Opened on July 2, 1898, the Pier at Old Orchard Beach and and Ballroom at the end had its hay-day in the 1940s with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Xavier Cugat and Benny Goodman performing there. Over the years, fires and fierce storms did great damage to the original structure. I do remember in the 70s, one last big fire reeked quite a bit of destruction(including one of my favorite rides the Jack and Jill Slide), and in 1978, a blizzard destroyed what was left of the Pier. Rebuilt and reopened in 1980, the Pier juts again out into the Atlantic and draws many summer tourists to its shops and restaurants. These days, most summer days and nights are too frantic for me here. I do so enjoy this deserted beach during winter though. Come January, It'll be me, a few gulls, a hauntingly empty Palace Playland and lonely crashing waves. I'll enjoy that.Sunday, September 12, 2010
Ocean Pier
Opened on July 2, 1898, the Pier at Old Orchard Beach and and Ballroom at the end had its hay-day in the 1940s with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Xavier Cugat and Benny Goodman performing there. Over the years, fires and fierce storms did great damage to the original structure. I do remember in the 70s, one last big fire reeked quite a bit of destruction(including one of my favorite rides the Jack and Jill Slide), and in 1978, a blizzard destroyed what was left of the Pier. Rebuilt and reopened in 1980, the Pier juts again out into the Atlantic and draws many summer tourists to its shops and restaurants. These days, most summer days and nights are too frantic for me here. I do so enjoy this deserted beach during winter though. Come January, It'll be me, a few gulls, a hauntingly empty Palace Playland and lonely crashing waves. I'll enjoy that.
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Beautiful spot; it would draw me to it, too.
ReplyDeleteI love a nice quiet beach and pier. The crowds are just too much.
ReplyDeleteOh to walk on that beach and get sand and ocean water on my toes and feet...
ReplyDeleteIt is a wilderness without the trees. I would like it too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit and comment.
Perfect post for a Sunday morning. Love it! I can almost hear the ocean.
ReplyDeleteFascinating.Having grown up in Carmel, I too relish the after-summer foggy windswept beach with the sandpipers and seagulls. Love your back story about Sinatra and that whole era.
ReplyDeleteGreat place for winter wanderings and solitude.
ReplyDeleteWow! This is a very incredible place! Feel like you're in a Nicholas Sparks Novel in this one :D
ReplyDeleteSteven^^
That's nice. The sand looks so smooth.
ReplyDeleteWe'll enjoy it too through your wonderful photography and text.
ReplyDeleteWonderful composition, love this shot very much!
ReplyDeletethe underneath of piers are always interesting
ReplyDeleteA perfect composition with great colors.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful compostion. The last time I went to Old Orchard Beach I was a teenager, so it's been a while...a long while!
ReplyDelete☼ Sunny
http://thescuttlefish.com/2010/09/solace-anticipated/
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the feeling :)