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Post by thelastresort on May 19, 2006 13:47:14 GMT -5
Turns out, it was actually one of the very first motels on the island. It was also, according to the previous owner, one of Frank Sinatra's favorite places to stay in the Wildwoods during the 50s. That's funny, I remember back in the early 90's (pre-Internet days), someone told me that the Rat Pack used to stay at places like the Eden Roc, Carousel, and some others on a regular basis. Like you would walk down the street in 1959 and see Dean Martin sitting by the pool with a bunch of girls. I thought the guy was just BSing me, but then when I started doing some Internet research on these places over the last 5 years or so, I see it was true!! amazing. I wonder if they used to have the whole motel to themselves with their friends, family and entourage, or if they mingled in with the regular guests?
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Post by Al Alven on May 19, 2006 14:06:02 GMT -5
It is amazing.
When I started learning more about the Wildwoods of the 50s and 60s (let's call it the "Little Vegas" era), I was blown away by information like this.
I mean, these motels have always been treasures (actually, more like "old friends") to me, but I never previously understood their collective historical (not to mention architectural) value.
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Post by thelastresort on May 19, 2006 14:38:10 GMT -5
It is amazing. When I started learning more about the Wildwoods of the 50s and 60s (let's call it the "Little Vegas" era), I was blown away by information like this. I mean, these motels have always been treasures (actually, more like "old friends") to me, but I never previously understood their collective historical (not to mention architectural) value. I hear ya, and honestly, not to sound overly dramatic, but I think that seeing them fall one by one every year, to me, is painful, like a Chinese water torture of sorts, death by a 1000 cuts....
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Post by DooWopStuff on May 19, 2006 15:16:26 GMT -5
Looks like the Eden Roc had neon on two sides of the building and a bunch of smaller sign also. This is one of our old images. Looks like the late 50's. Someone who can knows cars will tell me if I'm wrong.
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Post by hulk007 on May 19, 2006 18:37:28 GMT -5
The Tangiers Motel is still standing and in great shape! How come its on the gone but not forgotten page.
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Post by hulk007 on May 19, 2006 18:39:00 GMT -5
This place is not going anywhere from what I have heard.
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Post by crazyaboutwildwood on May 19, 2006 21:18:14 GMT -5
This place is not going anywhere from what I have heard. My mistake. I almost put Grecian gardens on there too and thats still around. Anyway, Sorry, maybe my next thread i will post Still standing motels? There is so many. I get lost sometimes
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Post by hulk007 on May 20, 2006 22:22:55 GMT -5
Is Grecian Gardens a condo conversion or does in still operate as a motel?
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Post by skuakid on May 22, 2006 10:50:00 GMT -5
Turns out, it was actually one of the very first motels on the island. It was also, according to the previous owner, one of Frank Sinatra's favorite places to stay in the Wildwoods during the 50s. That's funny, I remember back in the early 90's (pre-Internet days), someone told me that the Rat Pack used to stay at places like the Eden Roc, Carousel, and some others on a regular basis. Like you would walk down the street in 1959 and see Dean Martin sitting by the pool with a bunch of girls. I thought the guy was just BSing me, but then when I started doing some Internet research on these places over the last 5 years or so, I see it was true!! amazing. I wonder if they used to have the whole motel to themselves with their friends, family and entourage, or if they mingled in with the regular guests? My father has told me stories about how all these big name stars from that era would play the WW's. They would do 4 or 5 shows a day. thingy Clark would be down there all summer with dance parties on the Boardwalk. There was a dance hall where the Hot Spot is (I don't remember the name of it). I saw an interview with thingy Clark where he said he had big stars in Philly to do AB, and he would convince them to head to the WW to make an appearance. The part I find more amazing is that the ocean used to reach the boardwalk. You can barely see the waves break from some parts. HURRAY!!! This post changed my status to Jr Member. My jacket size is a XXL, and my fez size is 7 7\8. I will look forward to their arrival.
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Post by FlyinGN on May 22, 2006 12:03:31 GMT -5
by the cars.. its looks a little later then that. Maybe 63?? Looks like the Eden Roc had neon on two sides of the building and a bunch of smaller sign also. This is one of our old images. Looks like the late 50's. Someone who can knows cars will tell me if I'm wrong.
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Post by FlyinGN on May 22, 2006 12:04:20 GMT -5
skua, it was called the starlight ballroom
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Post by skuakid on May 22, 2006 12:13:40 GMT -5
skua, it was called the starlight ballroom Thanks!! That was it. Wildwood Days is the docu I saw with thingy Clark. I'm sure everyone here has seen this. If not, you have to check it out. It was released in Nov 2004 so some of the motels featured in it may be gone now.
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Post by DooWopStuff on May 22, 2006 12:54:55 GMT -5
by the cars.. its looks a little later then that. Maybe 63?? Looks like the Eden Roc had neon on two sides of the building and a bunch of smaller sign also. This is one of our old images. Looks like the late 50's. Someone who can knows cars will tell me if I'm wrong. From the other images that were with this picture, I just guessed on the date. The motel room photographs have some very old TV shows playing on the TV. Thanks
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Post by thelastresort on May 22, 2006 23:41:20 GMT -5
by the cars.. its looks a little later then that. Maybe 63?? Looks like the Eden Roc had neon on two sides of the building and a bunch of smaller sign also. This is one of our old images. Looks like the late 50's. Someone who can knows cars will tell me if I'm wrong. I think you're right, I recall speaking to someone a few years ago about some of the motels in that general area, like which was was the oldest, etc., and I think they mentioned that the Eden Roc was the oldest in that general vicinity, but the part on Atlantic (the big part with the signs) was added in like 1965 or so. if my memory serves me correctly. Incidentally, it's amusing that this board automatically substitutes "bad" words with other words, evidently, it wont let Skuakid say "D-ck Clark"! it substitutes the word "thingy" for "D-ck" minga!
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Post by Al Alven on May 23, 2006 8:23:55 GMT -5
Thanks for posting the photo, Eric.
It's neat to see an image of the Eden Roc during its prime. The motel has seen better days, for sure. It's still not in bad shape, per se, but I don't think it's being kept up as well as it should be.
Inspect the property close up, and you'll see what I mean.
The Eden Roc is another one of those places that is quite unique, and could really benefit from the "Caribbean" treatment.
It could be another "flagship" entity for the Wildwoods with the proper level of TLC, I believe.
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