As a kid, I spent many a summer at the Wildwood beach and boardwalk in New Jersey, playing Fascination and dodging the tram car. I came across this great nine minute video from 1986 that really captures the essence of the Wildwood boardwalk (even if they do miss Ed’s Funcade, Ed’s Funcade Too, and Fascination). Particularly interesting is all of the on-ride footage from the piers. I had completely forgotten about the extremely un-PC “Jungleland” (1:37-2:15) and the roller coaster with the cool swirly tunnel (4:40-4:55) that could easily give riders vertigo. Even those who have never been to Wildwood may be able to appreciated the 1980s New Jersey fashion of “high hair, short skirts” which can still be seen in many areas of south Jersey today.
While I’m looking forward to getting back to Wildwood this year, this video is holding me over, bringing childhood memories flooding back.
Posted in Childhood Memories
Mike July 17, 2007, 7:48 pm
Same ‘Watch the tram car’ recording from when I was there as a child…probably over 15 years ago now. I don’t know if that’s good, or sad. I’m leaning towards sad…
Sarah P :) July 18, 2007, 1:18 am
Watch the tram car please!
Dave Walls July 18, 2007, 8:37 pm
Nah, the tram car is CLASSIC. Even when they hit that “Watch the Tram Car, Please” button 50 times in a row, so it sounds like she has a stuttering problem. “W-W-W-W-W-Watch…”
Simply put, Wildwood, NJ is an experience unlike any other. It feels miles away from the rest of the universe, and that’s a very good thing. Plus, what man in his right mind can’t appreciate NJ’s Women’s Fashion. Long live high hair and short skirts!
If any Pingers are headed there Labor Day weekend, drop me a line. I’ll be there for 5 or six days..
jk July 19, 2007, 2:31 am
My family started going there in the early 1960s…we went back to the same hotel in Wildwood Crest for years. The last time I was there was ironically 1986! Thanks for the video.
Do you guys remember the coal car roller coaster? It was an indoor ride for the most part. Hysterical.
Dave Walls July 19, 2007, 10:31 pm
Man, I am craving some Mack and Manco’s Pizza right now….When I was working in Atlantic City last summer on “The Price is Right Live!”, I’d make a trip down to Wildwood after some shows, just to bring some Mack and Manco’s back with me. Well worth the extra gas.