Everyday's a Holiday in the Wildwoods!

Dorothy McMonagle Kulisek, So They’ll Know, Inc. © 2016

NOVEMBER

the Sun Season 13 by-the-Sea Vol. 4

DECEMber 2016

No Beach Bag can be WithOut iT!

watch

the

tram

car

please

Where yesterday and today meet by-the-sea

1

!

“Cookies are made with butter and love.” ~Norwegian proverb

PRICELESS

“Every Day’s a Ho liday!”

“Happy Thanksgiving & Merry Christmas” by Dorothy Kulisek

“Christmas is forever, not just for one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do yourself.” ~Norman W. Brooks, “Let Every Day Be Christmas”

open 10am daily

A L OCA L

•iday T RADI•TI•ON Hforolover 35 years

2o0ff%

a n Y i te M !

Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Not valid with any other offers.

Christmas Mistletoe Kissing Krystal

Exp. 12/31/16

thousands of Unique Ornaments

Free Personalization • Collectibles • Home Decor & More

Rio Grande 609-465-3641 3137 Rt. 9 South

Cape MaY 609-884-8949 526 Washington St.

250 96th Street, Stone Harbor 609.967.4653 Open Year Round

SHOP ONLINE AT WWW.WINTERWOODGIFT.COM the sun by-the-sea p.o.box 2101 wildwood, new jersey 08260 609.522.2721

www.sunbythesea.com Thesunbythesea@gmail.com

2

the Sun by-the-Sea

“The miracle is this: the more we share the more we have.”

~Anon.

Dear Santa, Since I have been blessed with many things, including my amazing husband, family and friends, I’ve decided that my wish list would be a little different this year. In fact, my wish list is not for me, but for those who need it most.

I wish for healing for those who are ailing. Let there be an end to their pain and suffering.

I wish for food for those who have nothing to eat, because no one should go to bed hungry.

I wish for warmth and comfort for those who don’t have a bed to call their own.

I wish for cruelty to humans and animals alike to end so they no longer endure mental and physical pain.

I wish for strength and solace for those who are battling addiction, as well as their families who suffer along with them.

And finally, I wish for world peace. Let us all learn to love and respect one another.

I know this will be a tough list to check-off, but it sure would mean a lot to me. You see, Santa, we all need a little help sometimes. With a little faith and guidance, maybe we can learn to help each other and make the world a better place.

Colleen SOWERS

Broker Associate CELL: (609) 602-2008

ColleenSowers@outlook.com www.FromBeachtoBay.net

Love,Colleen xoxo

P.S. I won’t be upset if you throw in those cute pair of shoes I saw online.

3300 Pacific Avenue Wildwood, NJ 609-523-1112

weichert.com

the Sun by-the-Sea

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

Year 12

CAN BE WITHOUT

IT!

watch

and TODAY Where YESTERDAY meet by-the-sea

the

tram

car

please

!

a quiet mind, a hot cup of tea, Best enjoyed with of gratitude. and a sweet moment

a c e by- t h e - S e a

gift at Christmas May Peace be your year through! and your blessing all

“Kelly girl” by

Know, Inc. © 2015 Kulisek, So They’ll

PRICELESS

“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility, to give something back.” ~ Anthony Robbins

Dorothy Kulisek

Light up THE NIGHT.

OPEN 10AM DAILY

Dorothy McMonagle

Vol. 4

DECEMBER 2015

NO BEACH BAG

W i s h i n g y o u Pe

i s t M a s! ” “MeRRY CHr

th 250 96 Street NJ 08247 Stone Harbor, • jewelry-studio.com 609.967.4653

ORNAMENTS • Collectibles 1000’s of UNIQUE • Home Accents

• Decorations Holiday Candles CAPE MAY 609-884-8949 DGIFT.COM 609-465-3641 RIO GRANDE WWW.WINTERWOO AT SHOP ONLINE THE SUN BY-THE-SEA

P.O.BOX 2101

WILDWOOD, NEW

JERSEY 08260

MKTG113598_JEWELR_M.indd

609.522.2721

1

WWW.SUNBYTHESEA.COM

AM 10/29/2014 11:00:03

COM THESUNBYTHESEA@GMAIL.

from the Editor

“Fear less, hope more; eat less, chew more; whine less, breathe more; talk less, say more; love more, and all things will be yours.” ~Swedish proverb Inspired by the wise theory that less truly is more, and with much thoughtful deliberation, I’ve made the difficult but necessary decision to only publish the Memorial Day and Summer issues of The Sun-by-the-sea in 2017. Although they will be the only two issues of The Sun, I promise they will be packed with more Wildwood stories than ever, making them both special limited editions.

I’ve always viewed each issue of The Sun as my own personal diary of the Five Mile island that I so much adore. As such, I will continue to put my Wildwood-loving heart and soul into every page. With two issues per year to focus on, there will be even more to love, and I humbly invite you, readers and friends, to continue to be a part of my sunny seaside journey.

Chronicling the best our history-laden town has to offer, and sharing what I’ve learned with the people who love Wildwood as much as I do, is still the best job in the world!

With The Sun entering its 13th year, it continues to be my pleasure to be a part of its happy present, to share its storybook past, and to hope you’ll continue to share that wild, wonderful rollercoaster ride with me well into the future. I also encourage you to seek less in your life... less fear and less stress... trusting that you’ll get so much more in return.

May a simplified but SUNsational life be yours in the coming year and may we meet back here in May 2017, as always, by the sea…

Less is the new more.

Dorothy

Artist / Editor / Publisher The SUN by-the–sea, Wildwood, NJ

See what’s inside {a gift wrapped in sunshine} Five Miles of Smiles Christmas at Hereford Lighthouse by Steve Murray P. 9 Island Hopping & Turkey trotting by Frank D’Angelo P.11 a most unusual christmas

by Bob Ingram P. 13 a vintage wildwood christmas

by Anne Vinci Pp. 14-15 wildwood winters Meg Corcoran/Dorothy Kulisek P. 16 bailing out over grassy sound

by Joe Van Blunk P. 18 Movie Buff Goes to Hollywood

by Meg Corcoran P. 21

Dorothy McMonagle Kulisek

609.214.5608 The SUN by-the-sea©2016 The Original, Nostalgic, Magazine published by So They’ll Know, inc.

Published, Edited & Designed

by Dorothy Kulisek with the help of those listed here: Assistant Editor, Meg Corcoran Contributors: Frank D’Angelo, Bob Ingram, Al Love, Steve Murray, Gary Sloan, Cathy Tchorni, Joe Van Blunk, Anne Vinci no beach bag can be it! without

the anglesea walk P. 25

Dig out your old photos!

Lynch steals christmas from the grynch P. 28-29 oh! those wildwood days Reminiscing w/Mary Lou Trottnow P.30 Wildwood Historic Society Blast from the past! P.31 winter’s unkempt beach

by Paul Venez P. 35

she met her true love in wildwood

by Kathy Johnson P.40-41 wildwood’s memorial park the home on magnolia lake

by Cathy Tchorni P. 44-45 fishing wish list with Capt. Gary Sloan P. 50

GOD BLESS the USA!

Disclaimer The Sun by-the-Sea Newspaper© and So They’ll Know Inc. cannot pledge the accurateness or comprehensiveness of all editorial content in all of its constituent parts.

“Any society that needs disclaimers has too many lawyers.” ~Erik Pepke

May-June issuehere com es May 18th The Sun! July-August issue June 30th

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment or religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

– 1st Amendment to the Constitution of the U.S.A.

Churches on the island P. 24

our wildwood home & irish friends by Al Love P.38

According to these three beautiful women, Therese of Lisieux, Teresa of Avila & Dorothy Day, we ought to keep the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas in our heart all year long.

Thank you for the submission Mike Ludgate

gggggggggggggg Artist, Editor & Publisher, Ad Sales

Look for another photo of Michelle in this issue....

NOVEMBER

3

Be awesome... or else!

Best friends in a Boardwalk Photobooth, Michelle Carty Sheeran & Karen Versaggi Casholi, 1960s

Editor note: When you share your story, it makes The Sun so much more fun! You don’t have to be a professional writer or a grammarian to partake.

Every single one of us who loves the Wildwoods has a special story to tell.

Your story matters, because it’s part of our history here, not because you punctuated everything correctly.

If you feel inspired, please take some time to celebrate your story and send to The Sun. Oh! and don’t forget to get out those old dusty boxes of family photos to send along too. You may discover some treasure!

Snail-mail: The SUN p.o. Box 2101, Wildwood, NJ 08260 E : thesunbythesea@gmail.com

4

the Sun by-the-Sea

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

“I wish you all the joy that you can wish.” ~William Shakespeare

November

November Hath 30 Days.

“November comes and November goes, with the last red berries and the first white snows.” ~Elizabeth Coatsworth (1893-1986) FULL Beaver Moon November 14th, 8:52a.m.

SAVE THE DATE!

February 25, 2017 11a.m.

15th St. beach, North Wildwood Post Party at Keenan's Register early!

Registration forms available at:

www.FallenHeroPlunge.com Find us on Facebook at Fallen Hero Polar Plunge Special guests Bands, Prizes for best costumes, teams & individuals and more. Post Party at Keenan’s $25 Adults before the plunge, $30 the day of the plunge. Kids under 15 are $15. Pre-Party Friday night 2/24 at Keenan’s All info and updates at FallenHeroPlunge.com or call Dennis Dool at 215-990-8689

...in case you didn’t know already, a full moon is a lunar phase that occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. 11/6 Cheer Tech School Championships Wildwoods Convention Center. 9am-2pm 866.52.CHEER SpiritBrands.org 11/11 VETERAN’S DAY

11/17 Henri J. Bedard Day in North Wildwood 11/21 Annual thanksgiving dinner at CREST COMMUNITY CHURCH, Crocus & Pacific Ave., Wildwood Crest. 4:30pm. Live Music.

11/24 Thanksgiving Day.

“Being thankful makes ice cream taste better, butterflies look more beautiful, and weekend days seem longer...” ~Jon Gordon

11/26 Small Business Saturday.

Shop Local. Shop Small. Small Business Saturday encourages people everywhere to shop with small businesses for just one day, and to help change the world a little bit. We ask you to please support small LOCAL businesses.

11/26 Burn the Bird Boardwalk Turkey Trot 9am

December

December Hath 31 Days.

“Heart-warm against the stormy white, the Rose of Joy burns warmer yet. ~Thomas Gold Appleton FULL Cold Moon December 13th, 19:06p.m.

when the winter cold fastens its grip and the nights become long and dark. This full moon is also called the Long Nights Moon by some Native American tribes.

12/2 Partners in Preservation Holiday Tour Various locations. 6:30pm. 609-214-2253 See page 47 for list of houses on tour 12/3-4 Cheer Tech Spirit National Championships Wildwoods Convention Center.

Times TBD. 866.52.CHEER SpiritBrands.org.

12/7 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony. St. Demetrios Church at Hereford Inlet Seawall, North Wildwood by VFW Memorial Post 5941.

Noon. 609.729.5832. President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on Japan, and WWII began on December 7, 1941, a “Date which will live in infamy.”

12/9 Wildwood’s Christmas Parade by Jaycees Free. 609.729.5501 12/10 Pinch the Grynch Boardwalk Run

Partners in Preservation “Preserving our history” Dec. 2nd Holiday Tour 6:30-9:00

Take a self guided tour of Historical places. B&Bs, Museum, Churches and homes. $10. Donation collected at first place visited.

Complete list of events at www.wildwoodnjhistory.com e-mail: partnersinpreservation@yahoo.com tel.: 609-214-2253 12/9-10 Wildwood Family Holiday Celebration Wildwoods Convention Center. FREE Holiday bazaar Get all your holiday gifts in one place! Fri 6-9, Sat 9am-4pm. 609.729.9000. WildwoodHoliday.com 12/18 “Sounds of Christmas” Concert at Assumption Church, Wildwood Crest 7pm with Bel Canto Lyric Opera Company of Philadelphia performing. Doors open at 6:30pm.

12/21 Winter Solstice.

“We are nearer to spring than we were in September, I heard a bird song in the dark of December. “ ~Oliver Herford

12/24 Chanukah begins at sundown 12/25 Happy Birthday Jesus!

For Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Was born on Christmas Day. O tidings of comfort and joy!

12/26-30 Boardwalk Classic. Wildwoods Convention Center. The largest holiday basketball tournament in the country!

Featuring 70 High School Boys and Girls teams. Admission fee.

9am-9pm. 609-884-4297 www.bbclassic.net

It’s ok to say Merry Christmas!

5

the Sun by-the-Sea

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” ~Confucious

The Wildwoods’ 9th Annual Family Holiday Celebration December 9-10, 2016

Continue a family tradition with an exciting holiday celebration filled with fun for the entire family!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9TH 6:00 p.m. ’till 6:00 p.m.

Shopping Bazaar

OPEN YEAR ROUND Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Star

Starting Nov. 28th

Open Fri-Sat-Sun

Diner Cafe Major Credit Cards Accepted

‘til End of February

OPEN DAILY Christmas Week

Monday, Dec. 26 thru Monday, Jan.2

Jaycees Christmas Parade (Rain Date: Sunday, Dec. 11th – line up 4:30pm, parade 5pm)

7:15 p.m.

Tree Lighting Ceremony & Parade Awards (Wildwoods Convention Center following the parade)

Celebrate the holidays with a fun-filled day of FREE activities at the Wildwoods Convention Center!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10TH 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Face Painters

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Shopping Bazaar, Children’s Craft Making Table,

Early Bird Specials from 3:00-5:30pm 325 W. Spruce Avenue • North Wildwood 609.729.4900 • www.stardinercafe.com

Holiday Movies & Stocking Making Table 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Balloon Twisting 9:00 a.m.

Margaret Mace Choir

9:30 a.m.

Cape Trinity Catholic Choir

10:00 a.m.

Art of Gymnastics & Cheer

10:30 a.m.

Wildwood Catholic High School

11:00 a.m.

SANTA ARRIVES!

11:30 a.m.

Magician Ken Northridge

12:30 p.m.

Glenwood Choir

12:50 p.m.

Wildwood Middle School Choir

1:10 p.m.

Wildwood High School Choir

1:30 p.m.

Avalon String Band

2:30 p.m.

Crest Memorial School

Join us for the Annual

Wildwoods’ Christmas Parade Presented by the Greater Wildwood Jaycees

Friday, December 9 (rain date Sunday December

11, see our website for updates)

Parade begins at 6:00pm from 16th Ave along Central Ave, down Pacific Ave to Heather Ave, then east to Ocean Ave and back north to the Wildwoods Convention Center where the Tree Lighting and Awards ceremonies will be held.

Registration at 5:00pm at the North Wildwood Recreation Center, 10th & Central Ave. For more information or to register, visit our website or call

609.729.5501

To learn more visit WildwoodHoliday.com or call 609.729.9000 *Please note that schedule is subject to change*

w i l d wo o d h o l id a y .c o m

6

the Sun by-the-Sea

“May The only thing that overwhelms you this Christmas be JOY!” ~Anon.

Your Holiday Party Rick’s years Headquarters Seafood

31

at same location

party tray MENU

SHRIMP TRAYS: EXTRA LARGE SHRIMP

(All shrimp is freshly peeled & cleaned) SMALL TRAY 30 SHRIMP $34.95 MEDIUM TRAY 60 SHRIMP $64.95 LARGE TRAY 90 SHRIMP $84.95 EX-LARGE TRAY 120 SHRIMP $104.95

Smile:-) Have you ever noticed how easily puppies make human friends? Yet all they do is wag their tails and fall over

HOMEMADE CRAB BALLS

Epic Epicure girls~ Evelyn, Beth, Bryn (Wildwood High Soccer Coach and Middle Twp. High Basketball Coach) & Laurie

MEDIUM TRAY 20 CRAB BALLS $31.95 LARGE TRAY 40 CRAB BALLS $59.95 EX-LARGE TRAY 60 CRAB BALLS $87.95

JUMBO CRAB FINGER TRAYS

MEDIUM TRAY 50 FINGERS LARGE TRAY 75 FINGERS EX-LARGE TRAY 100 FINGERS

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

5 Miles of Smiles!

$56.95 $76.95 $99.95

CHICKEN FINGER AND WINGS TRAYS

COMBINATION TRAYS: SHRIMP & CRAB FINGERS CHICKEN FINGER TRAY 40 FINGERS $42.95 MEDIUM TRAY 40 SHRIMP & 25 FINGERS $63.95 LARGE TRAY 80 SHRIMP & 50 FINGERS $108.95 CHICKEN WINGS TRAY JUMBO TRAY 80 JUMBO SHRIMP, 60 WINGS $42.95 75 FINGERS & 1 lb. JUMBO LUMP CRABMEAT $169.95 • scallops wrapped in bacon

stuffed mushrooms All partyAntiques, trays includeCollectibles cocktail, tartar, mustard sauces & lemon.

Capt. Scrap’s & More at the top weh• av e • clams casino also Other combinations are available, just ask!!! and Capt. Scrap’s Attic where the antiques and collectibles 435 the road into line is now andW. thenSpruce just wipeAve. out theon 2 locations line.

AndNorth Wildwood Extended Holiday • 609-729-9443 change the hours line to closed on TuesdaysHours in Woodbine

The Lake family at Rick’s Seafood Mike & Mila with little Misha

Jordan & Finn Morey heading to the “Annual Water Bark” end of the season Doogie Pool Party... which by the way was so pawsome!

just another fun busy Saturday night at Rick’s Seafood with Rick & Dan

Joe Sullivan is a regular on The AngleSea Walk

Mike & Kenny enjoying lunch at Rick’s Seafood

Ed & Kathy Ruth are regulars at Cool Scoops Ice Cream Parlor (and Museum)

Capt. SCrap’S aNtIQUES, COLLECtIBLES & MOrE

& Capt. SCrap’S attIC

We also carry a unique blend of gifts, jewelry, artwork & garden decor.

Always buying gold, silver & vintage items - We do estate sales Hours: 11 - 5 Closed on Tuesdays in Woodbine

602 Washington Ave. Woodbine, NJ 609-861-3800

Like us on facebook

3071 Rt. 9 Seaville, NJ 609-624-0111

Marie’s Flower M ERRY Shoppe

Teleflora Worldwide

Specializing in Fresh Floral Design, Weddings, Sympathy Flowers, Fruit & Gourmet Gift Baskets & Balloons

CHRISTMAS &

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2017 5918 New Jersey Ave.

WILDWOOD CREST

(609)729-0199

w w w. m a r i e s f l o w e r. n e t

the Sun by-the-Sea

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

7

“Imagine all the people living life in peace.” ~John Lennon Personal Injury Municipal Court-Criminal Law Family Law - Divorce - Support - Custody Business Law - Corporations - Collections Estate Planning and Eldercare Real Estate - Zoning and Planning

Cafiero & Kaufmann Attorneys-at-Law A Tradition of Excellence Since 1931

tel :

3303 N ew J ersey A venue • W ildwood , NJ 08260 (609)522-0511 fax: (609)729-3441 www.cafierolaw.com

Mike Leeper’s Tax Service Inc.

IRS Registered Tax Return Preparer

Wildwood, NJ 609-522-6392 Del Haven, NJ 609-602-8243 Cell: 804-894-0654 mjleepersr@comcast.net

w w w. We L o o k C l o s e r. c o m AA-B2B_2016-JEWELRY_STUDIO-5x5.25.indd 2

11/3/16 10:51 AM

Still Local, Still Independent SINCE 1946

5200 New Jersey Ave. Wildwood, NJ 08260 (609)522-3406

917 Madison Ave. Cape May, NJ 08204 (609)884-3333

1032 Rt.9 South Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 (609)465-7710

200 Rt. 9 South Marmora, NJ 08223 (609)390-5566

1605 Bayshore Rd. Lower Township, NJ (609) 886-5888

A History of Experience, A Future of Excellence. We Look Forward to Ser ving You! www.jbyrneagency.com

Happy Holidays!

8

the Sun by-the-Sea

AlgiePlaceBikes5x10.5.qxp:layout2010

10/23/12

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

8:16 AM

Page 1

“Every good and perfect gift is from above...” ~James 1:17

Algie’s

5 Miles of Smiles!

Today, give a stranger one of your smiles.

It might be the only Sunshine he sees all day.

Place Bikes Your Bicycle Super Store at the Jersey Shore

(super in knowledge, value, selection and service)

e

c n a r a e l C ristmas

Ch

of 2016D!ecember

Sale runs

through

up of

ikes on b e iz s lt u ad

Our girl Toni has biked her way thru every season, spreading Sunshine everywhere she went! If you’re wondering why you haven’t seen her lately, it’s because her health has sadly been failing, but not her lively spirit... please keep Toni in your thoughts and prayers. We love you Toni!

Sale

BIKES S D I K L but AL % Off 0 4 o t % 0 1 n Sale at eel size)

ro A select g

o

gh 24” (12” throu

Put it on lay-a-way now

Up, up, and away! George Lex enjoyed the views of the Napa Valley wine country in a hot air balloon... sipping his wine and reading The SUN!

wh

OPEN 7 Days a Week

til December 24th.

We can hide your purchase ‘til Christmas Eve. *Sale excludes special orders, used, previous sales, 2017 models, consignment and already sale priced goods.

Pick up a free gift from us...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

If you bought a bike in a box or your bike needs some TLC or upgrades, let the elves at Algie’s Place do the job and then hide it here til Christmas Eve.

American Express, Ca$h, Debit, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa all accepted.

Newlyweds, Mr. & Mrs. Joe & Julia Contino made sure to pack their SUN by the sea for their honeymoon to Montenegro & Ukraine.

They were wed September 16, 2016

Deb Moore took The SUN to Chinle, AZ for a radio interview with WWII Navajo Code Talker Teddy Draper, Sr.

from November 28th through December 24th

6207 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ. Reach us in person at (609) 729-5669 on Facebook or on the Web at algiesplace.com

We wish you all a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season.

Judy Longo always takes The SUN out to Vegas when she visits her friend Cook E Jarr. He loves to read it and reminisce about his Wildwood days. He is the longest running lounge act in Vegas and she and his fans hope to raise enough money to get his star on the Walk of Fame in Vegas.

Ann Devlin, Sandy Hall, Meg Haas & Megan Devlin were singing to the tune of Here Comes the Sun in Nashville.

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, N. Wildwood, NJ

by Dorothy McMonagle Kulisek ©2012

atHereford C hristmas Lighthouse

9

the Sun by-the-Sea

W W W. S U N B Y T H E S E A . C O M

“Stories are the currency of our past, present and future. Without them we are bankrupt.” ~Anon.

by Steve Murray

The Baker Family in the front parlor of the Hereford Lighthouse- 1946 Young Jack and sister, Winnie on floor with their dog “Bunny”

George Baker was Coast Guard Keeper

of the Hereford Lighthouse from approximately 1938-39 –1955. He and his wife Alice raised their four children in the beautiful Victorian building that served as half lighthouse and half home.

The first two floors were the family’s living quarters. The three story tower was the actual “lighthouse”.

George would have to make sure the Fresnel Lens at the top was lit by 6pm every night. He would make the climb to the top and crank up the weights that would then slowly descend to make the grandfather clock-like mechanism rotate the light. George would have to wind this up again before bedtime at 10pm and wake up at 2am for the last cranking. He would arise at 6am and turn off the light by 7am.

Although he lived with his family in the Lighthouse, he would still have to do duty next door at the Coast Guard Station. He worked 9 days straight with 2 days off. George did everything from patrol boat duty to cooking, besides his job as lighthouse keeper.

George and his family did not stay at the Lighthouse for free just because he

tended the light. 90¢ per day was deducted from his pay for rent. The front door always had to remain unlocked for inspections. These facts reminded the Bakers they were in a building owned by the U.S. Government.

At the end of the day when the family gathered together, however, they were “home” and lived and interacted with each other just like every other family, even during the Christmas Holidays.

George and Alice had 3 daughters, Georgia, Betty and Winnie and 1 son, Jack. Jack still lives and works locally and related some of his Christmas memories to me.

Jack’s first Christmas at the Lighthouse was in 1938 when he was 3 years old.

One of his earliest memories is that a few days before Christmas every year, the North Wildwood Fire Department would escort Santa down the street distributing stockings filled with fruits and nuts. I think he is very happy this tradition still continues after all these years.

He remembers his dad taking him in a Coast Guard truck along with some other Coasties to Indian Trail Road (Rt. 147) to cut down cedar trees. They would take just enough for the married men, one

tree for the Coast Guard Station and one for the Lighthouse. Jack said their Christmas tree was always set up in the first floor parlor where we now have our Fresnel Lens on display. The tree would be set up and decorated after dinner on Christmas Eve. The children would all take part in decorating it with the oldest girl, Georgia, constantly reminding the others to put the tinsel on neatly.

After the decorating was done, Jack said they would all have an ice cream treat and sent off to bed at their regular time.

Parents George and Alice would then have their adult friends over to celebrate Christmas Eve. The kids would wake up early like all children do on Christmas morning, about 5am! They would all race downstairs to find out what surprises Santa left them.

After their presents were opened, older sister Georgia would tease the others that she knew where their presents had been hidden all along. Some of the bigger ones were in the Coast Guard Station.

There was sharing and comradarie amongst the Coast Guard and the married men at the station would pass down toys from their children to other younger ones and when these toys were outgrown they would be passed down again.

One of Jack’s favorite gifts was a 28” bicycle with new “skinny” wheels. This was a little bit too much bike for a 6 year old. In order to ride this he had to reach up over his head to the handlebars and put a foot through the frame to get to the other pedal and ride the bike in a stand up position.

When Jack was about 12, he and his sister Winnie received new Schwinn Bikes with a light on the front fender and mud flaps. What a surprise this was!

Another gift he fondly remembers was a BB gun (he never shot his eye out.)

Jack had been fascinated with the large 1000 watt bulb in the Fresnel Lens and started collecting all sorts of light bulbs.

He discovered one day how much fun it would be to toss them into the inlet and target practice with his Red Ryder Rifle.

The Baker family always had a big traditional Christmas dinner. Some of George’s Coast Guard buddies would be invited if they had nowhere else to go.

The dinner would feature turkey, mashed potatoes, assorted vegetables and pies.

Jack’s last Christmas at the Lighthouse was in 1954. He was in the Air Force by this time and came back to North Wildwood on leave. His father George left his position as Hereford’s Lighthouse Keeper the following year.

On the First Day of Christmas my True Love Gave to Me. . .

The Price of True Love The price of giving all the items bestowed by the “true love” of the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” may be a little beyond most people’s budgets. The following costs were calculated four years ago by the PNC Bank Corp, assuming an annual rate of inflation of 2.5 per cent.

1. Partridge in a pear tree $38 2. Turtle doves $54 3. French hens $16 4. Calling birds $302 5. Gold rings $485 6. Geese-a-laying $162 7. Swans-a-swimming $7,538 8. Maids-a-milking $37 9. Pipers piping $2,807 10. Ladies dancing $3,245 11. Lords-a-leaping $1,194 12. Drummers drumming $1,293 Total to give gifts once: $17,170 Total to give as in song $78,986 *Singing the song in its entirety results in 364 presents: The partridge is given 12 times, two doves 11 times, etc, etc.

(I’m sitting here thinking of the guy at the PNC Bank Corp group who had the time to figure all of this out?!)

-From Joke dujour email the

SUN by-the-sea

Newspaper

WILDWOOD, NJ

{sun ARCHIVE: 2005}

10

I wish I had a million dollars... Hot dog! ~George Bailey

the Sun by-the-Sea

“It is always the simple things that change our lives. And these things never happen when you are looking for them to happen� ~Donald Miller

5 Miles of Smiles!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Eric & Robin Metz

Jeff & Kreni DiAntonio

Mike & Joy DiAntonio

Jeff DiAntonio, John Lynch & Evi DiAntonio

Chris & Sarafina DiAntonio

Rocco & Marta Angelastro

Terry & grandson Trent Mulholland

Brooke, Clover, Jersey & Ryan Clary

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

the Sun by-the-Sea

11

“The thing I’m most thankful for right now is elastic waistbands.” ~Anon.

Island Hopping and

Turkey Trotting

by Frank D’Angelo

The beaches of the Wildwoods create

many moments and memories for the folks who make their annual sojourn to what has come to be, for many of us, a slice of heaven. For most, those loving memories manifest as seemingly endless days basking in the luminous sunshine as we transform our light complexions into perfectly tanned tones – with the proper protection, of course! This, in addition to the cry of the Fudgy Wudgy Man, the biplanes drifting above and the magic of the summer Boardwalk brings us back annually.

While that week or two vacation needs to last for many until the succeeding summer, my wife Jean and I are fortunate enough to extend our stay in the Wildwoods thanks to the condominium we purchased ten years ago. We make a trip to the shore whenever our busy schedule allows.

Our most wonderful offseason experience is our annual stay during the Thanksgiving Holiday.

The lovely season of Thanksgiving is far too often forgotten by the premature initiation of the Christmas season. When our tradition first started, it was hardly a tradition, more a question of “What are we going to do?” and “How could we make our holiday correlate with the true meaning of this American holiday?”

That’s where the shore came into play!

On the eve of Thanksgiving, we island hop to Avalon for dinner to meet “friends” and catch up on the past year. Strangely, we don’t know one another’s names but are thankful to see them every year and share our tradition. Simple, but charming, a staple of this holiday.

Thanksgiving Day starts out the way it was intended (I don’t think the pilgrims would have objected). We put on our running shoes and island hop to West Cape May for the 5k Turkey Trot, which benefits the Brendon Borek Fund. The families that participate as walkers or runners, or those that start out as runners and end up as walkers, are truly heartwarming. The hundreds that show up to participate and volunteer give a true sense of the season of thankfulness, inspiring my wife and I to run a little faster… (emphasis on LITTLE!!)

Nothing, however, will top the year 2013

Frank & Jean D’Angelo and “Friends”

when a few turkeys from one of the local farms got loose and ran with the runners for several yards! You can search it on You Tube at West Cape May Turkey Trot 2013... it was perfect!

Then it is off to the Anchor Bowl, the annual clash of the Lower Cape May and Middle Township High School Football teams. While the game sometimes lacks the energy and enthusiasm shown by the supporters of each squad, it is blessing to be a part of the event.

Friday is shopping day!!! Husbands may ask what there is to be thankful for? Well, the joy that my wife and I get out of not agreeing on ANY gift! This streak is so long Cal Ripken worries at night!! (Sorry if you didn’t get the baseball analogy).

It’s wonderful seeing the joy in the young children’s eyes as they see various Christmas characters.

From there, we stop at the Angelsea Pub so that “Irish Sean” can concoct a beverage to warm our heart. Of course, just being here in the Wildwoods has already warmed our spirits.

Saturday night has us hopping over to Stone Harbor for the parade. The carols and the smiles, the bags and the energy, the well-wishers and the bustle all make patience a little easier to practice as we wait for the parade to commence. Then, it’s finally time to see Santa!

It may not be the tradition the pilgrims created, but it is ours! It is made possible by the true meaning of the Wildwoods – a place you come to relax, to smile, to love and in our case, enjoy the season of Thanksgiving.

However you choose to celebrate Thanksgiving and the Christmas season, I hope it is filled with relaxation, smiles and love and a little sand in your shoes.

es come true h s i yW May all a d i l your Ho During the Holiday Season more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. And in this spirit we sincerely say, Thank You and Best Wishes for the Holiday Season!

609.522.5115 www.crestsavings.com

Visit our Custom tee design studio at

www.youneedtees.com

Custom “Family Holiday” and “Disney Vacation” Tees

FROM 1 TEE TO 10,000 TEES! Store hours: Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 11-3 1707 New Jersey Ave. North Wildwood, NJ (609) 729-2113

thenorthwildwoodshirtshop.com

12

the Sun by-the-Sea

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

‘My favorite thing about winter is when it’s over.” ~Anon.

5 Milesof Smiles!

A wink is a little piece of your heart, a wordless smile, a special link.

Wildwoods Family Holiday Celebration Friday night & Saturday, December 9th & 10th 2016

D y r a e y v ’ s a !

H y E a o d l i . ..

Tammy & Dorothy

Photos taken 2015

John Sicliano strutting with Carmen of Avalon Stringband Ben Rose & family

Rick, Sherri & Rickii Davis & Sherri’s momma, Connie Dougherty

The Lemma family

The Santiago family

The Karvounis family

Wildwood Crest’s Christmas Hillbillies after the parade

su n sh in e {P u t so m e o c k in g !! ) in y o u r st

see you at the

Wildwoods Family Holiday Celebration at the Convention Center!

While you’re shopping, please stop by to visit me, Dorothy Kulisek, and say hello. Bring your gift list and pick up an autographed copy of HELLO SUN, Sunrises and Quotes for the beach lover on your list! It makes a lovely Christmas gift. My handpainted cards will be available too! or you can shop at my online store Sunstore.bigcartel.com

Ed Hanker, former Pacific Avenue merchant. Do you remember shopping at his Lee’s Gift Shop and Mr. Reminder? Ed also had Neptune Gifts in Stone Harbor.

Brian Polhamus loves The SUN!

Jane & Joyce of Boardwalk Crafts who organize this wonderful event!

See page 5 for schedule of events

The Righter family

not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...

13

the Sun by-the-Sea

“What greater blessing to give thanks for at a family gathering than the family and the gathering.”

A Most Unusual Christmas

By Bob Ingram

It began about ten days before Christmas

last year: long past midnight, a soft rustling and scratching in the wall alongside my bed.

But then sometimes it was closer, as if whatever critter was there was making headway into the actual room – which I didn’t like a little bit.

So I banged on the wall and growled loudly, hoping it was a timid creature and not something nasty like a raccoon and would withdraw at the human racket. That seemed to work and I fell back asleep.

Two nights later, though, came the presence again. This time I could sense it was still there even after my renewed banging and growling, so I fetched – of all things – a flimsy net on a long stick for catching tadpoles or minnows and swished it back and forth under the bed, then I crammed it down in the crack between the mattress and the wall and swished it there, as well, hoping to actually make contact with the critter and drive it off.

This produced heavy silence and I strained to hear the slightest movement for long minutes, and, sort of satisfied, allowed myself to fall back asleep.

There was nothing again the next night but in the wee small hours of the following night, there it was again, the infernal movement and scratching. It seemed more insistent now, as if the creature had somehow taken my measure and was becoming more fearless. Again, I took the stick to it, furiously now, whacking it recklessly under the bed and between the mattress and wall. There was a scuttling and then the bogus silence. After a long period of strained listening, I fell into a fitful sleep, resolved now to take measures.

The next morning, I called a pest control company. They told me they would set and check traps for a week for $425. I reluctantly agreed, but then they said they couldn’t come until after Christmas, being short-handed for the holidays. Again, I reluctantly agreed.

No creature that night. Had it heard my phone call, I wondered? And then I laughed at my momentary delusion.

The next night was, of course, a resumption, and, at wit’s end now, I sprayed ant killer deep under the bed, hoping that chemical warfare would win the day – or the night.

This brought a faint hiss and then the staged silence and, for me, nightmared sleep.

I decided then to sleep in the back bedroom until the pest control company trapped the beast. I had never slept there and was awakened by a chewing noise that I hoped was my cat, Ingrid, at her food. She had ignored my travails thus far, evidently drawing the line at mice. Her food and water were in the bathroom between the two bedrooms of my trailer.

I slipped from the bed and turned on the light before peering into the bathroom – to see a small, ugly, pink-nosed creature eating my cat’s food.

I shrieked and it fled back under the bed in the other bedroom – and off the premises, I fervently hoped. Perhaps an actual confrontation with a giant human would permanently scare off what I saw was a young possum.

Christmas Eve, I closed the sliding door between the possum-ridden bedroom and the bathroom, and once again slept in the back bedroom.

Again, I was awakened by a chewing noise and it was the bloody possum! It had slid the door all the way open somehow. I grabbed the broom I had stashed by the door for just such an emergency and advanced. The possum retreated behind the toilet and, at my jabbing, darted between my legs and into the back bedroom. I slid that door closed and barricaded it with a heavy chair.

I now had a trapped possum I had no idea what to do with. The rest of the night, it scratched and banged at the door, but my barricade held fast.

Christmas morning, quietly desperate, I called the pest control people and got a recording wishing me a Merry Christmas.

Not hardly.

Taking a long shot, I called Middle Township Animal Control, which is actually the police number. The dispatcher sarcastically asked me if I knew what day it was, and, after I told her my situation, she said she’d call Animal Control, but doubted anything would come of it.

Disconsolate, I sat on my glassed-in porch, drinking coffee and listening to Christmas carols on the classical station.

Then, after less than twenty minutes, what to my eyes should appear in all its glory but the Animal Control van! A spry man in his early middle age stepped out and went to the back and removed a large double cage like a peddler just opening his sack.

And my savior was wearing a bright red Santa hat a rakish angle! Was I dreaming?

“Lead on,” he urged, drawing on a pair of bright blue rubber gloves. I took him to the barricaded room and he removed the chair, cautioning me to wait on the porch.

Two minutes later, the door swung open and my Santa Savior almost hit me in the head with the possum he was swinging lightly and gaily by the tail.

“These things come with handles,” he explained, laughing. I thanked him profusely.

He replied that he welcomed the overtime.

He stashed the possum in the cage, loaded the cage, hopped in the truck, and called back “Merry Christnas!” as he drove out of sight.

Indeed, a $425 Christmas present. I immediately left a message with the pest control company canceling my appointment. My coffee tasted much better now and the carols sounded more glorious.

~Robert Brault

Happy Holidays from

HARBOR

b u r g e r B ar Open every day in the heart of Stone Harbor on 96th St. at South Jersey’s only Dine-In Movie Theater (609) 796-5669

Gift Card Special! Buy $100 in Gift Cards, Receive a $20 bonus card

v a g a b o n d boutique

BEST of

PHILLY

37 north third street, phila, pa on Third between Market and Arch

vagabondboutique.com

open 7 days

267.671.0737

14

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

the Sun by-the-Sea

“And if a joy-filled heart is good medicine for the soul, then giving thanks is my prescription.” ~Ann Voskamp Top & middle photos taken outside the Vinci residence at 22nd & Central Aves. on December 17, 1967 of the North Wildwood Fire Department delivering toys to the pre-school children. Pictured are Lew, Jr. and Joanne Vinci, and the late Lew Vinci, Sr. and Santa in the person of Tim O'Leary.

The bottom photo also features the late Billy Neill and the late John Cacci (Santa's helpers) and dated December 1969.

Season’s Greetings from

Wildwood Historical Society 3907 Pacific Ave. Wildwood. 609-523-0277 www.WildwoodHistoricalMuseum.com It was a VERY hot summer, on this we can agree, but the fall was delightful. Some of my friends and family enjoyed the beach and ocean into the middle of October this year. As the weather temps lowered, and the leaves turned color, I couldn’t help thinking of years gone by and the activities that prevailed here on our island. I was in touch with a few high school friends and asked them to share some memories of our youth here in the Wildwoods. For the most part we all remembered the ‘Seasiders’, a high school girls’ civic organization that distributed food baskets to the needy, and Pacific Avenue coming to life with decorations and lights. There was a bus decorated for Christmas, parked on the corner of Wildwood and Pacific Avenues (just outside of the Marine Bank) and Santa would be seated inside to wait for the children to come in and make their special requests. Many of the storefronts were decorated with Christmas scenes painted by the Wildwood High School students. We all remembered the visits by Santa on fire trucks to hand out toys, and stockings filled with fruit, candy and nuts.

However, there was one special letter written by Inge Friesenborg Laine (WHS, 1957). She wrote about Christmas in her home with a strong German background and her family members. I enjoyed it so much, I felt it should be shared. She first mentioned the Wildwood High School Christmas Dance. “It was a thrill to think of going and dancing to an ‘orchestra’ with your boyfriend. Dressing up in a semi-formal cocktail dress, with all the trimmings, was so grown-up.

“Our home was at 131 East Wisteria Road in Wildwood Crest. Our family, Dad, Mom, Irma, my sister, Siebo, my brother, and I, celebrated Christmas Eve a little differently than most others. Our first inkling of Christmas came early in December when Mom or Dad bought the bushel of fresh kale from Menz’s, the wholesale foods vendor. It was thoroughly washed in our deep sink, blanched in boiling water and then roughly cut, bagged and put into the freezer. The heavy duty cleaning then commenced. We couldn’t put the lighted chenille window wreaths up on dirty windows. This also included a hunt for enough extension cords and replacement bulbs for the lights. They never all worked perfectly the first try.

“Dad had come from the part of Germany that was on the Dutch border. In many countries the customs stray over the border. All through Advent we would put one of our shoes on the window sill each night.

“Sinter Klaus” checked on us and put a treat or a coin in there. If we had been bad, the shoe was empty. How that idea came to be was a mystery.

“One night after I was asleep, he came. There he was in his red suit. He asked Irma and I if we were being good. Of course we said yes. Then he walked to our shoes and put in the treat. He told us to help our mother. Dumfounded! If I ever had doubts about Santa, they were now gone forever. He was REAL! (Years later I finally figured out that it had been David Sollenberger, Sr. who lived across the street, who had visited us.)

“The week before Christmas was a lot more cleaning and baking. We were allowed to help Santa by putting our tree up on December 23. The next day, the 24tth, began the real cooking. First the big dining room table was decked with the white damask tablecloth. We had polished the silver candlesticks and put in the tall, bayberry tapers which were then lit. Then the big pressure cooker pot was put on the stove and was filled with that kale slow cooked with some onion, homemade pork broth and plenty of good German smoked meats plus a hunk of fresh pork. When you walked into the house, the aroma said CHRISTMAS. Lovely, fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes accompanied the kale. Dessert was always ‘Spanish Cream’ and some of those delicious, crispy cookies we had made.

“In no time we finished the meal and were off in the ‘39 Buick with Dad to look at the decorative lights on homes all over the island of Wildwood. Pacific Avenue was strung with rainbow lights all across the street for blocks and blocks. We kept an eye on the skies for Santa while we were at it. Dad thought he saw him and maybe we should get home and see if he got to our house yet.

“Yes. He had come. The floor below that tinseled and ornamented tree, was loaded with gifts of all kinds; the ones we asked for plus a lot more. It was Christmas!

“As I got older another tradition was added, singing in the church ‘Junior’ choir. We had to be able to sing in ‘parts’ and be 13 years old. Our congregation had a midnight, candlelight service. The climax was always singing ‘Silent Night’ and lighting our individual candle while facing the whole congregation. The building just glowed. This was followed by 12 chimes from the organ as we reached midnight. I’m still in the choir and get ‘the shivers’ thinking of those special moments. Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth to All!” I thought this story, in one young girl’s life, was very moving and I thank my dear friend Inge Friesenborg Laine for taking the time to share it with us.

Activities continue at the Wildwood Historical Society, according to President Kathy Skouras. The museum partnered with Wildwood High School and shared a hundred pictures for their slideshow at the centennial gala held on October 15. They also provided some school artifacts, a band uniform, school sweater and team jacket that were on display. A Medical Display has been created at the museum about Wildwood’s doctors, hospital, maternity home, sanatorium, includcontinues on the next page...

it’s a wonderful life!

the Sun by-the-Sea

15

“What do you call someone who is afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic!”

A Vintage

Wildwood

CHRISTMAS

Who Remembers the Santa Bus?

Little Karen Boehme North Wildwood 1950s Irma, Inge & Siebo Friesenborg at Sherman Studios on the boardwalk, 1937

...continued ing a new donation from Donna Lackman from her grandfather’s pharmaceutical paraphernalia.

The museum is getting a facelift by way of new lighting and ceiling tiles in various rooms. This should brighten things up considerably. We will also be participating in the Partners in Preservation Holiday Tour on December 2. A new set of engraved bricks was received and should be installed very soon. We are still receiving donations toward the Leader Newspaper scanning project. The next set of newspaper books will be sent out very shortly. We also received a Boardwalk Red Skelton pop-up clown from Cindy and Walter Florimont. During the summer months, the museum plays host to a variety of visitors. We had researchers, several family genealogists, local newspaper columnists, authors and school children.

Keep in mind the museum is officially closed for the winter season. However, if you are in need of any assistance, or research material, call the museum at 609-523-0277. Leave a message, and someone will get back to you. In closing, keep in mind, “Life is short.

Go for it! Dance with fairies, ride a unicorn, swim with mermaids, chase rainbows.”

Until next time . . . . . be happy and be well!

Anna Vinci Past President,

Wildwood Historical Society, Inc.

This photo was sent in by Donna Gomez taken on the Santa Bus in 1960, along with fond memories...

“Some of my earliest and happiest memories are when my mom and my Aunt Louise (the cool aunt) would bundle me, my sister Judy and brother Joe to make our annual trip to downtown Wildwood to see Santa on the Christmas bus. In those days, Wildwood was a hub of activity. All of the shops in town were open for business, and the Christmas Bus was parked in the center of town. It was the quintessential small town, where everyone knew each other. Christmas joy would spread like wildfire, and the Santa bus was ground zero. There was usually a line of eager squealing children to get onto the bus. I remember taking the long walk to the back of the bus where Santa and the Mrs. awaited. It was a feeling I’ll never forget, a little bit of nervousness and a lot of excitement. Adding to the excitement, the local radio station, WCMC, would broadcast holiday music and some, if not all of the kids talking with Santa. These are some of my fondest childhood memories, and I’ll always cherish them.”

During this era, children waited in line at the memorable Santa Bus parked by the Marine Bank (now Crest Savings) at Wildwood & Pacific Avenues. It was the only place a child could see Santa & Mrs. Claus at Christmastime in Wildwood. Kids would receive a stocking full of goodies, along with special coupons and prizes from the shops along the avenue. “They were the best of times,” recalls Cecelia Cooper (on a reply on @sunbythesea) “I remember waiting in line to see Santa with my sisters. They would broadcast what you asked for on the microphone for all to hear outside the bus. It was ingenious marketing!”

Another social media follower John Clarke also agrees “Those were the days! Every year I had a Christmas Club savings account at Marine bank. Shopping on Pacific Ave with my $25.00 savings was a big deal!“

Tribute to a Special Santa

Bob “Howdy” Harvey was very active with the Wildwood Fire Department, which led to his involvement as an Executive Committeeman to the NJ State Fireman’s Association. “Howdy” liked playing “Santa” for the kids in the Wildwood School district. Photos taken at the firehouse show Santa getting ready for the trip to the schools to give out the goodies to the school kids. One of the men in the background is Howard Neill.

Photos circa 1971 provided by retired photographer, Thomas S. Kinnemand, submitted by Bob’s former Wildwood High classmate Anne Leone Vinci.

16

the Sun by-the-Sea

Let It Snow. . . Let It Snow. . . Let It Snow!

“I’ll be home for Christmas you can plan on me. Please have snow and mistletoe and presents on the tree...” ~ Recorded by Bing Crosby, 1943

Color their world with beauty

Wildwood Winters

by Meg Corcoran & Dorothy Kulisek

202 E Rio Grande Ave Wildwood, NJ 609.523.9500 Petalswildwood.com

TOTAL IMAGE

Call for Your Appointment

609.523.8700

A FULL SERVICE SALON

On the corner of Rio Grande & Pacific Avenues Wildwood, NJ {Complimentary parking directly across the street in our lot}

Open Wednesday thru Saturday

• Coppola Keratin Smoothing Treatment • Foil Highlighting • Body Waves • Waxing • Matrix Color & Precision Cutting • Corrective Color • Airbrush Makeup • and more. . .

Betty & Kay Braidwood were delivered by Dr. Margaret Mace in 1918 and 1923 in their home, which still stands on Olde New Jersey Ave. Their parents Victor & Minnie operated Braidwood’s store through the early 1900s

Betty & Katherine Braidwood at 205 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood c. 1928

“Now is the winter of our discontent.” ~William Shakespeare

Thank you friends, for a kind year, Irish Sean McMullan

116 West 1st Avenue • North Wildwood (609) 729-1133

Granted, winter may not be the best time to be by the sea, however, had the infamous English playwright ever stepped foot on our story-inspiring shores during the sleepy winter season, perhaps even he would have found a bit of coastal contentment.

Looking back in Wildwood history, styles may be different, but a sense of play remains timeless. Sand dunes guaranteed children year-round entertainment while a frozen-over Hereford Inlet promised hours of icyskating adventure.

Now, we have endless off-season events to keep locals and tourists entertained, but in the early 1900s, residents had to find their own fun.

Before social media, there were social gatherings, actual face time rivaled Facebook and snowball fights took on a whole new meaning when snow blended with sand.

By the early 1900s, a wooden bridge was constructed to connect communities and ferries became a form of

much-needed transportation. Visitors now had access to this once-remote isle. Although the sun and the sea naturally attracted many of the original settlers, the island, at that time, was known for its trees and the parks.

Time continued to pass, the beaches and boardwalk ultimately overshadowed those trees and parks, and our industrious pioneers continued to build Wildwood into the one-of-a-kind resort community we all know and love. History thrives on every corner (and is kept in well-preserved order at The George F. Boyer Museum).

Life has gotten bigger by the sea and contemporary influences often shout louder than the voices of the humble past. Happily, bygone days and modern moments are blended to seaside perfection and speak the same truth; that life on our island, no matter what the season (or century), is a slice of Heaven on Earth.

Perhaps even William Shakespeare would have agreed…

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

17

the Sun by-the-Sea

“Summer suns. . . you cannot store them to warm the winter’s cold. . .” ~A.E. Housman Book Your Holiday Parties Early!

Christmas HAPPY New Year MERRY

FINE DINING

FEATURING VEAL, STEAK, CHOPS, CHICKEN, SEAFOOD & PASTA DISHES

A Wildwood Favorite Since 1985

Friday Nights with Benny Marsella “Sounds of Sinatra”

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Every Saturday Night

Oak & New Jersey Aves. WILDWOOD, NJ 609-729-5755 John & Carole Pantalone with Kimmy Casciello

19 EST.

Mary & Nick Nastasi invite you all to Wildwood Crest’s best kept Christmas secret.

18

The Sounds of Christmas concert puts all in the holiday spirit! It’s an annual tradition for many!

Front~Ione, Ione, Evie, Daniel, Patti and Holly Back~ Ryan, Megan, Dianne

Ernest Troiano, Jr. President Concrete & Masonry Contractors Four Generations Serving THE WILDWOODS & Cape May County for over 98 years!

A beautiful night with friends: Joann Wieckowdki, Joan Shelly, Toni Sembello, Joan Cain, Bea Church, Kathy Dougherty and Cindy Greeters Nola & Stella hand out the concert bulletins Kasprcak

Quality Commercial & Residential Work troianojr@comcast.net

P 609-522-3355 C 609-517-0970

18

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

the Sun by-the-Sea

“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, Just like the ones I used to know.” — Irving Berlin, White Christmas

Bailing Out Over Grassy Sound

By Joseph Van Blunk

Uncle Howard with his nephew Jim Moorers

Howard, mother Lillian, father Howard, brother Robert (Jim’s dad, who served in the Navy on a submarine as a radio man) Taken at their home on Rt 9 in Mayville where Rental Country is now. c.1943

Just after crossing the bridge that takes you east to Anglesea, North Wildwood and the Atlantic, we took the first exit that puts you north on Ocean Drive.

We made a very quick left on a shell/ dirt road that went back west through a stretch of Salt Marsh. At the abrupt end of this bumpy, puddled lane we were in the parking lot of the Grassy Sound Marina. The Marina, under the shadow of the bridge we had just crossed, was spartan, compact and tightly arranged.

Being early Spring, the lot and the slips were not quite full; there were some Gulls, but no flying insects. Out of the car we instinctively moved closer for a look at the Sound and the small craft bobbing or cruising on it. Walking to the Bait and Tackle Shack we found ourselves inside what I like to call a Chapel of its kind. There was a big dog sleeping on the floor near the small counter. The dog looked at us, but did not get up or bark. There were a handful of customers being taken care of by the staff and it was quiet… almost serene. Every wall and some of the floor and ceiling space was packed, but neatly arranged with fishing and crabbing gear mixed-in with tee-shirts and hats. All of these were adorned with colorful Marine creatures indigenous to the Sound. This is where I came to meet and interview Howard Mooers, a 93 year old man who had lived through a brief but extremely harrowing period of his young life during World War II. Just outside the back entrance on a dock shaded by a canopy it would soon be “Face Time” with some of the darkest hours of the last century and an Eye-Witnesss recollection I will never forget.

Out on the dock there were two men sitting at a wooden table. They were elderly but one was much older than the other. There was a middle-aged woman—Deb Mooers-- hovering around the table when she was not multi-tasking in and out of the shack. Deb is the wife of the Marina owner Jim Mooers (How-

ards’ nephew) and running the place this afternoon. Also out on the dock was a tall thin teen age boy setting up a cell phone in order to video the interview. My 15 year old grandson Dean took it all in while shifting his camera case from one hand to another. For a moment I started to think that both of these boys had never seen anyone as old as Howard—an embodiment of history.

The younger of the two old men shook my hand and said, “This is who you want to talk to.”

The man he had motioned to adjusted his glasses, took a puff on his cigarette and stood up from the table. We shook hands as he offered me a smoke. He was short and slight but not frail. He was dressed for the Marina—as opposed to a Yacht Club—in casual slacks and a light shirt. He reminded me of an old Bantam or Flyweight Boxer who could take a punch yet did not get hit a lot. But as I was about to find out he had taken several bigger, brutal kind of hits over sixty years ago and was still standing in the twilight time of life. His name was Howard Mooers, yet another quiet Hero of The Greatest Generation.

Howard Mooers was born in 1923. That is to say, 93 years ago. These numbers give me pause, especially when attached to someone sitting in front of me…Howard grew-up in and around the South Jersey Shore: Pleasantville, Goshen, Mayeville. By the time he was 10 the Great Depression was on and Adolf Hitler was elected to Chancellor of Germany. By the Summer of 1936 Howard was fishing and crabbing on the natural green jewel, Grassy Sound. He was also getting over to the Wildwood Beach and Boardwalk with his friends.

They jumped up and down in the waves and strolled the Boards…Looking in both places for Girls.

As a teen-ager Howard worked as a Laborer in his Father’s small construction business. It was a struggle all the way

The interview at Grassy Sound Marina Joe Van Blunk & Uncle Howard, 2016

by Dean Terzini The 737th Squadron of the 454th Bombardment Group US Army Air Corps, flew from a base at San Giovanni, Italy (Back L-R) Earl Dubas, Howard Mooers, Leroy Radovich, Tom Malony (Front L-R) Leo Kituskie, Earnest Coleman, Roger Diamond, Raymond Brown (Crewmen not pictured) Irving Groskin, William Helmcke

around and there wasn’t much time for school so he dropped-out to work full time. He worked in Lower Township which was more woods and farms than houses in those days. A few years later at the end of 1941 Howard was on a Job Site in Baltimore. On December 7th the Japanese launched a Sneak Attack on Pearl Harbor.

Soon enough the Draft was running full tilt. At 18 he was just what they were looking for but he had other ideas which had nothing to do with the Infantry but the Army Aircorps. In spite of his interrupted education they let him take the Aircorp test…He scored exceptionally high. He would now be out of and very far away frrom Wildwood, New Jersey and into the most exciting and intensely harrowing three years of his life.

Howard trained Stateside on both coasts: Jersey, Florida, California and Washington. He shipped out and immediately began flying combat missions out of North Africa. Out of Italy it really heated-up with such things as German Fighters and ugly black flak over the oil fields of Ploesti, Romania. Planes in his formation were routinely on fire and exploding or otherwise breaking apart. Men could be seen jumping out of these planes.

Some had parachutes; others did not.

Some of the parachutes did not open.

Some of them got tangled and hung-up in the disintegrating fuselage. Some of the men without parachutes were on fire. Many of them were the same age as Howard—19. He had to keep on flying if they made it back to Italy—the true meaning of being stuck between a rock and a hard place.

After flying well over 25 death-defying missions Howards’ plane was shot down.

He bailed out with the rest of the crew at 25,000 feet. They had little or no training with the parachutes but all made it to the ground in Czechoslovakia safely. Howard almost knocked himself out upon impact when his knee jammed

into his jaw. When he came around he was surrounded by angry civilians with guns, axes and farm tools. An old man fired off a round. Others showed up in uniforms and he was taken away.

Howard was interrogated in Budapest, Hungary by a German Officer who spoke perfect English that sounded American.

The Officer had been living in the States for a long time but came back to the Fatherland upon Hitlers beckoning. To say the least, the Nightmare was expanding. He was sent to the first of several Stalags full of British and American Airmen. He was then moved to a second Stalag further West or Northwest and then a third. As the advancing Russian Red Army continued to roar fire on the collapsing German Wehrmacht Howard was placed in a forced march retreat of over several hundred miles. This deathtrek ended when he was liberated by Patton’s Third Army who were also in the process of liberating Dachau Concentration Camp. Young Howard was witness to this charnel horror-show as well.

After a brief period of recovery Howard was put on a plane with a small group of P.O.W.S. On the flight to a Port city in France the plane crashed. Howard came out of it in one piece but many others, some of them his Comrades-InArms, did not. Howard wept quietly for a moment,removed his glasses and apologized to me. I could not respond. All present were silent. My Grandson looked away… Following this last ring of smoke and fire he was put on an old French Cruise Liner that had been transformed into a troop carrier. It set sail for the United States. On the way over the ship steamed in the “Zig-Zag” pattern since it had been reported that there were still stray Wolf-Pack U-boats lurking in the North Atlantic. They reached America without incident. Howard Mooers was finally home…And at the Jersey Shore…

And Grassy Sound, always a soothing peaceful place, once again.

the Sun by-the-Sea

jingle all the way!

19

“Stop the habit of wishful thinking and start the habit of thoughtful wishes.” ~Mary Martin

Season’s Greetings!

Do You Have Property Damage?

• Wind • Smoke • Water • Fire • Flood • Broken Pipes

Let Us Get You the Maximum Settlement!

Cape May County’s Public Adjuster

Call for Free Consultation & Inspection

609.522.1954 609.780.1500

www.ElitePublicAdjusters.com

Serving Cape May County for Over 20 Years • Bill O’Connell, President

20

{ Rekindle joy! }

the Sun by-the-Sea

“May your home always be too small to hold all of your friends.”

5 Miles O’Smiles!

~Irish Blessing

The Annual Irish Fall Festival is comprised of many activities over the course of the weekend...this year’s Irish Jog was a highlight for many who had a chance to run with Olympian Joe Maloy.

He was also the Grand Marshall of the parade. The 25th Annual festival was once again blessed with sunshine & happiness

May God make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. ~Numbers 6:25

Regina Rosenello and niece Stella were proud to run with their favorite Olympian

It’s not every day you get to run with an Olympian! Joe Maloy, #1 American Triathlete in this summer’s Olympic led the Irish Jog for his Alma mater, Wildwood Catholic, hosted by the Haldeman’s of Owen’s Pub. (Irish Weekend 2016)

Mary Walsh & Mary Kane of Wildwood Catholica with their favorite Olympian Joe Maloy, Grand Marshall of the 25th Annual Irish Parade

Shannon & Rob Feltwell at the Irish Jog

The Rosenellos & Maloy brothers did the Irish Jog together

The Haldeman family of Owen’s Pub would like to thank all who supported this year’s fun-raiser

Top o’ the morning to ya Bill & Dolly McGee and family celeebrating their irish heritage from Frances Berthcsi

It’s Toby O’Craven’s favorite festival!

This selfie of Nancy Scelso & friends is among the thousands taken at the irish fest

Representing the AngleSea Irish Society L-R: Doug Miller, Jim Grauel, Joe Rullo, N. Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello, Tim Barry & Ron Simone

Miss North Wildwood, Danielle DeRitis in the 25th Annual Irish Fall Festival parade ~photo George Capua

It’s an annual Irish tradition for Chuck Muth (Top Right) to get together with his brothers & childhood friends

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

21

the Sun by-the-Sea

“Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you’re home.” ~Carol Nelson

Meg the Movie Buff Goes to Hollywood 2016 WINTER MOVIE GUIDE

by Meg Corcoran

Spending the holidays seaside is the per-

fect time to get sandy and sentimental, as Doctor Strange, with an assist from his odd but intriguing fellow stars, is determined to make it a season to remember. The always memorable Trolls are happily awaiting Santa’s Arrival, as they’ve been especially good this year, and have graciously invited Two Passengers, sadly adrift and doubting the whole Santa thing, to join them on an impromptu beach party, where a path strewn with silver and Gold-wrapped chocolates, and the scent of cinnamon, sugar and salt air leads them to the sweetest time of year.

Before following the sweet path leading to your neighborhood movie theater, please check your local listings for release date changes…

Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch, opened November 4th) has no time for the Jersey Shore Beach ‘n Boat Fishing Tournament as he tries to repair his damaged hands (and career) while saving the world from strange dangers.

The Trolls (including the voices of Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake, opened November 4th) are happily living in their cheerful, colorful fantasy world fit for the Spirit Brands Island Championship until it comes under the attack of cheerless (but equally colorful) giant monsters.

The military recruits an influential linguist (Amy Adams) to uncover the meaning of a space alien Arrival (opens November 11th) as well as the mysterious healing qualities of a spacious but serene Boardwalk stroll.

An intelligence officer (Brad Pitt) and a French Resistance fighter (Marion Cotillard) become romantically Allied (opens November 23rd) during World War II but the battle and the lack of safe, romantic beach walks puts a strain on their relationship.

Still possessing Grinch-like qualities, Bad Santa 2 (Billy Bob Thornton, opens November 23rd) is back and twice as bad as he plans to steal from a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve after witnessing, but not participating in the more-fun-than-the-lawallows ‘Burn the Bird’ Boardwalk 5K Turkey Trot.

An Office Christmas Party (opens December 9th); unlikely to rival the Family Holiday Celebration at the Wildwoods Convention

Center, is held to land a new client but quickly goes awry. Stars Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman.

A spacecraft traveling to a colony far, far away with 5,000 aboard has a major malfunction, resulting in Two Passengers (Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt, opens December 21st) awakening 90 years earlier, falling in love and having to save the rest of the crew, leaving no time for a modern-day visit to the crowd-pleasing Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Christmas Tree Lighting.

Revved up following the ‘Pinch the Grinch’ Boardwalk 5K Run, an inspired koala (voiced by Matthew McConaughey) holds a competition to save his struggling theater; with a variety of competitors (including the voice of Reese Witherspoon) attempting to Sing (opens December 21st) the best.

Partners in Preservation Holiday Tour could teach a determined prospector (Matthew McConaughey) the value of successful partnership when he joins forces with a clever geologist (Edgar Ramirez) and heads to the Indonesian jungle hoping to strike Gold (opens December 25th).

‘Battle at the Boards’ Basketball Tournament is sure to provide a much-needed mental health break for a doting dad (Bryan Cranston) who’s asking anyone who’ll listen, Why Him? (opens December 25th) when he meets his daughter’s (Zoey Deutch) successful but wildly inappropriate almost fiancé (James Franco).

With a panoramic view of the beach and boardwalk making for the perfect Allied attractions, our festive friends are ready to Sing the Hollywood version of Christmas carols and celebrate the season in style.

The hardly-stylish Bad Santa 2 is content to be by the coast as opposed to behind bars and has promised to temporarily change his really bad ways, provided he gets the best presents at the Wildwood-themed Office Christmas Party. Our holiday cast, not accustomed to office politics and far too happy to mutter Why Him?, has settled in for a long winter’s nap (and a pictureperfect ocean view) as they wonder why anyone would want to spend the merriest time of year anywhere but by the “good” Santa-approved Sea…

www.seasidemoviedays.com

p o o m Bar a h S

Walk-ins Welcome

’s & Lainey Christine

Come and Get Your Holiday Hair!

Keratin Treatment starting at $150.

Visit Lisa Hickman~ Certified Makeup Artist

For all the latest technologies in Airbrush & Makeup Artistry Nov. 22 Nov. 22 thru Dec. 3 Beauty Gift Certificates make Great Gifts! thru Dec. 3 Thanksgiving Special! For every $100 gift certificate, receive $20 102 W. Spruce Ave.

(Behind Flip Flops)

North Wildwood • 609-522-8585

Stefankiewicz & Belasco Trouble with the Law?

Call

609.729.5250 Experienced, Driven & Effective David A. Stefankiewicz, Esq. dstef@sblawteam.com

111 East 17th St., Ste. 100 North Wildwood, NJ

Robert T. Belasco, Esq. rbelasco@sblawteam.com

Hom e fo r t he H olidays e m !

Co

Open Every Day Year Round

Wishing you a Safe, Joyous, Holiday Season from

The Haldeman Family & Owen’s Pub Staff

NFL ticket

17th Ave. North Wildwood Between NJ & Central (609) 729-7290

22

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

the Sun by-the-Sea

“One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things.”

Good food...Good friends...Great times!

Happy HAPPY HOUR M-F 4-7 Daily Specials Holidays $2 Bottles, $1.75 Pints MON - Build a Burger $3 Drinks, App Menu Bucket of Miller Lite Ponies QUIZZO Tues TUES - Land & Sea Specials $3 U-Call-it-Shots WEDS - Yuengs & Wings / $3 Imports THUR - Pasta Night / $3 Glass of Wine FRI & SAT - Blackboard Specials SUNDAY FUNDAY 2 for $22 Dec. 3rd Ugly Sweater Party with Party Machine Rock in the New Year 2017 with “Nothin to Prove” Thurs., Fri. & Sat.

from

Gift Private Certificates Parties Available Available

5 Miles of Smiles!

Smile with your lips, smile with your eyes, smile with your heart and your soul and your life.

~John Burroughs

The 2nd annual “BOOTS AT THE BEACH” Country Music Festival was held the weekend of September 16 & 17. This free event was held in beautiful North Wildwood under clear sunny skies and warm temperatures. There was country dancing to country bands in the outdoor stage, refreshments, and vendors selling western clothes, boots, and cowboy hats of every description. ~submitted by George Capua, Photojournalist

Live Music 3rd & New York Aves., North Wildwood 609-522-7759

e s t W Cafe y e K

Open year round 7 days a week 7am - 2pm. a i

BREAKFAST SPECIALS 7-10

Where the locals Love to eat!

BREAKFAST & LUNCH

LUNCH SPECIALS 11-2

Mon: Mini Meatball Parm w/FFries $5.99 Tues: Beef, Chicken, Fish Tacos $4.99 $5.99 $6.99 Weds: Cheeseburger w/L,T, O & Chips $5.99 Thurs: Beef Stew over buttered Noodles $5.99 Fri: Mini Cheesesteak w/French Fries $5.99 *Specials must be accompanied with purchased beverage

Mon: Creamed Chipped Beef & homefries $5.99 Tues: French Toast w/Sausage or Bacon $5.99 Weds: 2 Eggs, Toast, Homefries, Bac or Saus $5.99 Thurs: FREE Coffee w/Any Omelette

North Wildwood Councilman Joe Rullo and the rest of the Anglesea Irish Society’s hard work payed off with an even more successful 2nd Boots at the Beach Festival

Dancing to the music of the Steel Creek Band

Let us do the cooking!

Wildwood’s Home of the 222

CORNER OF ANDREW & PACIFIC AVES. WILDWOOD 522-5006

Open Mon-Weds 3pm-3am Thurs-Sun 11am- 3am

Live Music and

Entertainment

The Fuscellaro family

Come to Goodnight Irene’s!

Where every night is a good night!

38 Beers on Tap! Over 30 Cans!

From Whitehall, PA Tina & Allen Sandt

Featuring 2 Taps from Cape May Brewing Co.

HAPPY HOUR

Mon-Weds 3-7 Thurs-Fri 11-7 at Bar Only ~ Food & Drink Specials Mexican Mondays

Cowgirl cousins, Brooklyn Haas, Sloane Dietterich & Peyton Haas

$2 Tacos - $3 Fish Tacos

“Tiny Tuesday” $2 Sliders

Wednesdays

$5 Pies Plain - White - Margherita

Thursdays

.49¢ Wings & Steamers goodnightirenes.com

#GNIweekends

on the corner of Poplar & Pacific Ave. in Wildwood, NJ (609) 729-3861 all specials are subject to change

Eva Singer, Michelle Sheel, Megan Haas & Ann Devlin

Tina Sandt from Whitehall, PA, Dawn Reese, from Allentown, PA dancing with 3 year old Paige

the Sun by-the-Sea

feel the holiday cheer!

23

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.” ~Psalm 23:1

5 Miles of Smiles!

Most smiles are started by another smile

dear The Wildwood Sun by the Sea Magazine

Ready for some country line dancing are Joe & Peg Quattrone at the Boots at the Beach festival.

Cookie and George Latella with Charlie Gracie the night he received the Man of the year award from the Sons of Italy.

Sept. 30, 2016.

I love this facebook page so much... I spent every summer of my life from age 3-16 on 13th and Central Ave. in North Wildwood.

Those summers constitute the best memories of my entire childhood.

I just watched this video (you posted of the ocean) and thought ‘Oh my, it’s like I’m a kid again!’

The ocean is exactly the same, the waves are the same, the colors the same, the sounds are the same... I could even smell the salt and taste it too, just by watching.

I am in NY now and spend time on Brooklyn beaches (Coney Island).

It’s the same ocean, but very different - Nothing compares to my Wildwood! After watching the video I saw your location - North WILDWOOD! I know my beach/ ocean very well - it will always be a part of me. ~ Jennifer DeMarco

The Angels in Heaven

By Steven J. Clark

Gerard Lex with his Oklahoma friend Ken, who loves to visit the Wildwoods!

Marc Duhrkoff & Poco da Wolf on an indian summer day

The angels in heaven Danced with joy and admiration They adored this little baby Boy Showered Him with love Pure love they felt coming through His soul On His birthday this day we celebrate The magical blessings He would grant the world Giving back is a gift He placed in all of our hearts Those hearts who pray to Him Rejoice in His name, Jesus Christ

o i n G g u L o ocal?

Y e r A Holiday Catering Specialties

To: Our Patrons,

Featuring:

Wishing you Happy Holidays!

•Sweet Trays •Bagel Trays •Sandwich Trays •Cookie Trays •Coffee Service

From: Everybody here at Avalon Coffee

Gift Cards Available!

Visit our website! www.AvalonCoffeeCompany.com Send our Shore Roasted Coffee to someone for the Holidays!

For Locals Only this Winter!!!

Cape May Courthouse

RIO GRANDE

9 Mechanic St. 463-8200

3167 Rt. 9S 463-0275

North CAPE MAY

Cape Center Bayshore & Townbank 846-0040

24

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow...” ~ Doxology, Thomas Ken, 1674

the Sun by-the-Sea

“Feed the world.... Let them know it’s Christmastime.” ~Band Aid Churches in the Wildwoods Printed with compliments of The SUN with blessings. To update your listing call 609-214-5608

Anglesea Baptist Church

3rd & Atlantic Ave. 522-2951

Eureka Baptist Church 142 W. Spencer Ave. 522-1028 Sunday School 9:45am Sunday Service 11am Wed Prayer 7-8pm

First Presbyterian Church 4511 Pacific Ave. 522-1244 Sunday Service 10am Wed. Bible Study 9:30am

Sunday 10:30am Eve. Prayer Meeting 6pm Weds Family Bible 7pm

Asbury A.M.E. Church

First U. M. C. of Wildwood Crest

6700 Atlantic Ave. 729-4265 Sunday Service 9:30 Bible Study Mondays 7pm Men’s Prayer Breakfast Sat. 8am

Young & New Jersey Ave. 729-5584

Notre Dame de la Mer Parish

Assumption RC Church

7110 Seaview Ave. Wildwood Crest 522-4114

Mon-Fri 8:30am Sat. 4:30pm Sun 8:30am

Sounds of Christmas Concert December 18, 2016, 7pm with Bel Canto Lyric Opera Co. of Phila.

Wildwood Crest’s best kept secret St. Ann’s RC Church 2900 Atlantic Ave. Wildwood 522-2709 Weekday Masses Mon-Fri 7am Sat. 4:30pm / SUN 10:30 Sun 7pm, Spanish Mass

2nd & Central Ave. 522-2271 Sunday Service 9am

Soup Kitchen Clothing Closet & Food Pantry Mondays 4:30pm-6:30pm Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Nov. 21, 2016 4:30pm-6:30pm Annual Christmas Dinner Dec. 19, 2016 4:30pm-6:30pm

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016

U.S. Postal Food Drive

For just one day a whole community joins with the US Post Office to help people in need.

A true Christmas Blessing!

Joe Tighe & John McDowell

Some ideas to leave in or by your mailbox: Peanut Butter, Jelly, Tuna, Cereal, Pasta, Oats. . .

St. Simeon’s by-the-Sea Episcopal 26th & Central Ave. 522-8389

Sun. Holy Communion 9am Wed. Healing 6:30pm

HOPE Pregnancy Center

tcsministries.org

Crocus & Pacific Aves.

Wildwood Crest, NJ

301 Anglesea Ave., 522-0152 Orthos 9am Divine Liturgy 10am

clothing closet & FOOD PANTRY Soup Kitchen: Mon 4:30-6:30

4505 Park Blvd.

523-1444 Sunday 10am Weds & Thurs. 7pm Tues. Intensive Care Prayer 6:30pm

First Presbyterian Church 4511 Pacific Ave. Wildwood

Crest Community Church

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox

Crocus & Pacific Aves 522-1618 Sunday 9:30am Breakfast, Worship and the WORD!

The Carpenter Shop

Open Mon -Wed - Fri 10am - 12noon

North Wildwood United Methodist Church

Crest Community Church

Sunday Service 11am

~Robert Caspar Lintner

Third Sunday of each Month 10:30am Contemporary Blended Service w/ Communion

West Wildwood Bible Church

Sunday School 9:30am

“Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day.”

8am Spoken Service w/Communion 10:30am Traditional Service w/Communion ~ Sunday School.

18th Ave. & Central Ave. 522-5917 Sunday 11am & 6pm

Maple & Atlantic Ave. 522-2981

F O O D PA N T RY

2810 Atlantic Ave. 522-5000

Central Bible Church

First Baptist Church

Lazurus House

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

Beth Judah Temple Pacific & Spencer Aves. 522-7541 Shabbat Services Saturday 9:30am

NEW LOCATION

Karen Pommer, Kay & Jim Litton & Frank Stone

9 Neptune Avenue 523-8863 Sunday 10am Eve. Prayer 6pm Wed. Prayer 7pm

Herald Building Rio Grande 609-886-7022

321 West Ave. Ocean City 609-398-9449

Thursdays 6:30-8pm For Location Contact Rev. Bryce M. Woerner reviveww@gmail.com revivewildwood.com

Debt is the worst poverty. ~Thomas Fuller, Gnomologia, 1732

"I will miss my friend Lee so much. She always called me 'sweetheart." ~Lou Ann Catanoso {Lee Dinon, a North Wildwood resident passed away Sept. 24th at age 87.}

A Gift from Gia Since their daughter Gia’s death at Christmastime in 1998, the Chiarella family took their grieving hearts and used them to bless the children at Cooper Hospital during Christmas with “Gifts from Gia.” Their sadness at Christmastime was eased every year by an unspeakable joy that only comes from a giving heart. In that spirit, they beautifully kept Gia’s memory alive. May knowing that Vince & Beth have been reunited with their daughter Gia bring peace to everyone who knew and loved them. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their daughter Mia. May she know how much she is loved here and from above by her 3 angels.

Honoring the legacy of her much-loved parents, Mia proudly continues the tradition of bringing a bit of Christmas to sick children through their Gifts from Gia Foundation.

Please drop off gifts at the former Gia’s Restaurant, located at Glenwood and Pacific Avenues in Wildwood.

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

25

the Sun by-the-Sea

“Christmas is the day that holds all time together.”

~Alexander Smith

The AngleSea Walk

Happ Holi y days!

R E A L T Y William O’Connell Broker / Owner

CapeIslandsRealty.com Panorama of a section of the seawall by Dorothy Kulisek

SALES - LISTINGS - RENTALS NEW CONSTRUCTION! NOW AVAILABLE!

Sea N’ Surf Condominiums

The winning announcement was made at the Irish Festival on Sept. 24, 2016. (L-R) Dorothy Kulisek, Jodie DiEduardo, Ed & Helen Murray, NW Mayor Patrick Rosenello and Joe Quattrone

“Name The Seawall Contest” Winner Announced Over 150 entries and 198 pages of essays later, the judges of North Wildwood’s “Name that Seawall Contest” have selected a winner. After a meeting of the judges on September 13th to review and assess the significant number of contest entries, the commitee came to the unanimous decision that the contest winner is Helen Murray of North Wildwood, NJ and Bensalem, PA. Judges of the “Name that Seawall Contest” would like to thank all of the participants for their entries. They were not expecting the response they received, which made it that much harder to select a winning recipient. A sincerest congratulations to Helen Murray, the grand prize winner who not only takes a place in the history of the town by choosing a name that will live on for generations to come; but receives a week’s stay for a family of 4 at the Acropolis Resort Motel located at 3rd and JFK, along with a family basket of all-things Wildwood!

“The Seawall means different things to many people. As a child, my first summer vacations in the 1950s were spent in North Wildwood. Now, in our retirement, my husband and I are summer residents. We have come to enjoy the Seawall as a place of solitude, tranquility, natural beauty and a place to clear our minds of distractions. Where else can you see views such as these. They are second to none! Now that the city of North Wildwood is considering going back to its roots as Anglesea, my suggestions is to name it “The AngleSea Walk.”

420 East 22nd Avenue, North Wildwood

Upgraded 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom beach block condominiums ready for their new owner. A variety of floor plans available. Amenities include GE stainless steel appliances, private outside showers, granite counters with tile back splash, intercom system, sprinkler system, private decks, private storage, hardwood floors. These units are spacious and offer plenty of closet space.

Starting at $379,900

COME AND VISIT US AT 2nd & New Jersey Aves., North Wildwood, NJ

609-522-6333

26

wishing you peace by-the-sea

the Sun by-the-Sea

Ralphie: “I want a Red Ryder carbine action two-hundred shot range model air

GIVE THE GIFT OF MORE SUMMER

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

the Sun by-the-Sea

r rifle. Oooooooh!” Mother: “No, you’ll shoot your eye out! “ ~ A Christmas Story

HOLIDAY SALE NOV 28 THRU JAN 6 WILD PASS $275* (REGULARLY $495) • Season Pass good for one ride wristband per day and NEW for 2017 - all day access to both beachfront water parks per day!

WILD PASS UNDER 42” TALL & WILD PASS OVER 25 YEARS $210* (REGULARLY $355) • Offers the same privileges as the WILD PASS at a special price for Children under 42” (in shoes) at the time of activation or Adults over 25 years of age. GREAT FOR PARENTS! EZ PAY offered for WILD PASS, WILD PASS Under 42” and WILD PASS Over 25 Years. Pay in 5 easy installments. $7 processing fee per pass apply.*

WILD WATER PARK PASS $115 • A season pass just for the water parks. Pass is good for one all-day water park wristband per day.

THIS OFFER IS ONLY AVAILABLE DURING THE HOLIDAY SALE! LIMITED QUANTITY. FOREVER WILD PASS $50* • Offers the same privileges as the WILD PASS for guests 65 and older or turning 65 in 2017.

Valid photo ID with proof of age will be required at time of activation.

WILD TICKET CARD $40* • 75 tickets PLUS valuable coupons.

WILD WATER PARK 10 PACK $245 (RETAIL $450) • Includes (10) General Admission Water Park Tickets. Only available during our sale.

These individual tickets are great for splitting up.

NEW! DINING VOUCHERS $50* (VALUE $60), $100* (VALUE $125) • Purchase a dining card for $50 and receive a bonus $10 food & beverage voucher for yourself or gift it! Purchase a dining card for $100 and receive a $25 food & beverage voucher! Valid at most food outlets on Morey’s Piers.

GIFT CARDS $25, $50, $75, $100, $150 • NEW! E-GIFT, INSTANT DELIVERY AVAILABLE! Accepted online, by phone or can be applied towards any purchase at any Morey’s Piers ticket booth, Guest Services, Ocean Oasis, or Raging Waters Water Parks. No expiration date or added fees. Recipients receive an email from Moreyspiers.com along with your personal message!

NEW! Ready-to-go gift boxes to place MORE SUMMER under the tree! Choose from Breakfast in the Sky, Rides & Water Parks or Rides only. All gift boxes come with Morey’s Piers merchandise.

MORE FUN GIFT BOX $159.99* (RETAIL $239.97) • Gift box which includes (2) same-day combination ride and water park wristbands, $25 food & beverage credit, a towel and (2) pairs of sunglasses. Limited quantity.

MORE SUMMER GIFT BOX $144.99* (RETAIL $215.96) • Gift box which includes (2) amusement ride wristbands, $25 food & beverage credit, a beach blanket, (2) pairs of sunglasses and a Curley hat. Limited quantity.

BREAKFAST IN THE SKY GIFT BOXES $134.99 FOR TWO* (RETAIL $169.97), $199.99 FOR FOUR* (RETAIL $254.97) This one-of-a-kind experience includes a delicious breakfast served in style on the Giant Wheel, plus, a blanket and coffee mugs in a beautiful gift box. Advance reservations required. Limited quantity.

TRAM CAR TICKET BOOK $40 • 25 one-way rides on the tram car. Tickets do not expire. Sightseer Tram is owned and operated by Wildwoods’ Boardwalk S.I.D.

*Plus applicable taxes.

PRE-ORDER ONLINE AT MOREYSPIERS.COM

Phone orders & walk up purchases begin Dec. 7th. NO MAIL ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Call 1-866-MOREYS1 (1-866-667-3971) every day from 7am to midnight.

Walk up purchases can be made at the StarLux Hotel located at Rio Grande and Atlantic Avenues, Wildwood. Monday through Friday from 11am to 4pm.

Add $2 standard shipping and handling fee.

27

28

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

the Sun by-the-Sea

"...and the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes that day..." ~Dr. Seuss

5 Miles of Smiles!

Peace on earth Goodwill toward men

{Photos taken last holiday season}

John Lynch with 2 of his favorite elves, Marie & Lex

From the bottom of my Grinch-inspired heart, I would like to thank the countless many Santa’s helpers who contributed to making Christmas brighter for local kids. I couldn’t have done it without all of you! Thank you for demonstrating that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in Wildwood by-the-sea! ~John LYnch

Let’s help the GrYnch’s heart swell again this year and fill the room to overflowing for every Who in Whoville

John LYnch with the GrYnch And then... the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of 10 Grinches...

Cheer to all Whos far and near.... Christmas Day will always be just as long as we have we...

Save the Date!

Pinch the GrYnch 5K Boardwalk Run & 1 Mile Walk Sat., Dec. 10th, 2016

John, Toni, Nina & Gigi are ready for the holiday fun!

Santa’s helpers Suzanne is the “Fairy of the Golden Snow”

Olivia & Ella Harkins joined in on all the holiday fun

These girls love every opportunity to run, but Pinch the GrYnch may be their favorite!

The Frey’s from North Cape May Runners, Joan Mattson & John Luthin

Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store.

29

the Sun by-the-Sea

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

~Dr. Seuss

30

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

the Sun by-the-Sea

“Life, love and laughter ~ what priceless gifts.” ~Anon.

Oh Those Wildwood Days!

dear

Reminiscing with Mary Lou Trottnow

Al Trottnow, Dick Roddy & Nick Cooney~ 24th St. beach, 1969

Albert Trottnow, III & Marianne Trottnow Coffin ~ Wildwood Boardwalk 1955 Al & Mary Lou Trottnow Atlantic City 1948

Al, Albert III, Marianne & MaryLou,1955 Marylou & Albert Trottnow III~ at Joe & Olga Ellis’ Apartments, 1954

Nick Cooney WWII vet served as a Navy gunner on a torpedo bomber in the Pacific (Nick is Mary Lou’s brother)

Marian Roddy Zane, Nick Cooney, jr.

Marianne Trottnow Coffin~ 24th St. beach, 1969

Al & Mark Trottnow~ the 4th child 1964

Theresa Cooney & Mary Lou Trottnow ~24th St. beach, 1967

Al & Mary Lou Trottnow Grassy Sound Marina 1980s

The Bang-Bang Danceland at the Casino Arcade. . .where Al & MaryLou Trottnow danced many hot summer nights away. . .

Reading the story in your Memorial Day issue about V-J Day and the man who remembered the day World War II ended brought back my own memories of August 15, 1945.

I was on the boardwalk, shouting with joy because my older brother, Nick had survived. Nick was a gunner on a three-man plane flying off an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific, which we would later find out, had been in the battles of Okinawa and Japan.

Summers on the boardwalk during wartime were very different from how we know them to be today. For starters, there were no lights. The storefronts had a maze of black hanging curtains that you had to work your way around in order to get a soda, hotdog, etc.

In those days, girls were dressed to the ‘nines,’ with high heels that required little cups on the bottom so they didn’t get stuck in the boards!

Guys wore suits with starched shirts.

There were many laughing complaints when they told the story of running their arms through those starched sleeves.

Now, though, we were ready to celebrate at the “Bang Bang,” the dance place on the pier closest to Atlantic Avenue and over the water boat amusement.

My crowd of girls rented rooms at Cavanaugh Rooming House, located at Wildwood Ave., now Park Blvd., for $1.50 per girl with a minimum of four girls in a room. We knew the owner from our neighborhood in Philadelphia. She was strict, no boys allowed in the rooms, but gave us Memorial Day weekend for free with the promise that we would stay for July 4th and Labor Day weekend.

I have so many memories of my days in Wildwood, including the summers of 1952 and 1953, when the ocean at 24th Street at high tide almost reached up to the boardwalk.

Things are different now, but my memories, thankfully, remain the same…

~ MARY LOU TROTTNOW

the Sun by-the-Sea

let your sparkle shine!

31

“Life and summer are fleeting,’ sang the bird. ‘Snow and dark, and the winter comes. Nothing remains the same.” ~Elyne Mitchell

A Blast From the Past!

ONLY 3.5% SALES TAX!

Photos Courtesy of Wildwood Historic Society

BIKES patti boyle WChs 74

Donna versaggi WChs 72

deborah camper Whs 75

Cape May county’s exclusive dealer AND premiere dealer!

Op en Yea r Ro un d

BIKES gary adams Whs 75

christine love Whs 76

rae carol kneule WCHS 67

harry bates Whs 64

ed coleman whs 71

aut hor ize d UPS + FED EX shi ppi ng cen ter S victoria manlandro Wchs 84

BIKE

(609) 408- 8956 www.zippysbikes.com 3900 Pacific Ave. (Pacific + spicer)

Wildwood, New Jersey

daniel deets WChs 66

elizabeth cossaboon WChs 66

gregory coffey WChs 66

Tell them you saw it in The Sun!

32

the Sun by-the-Sea

make beautiful Christmas memories....

“Better to lose count while naming your blessings than to lose your blessings to counting your troubles.”

Corchiani SUN Story Excerpt Vol. 12, Issue 2 Hugo Corchiani and Anna Radolphi immigrated from Italy to Indiana, PA, where Hugo became a coal miner. They eventually moved to Philadelphia, where they owned a grocery store. Their next stop was to Wildwood by- the-sea, where they became the owners of Venezia Hotel, a small restaurant and boarding house located at 118 W. Schellenger Ave. They became the parents of four children: Josephine, Gabriel (Traci’s grandfather), Alfred and Madeline.

Traci’s grandparents, Gabriel and Virginia were married in 1941.

Their first date was to see Gone with the Wind. Their house was built on Buttercup and Atlantic Avenues in Wildwood Crest, where it resides to this day. Gabe owned and operated The Wilson Dairy Company at 3600 Arctic Ave. in Wildwood. They became the proud parents of Gabriel, Barbara (Traci’s mom) , Patricia, Carol, Virginia and Rosemarie. All six attended St. Ann’s and Wildwood Catholic High School.

Gabriel Corchiani in his Wilson Dairy Truck

Gabriel & Virginia (Loscalzo) Corchiani with little Barbara Ann , 1943

5 Miles of Smiles!

~Maltbie D. Babcock

dear

People are not perfect (except when they smile)

Corchiani Family Reunion sent in by Traci Young Dunham

The Corchiani Family got together on Sunday July 3rd, during the 4th of July weekend, for a family reunion. The family has grown to the 5th generation in America from those ancestral grandparents who came from Italy. Today many family members no longer live in New Jersey. They travelled from New Orleans, North Carolina and Pennsylvania to be together at the reunion.

The reunion was held at George and Traci Dunham’s house in Wildwood Crest. Everyone had a great time sharing their memories of summers spent in the Wildwoods with their children.

They also enjoyed going back with their children to some of their favorite spots growing up; Duffer’s Challenge, the boardwalk, the basketball courts in the Crest, and of course the beach.

When the family said their good-byes they promised to make the reunion an annual summer event.

They also enjoyed The SUN, particularly the feature on the history of the family in July-August 2015 issue of The SUN.

Barbara (Corchiani)Young Traci Young Dunham, Bing Corchiani, and AnnaMarie (Corchiani) Klaiss

Jim Hucklebridge, Greg Hucklebridge and George Dunham

Traci (Young)Dunham, Annabelle Corchiani, and Ashley Corchiani

After reading in The SUN Vol. 12, Issue 2, about the Corchiani family and their Venezia Motel, faithful SUN follower Mike DiMeo, recognized it as the place his family stayed in back in the 1940s on their visits to Wildwood. He sent us these classic old photographs via The Wildwood Sun by the Sea Facebook page.

At the Venezia~ Norma, John, Carmella Semoni (Mike’s grandmom), Anna, Angie, Anna (owner of the Venezia) bottom row, Franny & Janet Semoni DiMeo (Mike’s mom) and Vita

33

the Sun by-the-Sea

expect a miracle!

“Great little One! whose all-embracing birth lifts Earth to Heaven, stoops Heaven to Earth.”~Richard Crashaw

Save the Date!

Sat., DEC. 17, 2016, 3-8

27th Anniversary Historic Dennisville Christmas House Tour

Holly Beach Train Depot

4712 Pacific Ave. Wildwood 609-522-2379 3 % 1/2

sales tax

South Jersey’s Most Complete Train Stop Cape May County’s Only Authorized Lionel & MTH Dealer

NEW! Custom O Gauge Wildwood Trolley “Watch the tram car please!”

We Buy, Sell & Repair Trains

NOW IN STOCK $79.95

NOW IN! STOCK

For more info: www.dhhoa.org

The feature house is The Herbert M. and Harriet Carroll House - 1883

The Jonathan Crandall House - Ca. 1813 - 1817

The Captain Harry & Hannah Chester House - 1894

The strolling Middletones Carolers from Middle Township High School

The 27th Historic Dennisville Christmas House Tour will take place on Saturday, December 17th from 3PM-8PM. Eight private homes will be on tour including 2 houses never before on the Dennisville Tour and 2 houses that have not been on the tour in at least 9 years.

The feature house is the Herbert M. and Harriet Carroll House - 1883. This house, which has never been on the Dennisville House Tour, is a late example of the Gothic Revival style built with a 2 1/2 story frame, 3 bays wide and a tall cross gable in the center of the facade. It serves currently as the parsonage for the Dennisville United Methodist Church.

The Jonathan Crandall House - Ca. 1813 - 1817 has also never been on the Dennisville House Tour. The house is comprised of two separate buildings, both heavy timber framed, that were joined together. Of special interest is the great amount of flush boarding on the interior walls and on 3 fireplace walls.

Two houses that have not been on the Dennisville Tour within the past 10 years include: The Captain Harry and Hannah Chester House - 1894, our finest example of the Queen Anne style in the village; and the Henry Jr. and Mary Ludlam House built in 1803 and a fine example of the Federal style. This house was operated as a B&B for a few years in the mid 1990’s.

In keeping with an old fashioned tradition, the South Dennis United Methodist Church will sponsor a soup and sandwich supper from 2PM until food runs out. The price is $8.00 for adults and $3.50 for children under 12.

The Middletones Carolers (Middle Township High School a cappella vocal quartet) will perform through the village in period costume.

This year tickets are available online at www.dhhoa.org. Tickets are $10.00.

The ticket center will open on the day of the tour at the Dennisville Post Office at 2:30. For further information, go to www.dhhoa.org or call 609.861.1338

TOY TRAM CARS IN STOCK

New with operating headlights

HollyBeachTrainDepot.com

Open 7 Days Nov. 25 ‘til Christmas 10-6

Come see Gina & Celena Walk-i ns Welc ome

Like us at ‘His and Hairs Salon’

Haircuts for the Entire Family!

Open Wednesday thru Saturday New Jersey & Chestnut Aves.

North Wildwood

(609) 729-HA I R (4247)

Seth A. Fuscellaro, Esquire Attorney at Law Specializing in

Divorce & Family Personal Injury Real Estate Wills, Estates & Trusts Phone: 609.522.6633 Fax: 609.522.5030

seth@fuscellarolaw.com

100 E. Rio Grande Ave. Wildwood, NJ 08260

Happy Holidays!

Delivering fresh, pressed articles of clothing to Cape May County’s best dressed since 1987

Full-Service Quality Dry Cleaning Pick-Up & Delivery Service Same Day Service • Alterations • Repairs 3209 New Jersey Ave. Wildwood 609-522-6291 609-522-4499 Mon-Fri 7am - 5:30pm Sat 7am - 3pm Visit MichaelsFabricare.com for specials!

Michael’s Fabricare

Michael Cummiskey, owner

34

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

the Sun by-the-Sea

“Make new friends and keep the old; one is silver, the other gold.” ~Anon.

5 Miles of Smiles!

Smiling is infectious, You can catch it like the flu.

Someone smiled at me today, And I started smiling too.

n i s a t h m e t W s i ildwoods! r h C CAPE TRINITY SCHOOL HOSTS SUPPER WITH SANTA

{ pictures taken last year }

Sunday, Dec. 4th, 2016

Evelyn Mr. & Mrs. McGuigan lead the children in singing Christmas carols

Gavin & Chris

Kevin & Carli, Nola & Stella Quinn

Lauren & Will Auty making crafts

Frosty & Rudolph love to get pictures with the children

Santa’s helpers Marlene, Joanne & Catina

Mother-daughter time with Michelle & Merideth, a teacher at Cape Trinity

The McShaffry’s & Sawyer’s are ready for Santa

Feeling the spirit of Christmas with Diane & Marie and Frosty & Rudolph

the Sun by-the-Sea

If your cup runneth over, share some.

35

“The 3 best sounds in the world are the rain, the wind and the ocean.” ~Henry Betson

The Improbable Delight of Winter’s Unkempt Beach

by Paul Venesz

“In the summer, it’s the human presence that gives it character; in the winter, it’s the lack thereof.”

“Going Beachcombing” photo Dorothy Kulisek

Even before moving to the shore year-

round, I loved the rare visits to my grandmother’s house in Longport during the winter. Not only would I have the beach to myself, but it provided an entirely different kind of fun than it did during the summer.

Each time was a different adventure of discovery. I would run barefoot in the cold sand, crunching through the dry reed carpets as far as I was allowed in one direction, then the other, sweatshirt pockets bulging with all the little treasures the ocean had left there for me.

Long thin lines of green and brown stretched along the beach, outlining the high tide mark. There were “mermaid purses,” black egg sacs of skates, so alien-looking with two long tails on the ends, and the sleek brown carapace of horseshoe crabs. Driftwood rested along those lines, sun-bleached, worn smooth by wind, waves and sand, and dotted with holes from ocean micro-organisms munching on it.

I always felt a rush of anticipation when catching a glimpse of faded olive green.

Most of the time it was just another piece of seaweed or a washed up wrapper, but a good percentage of my army men were scavenged from those long lines of debris.

Rarely, an action figure with all its limbs, good as new aside from some sand in the joints.

You only find the really good shells during the winter. Especially the Knobbed Whelk, unmistakeable with its pointed end flaring out over the opening to the other spiraling spiny side. The state shell of New Jersey, the biggest and most pristine examples were nowhere to be found in the summer,

swept up in the rakes dragged behind big municipal front loaders. They made great garden ornaments, and I could listen to the ocean any time I wanted, 100 miles away in the Philadelphia suburbs.

And yes, there was trash in among the natural detritus and salvageable items.

Gray cans sand-blasted bare, plastic food packaging, nylon ropes and wild tangles of fishing line were ever-present. But even those served to add some color to the otherwise monotone sand. I know now that ocean pollution is a serious problem, but at the time a section of old fishing net was another good find. It could be a giant spider web for action figures, or a trap to spring on whichever unfortunate peer was playing the bad guy. If nothing else, I had next month’s show-and-tell item taken care of.

I recently took our dogs down for a run, and without realizing it I was walking those lines again, absentmindedly looking for army men or shovels. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the uncleaned beach.

In the summer, it’s the human presence that gives it character; in the winter, it’s the lack thereof.

It made me think about how we sweep all this away for the summer season. Of course, if I want to sit and take in the sun in August, an overabundance of dead sea life baking in the heat isn’t going to help. It made me think that maybe we don’t have to be so unceasingly tidy in our lives. What some might call clutter, others call charm.

I’m obsessive about getting to doctor appointments on time, only to have to sit in the waiting room and watch daytime TV for half an hour before I’m seen. I’ve met a lot of nice people and had some great conversations waiting at bus stops and train stations because I missed the one I was trying to catch.

In life, as with the beach, there’s definitely a time and place for being tidy. A clean kitchen is healthier and easier to work in, and if you’re late to a job interview you might as well turn around and go home.

But by cutting out every unnecessary detail and trying to make life adhere to a strict schedule, you never know what you might be missing.

t l s ine a o c

We Build for Fun!

BUILDERS LLC.

609-523-6888

Happy Holidays!

From our Home to Yours. . .

Rick, Sherri & Rickii by The AngleSea Walk at Hereford Inlet

Rick Davis builds the coastline

one house at a time.

Stop in our Office at 2500 New Jersey Ave., North Wildwood Serving all of Cape May County • Incorporated since 1993 • Fully licensed and insured NJ13VH04275700 • Free Estimates • Free Plans & Drawings • Large local customer reference base • Senior Citizen Discounts • Born & Raised in the Wildwoods Rick Davis - WCHS ‘74 Rick is also on the following committees• Volunteer North Wildwood Fire Co., 20 yrs.

• President Wildwood Rotary • Volunteer Five Mile Beach Firemen’s Assoc.

Times are Tough!

Building shouldn’t be rough!

Ask us about local discounts.

36

the Sun by-the-Sea

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2016

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” ~ Charles Dickens

5 Miles of Smiles!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Christmas in July

July 23, 2016 Photos by Dylan Jurusz for The Sun Hosted annually for over 25 years by the North Wildwood Beach Patrol

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Hunter, Tyler, Owen, Sophia, Paige and the elves helped Santa distribute candy canes to beachgoers

Santa loves his summer getaway to North Wildwood The Kelly, Vogelman, Shute, Nelson & Sherlock families go all out for the special holiday, with a turkey dinner complete with cranberry & stuffing

Jim Glanz was chilling holiday style

NWBP’s very own band entertained beachgoers with Christmas music

Colin Durnin & Caitlyn Coleman Peg Dykes & Mrs. Vicky Claus bask in the spirit of Christmas in July

Christmas in July is a great opportunity for snapping the perfect Christmas card photo. Patti, George, Keira & Calliegh

Scarlett Loughin & Holly Sinnott Shea McKinsey & Victoria Brooks

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

37

the Sun by-the-Sea

“As surely as the sun rises, He will appear.” ~Hosea 6:3

5 Miles of Smiles!

Free Estimates Licensed & Insured Interior & Exterior

Call Now!

“Count your life by smiles, not tears, Count your age by friends, not years.” ~John Lennon

Tim Wade

(609) 602-2230

A few of Harry’s Corner Breakfast Club with Aris behind the grill, Wilmont Jones with The SUN, Uncle Dom and Anthony Piro

LOVE’S PEST CONTROL All you Need is Love!

Complete Pest Control Services - 24/7

Termite & Pest Control Flea & Tick Control Specialists COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL

Skip & Ian keep hungry beachgoers well fed at 7th St. beach

CAPE MAY COURTHOUSE 609-463-0778

WILDWOOD, NJ

Thoy Hippen doing some fishing at Moore’s Inlet Beach on a beautiful September day

609-729-0110

“We’re just a Little Bar on a Big Island” FIREHOUSE TAVERN Park Blvd. at Pine Ave. Wildwood

609-729-9487

Margaret Mace 2016 grads staying close friends: Joe Obrien, Julianna Mcclain, Cain Rullo & Maya Critchfield. The boys go to CM Tech and the girls go to Lower Twp. High

Try Our Homemade Pork & Spinach Sandwich!

• Hot & Cold Sandwiches • Package Goods • Ice Cold Beer

Richie Crean & Brian Stulz of NWBP

Koehler Floor Covering ContractoR For All Your Flooring Needs!

SpEcializing in carpEt - Vinyl laminatE - tilE - hardwood FloorS Finest Quality Installations!

Nick Nastasi carries Benton into another holiday season by the sea, as his favorite four-legged friend counts the days until Christmas?

FIND A MISTAKE? It is our policy to include something for everyone. Since some people like to find erorrs, we regluarly include a few in our pulbications.

Call Ed KoEhlEr

NJ State LiceNSed & iNSured

for a Free Estimate Today!

609-729-2703 609-780-0253

38

the Sun by-the-Sea

Jesus is the Gift!

“It is a fine seasoning for joy to think of those we love.” ~Moliere

Our Wildwood Home

and Irish Friends

by Al “Butch” Love

Al Love with his Irish kids

Killian, Ingrid & friends

1942, 3 yr. old Al Love and his 7 yr. old sister Ann, with Uncle Gil Scott and Aunt Mary

Irish friends The Golden Years. A term most used when you get into the retirement mode.

I’m not sure when the Golden Years are supposed to start, but I do have an idea when they will end. I still have memories but like the evening sun, they are starting to fade over the bay at sunset. There is a framed sketch of our Wildwood home hanging on the wall in front of me. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and this beautiful penciled sketch is worthy of a warm memory.

Over twenty years ago, Morey’s Organization started their pitch to hire young, overseas students for the piers on the boardwalk. During this time, most of the young people who came to Wildwood were from Ireland, where the job market was poor. Next door to our home, we have an apartment complex that provides housing for Morey’s employees and other summer workers. You would think that young people away from home for the first time would be indulging in drinking, music, parties, singing and noise. Well, they did to a degree. We overcame this by getting to know this one group. They returned for four summers and became like family to us.

This group came from the same area in County Cork and knew one another well.

Wildwood became their destination due to the change of plans of Fergal Cagney.

At 18, he was sent by his parents to the States and told to spend the summer with his aunt and uncle in Connecticut.

When he arrived in New York, he asked an airport employee where he could find

Drawing of the Love’s summer home by Killian Burke the best beach town on the East Coast for work. She told him Wildwood, where he, upon arrival, ironically ran into a lifeguard named Paul he knew from Cork.

Fergal soon became a lifeguard. Then, his sister and the rest of their friends came and became our neighbors. They continued coming to Wildwood until completing their education back home or starting full time jobs elsewhere. They had Irish names such as Killian, Fergal, Orla, Ingrid, Joanne, and Yvonne. Fergal and his sister Orla were lifeguards in Wildwood, Killian worked with my son Jason, and the three girls had jobs as waitresses. We let them call home with phone credit cards before cell phones became popular. Sometimes they put their parents on to speak to us. Being part Irish myself, they won us over with their Irish charm.

Killian Burke was extra special and became friends with my sons Jeff and Jason.

Killian and Jason worked at Dad’s Place near the bridge at Grassy Sound. They helped customers with renting, fishing and crabbing boats at the dock. Killian was a loveable devil straight out of an Irish travel brochure. He spoke with an Irish brogue that was a little bit hard to understand at first, especially when he spoke too fast and worst when he had a pint or two in him! Then it sounded like a foreign language altogether. We could hear his alarm clock ringing in the morning through his open window when he overslept. Jason had to run over and wake him up for work! When the green-

head flies got so bad at Dad’s Place, Killian would run up the toll bridge and jump in the bay to get away from them, much to the chagrin of the toll collector.

Then he’d swim back to the dock and continue working.

The pranks they pulled during the season were hilarious. A neighbor across the street sold water ice cones from a small vehicle that had a large inflatable Spiderman attached to it. One early morning, we all woke up to see the Spiderman clinging outside the second-floor window of their apartment. Of course, the Irish kids did not know how it got there!

The summer of 1999 was the last time we saw this group together. Most were leaving right after Labor Day. Some stayed in the United States and found jobs, Fergal enlisted in the US Marines, and the others headed back to Ireland. Only Killian and his close friend Fergal Cagney decided to stay till the end of September for the Irish Weekend Festivities.

A few days before he planned to fly home to Ireland, Killian was involved in a serious accident and spent five days recuperating in an Atlantic City Hospital.

My wife Sandi and I brought him into our home while he was still recuperating. My son Jeff had friends renting an apartment across the street from us on Glenwood Ave, where Killian spent some time. He was an art student in college and spent the next few days drawing and sketching on a pad on their porch. Ironically, this was the same house I wrote about in a

Sandi Love with her Irish girls previous Sun by The Sea story. That is where my friend Virginia stayed with her grandparents for eight summers starting when we were both ten years old.

While Killian was recovering, we brought him to our home in Gloucester Township.

The day he was leaving we all shared a lot of hugs. He presented us with a picture of our home that he sketched during the time he spent across the street while he was healing. It was a great gift that will forever remind me of the many memories I have of Wildwood and the people I have met.

Thanks to Facebook, we have followed the activities of our Irish kids over the past twenty years. All six have families of their own now and display their kids’ pictures and birthdays on Facebook.

Killian, Ingrid, and Yvonne are still living in Ireland. Joann is living in New York and Orla in California. Fergal enlisted in the Marines, was wounded in Afghanistan and is still in the service.

They were a chapter in my life that I will cherish forever.

Someday I hope their children also get a chance to spend a summer or two in the Wildwoods. Maybe they, too, can get summer jobs and stay at the apartments next to our house. Hopefully my young grandkids will meet them. On my bucket wish list is a visit to beautiful Ireland to meet the parents of those Irish kids. I would like to thank them for sharing their sons and daughters with my family for those unforgettable Wildwood summers.

the Sun by-the-Sea

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

“Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance - each beautiful, unique and too soon gone.”

5 Miles

39

~Deborah Whipp

Primo gift Cards make great Stocking Stuffers!

of Smiles!

Remember this December, That love weighs more than gold!

We Deliver

Open Daily ~ 1209 new Jersey ave. nOrth wilDwOOD

Hoagie Trays For aNy siZe ParTy

Italian Sampler Trays • Specialties & Salads • Healthy Alternative Hoagies

PERFECT FOR YOUR HOLIDAY GATHERING

The 2016 Connie Malinowski Memorial Scholarship Awards, sponsored by the Polish American Club of Cape May County, were presented at their annual Awards Dinner held June 5th, 2016 at the Wildwood Country Club. Recipients were Destiny West, Lower Cape May Regional High School and Frankie McLaughlin, Middle Township High School.

Each received a $1,000 scholarship.

L-R, Yvonne McRory-Kukielka, President, Destiny West, Frankie McLaughlin and Michael M. Celinski II, Scholarship Committee Chairman

ce 1948

Service Sin ty li a u Q h ig H to d Dedicate

Serving Cape May County For 3 Generations!

Specializing in Gas Forced Air Heat & Central Air Conditioning

Paul Amenhauser, Gary Weimiller & Jerry Rosenberg were reminiscing at St. Ann’s convent about their “after school program” days in grade school.

The building is under the process of being decontaminated before its final demolition. The memories will live on!

NJ License # 13VH01834100

5104 PACIFIC AVENUE, WILDWOOD • 609-522-0121 • FAX 522-7313 Follow us on WWW.BOWMANSAIR.COM 800-638-4393 Facebook Steve Bradway joined a distinguished line of coppersmiths in April 2016, in the finalist list of the American Craft Council Rare Craft Fellowship Awards, who’ve been issuing awards for significant contributions to the field of craft since the early 1970s, and says the purpose of its Rare Craft Fellowship Awards is to recognize and support contributions to the maintenance and revival of traditional or rare crafts in America.

Steve’s relationship with Balvenie Scotch began several years ago when he was visited by them in the Rare Craft Roadshow.

Read more about Steve and his Wildwood history at www.sdbcoppersmith.com

Brad Allen from Shoobies at the Irish Fest WildWood & ocean ave. wildwood, nj

609-729-1555

1-800-4-lauras Happy Holidays!

w w w . l au r a sf u d ge shop . c om Since 1926

Wildwood Sun loving fans, Elaine & George Reilly

10%

Our Gift tO YOu

off

your total purChase

must present Coupon. not valid with any other offer or mail orders

the sun

40

the Sun by-the-Sea

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

“Let us pause to warm our hands before the fire of life.” ~Anon.

19 Hole th

Tree Lot Open 7 Days Nov. 25th - Dec. 24th

Love Story on 13th Street

Story & Photos submitted by Kathleen (Wlodarczyk) Johnson Cass & Leo’s daughter

Leo & Cass in a park on Magnolia Ave. after Sunday Mass at St. Ann’s, 1955

Quality workMANSHIP & design

Foundations • Block • Stone • Pavers Masonry • Concrete • Landscaping House Raising

Gift Drop-Off

Let’s Help Bring Christmas to those Less Fortunate in the Wildwoods!

In addition to the others...

19th Hole is a new drop-off location for the LYnch who Stole Christmas from the GrYnch foundation.

19th Hole office is located at the foot of the North Wildwood Bridge

For Service with a Smile! Call

Bobby McMichaels 609.522.7210 Get Ready for the Winter!

www.19thholeconstruction.com

Is 13 an unlucky number? Not for Cass Candello and Leo Wlodarczyk because they met on the 13th Street beach in North Wildwood approximately back in 1947 when the beach wasn’t so crowded. My mother, Cass left Philadelphia around 1942 with her small son, Vincent, for North Wildwood to grieve for her recently deceased husband, Joseph Candello.

With $1,000 in savings, she was able to get a $2,000 mortgage on a small bungalow in North Wildwood not too far from the Bay. Life was simple in North Wildwood then – no phone, no TV. There was a man selling fish for 50 cents each, an egg man, a neighboring farm, and kind neighbors who never hesitated to help each other.

My father, Leo, was recuperating from a leg wound from Normandy Beach and staying at a boarding house on 13th Street. As my mother used to jokingly say, Leo needed a home and she needed a handyman and a father for Vincent; they were an attractive couple and fell very much in love. They married and divided their time living in Philadelphia and North Wildwood.

Family from Philadelphia were always visiting and staying at the shore house. During the 1950’s, my dad loved to fish, go crabbing, and maintain their neat yard. He had a small handmade table by the side of the house where he meticulously cleaned and cut into filets all the catch of the day. Summer evenings growing up were filled with walks to the Bay, the boardwalk, an occasional movie, ice cream at Stern’s Grocery/Candy

Store, or the ice cream fountain on 17th St. Not having a car, we were used to walking everywhere, though I was partial to riding the double decker bus that circled the island.

Family boat rides along the Bay with my dad to enjoy the summer sunsets are a treasured memory.

After working and living in Philadelphia, it was my dad’s dream to come back to Wildwood, perhaps buy another boat and resume his second favorite pastime – fishing (the first being ice skating). Sadly, he passed away at 71 and my mother followed him 25 years later.

My dreamer’s head was filled with magical tales of Wildwood, and the early childhood days of freedom and carefree living. My mom used to tell me that Wildwood was the summer playground for the Indians who had made trails to the ocean (Route 9), and that eventually the first roads were built from their trails. My dad would tell us stories of the pirates and Diamond Beach. We would spend hours digging in the sand hoping to find gold bullion and diamonds. Family geography lessons about Wildwood and other shore points being islands were given at an early age.

Time has moved on. My parents told me it didn’t snow in Wildwood.

There used to be more hotels and bakeries; the clubs I went to are gone (except for the Shamrock). It took a long time, but I am back in paradise dividing my time between North Cape May and North Wildwood and loving it.

How many more days til Memorial Day?

41

the Sun by-the-Sea

“Love keeps the cold out better than a cloak.” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

She met her True Love in Wildwood Story & Photos submitted by Kathleen (Wlodarczyk) Johnson Cass & Leo’s daughter

Kathi dressed for a night on the boards, 1956 Cass, age 20

Aunt Margaret (Girlie) McCusker Gains

Leo & Cass on the beach 1948

Vincent after a fishing trip with his dad Vincent in his dad’s boat in the yard

Kathi, Cass & Whiskers the cat

Vincent wearing his Superman sweatshirt with a friend

Cass with Tom McCusker photobombing

Grandmother Sadie Kenkelen with cousins Jimmy & Stephen McCusker

42

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

the Sun by-the-Sea

“The aging process has you firmly in its grasp if you never get the urge to throw a snowball.” - Doug Larson Happy Holidays!

hair

A STYLING SALON

specializing in COLOR. CUTS. WEDDING DESIGNS.

609.522.HAIR (4247)

6401 New Jersey Avenue • Wildwood Crest, NJ

Dreams really do

me true

Congratulations Matt Szczur!

www.hairwildwoodcrest.com

HAIR is sure to Exceed Your Expectations.

R AVI O L I Ravioli House Restaurant Re-Opens in March 2017!

Full Line of Products available at www.raviolihouse.com

Teresa thanks you for a great 46th Season!

On Nov. 2nd, 2016 the Chicago Cubs won their first World Series in 108 years! Holding the trophy of all trophies are Matt & Natalie Szczur with their parents and Uncle Steve

A SUNny wedding in the DR bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb

Bennett & New Jersey Aves.

Wildwood by-the-Sea

609-522-7894 Follow us @RavioliHouse

Real Hot Chocolate Recipe

The best part about winter?

Why a cup of real hot chocolate of course!

• 1-1/2 cups milk • 1/2 cup light cream • 3 tablespoons brown sugar • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla • Pinch salt • 3 oz. semisweet chocolate • Whipped cream Combine ingredients over medium heat

And in the winter, wild and cold, ’Tis merry, merry, too.

William Howitt (1792–1879)

Carl Becica & Grace Boswell said “I do” on Oct. 29, 2016 at the Majestic Elegance in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. They were blessed to be surrounded by friends & family for their joyous occasion. Father of the bride, Tom Boz made sure to pack The SUN along with his surfboard for a little extra fun in the sun!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

the Sun by-the-Sea

“And on earth, peace & good will towards all men.” “And that is what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.”

$

43 Linus

99

69

• Unlimited Admissions All Summer • Includes FlowRider(during daytime waterpark hours) • Exclusive Season Passholder Discounts

Buy Now at SplashZoneWaterpark.com Offer Ends December 31, 2016 3500 Boardwalk

Wildwood, NJ

44

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

the Sun by-the-Sea

“Some things can only be understood when you’re in a tree house. With a pile of warm chocolate chip cookies. And a book {or The Sun!}.” ~Dr. SunWolf

The Wildwood Memorial Park Doughboy

MEMORIAL PARK

where Magnolia Lake Park once flourished

by Cathy Tchorni

Memorial Day Service 1944 Rev. J. Francis F. Peak Courtesy of Wildwood Historic Museum

The view of Memorial park between Wildwood & Oak Avenues was taken after Magnolia Lake was filled in (where tennis courts are pictured above) and before the Lions Center was built

O

n May 26, 1927 a World War I monument was dedicated and presented by Senator William Bright on a site on New Jersey Avenue between West Oak and West Wildwood Avenues. The American Legion of Wildwood had worked tirelessly to prepare for the sober yet celebratory event. Thirty three people served in World War I from the Wildwoods, and three died, including one woman. Survivors’ and families’ sacrifices were fresh in everyone’s mind, having ended less than 10 years prior. A parade honoring veterans and the monument, wound around the streets of Wildwood. The monument featured the helmeted head and arms of a typical doughboy, holding the hilt of a sword. The sword bisected a cross, with the words loyalty, courage, sacrifice and victory in each of the four quadrants.

Although there seems to be no record of who sculpted the young doughboy, the shaft was completed by O. J. Hammell of Pleasantville, NJ. Memorial Park probably was a remnant of Magnolia Lake and Cedar Park. When Magnolia Lake was filled in sometime after 1900, the surrounding parkland was built upon too. Standing on New Jersey Avenue today, it’s hard to believe that across from the monument was the Pennsylvania Railroad Station, on what was then called Holly Beach Avenue.

Courtesy of Wildwood Historic Museum

Thousands of tourists exited the train on this spot, so that the first thing they saw across the street close to the road was the World War I monument occupying this prominent spot. Over the years Memorial Day services were held at the site.

Sometimes referred to as Monument Park, it became the Wildwood Park and Tennis Courts. At some point the monument was moved back from New Jersey Avenue, as evidenced from photos of that time. The tennis courts were replaced by the Lions Center, a senior housing complex. In front of the monument, closest to New Jersey Avenue the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, an offshoot of the Masons, planted cedar trees and placed a large, rectangular stone dedicated to Wilbur J. Ostrander in 1984, a Wildwood Commissioner and Tall Cedars of Lebanon member.

Mayor Ernie Troiano explained that the parks change both physically and in their purpose. Trees fall from storms and old age as the Tall Cedars members plant new ones. He added that the ballfield at Fox Park may be moved to Maxwell Park. At the same time the World War I Doughboy memorial will likely be moved to Fox Park to join the tributes to the Korean and Vietnam Wars. It will be better appreciated when it is more visible being closer to the Boardwalk and Convention Center. It will be another reminder to “never forget”.

The statue of a World War I soldier, called “The Spirit of the American Doughboy”, was mass-produced in the early 1920s by E.M. Viquesney. Perhaps Wildwood’s monument was inspired by this statue. Reportedly there are over 100 in existence throughout the United States.

Doughboy was an informal word to describe the World War I United States foot soldier. The term “doughboy” described a type of doughnut in Britain, and a baker’s helper in the United States. But no one knows for sure how it made the jump to describe the American soldier. ~Wikipedia

The original Wildwood Railroad Station at Oak Ave. c. 1890 Courtesy of Wildwood Historic Museum

The Wildwood Railroad Station at Oak Ave. c. early 1900s

Josephine Hannah, 1951 sent in by Megan Hannah

A stone memorial dedicated to Wilbur J. Ostrander in 1984, a Wildwood Commissioner and Tall Cedars of Lebanon member.

Make it merry & bright!

the Sun by-the-Sea

45

“He who has learned the Thanksgiving lesson well, has found the secret of a beautiful life.” ~J.R. Mille

A Visit with a Wildwood Family

Whose Home Once Sat on

magnolia LAKE

by Cathy Tchorni

Photos courtesy of Donna Koehler & Wildwood Historic Museum

122 W. Pine Ave. Bill Tschopp’s house before it was demolished

Bill Tschopp with daughter Donna Koehler 122 W. Pine Ave., 2016

Postcard of an aerial view of Magnolia Park with Bill Tschopp’s “Holly House” on bottom right

A postcard of the picturesque Magnolia Lake

A postcard of an aerial view looking west down Pine Ave. Bill Tschopp’s “Holly House” is located on bottom left corner

Sometimes I am given a gift where an assignment

yields unexpected pleasures. Such was my experience visiting Bill Tschopp, a nearly 40-year summer resident, and his daughter, Donna Koehler, a proud, year-round Wildwood resident.

On a hot August morning, we were unexpectedly cool under an umbrella, sitting in comfortable outdoor chairs around a table. Bill lives on W. Pine Avenue in Wildwood, a few houses away from New Jersey Avenue, with Fountain and Memorial Parks nearby.

My original reason for the visit was to reminisce with Bill about Magnolia Lake, which wound behind the original old house that used to be in front of the one in which he lives in now.

Bill bought the house on W. Pine Avenue in 1977 for $36,000. It was an old, three-story house that had been moved in 1896 from Rio Grande Avenue to its present location. Originally, it was a two-story house, but after the move, a foundation and first floor were built, with the house set on top of the new structure. Neither Bill nor Donna knows the reason for the move, except that its new location would have had Magnolia Lake behind

This park was actually not located on Magnolia Ave., but between Wildwood and Oak Ave. along New Jersey Ave. The lake was filled in and most of the land developed. A small park still exists here with a WW1 monument. Story featured on adjacent page.

it. Their house is visible in an early postcard of the fresh water lake. Donna did her research and discovered that two parks, Cedar and Magnolia, separated by a bridge, were behind the house, named ‘Holly House.’

It served as a summer home for a wealthy family.

Bill worked in the Philadelphia educational system and brought his family to Wildwood every summer. He used his vacation time carefully. In the summer, he drove to his job in the city every Tuesday through Thursday, taking Mondays and Fridays off. Bill’s wife and children enjoyed all the fun of Wildwood’s beaches and pastimes. One of his daughters had a disability that affected her breathing. The sea air, according to Bill, was wonderful for her, so much so that her doctor in Philadelphia commented on her marked improvement.

To offset the cost of the house, the family rented the other two floors, which were separate apartments, in the summer. Flooding and storms coming in from the bay eventually took a toll on the old house, which gradually began to tilt. Bill continued to paint the house and do other minor maintenance. According to Bill, an aggressive commercial property owner, who had a business on New Jersey Avenue, persistently tried to get Bill to sell him his house. The town also pressured Bill to make mandatory improvements to the home. Sadly, the house was eventually condemned.

In 2012, after Hurricane Sandy, a structural engineer determined it was damaged beyond repair, and the old house was torn down. Now, only the old driveway shows markings of the house.

Today, Bill lives in the servants quarter’s house situated in the back part of the lot, which fortunately has never flooded. He happily spends his summers in Wildwood and has passed on his love for our town to his daughter Donna and her husband Ed, whose home on a nearby street was also damaged during Hurricane Sandy.

Bill and Donna agree that this is the risk of living on the barrier island, but neither would consider living anywhere else but Wildwood by-the-sea…

46

WILDWOOD BY-THE-SEA, NJ HOLIDAY 2016

the Sun by-the-Sea

“Keep your head up high and gaze into heaven, for that is where your broken heart has been sent to heal.” ~Anon.

Wishing you Peace by-the-Sea

Open Year Round Tue - Fri 9~5 Sat 9~2

by Dorothy Kulisek {Last year’s editor letter slightly revised}

Happy !

Holidays Where perfection is always achieved!

Walk Ins Welcome!

6 Full Time Barbers Available

Perfect cutz

6000 Aster & New Jersey Ave., Wildwood Crest, NJ 609-522-5050

JU

E NK

&

TRE

ASU

THRIFT & GIFT SHOP

Gift Certificates make great gifts!

My brother Michael & niece Kelly-girl

RES

Old, New Unique Gifts & Home Decor. . . a treasure for everyone!

$ale

Handpainted furniture & unique items!

check us out on face book

4501 Pacific Ave.

WILDWOOD BETWEEN BURK & DAVIS AVES. 609-214-2253

Coloring the beach around you!

Call for your !

FREE Estimate

JIm STANfIElD PAINTINg CoNTRACToR

• 30 Years Experience • Attention to Detail • Reliable & Dependable Service • Committed to 100% Customer Satisfaction

609-408-3602

• Clean, Quality Workmanship • No Job Too Big or Too Small • Referrals upon Request • Interior - Exterior

“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” ~1 Corinthians 10:31

My husband, Bobby Kulisek with our pugs King Arthur (r) & Princess Ursalet (L)

It’s that most wonderful time of year again. Our minds are filled with candy canes and gingerbread everything, and we’re ready to deck the halls with boughs of holly as soon as the turkey is eaten on Thanksgiving Day. We’ll bake cookies, make holiday crafts and take the family out to the farm to cut down the perfect tree. We’ll count the days til Christmas morning while every commercial boasts happy families gathered around the fireplace, wearing matching pajamas and opening piles of gifts.

But for those of us who are grieving, we secretly just want to bypass Christmas morning... because the days leading up to it make it the most difficult time of year.

In the Land of Grief, where the gates of our souls have been torn open, we’re remembering our loved ones who are no longer with us on earth, and we wonder how we will ever celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas without them.

I’ve grown very familiar with death, having lost many dear ones over the years, including my younger brother Michael, my father, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and my niece Kelly-girl on March 10th of last year followed by my husband Bobby on July 9th, 2015. This year took our Princess Ursalet the pug on October 20th unexpectantly due to kidney failure. She joined her father King Arthur who passed over the Rainbow Bridge in 2014. The photo above brings a warm smile to my heart as I imagine them all snuggling together again.

Not a day goes by that I don’t think of all of my loved ones who have passed, but with the holidays approaching, special memories seem to magnify their loss. The sadness feels sadder and the loneliness goes deeper. Grief is one of

those emotions that has a life of its own, and only those who have lost someone close can truly know how difficult it is to get through. To soothe a grieving heart, I’ve found one of the best remedies, no matter what time of year it is, is walking by the sea. I feel blessed to have our seawall here, that stretches around the most peaceful body of water. It beckons my soul out for early morning walks to witness the sun come up over the ocean’s horizon. It’s as though I’m walking on the shores of eternity, where only a thin veil separates me from my family members who have passed on. I feel so close to my loved ones there, that I truly hear their songs from Heaven. There’s much healing in my morning ritual.

As familiar with sorrow and grief that I’ve become, God has taken it and helped me create something bright and uplifting with The Sun. It has been pure joy for me to share stories inspired by our home by the sea; like finding the sunlight streaming in through the shadows. It is a Christmas gift onto itself. My heartfelt intention is that The Sun provides each of you with a sunny antidote for life’s melancholy moments. Thanks to you, its faithful followers, it has taken on a life of its own; one much larger than I could have ever dreamed possible. Knowing how much you all love The Sun blesses me with gratitude beyond words. With a grateful heart, I ask that God bless you and bring you Peace. And may you accept this holiday issue of The Sun as my handcrafted Christmas gift to you, with special thanks to my faithful loyal advertisers.

On the original Christmas Day, the angels rejoiced that Jesus was born. May we all find the courage to rejoice also, as will our loved ones, now in their Heavenly Home with the One who came as a Babe in swaddling clothes.

I wish all SUN readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy (hopefully sunny) New Year 2017! With Much Love, Dorothy

the Sun by-the-Sea

peace, love, joy always

47

“Forever on Thanksgiving Day the heart will find the pathway home.” ~Wilbur D. Nesbit

Partners in Preservation “Preserving our history”

Handpainted Christmas Cards

Dec. 2nd Holiday Tour 6:30-9:00

$17 per dozen

Take a self guided tour of Historical places. B&Bs, Museum, Churches and homes. $10. Donation collected at first place visited.

S&H Included

Holly Beach B&B 137 E. Spicer Ave. Model Trains pictured above Summer Nites B&B 2110 Atlantic Ave. • St. Simeon’s Church 26th & Central Aves. • Candlelight Inn 2310 Central Ave. • Avair Tea & Guest House 2400 Central Ave. • First Baptist Church Maple and Atlantic Ave. George Boyer Museum 3907 Pacific Ave. • Sea Gypsy B&B 207 E. Magnolia Ave.

Guide us to Thy perfect Light

Visit www.wildwoodnjhistory.com for complete list e-mail: partnersinpreservation@yahoo.com tel.: 609-214-2253

Wishing you Peace by-the-Sea

Original watercolors by Artist, Dorothy McMonagle Kulisek

Actual Size 5” x 7” Printed on Premium Uncoated Stock. Envelopes included.

Send Check or M.O. An historic 100 year old building that is now Holly Beach Bed & Breakfast on Spicer Avenue in Wildwood

to: Dorothy Kulisek

P.O. Box 2101

Wildwood, NJ 08260

Name________________________________ Address______________________________ City, State, Zip__________________________

Quantity Per Dozen

Or Shop online

Tree on Jetty________________

Sunstore.Bigcartel.com

Thy Perfect Light_____________ SEASIDE GREETINGS ____________

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Bell Choir entertained the group on the tour

A wintery looking Summer Nites B&B

Order with one easy click!

Mermaid & Tree______________

Wildwoods Holiday_________ Phone________________ Total $_________

48

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

the Sun by-the-Sea

“To live in hearts we leave behind Is not to die.” ~Thomas Campbell, Hallowed Ground

HOT OFF THE PRESS FROM 1905!

ale

as Martind

by Thom

For Every Wildwood Lover on your gift list!

Re- Pub lish

Anglesea Life Saving Crew, 1890 with Christopher Ludlam on far left.

201 4 Bea ch Sun Fiv e M ile ed by The 190 5 publ ishe d Orig inal ly

Newly Republished for just $15. { $2. s/h } Name________________________________________

Order with one easy click! www.SunByTheSea.com

Address______________________________________ City, State, Zip_________________________________

OR Send Check or M.O.

Phone_______________________

Quantity__________@ $15.

$___________

S&H (add $2. per book)

$___________

{Wildwood Ways Book}

TOTAL $__________

to: Dorothy Kulisek P.O. Box 2101 Wildwood, NJ 08260

A Really Cool secondhand clothing shop

Thrift Store on the corner of Taylor & Pacific Ave.

Wildwood 609-523-1166

. . . new merchandise arriving daily!

and I mean cheap!

We are happy to accept donations of gently used items.

The Wreck of the D.H. Ingraham

by Steve Murray

December 4, 1886. Hereford Inlet, approximately 10:30PM Captain James Mullen was desperately trying to navigate his vessel in the worst conditions imaginable- a blinding Nor’eastern snowstorm in the middle of the night. His ship was the Schooner D.H. Ingraham out of Rockland Maine. It was bound for Richmond, Va. With a crew of five and a heavy cargo of lime in its hold. The wind and waves tossed the vessel around like a toy and without warning it struck violently against the North bar of Hereford Inlet.

Aground and pummeled by the crashing waves, all hands were now on deck.

Several torches were lit and waved about frantically in the direction of the Lighthouse, about one and a half miles away.

Hopefully someone would see the light.

Surfman Jason Buck of Anglesea Life Saving Station was on watch that evening.

Discovering the faint torch light in the distance, he knew a ship was in trouble.

He lit his red coston flare and held it high to let the worried sailors know that they had been seen. Surfman Buck ran back to the station to inform Keeper Ludlam a ship was in distress.

Normally in such conditions the Keeper would choose to wait until day break to attempt a rescue. Keeper Ludlam did not think the ship or crew could hold on in these conditions and decided it must be done now. “Boys we have a bad job ahead of us. The sooner we get at it the sooner it will be done.” Without complaint his men set to work gathering their rescue equipment into the surf boat and pulled it out onto the dark and frozen beach. Launching into the crashing surf, pushed by a North wind was almost an impossible task. Snow and sleet pelted the face of Keeper Ludlam who facing forward at the stern, steering the boat. He could only see the torchlight at intervals through the storm but somehow managed to keep a steady course to the

schooner. It took the crew one and a half hours to row the one and a half miles! By this time the Ingraham was also on fire as if things could be made any worse.

The Captain and crew were taken off the sinking ship and now with the wind with them, headed back to shore. The vessel and cargo were lost but although covered in ice and snow, everyone returned to the shore unharmed. Rescuers and the rescued were given blankets, hot food and coffee as they all recovered by the station’s stove.

Once safely back at his home port, Captain Mullen sent a letter to the Superintendant of the U.S. Life Saving Service, Sumner Kimball. He expressed his deepest gratitude to the men of Anglesea Station. He also stated that he and his men “were treated in the most humane manner possible.”

Hereford Lighthouse Keeper Freeling Hewitt also sent a letter to Superintendent Kimball. He had been an eyewitness to the whole event from the watch room of the Lighthouse. He said “it was the worst conditions that I have ever known a wreck to be boarded at night in all of my years as a Keeper.” He also suggested that the “life saving crew be suitably rewarded.”

The Life Saving Service did not award medals on a daily basis. It was the crews duty to risk their lives when necessary. A committee decided after reading the facts of the event, that the crew went far beyond the call of duty in this case. On November 17, 1888 almost two years after the incident, seven medals were awarded.

Keeper Christopher Ludlam - Gold Life Saving Medal, and Silver medals to Surfman - Millard Ware, Henry Hildreth, Smith Hand, Providence Ludlam., Jason Buck and Somers Godfrey . Two of these medals are on display at Hereford Lighthouse. If you would like to learn more about local maritime history visit Hereford Inlet Lighthouse 111 N. Central Ave., N. Wildwood, NJ. 609-522-4520

It’s the hap-happiest season of all!

49

the Sun by-the-Sea

“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine... you’ll never know dear how much I love you...” ~Bluebird Records, 1939

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Favorite Sunrises & Quotes

from the collection of Dorothy McMonagle Kulisek

. . . a book of sunshine Christmas Special!

Buy 2 or more Hello Sun Books. . .

Receive a Free pack (1 doz.) of Happy Summer greeting cards Book Signing at Wildwood’s Family Holiday Celebration December 9th & 10th HELLO SUN is a wonderful Wildwood souvenier gift, as well as a book of comfort & healing, with over 100 pages of Sunrise Photos & Quotes inspired along the North Wildwood Seawall

You’ll want to buy one for every person on your Christmas list!

Order with 1 easy click! www.Sunstore.bigcartel.com or Snail mail check to: Dorothy Kulisek P.O. Box 2101, Wildwood, NJ 08260

Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip___________________________________________________________ Phone_________________________________________

Quantity__________________ @ $15.

$____________________

S&H (add $2. per book)

$____________________

+FREE Happy Summer Cards

w/ purchase of 2 books

TOTAL $__________________

50

the Sun by-the-Sea

“Fishing is much more than fish. It is the great occasion when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers.“- Herbert Hoover

Wishin’ for Good fishin’

l

The Origina

open every day in CAPE MAY STONE HARBOR OCEAN CITY For our Wildwood friends, we are open Fri., Sat. & Sun. at Roberts Ave. on the Boardwalk

Now Taking Holiday Mail Orders Send a 1lb. Box of Our Whipped Creamy Fudge Anywhere in the USA for $21.95

SHIPPING INCLUDED

CALL 1-800-23-FUDGE Visit FudgeKitchens.com Follow us on Facebook

Order now or by Dec. 16, 2016 for discounted price and tell us when you would like it shipped.

Live by the tides. . . Love by the moon . . .

with Capt.

Gary Sloan

Dear Fellow Anglers, Hello and welcome to our Holiday article. After weathering a hot summer and a warm fall, what will winter bring us? Hopefully, we will get through the holidays without any weather problems.

Thanksgiving means many things to many people. The acknowledgement of our many blessings of family, friends, and country is at the top of my list. Regardless of this year’s politics, is there any better place in the world to live than this country. Traditions, good or bad, are part of the human experience. One tradition I always liked was a Thanksgiving morning Striper trip. The Striper fishing has been slipping late into the fall the past few years. Last year Striper season was at its peak the first two weeks of December.

Traditionally it would be the first part of November. Apparently, Stripers don’t follow our calendar.

The fishermen awaiting the arrival of Stripers will still have a good variety of species to catch. The Seabass and Tog gradually slip off shore as the fall season passes and cooler water prevails. The Delaware Bay and Rips will see the largest Bluefish of the year during this time. If you want a great battle on light tackle with one of these large blues, it will surpass most experiences for the Bluefish pound for pound will give you one of the best fights for an angler. The wind becomes an issue as weather fronts rush west to east making for a rough ocean, and limits many trips offshore. Stripers and many other species of fish will feed heavy in rough water close to the beaches for anyone who wants to try the surf. Please don’t under estimate the danger of fishing in the surf. A breaker can knock you off your feet and fill your waders very quickly. Waders full of water can drag you under and out. A tip for newcomers is to wear a tight belt on the outside of your waders to prevent water from filling your waders if you were to be upended by an unexpected wave. Boaters should also be aware of the dangers of hypothermia due to the colder ocean temperatures.

Fortunately, the Striper fishing generally is close to shore if the weather quickly changes.

All this talk of weather kind of makes you want to get comfortable with a cup of coffee and relive the highlights of the past year fishing experiences. Winter

does fulfill one of life’s realities. Until something is missing in your life, you can’t really fully appreciate it. Likewise, if you couldn’t find the opportunity this year to explore the fun and excitement of fishing in the local waters, make plans now for doing it next year. Double down the enjoyment by taking a child or a loved one with you to make a memory for each to share for years.

As past custom I will share a peek at an angler’s short list of Christmas wishes.

I wish our political environment acquire from the recreational fishing community the understanding of the need for fellowship, appreciation, sportsmanship, and enjoyment of each other that I have experienced on numerous fishing trips.

I wish our Striper seasons always be as productive as the 2015 season.

I wish everyone understand the human experience of fisherman; from a guy on a rock jetty to an angler on a million dollar sport fishing yacht, we all believe something good comes our way from a nice fish to a simple day of enrichment and enjoyment.

I wish the Marine Fisheries stop blaming the recreational fisherman for their failures and stop punishing us with unreasonable regulations.

I wish you all a blessed holiday season.

God bless,

Captain Gary Sloan, North Wildwood, NJ

the Sun by-the-Sea

“Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow ye may diet.”

Ring in the New Year

make your reservations early

at Marie Nicole’s (5,7,9pm) and North End!

Book Y Holid our a PartY Y Now!

With Us!

Gift Card Sale

purchase $100 in gift cards* get a free $20 promo card!

Available Black Friday thru December 23rd!

Open Thursday-Sunday til Jan 1st

Open Thurs • Fri • Sat til Jan 1st

BRUNCH • LUNCH • DiNNeR • Late NigHt

dinner • lAte niGht • COCktAils

Burgers, Beer & Bourbon Thursdays!

$10 ‘award winning’ BurgerS, $5 Craft BeerS, Special Drink pricing for BoUrBonS! 9510 PACifiC AVe • WildWOOd Crest, nJ 609.522.5425 • mArieniCOles.com

Prime Rib SaturdayS $1 Oysters daily from 4-7pm · all day Sun 3 Courses for $20 Chestnut & Olde nJ AVe • n. WildWOOd 609.435.5691 • nOrthendAmeriCAnGrill.com

Certificate of Excellence

51

52

the Sun by-the-Sea

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.� ~Marcel Proust

Brand New & Exclusively Available at

M.S. Brown Jewelers

since 1950

Happy Holidays from the Oldest Jewelry Store in New Jersey r

or ou

e l a y $ a d Holi

sf Visit U

3304 Pacific Ave., Wildwood, NJ 609-522-7604 msbrownjewelers.com 3 Mechanic St., CMCH, NJ 609-463-8799