Ocean City Message Board

Ocean City Modernism

Posted By: Brian Chidester
Date: Sunday, 20 January 2002, at 9:37 p.m.

Hello,

My name is Brian Chidester, and I am a native of the Philadelphia Metro area. My family goes back three generations, and as such, I have become quite fond of the cultural history inherent. I am working on a book comcentrating on finding information on the lost Modernism of the Jersey shore.

Most of the Pop Modernism is found through older restaurants and architecture (with characterisitcs like giant Native Polynesian Idols, neon signs, or anything remotely Lounge-y or technicolor, ala something involving the Rat Pack or Leave It To Beaver). Though I have been able to find several pieces of information and artifacts on various Lounge acts and even Rock 'n' Roll garage bands, playing instrumental music in the late '50s and early '60s, I have not been able to find much else, except for what is readily avaiable from Wildwood's Doo-Wop society.

I'm rambling and probably coming out of nowhere with all of this; and I don't know if any of you can personally help me, but maybe you can point me in the right direction of who I might contact to find out if there are pictures or postcards or whatnot available? Any information on post-WW2 American architecture and Pop culture, circa 1941-1966.

Thanks so much for your help.

Sincerely,

Brian Chidester

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