2000guestbook

Beyond the Palace

2000 Guestbook entries

susie Saturday, 12/30/00, 4:05 PM

I remember on sunday afternoons we would come from Staten Island to Asbury Park for the day..a budding Springsteen fan at the time...When you looked up out of the station wagon window and saw Tillie you knew you had arrived..So many things in this life come and go I hope tillie has the same staying power that Bruce has ....Years may take a toll on us and we become weatherbeaten..but I hope we can all pull together and SAVE TILLIE...Bruce Prove it all night have a concert to benefit Tillie. I will be there if you need any help..Dont let Asbury turn

into Atlantic City with rich developers coming in and tearing down everything so near and dear to us for some trashy casino...thanks for letting me air my thoughts.

From: freehold nj

Tony Caivano Tuesday, 12/19/00, 7:36 PM

When I was in college in New Brunswick, Asbury Park was only a moment away. We packed the '75 Olds and motored to the place down the shore that talked to me. The place was magical and magnetic. It is the birthplace of the rock and roll mythology that captured my teenage years and helped shape my views about the world and what my place would be. I like to go back there often -- and I feel young again.

From: Morris County

Julie Monday, 12/18/00, 12:36 PM

A friend and I visited Asbury Park in the Summer of 1990. She is a Springsteen fan and I am a Jukes fan. We stayed in and around Asbury for a couple of weeks, saw some great bands and and made some lovely friends. It was one of the finest times I have had. Asbury Park was beautiful by day and magical by night. There was however a deep sadness about the place, one of neglect and decay and faded glory. I am delighted to hear that moves are afoot to try and restore some of that former glory. Keep the pressure on, it is a good thing that you do.

From: England E-mail: jools1@freeuk.com

Nick Wednesday, 12/13/00, 4:33 PM

I seem to be a bit confused here. First off, I see there is a "live camera" on the Palace and the heading reads see the "tillie restoration" as it happens, or something like that? What restoration? Is the Palace finally saved? Did Carabetta finally sell the Palace to William Sitar? What is going on? I can't seem to fina any info. And the other thing is, the savetillie.com site has been updated twice in the last few weeks, and I don't see what was updated. If anyone had any info (especially on the "restoration" issue. Please e-mail me asap. Thanks.

Frank Saragnese Wednesday, 12/13/00, 7:39 AM Hello and Happy Holidays to all Palace and Tillie fans & supporters. We are approaching a critical and decisive stage as it appears the powers that be are plotting an awfull redevelopement plan which will exclude(meaning the demolition of) the Palace. So "we the people"(sound familiar?) must remain strong and hold to our vision and belief that the Palace can and will survive and be ressurrected for our and future generations to enjoy and cherish. NO RETREAT/NO SURRENDER !!! Let the good times roll. R&R forever. The Palace/Tillie forever !! Peace & Light.....Frank

From: Ocean Grove,NJ,USA

Johnny 99 Monday, 12/11/00, 2:35 PM

Tillie, should in fact, be preserved/saved in some way, as it is a symbol of The Jersey Shore and the way it used to be. Being Born in the USA and a Jersey resident, I am a Big fan of Bruce Springsteen, Tillie is an American icon of Rock and Roll, and all of the nostaliga that goes with it.

From: Bergen county, "joisey"

Michael J. Putrino Tuesday, 12/5/00, 6:56 PM

I visited Tillie just a few days ago. He is not looking so good. We need to organize and once again make Asbury Park the jewel of the Jersey Shore.

From: Bergen County

Dencey Schmidt Tuesday, 12/5/00, 5:48 AM This is an important landmark, not only to Springsteen/Southside/Miami Steve fans but to anyone who remembers Asbury Park when it was a happening place! Keep up the good work!

From: Neptune NJ

Katie Sunday, 12/3/00, 9:27 AM

Whenever my family goes down the shore to visit relatives or go to Avon, my mom always takes us for a drive around Asbury. It must be torture for her, seeing the once lively symbols of her childhood summers, including Tillie's haunting face, dying in front of her. Growing up in the 50's and 60's, my mom spent her summers in Avon, and hung out in Asbury Park. As we drive slowly through the streets of Asbury(doors locked, of course), she tells us of going shopping on rainy days in the center, of peddle-boating in Wesley Lake, and, when she was older, seeing Bruce Springsteen perform at the Stone Pony. "It's such a shame," she says, as we now pass through the

desolate streets. But you know, as I look at Asbury Park, I think,it can't be completely down the toilet yet. Asbury Park can still be saved, and it can start with Tillie. Maybe a benefit concert with New Jersey musicians at the Convention Centre could help raise awareness and hope for the town, if someone has the means of putting together such a thing.

From: Bloomfield, NJ

Jeff Meyer Saturday, 11/25/00, 6:45 PM

God, what a flood of memories! I worked on the boardwalk at the Fifth Avenue Funland in the mid to late 70's. I remember after closing on a busy Friday or Saturday night, going across the street to the Wonder Bar or going to Quack Quack, the Pony, the Fast Lane, etc. Also cruising the circuit in my friends Trans Am. Tillie is just another great memory of those summer days. I remember going in there when my brother and I used to go to the

beach in Ocean Grove. We would go thru the Casino and across the street to the Palace. When we were smaller, we tried to get the brass ring but our arms wouldn't reach! I loved the bumper cars and fun house. They were the best! What's happened to Asbury Park is a true tragedy. How the city government could allow the "development" during the 80's/90's without properly insuring the preservation of the Casino and Palace is a crime. Now, they're just memories and the government is too busy suing each other. When will they get a real government? Enough time on the soap box. Thank you for this website. It will help to preserve those memories for those who visited Asbury Park during its better years.

From: Freehold, formerly Interlaken

Kaler Crane Saturday, 11/25/00, 5:00 PM

Hi J.R. keep me in touch as you progress. KC

Alex Turnbull Thursday, 11/23/00, 10:23 AM

First visit to this site - got the address from "The Boss Zine" e-mail

magazine and thought I'd take a look. I have been receiving regular updates on the Save Tillie Campaign (which are much appreciated). Obviously coming from the UK it is difficult to help, although I have my AP T-shirt designed by Patti Kaufmann. I had my first visit to AP this June when visiting NYC to see Bruce and the E Streeters for 2 great concerts. We took a tour down to the shore and is was MAGIC. The boardwalk was great and just how I imagined it, along with Tillie. Visited the Stone Pony, Convention Centre and various other Bruce sites. Having never visited AP at its best, it was difficult to imagine it as has been described by others, but I believe it could become a great, thriving holiday/day trip venue again. Hope all ends well and we send our best from the UK. From: England

Maggie Monday, 11/20/00, 10:51 AM

I learned about Tillie from my basketball coach and I had to see what he was all about. She wants to make Save Tillie as our team charity and moto.

Walt Geiger Sunday, 11/19/00, 8:36 PM

I grew up down the Parkway from Asbury near Toms River. While I visited the Palace as a child with my parents, it's been over 20 years since I'd been there. This space is not big enough for me to explain my shock when I saw the waterfront on Saturday, November 18, 2000. Desolate and barren are two descriptive words that come to mind, however - terms usually not associated with the Jersey shore even in the dead of winter. It is clear to me that Save Tillie's efforts are needed and we must support the group until it is successful in saving the Palace (I have my tee-shirt in my as yet unpacked bag). The Palace is a historic site located in an area that is, literally, devoid of

the signs of a stable community. I am at a loss to explain why any developer would pass up the chance to use the

irreplacable Palace as a linch pin of badly needed renewal, despite the expense of refurbishment. Please keep fighting the good fight - I someday hope to take my three year old son to the Palace - and let me know if I can be of assistance.

From: Milwaukee, WI

Donny Musto Sunday, 11/5/00, 5:19 AM

I have great memories of my father and mother taking my sister and I to Asbury Park. But the greatest excitement was when we used to go to the Palace Amusements, with all the rides and games there was no other memories quite so treasured.Save Tilly!!!

From: Edison, N.J.

Greg Van Gompel Tuesday, 10/31/00, 9:44 AM

Thanks for the wonderful site on Palace Amusements.

From: Minneapolis, MN

Bryan Wednesday, 10/25/00, 12:21 AM

Growing up in Monmouth County in the eighties, I remember only a little of the end of the Asbury boardwalk. I do remember Palace Amusements, the Casino, and the boardwalk. While I may not have spent many years enjoying Asbury the way so many others had in past decades, it is a special place for me. I used to go to the clown parade on the boardwalk, in fact one year my picture was taken with a group of clowns in the parade and put on the cover of the AP visitor's guide. Now, as a film student, I have found that there are some images that I just can't get out of my head, and that I find myself returning to constantly in my work. The most prominent of these is Tillie. In fact, I

have shot two short films in the past two years in Asbury Park. I have been wondering, has anyone made a

documentary on AP and the whole situation with the Palace and the boardwalk? If not, I would certainly be interested in such a project.

Web Site: subinev.com

Sharon Huddle Towers Monday, 10/23/00, 2:25 PM

I had such wonderful times at The Palace back in the 80's. I loved the carousel, the ferris wheel, and my only regret is that I never went there with a guy that I WANTED to go through the Tunnel of Love with!! I do have some great memorabilia from The Palace that I would love to share and put back into The Palace someday. I read in our local Manhattan newspaper that The Palace has now become an Historic Site--bless you for you hard work and tough efforts to save this wonderful place. I am terribly saddened and disgusted by the severe decline of Asbury Park; all because of greed, then failure to follow through. Please tell me how I can help to bring the life back into this town that I have spent so much time in, and love so much. Even now, I miss Asbury Park so very much! Outside of The Palace, I would also love to see the restoration of the old Casino and Carousel House. What are these people thinking, letting so much wonderful history fall into the ocean???? As far as The Palace goes, I would very much

love to know what will happen now. I don't have the $$$ to contribute for a restoration (although I do treasure my Save Tillie T-shirt, earrings, magnets, etc.). However, I would love more than anything to be a part of bringing The Palace back to life. I will scrape paint, sweep floors, pound nails, whatever it takes. I vowed many years ago that if I ever had the chance to make a difference in Asbury Park, I would do it! Please put me to work!! Before I moved to Kansas, my closet friends and I would hang out at Dugans, across the street from The Palace. As I had a few beers and walked the boardwalk, I would dream of the day that Asbury Park would once again be alive, vibrant, and creating even more memories. I have not given up on those dreams!!! Sharon Towers, Manhattan, PS- Please let me know how to become a member of Save Tillie, what I can do to help, etc. Thanks very much!

From: Manhattan, KS

Kathy Hobbins Friday, 10/20/00, 9:25 PM

From: Alberta Canada

Jim Intermaggio Thursday, 10/19/00, 7:22 PM

Greetings From Asbury Park 2000

Music pours from the open doors to the empty street outside

And Tillie tries to keep a smile but there's an empty look in those eyes

Beyond the boardwalk the sands deserted as if they were Fool's Gold

And pilgrims weep for memories and tell the stories they were told

"Bring back the Glory Days" they sing, "Bring back the Jersey Girls"

And they cry for the chance to ride again on the Tilt-A-Whirl

"Bring back the carnival lights To the boulevard"

And they search to find the town they know from an old postcard

The walls are filled with eyes and smiles of those who went before

And the faithful breathe the breath of their heroes as they wander in the door

They beg the pony on the wall,

"Tell us, what history did you see?

And could the gypsy ever tell the fortune quite as grim as it would be?"

The salt air off the crashing waves cools sunburned skin no more

But whistles through the broken panes and underneath the boarded doors

Abandoned ghost town of the east, once wild eastern summer Shore

Believers search for ways to cope, praying that there is still hope in what the future holds in store

"Bring back the Glory Days" they sing "Bring back the Jersey Girls"

And they cry for the chance to ride again on that Tilt-A-Whirl

"Bring back the carnival lights To the boulevard"

Where is the town they fell in love with on that old postcard?

And as darkness creeps from the eastern edge to blanket the entire town

The pilgrims board their train of faith and listen to its lonely sound

Broken-hearted saints and sinners leaving from the Promised Land

Tillie's empty eyes and fading smile in their hearts and old postcards in their hands

From: Fresh Back From the Stone Pony Web Site

Les Tuerk Thursday, 10/19/00, 6:50 AM

Here's to a life of too many mispent days riding indoor bumber cars and looking out of the Palace and seeing what Tillie saw. Once it's gone, it's gone

From: East Brunswick, Nj

Michael Murphy Wednesday, 10/18/00, 6:43 PM

as a fan of Mr. Springsteen's i would love to jointhe battle to SAVE TILLIE

From: New Jersey

E-mail: msm@citnet.com

Bob Rixon Sunday, 10/15/00, 6:12 PM

Dear Tillie: Great great great homestead site & great cause, too. I'm definitely putting you on my links page. Until we meet again on the banks of Wesley Lake, XXX rix

From: um, I live in The Windmill?

Web Site: Wesley Lake online 'zine

Carol Yearsley Sunday, 10/8/00, 6:30 PM

Yes, I was one of those kids who would spend entire days in Palace Amusements. The wonderful memories are indelibly etched in my memory. It was so good to hear about the unanimous vote to make it an historic site. Please keep me posted on the progress to have it restored. I am living in Ocean Grove, after thirty years of living in the West. One of the reasons I returned was because there appeared to be a renewed interest in restoring both towns. Count me in to help in some way.

From: grew up in Neptune and Asbury Park

Sharon Murray Tuesday, 10/3/00, 1:29 PM

I grew up in Cherry Hill,New Jersey and have been a devoted Bruce fan since the fall of 1973.I have been to Asbury Park twice and my last visit was November 23,1979. At that time,Asbury Park wasn't too bad to look at but from what I've been reading,I guess it's gotten worse. I was thinking that since Bruce is so well associated with Asbury Park,wouldn't it be great if he would do something to restore it to what it used to be.If he really put his heart into it,I know he could do it! He could buy the whole city and rename it "Bruce World".(Just kidding).I was happy to hear that the city will probably be approved to be listed in the Registry Of National Historic Places.I plan to

visit there again sometime in my lifetime so I can show it to my kids.

From: Fredericksburg, VA

E-mail: smur56@cs.com

Jack Patterson Monday, 10/2/00, 5:25 PM

I worked at Belmar Playland during 1974 thru 1976. After work, my buds and I would cruise to the circuit and check out the cars and people. But I still checked in at the Palace, Casino, and Convention Hall whenever I could. I remember going to the Asbury boards, wlaking between the Casin and Convention Hall. My parents and I window shopped on Sunday afternoons in Asbury Park (try explaining window shopping to kids today...). When the AP renewal started in the mid 80's, I was pretty optimistic, but when I saw what was done and undone, I was disappointed. Why start something big and risk the whole town when the money coud have been spread out amongst several smaller businesses? Now the city looks like a war zone! With the current flush of nostalgia for the old days (for me, late 60's, early 70's) AP could be the place to go, instead of the place to avoid. Maybe now some money and youthful exuberance will finally rebuild AP to something like it once was. Good luck!

From: Cincinnati, OH (Wall Class of 74)

kevin campbell Sunday, 10/1/00, 4:56 PM

the palace must be saved,asbury park will never be the same without tillie, If they destroy the palace,their will be no reason for myself and many others to go to asbury park.

From: sayreville new jersey

Nick Mancini Saturday, 9/30/00, 7:09 AM

I was just wondering if anyone knew in details what the situation with the Palace is as of NOW. I have read the latest news about the Historical Society approving the building and all to be a historic landmark, but I still am confused on a few things. 1# Can the Palace still be torn down by owner Joseph Carabetta? After all he does own it! 2# Why didn't Carabetta fight to keep the Palace OFF the historical list??? I mean, if he wanted the Palace saved wouldn't he have let Save Tillie make those repairs they offered to do at no charge to him??? These are a few things that have crossed my mind after reading the September 27th update on the Palace. If anyone has any other details or facts, please e-mail me ar godzilla_80@hotmail.com THANKS. Nick Mancini

From: South Amboy

John Predovan Wednesday, 9/27/00, 8:20 PM

As a pretty young Bruce fan (I'm 18), I visited Asbury Park for the first time this summer. I was really disturbed with the condition that the city and the Palace is in. Yet at the same time I was mystified and excited. The songs came alive to me as I visited the places that Bruce sang about and went to places that I've seen pictures of, like the Stone Pony, Madame Marie's, the boardwalk, the Casino, and of course, the Palace. I would love to take another ride down the shore to spend more time in Asbury Park. I am worried, however, that the next time I go, these landmarks won't be there. We need to keep these places going. It is up to us, the fans. Remember the words,

"No retreat baby, no surrender."

From: Hawthorne, NY

Melissa Wednesday, 9/27/00, 9:33 AM

I have been to Absury Park countless times. It's one of my favorite places and I hold it close to my heart. I wasn't around to see Asbury Park in all it's glory, but I know I will be this time around. SAVE TILLE, SAVE ASBURY PARK!!!!!

Nadine Tuesday, 9/26/00, 8:20 PM

Faith will be indeed be rewarded! Good luck tomorrow! The vibes are being sent your way. Please let us know

the outcome as soon as you can.

From: Lake Hiawatha, NJ

Dale Ahearn Monday, 9/25/00, 1:41 PM

Thinking about you today on the year anniversary of the best show I saw of the Reunion Tour.....Philly,

9/25/99......had to think of Save Tillie on this day and stop in to wish you the best of luck in your Sept. 27th

presentation to State Historical Preservation Board. I'll be thinking of you on that day and Faith will be

rewarded, as we all know. Dale coB

From: Washington, DC

Nadine Wednesday, 9/20/00, 9:48 PM

My sister and I just returned from our first trip to Asbury Park. As Springsteen fans from 25 years ago, I'm

sorry we'd never been there before now. Popular culture icons like Tillie and the rest of the amazing Palace and

boardwalk area must be preserved. We bought our "Save Tillie' T-shirts. Is there any more we can do to help?

From: Lake Hiawatha, NJ

donna mascola Wednesday, 9/13/00, 9:13 AM

I have many wonderful childhood memories of spending summers with my grandparents in Asbury Park.

Seeing Tille has always given me a special thrill, even now!! It was always such a magical place to visit. I'm so

happy that there are so many people that care and are working so hard to save Tille. I have bored my 2 sons silly

with stories of that amusement park. It would be a dream come true if I could bring my teenage sons there

someday. Maybe someday I could bring my grandchildren there. Let the magic live. Save Tille!!!

From: cranford, nj

Robert Leitch Thursday, 9/7/00, 3:52 AM

Sorry no e mail or web address. I visited Tillie in June this year. How can anyone not fail to be moved by the

state its in. If you have a sense of history and a Springsteen fan then like me you should do what you can to help

save Tillie. I would like to sign up to your campaign - please send me details to the address below - I will do

what I can from overhere. I know that Tony Blair is a Springsteen fan - one of his favourite songs is 4"July

Asbury Park (Sandy)- I will write to him - you never know! Anyway - I have limited access to the web so please

post me details - I will be happy to refund the postage. Robert Leitch C/O DIFID Victoria Street Victoria

London SW1 England UK CHEERS ROB

Robert Leitch Thursday, 9/7/00, 3:44 AM

Nick Mancini Monday, 8/28/00, 6:04 PM

I know this is really a Palace guestbook but I have a few questions about the Casino. If anyone can help me I

would be very grateful. First off, does anyone have or know where to find pics of the INSIDE of the Casino

when it was in operation? Doesn't matter what year or what they were using it for at the time. I already have a

postcard "painting" of the inside but i want REAL pics. The other is also another Casino question. What the

heck is gonna' happen to that building? I hear that it's already on a list for being redone, is this true? I was inside

the Casino about 2 months ago and it's in horrible shape! I don't see this place getting saved, it's too run down.

So if anyone can help me with either of these situations I would appreciate it. Thanks.

From: south amboy, nj

Peggy Monday, 7/31/00, 7:12 PM

I have visited AP and Tillie 3 times. I am mezmorized by the history that comes alive when I stand anywhere

near the palace or casino areas. I have some breathtaking photos of Tillie which I have enlarged to accompany

my amusement park room in my home which is in progress. It was amazing to see after 5 years between visits

how much worse things looked including Tillie. I am hopeful that the right decisions are made and some

investor comes along to bring AP boardwalk back to life.