Asbury Park, New Jersey

I recently visited Asbury Park, New Jersey, which brought back vivid memories. I was there in the 1960s and 70s, and spent summers on the beach and boardwalk of the thriving Asbury Park. My first carousel ride was in a beautiful, ornate structure, where every horse was hand-carved and painted. I remember the thrill of finally being tall enough to grab the brass ring.

When my friends and I got our driver’s licenses, we drove round and round the “circuit”, meaning south on Kingsley and north on Ocean, from one light to the next. I saw great musicians at the Convention Hall and Casino, including The Band, Steely Dan, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, the Allman Brothers, King Crimson, Bruce Springsteen, Blue Oyster Cult, and the Marshall Tucker Band. I also spent many nights in the Stone Pony watching Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, and many talented local bands.

I recently saw a video of Bruce Springsteen performing in the Carousel Building! It makes me happy to know that someone as influential as Bruce is trying to bring attention to preserving what’s left of Asbury’s exquisite buildings.

I feel fortunate to have been up in such a exciting, seaside community. While some structures still exist, it makes me sad to see that almost all of them are empty shells–relics of a bygone era. I was surprised to see that Madam Marie, the fortune teller, is still in business. Maybe she knows something we don’t know.

Casino Promenade Entrance

Convention Hall at Sunrise

Madam Marie, Fortune Teller