Collections and Reflections of City’s Past and Present Highlighted at Postcard Show

WILWOOD – Something new dots the skyline on Pacific Avenue. Though you cannot see it above the peaks of hotels or the many boardwalk amusements, this new member serves as a beacon to what is possible through effort, patience, and generosity.
The Wildwood Museum Clock glistened in the morning sun as residents, visitors and museum members mingled together in and around the museum during the annual Postcard Show June 13. The clock, respectfully and carefully restored by Randy Hentges of ABS Sign Company, stands a testament to weathering long years of storage – though forgotten by some, the museum staff and those who love Wildwood have not forgotten. Originally erected in the 1920s, the clock has silently witnessed Wildwood’s transformation over the years. As Hentges said, “I had to scrape through layers to see what was there.”
The annual Postcard Show, hosted by the Wildwood Historical Society, is more than a random assortment of old pieces of paper. Guests from far and near come with their own collections and memorabilia to share and sell while the museum provides an open house, its doors open to all who wish to come and browse through time. Many came to look through pictures from high-school days or find what grandma’s house looked like, including Mayor Ernie Troiano.
“I relive my youth here,” Troiano said as he looked at the collage of old photographs lining the wall. “My family has been here 100 years – I have roots here. Good roots.”
Troiano pointed out how 14 car dealerships once existed in the downtown area. “If you needed food, jewelry, clothing, or anything, you came to Wildwood,” Troiano shared. He also explained how he has had to “enlighten” those who ask questions about Wildwood. “We do have a life in the winter!”
A white tent offered shelter to those who brought their collections of vintage memorabilia. Many treasure hunters, or those simply curious, wandered about and caught a glimpse of what life was like. Louise Lloyd, owner of Teaberry Marketplace, thought she had treasures of her own to share – in a small box lay a stack of postcards dating back to the early 1900s. Women in long skirts and men sporting plaid jackets and floater hats smiled back as if oblivious of time.
“I inherited them from my husband’s grandmother,” Lloyd said. “But no one is interested.” Yet Lloyd’s dilemma was no stranger to Al Brennan, vice president of museum. “Postcards were the emails and texts of the day,” Brennan said. “As soon as you got somewhere, you sent a postcard saying you were all right and what the weather was like. You wrote memories – the younger generation doesn’t seem to have that. There will be a gap someday.”
Randy Hentges explained the process of restoring the clock. “It looks pretty good,” Hentges said. “I did it for free. I had to find what used to be there and added to it. It took hundreds of hours.”
Hentges became interested in the project when Brennan posted a request for help on Facebook. After taking the job, Hentges began scraping off layers of paint. He added a column to support the clock’s face. Although the column is not an original feature, the extra height allows more visibility. “I hope it stays up for them (the museum) for a long time,” Hentges said. An official dedication ceremony will be held in the upcoming weeks, according to Brennan.
Anne Vinci, whose husband was honored with a lane named in his honor in North Wildwood, shed some more light on the importance of postcards and making Wildwood’s history available. “Postcards tell the history of the islands: what the fishing, streets, houses and hotels looked like. I have 1,000 in my own collection!”
Vinci introduced computer usage during her tenure as president, making the process of storing files and sharing them more efficient and user-friendly. “I left when I couldn’t keep up with the technology!” Vinci said.
Jerry Barton, member of the board, uses his love of photography to capture what the Wildwoods are today. “I love history,” Barton said. “It ties in with my other hobbies.”
Troiano, who sat looking through pictures of the past, shared his personal vision for Wildwood. “You can’t relive the past, but you can bring snippets of it back. I want people to invest, update and take pride in their city. Anyone can criticize. I want people to come, enjoy their time here, and want to come back.”
History teaches us to restore and reflect, but also to look to the future and to the next generation of innovators and those who have their own memories of Wildwood, whether in a postcard or in a post.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.