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Down
on the loading platform, it was interesting
to note that the ride still employed hand brakes
over the years. Another artifact was the initials
of longtime Hunt's employee Louie Vendittelli
carved into the façade every year he operated
the ride. Louie also maintained the Nugget,
working the pier for Hunt's since the early
60s.
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| Above:
Station and first lift hill. |
| Left:
Loading area and brake handles. |
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Above:
Ralph Grassi, George LaCross and Bill Luca stand
atop the
Golden Nugget.
Left: View from behind the Nugget building.
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Laff
In The Dark hopes to see the Golden Nugget reopen
with the outstanding circa 1960 work of PTC’s
John Allen and the creations of Bill Tracy fully restored
to their former glory for devoted fans and newcomers.
So there you have it, a walk on the Wildwood side
of dark attractions.
Here’s to Wildwood reclaiming its glorious “dark”
past moving forward.
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The
author would like to thank:
Jack and Will Morey and Steve Valenti
of Morey's Piers
for
their cooperation and hospitality.
Special thanks to our friend and Wildwood
historian, Ralph Grassi, for providing
guidance and
historical material.
Visit Funchase,
his excellent Wildwood web site.
Larry Kirchner, Halloween Productions
Chris Mento
Jim Melonic
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Photography:
George LaCross, Bill Luca,
Ralph Grassi, Chris Mento.
Dr. Blood's interior photos: Larry Kirchner
©2004 Laff In The Dark/www.laffinthedark.com |
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