Founded in 1887, Asbury Park has long been one of the Northeast's most popular seaside resorts. In the early to mid 1900s, Asbury Park was resilient, rebuilding entire sections of the beachfront after surviving devastating fires and hurricanes.

In the later half of the twentieth century, Asbury Park began to fall out of favor as a vacation destination. By the 80s and 90s, Asbury Park was better known for corrupt politicians and improper land deals than for summer fun. Downtown, even the Asbury Park Press moved away.

Postcard depicting the boardwalk in Asbury Park, NJ in the 1930s

Now, Asbury Park is best known as the place where Bruce Springsteen got his start. Its unique seaside atmosphere has been a backdrop for The Sopranos, Chasing Amy, Dogma, The Wrestler, and acted as a stand-in for Long Beach, NY in the film City by the Sea.

As late as 2000, many of the picturesque structures from Asbury Park's long history remained standing. Though boarded up or falling apart, they gave visitors a hint at her once grand past. One by one, almost all of these buildings were torn down.

Today, a new boardwalk is in place, and new restaurants and shops have opened. Although mini golf and the Swan Boats have returned to Asbury Park, visitors looking to wax nostalgic about childhoods spent riding the Carousels and Ferris Wheel might be disappointed to find those Jersey shore attractions long gone.

Postcard of the Swan Boats in Asbury Park NJ with people aboard

This site hopes to spark a memory for anyone who spent their childhood summers in Asbury Park during her glory days, and to give those who never got that opportunity a glimpse into what they missed.

With that brief introduction, I invite you to explore Vintage Asbury Park.