Well it was a similar situation in Atlantic City when they first legalized gambling. I was still in North Jersey, probably just starting high school at the time. But I remember reading or hearing some things. They tore down some of the greatest resort hotels the world had ever known, practically- such hotels as the Traymore, the Chalfonte-Haddon Hall, and the Marlboro-Blenheim. I never got to see them in person, but fortunately I have a collection of very old postcards from Atlantic City, and those hotels are well-represented in the collection.
Today Atlantic City continues to tear down historic structures in the name of progress. They do it all the time. In New York City that would be unheard of. There are letters to the editor in the Press of Atlantic City once in a while, from people who are appalled at the destruction of historic places in Atlantic City (I am too.).
By the way, I've never been to Asbury Park, so I have no first-hand knowledge of what it's like.
Barry
jokerman said:
The Palace Amusements building in Asbury Park was demolished today. I remember a few years ago the building was assessed to see if it was possible to save it, the results of which determined it was. They held a meeting yesterday to decide if the Palace Amusements building should be spared the wrecking ball and it was bashed apart today to rubble. They said they are sving the wall with one of the Tille faces to be displayed somewhere...gee thanks. The redevelopement of Asbury is underway and I will miss the quiet place it was for some time. I actually liked it there is disrepair because it had all the energy of a typical ghost town, but most of the buildings still there. I'm surprised they have chosen this route since that damn face (Tillie) on that building has become one (1) of the most recognizable symbols of NJ! ! A rare oppurtunity to save a piece of history, again not taken. The redevelopment of AP will have many heartbreaks I feel. What are you gonna' do?