Book Review
Boardwalk Memories, Tales of the Jersey Shore by Emil R. Salvini tells the rich and exciting history of the Jersey shore, or what many on the East Coast adoringly nickname “the shore.”
As a Pennsylvanian who grew up vacationing in Ocean City, New Jersey each summer, this book was a delight to read. The shore has been such a big part of my upbringing and anyone who has vacationed on the Jersey shore will definitely understand my sentiments. The cotton candy, the funnel cake, the carousel, the different sights and smells all make the boardwalk a special place to be, any time of year, but especially during the summer.
In Boardwalk Memories, Salvini explores all of the different Jersey shores from Long Beach to Point Pleasant to Atlantic City and many more. In total, Salvini details the history and successes of 13 different Jersey shores detailing the key players involved in developing the town, the town’s values and the evolution of each town from the 1800’s to today.
I was especially excited to read about Ocean City since I still spend my summer days there. It was so interesting to see photos of the famous Music Pavilion and photos of people enjoying a summer night in a much simpler time. Their attire is so different from that of today; women dressed in long dresses and hats and men dressed in suits wander the boardwalk. Today, you are more likely to see families in shorts and t-shirts and bathing suits!
While reading the Ocean City section of this book, I learned that the beach town was created by a group of religious people who imposed strict rules upon the town. Because of the moral back story of Ocean City, the town is still a “dry” today. Another fun fact the book provides is that “some of the busiest liquor stores in the county are the ones that border Ocean City.” Very interesting.
The photos are what make this book truly special. The exquisite black and white photos transport the reader into a completely different time and place; into a world that is so incredibly different than the world we are used to.
Boardwalk Memories reminds readers that everything changes and evolves. The Jersey shore is no exception. While the stores, restaurants and amusement parks may change over the years, the one thing that remains true summer after summer is the charm of the Jersey shore.
Boardwalk Memories: Tales of the Jersey Shore
by Emil R. Salvini
ISBN 10: 0-7627-3674-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-7627-3674-4
Publisher: Globe Pequot