Steel Pier Remembered

[@SherriW-azturtle]

As kids, my sister, and I went there many times. We saw then heart throb, Paul Anka, there. I remember my sister so nervous and excited because he went to pick a girl from the audience to go up on stage with him. The girl he picked happened to be sitting directly in back of my sister. We were dying, lol! I remember the amatuer talent shows and of course the unforgettable Diving Horse! Fun times and fabulous memories! ❤

[@billdaddario8800]

Absolutely true. "Anybody who ever made it to the Steel Pier has memories that will last a lifetime." Great video.

[@joyfulspirit22]

I saw it a few times a a kid. It was exciting

[@multitieredinvestor183]

1961 and 1962, I was the Steel Pier’s official photographer. Was a thrill going through the employees entrance. I hung out with the water circus entertainers. That photo of Ricky Nelson in the Marine Ballroom is mine. After taking that, I photographed he and his family on the beach in front of the Claridge.

[@emaguire5917]

I graduated h.s. with Ed Hurst's son, Brian. Back then he hosted The Steele Pier Show, while Dick Clark hosted American Bandstand!! Two fantastic shows that aired on Saturdays!! Great memories from when I was a teenager!!

[@bonn777]

During the drive down from N.E.Philly on Routes 73 & 30, I was always anxious to see the billboards advertising current & future shows.

[@constantdarkfog49]

As a family event we saw the Diving Horse many years, we loved Steel Pier, it had something for everybody. I remember seeing the Four Seasons on the pier Great times.

[@cherylpicard5973]

I also saw the Four Seasons, Jackie DeShawn, Tiny Tim . . . I think we went every summer on one of our family day trips, what amazing memories

[@gmonina]

I remember my first concert on the Steel Pier with the Temptations and the flag pole sitter.

[@williamk.fisherjr5408]

I worked at the last food concession stand before you got to the end of the Steel Pier. I was the one that made Pizzas for the entertainers in 1966. That included The Supremes, O.C.Smith ( Little Green Apples ) was his only hit song, The Temptations, Tiny Tim and "Little Stevie Wonder". I delivered my pizzas to them, met them inside their dressing room.

[@mustlovepretzels]

Saw Chicago when they were Chicago Transit Authority there in '68/'69? with my Dad. Also met my first rock star Walter Parazaider on the boardwalk before the show. Good times!

[@musicalblue]

Fabulous memories of growing up....I have always felt fortunate to have grown up there!

[@stephenberrie8736]

My Grandparents used to take me to Atlantic city every summer for 2 weeks from 1956-1965 and we would go to the Steel Pier at least ounce and the first show of that years Ice Capades some of my fondest memories are from those days

[@jewgirl952]

Thank you. I was born and raised in Atlantic City and saw all of the groups in the British Invasion there on the Pier. Wonderful memories.

[@bonn777]

Except the Beatles?

[@mikesmusicbox1294]

Great times on the pier! I was lucky enough to work there for years.

[@SteveMenardDesignDXM]

As a Canadian from Montreal, Atlantic City was our favourite summer vacation spot. We visited in the summer of 1964, 1966, 1967, 1970-1972, and finally in 1974. I remember seeing the Supremes on the Steel Pier, and Badfinger in 1974. Great times! The Central Pier was really fun as well, with all of the amusements/pin ball games and endless junk food!

[@bernadettecasey991]

My memories was of the Ed Hurst Show i was on with my dance partner Jimmy Doran we were 5 years old in kindergarten Eddie Nixon was the DJ he taught us to dance we were the youngest on any of the shows to dance on tv in 1963 i will never forget that

[@hughshrager7098]

I danced on the ed hurst show also

[@jonathanbennaman6753]

@@hughshrager7098 it's so sad that he's gone now really do miss him me and my dad got to meet him at his home in Margate NJ 2019 and he signed both of his record albums Summertime On The Pier and Ed Hurst Presents Steel Pier's 20th TV Anniversary Original Dance Hits we even got our picture taken with him, he was a kind sweet loving man and it's so sad that he passed away October 30th 2020, we were so hoping to see him again but when we found out that he died of an infection at the age of 94 we just cried and cried. My dad went to Steel Pier 1965 1969 and 1974 with his mom dad and 2 brothers while there he saw Frankie Avalon Frank Fontaine and Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, he also remembers the Diving Bell and Diving Horse and The Golden Dome Ballroom that replaced the Marine Ballroom in 1970 that was damaged by a fire and he also remembers the Tussauds Wax Museum and Louis Artist Village which stood next door to The Virginia Theatre and stood across from Steel Pier where your face portrait would be done in 3 minutes by Mr Louis and Fran Victor. Those were his memories of Steel Pier and Atlantic City and I'm sure even at his age 66 to this day he still remembers it all so well. So Larry Kane was right if you went to Steel Pier as a kid you would carry that memory for years to come. My first time being there was in 2012 sadly I'll never know what it was like to be there in the 50s 60s or 70s but by watching these videos and listening to people's stories I can just picture myself being there watching the horses dive and watching the acts on the stage. It was surreal according to my dad and I was very honored and fortunate to meet Ed Hurst before he passed. We even have him a rare copy of the Bobby Rydell Steel Pier 45 record that was given to the fans that attended his show for 25¢ which was not sold in stores and was a one sided record. He really appreciate it very much.

[@williamk.fisherjr5408]

Thanks for reminding me the DJ and his name. I worked at the Steel Pier at the food concession stand and it was the last concession stand before you got to the end of the Pier where the Ed Hurst Show and the diving Hores was. I used to sit in the back with Eddie Nixon and watch him while he played the records. From that experience I too became a DJ. I graduated from Atlantic City High School in 1971 and I played the records at my fraternity's ( "Fuata" "Fellas" ) parties. I got my first professional start in Atlantic City on New York Ave at The Chez Paree and from there I was able to DJ all over Atlantic City, the surrounding areas as well as Philadelphia and the Caribbean Islands.

[@williamk.fisherjr5408]

I worked at The Steel Pier in 1966 and it was my first job.

[@williamk.fisherjr5408]

@@jonathanbennaman6753 My mother went to school ( Atlantic City High School ) and graduated with Ed Hurst. I got to see mt mom's yearbook with Ed Hurst picture in it.

[@surfshack2]

Think of all the celebrities and talent of the past that had graced that boardwalk. Amazing

[@howardmanley3388]

So many great memories I used to go visit my grandmother there in Somers point. I remember her taking me down to Atlantic City to the steel pier got to see Bobby Rydell, The diving horse. A hard days night movie by the Beatles, The big band music. It was just so awesome I can't begin to explain how much fun it was to go there every summer. Thank you Granny. :0)

[@briancooper1022]

I remember going to the Steel Pier with my parents and sisters and seeing the Four Seasons. The girls were yelling and go wild just like the days of Frank Sinatra as my belove dad, Will Rosenberg, of Newark New Jersey, said. He used to say to paraphrase what Jersey makes; the world takes. I asked him where he heard that; he said he thinks it was on a sign in Trenton, N.J. Thanks, Trenton Makes Music. Have a nice Labor Day for September 7, 2020. This is such an over-the-charts documentary; thank you for sharing.

[@freedomring8096]

Those were the days! Good ol' fun, I seen Diana Ross and the Supremes, Went to Atlantic City a lot growing up! I remember the Large clam shell at the end of the board walk at a little ocean sea shop. And remember Mr. Peanut? He would stand in front of the shop. Always bought fresh taffy. Swam in the ocean. Road on the little buggies on the board walk. I will never forget those good ol' days my parents gave me.

[@williamk.fisherjr5408]

Wow, you must've been there when I worked at The Steel Pier in 1969 at the food concession stand before you got to the end of the Pier where Ed Hurst and the Diving Horse was. I was the one who made the pizzas. I made pizzas for Diana Ross and the Supremes and delivered it and was inside their dressing room. Back then, I believe their name was just The Supremes.

[@williamk.fisherjr5408]

Sorry, had to make a correction on the year. It was 1966 not 1969

[@104Margie]

There was nothing like Steel Pier! I think many of us who grew up there considered going there one of the best times they ever had. Now, unless you want to spend a fortune to see your favorite singer, you may never get to see them. Each week there was a new famous star there and for about $5 you got to see them and forget paying exorbitant amounts of money for a meet and greet, you just went to the back door of the theater and got their autograph. That was just part of the fun considering they had a couple movies, Tony Grant Stars of tomorrow, ballroom dancing, fun houses, diving bell, water circus and a great picnic deck to have lunch that you usually brought with you. This was all for the same $5!

[@lindabowen2683]

Those were the days

[@williamk.fisherjr5408]

Yes I agree those were the days. The Steel Pier was my first job in 1966. I worked at the last food concession stand before you got to the end of the Pier where The Ed Hurst show and The Diving Hores was. I made the pizzas for the customers and the entertainers such as The Supremes, O.C.Smith, The Temptations, Tiny Tim, "Little Stevie Wonder". Took pizzas to their dressing rooms and meet them.

[@cmwHisArtist]

Around 1952, my brother and I, ages 3&5, and my father won first prize on a tv show called Candy Carnival, and got to perform for 2 weeks, 3 shows a day, at the theater on the Steel Pier. The marquee showed our names, Cheri & Jan-Jan, and we did a gymnastics act in which the finale was us jumping off a 30 foot ladder into my father’s arms. Jan did it blindfolded, but secretly he could see through it. It was sponsored by M&Ms.

[@rapman5791]

I remember when I used to go to the Steel Pier, there was this one guy who came out before the diving horse. He could do the Triple Lindy. Only guy I ever saw who could perform the particular dive. Rumor has it he became a businessman who opened a Big & Tall clothing chain. His name was Thornton Mellon.

[@MilestoneMediaUSA]

I was lucky enough to work on the pier for years. What a great place it was.

[@eriesurfer10]

i caught the tail end of the good ol days. I was born in Jan 1968 and my parents had me there in June! In my stroller in the shade of the steel pier!

[@aceddie]

Thanks for uploading this! Nothing will ever compare to "The Showplace of the Nation". My mother would pack brown bag lunches every Friday morning in the summer. Living in the South Inlet we were able to walk the "Boards" to Steel Pier. Fridays were Borden's Elsie the Cow's Cowboy Mornings and kid's admission was just .35 with a coupon. There was so much to do, we didn't get home 'til after dark.

[@thelionshares1]

informative. Thank you for uploading and sharing it. I remember being in AC in about in July of 1979. We could hear her singing from our hotel room. Some family members tried to come down every year; since about 1924. I now live in the area. Nice to see the old days; before I was born.

[@dawntayler7875]

So many wonderful memories. Remember going to Steel Pier as a child. Saw many stars there as a teenager.

[@multitieredinvestor5246]

I took the photograph of Ricky Nelson 9:52 of this video when I worked as the pier’s official photographer. I went to the Claridge hotel and photographed him with his brother. I took the photo of them on the Claridige’s roof. Summer 1961 or 62. It was exciting to enter through the employees gate.

[@sjtom57]

So many memories, both happy and sad. Outstanding video.

[@mikesmusicbox1294]

I also danced on the pier...big fun.

[@williamk.fisherjr5408]

I too danced there, worked there. I made the pizzas. It was the last food concession stand before you got to the end of the Pier where The Ed Hurst Sow and the Diving Horse was.

[@dennisbennaman5047]

I called ed Hurst at his home..he is 92, and doing well, although he can't get around without the use of a walker. I will hope to meet him next year. Great person.

[@annascrofani9305]

My Mother ran the food concessions so i literally grew up there i was around 3 yrs old when the three stooges carried me on their shoulder and called me little peanut ! What an amazing life i had ! Especially when i got older ! 🤩 thats when i met my best friends ! Mike Jim Rusty Matt Denny and Barbara !!

[@williamk.fisherjr5408]

Maybe you mom was the owner or in charge of the pizza, hot dog and popcorn stand that I worked at that was located Tony Grants and the last concession stand before you got to the end of the Pier where Ed Hurst and the Diving Horse was. I worked that concession stand in 1969.

[@williamk.fisherjr5408]

Sorry, had to make a correction on the year. It was the year 1966 not 1969

[@marilynparsons3973]

My memories are from the 60's. Spending a couple of weeks each summer with my great grandmom.We stayed at Aunt Ona's Boarding house on Brighton Ave.Wow, what fun I had! I loved the Amateur show. Can't rember the man's name. Was is ted? Saw the Turtles with the state safety patrol. Summertime on the Pier. Amazing.Great memories- can't be beat!!

[@janet6348]

I saw Paul Anka. Just Great memories!!

[@dblkix]

Saw it live as a kid. When America was great. We were on Bicycles on the boardwalk I was 7, some dude rode by me and knocked me off the bike (Was bleeding) He kept going, my Father chased him and beat the sh** out of him. Thanks Dad.

[@williamk.fisherjr5408]

My memories of the Steel Pier will always be special because that was officially my first job in 1969 and I needed working papers. I worked at the food stand where Imade and sold hot dogs,popcorn and made pizza which was my specialty. No I didn't throw the dough up in the air and catch it because the pizza shells were ordered. The tourists had to stop at the food stand before they went to the end of the Pier where The Ed Hurst Show was. When the people came out of the Tony Grant's Theater, they would order pizza and the lines were long. I knew I made the best pizza because returning tourist would tell me that they came back to Atlantic City to visit the Steel Pier and get my pizza with extra cheese and believe me I loaded my pizza's with cheese. I was fortunate to meet a lot of celebrities such as Diana Ross,Tiny Tim & O.C.Smith and yes they had my pizza too. I danced off air with Leslie Campbell who was a regular dancer on Ed Hurst Show. I even remember the song (Dragging The Line) by Tommy James & the Shondells. I also sat in and helped with the records.

[@joyfulspirit22]

They had the best Wax Museum too

[@williamk.fisherjr5408]

@@joyfulspirit22 Yes that's correct. Did you ever work at the Steel Pier?

[@williamk.fisherjr5408]

I had to make a correction on the year. It was 1966 not 1969.

[@sbbrph2651]

I grew up outside Philly,and we went to Ocean City every year for vacation. I always wanted my parents to take us kids to Atlantic City and my Mom said it is "not good there"!!! Lol. That was 1950-1975....

[@keansburgbabe]

The first time I was on the Steel Pier was when my Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Sonny had a birthday party for my cousin. We had a blast. We were watching the helicopters take off with the tourists on them. They had a 1940's theme for her BD.

[@redbrian3655]

First memory of AC Pier was 1959 and saw the Diving Horse. We stayed at The Claridge. Just went back a few months ago and..............

[@dennisbennaman5047]

I am going there August 19th to the 23rd 2019. I will look like Al PACHINO on the boardwalk..this city is my dream for vacation. And to stay at the best hotel, resorts international hotel. Where the movie Atlantic city was made. At that hotel. It will be exciting.

[@Glennk1949]

Wonderful memories.

[@josephphelps452]

Those were the days!!!

[@bennydemario4624]

I grew up in Pleasantville

[@Jmmoffa]

I remember an newspaper article in the 90’s about Trump in talks with Six Flags to rebuild the original Steel Pier, but they never came to an agreement.

[@skipsassy1]

highways and aircraft killed this location. They never mention that. My grandfather helped build that pier and all amusement parks were at the end of street car lines - those that bought the real estate became millionaires those that owned the street cars went broke. You don't own the street cars when the Model T is selling so fast they can't keep up.

[@jay-nx4uq]

Wow

[@dano5814]

i believe that's where i seen al hirt in the 60's

[@KeyoRacing]

Saw the Beatles movie HELP there

[@skipsassy1]

TV Also killed the location. After WWII was the end of Steal Pier and Atlantic City. Surplus aircraft flew to Florida. Miami Beach took ACs place.

[@tomsayen9295]

Today's reincarnation of the Steel Pier is more of a joke, nothing like the original. Just honky tonk games and rides.

[@williamk.fisherjr5408]

I agree with you. The Steel Pier was my first job in 1966. I worked at the food concession stand. It was the last concession stand before you got to the end of the Pier where The Ed Hurst Show and the Diving Horse was. I was the one that made pizzas. Made pizzas for the entertainers such as The Supremes, O.C.Smith, Tiny Tim, The Temptations, and " Little Stevie Wonder" and delivered it to their dressing rooms and met them.

[@lamper2]

1957? elvis was HUGE

[@rapman5791]

It’s obvious the guy who turned down Elvis never listened to Henny Youngman perform. He didn’t say “Take my wife, will ya” Henny said “ Take my wife…..PLEASE”

[@DENAANN1000]

Those poor horses.

[@susandoyle4667]

Poor Senora, she lost her eyesight.

[@catherinewebster6405]

Oh Ladies! Only horses who wanted to and loved to dive were used...who'd wanna do that on an unwilling horse!! They loved it and were treated well. Sonora loved her life - never wanted to do anything else and lived to 99.5 in AC.@@susandoyle4667

[@skipsassy1]

1920 was the peak. The rest are lies. Mid sixties, how about mid 1930s

[@nevertrump-z2y]

Never liked watching those poor horses being made to dive off through no choice of their own

[@rapman5791]

I’d be more impressed with a cat who played Polka, not poker. 🤷‍♂️

[@glenjenkins920]

So Glad,I got to enjoy the Steel pier before the Mob&The Gambling Casinos Destroyed it All💔🫤😪