Charlie's

In the early 70s, right around the same time Gordon Lightfoot was singing about "Ghosts in Wishing Wells", and Jim Bulger was playing "As Time Goes By" on the piano at the Shamrock Café, my family owned a little business called "Charlie's Custard & Golf".

Charlie's was located at 17th and New Jersey Ave. in North Wildwood. Of course we gave away more than we sold, and we did eat our share of the profits. It was cheesesteaks and ice cream sodas for lunch, and hot fudge sundaes and banana splits for dessert. One summer we even had a doughnut machine. My mom was the doughnut maker, and she had her hands full, just trying to keep us from eating the warm doughnuts faster than she could make them.

The custard stand was a daily summer hangout for many kids, but especially for our close friends. My friends, Jackie, and Nina, both worked there with me. (pictured above 'on break' 1977) And, my friend, Loretta, would come in every evening and spend an hour or so, trying to solve the problems of the world, with my dad, "Charlie".

And, all throughout the day and night, eight track tapes would be playing in the background. Songs such as "Colour My World" by Chicago, "My Love" by Paul McCartney, and "Out in The Country" by Three Dog Night, hung in the air. Every summer we had our little miniature golf tournament, and every summer Ricky Gallo would be the winner. He may have had a slight advantage since he actually worked the golf course, and he had plenty of time to practice every day.

Since it was a family business, and "us kids" basically ran it, we had our share of arguments. I was known for flinging a milkshake or two at my little brothers if they got on my nerves. But, we were all on "best behavior" by evening, when older brother Chuck would come in to "close up shop."

Most of the time things ran smoothly, and we established ourselves as one of 17th streets popular family businesses. We were in good company with "Big Joes", "Shea's Market", and the "Terminal Bakery," just to mention a few. By no means do I claim to be a world traveler, but I did travel across country by car with a few friends, many years ago. I saw a lot of little towns, and pretty country roads along the way. But, I still believe that North Wildwood, during the 60's and 70's was one of the most charming of little towns. And, to this day, my favorite country roads are Route 9, and Route 47, in Cape May County. For me, it's a piece of heaven, driving down either one of these roads, on a crisp fall or winter day.

Also, one of my favorite streets in North Wildwood continues to be 17th Ave. Its appearance may have changed a bit, but the spirits of "days gone by", are still lingering. In my minds eye, I can still see the lines of patrons down to the street, for "Charlies;" and I can still see my friends and I sitting in "Big Joes" everyday after school, in our Wildwood Catholic High School uniforms, eating fries and drinking Cherry Cokes from the soda fountain.

Dedication: This story is dedicated to my good friend, Terry (Bodine) Lord. Terry's family owned and operated "Big Joes" Restaurant.