Margate’s infamous Barbary Coast remembered
“The Barbary Coast” referred to a strip of Margate bars that stretched from the bayfront to Washington Avenue and then to the beach. These partying spots were in operation from the 1950s through the 1980s, although some were in business as early as the 1940s and as...
The ‘can’t miss’ all-star jazz show that almost missed
It was one of those “can’t-miss” bookings that should have been a sure thing: Book three of the biggest stars in jazz – names that had wide public appeal – put them on the same stage in a world-class theater located in America’s most popular resort destination, and...
High denomination currency in America and around the world
Currently, the highest denomination note printed in the United States is the $100 bill, but up until 1945, $500, $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000 notes were printed. In 1969, the government began removing these notes from circulation due to “lack of use.” Although they are...
The Excursion House, Ocean City’s first amusement park
A Look Back at Ocean City All the amusement centers on the boardwalk trace their roots to the Excursion House. It was built in the spring of 1886 by Anderson Bourgeois for the Ocean City Excursion Company. The company was headed by Ezra B. Lake, S. Wesley Lake, Parker...
‘Dangerous When Wet’
Esther Williams’ big splash in Atlantic City By 1958, the film career of actress/swimmer Esther Williams was winding down. Originally an award-winning competitive swimmer, Williams was signed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer around 1942. After several less-than-impressive small...
