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Yes ! I know that place that Bruce
Springsteen is talking about in his recent Hall of Fame Speach.
Asbury Park was different for each of my dad's 4 boys but in most
ways we all experienced it in a deep way.
Raised behind my fathers store... J. Scharf Inc. on the wrong side
of the tracks on Springwood Ave.
Growing up was not always easy. I remember the "Fall of
Asbury Park" in the 1969 riots. But that is not what I want
to talk about here because there are many such negative stories to
be told from many who experienced the violence, racism and
destruction that came in it's wake. Rather
I remember childhood. This is what I remember.
To me it meant warm summer nights, as a young boy I would go
under the boardwalk and find coins that were dropped between the
cracks, I remember finding silver dollars and half dollars and
quarters and even once I found a diamond ring. I remember I gave
it to my mom as a present but not much was made of it I guess she
thought it wasn't
real (it was real though). Kisses on the beach with my first love
in the clean smell of salt air. The boardwalk held my first job at
16 as a caller in the Casino " Role the ball under the glass
over the incline into the pocket, a winner ever game every time in
the house of lights. Fascinating game play in Fascination! So come
in grab a seat if you don't already have one, one dime to play and
win."
So many fun things to do, I was never board. I loved all the movie
theaters and blockbuster premieres for a kid growing up in a
resort town, summers were the best of times. And when I could
drive there was the drive in movie park on the highway. Getting a
deep tan on the beach and watching my brother Ray win all the
events in the lifeguard swimming tournament. I was always so proud
of him. I fell in love with all his girlfriends and then there was
that great Saltwater taffy and cotton candy, Yum. I remember
meeting and shaking hands with Barry Goldwater when his helicopter
landed in front of the convention center, and meeting all the Big
time wrestlers from TV's WF on the beach. I just wish I could have
gotten into the Stone Pony to hear Bruce play. I wish I could have
met him then. I wish I could do it all again!
My wife and I just saw Bruce and the E Street Band a few months
ago here in Seattle. He is a great performer, generous to a fault
he did not take a break and played for two and a half hours to a
packed arena. Brought me to tears.
Love to Asbury Park
Barry Scharf
BWS Art Studio
425-868-3305
barrywscharf@earthlink.net
home.earthlink.net/~barryortru
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