I was born and raised in Asbury Park . I went to  The Bangs Avenue school and then to Asbury Park High School where I graduated in 1962. My Grandfather and Mother owned Beauty Salons two blocks from the beach. I lived on Grand Avenue then we moved to Interlaken . It was the most wonderful place to grow up and be a kid. We used to play among the huge hotels in the winter, when they were closed, and skate on sunset lake till late at night. In summer we spent countless hours at the beach or The Monte Carlo, with the big fountains in the pool, and the tunnel to the beach.

The shopping in Steinbach’s was terrific along with all the other stores. At lunch time in grade school we could walk down-town and go to the 5 and 10 cent store. On Saturday we would go to the movies at the Mayfair and watch the clouds on the ceiling.

As a high school student I spent many hours skating in the Casino Ice Palace and taking lessons, then being able to skate with the Ice Capades and Dick Button when they came to town.

ALL GOOD MEMORIES

Then I went to see a movie, “City by The Sea” with friends. I sat there not really paying attention to the plot but instead looking at the pattern of the wood on the boardwalk, remembering and thinking, “I know that from somewhere.” And the Casino, where I spent so much of my growing years. When the film ended I sat and watched the credits to quell my curiosity as to where this film was made. Then the dreaded words filmed in Asbury Park . I sat there crying as if a part of me had died. Although this may sound a bit dramatic it is true. My childhood memories are of a pristine, beautiful, happy city with a boardwalk filled with people, amusements and rides and salt water taffy. Easter was the Easter Parade, my Aunt and her sisters won prizes many years in a row for their hats and Easter outfits, what fun we had!

I hope someday it will rise again. I read the official website quite often and although I have not been back in many years I know the plans to mend the wounds of Asbury are visible.