Fun Facts
ABOUT THE WILDWOODS
The Wildwoods Convention Center is located directly on the beach adjacent to the World-Famous Wildwoods Boardwalk. The facility opened on April 2, 2002 and has hosted numerous, conventions, meetings, banquets, sports & youth events, concerts and much, much, much more… Here are just a few fun facts about our family friendly boardwalk and its rich history.
- In 1903 Wildwood’s leaders decided to provide a wide, elevated walkway closer to the ocean. It connected with Ocean Pier, the first amusem*nt pier to be opened, at Poplar Avenue. During the first decade of the 20th century, the boardwalk spread across the shoreline, from Second Avenue in North Wildwood to Cresse Avenue in Wildwood. Another boardwalk from Cresse to Aster Road in Wildwood Crest washed away in 1909 and was replaced by Seaview Avenue.
- In 1920 Wildwood City Commissioner Oliver Bright, determined to move the boardwalk even closer to the ocean despite public opposition, organized hundreds of workers to tear up the existing boards in his district in one night. The new walk was ready for the summer, but Bright was bounced from office.
- Over the years, amusem*nt centers sprang up all along the boards, such as FunChase Pier, the Starlight Ballroom, and Blaker’s Pavillion at Cedar Avenue. Baby Boomers recall times spent at Casino, Marine, and Fun Piers, and Sportland Pier and Pool.
- Hunt’s Pier, built on the site of FunChase Pier, was a favorite of the 1960s and early ’70s, with the Flyer roller coaster, Golden Nugget Mine Ride, and Pirate Ship haunted house. Hunt’s closed in the 1980s, re-opening briefly as Dinosaur Beach Theme Park.
- Morey’s Piers, now occupying three sprawling amusem*nt piers, began as just a modest section of the Wildwoods boardwalk. In 1969, Bill and Will Morey Sr. purchased two lots of boardwalk in North Wildwood at 25th and 26th streets. They called this space Surfside Pier and opened the following summer with a giant fiberglass slide called the Wipe Out. Guests paid 25 cents to slide down the ride in burlap sacks.
- Today, the Wildwoods Boardwalk has more than 70,000 wooden planks and stretches for nearly 2.5 miles.
- Every Monday night during the summer, The Cape Atlantic Irish Pipe Brigade marches and plays the length of the Boardwalk in full Celtic attire.
- The Wildwoods Boardwalk Sightseer Tram Cars were originally built for the 1939 Worlds Fair in New York City. For fifty-six continuous years the Tram Cars have ferried tens of millions of visitors and locals alike along our Boardwalk. Today, the Tram Cars can operate for up to 12 hours at a time on the power of a single 2,000 pound electric battery!
Visit The Wildwoods Tourism Website
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the topic, I can assure you that my knowledge extends beyond the surface. The Wildwoods and its iconic boardwalk hold a special place in the hearts of many, and I'm thrilled to share some fascinating insights and details related to the concepts mentioned in the article.
1. Wildwoods Convention Center:
- Opened on April 2, 2002.
- Hosts various events such as conventions, meetings, banquets, sports & youth events, concerts, and more.
2. Wildwoods Boardwalk History:
- Originated in 1903 with a wide, elevated walkway closer to the ocean.
- Expanded from Second Avenue in North Wildwood to Cresse Avenue in Wildwood.
- Significant developments in 1920 by Commissioner Oliver Bright to move the boardwalk closer to the ocean, despite public opposition.
3. Amusem*nt Centers and Piers:
- Various amusem*nt centers along the boardwalk, including FunChase Pier, Starlight Ballroom, Blaker’s Pavilion, Casino, Marine, Fun Piers, and Sportland Pier and Pool.
- Hunt’s Pier, popular in the 1960s and '70s, later became Dinosaur Beach Theme Park.
4. Morey’s Piers:
- Established in 1969 as Surfside Pier by Bill and Will Morey Sr.
- Started with a giant fiberglass slide called the Wipe Out.
- Now occupies three sprawling amusem*nt piers.
5. Wildwoods Boardwalk Statistics:
- Over 70,000 wooden planks.
- Stretches for nearly 2.5 miles.
6. Cape Atlantic Irish Pipe Brigade:
- Performs every Monday night during the summer on the boardwalk.
- Marches and plays in full Celtic attire.
7. Wildwoods Boardwalk Sightseer Tram Cars:
- Originally built for the 1939 World's Fair in New York City.
- Operates for up to 12 hours on the power of a single 2,000-pound electric battery.
- Has been ferrying visitors and locals for fifty-six continuous years.
8. Wildwoods Tourism Website:
- Offers a variety of attractions, including amusem*nts, beaches, boardwalk, dining, festivals, events, outdoor activities, nightlife, local spirits, historical/cultural sites, and golf.
These details showcase the rich history, evolution, and vibrant attractions that make the Wildwoods Boardwalk a unique and cherished destination. If you have any specific questions or if there's more you'd like to explore, feel free to ask!
