A IS FOR ATLANTIC CITY. When I see this "Atlantic City Badge" it brings back memories of the New Jersey Shore. The first thought that comes to mind is the "Steel Pier." This was a national treasure, and a major attraction. It was built in 1898. My memory doesn't go back quite that far, but there are some things that I do recall from the fabulous 50's.
I remember a couple of trips to Atlantic City. It was for some special reason. Whatever it was I can't retrieve it, but I do know how thrilled I was just to go on the Boardwalk. To actually go on the Steel Pier, and then see the famous horse dive from a tower into the water was certainly a memory maker. The horse and rider always survived the jump of thirty-five feet into the Atlantic Ocean. The water was a lot cleaner then.
Once I took a ride in a Diving Bell located on the Pier as an amusement feature for daring visitors. I am not sure if it went down 20 feet or 200 feet as the visibility wasn't that good. It is, however, very clear in my mind that there were instructions to "hold on" when the thing surfaced. It came up rather quickly, and naturally I didn't listen. I learned - Follow instructions!
The pier was also home to a large theater. I understand it was the location of the Miss America Pageant. That was in the late 1930's, which was also before my time. Some major talent performed there. Frank Sinatra, a Real Home Grown Jersey Boy, played there. So did Paul Anka. I saw a star named George Hamilton IV. He sang "A Rose and a Baby Ruth." That should give one an idea of my age. I am just glad to remember these things.
There was a fire in the late 60's that destroyed a major section of the Steel Pier. That fire also marked the end of my memories associated with Atlantic City. The Pier did continue to function. It was just different after the fire.
In the 80's I again got to spent some official time in A.C. The Boardwalk was different. It was now home to many Casino's. I managed to stay in some such as Playboy, Sands, and Bally's. I also stayed in some of the Casino's owned by Donald Trump. It seems like he owned everything. I think he even owns the Steel Pier today.
During my official visits to A.C. I always had the thought of adding a badge or two to my collection from this City. I only got one. It came from a major Hotel, but that is a different memory. It took until the mid 90's before scoring the above Captain's badge. A fellow collector actually picked it up for me at a N.J. Show. I am so happy his focus is patches.
The man did a great job getting the "Captain's" shield as well as another from a city up the coast. This Atlantic City badge is number two alphabetically in my "City" collection. I have a total of twenty-one New Jersey cities represented.
The above picture does not do this badge justice. It is in excellent condition. In the center is a State Seal in multi color. It is surrounded by raised panels with reverse lettering on blue panels. It certainly is a very nice item to have in the display on my wall.
Shortly after obtaining the A.C. badge I was able to obtain another item from this City. It was not a police badge or pin, but one issued for the railroad. This item is in good condition, however I am missing its' history. It is shown for your enjoyment.
For years the badge and train pin were the only items I had from New Jersey's Casino Town. A few weeks ago the above patches made their way into my den. They were gifts from an officer with a hideout just north of my home in the Everglades. He knew of my special interest in another City in the Garden State. and gave me a badge (that will be another story), and two patches from an area he treasures. Both patches are pictured with this story. The day he gave me these items we confabulated (look it up) like we were long lost friends. Hopefully we will continue this friendship, and share many more memories.
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