, Glenwood & Atlantic Aves. PARADE - 12:30PM - 20th & Surf to Spruce & Olde NJ Ave. GRAND MARSHALL - Rev. Father Joseph Wallace, Pastor of Notre Dame de la Mer Parish VENDORS - 8AM to 7PM Olde New Jersey Ave. BUS SERVICE AVAILABLE 609-884-5230 www.gatrolley.com Anglesea Fire Hall - 2nd & Olde New Jersey Ave.-Along Surf Ave. to 26th Ave. Additional Bus Service to Wildwood and Wildwood Crest
1-800-IRISH-91 or www.cmcaoh.com
AUCTION: 5PM-TIL
re. Anytime. e h Your Money. Anyw Deposit checks. Pay bills. Transfer money. Verify your balance. Crest’s Mobile Banking App lets you manage your money from your web-enabled smart phone or tablet. Banking has never been this easy! Big Bank Products Community Bank Service 609.522.5115 • crestsavings.com
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
“Farewell! God knows when we shall meet again.” ~William Shakespeare
YOUR STORY IS PRECIOUS
250 96TH STREET • STONE HARBOR, NJ 609.967.4653 © 2015 Pandora Jewelry, LLC • All rights reserved • PANDORA.NET
Seth A. Fuscellaro, Esquire Attorney at Law Specializing in
Divorce & Family Personal Injury Real Estate Wills, Estates & Trusts Phone: 609.522.6633 Fax: 609.522.5030
seth@fuscellarolaw.com
100 E. Rio Grande Ave. Wildwood, NJ 08260
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
w w w. We L o o k C l o s e r. c o m
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“If I leave here tomorrow, will you still remember me?” ~“Free Bird,” 1973, Lynyrd Skynyrd
Schellenger’s Restaurant Closing OCT. 11th THANK YOU! See you in 2016!
BEST SEAFOOD & BEST FAMILY DINING
Open Wednesday thru Saturday
–Freetime
Call for Appoi ntment
1 1/2 Hours
FREE PARKING
Haircuts for the Entire Family!
(609) 729-HAIR (4247)
New Jersey & Chestnut Aves. in North Wildwood schellengersrestaurant.com
FRESHEST Seafood • Steaks • Chicken • Pasta • Soups
3516 ATLANTIC AVE. • WILDWOOD, NJ • 609-522-0433
OPEN DAILY 3:00pm ‘til 36 EARLY BIRDS Sun - Fri 3pm - 5pm from $13.50 Years of Memories Cocktails • Beer • Wine • Martinis New Menu Selections • Children’s Menu ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
Shrimp, Buffalo Wings, Cheese Steak Egg Rolls or Crab Puffs Good only with purchase of adult meal. One per person. Not valid with any other offer or take-out. Must present coupon when ordering. ~SUN~
Endless Irish Designs
FREE
• Voted Best Book Store on the Shore • We Have Books You Can’t Find Anywhere Else!
Open thru September
www.hookedonbooks.info
CATEGORIZED & ALPHABETIZED
“You won’t believe it’s a used books store!”
25 Li te ra r y Ye a rs !
USED-BOOKS LOWER PRICES GREAT SELECTION 3405 Pacific Ave. @ Oak in Downtown Wildwood (609) 729-1132
OPEN YEAR ROUND
TEAMWEAR OCEAN RESCUE GEAR FIND IT ONLINE
OCEANRESCUE.BIZ RETAIL STORE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK SWELL
SWEATS AND TEES UP TO 5X
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 20 YEARS
®
1707 NEW JERSEY AVE • NORTH WILDWOOD • 609 729-2113
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
“My fashion philosophy is: if you aren’t covered in dog hair, your life is missing something.” ~Elayne Boosler
A S ummer
Kicking off a new season on Memorial Day Weekend Thursday, May 21, Morey’s Piers rolled out the red carpet with a Hollywood movie premiere-style grand opening of its newest ride KONG. An iconic boardwalk landmark in early 1970s, the new gorilla-themed ride towers 60 feet tall on Surfside Pier in an “I Love Wildwood” t-shirt while snorting smoke and fog and clutching a Wildwood tram car. The preview event officially debuted KONG with an unveiling by Will and Jack Morey, gorilla dressed tribal drummers, chocolate covered frozen bananas, banana cupcakes, as well as exclusive ride times. Thank you Morey’s Piers for bringing back KONG!
in
P hotos
FINE DINING
FEATURING VEAL, STEAK, CHOPS, CHICKEN, SEAFOOD & PASTA DISHES
N.W. Mayor Patrick Rosenello with his wife Michelle and 3 sons, Gavin, Blake & Peyton
A Wildwood Favorite Since 1985
Friday Nights with Benny Marsella “Sounds of Sinatra”
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Every Saturday Night
Oak & New Jersey Aves. WILDWOOD, NJ 609-729-5755
Island Art of Stone Harbor Al Alven of Wildwood 365 went completely Ape over KONG!
Russ, Catina, Domenick & Catena Simmons
• Specializing in Beach and Tropical Art • Wood and Metal Wall Sculptures • Canvas Panoramic Beach Scenes • Seaside Accents, Lamps and Furniture • Free in-home Shopping Service
Sam Shurgott, long time Morey employee and friend of KONG
The Troiano kids with Harlem Globetrotter’s Sweet J made a little magic here this summer as she sunk a 150’ shot from the top of AtmosFEAR at Morey’s Surfside Pier.
• Specialty Foods and Kitchen Accents Corner of 96th and Third Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
(609) 231-6777
(609) 368-9540
www.islandartstoneharbor.com
9501@verizon.net
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
the SUN by-the-Sea
“Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone’s hand is the beginning of a journey. . .
Key West Style Waterfront Cafe North Wildwood’s Only island inspired Bayfront Restaurant! Breakfast Lunch - Dinner
A S ummer
in
P hotos
Memorial weekend 2015
ByOb!
CAFE & Raw Bar Shrimp • Oysters • Crabs • Clams
Wildwoods International Kite Festival. submitted by Jose Soto
Some of the best CrabCakes on the Island! NewlY Expanded Patio Deck!
Overseeing the WILD Child Run are: Meredith, John, & Kate
10th & the Bay North Wildwood, NJ
OPEN FRi THRU SUN THiS FALL
and they’re off... all 300 of them!
Griselda, Oscar, jose, Elizabeth... This Years Wildwood marbles competitors
Smoke-N-Bones 609-522-0977 Pulled BBQ Chicken • Pulled Pork • Smoked Prime Rib • Sweet & Smokey St. Louis Ribs
Robin Cammarota strolling the Wildwood boardwalk while in town for a Vintage Wildwood weekend stay at the Caribbean Motel
Pontoon
Boat Rentals
RESERVE YOUR BOAT ONLINE
18’ 20’ 22’ 24’ seats up to 14 people
www.SouthdockCafe.com
609-522-0900
Follow us on Facebook Cafe & Marina Open 8am
City & County Officials join in Unlocking the Ocean together as they kick off the 2015 Summer Season in the WILDwoods
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
. . . at other times, it is allowing another to take yours.” ~ Vera Nazarian
“History never looks like history when you are living through it.” ~John W. Gardner
North Wildwood’s {first ever} Anglesea Day June 3rd, 2015
Celebrating 130 years of history dating back to June 3rd, 1885 when the first council minutes were written, the city of North Wildwood instituted an Historical Marker project, with the railroad marker, which was the first link to the island, being the first historical marker to be unveiled at the end of Allen Drive. For more information you can visit northwildwood.com
Trouble with the Law? Call
609.729.5250
Stefankiewicz & Barnes, LLC
attorneys at law
111 East 17th Street • Suite 100 • North Wildwood
30
David A. Stefankiewicz, Esq.
Fresh & Cooked Seafood Take-Out Platters Homemade Soups - Appetizers Side Orders • Sandwiches JUMBO MArylANd CrABS lIVE ~ COOKEd
Years!
on the main road into North Wildwood
Put Rick’s fish on your dish. You will have a great meal and fantastic you will feel!
Call Ahead for Take Out!
North Wildwood City Clerk Scott Jett
Anglesea Railroad Historical Marker
729-9443 Call for Hours.
by
Garrett Moretti
The above marker reads: The stone block below marks the original terminus of the Anglesea railroad, as shown on a map filed with the Secretary of State on January 30, 1883. The 4 mile track linked with the West Jersey railroad at a point 2 .6 miles south of Cape May Courthouse station, and eventually ran from this point southwest to Holly Beach Borough.
PARTY TRAYS AVAILABLE! Rick’s Platters...the finest & freshest seafood! Crab balls • Crab Fingers Clams Casino • shrimp CoCktail •
Free Ice Packing for Travel
Visit us IrIsh Weekend!
Sept. 24th - 27th
MOOSE LOdgE 585
Members and their qualified guests are always welcome!
EAgLES gAMES Watch them on our 6 TVs
QUIZZO Saturdays @ 4pm 300 W Spruce Ave. North Wildwood • 609-522-1460
p o o B m a ar h S ’s & Lainey Christine
Wedding Packages
Up-Doo & Airbrush Makeup $120. BRING YOUR SUMMER HAIR BACK TO LIFE! FREE Re-ConditioningTreatment w/Color Service
The city of North Wildwood honored 4 of its mayors this year with landmarks around the city; the first being Bill Henfey Park that opened in March. On Anglesesea Day, 3 street signs were dedicated to Mayors Catanoso, Vinci and Palombo.
Walk-ins WELCOME
New Client 15% Discount
*mention this ad when making appointment
102 W. Spruce Ave. (Behind Flip Flops) North Wildwood • 609-522-8585
KITC day a
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“Surround yourself with people who make you hungry for life, touch your heart and nourish your soul.” ~Anon. NEW
Bennett & New Jersey Aves. Wildwood by-the-sea 609-522-7894
Now Open! Full Service Bar
violi House a R
Mr. Jack Morey & the Antonelli kids in front of the giant fire hydrant inspired by Jack for Wildwood’s Dog Beach
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Delicious Years!
Teresa invites you to visit her new full service bar for before or after dinner drinks
RESTAURANT, BAR & TAKE OUT Open Every day 4 ‘til 10 EARLY BIRDS Monday-Friday 4 ‘til 5 PASTA & PASTRY SHOP Open Every day 10 ‘til 10 Full Assortment of Your Favorite Italian Pastries Cookie Trays, Cakes, Pies, Breads & more Ravioli House Mobile App FULL LINE OF PRODUCTS AVAILABLE
...a few of Wildwood’s biggest fans, The Antonelli kids with their friends, Mr. Morey and Hobbs
THE WONDERFUL
Mr. Jack Morey Submitted by Hope Antonelli
One day the year after John submitted his paper, we saw Jack at Mariner’s Landing. John excitedly introduced himself and told him about his paper. Jack was so wonderful! We have seen him dozens of times since then, and he ALWAYS takes the time to talk to us and occasionally take a picture. He is a genuine man (which explains why he is so successful). *Coincidently, we were in Bob Ingram’s second video that plays continuously at Mariner’s Landing!!
www.theraviolihousewildwood.com
S U M M E R
2 0 1 5 !
SURFSIDE WEST DINER Flipping eggs for over 50 years!
Open 7 Days a Week I 6:30am - 1:00pm Cresse & New Jersey Aves. I Wildwood by-the-Sea www.SurfsideWest.com 609-522-3392 {Catering Services Available}
FRESH DAILY BREAKFAST & LUNCH SPECIALS Voted #1 TripAdvisor
“Home of the Hangover” Surfside West owners Michael & Jeanne John with their children & grandchildren Zoe, Avery,Owen & Miles
Three years ago my son, John, now 12, was assigned to write a paper on two famous people from New Jersey. He chose Frank Sinatra and Wildwood’s own Jack Morey. Our family, which also includes daughter Marie, age 10 and son Lex, age 8, fell in love with Wildwood when we visited for the first time in July of 2007. We bought our North Wildwood beach house in November 2007, where we spend every other weekend and every summer and school break. This place has come to be a reprieve for us. We live in New York where I am a high school English Teacher and my husband is in construction. Both of our sons had severe allergies that caused serious speech and hearing issues- both are now at the top of their class. However, the years of adjustment and extra work were tough. Promises of our bi weekly trip to Wildwood always got them through. Every morning, I would put on Bob Ingram’s first Wildwood DVD, a happy reminder that school would soon be over! That is when John decided to pick Jack as his famous person from New Jersey. He loved that he was in the business of “fun” and creating joy!
Bob Ingram with the Antonelli kids on the Wildwood Boardwalk Summer 2012
FIND A MISTAKE?
It is our policy to include something for everyone. Since some people like to find errors, we regularly include a few in our publiactions.
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
“People take pictures of the summer, just in case someone thought they had missed it, and to prove that it really existed.” - Ray Davies
The Sun Travels to Telluride
(L-R) Natalie, Nancy, Sharon & Dorothy at 7th St. beach, N. Wildwood July 2015
“Such a small world, I wonder if the next one will be the same.” No matter how far we may travel from Wildwood by-the-sea, NJ, our connection to our small town runs deep. The Sun recently traveled to Telluride, Colorado and into the hands of Nancy Venne, a childhood family friend of our editor, Dorothy Kulisek. After receiving a friend request on Facebook from Dorothy, Nancy opened up her copy of The Sun, which had been given to her a day earlier by her friend, Rico. Rico had The Sun sent to him from Wildwood’s own Al Love, whose son worked with Rico while living in California. Rico moved to CO and knew his friend Nancy had ties to Wildwood, thus passing on the paper to her after reading it himself. Nancy could hardly believe her eyes when she saw on Facebook that her most recent friend request was indeed the publisher of The Sun. She couldn’t wait to read it from cover to cover, from miles away, as it happily reminded her that life is filled with sweet, unexpected surprises. We here at The Sun have been blessed with these serendipitous stories for the past 11 years, further proof that although the world outside of Wildwood may be vast, those who have walked our seaside beaches remain connected at heart always. After the reacquaintance on facebook, Nancy decided to plan a summer visit to Wildwood and spend a day on the beach once again with her ‘old’ girlfriends, The McMonagle sisters, Sharon, Natalie & Dorothy. (photo above)
dear I just got my copy of the “The Sun by the Sea,” and you have been an angel to continue to sent it to me. I JUST LOVE YOUR PAPER!!! So much great information and I’m only on page 26 of the first side... The pictures of the surfers are amazing. I’ll be taking it to the Swim club with me today and leaving my book at home!! The articles, pictures and even the advertising makes a lady from Philly want to jump in the car and come to WILDWOOD ~ thanks again and please keep them coming. ~Jane Kernan Thank you for an awesome year of publishing. I love all of it. I get misty with memories of loved ones now passed. I enjoyed all of the Wildwoods! Kathryn Wise Blizzard
I love your newspaper, it brings back so many memories! God bless you. ~Maggie Maye I am a Facebook subscriber to your posts and thoroughly enjoy the photos posted each day. Since I grew up in Wildwood and come back to visit on vacation with father and my sister and family, it has been a place of many memories for both myself, and my children, and now my grandchildren. Looking at your pictures reminds me of those great times and how much I love the ocean and its sounds, smells and sights. Keep up the good work. Thank you again! Sincerely, Martha Bolands
FAN US ON FACEBOOK The Wildwood Sun by the sea
2 Locations! Under Same Ownership
Heading to tHe BeacH? Pack a Primo! We open daily at 10am. call ahead to Pick Up or We deliver to the Beach starting at 11am
Bada Bing w/roasted Peppers
HOagie TrayS for every Occasion
• Italian Sampler Trays • Specialties & Salads • Healthy Alternative Hoagies
FULL DeLi COUnTer
Lunchmeats Sliced to Order Rolls • Pickle Barrel • Salads Italian Specialties & Sides
OPEN YEAR ROUND BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER Early Bird Specials from 3:00-5:30pm
Star
Diner Cafe
FULL COURSE DINNERS BLACKBOARD SPECIALS Try our Famous Sauteed Dishes!
SEAFOOD • STEAK • CHOPS CHILDREN’S MENU HOMEMADE PASTRIES & CAKES TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE
FRESH CUT FRUIT SALAD
1
$ with any
.99
Breakfast Entree
Major Credit Cards Accepted
325 W. Spruce Avenue • North Wildwood 609.729.4900 • www.stardinercafe.com
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"You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'Wow, you're right! I never would've thought of that!'" ~Dave Barry
A S ummer in P hotos Photos by Meghan Meehan
Morey’s Piers Supports JDRF Walking for a Cause June 6, 2015
TAYLOR’S VERY COOL TEAM walk to help cure juvenile diabtes
Jack Morey, Geoff & Jackson Rogers helping to create a world without type 1 diabetes
Open 7 Days
Fine Italian Dining
Mia Chiarella, executive chef
Beth Chiarella of Team Gia gets the walk started by curring the ribbon
As seen on Food Network
Beth, Mia & Vince Chiarella 7400 Ocean Ave. Wildwood Crest, NJ Reservations: 609.729.5959 Open Year Round I Available for Catering I giawildwoodcrest.com
The Minions find inspiration under the sun during their walk for a good cause
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
“I’m missin’ you like I miss the sea.” ~Mason Jennings
Still Local, Still Independent SINCE 1946
5200 New Jersey Ave. Wildwood, NJ 08260 (609)522-3406
917 Madison Ave. Cape May, NJ 08204 (609)884-3333
1032 Rt.9 South Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 (609)465-7710
200 Rt. 9 South Marmora, NJ 08223 (609)390-5566
1605 Bayshore Rd. Lower Township, NJ (609) 886-5888
A History of Experience, A Future of Excellence. We Look Forward to Ser ving You! www.jbyrneagency.com
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12 6
3
BAGEL TIME CAFE 2 LOCATIONS OPEN 7 DAYS!
WE DELIVER!
BREAKFAST LUNCH DELI EAT IN TAKE OUT CATERING DINE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE ON OUR PATIO!
THIS LOCATION OPEN YEAR ROUND
1. WILDWOOD
BAGEL TIME CAFE BURKE & ATLANTIC AVE. WILDWOOD, NJ (609) 600-2624
$9. 2. BAGEL TIME CAFE
at AQUA BEACH RESORT 5501 OCEAN AVE. (across from the bike path & beach) WILDWOOD CREST (609) 522-0045
VISIT OUR MOBILE FRIENDLY WEBSITE WWW.BAGLETIMECAFE.COM
FIND US ON FACEBOOK AT BAGLETIME-CAFE
BAKER’S DOZEN OF BAGELS WITH PURCHASE OF
LARGE CONTAINER CREAM CHEESE Exp. 10/31/15
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“Listen to the trees as they sway in the wind.... their leaves tell secrets... their bark sings songs...” ~Vera Nazarian • Municipal Court-Criminal Law • Personal Injury • Family Law - Divorce - Support - Custody • Business Law - Corporations - Collections • Estate Planning and Eldercare • Real Estate - Zoning and Planning
Cafiero & Kaufmann S e r v i n g S o u t h Je r s e y Since 1931
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Follow your inner sunlight. Don’t hide your goodness.
Attorneys-at-Law
3303 New Jersey Avenue Wildwood, NJ 08260 (609)522-0511 Fax: (609)729-3441 www.jerseycapelaw.com
SINCE 1979
ALGIE’S PLACE BICYCLES Your Bicycle Store at the Jersey Shore Celebrating Over 35 Years of FUN in the SUN!
May 30, 2015, The J. Byrne Agency joined together for a special walk to honor a faithful employee of 27 years as well as a dear friend with Team Cusella. Sue Cusella passed away March 15, 2015 following a long valiant battle with cancer.
Roy al Mail
sales ❈ parts ❈ accessories ❈ clothing ❈ service ❈ repairs
6207 New Jersey Ave. • Wildwood Crest
www.algiesplace.com (609) LIKE us on Facebook
729-5669
Open 7:30am Daily
PERSONAL SERVICE BY VIC OUR EXPERT & OWNER
t aiq major credit cards accepted DEBIT & CA$H ACCEPTED
N Min ew! iat Go ure Cou lf rse
Plenty of Free Parking
ANGLESEA BBQ New BBQ Menu on Weekends
Wildwood’s own Tammy Barth fondly recalls her time spent in London as a nanny for the late actor Sir Richard Harris and his wife Elizabeth, who’s father, Lord Ogmor, took part in Prince Charles’ crowning in 1969. Tammy has maintained a sweet connection with the Harris family for more than 37 years, prompting her to knit a sweater and hat set for newborn Prince George. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge graciously sent their best wishes as well as a thank you note for her thoughtful, handmade gift.
Madeline the Mermaid Ingulli from Langhorne PA, enjoying her time on 2nd St. Beach
A Yummy Summer of Fun at Jimbo’s e ast on th f k a e r B t Bes ow! ars in a R e Y 5 d n isla • • • •
Full Lunch & Dinner Menu Blackboard Specials 1/2 pound Burgers FREE Balloon Artist All Weekend 609-522-3600
FA M I LY R E S TA U R A
NT
2 5 t h & A t l a n t i c Av e s . N o r t h W i l d w o o d
Sloan Haigh, granddaughter of Mike Urbanski of N. Wildwood, follows a turtle on 8th St. beach
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
“Summer is where we go barefoot and our hearts are just as free as our toes.” - Anon.
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Farmer’s Market Summer of 2015
Introducing the new DooWW magnets at the opening day of the market on Memorial Weekend, (L-R): Lori Roach of Laura’s Fudge, Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano, Wildwood Commissioner Pete Byron and Wildwood Chief of Police Robert Regalbuto
Having some fun in the sun are Jodie DiEduardo, Gerry Giovinco & Joanne Messer who worked hard all summer to bring us the Downtown Farmer’s Market
Serving Cape May County For 3 Generations! Specializing in Gas Forced Air Heat & Central Air Conditioning
ince 1948
rvice S e S ty li a u Q h ig ated to H
Dedic
NJ License # 13VH01834100
5104 PACIFIC AVENUE, WILDWOOD • 609-522-0121 • FAX 522-7313 Follow us on WWW.BOWMANSAIR.COM 800-638-4393 Facebook
Candies
Robert from Busy Bees~ A Honey bee rescue company located in CMCH
Wildwood friends meet up at the market, Dave Troiano & Dave MacDonald
Owned & Operated by the original Douglass Family Since 1919 Wildwood Ave. & the Boardwalk
Wildwood’s own Gary Campbell, from Wildwood Parks Dept.
609-522-3875
We Make the Candy We Sell! www.douglasscandies.com
licorice
mollasses paddles
homemade caramel popcorn non-pareils orange slices
@douglasscandies
Bill Caterini and Alicia Cacci Caprioni rocked the Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning
Committed WBID board members, Joe Murray from One-Off Mktg. & Spiros Kellis from Red Oak Diner
salt water taffy
Buy Two lbs. of Fudge and Receive a 3rd lb. FREE
assorted choclates
fudge assorted candies
facebook.com/douglasscandies
Buy Two lbs. of Salt Water Taffy and Receive a 3rd lb. (assorted taffy only) FREE
Must present coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
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“Today I will be happier than a seagull with a French fry.” ~Anon.
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“IF IT’S SUMMERTIME... IT’S MILLERTIME” Food Specials from open ‘til 12am • Drink Specials from open ‘til close
SEPT. 18 th - 19 th, 2015
The Anglesea Irish Society presents the Largest Country Music Festival in Southern New Jersey
APPS • WINGS • BURGERS • STEAKS
SEPT. 24 th - 27 th, 2015
IRISH FALL FESTIVAL Echo’s will be Rocking all Weekend Long!
“Best Bar/Night Club” jersey shore magazine “Best Dancefreetime Club”
BONFIRE on the BEACH!
Morey’s Piers hosted the 5th Annual Curley’s Fry Eating Contest
in
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Photos by Meghan Meehan
Sunday, June 21 at 12:00pm Nearly 150 Pounds of Curley Fries were Consumed
Saturday night, Oct. 17th, 2015
Doors open @ 9pm / Sat and Sun @ 3pm Walnut & Olde NJ Aves. North Wildwood 522-8570 Visit us on the web! www.echosnorthwildwood.com
It’s all a balancing act for Mr. Jack Morey
NAN S E E K EST. 1999 North Wildwood NJ
Tom loves his Curley Fries
ROCKIN’ FALL 2015
’ N I K C O R E B WE’LL ! D N E K E E W IRISH
Dave Brunell, pro-eater
Where All Neighborhoods Still Meet! 113 Olde New Jersey Ave
North Wildwood, NJ
609.729.3344
Sept. 24-27, 2015
keenansnorthwildwood.com JAMISON @ CABANA GRILLE SAT. 9/26 @ 5PM
Dan inhales Curley Fries
Curley Fries contestants
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
“If every year is a marble, how many marbles do you have left? How many sunrises, how many opportunities to rise to the full stature of your being?”
~Joy Page
Authentically Irish
{except for the fact that we’re in North Wildwood}
92nd Annual marbles tournament
June 22nd - 25th, 2015
with Meghan Meehan irish pub & restaurant www.angleseapub.com Home of the Best Poured Guiness Pint in NJ!
Open Daily Serving Lunch • Dinner Late Night
Jig with us IrishWeekend Sept. 24th-27th, 2015
Bogside Rogues • Sean Fleming • Paul Moore Band • Snog the Rock • Shanty’s Jamie & the Quietmen • Oliver McElhone • Gabriel Donohue
20 CRAFT BEERS ON TAP INCLUDING CAPE MAY BREWERY & TUCKAHOE BREWERY
HAPPY HOUR: MON-FRI 11am-6pm $1. DOMESTIC DRAFTS ON TAP
All of this year’s championship finalists
MON Prime Rib night $12.99 FRI Shrimp night $14.99 TUE Jumbo Wing night .49¢ SAT Blackboard Specials WED Meatloaf $10.99 / 1/2 pr. Apps at bar 11-6pm Fresh Seafood & Prime Rib IRISH THURSDAYS “Ceol agus craic” Ladies- $2 mixed drinks, $2.50 house wine at bar 11-6pm SUN Rst. Turkey w/ Stuff $9.99 Follow us on facebook
Debra, 1973 champion and mother to a previous year’s champion
116 West 1st Avenue • North Wildwood (609) 729-1133
Endless Ocean views & Ocean breezes
IRISH PUB
Emily and Devon, crowned and on their thrones practicing the traditional winner’s kiss.
Lunch • Dinner Late Night HAPPY HOUR
Live Entertainment
AT BAR ONLY- MON-FRI 4-6PM- UPSTAIRS & DOWNSTAIRS $2. DOMESTICS TUESDAY: PRIME RIB NIGHT $12.99 WEDS: SUPER SIZE CHICKEN PARM $11.99 THURSDAY: BBQ CHICKEN & RIBS $12.99 SUNDAY: $1.50 TACOS ALL DAY & NIGHT NEW MENU ITEMS
TRIO SLIDERS: BURGER, BBQ PORK & MINI CRAB CAKE GUINNESS SHORT RIB FRIES • CUBAN
DECK & PATIO Open from 11am for Lunch & Dinner
Join us for the Annual Irish Fall Festival Sept. 24 - 27, 2015
See Complete Irish Festival Entertainment Schedule
w w w.westysirishpub.com
L uke (kneeling) and Devon, fighting for the championship title
Dan, the lead referee
101 E. Walnut Ave. North Wildwood 609-522-4991
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“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.” ~Anon. SUNDAY beer pong tournie! Ca$h Prize$
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Open Every Day 11am - 3am
Live Music
at Bar Only ~ Food & Drink Specials
NEW MENU ITEMS { a sampling }
and
Entertainmen t
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JuLy 4th 2015 Parade
ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri 11-7
Come to Goodnight Irene’s! Where every night is a good night!
in
Brewmaster Burger
cooked to order burger allagash beer cheese, bacon, onion ring
Fried Kielbasa Sandwich
long hots, hash browns, grain mustard
Iceberg Wedge Salad
tomato, bacon, gorgonzola
Outdoor Patio Bar Open!
Chicken & Waffle Sliders
46 Beers on Tap! Over 30 Cans!
Featuring 2 Taps from Cape May Brewing Co. goodnightirenes.com
homemade fried chicken, maple syrup, apple butter
“A revolution can tire out any Patriot”
Sandy, Faith & Genevieve
Hashtag #GNIweekends
on the corner of Poplar & Pacific Ave. in Wildwood, NJ (609) 729-3861 all specials are subject to change
Photo credit Al Alven of Wildwood365
on
e
th
Sam’s
PIZZA
d ZA re te IZ ho Vo T P sey Sy.com S r ll E Je hi B the FoxP on my
s alk 8 r 5 a rdw e oa B Y
PALACE
26th & Boardwalk Wildwood, NJ
522-6017
The Auty’s Billy, Lauren, Will & Wes & friends Father, daughter sailors Bob, Lori & Lily
The Walker family Pope Mobile
The Williams’ Doggie Cart from 3rd Ave. with 15 yr. old Kira, Berkey, Bailey, Roo & Skyler
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
“Things that upset a terrier may pass virtually unnoticed by a Great Dane.” ~Smiley Blanton
OPEN YEAR ROUND LIVE MUSIC
Fri. & Sat. All Year Long
JuLy 4th 2015 Parade
ON THIRD NORTH WILDWOOD
JOIN US FOR FALL FUN: Biker Weekend Sept. 11-13 Country Music Festival Sept. 18 & 19 Irish Fall Festival Sept. 24-27 Casey’s Annual Halloween Party Oct. 31
BEST HAPPY HOUR: MON-FRI 4-7PM
BLACKBOARD LUNCH & DINNER SPECIALS
$1.75 Pints $2. Bottles $3. Drinks Special Appetizer Menu
We’re Your
EAGLES HEADQUARTERS Pretty sisters: Molly, Kayleigh, Maisy, and Kira
The Leader of the band... Joe “Q”
Bring Your Irish to Casey’s! Sept. 24-27, 2015 LIVE MUSIC ALL WEEKEND LONG!
Special Irish Menu! SUNDAY: Land & Sea $10.99 (Chicken Strips & Fried Shrimp, cole slaw & Old Bay Fries)
MONDAY: Build A Burger starts at $4 TUESDAY: Chicken Parm & Pasta $9.99 WEDNESDAY: Mussels Madness $3 Imports THURSDAY: .48¢ Wings • Tex Mex Specials Corona & Corona Light FRIDAY & SATURDAY Blackboard Specials
3rd & New York Aves., “Best Irish Bar ‘12 OPEN EVERY Voted by North Wildwood DAY AT 11AM FREETIME 609-522-7759 www.caseysonthird.com
Allan & Karen McGuire with Lilly and lots of lollipops
Mike Urbanski, Mary Anne, Rebecca and Billy Scheffold
EVERY GAME EVERY SUNDAY
2015 IRISH WEEKEND September 24 th - 27 th Irish Menu & Music Join us Sat., Sept. 26th
to help support WILDWOOD CATHOLIC Pre-registration at Owen’s Pub
17th Ave. NORTH WILDWOOD BETWEEN NJ & CENTRAL
(609) 729-7290
Megan & Nathan with the cool helmet
Noretta, Megan, Santino & Belle
LIKE US ON
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“Come to the beach where the sea is blue and little white waves come running to you....
BRITTON’S GOURMET BAKERY
OPEN 6:30AM
A Summer in Photos
Who Let the Dogs out? Woof! Woof! YAPPY HOUR at the Club at Diamond Beach Photos by Miss Olivia Quinlan
The Only Britton’s
location on the island!
VOTED Best at the Shore ALL BAKING DONE ON PREMISES
Philadelphia Magazine South Jersey Magazine Mainline Times
Jessica, Samantha and little Bunker Cam loved Yappy Hour
Francine & Delaney DeTomaso & Brick
Donuts • Pastries • Muffins • Bagels • Cakes • Cinnamon Buns • World Famous Apple Fritters
5600 Pacific Ave. Wildwood Crest, NJ • 609-522-5600 SUMMER 2015: MARIANNE, EMILY, MARIE, FIDOR, VLAD, DANIEL, ALEXIS, JOSE, MIKE
NEW! Homemade Crab Cakes! Best Burger Freetime
Best Lunch Spot Jersey Shore Magazine
Signature Sandwiches Catering Available!
Helen with Healthy Dog Treats
Steaks • Salads • Burgers Paninis • Blackboard Specials
EAT IN - TAKE OUT ISLAND WIDE DELIVERY
Kelly & Little Man
FALL HOURS Sun-Thurs 11am to 5pm Fri - Sat 11am to 6pm
Out Check nu! e our M
Follow us
New! Weekend Breakfast Menu
An eclectic eatery at 25th and New Jersey in always sunny North Wildwood
ShoobiesGoodEats.com (609)522-7466 (Shoo)
Veronica & Bo
Kaysee & Stephanie from The Club at DB
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
... We’ll build a castle down by the Sea, and look for shells if you’ll come with me.” ~Anon.
Chill at the Hottest Place in Wildwood A S ummer
SANDSCULPTING CONTEST in WILDWOOD CREST
in
Overlooking Historic Otten’s Harbor
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July 11, 2015
Sandsculpting throwback
4415 PARK BLVD. WILDWOOD, NJ • 609-522-0033 The only Wine Bar on the Island Come check out our All New Wine Nook
Serving Wine Flights and many specialty wines by the glass
Celebrate FALL FESTIVALS at the ICEHOUSE
Free On Site Parking www.icehousewildwood.com
SERVING LUNCH & DINNER WEEKENDS AFTER LABOR DAY
l
The Origina
Wildwoods new JEEP invasion June 20 & 21, 2015
CAPE MAY
STONE HARBOR
WILDWOOD OCEAN CITY
Whipped Creamy Fudge • Premium Chocolates • Saltwater Taffy
This was the first time for the Wildwoods and there were 732 pre-registered jeeps to participate in the various categories plus many vendors for jeep parts and accessories for off-roading and/or dressing up the jeeps. This event was put on by the Greater Wildwood Hotel Motel Association’s Motor Events 5 year old Dylan from Cape May holding up the jeep. Photos submitted by George Capua, photojournalist
fudgekitchens.com 1-800-23FU D GE facebook.com/theoriginalfudgekitchen
Celebrating our 43rd Year!
Visit us and watch our creamy fudge being hand made in copper kettles. Thanks for making us one of your Favorite Seashore Traditions for 43 years!
BRING THIS COUPON TO THE ORIGINAL FUDGE KITCHEN FOR
1.00 OFF EACH POUND OF FUDGE
$
. . .PLUS SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ON ALL CANDIES
Wildwood Locations 8th St. on Boardwalk Roberts Ave. & Boardwalk (Across from Music Pier) 609-522-4396 Ocean City 609-398-7457 22nd St. on Boardwalk 254 96th St., Stone Harbor 609-729-6022 609-368-3003
Cape May Locations 513 Washington St. Mall 609-884-2834 728 Beach Drive 609-884-4287
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“I’ve seen a look in dogs’ eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that dogs think humans are nuts.”
~John Steinbeck
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P hotos :
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” ~Author/dog lover Roger Caras
The Dog DaYs of Summer Tail by Meg Corcoran Life along the coast offers the sweetest of pleasures, from the beaches to the Boardwalk, the picturesque view, time with loved ones and the companionship of our favorite tail-wagging friends. Naturally, the dog days of summer would not be complete without a sunny tribute to those favored, furry beings, who can make a simple stroll an active outdoor excursion (often begging the question, who is being walked?) A quick walk through town demonstrates that our lives are infinitely more complete when paired with a member of the warm and fuzzy family, who love seaside activities as much as their adored owners. Thankfully, the Wildwoods’ dog beach, located at Poplar Avenue and the beach, (look for the giant red fire hydrant) recognizes everyone’s basic need for a cool ocean breeze and soft sand between the paws and offers our four-legged friends the perfect spot for frisbee catching and connecting with their canine counterparts. A dog’s life is clearly best lived by the sea…
Nova McMonagle enjoyed her walk along the beach where she met many furry new friends this summer. Michelle & Bella
Alex & Murphy from Wildwood Crest Dagmar & Willy
Lisa Craven on an afternoon stroll with her man Toby
N. Wildwood Summer residents Jason, Jack, Justin, Barb & Buddy
Mark & Max in front of the Wildwood Museum In conjunction with the Wildwood Business Improvement District’s façade enhancement initiative in Downtown Wildwood, the WBID had given the Wildwood Historical Society the funding needed to install the antique clock in front of the George F. Boyer Historical Museum in Downtown Wildwood. The “Center City Plaza” clock once stood at the corner of Atlantic and Oak Aves., in front of the Casino Arcade. The clock was in storage for 25 years until A.B.S. Sign Co. donated their services to bring it back to working order.
Dennis Gallagher with his Bella & Chase
Caroline Ranoia with a whole lotta love, Jack, Honey & Oliver
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“A whole human life is just a heartbeat here in Heaven. Then we’ll all be together forever.”~Robin Williams, What Dreams May Come
Meg the Movie Buff Goes to Hollywood
2015 INDIAN SUMMER MOVIE GUIDE
A
by Meg Corcoran
re you prepared for The Visit of a lifetime to the always welcoming Wildwood, NJ? Here you’ll find our autumn-seeking stars taking refuge from their stifling Hollywood homes, where a Black Mass, known as the dark time before award’s season, is currently invading their fame-seeking community. Happily, the sandy mass we call the beach possesses eternal sunlight and warmth, encouraging hero Peter Pan to build his own creative Bridge of Spies capable of detecting while connecting unknown B-list actors to infamous movie stars. Along the coast they discover all celebrities are created equal and second acts, as well as second chances, are available to even the most dysfunctional of characters (just ask comeback kid Adam Jones, who’s serving up the most delicious seaside cuisine). Before making a comeback to your nearest, comfort-food supplying movie theater, please check your local listings for release date changes… A single mother (Kathryn Hahn) innocently drops her kids off for The Visit (opens September 11th) with their creepy grandparents where they endure bizarre occurrences familiar only to the participants of the Zombie Mud Run. Boots at the Beach Country Fest makes for a toe-taping backdrop for a criminal turned FBI informant (Johnny Depp) who peers into the dark Black Mass (opens September 18th) when a Mafia family attempts to take over his turf. The Wildwood Block Party & Music Festival might lure away the visitors to Hotel Transylvania 2 (opens September 25), where vampire Vlad (voice of Adam Sandler) hosts an animated party for family and friends (including the voices of Selena Gomez and Kevin James). Everest (opens September 25th) faces an epic snow storm during a treacherous climbing expedition, leaving those in its icy path (including Jake Gyllenhaal and Josh Brolin) fearing they’ll never experience another warmhearted Irish Fall Festival. After a faulty mission to Mars, a presumeddead astronaut becomes The Martian (Matt Damon, opens October 2nd) struggling to survive on a hostile planet while trying desperately to signal Earth the news of his survival as well as his preference for a space
at the Morey’s Piers Boardwalk Bunk Down. After drugs and bad behavior destroy his career, and with no shot at winning the Wildwoods Boardwalk Pumpkin Run, Chef Adam Jones (Bradley Cooper, opens October 2nd) cleans up his act and runs back to London to redeem himself. Upon arriving in Neverland, an orphan crosses paths with Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman) and Hook (Garrett Hedlund), discovers his true identity and becomes the heroic Peter Pan (Levi Miller, opens October 16th) before finding magical prizes at Ed’s Funcade Boardwalk Treasure Hunt. Expect lots of Goosebumps (opens October 16th) during Trunk-or-Treat for Halloween when a young man (Dylan Minnette) partners with the niece of young adult horror author R.L. Stine (Odeya Rush and Jack Black) when imaginary evil spirits invade town. The Wildwoods Hydrofest Powerboat Racing proves to be a safer choice when a seemingly-impossible Bridge of Spies (opens October 16th) is formed during the Cold War by the CIA, who enlist an American lawyer (Tom Hanks) to save a pilot (Austin Stowell) held in the Soviet Union. A hapless music manager (Bill Murray) is inspired during the Fabulous ‘50s & Beyond Celebration and decides to reclaim fame using a talented young singer (Leem Lubany) to Rock the Kasbah (opens October 23rd) throughout a music tour in Afghanistan. Bruce Willis and Kate Hudson are along for the melodious, calamitous adventure. With Halloween mere weeks away, the occupants at Hotel Transylvania 2 are amazed by all that goes bump in the night on Wildwood’s Boardwalk. The Ghost Ship provides a great place for The Martian to reevaluate his otherworldly life choices as our more timid characters get Goosebumps riding the Tea Cups. Our hungry music lovers, meanwhile, are ready to Rock the Kasbah at the Seafood & Music Festival, wisely surmising that music is even sweeter seaside. Our wise fall friends have climbed Everest, metaphorically speaking, to spend the Second Season in search of a bountiful cinematic crop, the harvest moon and the most remarkable celestial stars, all happily found by the sea…
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searching for the perfect summery blouse to go with it. As I’ve become more experienced, I realize that I get hungry because by Cathy I lose complete sense of time. So now I Tchorni bring a granola bar and bottle of water. I just step outside, breathe our beautiful My earlier years were spent sea air, gobble something, and step back inside, refueled. as an expert yo yo dieter, which led me to thrift and consignment Does it bother me that I’m trying on anshops to shop for inexpensive clothing to other person’s clothing? Sometimes. If I accommodate my continually shifting size. see a style of clothing all in the same size Shopping this way became a hobby. Sure, with dry cleaning tags attached I suspect thrift and consignment shopping isn’t for these items belonged to a person who has everyone. Cleanliness fanatics shudder at passed on. I pause to think about the sad the idea of buying formerly owned clothes. circumstances that brought these clothes There isn’t enough Tide in the world to here for donation, loved ones hoping that convince them that washed or dry-cleaned someone else may benefit. Depending on garments are clean. my own vulnerability that day, I have occasionally left shops, feeling overwhelmed Thrift and consignment shopping is blind by my own losses. Yet there’s a basic practito the economics of peoples’ lives. I’ve cality that overrides sadness for me, similar seen well-dressed business women shop for to an older couple who sells its too-large designer suits, struggling young families house to newlyweds just starting out. Plus buy used toys, savvy men look through there’s the thrill of the hunt, chatting with donated tools and outerwear, owners like-minded shoppers, trying on clothes search for sturdy furniture for their rental in an old closet. The best “find” I ever condos. Elbow to elbow we move through experienced was when a friend of mine sections and racks, murmuring “excuse me” found an elegant chartreuse silk gown as we switch sides. from the 1930s. The hook and line that keeps reeling me Never tried a shop? Now is the perfect through consignment and thrift doors is the time to begin! Halloween is coming with creative anticipation of finding THE perits awesome fun costume parties. Pick that fect – whatever – at a reasonable price. perfect Wildwood Autumn day, grab a Wildwood has a few terrific consignment friend and browse for ideas. A demented and thrift shops along Pacific Avenue. jilted bride? A proud scarecrow? A harried Rio Grande does too, including one that housewife in pjs and ratty bathrobe with offers gift certificates. In years past there Capt. Scrap’s Antiques, Collectibles & More atfuzzy the top slippers? (Squishy pink curlers add was nothing more relaxing than vacation and Capt. Scrap’s Attic where the antiques nice touch.) Ooh, look -- hilarious big shopping with my sister-in-law, who I onlyandacollectibles spider saw twice a year. I loved on line is now and then just wipe catching out the 2uplocations line.outdoor And lights. Wouldn’t they be great to welcome trick or treaters! Let’s her news as we poked around, finding change the hours line to closed on Tuesdays in Woodbine a great skirt, then spending more time have a different kind of Wildwood fun.
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“We can’t take any credit for our talents. It’s how we use them that counts.” ~Madeleine L’Engle, writer DID YOU KNOW? The SUN by-the-sea is buried in 2 local Time Capsules? 1. North Wildwood will be opened in 2056 2. Wildwood Crest will be opened in 2057 And every issue is preserved in the Wildwood Historical Museum!
Our 1st Issue! Hot off the Press! April 1st, 2004 Watercolor by Dorothy for the Big Fish Restaurant Group
“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.”
mes have Notepads of na e years th er ov d le been fil photos while out taking
Robert had fun shooting the photo for our Summer ‘06 Cover of both his grandmoms >> They had alot of fun too!
~Jean Baptiste Massieu
The Kulisek family getting set to launch their Ocean City edition of The Sun in the winter of 2012 (L-R) Robert, Dorothy & Bobby
Bobby & Dorothy Kulisek April 1, 2004
It is with a grateful heart that I reflect on the humble beginnings of The Sun by-the-sea, a nostalgic love letter to the town of Wildwood, NJ, begun by two people who loved the seaside town they called home. The Sun’s modest start was made possible in part by my husband and star salesman Bobby, who believed in its existence from the start. While this story speaks of both our contributions to the newspaper, my dream became a reality because of his dedication and support. For that I am eternally thankful.
Here is our story. . .
Dorothy, who owns her very own pair of ruby red slippers, ironically wasn’t wearing them when she set out to find her own Land of Oz. Dorothy is Dorothy Kulisek and her Oz has been this very newspaper — this creative, comfortable, intensely-community paper known to one and all as simply The Sun, but fully titled on its front page as “The Five Mile Beach SUN by-the-sea.” Her publishing journey began in the fall of 2003 on a treadmill at the Gym at 10th Street in North Wildwood. Before the seawall was put in place (which Dorothy likes to walk in the early morning), she was a member of the Gym, where she would get a lot of
Originally written by Bob Ingram, updated & revised by Dorothy Kulisek and Meg Corcoran
inspiration from while walking the treadmill. One fortuitous day, a light bulb went off, and after a quick work out, she hurried home to her husband, Bobby with a life-changing idea that they could accomplish together. It was clear in Dorothy’s mind that they could start their own newspaper. Wildwood was undergoing a big building boom at the time and The Leader newspaper had moved off island, and it just seemed like the right thing to do. Dorothy was also out of work at that time. She had left a graphic design job through a combination of boredom and the sevenyear itch, and was at the loosest of ends. A faithful Christian – along with her husband Bobby and son, Robert – she remembers asking the Lord to give her a sign as to what she should do. Trained as a fine artist at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, she had entered a craft show to sell her driftwood paintings. She prayed that if she wasn’t meant to pursue that kind of a venture then she wouldn’t sell anything – which she didn’t.
This, naturally, led to the previously-mentioned “light bulb moment,” when she knew she had received her sign from God and should pursue starting The Sun.
Before taking the big step, Bobby suggested they seek wise counsel. They retained a Wildwood attorney, got advice from their accountant, and, most important, consulted with minister (as well as Bobby’s lifelong friend) Joe Trombetta, who said, “It’s either risk or rust!” So, they took the risk. Dorothy credits Bobby with being one of those people who could sell snowcones in Alaska. He took a leave of absence from his job as a Union Cement Finisher that winter of 2003-04, and with a 4-page dummy mock-up of The Sun, he put on his salesman hat and hit the streets of his much-loved hometown. He knew and loved everyone here in the Wildwoods, and the feelings were mutual. Bobby’s natural charm, combined with his love for his family, made his new position as salesman for The Sun an easy job at which to excel. Bobby would not just sell an ad, but help the customers put it together, then return home to Dorothy’s office (which consisted of a laptop on the sofa) and help her get started designing their ads for the first issue. Yogi Kurtz and Jim Salasin at Big Fish Restaurant Group were so bowled over by Dorothy’s unique artwork that they decided to advertise in a paper that didn’t even exist yet, and paying half
the money down to go towards printing costs. The Kuliseks had also targeted for the center spread the Hoffman Real Estate Agency with the help of friend Joan Morey, who introduced them to Carole Pantalone, Broker of the agency. She also introduced them to Ben Rose at the Wildwoods Convention Center as well as Jack Morey of Morey’s Piers. These prominent Wildwood players came on board and have been a part of the original family of advertisers that Bobby sold from the first issue. Also in The Sun’s sights for advertising (and who have been in nearly all 60 issues) were J Byrne Agency, Jewelry Studio of Stone Harbor, Ravioli House, Alfe’s, Bayview, Rick’s Seafood, Sam’s Pizza, Anglesea Pub, Casey’s, Owen’s, Westy’s, Echos, GoodNight Irene’s, Michael’s Fabricare, Maries Flowers, Total Image, Colleen Sowers, Vegas, Surfside West & Star Diners, Duffers, Gia, Douglass Candies, Laura’s, and so many more, (please forgive us for not being able to mention you all) ... all of whom were welcomed additions to The Sun family of advertisers and have been faithful supporters ever since its inception. In those early days, Bobby & Dorothy would go out together and share with business owners their vision for The Sun. It was going to be a ‘people paper’ and they were going to feature nostalgia, homegrown stories and photos galore. Their passion for Wildwood inspired much of the paper. Because Wildwood can sometimes get a bad rap, they wanted to bring out the best about the town they both loved... its rich history, its peo-
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“Someday, all you’ll have to light your way will be a single ray of faith--and it will be enough.” ~Kobi Yamada ple, and focus on all the positive. Even Donald Trump was in on the birth of The Sun – sort of. One night while watching The Apprentice, Donald Trump said, “You gotta go to the boss” and the next day Bobby got dressed to sell and walked in to Tucker’s Pub for about the fifth time and Art Mee, who was Bob Villone’s manager, told him, “Oh, he’s not here,” and Bobby said,”I want to see the boss and I’m not leaving here until I do” and Bobby just waited until he saw Bob Villone. Bob was so impressed with how Bobby put Trump’s advice to work, that he became a steady advertiser, as well as a friend. The first issue hit the streets on April 1st, 2004 with 36 pages and nearly 40 advertisers. The Sun was out and shining bright! Bobby Kulisek had come up with The Sun name, and – lo and behold – in doing research, Dorothy found out that there was a Sun newspaper in Wildwood a hundred years ago, a benign coincidence and a good omen, as far as they were concerned. Actually, The Sun’s front page masthead is the original lithograph used from 1900 to 1915 by the Five-Mile Beach Sun, which was found in the Wildwood Museum. Since the first issue came out on April Fool’s Day, it was son Robert’s idea to put a little April Fool’s joke on the cover and put, ‘Cost: 5¢ underneath ‘April Fools!’ Their friend Mary from Wawa in North Wildwood reported that people were coming up to the counter with nickels to pay for it! Many hidden talents rose to the top for Bobby when he got into doing the paper. He was incredibly gifted. He wrote a couple of funny stories, including the first cover story about an alien bunny that landed on the beach. A bunch of local cops were mentioned in the story... It was so much fun! They all loved it! Bob Ingram appeared in the first issue of The Sun with a story called “Easter Bonnet Blues” and has had a story in many issues since. The way it came about says something about the Kuliseks’ resourcefulness in recruiting for The Sun. While Ingram was out on a daily stroll along Kennedy Drive in North Wildwood, a Jeep SUV pulled up with Dorothy and then-14 year old son Robert, who told him about their plans to start a newspaper. He immediately and happily volunteered. Robert had seen the documentary film, “Boardwalk: Greetings From Wildwood By-the-Sea,” that Bob had narrated, co-wrote, and co-produced and suggested to his parents that he would
be a great asset to The Sun. Serendipity had something to do with finding one of The Sun’s key writers after that first issue. When The Sun got their official post office box, the first piece of mail to arrive had a zip code that was the same as where Dorothy grew up in Philadelphia, leaving her a bit confused and thinking her mother had given the paper to a neighbor, only to discover the package was from Meg Corcoran, who lived a block from where she grew up (although they had never met). Meg sent some samples of her work; she’d been specializing in movie guides and asked if she could do that for The Sun. Her ‘Meg the Movie Buff’ column has been in every issue since. She has taken on the role of assistant editor as they work with great synergy on many stories and the favored ‘While You Were Away’ column every year, a recap of what’s happened since the last season. It’s quite an undertaking. Meg’s assistance in The Sun’s editorial content has been a real blessing. The Sun doesn’t come by its signature hand-crafted look and feel easily. Dorothy continually works on it, like putting a puzzle together with a thousand pieces, moving things around and seeing what goes well together so that it’s pleasing to the eye and makes for an enjoyable reading experience. The layout consists of working on one page at a time and, before it goes to the printer, days are spent finding just the right quotes to put at the top of each page from a lot of different sources. The quotes are said to be a favorite of many readers. People have often commented how they hold onto the paper for the whole two months between issues because it takes them that long to get through it. To Dorothy, it’s a labor of love and wouldn’t want it any other way. The Sun has a loyal and vocal fan base. Its website, www.sunbythesea.com, and social media pages on Facebook at The Wildwood Sun by the Sea Magazine and Instagram @ Sunbythesea, are brimming with compliments about the paper. Regular correspondences from Sun readers flow in via email and snail mail and help to make The Sun a source of endearment with a continual flow of contributions of old nostalgic photos and stories. Dorothy Kulisek is very cognizant of the impact The Sun has on its readers. She prays alot over her work, knowing that if she stops to think about what she’s doing, she won’t be able to grasp the huge responsibility she has happily undertaken. She believes that God has given her
that task and she has to make sure it’s all pleasing to Him, too. That speaks to her true philosophy; Her talent is God-given, and what she does with it is her gift back to him. The Kulisek family’s goal was always to bring out the best the island has to offer. As a result of their hard work and dedication, The Sun is family friendly, and loved by people of all ages... a nostalgic love letter to the town of Wildwood, NJ.
FROM THE EDITOR: This story was first published and written by Bob Ingram based on an interview he did with me in 2007. It has been revised in order to bring it up to date and to look back nostalgically to the sweet time when I started The Sun with my son Robert, and my husband Bobby Kulisek. Bobby’s work was complete here in this world when God called him home on July 9, 2015. This paper will forever carry a part of his legacy. Bobby’s hard work ethic was his defining characteristic, and perhaps the highlight of his working career came when his hidden talents were revealed the winter that he & I, together with our 14 year old son, Rob, joined creative forces to launch Wildwood’s original nostalgic magazine called The Sun. If not for him, there would be no Sun basically. He was like the butter to my bread, that helped turn my bright idea into the start of a successful business, now in its 12th season. I’ve always been an artist, but it was my husband Bobby who taught me how to be a businesswoman and to dress for success. Because of some of his bright ideas, just about everyone who reads The Sun, turns directly to one of their favorite features, the High School Yearbook photos. Since Bobby was a Wildwood High graduate himself (1976), he always knew which locals would make a big splash for the feature. I continue to think back on those early days each time I flip through old yearbooks in the Wildwood Museum to find just the right faces for the still favorite column. It was also his insightfulness that knew if we filled the paper to overflowing with photos of people, that it would fly off the shelves. In the early years, we would mark our calendars for special events, and he, Robert & I would get dressed up and pack our camera with a notepad and pen for taking names with, and head out on the town. It wasn’t long, before people were jumping in front of our camera so they could get in The Sun! Bobby was right. I could reminisce with you about so
many of the fun little things in the paper that we would brainstorm together on, but I believe the best way to honor the man who made it all possible for me, is to continue on this sunny journey and invite all of you, our Sun family, to enjoy every issue of The Sun and remember how it all began.
Dorothy, Robert & Bobby Kulisek 2012
Young Man with a Camera Artists are born, certainly, but they are also made. Robert Kulisek, the 25-year-old son of Bobby and Dorothy Kulisek, grew up as the staff photographer at The Sun, and a near-genius with a camera, possessing an amazing natural eye. Rob owes his immersion in the photographic arts naturally to an inherited art gene passed down from his mom, but also to his father, as well as a man by the name of Jim Ernest. Bobby, took their new Fuji point-and-shoot camera into Eckerd’s on Atlantic Ave. in Wildwood to find out from Jim how to work it. Jim still shakes his head in amazement that this man came in and casually said, ‘Oh, my wife and I are starting a newspaper and I don’t know how to use this camera.’ Bobby saw how knowledgeable Jim was about photography and asked him if he would give Robert lessons. So Jim trained Robert on a film camera. Their lessons included F-stops and shutter speeds, and all technical aspects and basics of photography. Robert began his Surf Log in the paper and his parents invested in better camera equipment for him as well as an underwater housing custom made for his camera. He took beautiful surf shots in the water and blossomed as a photographer since he started working for the paper in the 8th grade. Thanks to his father who helped cultivate Rob’s talents, he is now working as a freelance photographer/artist bi-coastally between NYC & Los Angeles. Rob is living the California dream, surfing some of the best breaks when not working.
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the SUN by-the-Sea
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“She glances at the photo, and the pilot light of memory flickers in her eyes.” ~Frank Deford
Only a handful of Wildwoodians can say. . .
“I’M A DR. MACE BABY!”
Dr. Margaret Mace Dec. 21, 1871 - Dec. 15, 1951
Dr. Margaret Mace Hospital 25th & Atlantic Aves., North Wildwood 1915 - 1950
A Brief History of Dr. Margaret Mace
Margaret Mace was born in Leicester, England and came to America in 1874. Around 1880 her family settled in Anglesea at a home on Spruce & New Jersey Aves. She attended grammar school and upon graduation, went to Bridgeton Institute to become a teacher. She wanted to become a nurse and began to pursue her passion for helping people. Dr. Mace graduated with her degree in medicine in 1905 from the Women’s College of Medicine in Philadelphia. She began her practice
in North Wildwood at 17th & Atlantic Aves., later moving her expanding practice to an office at Chestnut & New Jersey Aves. She then opened her hospital at 25th & Atlantic in 1915. It remained in operation for 35 years until 1950. Dr. Margaret Mace passed away at 81 years of age on December 16, 1951. For the past 11 years, we have honored her with this eventful photo shoot, where a handful of her 6,000 babies that she delivered gather together for a reunion. Perhaps the best tribute to this great woman are her own words which she spoke at the time of her first testimonial in 1929. She said, “There is no place on earth like my home town; no people like my home people; I came here when it was a wilderness; it is one of the finest places in the world, in my work I have tried to do my best, but I had help, helped by the hand of God.” Note from the Editor: I am honored to be a part of Dr. Mace’s story and to work together with Steve & Betty at the Lighthouse, who serve up refreshments for all the folks at the reunion.
“Maggie Mace’s Very Special Babies!”
22. Joan Bowman Gehring 2/16/43 1. H. Bergen Ellengsen 8/12/40 23. Lana Turner MacDonald 11/15/46 2. Irene Hess Nesbitt Stremick 6/24/42 24. Grace Vecere Peterson Anzelone 3. Esther Hansen Schwartz 7/30/33 3/5/38 4. Tom Thor Hansen 9/14/28 25. Bill Morey 4/19/29 5. Gordon Hansen 4/8/36 26. Ronald W. Griffith 6/3/38 6. Dottie Kerwin 9/2/31 27. Angela DiMauro Sacchet 12/14/47 7. Harold Thomas 3/10/28 28. Marge Koester 8/13/30 8. Cherie Davies Russell 8/17/44 29. Patricia Peterson Bond 1/23/46 9. Norma Chandler-Holler 4/28/46 30. Midge Lutz Boyd 8/17/44 10. James Cafiero 9/21/28 31. Larry Lillo 10/20/47 11. Anita Carlson Diamond 2/1/31 32. George E. Anderson 9/4/43 12. Mike Reagan 1/2/47 (a P&O Boy) 13. Ray Lindholm 10/7/36 33. Harry DiSilvestro 11/9/41 14. Marvin R. Tozer 5/9/31 (aka the Italian Superman) 15. Leah Laine Dare 7/18/25 34. Bill Braker 3/24/46 (Our oldest Dr. Mace baby) 35. Bob Speigel 8/10/47 16. Jack Mattera 5/22/31 Missing Bonnie James Speigel 2/27/49 17. Louise Hand Mihalek 8/17/48 36. Anna Bierbrunner Baker 4/13/43 18. Robert Labar 11/26/49 37. William Bierbrunner 2/23/36 19. Patricia Greenfield Britt 1/18/46 (Her last photo in Wildwood. Her REMEMBERING THEIR SIBLINGS... mother, Angie, “born at home”, moved Adelaide Bierbrunner Mazza 4/7/38 with her to South Carolina) Janet Bierbrunner 9/10/33 - 10/15/12 20. Shirley Palmer 2/25/37 Ray Bierbrunner 7/13/37 - 6/14/14 21. Carol Turner Leeper 4/29/49 39. George Muller 2/2/39 (Our youngest Dr. Mace baby) 48. Dennis Reed 11/13/48 Frank Ellis Breslin, born at Mace Hospital on February 7th 1938 loves The Sun and really hoped to make it to the reunion, but was unable to attend. Frank was the 9th of 10 children who grew up in Wildwood.
INDIAN SUMMER 2015
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“Life is like the ocean, it can be calm and still, or rough and rigid, but in the end, it is always beautiful.” ~Anon.
Only a handful of Wildwoodians can say. . .
“WE WERE BORN AT HATTIE LONG’S!”
Only a handful of Wildwoodians can say. . .
“WE WERE BORN AT HOME!”
A Brief History of Long’s Maternity House In the early 1900’s, maternity homes were an easier, more comfortable, convenient way to deliver your baby and in Wildwood, there were two popular places for this! The first home, in which around 6,000 babies were delivered, was Dr. Margaret Mace’s hospital in North Wildwood. The second home, located on Montgomery Avenue in Wildwood was also a very special maternity home that was run by mid-wife, Mrs. Hattie Long.
“Hattie Long’s Very Special Babies!” 1. Evelyn Snooks Bailie July 27, 1936 2. Rex Allen Garrison Dec. 14, 1947 3. Patricia Nesbitt Nagel Oct. 12, 1946 4. Brook Koeneke March 29, 1936 5. Jack Dennison April 20, 1933 6. Inge Friesenborg Laine Aug. 2, 1939 7. Ed Bradway 8. Barbara Bradway Novsak 9. Karla Svard Frederick April 17, 1940 10. Paul W. Dare Feb. 16, 1949 11. Stephen S. Rubin 12. Ann Gaskill Rea Feb. 1, 1938 13. Cathy Nesbitt Smith March 25, 1944
1. Evangeline (Angie) Lebato Greenfield Delivered on March 17, 1920 by a midwife at home at 4600 New Jersey Ave., Wildwood, NJ 2. Phyllis Barr Catanoso, Dec. 24, 1923 Delivered by Dr. Hornstein at her Grandmother Erma Cline’s home at 109 W. 18th Ave., North Wildwood, NJ 3. Doris Peterson Menz, Oct. 11, 1925 Delivered at home at 1st Ave., North Wildwood
Save the Date! Monday 10am
July 11, 2016 at Hereford Lighthouse
PHOTO REUNION
Dr. Margaret Mace Baby On the left, is Mrs. Hattie Long whose birth records date between the years of 1926 to 1946 On the right is the maternal Grandmother of John Long
Hattie Long’s Maternity & Babies Born at Home in Wildwood
Call (609) 522-2721
After Mr. Long passed away in 1923, Mrs. Long started the maternity home in 1926 in order to make a living for herself. The maternity home was successful for 20 years as 4 or more doctors worked along side of Mrs. Long to keep the business going. Mrs. Long and her team of doctors delivered around 515 babies during that time, 9 of which were her own. Unfortunately, only 7 of the 9 Long babies survived; however, the oldest daughter of Mrs. Long grew up helping with the home and soon became a very helpful aid for Hattie during the birth processes. John Long, grandson to Mrs. Long, was born on August 5, 1929. He was the only guy born into the Long family during that time. Although it has since been sold many times, the maternity home still stands today, filled with many memories. It still has the long, enclosed porch in which the babies were held after they were born. This was a 3 bedroom house, and through the duration that the house was a maternity home, the bedrooms’ upstairs were the sites of where the mothers stayed during the procedures. Mrs. Long made the living room into a bedroom for herself to make all of her guests comfortable. At a photo gathering for this maternity home in July, 2015, 13 people that were born in Hattie’s home showed up to capture the memory for a lifetime. Save the date, July 11, 2016 for next year’s photo reunion.
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
the SUN by-the-Sea
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” ~Proverbs 4:23 Churches in the Wildwoods
v a g a b o n d boutique
BEST OF
PHILLY
WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE IN PHILA.
Printed with compliments of The SUN with blessings. To update your listing call 609-522-2721.
Anglesea Baptist Church
3rd & Atlantic Ave. 522-2951
Sunday 10:30am Eve. Prayer Meeting 6pm Weds Family Bible 7pm
Asbury A.M.E. Church
Eureka Baptist Church 142 W. Spencer Ave. 522-1028 Sunday School 9:45am Sunday Service 11am Wed Prayer 7-8pm
First Presbyterian Church 4511 Pacific Ave. 522-1244 Sunday Service 10am Wed. Bible Study 9:30am
First U. M. C. of Wildwood Crest
6700 Atlantic Ave. 729-4265 Sunday Service 9:30 Bible Study Mondays 7pm Men’s Prayer Breakfast Sat. 8am
Young & New Jersey Ave. 729-5584
NOTRE DAME DE LA MER PARISH
Assumption RC Church 7110 Seaview Ave. Wildwood Crest 522-4114
Mon-Fri 8:30am / Sat. 4pm Sunday 8:30am
St. Ann’s RC Church
37 north third street, phila, pa on Third between Market and Arch
vagabondboutique.com
OPEN 7 DAYS
267.671.0737
2900 Atlantic Ave. Wildwood 522-2709 Sat. 4:30pm Sunday Sept. 9, 10:30 / Oct. 10:30 Weekday Masses Mon-Fri 7am, Sun 7pm, Spanish Mass
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 2810 Atlantic Ave. 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
North Wildwood United Methodist Church 2nd & Central Ave. 522-2271 Sunday Service 9am
Beth Judah Temple
Coloring the beach around you!
Pacific & Spencer Aves. 522-7541 Shabbat Services Saturday 9:30am
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox 301 Anglesea Ave., 522-0152 Orthos 9am Divine Liturgy 10am
Central Bible Church 18th Ave. & Central Ave. 522-5917 Sunday 11am & 6pm
St. Simeon’s by-the-Sea Episcopal 26th & Central Ave. 522-8389
Crest Community Church Crocus & Pacific Aves 522-1618 Sunday
Sun. Holy Communion 9am Wed. Healing 6:30pm
West Wildwood Bible Church 9 Neptune Avenue 523-8863 Sunday 10am Eve. Prayer 6pm Wed. Prayer 7pm
CLOTHING CLOSET & FOOD PANTRY SOUP KITCHEN: Mon 4:30-6:30
First Baptist Church
Call for your ! FREE Estimate
JIm STANfIElD PAINTINg CoNTRACToR
• 30 Years Experience • Attention to Detail • Reliable & Dependable Service • Committed to 100% Customer Satisfaction
Maple & Atlantic Ave. 522-2981 Sunday School 9:30am
Sunday Service 11am
The Carpenter Shop
609-408-3602
• Clean, Quality Workmanship • No Job Too Big or Too Small • Referrals upon Request • Interior - Exterior
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” ~1 Corinthians 10:31
tcsministries.org
4505 Park Blvd. 523-1444 Sunday 10am Weds & Thurs. 7pm Tues. Intensive Care Prayer 6:30pm
RE-VIVE WILDWOOD
CALL REV. BRYCE M. WOERNER FOR MORE INFO 856-981-3654
HOPE PREGNANCY CENTER Herald Building Rio Grande 609-886-7022
321 West Ave. Ocean City 609-398-9449
HOPE PREGNANCY CENTER UPCOMING EVENTS First Annual Golf Outing Saturday, October 10, at McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links in Egg Harbor Township. Silent Auction “Thanking God with Hope” Friday, November 13. at Seaville Fire Hall
the SUN by-the-Sea
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“A book is a gift you can open again and again.” - Garrison Keillor
HELLO SUN is the ultimate Wildwood souvenier gift Over 100 pages of
Favorite Sunrises & Quotes from the collection of the Editor/Publisher of The SUN by-the-Sea
$20.
Favorite Sunrises & Quotes
from the collection of Dorothy McMonagle Kulisek
In “Hello Sun,” Dorothy Kulisek welcomes each day with love and exuberant reverence. Combining her painter’s eye and a trusty cell phone camera, she brings the miracle of the morning to the printed page. Each quietly majestic sunrise is accompanied by an apropos quote, as lovingly chosen as the daily miracle it enlightens. “Hello Sun” is indeed an awakening. Thank you, Dorothy ~Bob Ingram
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL BUY 2 OR MORE @ $15. each You will want to buy one for every person on your Christmas list!
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38
the SUN by-the-Sea
“He gives us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” ~Acts 14:17
Bill James Flights
1.00
$
Fly with
s e l b a G d o o w d l i W Miss
Bill James, an industrious pilot who came to Wildwood Crest in April 1931, earned a living during those Depression Era days offering penny-a-pound rides to brave beachgoers. James kept his bi-plane, named Miss Wildwood Gables in reference to what would later be called Diamond Beach, in an airplane hangar he built on the beach near St. Paul Avenue. An article in the Wildwood museum about James states “For most Wildwood residents, a brief flight in James’ bi-plane was their first experience in the air. Some of them decided that was enough and they never flew again.” James, born in Sewell, NJ in 1907, holds the honor of being the first pilot to fly advertising banners over the beach. Today it is part of the summer beach experience to see banner planes flying pulling banners on suggestions of where to go for dinner in the evening. His aerial advertising business included skywriting and passenger rides up and down the east coast. After learning to fly in an OX5 Jenny at Roosevelt Field on Long Island in the late 1920s, he spent the next 10 summers in the Crest amazing locals and visitors with his exhibition September 19-20 Morey’s Piers hosts the NEW! “Wild Fly In” on Wildwoods Beach between Juniper & Spencer Ave. An All day aviation spectacular! 609.522.3900 for more info
flights. Newspaper stories often recalled his daredevil antics in a plane they compared to orange crates held together with wires! When Miss Wildwood Gables sadly caught fire, killing the pilot it was being flown by, he purchased another plane, named the Steel Pier. After arriving in Wildwood, he opened a flying school and a connected business at the county airport. He went on active duty with the U.S. Army Signal Corps. in September 1941. By the summer of 1945 and the end of World War II, he went from being a second lieutenant to Major James, with an impressive 6500 flying hours. He continued his military career, traveling across the world while flying over a hundred different types of military and civilian aircraft. Following service in two wars, he retired in 1962 as a colonel.
Bill James and a banner boy with Miss Wildwood Gables bi-Plane featuring an advertisement for Old Phila. Hotel Restaurant
Young Bill James who had an airport hanger on the beach in Wildwood Crest, N.J. Before government regulations were created the beaches cold be used as an airport. The Wildwoods had several such airports. After many accidents, regulation of aircraft came into existence. (Below) Miss Gables take-off
Bill James, an early Wildwood aviator
James fondly called Wildwood Crest his home. During their retirement, he and his wife, Gladys would divide their time between Florida and their long-time residence on Aster Road, beneath a sky that remained his home away from home. Visit NAVAL AIR STATION WILDWOOD AVIATION MUSEUM ~ An aviation museum located at the Cape May Airport. 500 Forrestal Rd, Rio Grande, NJ 08242 (609) 886-8787 www.usnasw.org
There is much more history on this story than space allows at the Wildwood Historic Museum. You will be glad to pay a visit...
“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return. “ ~Leonardo Da Vinci
Harold Sherwood, a banner boy. c. 1946
39
the SUN by-the-Sea
INDIAN SUMMER 2015 it’s doggone hot!
“The blend of fall colors are so lovely to see, but the leaving of summer saddens me.” ~symansays.com
KEN & MARY S A S ummer in P hotos Photos by Meghan Meehan
boogie board contEsT July 18, 2015
ICE CREAM
AND MORE FLORAL DESIGN & GIFTS
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FREE DELIVERY to the WILDWOODS
SOFT-SERVED & HAND-DIPPED ICE CREAM
HOMEMADE
ll the boogie board winners and second runners-up of each age category, includA ing the organizers and the lifeguards in charge of the event.
• Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches • Waffles & Ice Cream • Monkey Bread
2008 BOARDWALK North Wildwood, NJ
(between 20th & 21st Aves.)
Wedding Specialists 6101 New Jersey Avenue Wildwood Crest 609.523.9500 Petalswildwood.com
FIONA & BEATRIX, GRANDTWINS OF KEN & MARY
TOTAL IMAGE
Brian, Brian, Kim and Morgan
Lieutenant John O’Brien See John’s tshirt designs on page 42
A FULL SERVICE SALON
Call for Your Appointment
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On the corner of Rio Grande & Pacific Avenues Wildwood, NJ {COMPLIMENTARY PARKING DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET IN OUR LOT}
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• Coppola Keratin Smoothing Treatment • Foil Highlighting • Body Waves • Waxing • Matrix Color & Precision Cutting • Corrective Color • Airbrush Makeup • and more. . .
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• Livery Service • Homeowners • Flood • Condos • Auto • Business • Worker’s Compensation • Commercial Liability • Contractors • Medicare Supplement Colin, Bridget, Marie, Patrick, Kathleen, and Moira
(609) 391-1856 (877) 492-1410
226 West Ave., Ocean City, NJ 08226 www.barravaughn.com bvinsurance@comcast.net
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the SUN by-the-Sea
“Happy are we who can bask in this warm September sun.” ~Henry David Thoreau, (1817-1862)
This was Frank’s NORTH W I L D W O O D , N E W J E R S E Y
by Wayne Vogel
Frank & Ruth Vogel
You have to understand, there was nothing there except sand dunes. It was back before condominiums or townhouses, back when “motel” was a newly coined word from hotel because you could “motor” to your room. It was a hot dog stand, a small box structure on stilts not much bigger than a backyard shed, and it sat there all alone among the dunes, at the end of 15th street in North Wildwood. The Lifeguard Station was there, but it was back almost on Ocean Avenue, and it was more like a tent than a building. It has moved twice since then, to its current location further onto the beach. There was a white and red Coca Cola sign which announced that you had arrived at the oasis in the middle of all the emptiness and it said, “This is Franks”. What “Franks” happened to be was a dream of my father, Frank Vogel, to own his own business “down ashore” as he liked to call it. The year was 1948 and he and my mother Ruth went into hock up to their eyeballs for the purchase amount of $2,000. Again, you have to understand that was a lot of money back then, and they had to put the hit on about three different angels to get the funds to buy it from the Mattera family. The price also included about a quarter of the block, which my Dad bought as an afterthought to park cars there for the people who came to the beach. Eventually we built the Sea Edge Motel on the parking area behind the beach stand, the initial six units were built in 1954 by Lou Morey.
So what was it like, Franks Beach Grille? With apologies to Mr. Dickens, it was the best of times; it was the worst of times. But memories, ah yes, there are memories. It had about three front window counters and one on the side and two tiers of wooden steps, about a full story high off the sand. Eventually because of the success of the “best dog on the Island”, Frank increased the place to have about eight windows and a small side annex where we made the pizza and prepped all the food. The hot dogs weren’t cooked, they were steamed which was why they plumped-up so nice and juicy. My Dad had a way with food and liked to make things the way he liked them himself, and he got lots of ideas from all the greasy spoons in the city. We bought 25 pounds of fresh hamburger every day from Bill Shea’s Market on 17th street, and every morning job number one (after making coffee and donuts) was rolling and stamping the burgers on the little iron patty press, then putting them in wax paper for the freezer. Aunt Betty was there to make and roll her famous meatballs for the sandwiches and the tomato sauce as well. We peeled about 20 pounds of potatoes that were used to make our own French Fries (want fries with that?), and then we made about four canisters of fresh Italian Water Ice. The water ice was an option to the famous snow cones - again we chopped the ice by hand in a small iron machine and then poured your choice of syrup over it in a pointed snow cone cup. After awhile you could get pretty flamboyant with the scoop and flip the ball in
continues . . .
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“Each affects the other, and the other affects the next, and the world is full of stories, but the stories are all one.” the air and catching it with the cup. But that was just to impress the chicks, and when you’re around thirteen, that was a pretty cool way to do it. Just don’t miss. We all lived in a big house on 18th Street. Nine bedrooms housed aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, cousins, and whomever else decided to come down to spend the summer in Wildwood. But part of the deal was you had to have a tour of duty at the beach stand - some lasted more than a few summers, some less than a few days, but it was the passage into belonging. If you stayed at the house, you knew about the beach stand. You could always tell when we were done what job everyone had worked that day - the snowball window had tie-dyed hands (pretty colors but they stayed with you), the French fries and the hot dog steamer were easily identified by the aroma - not bad, but very distinct, to say the least. So we had plenty of help, even though it was kind of like forced labor, but the main crew consisted of my Dad, my brother Frank, sister Ruth (part-time, since she would rather romance with Russ Griesback, the Medic from the lifeguards, and they are today still happily married), my cousin Jimmy Bowdler, (who now lives in Ocean City), previously mentioned Aunt Betty Vogel, and yours truly. We would push and shove each other in the feeding frenzy that took place between 11 am and 3 pm. You couldn’t see out any of the windows because the customers would be three deep - all pointing at you and yelling at the same time. Nobody, and I mean nobody, took a break during this time, or you would suffer a break of your own (neck, most likely) from Big Frank, who loved to hear the cash register ringing its endorsement of how he liked to make his customers happy. And they absolutely loved him back, no question. Mickey Shaunessey used to visit him all the time - they were actually a lot alike, both physically and their sense of humor. One of the tricks to survival was trying to avoid making milkshakes at all cost - the reason for that is between a faulty wire and the wet floor, you could almost guarantee 120 watts across your eyebrows, and even though you know it was going to happen, it still shocked you. And if you dropped the metal milkshake container it was a double fault and you had to start all over again. People used to walk from all parts of the beach to get their fix at Franks, as far away as Anglesea. In fact I remember one poor woman who hiked all the way from 7th Street, telling us how much she loved the hot dogs, and then after she left with her order I saw her about 30 minutes later - all red in the face and not too happy. It seems that my brother, with his new-found talent for spinning the rolls up in the napkins, had forgot to include one important thing: the hot dog! That’s right, she had six rolls beautifully packaged with all the trimmings, but no hot dogs. Yeah, she was certainly ticked off, no doubt about it. It was a different time then. The ocean used to run under the beach stand at high tide (which accounted for the stilts) and under the boardwalk as well. In fact I remember body surfing under the boardwalk at 18th Street, if you can believe that. The water went further out each year through a series of sand bars, and eventually you would need binoculars to see people on the water’s edge. With that came the demise of Franks because it was just too damn far to walk, I don’t care how good the dogs were, so we regretfully had to it tear down. My Pop had already passed away, so at least we didn’t have to see the sadness he would have shown were he alive to see it torn down. It did give way for the expansion of the Sea Edge, however, and I
guess that’s a plus. But I think if we could we would have liked to continue the wonderful times and memories and kept things as they were. But we can’t go home again, can we?
Frank Vogel, Sr. sadly passed away suddenly in October of 1961 at the young age of 46.
View from inside the grille looking out
Frank Vogel, Jr. at his HotDog stand, Frank’s Franks, at 1st & Surf Ave. in North Wildwood Summer of 2015
Wayne Vogel, 1947 POSTCARD IMAGES AND PHOTOS FROM FRANK VOGEL & ALADDIN PRINTING
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
the SUN by-the-Sea
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. . .” ~Psalm 24:1 The Buddy Tarbotton Memorial AROUND THE ISLAND ROW T-Shirts designed by John O’Brien of the NWBP Lifelong summer resident, John O’Brien, has spent close to 50 years on the North Wildwood Beach Patrol. He’s been designing the annual “Around the Island Row” t-shirts for the past 36 years. John’s unique illustrations typically capture the essence of the previous year’s row. For instance, on 2004’s design, the words Around the Island Row were made to look like fog because the last year’s row was postponed due to inclement weather. They all tell a story of this annual event. To purchase your 2015 shirt, contact the NWBP at 609-522-7500. Here are just a handful of Wildwoodians captured by The Sun’s photographer... most who’ve been collecting the unique shirt designs for years.
Tom & Pat McGuigan, 2012 & 2014
The
Empty Chairs By Marilyn Guidetti
W
hen we enlarged our shore house, we planned on always having a houseful. We searched for a big dining table, the appliances were planned for big meals, we have plenty of seating and extra sleeping arrangements. But "the world turns" children grow, circumstances change and extended family has become more extended with more obligations. My grandchildren have grown up before my eyes, the first one graduated high school this year and she has a summer job up North before she is off to college. Some of the others are involved in sports camps which run almost all through the summer, they are still too young to be left home while the parents visit here, so the whole family stays with them at home. Many of the adults have job commitments that they can not change and its a long trip here. The many aunts, uncles and cousins who either live or spend the summers here also feel the changes and what used to be spur of the moment get togethers with cousins by the dozens, now have to be planned well in advance. I cringe when I hear friends complaining about the children always being around. It goes too fast---enjoy! Others are com-
Sun Contributor, Bob Ingram, 2013
Ed Dean, 2009
Nicole Guidetti plaining about having the Empty Nest Syndrome, I sympathize with them because I now think I am having an Empty Chair Syndrome. Some of my friends tell me how lucky I am to just sit on my porch and enjoy the quiet. Its hard to explain that the porch was built for company with lots of laughing, good food, and noisy kids. The reason I talk about chairs is I have this thing that whenever I have guests I want everyone to have a place to sit. I have so many chairs that now my sons make fun of me and all the empty chairs. Well, heres to a fun summer and a wish that all my chairs will be filled again soon. I know they will, because as I said before "the world turns" and the little ones grow up and the older ones want to come back to their roots, or should I say sand (once that Wildwood sand gets between your toes you are hooked for life).
Fudgy Wudgy Man Larry Hippen, 2014
Walt Miller, 2008
Joe Sadlowski, 2000
the SUN by-the-Sea
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A beach walk is for stretching your legs and your mind, for looking at life with newfound eyes." ~Sandy Gingras EST.
LIfeguard rACES
191
8
A S ummer in P hotos by Megan Meehan
Hosted by Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol
CBP Chief Bud Johnson receiving a plaque of recW ognition from Mayor Carl Groon & Deputy Mayor Joyce Gould
ERNEST TROIANO, Jr. President Jen and Max
CONCRETE & MASONRY CONTRACTORS Four Generations Serving THE WILDWOODS & Cape May County for over 97 years! QUALITY COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL WORK troianojr@comcast.net
P 609-522-3355 C 609-517-0970
Jack and Billy
Uncle Bill and Aunt Betty and their entire staff invite you in for the best pancakes on the island!
Bill, Cay, Tina, Cheryl, and Dave enjoying the races
DJ Mikey D
WCBP
UNCLE BILL’S PANCAKE HOUSE Burk & Pacific Aves. Wildwood by-the-Sea • 609.729.7557
Gabriel, Joe, Julia, Andrew and Trina having Fun in the Sun!
OPEN EVERY DAY 6:30AM ~ 2PM BREAKFAST & LUNCH {Remembering Roger}
PLENTY OF FREE PARKING
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
the SUN by-the-Sea
“A little love can make a big difference.”
5 MILES of Smiles!
Michael’s FABRICARE
Delivering fresh, pressed articles of clothing to Cape May County’s best dressed since 1987 Full-Service Quality Dry Cleaning Pick-Up & Delivery Service Same Day Service • Alterations • Repairs 3209 NEW JERSEY AVE. WILDWOOD 609-522-6291 609-522-4499 Mon-Fri 7am - 5:30pm Sat 7am - 3pm Visit MichaelsFabricare.com for specials!
~Daily Bread
Nothing you wear is more important than your Smile!
Michael Cummiskey, Cummiskey, owner owner Michael
e s t W Cafe y e K
Al Trottnow Jack (Zoom) Hulme, John Klinger, Reds O’Driscoll, Jack Kane at Mayfair Ball Field, 1948 ~Sent in by MaryLou Trottnow
Open year round 7 days a week 7am - 2pm. a i
BreakFasT specials 7-10
Where the locals Love to eat! Breakfast & Lunch
lunch specials 11-2
Mon: Grilled Panini $6.49 Tues: Beef, Chicken, Fish Tacos $4.99 $5.99 $6.99 Weds: Cheeseburger w/L,T, O & Chips $5.99 Thurs: Cincinnati Chili Dogs & Chips $6.49 Fri: Mini Cheesesteak w/French Fries $5.99 *Specials must be accompanied with purchased beverage
WinTer
Mon: Creamed Chipped Beef & homefries $5.99 Tues: French Toast w/Sausage or Bacon $5.99 Weds: 2 Eggs, Toast, Homefries, Bac or Saus $5.99 Thurs: FREE Coffee w/Any Omelette
Wildwood’s Home of the 222
Let us do the cooking!
Corner of Andrew & PACifiC Aves. wildwood 522-5006
Jun
& e k
Tre
aSu
ThrifT & GifT Shop
reS
Old, New Unique Gifts & Home Decor. . . a treasure for everyone!
$ale
Handpainted furniture & unique items!
Second time Clothing
$1.00
4501 Pacific Ave. WildWood BeTween Burk & DaviS aveS. 609-522-0060
by-the-sea
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Alexandra Boulageris happily submitted this photograph of her mother, Evelyn (Trivelis) Boulageris, taken in the summer of 1955 by the famous Merry Go Round at Cedar Ave. on Wildwood’s Boardwalk. Who would have thought that many decades later she would be helping her brother Tony Trivelis and sister Irene (Trivelis) Karros, owners of Schellenger’s Restaurant, just a short walk from where this photo was taken? Evelyn, who was 21 years old when she posed for her photo op, turned 81 this July and is still working with her siblings at the restaurant.
A sandy stroll down memory lane with sisters, Sue and Joanne Maurch, posing with their mom in the summer of 1969 #TBT The Sun by-the-Sea has been throwing it back for 12 nostalgic years! #retro #vintage #wildwood #nostalgia
INDIAN SUMMER 2015
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“Sometimes you don’t have to leave a place to be running away.” ~Grace Zambardi, The Water Cage
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Ian & Skip had an awesome summer at their new spot at 7th St. beach
Dennis Dool doing his thing SUP-Surfing at the inlet beach
For Jersey Girls everywhere. A love story set in Wildwood NJ, by Wildwood native Grace Zambardi
Irreverent, Heartbreaking...Powerful. For anyone who’s ever needed a hero and never got one.
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Wildwood Webcams!
Visit the Wildwoods even when you can’t be here in person! Check out all the Wildwood beach and boardwalk cams at: http://www.wildwoodunderground.com/webcams Ivy Bolle & Zoe Barret having fun in the Sun!
It was a super fun summer for Liz & Mack McCracken cruising on their bicycle built for two
Get a new photo per day delivered right to your phone by sending wwphotos to: 6094551110 Scan the QR codes and see...
Because One Superman is not Just enough for Superwoman! Superman & His Super Girl had a Rockin time at the Elton John 4th of July concert under the Stars at Centennial Park in the Crest. Harry D, Brian Cuniff, Coleen D & Superman Harry & his Supergirl at the Jolly Roger having some summer fun Frank Basile
The Wildwoods
ANY TIME OF THE DAY OR NIGHT! ANY TIME OF THE YEAR!
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“Summer gathers up her roses of glory, and like a dream, glides away.”
~Sarah Whitman
North Wildwood’s Downtown in the 1960s. . . R
1947, in front of Al Gredone’s E-Z Market (Shea’s) (front) Jim McCausland, Clair Gre1947, George Forbes worked for Loetell’s done, (back) u., Ed Petit, u., Jim Cafiero, u., Market, once located at 114 E. 17th u., Photo donated to WHS by Jim Cafiero
Shea’s 17th St. Market
Frank Hawk & Mrs. Snyder in Shea’s
From Left~ Charlie Versaggi - Bennie’s son, Charlie Peacock - cement salesman, Salvatore Versaggi-Bennie’s brother, Vincent Tabone - Bennie’s nephew, Dominic Versaggi-Bennie’s son
Bennie’s Cafe is now home to Owen’s Pub
Ross & Charlie Versaggi –these Brothers took over 1950 to 1975
Grasso’s Market, 17th & Central
by Steve Murray
esidents and visitors to North Wildwood are all familiar with the small business district on the 100 block of 17th Ave. Newcomers however, may be surprised to find out that this area was once the city’s primary business district with many more commercial establishments than it has now. This one block area was home to a wide variety of small family-owned and operated stores. Some were seasonal and some year round but most prospered and served the community for many years. Unbelievably, perhaps, there were two grocery stores, two barber shops and two bakeries on that same block. There seemed to be room for everyone. Like everywhere else in the country in those days, neighborhood shop owners and their customers were usually on a first name basis. Some offered deliveries and many even let some folks keep a “tab” of credit. The decline of these small stores had a lot to do with the arrival of the large supermarkets, various “chain” stores and of course the huge warehouse style “box” stores. Even though it’s changed so much, it’s impossible for me to go down 17th street without still “seeing” it as it was back then. Having spent all my childhood summers one block away, I probably was on this block at least once a day. My reminiscences are from the 1960’s. If someone notices a mistake or an omission, it’s through the eyes of a former kid 50 years ago. Starting on the NW corner of 17th and New Jersey, there was Piro’s Barber Shop. Mr. Piro was a very friendly old mustachioed Italian man who gave haircuts to all the men in my family. He broke a plastic comb one time in my thick mop and after that I started to get “crew” cuts. Even though I was just a kid, he always patted a little bit of Clubman “Pinaud” aftershave on me after he was done. Directly across the street, one lot in from the NE corner, was Hoffman’s Store. This looked like an old fashioned country general store that sold a little bit of everything. If I remember right, there was one of those big red Coca Cola coolers on the front porch that kept the sodas chilled in cold water. Sadly, when I was very
young, a huge fire burned the building to the ground. Next door in a building that sat back a bit was a photographer’s studio, whose name I can’t recall. To the right of this was the most memorable of all of these businesses, a real landmark, Sheas 17th St Market. From my earliest memories it was owned by Bill Shea, a very soft spoken man, who always wore a long, white apron. This was very typical of those old neighborhood markets. It was like a small supermarket that sold groceries, produce, frozen foods and fresh meats that were butchered on premises. My grandfather, a retired butcher, helped out here a couple of times when they were very busy. The reputation of the meats here was so great that some people would come from Philadelphia to get a big freezer order. The store even had a rack that held a small selection of toys. Whenever I was in Sheas this is the first place I would go. I think I still have a few of these things in my attic somewhere. In the late 60’s, Mr. Shea sold the store to his head butcher, George Forbes. George was a superb athlete and weight lifter. I always think of him as Wildwoods own “Jack La Lanne.” He placed 2nd in his division in the Mr. NJ contest in 1952. George was and is a good man with a big heart. He helped a lot of people in need that came into his store. Many folks were very sad when the store closed in 2002. Occasionally it still shows up in my dreams. To the right of Shea’s was Wilson’s, a small variety store with a snack bar where I would get a slice of pizza. Next was Fred’s Barber Shop, owned by Fred Mattera. It’s now everyone’s favorite barber shop, Rich & Lindas. Next was Bennie’s Café, a family-style establishment with a long bar and a separate dining area that served fantastic homemade Italian food. On certain nights they even had live music. It was owned by Ross and Charlie Versaggi and named after their father whose nickname was Benny. This was a favorite place of my family and I remember tagging along with the men when they went for a cold beer on hot summer afternoons. I would keep busy feeding dimes into the juke box, sipping Cokes and trying to con Ross into giving me just one more maraschino cherry or a martini olive. (He always
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“Orange, yellow, green, red. . .another leaf just hit my head!” ~Anon.
. . . Memories of 17th Avenue did). Ross always reminded me of Dean Martin and sometimes would even sing a few bars of a song while pouring drinks. I remember Charlie & Ross always wore crisp white short sleeve shirts with black bow ties. Bennie’s was eventually sold and became The Antlers, then Michaleen O’Flynns and finally my current favorite place, Owen’s Pub. I think the bar is still the original one from Bennys. To the right of this was a beauty parlor. Next door was Ray’s Bakery that also had a lunch counter. I was told a story about this building when I was a teenager but I have never been able to confirm its truth. The story was that during World War II when German submarines prowled our coast, Morse code signals were observed being directed out to sea from a house that used to sit at 18th and the boardwalk. Someone was apprehended here and traced back to a spy ring living over Ray’s Bakery. If anyone knows anymore about the truth of this story, please let me know. Across Central Ave. at the NE corner sat the Central Shoppee, which was kind of like a drugstore without the drugs. It was owned and operated by the town’s Mayor of 27 years, Tony Catanoso and his wife Phyllis. They carried patent medicines, suntan lotion, health and beauty aids, candy, cigarettes and much more. Mayor Catanoso, who passed away recently at 97 years old, still remembered my grandfather coming in to buy his El Producto stogies over 50 years ago. The store had the biggest news stand around. I was here almost every day looking for the next issue of my favorite comics like Sergeant Rock, Green Lantern and Hawkman. I also bought enough bazooka bubble gum here to keep my dentist busy for years. North Wildwood’s own homegrown Hollywood celebrity, Jack Hallet, worked here summers as a teenager. Even then, Jack had a personality and a sense of humor that you knew would take him places. He would eventually end up in motion pictures, live theatre, television series, and dozens and dozens of TV commercials. In the back part of this building, also owned by the Mayor, was a separate business that was very popular with the teenagers. It was one of those old fashioned ice cream parlors and sandwich shops, with a long counter, booths, tables and
chairs and a big old juke box. Go to You Tube and watch an old episode of “Ozzie and Harriet” if you want to get an idea of what places such as this looked like. Next door to the Central Shoppee on 17th was a miniature golf course also owned by Mayor Catanoso. I came in second place for my age category in a kid’s tournament held there one year. I remember the day well because a young girl accidently wacked me in the mouth with her club. She knocked out a tooth but I didn’t cry or get mad. She was a little doll. In the mid 70’s, a diner was briefly here until it went bankrupt. Across the street, on the SE corner, was Leaming’s Market, another grocery store similar to Sheas but much smaller. There was also an outdoor produce stand run by a local old timer. I had a little part time job here when I was about 12. The store was eventually sold to Rich Grasso. It was re christened Grasso’s Market. The small world, being what it is, Rich grew up with my dad in South Philly. Across Central was the Marine Terminal Bakery, owned for many years by a lady named Angie. In those days before everyone got health conscious, this place was mobbed every morning. This was especially true on Sundays after church. My grandfather, who lived a block away, was addicted to their delicious crumb cake. Unfortunately he was a bad diabetic and my grandmother was happy when it closed for the winter. The store is still used as a bakery but has changed hands many times. Halfway up the block was Lotell’s 5 & 10¢ store, a handy little seasonal shop that carried every day necessities, like today’s dollar stores. There was nothing for 5 & 10 ¢, though. Next was Griffith’s Produce. Griffith was the biggest food wholesaler on the island and had its main warehouse in Wildwood. They served many of the hotels, restaurants and grocery stores in the County. This little place served as a small produce outlet. Lastly, was Big Joe’s luncheonette. There have been so many changes in the Wildwoods in the last 20 years that many times I actually have to look at a street sign to know where I am. In some areas, sadly, I have already forgotten what was there. I don’t think that will ever be the case with 17th Avenue.
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“Older is better in so many ways, and what great perspective it brings to our days.” -Steve and Anna Becca
A Blast From the Past! Photos Courtesy of Wildwood Historic Society
JAMES CAFIERO WHS 77
GARY CAMPBELL WHS 70
FRANK RICCO WHS 66
DOMINICK CAPPICHIONE WCHS 62
MARY ANN HAFLIN WCHS 62
FRANCIS MCANANEY WCHS 61
Visit us at
Wildwood Historical Society 3907 Pacific Ave. Wildwood. 609-523-0277 www.WildwoodHistoricalMuseum.com
Wildwoodhistoricalsociety.@hotmail.com Summer is finally coming to an end and opportunity to combine class material with whether you’re enjoying one last vaca- on-site visits. This year’s educational curtion or embracing the transition to some riculum of the program was built around cooler weather, why not pay a visit to the the book DUNK by David Lubar, which Wildwood Historical Museum. There to follows a man’s experiences as Bozo the welcome you will be our office manager Clown, who works a dunk tank on a beachCostantino “Cos” Spinosa, who holds a side boardwalk. In order to provide a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Mas- real-life context for the book, students had ter’s Degree in Museum Studies. the unique opportunity to visit Wildwood’s The museum has been busy this summer, renowned boardwalk and pay a visit to welcoming a record number of visitors the historical museum. During their visit to (nearly 2,000!) during the months of June the museum, students were presented with and July. Of the many local residents and thousands of photographs which trace the vacationers to visit the museum, a group of history of our city’s boardwalk as well as students from the Delsea Regional School figurines, artifacts, and restored signs from District’s “SHAPE” Program had the unique various rides and vendors.
A Tribute to Bob Bright Jr. LEWIS MOREY WCHS 68
CARROLYN MINGGIA WHS 73
DOMINICK VERSAGGI WCHS 68
VINCENT DIMAURO WCHS 62
REX ALLAN GARRISON WHS 66
MARY JANE FATH WCHS 68
The Bright family has a long-standing history in the city of Wildwood. Bob’s father was the first to become a member of the Wildwood Historical Society and eventually took over as the day-to-day manager and historian of the museum. Following in his father’s footsteps, Bob Bright Jr. would frequent the museum and eventually took over the manager position. He loved working at the museum and talking to people about old times. He was a walking and talking encyclopedia as far as the history of the Wildwoods was concerned. He also kept the museum organized, ensuring everything had a proper place in the permanent exhibition. If you moved something and didn’t put it back perfectly, he would let you hear about it. He kept the museum cleaner than most people’s houses. Bob was tough, but if
Bob Bright Jr. & Zoe you were on his good side, you couldn’t find a better friend. Bob could always be found with his dog, Buddy. He often brought the dog to the museum and people would stop by and bring him treats. He was Bob’s best friend. I missed Bob the first day after he retired from the museum. There is a saying that “you can always be replaced,” but that doesn’t apply to Bob and his legacy at the museum. He was Mr. Wildwood History. I and everyone at the Wildwood Historical Society will miss him, but remember him every time we are in the museum.
Al Brannen, Vice President,
Wildwood Historical Society, Inc.
the SUN by-the-Sea
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“Every summer has a story.”
Wildwood Crest’s “LOST BOARDWALK” by Chris White
Crest Pier and Boardwalk, Wildwood Crest, N.J. “Published by Post Card Distributing Co., Philadelphia, PA.” Circa 1906-1907 From the Chris White Postcard Collection When I was a kid, I spent three months every summer at my grandparents’ home on Columbine Road in Wildwood Crest. It wasn’t until decades later, however--when I returned to the Wildwoods as an adult--that I discovered a part of the Wildwoods’ history that I never knew existed.
The Boardwalk and Beach showing the Crest Pier, Willdwood Crest, N.J. The house on the left still exists and can be found on Columbine Road at Seaview Avenue. Crest Pier is to the far right, in the distance. “Published by R.W. Ryan, Wildwood, N.J. Copyright by E.F. Sherman 1911” From the Chris White Postcard Collection
During an antiquing trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I chanced upon a Wildwood postcard with a copyright of 1905. I couldn’t believe my eyes: It showed a beach scene, with women wearing long dresses and with men in suits, complete with bow ties and straw hats. I was enchanted. And so, I started collecting postcards of the Wildwoods that had been made in the early 1900s through the 1930s. I now have over 1,400 postcards of the Wildwoods, Holly Beach, and Anglesea, with the oldest sporting a 1904 postmark. One of my postcard discoveries was that Wildwood Crest had a boardwalk, or “promenade,” during its early years. This surprising fact led me to do some research at both the Wildwood Crest Historical Museum, at the Crest Pier, and the Wildwood Historical Society’s George F. Boyer Museum, on Pacific Avenue. I learned that the Crest’s wooden boardwalk was destroyed by a bad storm in 1908 and was never replaced with a traditional wooden boardwalk, according to the book The First Hundred Years...1910 to 2010, a pictorial history of the Crest that was published for the town’s centennial celebration. “In the early 1920s Wildwood Crest replaced the wooden walk with a paved street; and, in 1929, [the town] council approved a cement walkway from Heather to Cresse [Avenues] at ground level,” which connected to the boardwalk in Wildwood, according to Wildwood By-the-Sea: A History of an American Resort. The area where the original boardwalk/promenade was is now Seaview Avenue, several blocks from today’s beach!
The Ocean Front at the Breakers Hotel, Wildwood Crest, N.J. “Published by R.W. Ryan, Wildwood, N.J. Photo Copyright” [no date] The hotel (not in view) was located at Orchid Road and the beach From the Chris White Postcard Collection
My pathway into the rich history of the Wildwoods began with one postcard. Over the years, I bought many great postcards at the Postcards and Collectibles Show held each June by the Wildwood Historical Society. You can make your own discoveries at the show and at our local museums. You never know what you might find!
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“The sense of smell can be extraordinarily evocative, bringing back pictures as sharp as photographs of scenes that had left the conscious mind.” – Thalassa Cruso
The Nostalgic Scent of the Marine Bakery By Mark C. Peyko, Wildwood vacationer
Marine Bakery located at 4800 New Jersey Ave.
F
Wildwood Museum
ood memories have the power to take you back through time and space. Vacation food memories – especially ones experienced as a child – can linger forever. Because our family traveled annually from northeastern Ohio to Wildwood, the journey required a stockpile of provisions – a large, carefully packed cooler, a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken, and a Kellogg’s Jumbo Assortment of cereals for morning. The trip was a multi-state journey that also included an afternoon stop in rural Maryland, so we needed proper fortification. When we were younger, our dad packed the family car in early evening and drove most of the night. As we approached the eastern edge of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, he pulled into a service plaza to get a few hours of rest before sunrise. A little after daybreak, the children were ready to get down to the business of breakfast – in the close quarters of the car! While our parents had coffee, we competed for our favorite cereals. Because the wax paper in those little fold-out boxes had little patience for milk, breakfast was quick and deliberate. After some freshening up and a quick head count, we were on our way. The visit to Maryland was really for our mom. It gave her the opportunity to see her two elderly bachelor uncles and deliver boxes and coffee cans filled with cookies. For the kids, the detour meant a temporary slowdown in the trip’s trajectory. By late afternoon, we were hot, restless and more than ready to get to the shore. Once we saw signs for New Jersey’s Garden State Parkway, the trip was back on track. At this point – with our travel rations ebbing – we started eating more like the locals. We stopped at roadway farm stands for Jersey tomatoes, peaches and Bing cherries. While childhood travel was always an adventure, there was a point – always on the way to the beach resort – where time slowed to a crawl. It was hot, the traffic didn’t move fast enough and the landscape seemed unchanged for miles. But then you noticed sand on the edge of the
Chris and Ella Peyko
roadway and the air cooled and freshened. Almost there. By nightfall, as we approached the exit at Rio Grande Avenue, our excitement rose. We were exhausted, yet exhilarated. We rolled down the car windows to feel the night air. The glow of the boardwalk could be seen in the distance. As we pulled up to the cottage, the first leg of our trip was over. We needed rest, but were almost too excited to sleep. Our first full day at the resort was always the bridge between the familiar and the new. Before the age of social media, that meant exploring the island and seeing firsthand what had changed from the previous summer. It was also the bridge between our summertime lives in Ohio and the excitement of being a Wildwood vacation family. Like most families on vacation, we had our favorite haunts and rituals. In the 1960s and 70s, that meant visiting the Marine Italian Bakery on New Jersey Avenue after a day at the beach. Although certain vacation memories have faded a little around the edges, going to the bakery for doughnuts in late afternoon has not. The bakery was housed in one of those white-washed modern buildings that heralded the post-war tourist boom in the Wildwoods. Earlier photographs show a traditional, medium-bodied brick building, but when we first saw the bakery as children, it stood blindingly white in an ample parking lot. A few large picture windows let daylight into the retail area, but by midafternoon it wasn’t direct. A screen door to the left of the bakery cases let an occasional breeze pass through. By the time we arrived, around 4 or 4:30 p.m., it was probably near day’s end. Still, some doughnuts remained in the cases. Not a lot – just enough for the six in my family, plus a few more. The doughnuts served as a small indulgence before settling in for dinner. And after a day at the beach, we
Mark C. Peyko
were ravenous. Still, as a child, I remember handling my powdered doughnut with care. Although all the bakery’s doughnuts were light and airy, the raspberryfilled were a little heavier. The first bite typically yielded a little filling or none at all, but by the second, you were in heaven. The doughnut’s filling was sweet, but not overpowering. More like a raspberry jam. And the ratio of pastry to filling always seemed perfect. That memory is over 40 years old, but it always spurs recollections of other things. How clean the bakery was, the flight of steps that led to an upstairs apartment, and the shop’s relaxed, end-of-day mood. The couple who ran the bakery seemed old and Old World. And although we were probably some of the last people they saw before closing, they never rushed us. As I get older, I wonder if I’m exaggerating the importance of that doughnut. Was it really that good? Or is it just inextricably tied to the memory of being in that bakery with my dad and siblings? Was it the individual elements or the total experience? Can they be separated? Of course not. Back at the cottage, with the daily paper spread out and damp from my bathing suit, I read the comics and patiently waited for dinner. I’m not sure if my doughnut ever lasted the ride up Rio Grande, but it doesn’t really matter.
The Peyko family vacationing in Wildwood by-the-sea, N.J.
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“Autumn. . . the year’s last lovliest smile.” ~William Bryant
5 MILES of Smiles!
Welcome Firefighters! “We’re just a Little Bar on a Big Island”
“Be mindful to be a blessing...” ~Galations 6:10
Rapunzel’s HOME OF
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Surfside West Diner waitresses showing their patriotic spirit on 4th of July: AnaLara Pedroza, Michelle Pizza, Carley Nichols, Robin Conley, Melanie Slabik and Anna Leeper, (WILDwood History: Anna has worked in this diner since it opened in 1963 as the Crestwood Diner)
Little Alexander on his special day, “Alexander’s Little Run that Could” to help raise awareness for Neuroblastoma
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Lazurus House volunteers: Rita, Frank, Kay & Jim Letton, and Rosemary. Congratulations and God’s blessings to Jim & Kay who celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary on July 6th.
WILDWOOD, NJ
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“Nostalgia makes me feel like my life has roots and continuity.” ~Constantine Sedikedes Bonnie
Memories of
Full Circle
Wildwood Villas
by Caroline Shields
Photos are of Caroline & her Grandpa and Caroline at her Grandparents summer home
1969, Wildwood Villas, grandpa is hiding
grandpa would fish. But now we played hopscotch over a minefield of horseshoe crabs and jellyfish. My mother bought a jazzy red convertible which we’d load up with all the cousins and head for the Wildwood beach. She was a summer person. Apart from enjoying the Christmas season she endured the winter, waiting impatiently to return to the Jersey shore. We would spend hours with her on the beach slathering our fair Irish skin with tanning oil while my father dozed under an umbrella. Sunburned, after dinner we would go for walks in the neighborhood. In the bushes where my grandfather used to go rabbit hunting, wild blackberries grew. I would take a few home in my beach bucket. The neon lit ice cream parlor at the top of our street had a multitude of flavors before Baskin Robbins had 52. Sometimes I would spy on the Italian family up the road. With 10 children and countless other relatives visiting, it was exciting and exotic to me. Grandpa would let me use his sickle to cut the crab grass that threatened to take over the yard. Afterward I watered petunias and pansies in grandma’s conch shell bordered garden. When my husband and I looked for our cottage in West Wildwood it was really nostalgia for my grandparent’s house that we were buying. Each year my husband crawls under the house to turn on the water. I watch him while I drink my coffee from the “Coffee Hound” And I don’t say anything. The circle is complete.
in the shed. Every summer my grandfather had to climb under his 1920’s bungalow to turn the water back on for the season. With each passing year my grandmother grew more and more frantic that he would succumb to a heart attack in the hot confines of the crawlspace. She forbade him to go under the house. Never one to ask for anyone’s help, he went ahead and did it himself. Now he just needed to change out of his dirt- stained trousers and pretend that he’d asked a neighbor. But my grandmother was no fool. The 72 year old feisty Irish woman charged from the house, the screen door slamming behind her. In her hand was her formidable black cast iron frying pan. Across the lawn ran my grandfather, wearing only his boxers and undershirt. He darted past the old crankhandled washing machine before escaping into the house. I watched grandma’s lips move in a silent curse from my spot on the wooden chaise lounge. Nothing this fun ever happened at home! My maternal grandparents came over on the boat from county Mayo, Ireland in 1917. My grandmother brought with her a handcrafted child’s chair, which she sat on for the ten-day journey to make sure it wasn’t stolen. My grandfather got a job with Atlantic oil refinery as a pump man. My grandmother was a housewife and soon after a mother producing four girls- each a year and a month apart. An only child, I loved to hear stories from my mother of the antics she and her sisters would get up to.
Most of these scenarios had the Wildwood Villas as the backdrop. They loved going to dances at the firehouse and afterward dining at Layre’s Dutch Kitchen. During a terrible storm, grandmom sprinkled holy water on the sleeping girls heads. It was only when the lights came back on that she realized she had grabbed the inkwell by mistake! Small black spatters on the front porch wall still remained many years later. My grandparents never owned an automobile. In those days people traveled to the shore by train. They were met at the station by old Mrs.Nester, who took them to the Villas in her horse- drawn carriage. We had a television, but with limited reception we spent a lot of time listening to the radio. I remember a lot of the advertising jingles for the local businesses. ”Hey Ma what’s for dinner? … Shop Rite has the answer.” “Hey Culligan Man!” “How to recognize a man from Tolz..” “Is it Frank’s? Thanks!” Grandpa would shop at Gaiss’ market for their usual meal of chicken legs, boiled potatoes and canned mixed vegetables. Grandpa was an early riser. Every morning he had coffee and oatmeal. He had a large mug with a bleary-eyed bassett on it -“Coffee Hound”. Inside it had markings on it measuring your coffee intakehalf cupper, kid sister. I can still hear the click of his spoon as he stirred powdered milk into his coffee. We didn’t swim in the bay. In her youth my mother would play softball out on the sandbar and
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“The Indian summer of life should be a little sunny and a little sad, like the season and infinite in wealth and depth of tone, but never hustled.“
~ Henry Adams
HOT OFF THE PRESS FROM 1905!
5 MILES
of Smiles! Every hour spent by the sea is happy hour.
Avery Mike & Hunter Tomlinson and furry family members
For the Wildwood lover on your gift list!
ale
as Martind
by Thom
Tomlinson Family Reunion. A fun time was had by all, especially Jeff, who was pleasantly surprised when he flew in from Florida.Mike, Jeff, Denny jr., Robin, Betsy & Denny sr. Re -P ubl ish
ed by Th e
Fiv e M ile
Ori gin ally
pub lish ed
Be ach Sun
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Take a trip back to Wildwood circa 1905! Beyond the highly developed landscape we’ve come to recognize with its condos and townhomes, motels and boardwalk, lies an obliterated landscape we can hardly imagine once existed. In Wildwood Ways and Down East Wilds, Thomas Martindale describes this dense maritime forest of innumerable wildflowers, twisted cedars, pine, and holly that put the ‘wild’ in Wildwood on this once bridgeless and solitary island. Rolling dunes of ‘sugar sand’ wrapped around the island on the east side, while marshland and bay waters bordered the west side, forging streams that once emptied into ponds and lakes deep within the ‘woods.’
Wildwood by-the-sea has a longstanding tradition of welcoming generations of families to its sandy shores to soak up the sights, the surf and, of course, stroll that infamous Boardwalk. When Matt, Arista and baby Alex fortuitously crossed paths with best friends and fellow Wildwood lovers Adam and Christy Kissick, they had the makings (ideal background scenery included) for the perfect photo op. Thanks to cell phones and social media, happy times can quickly and easily be shared, prompting professional photographer Adam, who’s taken picturesque shots of our coastal paradise over the years, to capture the “selfie-style” moment and pass it along to his Facebook followers. One such follower was Matt’s mom Kathy Boyer Maher, who happily experienced a déjà vu moment from her childhood Wildwood days and was thrilled to discover her much-loved seaside haven had found its way into the hearts of a new generation
Cloe, Gabby & Brodie had lots of summer fun in Wildwood and on the Silver Bullet!
Newly Republished for just $15. { $3. s/h } From Shoobies: (above) Shannon, Kevin, Allyson & Scott (left) Helene Shapley
John Conte of Conte’s Trattoria in Wildwood Crest getting the perfect cut at Perfect Cutz
The author writes fluidly of the area’s history, tales of wild cattle, buried pirate treasure and crabbing in Grassy Sound, as well as a chapter designated to the somber solitudes of the Maine wilderness. Since the book’s illustrations were originally created for the Philadelphia Inquirer and The (Original) Wildwood Sun, it is fitting to be republished by Dorothy Kulisek, the editor of The Five Mile Beach Sun (since 2004). She became aware of the book when first approached by Richard Dietz, a collector of local Wildwood history, to publish excerpts of this enduring Wildwood narrative in her paper. They both felt the importance of republishing for the sake of the preservation of printed materials, as well as for local interest. It will be available for purchase in many local businesses including the Hereford Lighthouse gift shop. If you live or vacation in the Wildwoods, than you will love reading Thomas Martindale’s first person perspective in which he so eloquently describes its timelessness~ sparking your imagination with sketches and photographs that are some of the island’s earliest pictorial documents. Whether it be on a beach chair, a porch rocker, or in the comforts of your home, reading Wildwood Ways and Down East Wilds will incite your love of the Wildwoods evermore.
Order with one easy click! www.SunByTheSea.com
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“There are three things I have learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin.” -Linus
Photos below from the collection of Kirk Hastings
Philip P. Baker Elementary School
d Wildwood Crest, N.J. d by Kirk Hastings
I was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1952, and I grew up in a small town called Severna Park until I was 8 years old. My parents then moved to Wildwood Crest in late January of 1961, and I entered the 3rd grade at Philip P. Baker Elementary School on Monday, February 6, 1961. My teacher was Florence M. Twiford. In the fall of that year I moved into the 4th grade under Mrs. Joanna Jensen. The school had become overcrowded by that time, and due to a lack of classrooms the building’s auditorium became our homeroom. The next year (1962) I entered the 5th grade, taught by Mrs. Ruth M. Wright. Our homeroom for that year remained the school’s auditorium. For the 6th grade (1963-64), I was transferred to the newly built Crest Memorial School, down the southern end of the Crest. In the fall of 1964 I returned to Philip Baker, entering the 7th grade under Charles J. Versaggi. In 1965 I went into the 8th grade, taught by William Porter. During my years at Philip Baker I had many other teachers, such as Mrs. Russell (English), Mrs. Widerstrom (Music), Mrs. Garrison (Science), and John B. Gourley (Gym). Jean D. Walto and Imelda R. Sheppard were the school’s secretaries, and Dr. Philip Fiscella, who was the school physician. I graduated from Philip Baker on Wednesday, June 8th, 1966. Philip P. Baker Elementary School (located between Aster and Cardinal Roads, and New Jersey Ave. and Park Blvd.) was built by Folsom, Stanton and Graham (architects), Lynn H. Boyer (associate architect), and Warren C. Runyan (builder). Named after the founder and first mayor of the borough, it opened on September 10, 1928, with a student enrollment of 15. In 1953 a new wing was added, containing 4 additional rooms. With student enrollment continuing to climb, the Crest Memorial School, was constructed in 1963, as Philip Baker had no more open ground to expand onto. Spearheaded by then School Board President James A. Batts, the new school, on St. Louis Ave. opened its doors on September 9, 1963. After an all-time high in school enrollment in 1975, the Crest student population began to decline in the late 1970s and early 1980s. With an addition planned for the Memorial School, and upkeep expenses rising on the 60-year-old Philip Baker facility, plans were made to close the older building and consolidate all students into the newer school. A public auction was held on March 29, 1988, but it
was unsuccessful. Nevertheless, on June 15, 1988, the Wildwood Crest School District vacated the Philip Baker facility for the last time. Astoundingly, in September of 1988 Philip Baker School once again reopened, this time housing handicapped students aged 10 to 14 from the Special Services School District, who had made a deal with the Crest Board of Education to lease the building for a period of 3 years while they awaited the construction of their new facility. After the contract with the Special Services School District expired in June of 1991, the Philip Baker School’s future was again up for grabs. Due to its own increasingly severe overcrowding problem, the Wildwood School District voted in the summer of 1991 to rent the Philip Baker School for a period of 2 years, using the facilities to house their overflowing 4th, 5th and 6th grade students. But by 1993 time and age had taken its toll on the Philip Baker building. No major repairs or renovations had been done on the structure since 1984, and in November of 1992 the NJ Dept. of Education recommended that the school not be used anymore. In April of 1993 the School Board resolved that, unless a “satisfactory utilization of the building” could be found before September 30, 1994, the school would have to be demolished. Despite a great deal of expressed concern by the Crest community for the fate of the historic building, no such use was found. The structure was razed between January 30th and February 3rd, 1995. However, part of the building (including the name plate and cornerstone, both of which faced Cardinal Road) was rescued from the demolition process. Those sections were set up as a small memorial that now sits directly across New Jersey Ave. from the Crest Memorial School. Two bronze plaques from the building were also saved. Today they hang in the Wildwood Crest Historical Museum, located on the Heather Road side of the Crest Pier. The large lot that the original school once rested on was subdivided, and subsequently sold. A number of single family homes were built on them. Today, walking past the location, it is hard to believe that a public school ever stood there. But for the many students (and teachers) who passed through its hallways between the years 1928 and 1988, the still-vivid memories of learning, socializing, and growing up within the walls of Philip Baker Elementary School live on.
Photos below from the collection of Donna Olsen, Philip Baker c. 1967
Pauline Prince, Jeanne Wister, Joan Malec & Donna Olsen
Ken Spatz, John Catanoso & Bob Mueller
Ed Coleman, Bill Hand, John Menz, Bill Dennis, Andy Storm, Bob Mueller, Gene Miglio, Harry Posternock & Ken Spatz
Mrs. Garrison
Ken Cruser, Mr. Donaldson & Bill Hand
Mrs. Russell
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the SUN by-the-Sea
INDIAN SUMMER 2015
“If people never did silly things, then nothing intelligent would ever get done.” ~Ludwig Wittgenstein
Nino’s
5 MILES of Smiles!
The Affordable Family Italian Restaurant
Being happy never goes out of style.
The Same great chefs! The Same friendly staff with a few new faces! New Menu for Wildwood, with all our traditional favorites Plus many more NEW Dishes to try!
Open Year Round The Original Family Restaurant
Elvis stopped by Sam’s Pizza’for a slice & a birch with Tony Spera. (time to start the Summer ‘16 countdown!)
16 S. MAIN ST., CAPE MAY COURTHOUSE
Open Daily Mon-Sat Early Birds & Dinner 3pm SUNDAY Lunch & Dinner
609-465-6300
Who’s cooler? Henri J or Kareem
Grand Opening! 423 E. MAGNOLIA & BOARDWALK RAMP WILDWOOD (formerly Groff’s)
Serving Early Birds & Dinner from 3pm
609-522-5474
FREE PARKING BOTH LOCATIONS • B.Y.O.B. • Casual Dress Call Ahead Seating • Take Out • Party Trays Available
www.ninosfamilyrestaurant.net
Angela, Steve & Dino DiRitis at Ravioli House’s newly opened Bar
Certificate of Excellence 2014-2015
Natalie & the Philly Phanatic at the Dugout Ice Cream Parlor on Magnolia Ave.
Nino & Frances Malusa
Congratulations to Nancy Latella (center celebrating her 95th birthday. She is currently residing at Brookdale Senior Living on Rt. 9. She has spent many summers in the Wildwoods and now her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren helped celebrate the special day. George and Cookie Latella reside in Wildwood Crest and get to see their family during the summer.We all have so many happy memories in the Wildwoods. This is just one more!
The Malusa family celebrate together with the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce The Nino’s family celebrated their grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on August 25, 2015 at their new location at Magnolia & the Boardwalk in Wildwood. They are happy to be back on the island after a 3 year absence due to hurricane Sandy. They begin a new era at the old Groff’s Restaurant, a 90+ year Wildwood establishment.
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“Life is better with the dog.” ~Anon.
A S ummer
in
P hotos
June 20-21, 2015
e Save th Date!
Save th e New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge D ate! October 17th - 18th , 2015
HEREFORD LIGHTHOUSE M A R I T I M E F E S T I VA L
Friends of Hereford Light Betty, Ron & Jane
Jeryl Benner smiles for The Sun
Stan Stefankiewicz and his 3 muskateers, Gavin, Brody & Gabe
Margaret & Mike Zumpino like to follow The Sun :-) Mary & Dutchman
Pastors Bryce & Milt representing the Children’s Fresh Air Home
Georgeann the masseuse and Les, friend of the lighthouse and event organizer Dr. Mace babies & sisters, Lana & Carol Turner Ravioli House girls: Linda, Ariana, Anna, Sue & Theresa Capt. Lucky with Floss Stingel, the iconic Voice of the Tram Car
Steve Murray & former summer intern, Nicole Bryce & Mackenzie Woerner with their Bell
Kaitlyn & Tara >> Richard Dietz & son, Richard
Deb Moore
Karen Boehme & Indy
INDIAN SUMMER 2015
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the SUN by-the-Sea
“No one could write truthfully about the sea and leave out the poetry.” ~Rachel Carson
5 MILES of Smiles! I think I’ll just be happy today
TIME TOGETHER
The Sun found its way to Disney in sunny Florida courtesy of the Rowan family... Here are Pluto, Tommy, Nikki, Joey, Goofy & Tom Kathleen Blinebury made sure to take her Sun to Alaska this summer just in case
Sarah Murray and Mark Wilkins enjoyed their first summer as Wildwood home owners. Here they are catching up on the latest Sun! Congratulations on your recent engagement!! Stephen Newman chose July 3, 2015 on 15th St. beach to pop the question to Caitlyn McCloskey. She said Yes! An Oct. '17 beach wedding is being planned.
No matter what the weather, Don’t forget to pack The Sun !
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Sheila Albanese, Dr Sean Mach & Pat Lare with their favorite paper while sitting poolside at their North Wildwood condo
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the SUN by-the-Sea
“If people concentrated on the important things in life, there would be a shortage of fishing poles.” ~Anon.
Grassy Sound Marina
13 Old N Wildwood Blvd., North Wildwood, NJ 08260
Grassysoundmarina.com (609) 846-1400 Boat Rentals • Boat Slips • Fishing & Crabbing Pier
FALL FISHING AT IT’S FINEST! Visit us online & Keep Current Weekly Fishing Report Local Tide Tables Shop for Unique Gifts! Follow us
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“Shark mania had my grandchildren convinced that behind every wave in the surf, lurked a killer shark.“
Landan Davis & Julianne Schmidt (left), and Gabe Schmidt (right) on a summer fishing trip with their grandfather, Capt. Gary
Live by the tides. . . Love by the moon . . .
Wishin’ for Good fishin’ with CAPT.
GARY SLOAN
Hello and Welcome Fellow Anglers,
“
The summer season is flowing faster than a full moon ebb tide. As you read this article, summer will still have some time before the official season ends. Our local residents consider Labor Day as the real end of summer. I would consider this summer one of the worst for me in regards to fishing. I know some beautiful fish came across the gunnels this year, but the size limits had me throwing back 99% of my fish. The constant wind seemed to finally back off in the middle of July thru August. This helped the flounder fishing catches but the keeper ration was terrible. Seems like Atlantic City and above had a more consistent bite. The Delaware Bay after the Spring Drum fish run turned into a no fish zone. The back bays provided some action on small Fluke, Blues, and Stripers. The larger Weakfish that appeared this spring disappeared once summer arrived. The boat traffic spooks them to a nocturnal pursuit. The offshore fishing reports suggested a fine summer with Mahi, Tuna, and Sharks. The canyon fishing should stay healthy thru the fall if the weather stays calm. If we are lucky the mosquito fleet hopefully will have some action on Tuna at the 19th Fathom Lump. It’s still a 35 mile run for a small boat. Past Fluke seasons in the month of September was the prime time for big fish.
Landan & Elijah Davis with grandfather Capt. Gary
I loved watching them become excited about nature and the lesson of conservation by releasing them back to the wild.
“
The last few seasons the fluke seemed to move early with some late season weather systems. Maybe we will get lucky and have a grand finish to this year’s season for fluke. Unfortunately, after fluke season closes in late September, there will be little left to fish for, due to the restrictive regulations and closed seasons. Our big hope will be that the Stripers will come early and with good numbers. Keeping in touch with local tackle stores and boat captains for updated reports can help your success. The back waters hold small stripers and weakfish all summer during the dawn or dusk magic time. The ocean run of stripers have been late the past few years. I turned the tables on the shark hype this year. Shark mania had my grandchildren convinced that behind every wave in the surf, lurked a killer shark. On a windy August day, I took 4 of my grandchildren fishing. The wind was blowing northeast a solid 25mph. We found refuge by Higbee’s beach in the Delaware Bay. After watching several pods of Dolphin, they all experienced the opportunity to catch sharks..(photos). It was hardly the monster thought to be everywhere, but perfect to teach the reality of the many fish which exist in the eco-system of the Delaware Bay. I had some good laughs with the reactions when they got to hold the sharks for a personal release. I loved watching them become excited about nature and the lesson of conservation by releasing them back to the wild. I wish you all luck with the Fall season of fishing and the greatest show on earth provided by Mother Nature. The foliage of October carries a spiritual message that humbles me to the core. Take time to embrace the message of Mother Nature and the blessings that abound for us living in this part of the world. God bless,
Captain Gary Sloan, North Wildwood, NJ
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INDIAN SUMMER 2015
“The secret to having it all is realizing you already do.” ~Salt Life
casual family dining
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“There’s a time for departure even when there’s no certain place to go.” ~Tennesee Williams
HoffmaN. agency inc real estate
We know what matters 6301 Pacific Ave. Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260 609.522.8177 Fax: 609.523.0472 www.hoffmanwildwoodcrest.com REDUCED
WEST SIDE CREAMPUFF. Just unpack and watch sunsets from the front porch of this 3 BR, 2 Bath totally updated home with gas heat and AC. Wildwood Crest $399,900.
CENTER HALL COLONIAL NEAR BEACH. 5 BR, 2.5 Bath home w/HW Fl, Kit, DR,spacious LR. Large rear yard beckons to memory-making enthusiasts. Wildwood Crest $695,000.
MAINTENANCE FREE. 3 BR, 2 Bath 1st Fl unit near Inlet has spacious Living/Dining area, tile Kit, new AC and vinyl.fiberglass exterior. Anglesea $279,900.
A New Season. . . Fresh Beginnings
SUPERSIZED DUPLEX. 3 BR, 2 Baths on 1st Fl; 2 BR & Bath on 2nd Fl. Beautiful home on Lg lot has separate meters. Close to beach & Bay. Wildwood Crest $429,000.
DISTINCTIVE & SPOTLESS. 3 BR, 2 Bath condo totally redone. Gas FP in Great Rm, granite & tile in Kitchen. Craftsmanship everywhere. Wildwood Crest $354,900.
UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWS. 1 BR & Bath unit in beachfront complex with all amenities, onsite property management. Move right in! Wildwood Crest $189,900.
OCEANFRONT RESIDENCE. Live your dream in this 3 BR, 2 Bath amenity-rich condominium with open floor plan and spectacular unobstructed ocean view. Wildwood Crest $729,900.
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. Ambiance and ocean views, anyone? Immaculate 3 BR, 2 Bath corner condo defines upscale, gracious living. Wildwood Crest $975,000.
RENEWED RANCH. 2 BR & spacious Bath home near Delaware Bay has laminate floors throughout, new Kitchen, large closets, fenced yard. Villas $132,500.
ELEGANCE PERSONIFIED. Luxurious 5 BR, 3.5 Bath professionally designed home leaves no room for improvement. Custom showcase 2 blocks to beach. Incredible. Wildwood Crest $719,000.
EXCELLENT RENTAL HISTORY. 3 BR 1.5 Bath home with 1 BR & Bath Apt. Peak season rental, family use too. Best of both worlds. Wildwood Crest $379,000.
ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY. 4 BR, 4 Bath, 3 level Townhome has everything you could want and then some. Gas FP, sliders to deck, the works! Wildwood Crest $619,000.
Exceptional Homes. . . Ocean included