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The Wildwoods – A Modern Day Tribute to the 1950’s
by Jennifer Dickinson
When I visited Wildwood, New Jersey, I was in my bliss.
Everything felt really familiar to me. Although I was born in 1971, I
have always been a 1950’s aficionado. Little did I realize I could
step back in time less than three hours away from home.
Although Wildwood had been a destination for many years prior,
it is a place that embraces the 1950’s. It has become a Doo Wop
capital because of the birth of many musical acts that emerged from
there. Did you know that Bill Haley and The Comets debuted their hit
“(We’re Gonna) Rock Around The Clock” in Wildwood’s HofBrau Hotel in
1954?
Tony Bennett also performed in the city often during the 50’s.
And in 1960, Chubby Checker performed “The Twist” at the Rainbow Club,
and introduced the accompanying famous dance which eventually stirred
a national craze on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand less than a month
later. So although Cleveland has proclaimed itself “The Birthplace of
Rock and Roll”, Wildwood now has reason to challenge that city to the
title.
What is visible too when one enters Wildwood is its ode to the
1950’s via Doo Wop Architecture. In other words, buildings with the
feel of the 1950’s and 1960’s with fascinating and lively construction
some reminiscent of “The Jetson’s”, intricate neon signs,
astro turf, Tiki Bars, and fake palm trees around the pools and motels
with retro names such as “Lollipop”, “Stardust”, “Ocean Sands” and
“Quebec”. Many retro Wildwood lodgings, most built from 1956 through
1970, allow families a chance to experience reasonable and local
accommodations by the ocean and boardwalk with a faraway feel.
Sadly, many of these motels are in great danger. Because of the
pull of the market for more updated and expensive real estate, many
have met their fate with the wrecking ball to make way for modern
hotels and condominiums. However groups including the National Trust
have recognized this plight and are working to encourage support. This
can be as simple as staying at an establishment there or as complex as
actually rescuing and refurbishing buildings that are for sale.
There are plenty of themed places to visit as well including
eateries. One can even take a Doo Wop Trolley Tour of city landmarks.
And coming soon is the Doo Wop Museum which will be housed in the
former pinwheel shaped Surfside Restaurant. The museum will contain
relics of past motels and restaurants in their indoor museum as well
as a “neon sign garden”. An outdoor bandstand will also be a draw for
concerts, entertainment and visitors.
Wildwood is also celebrated through many events such as car
show weekends, musical tributes, 50’s and 60’s weekends, bus and
walking tours, and lectures and documentaries about the city.
If you’re looking to salute the 1950’s, explore the links below
and then visit The Wildwoods for a time that, like that great decade,
you soon won’t forget.
http://www.wildwoodnj.org/hotels.asp
http://www.nationaltrust.org/11most/doo_wop.html
http://www.doowopusa.org/
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