Doo Wop "Street Teams"

[Al Alven]

I wonder if the DWPL would be interested in creating various “street teams,” as in recruiting people from outside the Wildwoods who might be interested in spreading the word about Doo Wop preservation (in various ways) to their local communities.

This could entail many things. Perhaps, handing out flyers at local events or writing letters/articles about the DWPL/Wildwood issues in neighborhood newspapers. Or thinking up other ways to drum up interest, support and/or awareness.

For instance, Frank and I could work as part of a Philadelphia-based DWPL unit. We could function, perhaps, as an “unofficial” branch of the league, working in various ways to get the word out here.

Could be a way to help draw interest (and potential future Doo Wop investors) from outside of the Wildwoods, as funkychic suggested a short while ago.

Just a thought… What do you guys think about something like this?

[AnthonyV]

Al:

We're thinking the same way!

I've been doing this for the last 5-6 years any way I possibly can.

[Al Alven]

That’s great to hear, Anthony!

I guess I’ve been doing the same for years, “shilling” the Wildwoods in any way I can in an “unofficial” capacity.

My thinking is that if the DWPL can provide us with a limited amount of resources (bumper stickers, brochures, other things to hand out, etc.), we might be able to make more of a dent.

What funkychic said in a previous post really made an impression on me. Perhaps the future of the Wildwoods lies in part with “outside” investors, potential preservationalists who have yet to be exposed to the island and its many remaining treasures/cultural history.

Thinking “outside the box” (or, in this case, “outside of the island’s confines”) may be the way to go. Doo Wop awareness can only go so far within the Wildwoods themselves, considering the island’s geographical limitations and its nature as a resort town.

Funkychic is a great example of an outside party who found out about the resort by chance, and fell in love with it. I am sure there are many potential investors like her who are out there, and just need to be introduced/educated about the Wildwoods.

At the same time, I am sure that drumming up more awareness in places like Philly and New York could spike the interest of many who have been visiting the Wildwoods for years, but are simply unaware of the severity of the situations that currently plague the island.

The creation of additional “branches” just might be another way to help get the word out!

[AnthonyV]

Al,

Unlike many residents on this island, I applaud and cherish those families who still decide to vaction every summer in the Wildwoods. They could go to other places I'm sure but they continue to visit Wildwood probably for the same reason you and a lot of others here have come here for years.

I've never dreaded what the more snobby residents of this island call the "yearly invasion of outsiders." I often make sure I let these people know that those outsiders help keep the taxes as low as they are on this entire island and they should be made to feel welcome rather than "invaders" who have no right to be here.

They seem to conveniently forget that this island was built with the intent to attract vactioners and visitors probably more so than it was created for year-round residents!

Thank you for your love, interest, and dedication to the Wildwoods. I'd gladly move away from most of these elitist snobs around me just to live next door to one genuine person like yourself and others who frequent this forum.

Please just keep on doing what you are doing and know that I respect and apreciate your efforts in trying to save this island from what's become a major situation lately. If one motel can be saved from these efforts than other motles might have some sort of a chance to last a little longer.

[MMM]

I may live in Lodi, New Jersey, but my heart is with the Wildwoods. When I'm there for an extended stretch (say for a week) instead just a day or so, I still find it hard to leave - I've been that way all my life and have never "grown out of it", and I never want to.

Saving one motel... does anyone want to help get me financing, etc. to buy (and restore/renovate) The Singapore?

[FlyinGN]

great idea Al.. Ill help in any way that I can!!

Frank

[MaryH]

I think the street teams is a great idea! On the oldies radio station where I live, at night they have the Doo Wop Sock Hop, and every once in a while I hear ads for these "car cruises". These clubs take their classic cars and go for drives and they usually end up someplace with a 50's - 60's theme like a restaurant or an ice cream parlor. Now if I did have some flyers promoting Doo Wop Wildwood, I could easily call the meeting place for one of these car cruises and see about dropping some flyers off. Plus flyers could be left at other oldies themed restaurants. We have a pizza parlor that still has car service! After you park, you flash your lights, and the waitress will come out to your car to take your order. They put the tray of food on your window, just like they did back in the fifties! LOL We also have one of those doo wop themed McDonald's. They have Elvis record sleeves all over the walls, and the round tables look like '45 records. I love going in there just for the look of the place. So there is another possible drop off place for some flyers. So what do you all think? Basically any one of us could do this where we live. The worst these places could tell us is to take a hike! LOL

[AnthonyV]

The local AM station up here in Northern Jersey (WMTR a new oldies station playing nothing but music from the '50s and EARLY '60s)) also plays the same Doo Wop format most evenings...I just tried to contact them to see if they'd be interested in doing some "live" remotes from Wildwood this summer to help get the word out...They usually always answer so I'll just wait for their answer before I pass it along.

[momto2]

I do think it's a good idea. We should also try to keep this message at the top (bump) so all newbies can see it too and maybe we can get a task force started.
;D

[funkychic]

I'll be in Wildwood the weekend of May 6th for the Caribbean's grand re-opening party (I designed their new "Doo Wop" rooms). I'm interested in joining a street team while in town--whatever I can do. I've also been thinking about writing letters to philanthropic organizations to request that they consider donating money to owners to restore motels if they sign a promise that the motel will remain a motel--or put it on the National Register of Historic Buildings. In other words, grant writing--Jackie Kennedy Onassis saved Grand Central. We might have to outreach to people who have the money to buy these buildings who don't have to make a living from them.

[Al Alven]

I really feel that the formation of various “street teams” could be a worthwhile endeavor.

I plan on writing to a couple different members of the DWPL over the next few days to formally propose such an idea.

I agree with everything funkychic has stated (here and previously) about the importance of reaching out to investors outside of the Wildwoods, and “educating” those who do not know or fully understand the history of the island.

By establishing different “branches” (official units of the DWPL or otherwise) of the league, perhaps we can help draw more attention and potential investors to the Wildwoods.

Once established, each “team” could work out various roles for its branch members. One member, for instance, could focus on grant writing (as funky chic mentioned). Another could look toward ways to get the DWPL’s mission out to the media. Etc., etc., etc….

[wildwanderer]

Great idea Wouldn't it be nice if we could even do more by investing in a hotel that is on the chopping block. Say all members of our chat board. Getting a Doo Wop investment going. I am a business owner and I am sure there are others like me who would love to own a piece of history. Every one could share the love of Wildwood and really do something meaningful instead of watching the nouveau riche take over. I've seen what this can do to a community and it isn't pretty.

[wildre]

I'm game. Give us something productive to do during the long cold winter. Grant writting is a big part of it, bet the DWPL knows a few who can fit the bill?

re

[momto2]

I'll do whatever I can. How about bumper stickers or something like that as well??

[momto2]

Also getting some of the hotels involved as well. They can have little pamplets in the lobby about keeping WW non condo. It will help their business out as well.