Senior Moments
By Charles P. Eberson
Growing up on Absecon Island in the 50’s and 60’s meant that Atlantic City with all it had to offer, was only a short bus, jitney or car ride away. My friends and I would grab a ride and spend the day on the Million Dollar, Steeplechase or Steel Piers. A few bucks in our pockets would last us all day and into the evening. But one of my favorite outings was when my parents would take us to Captain Starn’s down at the Atlantic City inlet.
Captains Starn’s was an area which offered a restaurant, a fleet of fishing and speed boats, a sailboat and an area where sea lions could be fed. Frequently, my father would get me up early, collect our fishing gear and take me to Captain Starn’s for a half day of deep sea fishing. A coffee can half filled with clams as bait sitting in the sun for hours is the reason I can’t eat clams or oysters to this day. A family visit would consist of watching the boats come and go, feeding the sea lions with fifteen cent bait and watch them leap up and practically snatch it right out of your hands.
I always looked forward to a ride on the Miss Atlantic City speedboat. It would idle at the dock with a deep rumble before slowly exiting the inlet while I sat with anticipation. I knew that she was going to be let loose to roar along the Atlantic City beaches sending huge plumes of spray into the air. It was an exhilarating ride and if we got hit with a little spray during the trip, even better.
One summer in my later teens, my English relatives came over with their teen daughter and her friend. My parents suggested that my friend, Dave and I be nice hosts and take them out. We brought them to Captain Starn’s and with romance on our minds, we thought a ride on the sightseeing boat would advance our intentions. We sat on the top deck, the ocean was calm and we were treated to a beautiful evening view of Atlantic City in all its illuminated splendor. Dave and I thought we had really set the stage for a memorable evening.
During World War II, the British described the Americans in not the most complimentary fashion as “over paid, over here and over sexed.” Well, I wasn’t overpaid, not over there and I guess our dates kept the third option out. My cousin was soon hanging her head over the rail even though the seas were calm. Her friend, my date complained about something in her eye during the whole cruise. Dave and I sat quietly and deflated while watching the skyline drift past.
During the rest of their stay, I had to endure dinners, afternoon teas and other family outings while sitting sheepishly on the side. A lot of very fond memories come flooding back about Atlantic City during that era but visits to Captain Starn’s always remains one of the best.
Charles Eberson has been in the newspaper business for over 25 years. He has worked as a writer, advertising executive, circulation manager and photographer. His photography can be viewed at charles-eberson.fineartamerica.com
