More Memories Shared of Those Wildwood Days

Left - Right: Mayor Ernie Troiano, John Fitzgerald,
Tom Kinnemand, Isy Finocchiaro DiBiase &Valentino LaNoce

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD – Five long-time city residents brought their memories and their photos to the table Aug. 19 as they reminisced about growing up in Wildwood.

The panel recalled more than a half-century of memories – from the 1962 storm that had children riding down Pacific Avenue in boats that broke free from their berths as part of the African Queen amusement on the Boardwalk, to the days when a nightclub owner turned down the opportunity to have a young singer by the name of Al Martino perform in his club at $85 a week because it would have set him over budget.

The group included Tom Kinnemand, John Fitzgerald, Joe Russo, Isy Finocchiaro DiBiase and Valentino LaNoce, along with Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr.

The roundtable discussion was held as part of the city’s commitment to preserving Wildwood’s past via videotapes highlighting the oral histories of long-time residents.

“This is an ongoing history of the city,” said Troiano. “These people are Wildwood treasures and the carriers of our history.  By sharing their memories they are preserving what Wildwood is all about.  We can’t thank them enough for their participation.”