I usually post in the "Step Right Up" section, but figured this info might be of interest to folks over here as well.

For those old enough to remember the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, there is a WONDERFUL new book just out called "STEEL PIER: THE SHOWPLACE OF THE NATION." This hardcover 264-page book is available for $40 from Down the Shore Publishing, and is worth every penny. Click HERE for more info.

The Steel Pier was the equivalent of Disneyland, 30 years before Disneyland was built. It had three movie theaters, two vaudeville theaters, a gigantic Marine Ballroom, a Water Circus, six funhouses, a Diving Bell, two dark rides (one ride-thru and one walk-thru), exhiibits sponsored by General Motors and General Electric, the Dancing Waters, and the world-famous High Diving Horse.

The owner, George Hamid, came from a family of circus acrobats, and he always hired plenty of circus acts (Hugo Zacchini, etc.) and lots of amazing concessions, including a Svengali Pitch, a great code (mindreading) act, Dancing Chickens, a glassblower who made weather swans (barometers), fortune-telling parakeets, a Seal Zoo and I forget what else.

It was an amazing place and this is an amazing book. Don't miss it. SETH

Right up my alley! So many good memories! Wonder if the Monkey Jungle is in there. Thanks Seth...def on my list!

The Steel Pier, right up your alloy?

My Grandfather and his little sister used to dance the shows on the Steel Pier. Id love to know if there are any mention or images of them. Will definetly purchasing a copy. TY

Harley, that pun is a bit rusty.

Back in the 70's the National Lampoon published a 'Miracle Monopoly Cheating Kit*' that included a property card for Steel Pier. It was the same color as Broadway and Park Place, so it more than doubled the rents on that monopoly.

*I own not one, but TWO copies.

Hey Doug, your memory is better than mine, I forgot about the Monkey Jungle on the Pier . . . also the House of the Future . . . and Crazyville, a great walkthru.

I also wish I could remember the name of the couple that did the code act; I'll think of it eventually. SETH