NJN Documentary Our Vanishing Past - Wildwood

128,632

904 0

Published 2008-05-27

This is an excerpt from NJN's documentary OUR VANISHING PAST. The documentary features more than 30 historic places throughout New Jersey, from crumbling ruins in forgotten towns to spectacular restorations in major cities. The documentary also looks at successful preservation efforts, from grassroots citizens groups to innovative developers.

Official Website: www.njn.net/television/specials/ourvanishingpast

Along the coast in Wildwood, a different kind of teardown has invaded the shore. At risk is the largest collection of mid-20th century resort architecture in the country. In the 1950s and 60s, Wildwood was a major destination for newly mobile families. The construction of the Garden State Parkway and cars built for cruising made it easy for vacationers to reach this seaside resort. The popular music of the era inspired the name for the eye-catching style of architecture in Wildwood referred to as Doo Wop. Fun, imaginative and surprising, these family owned motels attracted attention with dazzling neon, Miami Beach inspired designs and popular themes of the 50s and 60s.
Many people are surprised to learn that the Doo Wop motels are historic. A great number of these places are more than 50 years old and are examples of the recent past. The fact that so many Doo Wop motels are in Wildwood adds to the significance of the collection. As each one falls, it has a direct impact on those that remain. More than 100 Doo Wop buildings have faced the wrecking ball. The pressure to demolish these vintage places increased when land values escalated. This led to the construction of a vast sea of condominiums where small family-owned motels once stood.

All Comments (8)

@3ricG 15 years ago

I like the older styled hotels much more than the condos.
@philnoll 14 years ago

Aw. It seems that everyone has the same wonderful memories. That's so touching
@mikecosgrove 14 years ago

How did they ever get away with tearing down the Rio Motel? That was the quintessential Doo Wop motel.
@LindaDooWop 14 years ago

I remember that bus terminal. Oh, what wonderful memories!
@pattyraineyjunkins 14 years ago

It is sad how hi-rise condos are taking over beaches all over the USA. I worked a summer (1970) in Wildwood at the old bus terminal, and stayed in an old boarding house type hotel called the Arcadia (it was on Magnolia St.) about 3 blocks from the boardwalk. I hate to see all the old victorian hotel just torn down. Oh well, that is what happens when there is dense population. I don't have any desire to return to Wildwood now because of the condo's taking over.
@DANEM514 14 years ago

Stop all the crap, and leave our Wildwoods ALONE!!!!! Love those Wildwood days.
@GreenBeardsRevenge 14 years ago

We spend about 1 to 2 months a year altogether down t here and what I'd LOVE to know is this: WHO the Hell is going to buy those condos going up all over the place that all look alike? We have real estate friends down there who tell us many of these were so poorly built by illegals that there are fire wall issues, regulation issues and many have gone into receivership. It's one of the most magical places in the world. Nothing beats the beach by the lighthouse in North Wildwood by moonlight!