The Appeal of Wildwood

[thelastresort]

This has been touched on from time to time in the posts.

To sum it up, especially for us who remember WW in the 70's and before, I think we view WW so fondly because it reminds us not only of our youth, but it also represents a period reminiscent of the sunset of American innocence. I realize the 70's was after Vietnam, and the so-called "cultural revolution" and all that, but until recently, WW somehow managed to hold onto a past that pre-dated all of that. At least for me, with the exception of what became of Hunt's Pier in the late 80's/early 90's, the town essentially remained "unchanged" to a large degree. So every year, it was indeed, like getting in the Doc Brown time machine and taking a trip back. It was a reminder of the day before we had to get everything "now", before we were "moving at the speed of business" (how I hate that term), and before TV could not let us rest for even 30 seconds to watch the credits at the end of a show, but instead, must bombard us with commercials as to "what's coming next" (another one of my pet peeves).

Anyway, I could go on for an hour. Maybe if I grew up going to Ocean City, MD, or Dewey, or Rehoboth, or one of the other places, I would feel the same way about them. But I wonder, I just think WW had a certain feel that the others didn't have, and now it's mostly been lost. As much as the new rides are cool, they are just another example of modern America, fast fast fast.

Or perhaps it is all relative? I recall seeing "Twilight Zone" episodes (e.g., A Stop at Willoughby) about how a businessman was complaining about the fast-paced pressure and wanted to go back to a place in the 1880's where he could "slow down and live his live full measure", and that episode was from 1960! God, what would he think of it today?

[mickeyfinz]

WOW, u really hit it on the head. I have been going dwn to NW, having had several homes, duplexes and now a condo on Surf, I still get that "slow down" feeling. Although there's no longer a "Club 18, or Wreck Room and a lot of the motels are gone (some were about to fall down), the beach, the boards, the water is all reminescent of times remembered. The most important thing, I think, is the people that vacation there. The neighborhhods of Philly and SJ (Fishtown, Port Richmond, 2 Street)...if they stop coming down either by getting priced out or just get tired of the govt BS, THEN the WW's are lost forever.
Planning has to take into account WHO makes the town the way it is in the summer. WW has calmed itself down a lot (still has a ways to go) and NW by centralizing the bar district has made great strides in "quality of life" improvements...but DON'T LOSE THE PEOPLE!!
Again...Great Post!

[Captain Phil]

Great post lastresort! You too mickeyfinz. Your right about the people. If you loose them you will loose the island forever.

[Al Alven]

I whole-heartedly agree with everything stated so far. Great thread idea, lastresort, and a really thoughtful follow-up post, mickeyfinz!

This is the most bittersweet time of year for me, and I suspect many others feel the same way. The summer is winding down fast, and while there is still some time left, many of the things and aspects of the Wildwood we look forward to all year will soon fall into a state of slumber.

As I’ve gotten older (in other words, since my school days ended), I’ve come to really appreciate the fall and even winter months much more. But, there is something about the magic of the summertime and the Wildwoods at its peak that cannot be beat.

Every year around this time, I get pretty emotional. I also find myself trying to pinpoint the essence of exactly what it is that defines the Wildwoods’ appeal to me. I guess, like lastresort, a lot of it has to do with the “age of innocence” aspect.

Though, having been born in ’78, I obviously have no memory of the Wildwood that many reminisce about here. My memories started in the 80s, a supposed “down time” for the resort that many people do not look back favorably upon. But, those were my “glory years.”

The fact that the island experienced very few instances of radical change for many years, from the time when my parents were kids to just a few years ago, really, was remarkable, and certainly gave the Wildwoods an “eternally familiar” aura.

So much has changed, but the “appeal” remains. I can only hope that my two-year-old son will grow up with the same sense of wonderment and passion for the Wildwoods that I have. And, I hope the same can be said for the next and future generations of visitors to the island as well.

As mickeyfinz noted, in the final analysis, Wildwood is all about the people. The way I phrase it might sound corny, but I think it’s true. The true tradition is the tradition of returning to vacation on the island year after year, and we can only hope that this link is never broken.

[nance]

For me, Wildwood holds many fond memories as a child; a child from the 50's and 60's. Nothing will ever bring back all those wonderful memories of going to the "shore" every single summer. The motels weren't really the greatest then, but, as kids, we didn't care. We just couldn't wait to get on the boardwalk and get into the ocean! Life was so much more simpler then. You appreciated things more and just doing little things as a family made you happy. As a child, when I looked at some of the "newer" motels; I thought only the rich stayed there. Now who would stay at a place with no air-conditioning?? Heaven forbid! You certainly don't want to sweat while you're there! Everything today has a dollar sign attached to it. But even though we didn't have much money then, it was just the excitement of being there! The smells, the lights, the noise; I really, really miss those days. And when I had my children, I just couldn't wait to take them to Wildwood. The excitement was just as strong; knowing I was making memories for them, and hopefully their children, too.

[FlyinGN]

Im on the same boat as Al right now. I do not like this tiem of year. The summer is winding down.. so very sad. Al-- just wait til your my age. It gets worse with age bud!!

And like others said. Nothing will replace the memories as a child in WW. And our Son are making these exact same memoroes right now. In fact Il bet when hes on this board in 20 years he was be saying that the BEST time in WW was in the 2000's.. right now.. I sure hope so..

[cutietnj]

Yes it is sad that the summer and my Wildwood vacation literally flew by. I have to start going into my classroom and getting it ready for the new school year - which after having all this time off really stinks. My computer room has been slowly turned into the Wildwood/beach room - which I add new things to it each year.
It helps me get through the cold winter just thinking that summer will return and another trip to WW is on the way!

[wildre]

This time of year is certainly always bitter sweet for me. While we still have a few more weeks of (hopefully) great beach/board weather, the pace has already slowed down, fewer vacationers, more available parking. To me while late August signals the end of summer is near, it's also my favorite "season".
Even if the jack hammers and tile cutters are making my "paradise" sound like a war zone, I'll take it!

re

[ContessaAnisha]

My favorite time is soon to start! No offence to those that are bummed out by the end of the season, but I really am looking forward to the Autumn season. This is the real laid-back time. There is stilll plenty to do right up til the middle of October. There are way less people, so lines at all the eateries and amusements are mostly gone...and the Ocean is still warm enough to enjoy.

I guess I'm just a Child of Autumn.

[wildwood4life]

I hear ya Anisha....I love the fall and even the Winter in Wildwood almost as much as I like the summer....but unlike others, I'm fortunate enough to have the chance to be in Wildwood frequently in the off season.

[thelastresort]

As much as I like our annual trip down the shore in September, I tend to prefer the one in June. I just hate the thought of winter coming, the cold, the darkness, etc.

I just discovered the boardwalk webcam this past year, and what really made me smile this spring was that evening back in May when I saw the lights on for the first time after seeing months and months of darkness watching that orangy fringe blowing in the wind....

[mickeyfinz]

The way the sun makes the ocean twinkle in the fall, the cool mornings, the fishermen on the beach, the kids lined up at St Ann's, the red lights on "blink", the adds for "Super Sunday", parking spaces, touch football games in the 8th St field, Irish Festival...all part of what makes the WW's the great place it is in the Fall. Seasons change, some buildings will be gone when we all come back next spring, some restaurants will be gone, or have new owners and some new ones will pop up too...it all makes for one of the truly great spots. Combine the people, affordabliity, atmosphere and about a 2 hour drive away and where we can all "slow down", relax and be "young" again, while introducing that special feeling to our kids and grand kids!!!

[FlyinGN]

god.. you guys are depressing me!!! Its true,. When we all enjoy summer again so much will be different. No slide, more hotels will be gone.. *sigh*

[fuzzyscorpio]

wildre said:

To me while late August signals the end of summer is near, it's also my favorite "season".

Amen to that. Our traditional week in the Crest was always the last week in August including Labor Day. The water was warm and we enjoyed almost invariably fantastic beach weather, except for maybe an afternoon or two of pesky biting bay flies. The Wildwoods will be tugging at my sleeve as that week draws near for as long as I live, I'm sure.

Even if the jack hammers and tile cutters are making my "paradise" sound like a war zone, I'll take it!

I sincerely hope the worst of that is over in North Wildwood, Marie.

alalven said:

Every year around this time, I get pretty emotional.

I think I know the feelings you’re referring to, and once again I’m comforted by such a familiar chord being struck by someone of your generation. This month has a poignancy for me that is hard to put into words, but I think the key word is “Wildwood.” The “algia” part of "nostalgia" means pain, and it throbs in August.

The special significance of the last week of August when I was growing up, of course, was its being the run-up to a new school year. As I walked the beach and the boards my head was always buzzing with ruminations and my heart bursting with both excitement and apprehension about this new beginning just around the corner. More than any other week of the year, it was full of hope and joie de vivre.

I also find myself trying to pinpoint the essence of exactly what it is that defines the Wildwoods’ appeal to me. I guess, like lastresort, a lot of it has to do with the “age of innocence” aspect… The fact that the island experienced very few instances of radical change for many years, from the time when my parents were kids to just a few years ago, really, was remarkable, and certainly gave the Wildwoods an “eternally familiar” aura.

Exactly.

As I was sitting on the beach in Wildwood early last Sunday evening a couple of guys about my age showed up with their gear, apparently having just arrived for a visit and wanting to grab at least a bit of beach time. They chatted about their families and who else they were expecting that night, and one said, “The kids are funny about the beach. They never want to come, but once they do, they’re here all day.” Then they got to talking about various buildings and the oceanfront. Finally the same guy said, “You know, you could come down here any time… 1950, 1980 or 2000, and it would always be the same. And I think that’s kind of neat.”

I felt a pang, of course, on hearing that remark, for reasons we all know too well, but I bit my tongue.

[nance]

Well, maybe the beaches will always be the same but there will be changes no matter where you go. Guess that's progress, I don't know.