Summer in the 60’s

There is a certain fresh aroma in the air starting around April or May. It tells you summer is just around the corner. Growing up in North Wildwood during the 60’s was the best. There was the quiet peacefullness of fall and winter, and the excitement of spring and summer. Childhood memories from summers in the 60’s include ice cream sandwiches from the ice cream man everyday, and daily trips to the beach. Back then the ocean was actually under the boardwalk on 19th street where I lived, so it was a little cold for swimming. But, it was fun jumping off the boardwalk into the ocean. I would like to say that I’m not as impulsive in my “old age”, but I can’t.

The streets were filled with children playing all day long. And in my neighborhood we played jailbreak every single night. My family had many accomplished muscians in it, that spent a lot of time during the summer at our large home. We had a “serenade” every night in our backyard. Everyone in the neighborhood was invited. Everyone came. And you could be sure that if the Phillies were playing, there would always be a few people gathered around our black and white TV cheering them on.

In those days it was safe enough for children to go to the boardwalk in a group, as long as you were back by dark. We would go on the Pirate Ship, and the Golden Nugget, and in the House of Mirrors. But my favorite ride was the Jungleland Boat Ride. Of course we would get Mack’s Pizza, and hot potato chips. During the day we would walk the streets barefoot and ride our stingray bikes and our big wooden skateboards. My skateboard was light blue. The night skies were always filled with tons of lightning bugs and an occasional bat or two. There were basketball games being played constantly in our backyard. Because I was a “tomboy”,(a term that was commonly used 40 years ago to describe an athletically inclined little girl), I participated in many of the games. Once in awhile our mother would even come out and shoot some hoops. But at night, the spotlights went on, and the games would get very competative, and go to all hours of the night.

The days and nights were filled with friends that you just couldn’t believe were “not” your family. I am fortunate enough to still have some of this “family” in my life today. And I am fortunate enough to still have very vivid memories of my mothers voice calling out the kitchen window to my little brothers and I too, “come in for lunch”, or to “stop fighting!” And yes, to quote one of my favorite songs,”Those were the days!”

This story is dedicated to Ninette Verna~ a shining example of one of those friends, that were surely meant to be family. Ninette was employed by the City of Wildwood Tourism Dept for over 25 years.

Charlie Catanoso family home which was formerly located at 102 E. 19th Ave., North Wildwood.	Young LouAnn Catanoso school picture from St. Ann’s

Aunt Leona Catanoso Betz with her neices & nephews, 1962~ bottom row, Skip LaRosa, John Catanoso, Chuck Catanoso, Leona, Lenny Catanoso, Paul LaRosa. Standing l-r, Toni Nestor Callahan, Marilyn Lamana Petito	“The Band” 1960 Uncle George, Grandpop Will DeLorenzo and the “Runt”

Joey & LouAnn Catanoso and Brutus ~ 1968	Left, Billy and his neice Heather Pierce~ 1969

Anthony Catanoso 1968 ~ Claiming the Court!	Joey & Billy Catanoso 1969~ on the front lawn of their 19th St. home.