Gone but not Forgotten

The page is the launching ground for an idea..... Together we can build an interesting and valuable archive about Seaside's past. Places that were a part of Seaside Heights in the recent past are still part of the collective memories of many people. Let's try and get some of these things recorded and saved.

I have started this list with a few things that may or may not be interesting to you. The real value of this project will come as it grows - as a result of your contributions! This part of the website will grow as we learn more and get more input from you. If you have a story, picture or even a short anecdote you would like to share please let us know. You can find out how to submit content here.

We can add more history pages (Boardwalk, different decades, different places off of the boardwalk, etc.) as more information and topics get added. I would love to hear from you with information, whether complete or not.

As you can see from these initial entries you just need an idea or a few sentences about a topic to give it a start. Once started, it will be easier for others to contribute with additional information. For instance someone may remember a past event or place but not be able to place a date related to this. Another person might know when and let us all know. Personal accounts, pictures, questions - send em in! Do realize editorial discretion is necessary in organizing and presenting information on the site. Please do not be upset if something you contribute does not show get posted to the website.

Bat-em-Out

The parking lot at the north end of the boardwalk, along Hiering Ave, used to be the home of Bat-em-Out. Their were batting cages just off the part of this block that fronts along Boulevard/Route 35, where the CVS is today. The balls were hit towards the beach. The property went all the way to the back of the current parking lot. There was also a store right next to the batting cages. I can't quite remember what they sold. Wicker furniture? I have also been told that this store was once a restaurant called "Flo's." Anyone have any more information about any of this?

The parking lot off of Hiering Ave. This was an overgrown field where balls were hit from the batting cages of Bat-em-Out. Not exactly the field of dreams!

My brother worked at Bat-em-Out one summer. Essentially his job was to collect balls all day and bring them back to the batting cages area. One day he got nailed right in the face! Broke his glasses clean in two right across the bridge of his nose. I seem to remember his eyes were blackened a bit by the incident, though not as bad as when someone gets their nose broken. I think to he had to tape his glasses together until he got new ones. The horror of horrors for any kid that ever had to wear glasses, I think. But he did not complain.

I think the only regret my other brother's and I had about this accident was that we did not get to see it happen. While my brother that was hit by the ball did not share in our amusement, we thought it was a very funny thing to have happened to him.

Barnegat Cold Storage Building

The old large building was torn down to build Rainbow Rapids in 1977. That water park was later renamed Smuggler's Quay. It was demolished in 2006 and replaced with condos. I haven't yet found out anything definitive about the original building, other than I remember stopping there with my grandfather when I was very young. Please write me if you have any information or photos of the original structure.

Perkin's Pancake House

Before becoming an every changing series of differently named clubs, there was a Perkins Restaurant at the corner of Boulevard and Hamilton(?). I do not know the details of the years it was there, as I was quite young when it changed into a nightclub. I do know that a few of my family members worked in this place too.

The fact there was a Perkins there is not that interesting, I know. What I think could be interesting is to try to draw up a history of the building. I would guess this structure has been a number of businesses over the years. Does anyone have any memories of this building and what it was at different times?