News & Information
| Step Back In Time With A Doo-Wop Architectural Tour | ||
| Tourism Media Kit THE WILDWOODS, NJ - The United State's largest concentration of mid-century commercial architecture is found in the Wildwoods, the southernmost island off the coast of New Jersey. Visitors are invited to celebrate the 'Fabulous Fifties' on a trolley tour each Tuesday and Thursday this summer in July and August. Mid-century themed motels sprung up in the Wildwoods during the '50s when the 'American Vacation' was born. Household income and leisure time were at an all-time high. Most American families owned an automobile for the first time. A new interstate highway system made driving easier. World War II was over and a new optimism pervaded the country. Rock and Roll, automobiles with fins and futuristic features, the space age and plastics became part of the American experience in this Rat-Pack era. The mood of the nation was also reflected in an architectural style called "googie", "populux", or "doo-wop". Plastic palm trees towered over kidney shaped pools. Whimsical names and flamboyant themes gave the concrete block, similarly styled buildings individual character. Aqua, orange, pink in vivid imagery bombarded the eye of the motoring public. Neon signs beckoned to travelers, each blatantly attempting to outdo their neighbor. Local business owners gazed at their dated surroundings in a whole new light when Disney "imageers" visited the Wildwoods for ideas to complete their beach-and- Boardwalk-themed hotel. The Doo-Wop Preservation League embarked on its mission to'foster awareness, appreciation and education of the popular culture and imagery of the 1950's in an effort to promote preservation and unique renovations to the 220+ circa 1950's (doo-wop) buildings in the Wildwoods. Steve Izenour, world-renowned architect of Venturi Scott Brown and Associates, headed a study that revealed the Wildwoods to have the largest collection of flamboyant circa 1950's architecture in the nation, now labeled 'Doo-Wop.' Returning for its fifth season, a guided Doo-Wop Trolley Tour delights those who appreciate an "American Original." Tour goers will learn about the shapes, images and symbols, about fractured geography and about space-age infatuation in this award winning, 45- minute tour. For additional details please call the Greater Wildwoods Chamber of Commerce at 609.729.4000. | ||
