Story of the Pier
The Pier
opened to the public on July 2, 1898, offering entertainment of all
types including concerts, dancing lectures and a casino located at the very end of he pier.
The 1800' structure was built with 3 pavilions by the
Berlin Iron Bridge Company for a cost of $38,000.
The Pier has seen many
hardships over the years. In November of 1898, the pier
and casino were partially damaged by a storm.
The Casino was
rebuilt in 1899. In August of 1907, a fire destroyed the
entrance. Once again the pier was rebuilt in 1908
only to have one of the pavilions swept away by
the great storm of
March 1909. This storm caused extensive damage and the casino
was moved in some 1,000' from its original length of 1,800'.
The middle of the century saw the hey-day of the
Pier Casino Ballroom which held as many as 5,000 people.
The ballroom was noted for its moving picture shows
and live entertainment featuring acts such a
Frank Sinatra,
Xavier Cugat and
Benny Goodman.
Celebrities and Dignitaries alike made
this one to the premier spots to visit on the east coast.
Over the years a series of storms ebbed away at the pier causing the casino
to razed in 1970, then the great blizzard of 1978 destroyed what was
left of the pier.
The Pier, as we know it today, was opened
in 1980, and houses many fine shops and restaurants.
The Golzbein family, current owner's of the Pier, have had a presence here since its inception and are
fourth generation on the Pier.
Currently the Pier continues to undergo transformation and was
featured in the 2002 Motion Picture, "In the Bedroom," which received
an Academy Award nomination.
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