Octogenarian Reflects On Wildwood’s Past

WILDWOOD – Cass Matkowski at age 85 is a fixture in the Wildwoods, growing up in the Wildwoods since before the Hindenburg crash may be one reason.   
She has been a Wildwood staple since the 1930s and often referred to as “The Jitterbug Woman.” As her name implies, she is a lover of music and dance, specifically the jitterbug.    
Matkowski was born in South Philadelphia in 1931 and spent every summer in the Wildwoods. Her family owned five properties on 15th Avenue allowing all of the family to spend summers at the Jersey shore.
Matkowski recollects her childhood, full of happiness, family and Wildwood. Her mother would toss her a quarter, which was more than enough spending money for the day, and off she would go.  
There were always large groups of children together playing, child-friendly movies, live entertainment, swimming at the 18th Avenue Canal, and of course dancing. 
Things were more simple back then, Matkowski explained, a real sense of community. Parents didn’t have to worry about their children outside playing all day; there were no drugs, and everyone left doors open and had an open-door policy. 
She even recalled playing on the train that used to run down New Jersey Avenue. Those tracks were removed about 70 years ago. 
Matkowski has seen massive changes to the Wildwoods in her 85 years.  From county improvements, including new parks, like Henfey Park, and the extended season of the city. 
When Matkowski was growing up, the season ended the day after Labor Day and the entire boardwalk was shut down. 
Today the season starts much earlier and extends much later and has many more people, including year-round residents. 
She also talked about the positive modernization of the town along with the growth of infrastructure as well as population. 
With many changes, Matkowski reminisced about the days past wishing some of the things from her youth remained. Things like campouts and more wholesome family activities that bring families together are in need she explains.
“I’ve gotten too old for the island,” Matkowski stated, feeling that the city caters only to youth.
“Even though things have changed, I get a feeling of euphoria at the top of the bridge,” she says explaining that the Wildwoods are a magical place filled with memories and magic.
To contact Johanna Hovik, email jhovik@cmcherald.com.