When I was a Kid...

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Ward County Notary Services

... I remember having a lot of fun on the Steel Pier. I remember that they boasted that it went a mile out into the ocean, today I am thinking that was very exaggerated.

My Mom was from Atlantic City and we would go visit Grandma and Grandpa about every four years. I remember that the game of Monopoly was based on Atlantic City and that the Miss America Pageant used to be held on Steel Peer at one time although I never saw one live.

What Who I have seen at the Steel Pier is The Supremes (with Diana Ross before she got a big head), Tommy Roe and the Shondells ( about the time "Dizzy" cane out), and last of all but far from least The Rolling Stones (about the time the LP "Let it Bleed" and Jumpin Jack Flash was released).

My Uncle owned several Hallmark stores in Atlantic City including one on the Boardwalk. He did very well and is still alive today (in his 90's) and travels cross country to see his daughter in San Francisco often.

I will always love The Boardwalk and Saltwater Taffy. I also remember that when the Mafia left Atlantic City my Grandfather said "there goes the neighborhood" and he was right. When gambling came to AC he and many others hoped the Mafia would come back. "There is no police force like the mob" he would say. "When they owned this town petty criminals ended up in the ocean with cement overshoes". He was correct, the mob never returned and "if you don't stick the heavy tourist area you are a fool" says my Uncle.

Atlantic City was certainly a gem when I was a kid and even now, 50+ years later, I love the memories it gave me.

I am not sure why I am sharing this memory with you but it was a fun one for me.

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Comments (9)

Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

A lot of us would find places to play and then just like explore and you would have to make your own fun kind of

Oct 25, 2022 08:14 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Thank you Laura Cerrano . I remember many days and times of making our own fun as a kid. There were many kids my same age in the neighborhood and we played a lot of games and pulled plenty of shenanigans.😊

Oct 25, 2022 08:19 AM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

I do not know why either, but I am glad you did.  It was a fun and interesting story.  I would have loved to see the Rolling Stones at that time and place!

Oct 25, 2022 08:27 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

It was great Ray Henson . I was at the perfect age and the Stones were that "Bad Boy" band that my Dad would say "it will never last". Good old Mic and the boys are still making great music today.

Oct 25, 2022 08:52 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

That top photo is a testament to the grandeur Atlantic City had in your kid days, Bob.  I've not seen anything so grand.

Oct 25, 2022 04:47 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Bob, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!  

Oct 25, 2022 04:52 PM
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

"RealMan" I don't believe you're allowed to mention Steel Pier without at least giving some credit to their famous diving horses. The casinos treated me well and also the many events there from about 1958 to 1977. 

Oct 25, 2022 06:03 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Bob- our friends who live in Avalon, NJ in the summer took us once to AC. We had so much fun and I got to see The Golden Boys...Fabian, Frankie Avalon a Bobby Rydell. 

Oct 25, 2022 07:30 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Hi Bob... somehow I forgot your Mother was from Atlantic City. I know it well... I used to spend my summers in Ocean City, where my mother lived in the late 60's and early 70's. It was a very different place back then. My brother has owned a home in Ocean City for 40 years and has retired there. 

Oct 26, 2022 05:27 AM