Atlantic City Boardwalk - Scenes From Atlantic City's Nostalgic Past
The boardwalk was initially built to help keep hotel patrons from tracking sand into hotel lobbies. However it soon became a major attraction in itself. People came to Atlantic City to stroll on its boardwalk.
Atlantic City Boardwalk - Early 1900's
Postcard by J. Murray Jordan - from the Thomas Topham collection
During the early 1900s it was customary for visitors to stroll the boardwalk dressed in their finest clothing.
Atlantic City Boardwalk - 1907
From the collection of Thomas Topham.
The boardwalk became so popular it had to be widened. But still it could hardly handle the crowds.
Atlantic City Boardwalk - Rolling Chairs
Postcard by Sithens Post Card Co. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.
1921 View of Rolling Chairs. The rolling chair was developed by William Hayday in the late 1880s. The rolling chair became a big hit on the boardwalk. For a small fee, visitors could sit in the chairs and be pushed along, all the while enjoying the views.
Atlantic City Boardwalk - Rolling Chairs
Postcard by Chilton Company - from the collection of Thomas Topham.
Rolling Chairs Parade. The two passenger rolling chair became the most popular. Subsequent upgrades of the boardwalk had the boards laid diagonally to make a smoother ride for the rolling chair.
Easter Parade - 1912
Postcard by W. C. Gee - from the collection of Thomas Topham.
The Easter Parade on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Starting in 1876 the tradition of the annual Easter parade began. Hundreds of thousands of people packed the boardwalk every Easter Sunday to show off the latest fashions, especially hats.
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Postcard by Sithens Post Card Co. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.
Boardwalk - 1917
Atlantic City Boardwalk in Front of Haddon Hall
From the collection of Thomas Topham.
This view shows examples of shops that sprung up all along the boardwalk. Many were souvenir stores that sold postcards, novelties and gifts that visitors could take back home. Others sold ice cream, cotton candy, soda water and other goodies.
Mr. Peanut Store on the Boardwalk
Postcard by E. C. Kropp Co. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.
On the back of the card: While in Atlantic City, visit THE PEANUT STORE, the HOME of Mr. PEANUT, where world-famous PLANTERS PEANUTS are sold. See PLANTERS PEANUTS roasted right before your eyes and mail them to your friends back home. See beautiful and instructive scenes which show the progress of PLANTERS PEANUTS from the time they are planted until they reach you at your favorite store.
Miss America Float on the Boardwalk - 1962
Postcard by Jack Freeman Inc. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.
On the back of the card: Miss america is selected at the National Finals of the Miss America Pageant at Atlantic City competing with 54 other contestants representing 50 states including Canada.
World Famous Boardwalk - Atlantic City
Postcard by E.C. kropp Co. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.
On the back of the card: Atlantic City is the World's Premier all year around Health and Pleasure Resort. The climate is consistently mild, the dust and noises of the city give way to the peace and restfulness of the sea. Join the parade, stroll along the "Wooden Way" with nothing to do and plenty of time to do it in.
Atlantic City Boardwalk - Panoramic View
Postcard by Tichnor Bros. Inc. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.
On the back of the card: An excellent panoramic view looking down upon the boardwalk, beach, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Atlantic City Boardwalk - Bike Riding
Photo by Ed Shelton - from the collection of Thomas Topham.
Bike riding on the Atlantic City boardwalk became very popular. Bike riding was allowed in the mornings, before the boardwalk got too crowded.
Thomas Topham -1951