Save Tillie
Beyond the Palace
2001 Guestbook Entries
Susan AlikayaSunday, 12/30/01, 11:22 AMAsbury Park is a very sacred place for me as a Springsteen fan. I hope for it's economic recovery but not at the expense of losing the treasure of it's memories, which of course includes Tillie and the Stone Pony. Asbury Park would be just another shorepoint if not for the legacy that the Jersey bar bands have given it. People travel for great distances just to stand on this hallowed ground. Please don't forget what made Asbury Park great as you try to make it rise from the ashes. If you take away the Pony or Tillie it will lose its heart and soul. P.S> Nadine- Please write- I've lost your E address!From: Pittsburgh,PAE-mail: SMsusanK@aol.comBruce (S) SpringsteenTuesday, 12/18/01, 9:13 PMYes, the name is real. I'm a third cousin to the "Boss." I'm 44 years old and was born in Red Bank, but moved with my mother and little brother to the midwest at age 5. We'd return to see our Jersey relatives in the summers, for a number of years in the 60's, and a trip to Asbury Park (or Razzberry Park, as we liked to call it) was always part of the deal. I remember especially that carousel, and the ferris wheel, and the rowdy views of the fun house, though we never went inside - too young I guess. Got to be a little ski-ball whiz, though, and aspired to be a pin-ball expert like my dad. Mighty sad about the current state of things and of course we want to see Tillie and the whole boardwalk scene come back. Haven't been in New Jersey for many many years and this site brought back a lot of old feelings. Need to smell the ocean again. Regards to you all, and thanks for keeping these memories alive.From: Lawrence KSE-mail: bsspringsteen@yahoo.comRTuesday, 12/11/01, 8:37 AMI too love Tille, though I have never met him. I hope that once you have saved the Palace to it's former grandure, Asbury Park will be restored as well. I am an avid reader of Weird NJ and have seen the article in which Asbury Park is abandoned, and in ruins. It's sad to see such great things from NJ go to waste. I hope you can stop it from happening to Asbury Park. I have just one question though, once Tille and the Palace are saved, what will happen to you? Will you go on an all out campaing to bring back Asbury Park from the dead?Mike SakasTuesday, 12/11/01, 8:31 AMI grew up in my early years 6 - 13 in Ocean grove. My father has resaraunts and beach stands from Long Branch to Belmar. When I first moved there, He had a place at the South End boardwalk of Ocean Grove next to Hogans and in front of the bath house. To get rid of me during the lunch hour rush.. I would get a quarter (Yes 25 cents) and walk the half mile or so to the Casino and the Palace. My fathers friend had a stand at the north end across from the homestead. And sometimes I would get another quarter from him and possible an Ice Cream.. Pockets bulging with Junk from the Penny cranes that lined the Casino.. I made my way back.. When I got older ( 7 & 8) we would walk up the beach to the north end to go to the swimming pool. Shoot guns in the shooting gallery at the palace and Swipe Salt Water taffy from Critereon :) In the winter we would ride our sleds down the HUGE steps of all those old hotels that were covered with snow.. Dark, Scarey.. Victorian type places with Ghosts in every window.. The police would harrass us for riding our bikes on Sunday.. I dreaded the winter nights returning to OG because we had to walk into to town because cars had to be left out of the city. At age 9 I got suspended from the Ocean groce Elementary schoole for suggesting that the Ocean Grove Camp meeting assoc. Violated the Constitution for seperation of church and state. I was redeemed later.. I used to sneak into the Fun House at the Palace.. We would hide in the little room in side the fun house that went to the boiler ? remember that.. Remember the short, portly fellow that used to sit up in the stand talking tickets at the FunHouse.. I could swear today that was Danny Devito. Every Catch a Gold Ring on the Carousel ? A slice of Pie from the Palace.. The Hand Crank, Nickel Burlesque Shows ? How bout hanging at the bar at the empress after a Concert at THE CASINO ? The Bands would stay there... I could go on and on.. On a recent trip I found a print of the Palace and the Swans... a Big One... It now hangs in my House in Dallas..To hold me over until my next trip to the shore...Which is always to long comming... Rise up..Mrs Jay's.. Rise up Pony, Rise up Convention Hall, Rise up Hotel California.. Kudo's to the Parkview for the WebCam.. Sorry I havent been in a while.. Next Summer... P.S. Went to Asbury Park High School Class of 76From: Ocean grove Asbury Belmar TXWeb Site: duhE-mail: msakas@mikesakas.comKenny Pentifallo IISaturday, 12/8/01, 11:42 AMI'm not sure where to begin. I'm 38 years old now and as a child The Palace was my home away from home. My father is Mr. Popeye, the original drummer/bass vocalist for the Asbury Jukes (1973-80). The Stone Pony was the Jukes mainstay back then and during the summer months I always found myself in The Palace while pop was rehearsing or performing at the Pony. The Palace seemed to have a different personality each and every visit, and all were good. My wife and I are just beginning to start our own family now and I wish and hope that my children will be able to enjoy the magic that was The Palace. "Long Live Tillie!"From: Brick, NJE-mail: ROOT24@webtv.netKenny Pentifallo IISaturday, 12/8/01, 11:40 AMI'm not sure where to begin. I'm 38 years old now and as a child The Palace was my home away from home. My father is Mr. Popeye, the original drummer/bass vocalist for the Asbury Jukes (1973-80). The Stone Pony was the Jukes mainstay back then and during the summer months I always found myself in The Palace while pop was rehearsing or performing at the Pony. The Palace seemed to have a different personality each and every visit, and all were good. My wife and I are just beginning to start our own family now and I wish and hope that my children will be able to enjoy the magic that was The Palace. "Long Live Tillie!"From: Brick, NJE-mail: ROOT24@webtv.netJeff DubberleyTuesday, 12/4/01, 5:47 AMEvery year my girl friend and I visit the US, most of the visits include a visit to Asbury Park to check on Tillie and try and fit a night in at the re- opened Stone Pony. Each year the increased desolation of the area, makes us feel that the visit will be our last, it's only the hard work being made by the Save Tillie group, that gives any hope to seeing the site, with all it's connections revived to it's previous glory. Good luck and God Bless you all.From: Milton Keynes, EnglandE-mail: jeffrey.dubberley@eds.comMike MasseyTuesday, 11/27/01, 3:51 PMI lived through middle and high school in New Jersey, from 1985-1992. One of my favorite things was to go down to the shore, and being a teenager then, I did that alot. When I was living up there Asbury Park was pretty run down and we spent most of our time at Seaside, but I do remember visiting the Palace in the late 80's. My dad and I drove down there specifically to see where Bruce Springsteen was from. I remember seeing the ferris wheel sticking through the roof and the carosel, the big laughing "Tillie" faces, and walking on the boardwalk. Even though the area was kind of seedy, you could still see what it had been. I remember wondering why it was the way it was, when it looked alot like Seaside, and had such a nice beach and neat old buildings on both ends of the boardwalk. My dad and I played Skee-Ball at the Palace, and played video games and had a great afternoon. As I got older, my friends and I would drive through Asbury Park now and then, and we always drove by Tillie. I remember the last time I went, it must have been in '91, and The Palace was closed. All we did was drive by, but I remember wishing someone would bring the town back, it had so much charm, even it it's present state. I went to college in Texas in 1992, met a local girl and got married. I have been here ever since, but still have many great friends in New Jersey. I recently found out I'm about to be a father, and being almost 30, decided I wanted to spend one last "young" weekend with my old friends. After the Sept. 11th nightmare I wanted to go "home". I spent the last weekend of October in and around New Jersey, and made a special trip to Asbury Park. I took my brother-in-law, who is from Dallas and had never been to the northeast. We had a wonderful time in New York, going to the old diners I went to as a kid, and touring the shore. BUT I was blown away with what has become of Asbury Park, we got there after dark, around 8pm. It's unbelievable that it has gone downhill so much. The Palace has a fence all the way around it,and looks so sad! There are trees growing INSIDE the Casino!!! The only things open were the Howard Johnsons and the Stone Pony. It is so sad. I was honestly scared to leave the car parked for very long for fear it might be stolen. We walked on the boardwalk, took pictures of the Casino, carosel house, and a bunch of the Palace. That place is such a landmark, I only was in it once, as a 13 or 14 year-old kid, but I never forgot it. I'm so glad to see someone is at least trying to make the town what it once was. My brother in law was still impressed with it, and he marveled at how neat the town must have been "way back when". We DO NOT have things like that in Texas, and it is such a shame to let it go to ruin like it has! Ya'll have alot of work ahead, but I for one hope you bring it back. I want to be able to bring my son to play Skee-Ball and marvel at Tillie someday too!!! -Michael Massey Austin, TexasFrom: Austin, TexasE-mail: citation1984@hotmail.comEsCoWednesday, 11/14/01, 3:08 PMi wanna save tilly 2From: Newark, NJWeb Site: EsCo OnlineE-mail: esco0o@aol.comHodgeTuesday, 11/13/01, 8:20 PMVisited Asbury Park years ago with my wife and returned this past summer with my brother on a Springsteen pilgrimage. Had a great time on both occasions. Can only image the Palace and Asbury Park at their zeniths. Looking forward to going back next summer with more film.From: Dedham, MAE-mail: merce2@aol.comMark BialousTuesday, 11/13/01, 7:31 PMI have been in and around Asbury Park since the early 90's and I don't know what it was like in its old hey day, but I do love it and have the faith that it will come back. It would be an utter shame to lose the landmarks that make Asbury different. Especially Tillie. The palace should be made into an historic center, or a museum, or community center or something. If there is a way that I can make a difference please contact me. MarkBialous@AOL. Thank YouFrom: Brooklyn, now Ocean GroveE-mail: markbialous@aolrick spiekermannSaturday, 11/10/01, 5:17 PMFrom: point pleasant, njE-mail: rspiekermann@ralston.comAmylee HuppTuesday, 11/6/01, 11:13 AMI have visited Asbury Park, NJ every year since the age of 11. As a kid, every summer my Dad visited an old Navy buddy in Newark. From the minute we crossed the NJ line, I would beg my parents to take me to see the "big Tillie Guy on the old green building" in Asbury. My Dad would say "we didn't drive all the way from Ohio to see an old, run down bulding." I would just cringe everytime he said that. My Mom had a little more understanding and always somehow persuaded my Dad to drive us there. Afterall, Mom was the one who let me have Bruce cranked up on my record player every Saturday morning while she cleaned. Years following our first family trip Dad made Asbury our first stop without me even asking! 18 years later, I am still making that drive every spring or fall, sometimes still with my Dad, Mom and little brother in tow. Asbury to our family is much more than "old, run down buildings". It is a place of history, a stamp in time and most of all a place with an ever-beating pulse... still... today. Amylee Hupp- Sandusky, Ohio ldybrd12@aol.comFrom: Sandusky, OhioE-mail: ldybrd12@aol.comKenny Parkin-CoatesFriday, 11/2/01, 4:35 PMFrom: Yorkshire,EnglandE-mail: kparkincoatesataol.comMaida S. BeamSunday, 10/28/01, 9:38 PMI would make a comment, but there are really no words to describe how I feel about the decline of Asbury Park. :-(From: New JerseyE-mail: sailbysea@aol.comSteve GreccoFriday, 10/26/01, 6:49 AMThe bubble machine on the tea cups, the Palace, Kohrs orangeade, the boardwalk, memories of mine that I hope can be a reality again for my children.From: Lodi, NJE-mail: grecco@lpmusic.comBret MaloneMonday, 10/15/01, 9:01 PMJust to let all kow that we have added our first of a two-part series on the now defunct (But soon to Live?) Asbury park Amusement Centers on our website, www.laffinthedark.com featuring first up the Casino with rare photos of the inside of both the Circus Fun House as well as the Pretzel Mad-O-Rama darkride two. Part Two is a Huge article to come sometime either late winter/early spring with the Palace set to debut with a rare interview with the chap who built amoung other things both the Haunted Castle Darkride as well as the Gold Horse that was on top of the exterior building and grew up with George lange. There is slated to be over 55 photos including those from cherished classics, "Hell N' Back", the Funhouse with the Bubble Bounce shown next to it, the Building of the Haunted Castle as well as the Carousel getting restored in the end days. For now, enjoy the Casino, and the Palace looms soon. Thanks! Sincerely, Bret, editor www.laffinthedark.comFrom: www.laffinthedark.comWeb Site: Laff in The darkE-mail: www.laffinthedark.comGENE KENNEDYFriday, 10/12/01, 4:40 PMWhen I was a kid my parents took me to Asbury Park every summer until 1978, I have very fond memories of Asbury Park and the Palace. While passing thru N.J. on July 8, 2001 I drove thru to check out Asbury Park, I must say I was in shock, It's good to know that people care very much and are fighting a long battle to restore the area.Keep up the fight! If there is anything I could foto help let me know.From: NESQUEHONING PAE-mail: the genes@ptd.netStephanie SheranFriday, 10/5/01, 3:09 PMThis website brings tears to my eyes! We must save Tillie. I wish I could put into words what it means to me everytime I see Tillie's face, the memories it brings back for me and and how my heart breaks a little more when I see the building the way it is today. I am back in school for interior design and hope that one day I can volunteer my services to help bring back Tillie! We have to keep reaching for the brass ring like we used to on the carousel! Until then I'll keep telling my stories about the Palace to anyone who admires the beautiful Tom McGwire photos of the building in my home. I have to be able to bring my children there one day and not just show them the picture on the wall.From: Jersey City/Monmouth BeachE-mail: CurvyGurl@aol.comSharriMonday, 9/10/01, 7:21 PMTillie and Asbury Park go hand in hand. When you first enter Asbury you can't help but see Tillie's face smiling at you and that is a comforting site to see. I am 43 years old and used to cruise the Asbury circuit in the late 70's - it was great! Everyone walked the strip from Club to Club. They need to keep Tillie alive and let the new generation enjoy her as much as we did and still do!From: Edison, NJWeb Site: Margategirl1E-mail: Margategirl1@aol.comTiffaneySunday, 9/9/01, 2:00 AMI know a kid who looks like Tilly. Its really funny.From: AllenhurstE-mail: fluxcapacitorfluxing@yahoo.comMIKE BARTELSThursday, 9/6/01, 10:30 AMSPENT MANNY NITES IN ASBURY!!!From: COLTS NECK N.J.E-mail: BARTHENN@AOL.COMrefusalFriday, 8/31/01, 3:45 AMAwesome site!! I remember going to Asbury not that long ago, right after Casino Skate Park was closed, and I looked in the window and saw a flyer saying Save Tillie! with a picture of Tillie. I thought that was really cool, but it didn't tell me who the hell Tillie was, I thought it was a local band or something hehe. Now that I'm clear on what it is, I'd love to support the cause myself. It really pisses me off how this state demolishes EVERYTHING that's cool. I just got word that they're going to demolish the Sanatarium in West Caldwell as well. UGH!!!! Anyway, I'll shut up now. I just wanted to say it's an awesome site, and I NEVER sign guestbooks and rave about any sites. ;] Keep up the good work!!!!!! -refusalFrom: jersey... and damn proud of it!Web Site: The title changes constantly...E-mail: refusal@earthlink.netbobpepWednesday, 8/22/01, 10:33 PMAs a young child, I remember being afraid to go into the Palace because of all the loud noises. But I got over that and spent many good times in that great big place with so much stuff to do. I alway will remember the big Ferris wheel and the carousel. Hopefully, The Palace and Casino will once again be a great place for everyone to go to.From: Teaneck, NJE-mail: bobpep@webtv.netMichael PeragalloWednesday, 8/22/01, 5:30 PMSave Tillie!!!From: Keyport, NJE-mail: cookwithfire@earthlink.netLeah StoffersWednesday, 8/22/01, 5:21 PMI love Tillie! He's the most recognized landmark of Asbury Park besides the Stone Pony. I hope they can save him and the Palace Amusements. They mean a great deal to me, more than I can say here. The whole town represents a part of whats inside my heart, and rather than see it abandoned and desolate, lets return it to its former glory! Tillie's No 1 Fan, Leah S.From: Highland Park, NJE-mail: LHMarie@aol.comDavid MarkertMonday, 8/20/01, 7:37 AMI was born and raised in Orange, New Jersey, and spent many hours within the walls of the Palace. My sister, Kathi still lives in Jersey, and her daughter Leah told me about this web site, which I was more than happy to see. Kathi used to say that I looked like Tillie, and would say so upon each and every visit there, which was very often. I would love to do whatever I can to help preserve and rebuild that place, if for no other reason than to save my mirror image for all time. I have so many fond memmories and spent so many good days there, that I couldn't stand it when I saw the shape that it was in now. I am not a big Bruce Springsteen fan, musically, but will be sure to back him up in any way I can to see that Tillie and the Palace are restored to their original state. Thanks for all your great work on this web site, and long live Tillie, my brother.From: Jacksonville, FloridaE-mail: dmarkert55@cs.commichelleSunday, 8/19/01, 10:51 PMLuckily, I found your site. I just got started out on my computer and was searching for some Asbury Park history and here I am. Well,my family came right off the boat,way back when. My grandfather and father told me stories of how it was way back when. My gramps worked on the boardwalk. My uncle had a concession stand in the Convention Hall. I worked on the boards. When I was a kid, I lived a block away from the ocean on first ave. My favorite ride was the mixing cups on fourth. Most of my memories as a child consist of the Convention Hall, the Casino, and of course the Palace,over and over I would ride the Olympic Bobs. Later on,in the 70's I did the circuit, and hung out for many a concerts under the Convention Hall, in the sand. There were always different bunches of people in their own little groups under there. I'm sure someone out there knows what I'm talking about! I guess,what I'm saying is I spent most of my years living on the shore. In 1992, when my son was 6 months old, we moved to the mountains(now!they are beautiful),butI still miss the smell of the ocean air. Well I do hope the reconstruction process will begin and continue this time around,for it saddens me, when I do bring my kids down home and can only tell them of the fun I had as a kid instead of being able to show them. I truly hope my son and daughter will be able to bring their children to Asbury Park and let them experience what they were only able to hear about. The Best of Luck to all who are able to rebuild Asbury Park N.J. and Please Don't Stop after The Palace Amusements! Thanks Again!From: oneonta, nyE-mail: caslllcas@usa.netCHRIS FERNICOLASunday, 8/19/01, 6:28 AMMY grandmother owned a home on Sixth and Emory. As a child, I remember sitting on the porch during the summer time with my family. the home was sold in the early 70's when my grandmother passed on. As a teenager I my friends and I would come down to Asbury Park for the 102.7 WNEW. radio concert on the fridays before Memorial Day for many years. Would enjoy getting involved to help in any way please dont hesitate to write. Chris Fernicola 1502 Bond St. Asbury Park.From: ASBURY PARKE-mail: Chrisportnj@aol.comPeter TaitFriday, 8/17/01, 3:08 PMPleased to read the good news about prospects for saving/restoring tillie.From: Shetland Isles, ScotlandE-mail: peter.tait@talk21.comSeanThursday, 8/16/01, 10:09 AMThe current state of Asbury Park is an absolute disgrace. It amazes me that oceanfront real estate only an hour from New York City has remained abandoned and dilapidated for so long. Buildings like the Palace Amusements, The Casino and The Convention Hall give the town a true uniqueness and personality all its own. From an architectural standpoint, you just don't see many buildings like them, especially on the Jersey shore. The layout of the city is also interesting with Deal Lake to the North and Wesley Lake to the south. As a fan of Springsteen, New Jersey, rock music and the shore in general, I'm naturally inclined to favor the resurgence of Asbury Park for future generations. But even those who do not share my passion for these things would probably agree that letting a ghostown exist on the beach in New Jersey is not only foolish, but downright bizarre. Save Tillie!From: Freehold, New JerseyE-mail: crimsonvoodoo29@aol.comDEBORAH BAHURWednesday, 8/15/01, 9:44 AMMANY SUMMER VACATIONS WERE SPENT AT THE SHORE. MY AUNT LIVED IN COLTS NECK. ASBURY PARK WASN'T FAR AWAY. TILLIE ALWAYS FASCINATED ME. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP??????From: BALTIMOREE-mail: debrisss@mindspring.comandreaSunday, 8/5/01, 12:35 PMalthough i am only 23 years old, i have many, many fond memories of tillie and the palace amusements building. i spent the first 12 years of my life with tillie. i can remember my parents taking me to the palace and i remember my grandfather taking me there too! my father grew up in asbury park and my mother actually went to freehold high school with bruce springsteen, so naturally my parents have passed along many stories of asbury park to me. with my own memories, my parents memories, and my grandparents memories too, it would be hard for me to imagine asbury without seeing tillies smiling face. even at such a young age tillie has made a lasting impression on me and i would hate to see him go!From: eatontown,njE-mail: nkotbac@hotmail.comandreaSunday, 8/5/01, 12:19 PMMark SanpietroFriday, 7/27/01, 7:56 AMFrom: Lincroft, NJE-mail: welby803@yahoo.comLindsaySaturday, 7/21/01, 9:57 AMI'm not really old enough to have known Asbury Park in its heyday, but I see whats happening and it depresses me to no end. I am of a generation that never got to experience a safe, clean, enjoyable Asbury. I used to visit the ruins of the once-great empire and imagine the people, the music..imagine the memories that once filled the town with endless noise. Only to come back to Earth and hear nothing. My mother (to whom I am very close) would tell me about sneaking out to go to see live shows, walking the boards, swimming, having a blast. I hear these stories and wish that I could experience them as well. But wishing does nothing, and this guestbook entry won't exactly do anything either. I just wanted to voice the opinion of someone who came just a little too late.From: Parsippany, formerly NeptuneE-mail: psychosugargirly@aol.comGlenn YoungTuesday, 7/17/01, 12:41 PMI was a long time (24 year) resident of Rahway, exit 136 on the parkway.. I spent many summer days of my youth (early 80's) at Asbury.. In the Palace, Casino, Etc.. I moved away 4 years ago and one of the last things I did before I left was to visit Asbury. I took with me my brother and a friend.. The friend was so spooked by the place he wouldn't leave my car while my brother and I wandered the boardwalk at dusk. It saddened me to see the places I'd gone.. (Criterion Candies, the custard stand, the mini golf courses) all closed.. The Palace in disarray, boarded, unloved. Peering in the windows of the convention hall and casino, seeing the Planter's Peanut stand empty, destroyed.. Everything I'd loved about summer gone. No arcades, no "shore fries".. No anything.. How such a vibrant exciting environment could have been turned into what I saw that day in 97 is beyond me. I believe people in this country care so little for their history that they let it go away without a care. It brings me to tears to think of all that the kids of today are missing because of that attitude.. All the history lost forever, forgotten, never to be brought to the surface again.. The shame of it.. People who allow that to happen should be ashamed of themselves. I for one always vote to protect and restore old places and things. Once they're gone, you can never reclaim them.From: Houston, TX (Formerly Rahway, NJ)Web Site: Shrink's pageE-mail: Shrink908@ndos.netSharon HarlowThursday, 7/12/01, 1:01 PMWeleft New Jersey (sadly) when I was ten, to start a new life in England. That was in 1967. I have very fond memories of the Palace, and I was horrified to see the decay and dereliction, not only at the Palace, but Asbury Park in general. Somebody do something! Asbury Park will always be one of my favorite places in the whole world. It deserves plenty of TLC to restore it to its former glory. Will be back next spring for a visit, first visit in Asbury Park since 1967! From Formerly New Jersey
Formerly New JerseyE-mail: JadeHare@catnip.co.ukDavidMonday, 7/2/01, 8:40 AMI went to see Tillie last Sunday for the first time in my 42 years, after hearing about the blight of Asbury Park from a friend who showed me an article about the condition of the town in the magazine "Weird New Jersey" I suppose that I might have gone sooner were it not for my long-standing deep loathing for Bruce Springsteen. I arrived at this wonderland of desolation in shock and awe at the decay of what must have been at one time, quite the attractive vacation destination. Looking now at the ruins of a once great beach town ¿ I felt as if I were transported to one of the great lost wonders of the world such as Easter island or the now-destroyed Mayan temples of the Yucatan. Almost sphinx-like, the clown face known as Tillie seemed to gaze down upon the desolation of Asbury with what could only be described as fiendish glee. . Walking down the boardwalk from the now silent Casino ¿ replete with screaming Medusa heads, we promenaded along a boulevard of Hell devoid of any merchants ¿ save an incredibly overpriced antique store (quite startling given its surroundings) a lone burger stand, and what has to be the most decrepit Howard Johnson¿s I have ever had the good fortune to patronize. The unfinshed concrete monstrosity on Ocean Avenue stands in mute testimony to the ravages of backroom deals gone bad and extreme neglect , as does the miniature golf course now given over to weeds and the multitude of now-closed motels. Although the Stone Pony is now open for business ¿ drawing on its cache of rock legends past and the Convention Center is now hosting periodic shows (with the likes of Green Day) ¿ these developments only serve to heighten the absolute desolation and barrenness of the rest of this nightmare zombie beach town. Visiting Asbury Park has to rate as one of the spookiest experiences of my life. . I suppose that I might have gone sooner were it not for my deep loathing for Bruce SpringsteenFrom:PhiladelphiaTara KellyFriday, 6/22/01, 9:34 AMI went to Asbury park once for a ECW Fight in the convention hall. The park it self looked like a ghost town. Scarry even...but imagine what it would be like if it was renovated..My God...there are no more "Nice beaches" in Jersey. What if this could be saved...what if...Gov. Whitman is worthless..we need someone to build up our State and apparently the important sites aren't.... :( This place could be a gold mine, if it had the proper care...From: Jackson, NJE-mail: mrsandmrkelly@aol.comRonnieWednesday, 6/13/01, 7:09 PMI've been a Jersey Girl (and proud of it, baby) my whole life... Spent summers as a kid in Wildwood Crest, played on the boards in Keansburg (vinegar fries, people?) and feel the shore is THE place to be- the people, the aromas, your senses come alive.. How sad I was when I rode to inspired by Bruce, of course) for the 1st and only time 10 years ago.. All I remember seeing was one restaurant with a cd jukebox (the first i had ever seen) and not a soul in sight.. What's with the Asbury folks? Beachfront property is a jewel...how did they get it so wrong? Good luck, people...If anyone can make this happen, it's Jersey people!!From: JerseyE-mail: ldyhwk230@hotmail.comAfshaWednesday, 6/13/01, 4:27 PMI've never been to NJ. I've never seen Tillie. I guess now I never will. I'm glad Tillie was there for Bruce, and Jon, because THEY ARE THERE FOR ME. Keep The Faith, Afsha. TORONTO CANADAFrom: TORONTO CANADAWeb Site: Crash To joviE-mail: neurotica666@hotmail.comDOROTHY THRASHERThursday, 5/31/01, 1:22 PMMY HUSBAND AND I WERE MARRIED AT FORT MONMOUTH CHAPEL #1 MAY 11, 1952. W3 LIVED 2 BLOCKS FROM THE BOARDWALK IN ASBURY PARK IN A RESIDENTIAL HOTEL THAT HAD A PIZZA PARLOR ON THE FIRST FLOOR UNDER OUR APARTMENT. MY SON VISITED THE BOARDWALK AND TOOK SOME PICTURES TO SEND TO ME,ON MAY 30TH. I HAVE NOT BEEN BACK THERE BUT WILL BE ANXIOUS TO SEE THE CHANGES. MY PRAYER IS THAT THE WHOLE AREA WILL BE RESTORED TO IT'S FORMER BEAUTY. WE SPENT MANY HAPPY DAYS THERE AND I HAVE SUCH WONDERFUL MEMORIES!From: DALLAS, TEXASE-mail: DOROTHYT1950@AOL.COMMark WornerFriday, 5/25/01, 9:07 PMConsecutive entries from NZ is more than a coincidence. As an an architect (with a 20 year Bruce obsession) I will always vote for the preservation of buildings with any sentimental value. **** the pragmatists! I've never been to Asbury Park but, hey, Bruce has never been to New Zealand.From: New ZealandE-mail: maworner@slingshot.co.nzFinlay MacdonaldThursday, 5/24/01, 6:25 PMI visited Asbury Park in November 2000, missed Springsteen at the Pony by 12 hours, but fell in love with the boardwalk and the remains of the Casino and the Palace. Wrote all about it in the magazine I edit here in NZ and had many responses from around the country - all Bruce freaks, all residents of the great Asbury Park of myth and fable. Best of luck with the campaign. Finlay MaFrom: New zealandE-mail: editor@listener.co.nzSandie Noble (springsteen)Sunday, 5/20/01, 6:21 PMwell to begin with, i am a HUGE Bruce Springsteen fan so wouldn't you know i drove 14 hours just to see the Stone Pony. was i ever shocked when we finally made it to Asbury Park. a ghosttown!! even the Pony had been vandalized and closed down and didnt even get a Pony t-shirt but we had a great time and i would do it again. hopefully the next time i get to go back things will look a lot better. i would love to help in saving Tillie. I really want to help. Also on our visit my friend went to the Jon Bon Jovi fanclub party. we had a blast and wanna become Jersey Girls. i love jersey.From: the great state of KentuckyE-mail: wildgirlfromky@yahoo.commareiTuesday, 5/15/01, 8:27 PMtillie. even thought i was never there to see it operationg it has touched my heart. my parents used to go there and they have pictures and vidios of the place that i like to see. i love going to the palace and taking pictures of it. i want to hekp out any way that i can, but im not sure how. i want it to be restored so that i can go here and enjoy it like my parents did. i usually go there with my dad but the one time i was there i took my younger sister, the one that i dont get along with to the point that we dont even talk. but that place brought us together and now all she does is ask me about it. we even named out newist kitten tillie. i can not let that place be gone and all i want is to help out any way that i can. so if any one needes help let me know. i go to shool for photgraphy and advertising design and i always use the place in my work to show peope that i am serious. i want to live the dream of it being restored. i want the same feeling that my parents had.From: woodbridgeE-mail: ReeAngel420@cs.comFaithSunday, 4/29/01, 1:39 PMI read about this in the Weird NJ magazine issue number 16. I'd like to join the effort to save this place!From: Washington Twp, NJWeb Site: NepotismE-mail: columbia35@hotmail.comAmyThursday, 4/26/01, 9:26 AMI have only been to Asbury Park once with my husband who grew up around the area.I fell in love with the area.I am in shock that area looks like a ghost town.And wondered how something that once was so grand look like it does.I hope that it can be grand again.I hope that the Palace can be resvered before it is to late and that Asbury Park can loose the ghost town look. I look forward to visiting again.From: North CarolinaE-mail: Ralfamily@aol.comNick ManciniSunday, 4/1/01, 8:37 AMHas anyone else seen the gold plaque on the front of the palace? It's from the Historical Society, it was hard to read beacuse the writing is kinda' small and it was just too far away (thanks to the gate) Anyone know about it? What does it fully say?From: South Amboy, NJE-mail: godzilla_80@hotmail.comDianeMonday, 3/26/01, 1:09 PMI spent many hot summer days/nights at Asbury Park. I remember the swan boats, the Casino, and the rides at the Palace, the gift shops on the boardwalk. I think it was about 10 years ago or so, I attended a concert on the beach sponsored by a NYC radio station and Bruce Hornsby performed. I was shocked to see how run down Asbury had become. When Bruce's "Tunnel of Love" came out, to see the Casino in ruins, the merry-go-round lonely on the boardwalk made me sad. I'm very happy to have come upon this site and will support saving Tille. I will be back to Asbury this summer, anything I can do to help the economy, I'm there. Good luck!From: Long Beach, NYWeb Site: photo gallery (under construction)E-mail: egulvision@aol.comteddy chomkoMonday, 3/19/01, 9:48 AMFrom: 1507 Park ave.., Asbury ParkWeb Site: TeddyE-mail: TEDDY.CHOMKO@CIGNA.COMDonnaSaturday, 3/17/01, 6:43 PMAs a big fan of Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny I took a trip to Asbury Park in the late 1970's. I remember Tillies face, Madam Maries fortune telling stand, the Stone Pony etc. It wasn't until recently when I came across the save tillie campaign that the face on the Palace HAD a name. It put the biggest grin on my face!!! I want to be among the supporters to save Tillie.From:RIJohn LarishThursday, 3/8/01, 8:51 AMBeen back to the site to take a look around. I surfed in last night and the camera on the palace was still turned on. COMPLETE DARKNESS!!!!! That really hits home. I've offered it before and I will again. I am a web designer/developer. If the Save Tillie effort has any need for me, let me know. JohnFrom: PhiladelphiaE-mail: openjl@yahoo.comTony SantareSunday, 3/4/01, 10:44 AMMany years ago, I fished up and down the Jersey shore, surf fishing, party boats and private boats. I got to love it so much that I moved into Middlesex County for a short time. I met Kathy Cherry on another Website and she directed me here, and I must say that her letters moved me deeply. I applaud all your efforts to preserve pieces of nostalgia that mean so much to some many generations of people. Please keep up you your tireless efforts and keep the Phillistines at bay.From: Alameda, CaliforniaE-mail: amsantare@aol.comKara MMonday, 2/26/01, 9:21 PMHI. I;m from NJ but right now am an exchange student in Japan. I just wanted to say that since I have been here I;ve showed a picture of Tillie to many people and a few had even seen it before!From: Matsuyama, JapanE-mail: kawii01@hotmail.comDan GibbsThursday, 2/22/01, 9:30 PMHaving grown up in Baltimore, I never vacationed at Asbury Park. We always went to our "hometown" resorts, Ocean City (MD) and Rehoboth. Asbury, to me, was where the Morro Castle beached. However, one of my best college friends grew up in Fair Haven, and so when I visited her she took me to see the beautiful sights of Asbury Park. I first laid eyes on the grand old beach resort in 1990. I was at once saddened by its decay and spellbound with its beauty. What a wonderful beach town! what a wonderful, clean and pretty beach...and why weren't there any PEOPLE there, on a warm and sunny August afternoon? And why wasn't the Paramount cranking out the latest picture, and a dance in the Convention Hall? Why no happy kids running around the Casino (still operating in 1990)...? It's even sadder to learn how badly Asbury Park has faded...I didn't think it could fade much more from that glimpse in '90. However, I don't think all is lost. Asbury Park has SO much to offer...truly, I think it's one of the best resorts in the US. It has everything--a beautiful beach, great history, amazing old attractions (IF they're rescued and restored), good hotels, proximity to several major cities... Asbury Park could again be the crown jewel of the Jersey Shore. All it needs is some love, care, and creative marketing. I intend to spend some vacation time at Asbury in the future. I hope others will do so as well. In the meantime, I implore the people of Asbury Park and the state of New Jersey to respect and preserve what they have in this great gem of a resort. I have seen too many of Baltimore's glories destroyed by a wrecking ball, as well as some of Maryland's old mountain resorts. Once you destroy it, you will NEVER have it back. Nothing you build in 2005 can ever replace the Casino, the Palace Amusements, the Paramount, the Berkeley-Carteret. My hat is off to Tillie...Best regards to the great city of Asbury Park and may it rise again.From: BaltimoreWeb Site: The Virtual HippodromeE-mail: grafonola@hotmail.comEd Mc InerneyWednesday, 2/21/01, 9:15 PMA little over a year ago, I went to a Bloomfield College art exhibit on Amusement Parks. It was a shot in the dark as someone at my workplace showed me the newspaper article describing it. As a Coaster and Park enthusiast, the exhibit lead me to Save Tillie. As a NJ resident, I now find it embarrassing that a bunch of Springstein fans, mostly from the congressional belt in Washington, found it important to save this important part of history in a town thats trying to shed history and slide into oblivion. Thank you to the people that have started this Tillie cause, you have begun to wake up the people that should have been the leaders, not the folllowers, NJ residents. We are now coming on board and will do our share, that I promise EdFrom: Bloomfield, NJE-mail: Chillforce5X@aol.comAlessandroMonday, 2/19/01, 4:44 PMGreat job for saving Tillie! Supports from an italian BS fan who have discovered a great place, full of memories. I've been there last year to visit and i returned there this year with my kids. They were looking around and they didn't understand why their father took them there.... ...one day...maybe...they could understand Bye everyone AlessandroFrom: ItalyE-mail: bazza2000@libero.itMichael MurphyTuesday, 2/13/01, 1:37 PMas a Fan of Mr. Springsteens I am glad that you are working hard to save tillie and the palaceFrom: NJWeb Site: it is a personal web siteE-mail: msm@citnet.comJohnTuesday, 2/13/01, 1:35 PMHey guys! Thanks for deleting my last post! I guess freedom of speech dosen't mean a thing here either huh?!?!?! I was simply stating my feeling on the Palace/Carabetta situation. Whatever! Why do I waste my time?!!E-mail: jetsfan19852000@yahoo.comJackFriday, 2/9/01, 4:57 PMIt's nothing a little duct tape wouldn't fix! :-)From: Long Branch, NJE-mail: TheTR7@Yahoo.comDAN EITNERFriday, 2/9/01, 3:02 PMLOSING TILLIE WOULD BE LIKE NYC LOSING THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING. IT WAS ALWAYS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICED WHEN YOU WERE A KID COMMING TO ASBURY THAT LET YOU KNOW YOU WERE "THERE" THE RIDES, THE BOARD WALK THE SMELL OF CARAMEL POPCORN AND COTTON CANDY. I'M 46 NOW AND I TOOK MY 19 YEAR OLD SON THERE FOR THE FIRST TIME ON OUR WAY TO A BRUCE SHOW AT THE MEADOWLANDS. HE AND HIS FRIEND HAD TO HAVE THEIR PICTURE TAKED IN FRONT OF TILLIE. IT WAS A SCAREY FACE WHEN I WAS A KID. BUT NOW IT IS A ICON. IT IS NOW A CONSTANT REMINDER TO SPRINGSTEEN FANS OF OUR JOURNEY DOWN LIFES HIGHWAYS, RIVERS, ROMANCES, TO THE LAND OF HOPE AND DREAMS.From: SMITH MT. LAKE VA./MANASQUAN NJE-mail: bigde@gateway.netKate Black WeinsteinFriday, 2/2/01, 8:04 AMmy family vacationed every summer in Asbury Park from the time i was a little girl. the entire decade of the 60's i remember most, we stopped going when my dad died in 1972. we stayed in a boarding house called the thornton house. from the back windows you looked directly across a parking lot right at tilly's face! you heard the sounds of all the rides all night long. i'm practically crying right now remembering all the fun we had there as a family. the paddle boats on wesley lake and every night walking through the park to the grand atlantic cafeteria in ocean grove for dinner. then we'd return via boardwalk for an evening of rides and games. when i was a teenager i started seeing a boy named steve resnick, whose parents owned the maxwell house coffee shop on the boardwalk. my father walked there every morning to get coffee and sit and watch the sunrise. i saw iron butterfly at convention hall, remember inna gadda davida? that was their big hit! sadly, i also remember the tiny beach between the casino and what may have been the hometead restaurant building. it was the beach for black people, can you believe it? i remember walking on the boardwalk with my parents and asking why the "colored" people could'nt go on "our" beach. it was so small and dark because of the 2 buildings on either side of it, and the water was always rough there due to the jetty's on both sides. i'm ashamed to admit that i don't remember what my parents replied to my question. this was late 50's and early 60's and i was just a little girl then. well, this has been a great trip down memory lane, i can hear the sounds from all those glorious summers when Asbury Park truly was a jewel on the Jersey shore. i have tons of memories from there and will always keep them in my heart. i've wanted to take my kids there but am afraid i'd get too depressed. some things are better as memories, although i would love to see the town restored to it's former " glory days "!From: Randolph, NJE-mail: kateweinstein@att.netTracey YazvacThursday, 1/18/01, 12:39 PMI grew up going to Asubry Park in the 1970's and 80's. The last time I went to Asbury was to spend the day at the beach in the Spring of 1988. No one was there--but that's why we LOVED IT!! It was our own private beach/amusement park. Not as crowded as Seaside---not so "family fun" as Pt. Pleasant and much more fun than Sandy Hook. I left NJ for good in 1988 and have rarely been back. Now that I am a parent--I am deeply saddend that I cannot take my son & twin daughters to ride the carousel I did as a child. To hang off the outside of the horse and grab for that ring in the hopes of getting the "gold" ring (free rides for a year) is a memory I treasure sooo much there are still old rings in my jewel box. In all my travels of this country---I have never seen another indoor/outdoor ferris wheel. Those old Victorian Houses, the Convention Center that I swore was made out of gold when I was a child......SOMEONE MUST SAVE ASBURY PARK!From: Metuchen, NJ/Columbus, OHE-mail: jlt05tlj@earthlink.netrose newickTuesday, 1/16/01, 1:18 PMFrom: nutleyWeb Site: rrnwickE-mail: www.rrnwick@getway.comFred StetterMonday, 1/15/01, 5:49 PMHere's a few memories (not in chronological order) from a long dormant part of my brain that your website reactivated and I thank you immensely.... The night the Atlantic Highlands cops pulled the plug on Bruce Springsteen and his band Steel Mill at the swim club on 36 and caused a near riot.... Cruising the "Circuit" of Ocean and Kingsley in our street rods, looking for someone to race, getting pulled over by the Asbury fuzz in their Buick cop cars, standing in Judge Capabianco's courtroom..the man had no sense of humor... Playing the greatest pinball machine of all time "Tropic Isle" for hours in the Casino until the wee hours in the morning, trying to get that 3rd monkey up the palm tree...lighting the specials and hearing the games rack up like a machine gun....only cost a nickle to play too... Riding the "Rock and Roll" in the Palace..learning all about G forces from a sadistic ride operator..... Trying to emulate my friends who braced themselves in the Palace fun house revolving tube and ending up practically breaking my neck as I went upside down.... Trying to show my new girlfriend (future wife) how good I could do the Loop O Plane by Wesley Lake and ending up getting motion sickness instead... Working in the Casino for Bill Freedman and Manny Goldberg...running the merry go round (20 speeds)..the bumper cars....handing out change and tickets at Skee Ball....being able to hit 450 repeatedly by banking the balls, amazing folks who didn't realize it was a skill learned by trying to stay warm in the freezing winter months and practicing all day long..(Bill never closed and that place was like ice in Feb.) The huge fat lady who fell off her stool at Pokerino and landed on the skinny kid...(me) Working with great folks like Jimmy Moore the mechanical genius who kept everything running at the Casino....his sons Jimmy and Eddie....Big John....Jerry Clayton....Alice the cashier lady....Marty....and especially my dad Fred Stetter Sr who got me the job. Remembering the look on my dad's face as my friend Stan and I emerged from the Casino Ghost Ride after setting off a cherry bomb inside...there were loudspeakers designed to pick up the kids screaming as they rode past the monsters...ooops! Yes, I still had a job afterwards..Bill did have a sense of humor.. The Greek who operated the hot dog joint by the Casino front entrance and threw the mouse in the french fry fat...poof! Selling the Press on the boardwalk with my friend John and then heading for Harry's Grill with our newly earned wealth to get the best cheesburgers with fried onions in the world... Riding the merry go round at the Palace trying to grab that elusive gold (painted) ring for a free ride... Seeing the Three Stooges live at Convention Hall Seeing professional wrestling with my grandmother Herbert at Convention Hall and getting peanuts at Planter's Taking my girl (future wife) to see Steppenwolf at Convention Hall.. The Sunshine Inn.... For the movie "Bridge on the River Kwai" playing at that magnificent Mayfair Theater (or was it the St James?), they built a replica bridge across Cookman.... The Asbury Neptune football games.... S&H greenstamps.... Steinbachs..riding to the 3rd floor to get Boy Scout stuff with my mom on an elevator with an operator.... Riding an escalator at Newberry's for the first time in my life....Captain Johnny out front..... Going to Freddie's on Asbury Ave for veal parmigiana.... Taking my first train ride out of Asbury station to Newark to join the Air Force..... The riots......not being allowed to get to our apartment on 1st Ave... Coming back to Asbury years later...seeing the ruins of what once was..and having tears come to the eyes of a grown man...... There's more, but that's enough for now. As you can see, from my perspective, AsburFrom: Originally NeptuneE-mail: unkfred@monmouth.comANNETTESunday, 1/14/01, 2:54 AMMY GRANDMOTHER OWNED A MOTEL IN ASBURY FROM 1950 TO 1977, SO EVERY SUMMER WAS SPENT THERE. THROUGHOUT THE EIGHTIES & NIGHTIES ON MY WAY TO BELMAR I WOULD DRIVE THROUGH WITH MY FRIENDS, EVERY TRIP JUST SEEMED TO GET WORSE. IT OFTEN AMAZED ME HOW A WHOLE TOWN WAS BROUGHT DOWN. WITH ALL THE NEW'S ABOUT ASBURY'S RETURN I TOOK ANOTHER RIDE DOWN ON FRIDAY WERE OUR MOTEL ONCE STOOD THERE ARE 3 LARGE UNFINISHED FOUNDATION'S WERE SOMEONE SAID CONDO'S HAD STARTED AND WERE NOT FINISHED, THE EMPRESS MOTEL IS HALF RENOVATED, THE ONLY FACE'S THAT STILL WERE STANDING WAS TILLIE AND THE STONE PONY. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT ASBURY STILL HAS A PULSE, BUT IT DOES NEED TO BE SHOCKED TO STAY ALIVE. IT MAKES SENSE! WHO ON THE JERSEY SHORE CANT MAKE MONEY LET'S GET IT CLEANED UP AND BIG COMPANY'S WILL GO DOWN AND INVEST JUST AS LONG AS IT IS A SAFE PLACE WERE FAIMLIES CAN GO AND YOUNG PEOPLE CAN START THERE MEMORIES.From: STATEN ISLANDE-mail: NETTEERR@CS.COMLindaSaturday, 1/13/01, 3:54 PMI grew up in NJ and one of the few GOOD things I remember about my earlier childhood was going to Asbury Park with my grandparents. I remember Tillie, The ferris wheel that went through the roof looking down on the swan boats, the merry-go-round and trying to catch the brass ring, the water and the boardwalk, salt water taffy and ice cream at Howard Johnson's. I could go on and on! All the different carnivals, amusement parks etc. that I've been to as an adult, taking my own kids, are really lacking the feeling that I had going to AP as a kid. I have never fully enjoyed them because I guess I try to recapture those old feelings that just don't come. Someday I hope to get back to visit my hometown and Asbury Park will be on the list of places to go.I pray that there will still be something to come back to for my kids to see. That way they can experience what it is that I keep telling them about. Keep up the good work and let me know what I can do to help.I recently found this through Bruce's website that I found and wish I had known all of this sooner. But I do know now. I will keep all of you in my prayers as well as Tillie and all your goog efforts. God Bless you!From: Tx. originally Atlantic Highlands NJE-mail: SeeYouSmile@aol.comjohn wardSaturday, 1/13/01, 11:46 AMI just about grew up in the palace, and the park i have always held this place near to my heart. It came over the radio a couple years ago that the palace would be torn down, that weekend i took my daughter and filmed her in front of tillie thinking that was the last of the palace.I still drive up there and just sit and rememeber. I can still see the paddle boats and smell the food from the palace,I remember a gordon lightfoot song that seem to always play in the palace (late 60's early 70's) "as long as i'm a ghost you can't see" In 2001 i feel i am that ghost every time i walk in the park. I played in alot of bands, late 70's on but,funny, when i think of Asbury Park i dont think of Bruce first, i think of childhood days. I did wonder why with his national status he never did anything to help save it. I think concerts like the one on the 19th has changed everything.From: colts neck njE-mail: ERUDE64@MSN.comNickWednesday, 1/10/01, 1:55 PMOnce again the Savetilie.com site was updated and I can not see what was added. They should start putting small icons that say "updated" next to whatever is new.E-mail: godzilla_80@hotmail.com