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This Summer, Make Time For The Museum
Rob Ascough
When I was a young kid reeling from the loss of the Hunt’s Pier Flyer, I felt it prudent to look into the history of roller coasters on the Wildwood boardwalk. I remember adult rides like the Jumbo Jet and Screem Machine (not riding, but observing from a safe distance) but didn’t know much about what existed before my time. As a member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts thanks to a family friend who picked up on my new hobby, I quickly learned the organization didn’t have much information to offer. This planted an idea in my head: I was going to research and write an article about the history of Wildwood’s roller coasters.
I wrote to the George F. Boyer Museum and received a response from Bob Bright outlining what he knew, while inviting me to visit the next time I was in town. I took him up on his offer and recall being rendered nearly speechless – not only by the abundance of photos of Wildwood’s long-gone roller coasters, but the endless archives representing the history of my favorite place in the world. I was inspired, albeit not enough to have completed the article I’d intended to author. I regret my lack of follow-through, but have forgiven myself for having succumbed to the distractions of a thirteen year-old kid.
However, the museum would continue playing a part in my summers – every year I’d make time to visit while on summer vacation in The Wildwoods, and when the time came to co-author a book about Hunt’s Pier (again stemming from frustration over no one having previously researched the subject), the Boyer was the logical starting point. Twenty years after having met Bob Bright, Al Alven and I found ourselves spending time with his son on countless cold, Saturday winter mornings in Wildwood. Hearing Mr. Bright talk about Hunt’s Pier, as well as a number of things not at all Hunt’s Pier-related, remain some of my fondest memories.
More than thirty years ago, little could I have imagined that Wildwood’s wonderful museum on Pacific Avenue could have played such an important role in my life, to the point of having become a board member and serving as treasurer for the last three years. It’s time-consuming but important work, and something I hold close to my heart, and I’m sure everyone involved with the museum would echo the same sentiments if prompted. Sharing the history of The Wildwoods – just as sharing any history – is something not to be taken for granted. You never know when the next kid is going to walk in the door with a question, and what he or she will do with that answer.
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It’s not a total loss! The Wildwood Historical Museum, Wildwood’s 
Wildwood Historical Society is looking for short biographies about the Wildwoods’ veterans in all branches and in all wars. We are putting together a comprehensive collection for the museum, so if you are a veteran or you have/had a veteran in your family, please send any photos plus 1-2 paragraphs about their life to 
Collectible! Doo Wop City 1966 and 2022 calendar feat. Stella Star, $15. Check out my product! 
This 2022 calendar is also a 1966 calendar! Full of photos and stories of Wildwoods landmarks featuring mid century model Stella Star. Makes a great gift.
Autographed copy, Motels of Wildwood: Postwar to Present by Jackson Betz (2022) Check out my product! 
This architectural diary tells the story of the incredible concentration of midcentury modern motels of Wildwood, New Jersey, from their origin in the Doo Wop decade of Elvis Presley to their whereabouts today.
Tom Cat Restaurant Diner Wildwood NJ authentic vintage "Parking in Rear" sign, $100. Buy it now only at 
This is an authentic sign from the Tom Cat Diner. It is the plastic "Parking in Rear" sign with a left-pointing arrow that was under the Rio Grande Ave sign reading "TOM CAT", the side facing the bridge! We guesstimate it is 1960s era. 28" high and just under 7' long. 
