The Atlantic City Steel Pier was world famous. It was opened on June 18th, 1898, and was named "the Steel Pier" because of its steel underpinnings. It was the Quakers who built the Steel Pier as a place to relax and as a resort of their own. But, it was soon opened to the public.
In 1974, it was without a doubt the oldest continuously operating showplace presenting contemporary entertainment. From the early days of the Quakers, through the operation by the Hamid family, the Steel Pier adhered to a strict policy of providing clean, wholesome entertainment for the whole family.
Throughout the years every top name in show business has played the pier. Ed Sullivan and Jackie Gleason refer to the Steel Pier as the place where they started their careers. Annie Oakley was the opening attraction in 1898. Other famous names included: John Philip Sousa, Eddie Cantor, Al Jolson, Flo Ziegfeld and his Legendary Ziegfeld Girl's Revues, Benny Goodman, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Eddie Fisher, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Perry Como. Later came such entertainers as: Chicago, The Supremes, Andy Williams and others.
Ads in 1898 noted that the Steel Pier was "the handsomest and most luxuriously appointed pier in the world," with smoking and reading rooms, parlors, and fishing decks where "courteous attendants will furnish bait and lines."
The Steel Pier had been through a lot along the way. A storm of tidal wave proportions washed away part of the Pier in 1962. And just before the 1970 season, a $1 million fire destroyed the famous Marine Ballroom, where the biggest names in show business had preformed.
The Ballroom had been the mecca of the Big Band sound. Crowds danced to Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra, Eddie Duchin, Rudy Valee and his Connecticut Yankees, Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians, plus many of the "Golden Age" of the Bands.
In the Casino Theatre, Amos 'n Andy, Burns and Allen, Kate Smith
and Nelson Eddy were just a few of the names who drew crowds to the Steel Pier.
From its beginnings, the Steel Pier management has always taken pride in its continuous presentation of live, contemporary entertainment. The 1898 opening featured a "first-class Hungarian Orchestra" in the Casino Building. By 1914, there were cake-walks as well as concerts by Vessella's Italian Band and Martini's Symphony Orchestra.
In 1929, the Steel Pier Ballroom hosted operas in English, including "I Pagliacci." That same year the Pier featured the famous Steel Minstrels, "silent photoplays" and even a High Diving Horse (see information below).
Then came the Andrew Sisters. In 1946, Vaughn Monroe led the dancing, while Jane Russell appeared on stage and in the Howard Hughes' film, The Outlaw.
The long standing record at the Pier was the 39,000 people drawn by the live appearance of Amos 'n Andy one day in 1934. That record stood until teen idol Ricky Nelson drew more than 44,2000 people in one day on 1958.
For many years the Steel Pier had a horse with rider make a spectacular 40 ft. leap into a tank (done 4 or 5 times a day). It was certainly unique and acclaimed by "Life" and other national magazines. This act came into being by accident. Dr. W. F. Carver, a noted plainsman and world champion rifle shooter, was returning home on stormy night in 1924. He was crossing a rickety bridge over a raging river, when suddenly the bridge collapsed, plunging both the horse and rider 40 foot into the water. Fortunately, both swam to safety. Back home and seated by the fireplace in warm clothing, Dr. Carver wondered if he could train a horse to perform this trick again. The circus bred entertainer finally perfected the dive with a bareback rider. In 1974, Shae Chandler was the rider for the 53rd anniversary of the Steel Pier's most famous and most incredible act....and the rest is, as they say, history!
[Information from George A. Hamid, Jr., from the 1974 "Steel Pier Magazine"]
Interestingly, they made a movie about the origins of the High Diving Horse called Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken. It's a nice little Disney movie...something the whole family can enjoy! And, no animals were hurt during the production of the movie, according to the American Humane Association.
My favorite visit was when the Beatle's film, Hard Day's Night, was shown: that must have been the memorable summer of 1964. The Pier, though not as grand as it had once been, was still a nice place to visit. I loved (and also hated) the "diving bell" that took us to the bottom of the ocean (not much to see through the generally turbulant seas) and back up again! But, I haven't been back since then. Maybe someday. But, I guess the "bell" is long gone.
Interestingly, my grandparents took the train to Atlantic City after they were married in August 1922. They were farmers in PA and could only go for the day!
For more Atlantic City history, try the
Atlantic City Historical Museum.
To see some old AC Postcards, try: Atlantic City Post Cards
Fralinger's Salt Water Taffy
More about Atlantic City
©2003 JKH
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