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by Charles Vincent Mathis Variety, the Bible of show business, 30 years ago, had already named Wildwood “the liveliest resort on the Atlantic Seaboard.” That title has never changed. Even with the advent of casino gambling, night life still isn’t as zesty in Atlantic City as in the Wildwoods. To youth and families, the appeal of the Wildwoods remains as potent as ever. •No less an authority than Tony Bennett contends rock ’n roll was born in the Wildwoods when Bill Haley’s Comets made carbons of the Trenliers’ songs to launch an international music fad. •The concept of the musical bar — entertainment within the confines of the bar on an elevated state — was first introduced in Wildwood. •Chubby Checker had so much faith in his “Twist” dance idea that he appeared for free at the Rainbow to introduce what was to become an international dance craze. •Jam sessions or afternoon live music shows were also first offered in Wildwood. THE VERY BEST lounge acts still starring in casinos in Vegas and Atlantic City spent many seasons in Wildwood. These include the Trenier twins, the Goofers, Freddie Bell and the Bellboys, the Terry Mitchell trio, Denise Clemente, the Checkmates, Ltd. and many others. Even Steve Gibson is toying with the idea of reforming his Red Caps, a Wildwood legend. Just about every top star has appeared here while on the way up, while on top or on the waydown again. Lucille Ball recalled her vaudeville act in Wildwood on the Johnny Carson show. In fact, Lucy’s husband-to-be, comedian Gary Morton, appeared at the Manor Supper Club. WITH RESERVATIONS AT an all timV peak, the 1981 season should be an all time record breaker. High school senior graduation weeks make the island look like Fort Lauderdale North during June. Planty of conventions, like the Elks, V.F.W. and Senior Citizens add to the excitement. Cozy Morley has lined up another all-star revue with headliners Don Cornell and Julie De John. Henry Gervasi has a season long engagement of A1 Alberts and the Four Aces at Enrico’s Flamenco Room. John Caterini used to offer stars like Diana Ross and the Supremes, Wayne Newton and Ray Charles at his Riptide. This season he has the J.C. Lane trio at his Midtown Lounge. Lori Cesar, the featured singer, starred on Broadway with Anthony Newley, Bea “Maude" Arthur, Bernadette Peters and Florence Henerson, Charles V. Mathis was a correspondent for “Variety.'' His articles have also appeared In many other national publications.

J.C. Lane herself has appeared with Eddie Rabbitt. THE WILD WEST CRAZE is sweeping the island this year at Miss Klttie's Dance Hall and Saloon in Anglesea, formerly Wally’s and the Main Event. The Blue Hawaii becomes the Urban Cowboy under the aegis of Kevin McGrail and Bert Thame. Center island, the D’Antonio brothers and Will Morey clan are offering the Bronco Bull Saloon in the Beach Terrace Motor Inn. Dusty Roads is starred at this all new club. Mark Vito who blazed new trails with the "Frisco Follies” troupe from Harrah’s, Lake Tahoe; is offering the sensational Gang with punk rock at his all new Club London Ale House — which has offered such names as Harry James, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and Bobby Rydell — continues to present the best top new combos. PENALTY BOX HAS THREE bands including the long time star favorites Money and Wintergreen. The Hurricane East has the Dead End Kids and Cobra, both highly ranked in the musical world. The Rainbow continues to presenf the cream of the new band crop. Stars of yesteryear at the Rainbow include Count Basie, Conway Twitty, Dion, Gary “U.S.” Bonds, Dionne Warwick and many others. Elvis mania sweeps to the Pier 6600 Motor Inn and Holiday Inn. Illusia is also a Holiday Inn attraction. At Diamond Beach, the Playpen rocks around the clock with top combos from the national circuit. A wall mural depicting the Russo family tree attests to the longevity of Russo’s Gingham Club. Russo’s is where a young South Philly singer who was to be compared to the great Enrico Caruso, elected to make his singing debut. He was Mario Lanza, one of the most popular singers and film stars of all time. Whenever he could finagle a chance, Lanza would fill the saltspiked air overlooking Ottens Harbor with the tones of his robust voice. Later, passengers on Wildwood’s open air trolley

cars enjoyed free concerts by Lanza, who labored as a conductor. LONG AFTER MARIO achieved international stardom, his grandparents still lived in Wildwood and his parents returned here annually, from Beverly Hills, to spend the season. Mario called them daily, and many of Wildwood’s 100 summer telephone operators would listen in. When Mario learned of this, he conducted all future conversations in Italian. There is now a hit book, Lanza - His Tragic Life by Terry Robinson and Ray Strait. Casting will soon be underway on a movie of the tome with a strong possibility many scenes will be filmed in Wildwood. Not far from Russo's was a spot called the Golden Dragon Cafe (now a laundromat.) Sunny Gale, who was to become onaJof the nation's top pop singers, spent a season at this spot. Even in the days of Prohibition and rum running, Anglesea was always a lively spot. In days when liquor was forbidden, Anglesea clubs ran wide open. Police often escorted those who had overimbibed home so no harm would befall them. ANGLESEA WAS SO LIVELY it was known as “Little Mexico." Witli'dozens of fishermen’s excursion trains arriving daily, taverns boomed. Among those still in operation is the “High Steps.” Many a fisherman who decided to drink away his exiting bought fish at a market to help convince his spouse that it was a legitimate

fishing trip. Moore’s Inlet Club was always , in the center of ,the fishsing traffic. A New York talent scout was so impressed with a weekend singer at Moore's that he signed her to a contract. She was "Wee Bonnie Baker," a diminutive singer who warbled "Oh, Johnny" in a babyish Betty Boop-like voice to win national fame and a job with the Orrin Tucker band. Moore’s also featured a dancer with a unique ability to twirl tassels from the upper part of her anatomy^ Known as Babe LaTour, she later enjoyed blissful retirement in Stone Harbor. CLUB AVALON WAS ONCE owned by the Palumbo family. (Palumbo’s in South Philly is the oldest nightclub in America.) Threatrical agent Eddie Suez later owned the spot.. He was part of the famous Suez and Mein dance team. One of his many sensational bookings was that of -Julius LaRosa shortly after Arthur Godfrey fired him on coast to coast tv. The dismissal and talent of LaRosa so excited the public that he filled the Club Avalon to overflowing, as well as every other club in the area. In this spot, the career of another popular movie character actor and comedian flowered and flourished — Mickey Shaughnessy. Shaughnessy in turn discovered a jug-eared, musically inclined comedian named Cozy Morley. Cozy, something of a regional legend, once declined a movie contract as he has done so well in his own bailiwick. Coyz continued the legacy of great talent at the Club Avalon with season-long engagements of folks like Dennis Day, the Four Lads, Josey Bishop, January Jones and a host of others. UP THE AVENUE, folks lined up for endless summers to enter the Nut Club to ogle and howl at the late, great Marty Bohen. Marty was the only comedian ever to capture the foibles and humor of a party boat fisherman. Steve “Milky” Lawlor's Red Garter was always a popular floor (Page 4 Please) j-on the cover ; Looking north on Atlantic Ave. in downtowtyAvildwood — just one of many streets with entertainment marquees.

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