DeMarzo remains mayor, appeals decision

Wildwood Mayor Gary DeMarzo is appealing the decision by a state Appeals Court, which gave him 20 days to decide whether he wanted to stay in office or retain his position as a city police officer.

DeMarzo, who ascended to his current position after former mayor Ernie Troiano and commissioner Bill Davenport were ousted in a recall election in December, has served on City Commission for the past three years. During that time, he has been on unpaid leave from the Wildwood Police Department.

“One cannot make that kind of decision in 20 short days,” he said, in an official statement released today. “I have been in office for approximately three years and, ironically, the Court alone took three months to come to their own decision. So, with the greatest respect for the Court process, I have requested the Court for a stay of the requirement that a decision be made until after an appeal of the Court's decision to the Supreme Court.”

Joe Hart of the Cape May County Herald has more coverage HERE.

All aboard the Erin Express!

The 11th Annual Erin Express will be rolling through North Wildwood and Wildwood tomorrow. Four buses will transport those taking part. Wrist bands are available now for $5 at each of the 11 participating bars (full list below).

All proceeds from this year's event will go to the Greater Wildwoods Jaycees.

This year's roster... 

North Wildwood

Anglesea Pub  -  116 W. First Avenue
Flip Flopz  -  300 New Jersey Avenue
Westy's Pub  -  101 E. Walnut Avenue
Woody's Place  -  102 E. 18th Avenue

Wildwood

Bolero Resort  -  3302 Atlantic Avenue
The Deck at Holly Beach  -  3401 Pacific Avenue
Dog Tooth Bar & Grill  -  100 E. Taylor Avenue
Goodnight Irene's  -  2708 Pacific Avenue
Mulligan's Bar & Grill  -  310 E. Hildreth Avenue
Shamrock Cafe  -  3700 Pacific Avenue
Tucker's Pub  -  3301 Atlantic Avenue

Wildwood Catholic to remain open

The Camden Diocese has announced that Bishop Joseph Galante has accepted the recommendation of the Notre dame de la Mer priests to keep Wildwood Catholic High School open.

Here is the text from the official press release...

Bishop Galante accepts decision of Notre Dame de la Mer Priest Team to keep Wildwood Catholic High School open for new school year

Given his own commitment to providing Catholic secondary education in Cape May County, Bishop Joseph Galante has been open to considering possible solutions to the challenges facing Wildwood Catholic High School. He also has been greatly heartened by the support and immediacy with which the community responded to the needs of the high school, which indicates the value that they, too, have placed on maintaining Catholic secondary education in Cape May County.

After a period of collaboration with the local school community, the Priest Team at Notre Dame de la Mer parish last week informed Bishop Galante of their decision to keep Wildwood Catholic High School open based on a budget that they and the community developed.

Bishop Galante today informed the Priest Team that he has accepted their decision and believes that they have developed a viable plan that will allow the school to open for the new school year, while addressing the challenges facing secondary Catholic School education in this area of the diocese.

The Priest Team, led by moderator Father Michael Field, will provide more information in a letter to the school community tomorrow.

In the meantime, Bishop extends his prayerful thanks for the effort that all have made on behalf of students and families in this area of the diocese.

Reel Wildwood: "Touched"

Following up on yesterday's post, here is the nine-part set of footage from the 1983 film Touched (uploaded to YouTube by Ralph Grassi).

The movie, which starred Robert Hayes, Kathleen Beller, and Ned Beatty, was shot almost entirely in the Wildwoods. It features, quite literally, scene after scene of incredible imagery, including many Boardwalk attractions that disappeared long ago (but are, nonetheless, very fondly remembered).

See how many classics you can identify...  Enjoy!

REEL 1



REEL 2



REEL 3



REEL 4



REEL 5



REEL 6



REEL 7



REEL 8



REEL 9

Doo Wop Wednesday: Royal Hawaiian

The subject of this week's "Doo Wop Discussion" on the DWPL Message Forum is the Royal Hawaiian Resort in the Crest, one of the island's most prominent examples of Polynesian/tiki-themed architecture.

The Royal Hawaiian, of course, is best known for the flying saucer-like circular structure on its roof. It is also one of the larger motels in the Wildwoods. But, did you know that it was actually built in two stages, over the course over the span of a decade?

To learn more and to join in on the discussion, click HERE.

Reel Wildwood: "Going Home" & "Birdy"

In our movie-themed trivia challenge entry last Friday, we referenced two movies shot extensively in the Wildwoods: Robert Mitchum's Going Home (1971) and Touched (1983), starring Robert Hayes.

Since then, we've received several inquiries about these movies, particularly with regard to their availability. Neither have been released on DVD; both came out on VHS years ago, and are obviously long out of print.

However, they turn up fairly often on eBay, usually at bargain bin prices. If you search periodically, you will likely be able to land them for no more than $5 each.

It's well worth the effort, as both are good movies in their own right. But the obscure Wildwood nostalgia is what makes them truly special.

Still, you don't have to own these movies to be able to see all of this classic footage.

Once again, we are indebted to Ralph Grassi of Funchase.com, who has uploaded extensive reel footage from these films, as well as a classic scene shot on the Boardwalk from Birdy (1984) to the Funchase YouTube page.

Today, we'll take a look at two videos featuring vintage Wildwood scenery and landmarks from Going Home, as well as the excerpt from Birdy (starring a very young Nicholas Cage). Tomorrow, we'll post the nine-part set of Touched, in its entirety.

Thanks again to Ralph for making these videos available for all to view and enjoy!

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This first scene from Going Home features Jan Michael Vincent and Brenda Voccaro. It was shot in a very familiar setting - the Stanley Sportland Arcade (which today is Lime Ricky World)...



The next clip starts at the old Glenwood Bowl, located just off the Boardwalk at Glenwood Ave. (it still stands today, long abandoned, "behind" the large building that takes up the entire 3000 block of the boards). This scene stars Mitchum and Vincent, who play father and son in the movie...



And finally, we have our clip from Birdy, which starred Cage and Matthew Modine. Here we have some terrific footage of Hunt's Pier, a ride on the Flyer, and views of Morey's Pier (Surfside) and the Boardwalk...



Check out these and many other great videos from Funchase on YouTube!

The Wildwood Leader - Vol. 90, No. 7

This week's issue of The Wildwood Leader has been published and is now online. Click the cover image below to read...

Reader Request: Musik Express / Judas Priest mural

This is the first edition of what we would like to turn into a semi-regular feature.

Every week, we get a number of requests for photos and/or information on various aspects of Wildwood history, via e-mail and Facebook.

What we would like to do, in appropriate cases, is send these requests out to our entire community. For instance, if you are looking for a photo of an old ride or a particular motel sign, drop us a line under the subject of "Reader Request," and if we can't provide it, we'll add your inquiry to a running list until someone does.

Our first request comes from Steven DePaul, who has been searching for a pic of the Judas Priest mural that used to adorn the backdrop of the Musik Express ride at Mariner's Landing. The ride was recently given a makeover and the old scenery was painted over.

The photo at right - courtesy of Morey's Piers (special thanks to Dino Fazio) - shows a portion of the mural.

Does anyone out there happen to have a full or partial capture of the artwork?

If so, and if you're willing to share, please contact us at wildwood365@gmail.com. We're also looking forward to hearing any and all requests, and adding them to our queue.

Here's video of the Musik Express in action, courtesy of Vimeo (featuring the ride's post-Judas Priest "Under the Sea" backdrop theme)...


Musik Express - Wildwood, NJ from The DoD3 on Vimeo.

And now, the waiting game...

According to Coastal Broadcasting News, a decision on the fate of Wildwood Catholic High School is expected very soon.

The group Save Wildwood Catholic recently wrapped up a fund raising effort and is now awaiting word from Camden Diocese head Bishop Joseph Galante.

As part of a proposed new business plan, WCHS would remain open, with the current building also housing the newly-created Cape Trinity school next year and beyond.

YouTube Tuesday: Pizza Pride

There are three absolute certainties in our society: death, taxes, and that endless debate as to who makes the best pizza on the Boardwalk.

Generally, when the words "Wildwood" and "pizza" are included in the same sentence, the conversation centers around Mack's and Sam's. But there are at least a dozen other notable parlors on the 'walk, some of which have followers every bit as enthusiastic as those of their more famous counterparts.

Take, for instance, the growing popularity of both 3 Brothers and Little Nicky's, on the North Wildwood end of the boards.

Last summer, crowds gathered in the evenings outside of the original 3 Brothers shop at 2014 Boardwalk (the other location is two blocks south, under the King's Inn) to watch the nightly "Acrobatic Pizza" shows.

Here's a clip from YouTube member piccitto1, showing employees Piero and Gaetano in action...

(You can catch the shows every night this coming summer, periodically between 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.)



Little Nicky's, the northernmost pizza shop on the Boardwalk, has been a local favorite since it was established back in 1978.

How popular is this place? Well, how many pizza shops do you know that have been immortalized in a song?

Here are Lou and Gregory Kramer, letting us know where their loyalties lie...

Joe's Fish Co. coming to Surfside Pier

Thanks to Condor Alex for this interesting catch (bad pun fully intended)!

Morey's Piers has officially announced, via its website, an expansion to the Curley Fries stand at the base of Surfside Pier that will include a "contemporary family restaurant."

Back in January, we reported on the Morey Organization's plans for the 2010 season, which included a restaurant with a liquor license.

We now know the name, and more of the details...

Joe's Fish Co. will include a variety of seafood options (naturally), along with traditional boardwalk favorites (think pizza, etc.) and - yes, indeed - a wide selection of alcoholic options.

To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first stand/restaurant to sell beer, wine, etc. on a Wildwood amusement pier. Morey's has been serving alcohol at its Ocean Oasis Waterpark and Beach Club (located at the rear of Surfside Pier) for the past few years.

The Montego Bay Resort, eight blocks north, houses the Boardwalk's only traditional bar.

From the official website:

A Contemporary Boardwalk Family Restaurant

New for 2010 is Joe's Fish Co., a contemporary boardwalk family restaurant. The menu emphasizes local and regional fish and shellfish, but offers a variety of non-seafood items to please everyone. The menu offers entrees, brick oven pizzas, hearty salads, sharable appetizers, and our famous "Curley Fries." In addition, there’s sandwiches like paninis, burgers and wraps.

Joe's Fish Co. has a wide variety of drink options. Besides sodas and the boardwalk's celebrated "Lemon Shake Up," there’s a wide selection of bottled and draft beers, wines by the glass and bottle, and Joe's Fish signature drink, the Margarita.

How well do you know Mariner's Landing?

As our readers know, we love a good puzzle. So this one's right up our alley!

The most recent entry of the Morey's Piers "Beachfront Blog" features five photos of parts and scenery from rides at Mariner's Landing, taken during offseason maintenance.

Can you identify the attraction that each one comes from?

Test your Wildwood amusement knowledge HERE.

Locals continue to contest "flawed" survey

The results of last month's survey by New Jersey Magazine - which ranked Wildwood as the worst of the state's 566 municipalities to live in - continues to be scrutinized by local residents and officials.

Of equal concern were the low rankings of North Wildwood (479) and Wildwood Crest (482).

In an in-depth article in today's Cape May County Herald, staff writer Joe Hart explores the possibility of an anti-CMC bias. Included are quotes from North Wildwood councilman Bob Maschio, who makes the argument that crime rate statistics - one of the criteria on which the survey was based - get skewered in the case of summer resort towns with "tourism economies."

Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, agrees that prorated crime rate figures factored in the Wildwoods scoring so low in the survey.

To read the article, click HERE.

Friday Trivia Challenge: Movie Madness!

It's time for another season of Friday Trivia Challenges!

From this point on, we'll be posting a new trivia / puzzle feature every Friday. When possible, we'll try to make the subject topical, relate it to specific upcoming events, holidays, etc.

With that in mind, this week's challenge is movie-themed in honor of the 82nd Academy Awards, which will be held at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

Here we go...

The Wildwoods have provided a setting for a number of movies over the years, most notably Going Home (1971) starring Robert Mitchum, and Touched (1983), a low key drama with Robert Hayes and Kathleen Beller.

In at least one film, however, Wildwood is referenced to, without filming having occurred there. In fact, the "Wildwood, New Jersey" that is visited in this movie bears absolutely zero resemblance to the actual place.

In which of the following is a phony Wildwood represented?

THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940)   Starring Hollywood heavyweights Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and James Stewart, this wildly-popular romantic comedy was nominated for six Academy Awards and won two (Stewart for Best Actor and Donald Ogden Stewart for Best Adapted Screenplay). Based on a stage play of the same name, it is noted for Hepburn's breakout performance.

TOUCH OF EVIL (1958)  Written, directed by, and co-starring Orson Welles, this film noir classic also features an all-star cast that included Charleton Heston, Janet Leigh, and Marlene Deitrich. Set along the U.S./Mexican border, the scenery is just as intriguing as the many characters Welles pits against each other.

ATLANTIC CITY (1980)  "Where dreamers can be winners" was the tagline for this gritty drama, which starred Burt Lancaster as a small-time gangster who can't let go of his "glory" years. His path soon crosses with a young woman (Susan Sarandon) whose husband is murdered after stealing money from the mafia. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards.

CABIN BOY (1994)  A typically goofy seafaring romp starring Chris Elliot of "Get a Life" renown, with a memorable cameo by David Letterman. Should have won Best Picture, but the esteemed Academy clearly has never had a sense of humor. What is there left to say? Oh yeah: "Would ya like to buy a monkey?"

Léon: The Professional (1994)  Violent, bloody... yet strangely sweet. This is the story of an Italian hitman (Jean Reno) who becomes the unlikely guardian of a 12-year-old New York girl (Natalie Portman) after her entire family is murdered by a crooked cop (Gary Oldman) and his cohorts. Great performances by the entire cast!

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So, do you know the answer, or think you might like to take a guess? Drop us a line at wildwood365@gmail.com and we'll let you know if you're right... or at least on the right track.

We'll have the answer here next week, along with a new challenge.

Thanks for playing!

World Series rematch preview?

We're a loooooong way from October. And once the summer officially arrives, we'll be in absolutely no rush for it to breeze by (as it always inevitably does).

But you have to wonder if this afternoon's preseason opener between the Phillies and Yankees at Bright House Field in Clearwater, FL might have been more than an exhibition rematch of last year's World Series.

Was it, perhaps, a preview of another Fall Classic showdown between the two teams?

Of course, the Yanks came out on top in 2009, ending the Phillies' championship reign from the previous season. Today, Philly's new ace, Roy Halladay, and NY's prized free agent acquisition from last year, C.C. Sabathia, took the mound as the championship pursuit began anew.

Both pitchers were sharp, albeit in very brief appearances. The Phils took the game, 3-2, but the possibility that this newly-minted rivalry might be taken to the next level was the talk of the day.

Will it happen? In a little more than a half a year's time (scary thought, huh?) we'll know the answer...