There are so many memories here and now
we've made a few new ones.
For me the town is filled with "used to bes."
You know. Places and things that have changed
since the way I remember thme year ago.
I remember, for instance, "Dracula's Castle."
There's a water park there now.
And before Dracula Castle, the same pier
housed kiddy rides at boardwal level and a
roller coaster up above.
There are a lot of memories there! It's where
I learned I didn't like roller coasters!
Now, the last movie theater on the boardwalk
has become a "used to be."
The Strand, originally a single screen theater
converted to a 5-plex, is dark and empty this
year.
It may have been the victim of suicide. Reviews
of the place over the last few years describe it as
dirty and unkept.
Of course theaters on the boardway, I can
remember three, always had a tough time
getting customers. When it was sunny everyone
wanted to be outside on the beach or boardwalk.
In the winter they weren't any customers.
Their best bet was a rainy day. And on those
rainy days they opened early.
The "normal" entrance to the Strand used to
be right on the boardwalk. That was turned into
a Candy store and patrons were sent around to
the side.
It was sad to see the marque empty. It brought
back thoughts of an old Statler Brothers song.....
"They're Tearing Down The Strand."
There are no signs of this "Strand" actually
coming down. In fact the lady at the candy store
said it "might be back next year."
I hope so...just for old times sake.
Meanwhile, a small neighborhood theater,
"The Sea" that I've been planning to check out
for the past three years is both closed and for
sale! Guess they were right...."he who hesitates
is lost." Or, in my case, misses the movie!
You can drive across the bridge on Rio Grand
and drive a bit to a multiplex theater nearby.
But on the island of Wildwood the Strand
truly was the last picture show!
And it's my latest Used-To-Be.
Hope you remember the "neighborhood
theaters" fondly and that all your NEWS is
good!
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