Atlantic City Becomes America's Playground [Part 14-The Spectacular History of the New Jersey Shore]

By the turn of the century, Atlantic City had gained the reputation as America’s Playground. The Steel Pier and Million Dollar Pier had become two of the biggest entertainment venues in the United States. By 1908, Steeplechase Pier was featuring amusements along with top entertainers and performers.

The first Miss America, Margaret Gorman, was crowned in 1921. Atlantic City’s Convention Hall would go on to host the Miss America Pageant from 1929 to 2006. Salt-water taffy, souvenir postcards, and boardwalk rolling chairs would become synonymous with the resort.

In 1929, the world-famous diving horse was a major attraction at Steel Pier, now being referred to as The Showplace of the Nation. By the 1930s, some of the most talented stars in the world of jazz were performing at night clubs on Kentucky Avenue.

Parker Brothers would make Boardwalk and Park Place even more popular when they introduced the board game, Monopoly, in 1933. From 1919 to 1933, Atlantic City gained fame as The World’s Playground. Due in part to the political influence of Enoch “Nucky” Johnson. From a suite of rooms in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Johnson ruled his empire.


Chicken Bone Beach photos by John W. Mosley, Courtesy of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University Libraries


Music Credits
Shameluv – Wedding
Verified Picasso – Tea for Tat
Barnaby Race
Simon Wilkinson – Pussycat Waltz
Mikey Mills – You are With Me