Wildwood History: Boardwalk, Beach, and the Doowop Universe

Anyone who’s visited Wildwood, New Jersey, knows it’s the Garden State’s greatest no-fee widest beach. Situated alongside the beach is the grand boardwalk with rides, a tramcar, great pizza, Khor’s custard, and yes, some of the best fudge (Douglas v. Laura’s) found anywhere. But Wildwood is also known as the “Doo Wop Capital of the Universe. What’s Doo Wop?

MLH commissioned a keepsake honoring Wildowood – Want one? Details Here

The widest part of Wildwood Beach in New Jersey is 1,600 feet from the boardwalk to the shoreline at Cresse Avenue! Compare that to Point Pleasant Beach which is about 350 feet wide at Trenton Avenue or about 1/5th the width of Wildwood’s beach.
Just sayin, Jersey!

The definition of Doo Wop is a group singing style, especially during the 1950s, involving a lead singer supported by a chorus of singers and, often, instruments with a strong, rhythmic beat. And then, doo-wop turned into a cultural and architectural phenomenon.

Wildwood, NJ – Once The East’s Little Vegas

I just returned from a Las Vegas trip and, while there, took a trip to the historic Neon Boneyard, a fantastic museum that shares the history and art of the Vegas that once graced the Vegas Strip. Then I returned to my home in Jersey and thought, why doesn’t Wildwood, New Jersey, consider such a thing? Growing up as a kid and spending summers in Wildwood, I could remember those motels and restaurants with awesome neon artwork. I even almost saved the Bali Hi Motel sign when the motel was modernized. Sure, there are many more, but I thought, “Is some organization saving them?” Then I got a message!

If you visit Las Vegas, you must stop at the Neon Boneyard Museum at night. Then we returned to Jersey and hit the history jackpot when we found one here!

If you follow the Mr. Local History Project, we are a non-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting Jersey history “with a social twist.” There is no better cause to share than this iconic Doo Wop Museum in our favorite Jersey beach town of Wildwood, New Jersey.

So, I started my research and even posted the idea to a Wildwood Facebook group. After several responses from people saying what a great idea it is, we hit the motherload. We heard back from John Donio, President of the Wildwood Business District.

We do have a smaller version of the Vegas Neon Boneyard. Visit the Doo Wop Preservation League and our Wildwoods Doo Wop Experience Museum. Lots of old neon signs.
John Donio, President of the Wildwood Business District

With all the acts playing in Wildwood in the 50s and 60s, Wildwood was known as the “Las Vegas of the East.” The Wildwoods Doo Wop Experience Museum shares that history and those experiences.

These are some great acts of the doo-wop era who played Wildwood, New Jersey. Many historians call Wildwood the “Las Vegas of the East.” **Bill Haley and Chubby Checker**: Haley debuted his hit “Rock Around the Clock” at the Hof Brau Hotel in 1954, and Checker introduced “The Twist” at the Rainbow Club in 1960. **American Bandstand**: The show appeared in the Wildwoods in 1956 and 1957.

Wildwood, New Jersey, began building on, adopting, and preserving the Doo Wop theme in the 1990s. The initiative aimed to preserve and celebrate the mid-20th-century architectural style that had become a hallmark of the area. This style, characterized by bold neon signs, futuristic shapes, and vibrant colors, reflected the post-World War II era’s fascination with space age and pop culture, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s. Then, on May 30th, 1954, Wildwood changed forever. Bill Haley and the Comets came to town. The doo-wop era was born, and nothing reminds Jerseyians more of the doo-wop era than Wildwood, New Jersey.

Museum Fun

The Doo Wop Experience Museum in Wildwood, NJ, celebrates the unique architectural and cultural style of the 1950s and 1960s. It’s located at 4500 Ocean Avenue and features a collection of artifacts, neon signs, and memorabilia from that era. The museum is dedicated to preserving the distinctive “Doo Wop” style of motels and attractions that made Wildwood famous during its heyday.

The Surfside Restaurant now serves up fresh servings of history as it is now the home to Wildwood’s Doo Wop Museum experience.

The museum’s history traces back to the summer of 1960, when the “Surfside” restaurant debuted with its space-age architecture, including a pinwheel-shaped roof. Over time, the area became known for its whimsical and colorful motels, now celebrated at the museum. It’s a fascinating place to visit if you’re interested in mid-20th-century pop culture and architecture!

Wildwood promotion – MLH has one on our car!

The Collection – Neon Garden and Classic Period Icons

The Doo Wop Experience Museum in Wildwood, NJ, is brimming with fascinating artifacts from the 1950s and 1960s. It’s like stepping into a time capsule filled with all the quirky and charming elements that defined the Doo Wop era. Here are some highlights:

Coined “Doo Wop” decor, you’re immediately immersed back to the 50s and 60s – Wildwood’s Doo Wop era!

Vintage neon signs: These iconic signs were an era staple and added a colorful glow to the museum.
Majestic Z lamps: These unique lamps are a nod to the mid-century modern design.
Heywood-Wakefield furniture: Classic pieces that were popular in homes during the Doo Wop period.
Herman Miller chairs: Known for their comfort and style, they are a great example of mid-century design.
Pop culture memorabilia: Items like vintage toys, posters, and other memorabilia that capture the essence of the time.

“Neon Sign Garden” – outside the Doo Wop Experience, you’ll find a display of fully-restored and re-assembled neon signs from classic Wildwood motels that have since been demolished or remodeled.

Writer Ties to Wildwood

I’ve been a huge fan of Wildwood over my lifetime, as my family spent many summers in those Wildwood Motels. Three generations later, while our kids are grown, we must return to New Jersey’s best and widest FREE beach, boardwalk, and iconic doo-wop experience in New Jersey!