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From 1986-1991, my mother, who had
moved out and divorced my father, ran the now-demolished Horizon
Motor Inn on 217 Fourth Avenue, just down the road from the
boardwalk. Asbury was fine when I first started going down
there to visit, but then it started falling apart in, I'd say,
1989. I didn't really go back to Asbury since then, until
2002. I saw what it now looks like, saw the empty lot that
the motel once occupied, and how the boardwalk now looks.
It's a shame what has become of Asbury Park, and I hope that
somehow, someday, the town can return to its former glory.
It's going to take a long time for that to happen, however...
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I
have very fond, warm memories of my upbringing in Asbury.
I lived there most of my young years from 1972 till 1982 – I
was born in Neptune
in October, 1968. My father grew up in Asbury
Park in the 30’s and 40’s. My mother in nearby Allenhurst.
All but one of my grandparents settled in Asbury, in the early
part of the century, from Italy.
My Father’s father was a carpenter and he was one of many who
built the boardwalk you speak of. My father owned a lounge
on Ocean Avenue called the “Roman Arch”. The very
first entertainer who played there was Rodney
Dangerfield. I would stay with my Dad on the
weekends and we would be at the bar all day. He
would send me across the street to ride the fish ride – I have
a picture – I’ll try to find it and scan it and send
it in. I was pretty small. I love my hometown.
Over the years, when going to visit, I’ve taken pictures of
the town in decay. The first time I went back, as an adult
twelve or so years ago, I was brought to tears. Each year,
more is gone, more is in disrepair. A ghost town. No
more custard on the boards or fries. So, if this
resurgence is truly happening, I am glad. I hope they
retain some of the old style which is my memory and what
makes the place very special. Please don’t tear down the
landmarks: the casino, the palace, madame marie’s, the
Ho Jo, etc. My father’s place had been sold and since
burned down. I don’t know what else to say, except that
I can’t truly explain in words how I feel about this place.
Part of me is there.
Bettina
Bellucci
Assistant
to the Director
Contemporary
Arts Center, Cinn, Ohio
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