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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

1940: 55,000 ATTEND THE N.J. STATE FAIR

The heyday of the Interstate Fair ended in the 1960's when the powers that be decided to close up shop and move to south Jersey. We who remember that wonderful annual affair still recall the excitement that the weekly visit gave to local citizens, and indeed, citizens from all neighboring states. Daring air shows, Lucky Teter, Joey Chitwood, Lucky Lucy, auto races, fireworks, amusement rides, all went on to another location. The photo was published over the headline, "FAIR CROWD HITS 55,000."
Blogger Ralph Lucarella said...
HI TOM... THE STATE FAIR WAS SOMETHING I ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD TO. I THINK THE WHOLE IDEA OF THE FAIR CHANGED WHEN GEORGE HAMID TOOK OVER CONTROL. THE FAIR WAS HELD TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE EFFORTS OF MANY PEOPLE WHILE HAMID TURNED IT INTO A MONEY MAKING AFFAIR. THE BIG DAY WAS WHEN WE GOT THE DAY OFF FROM SCHOOL TO ATTEND. I NEVER SAW SO MANY KIDS LOST IN THE CROWDS WHILE THEIR PARENTS WERE WORRIED SICK. MOST PEOPLE WENT TO EAT ALL THAT FOOD WHICH WAS AVAILABLE ON THE MIDWAY AND I ALWAYS HAD STOMACH THE NEXT DAY. THE FAIR AND THE MANY CARNIVALS WE HAD IN THOSE DAYS ARE MEMORIES I'LL ALWAYS ENJOY. BEST REGARDS.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Blogger Michael said...
We Kuzma kids were fortunate to have an Uncle who had a Model A Coupe with a Rumble seat. He would pack us all(5) into the coupe,and drop us off in the Dirt entrance beside the Bromley Inn. I can still see Pete Barruda (sp)at work doing his paintings of clowns on Homasote boards. Several hours later, at an appointed time, 5 very tired Kuzma kids piled back into the Model A for our ride back to South Trenton. The excitement still reverberates thoughout my body, and I visualize the Midway with the Carnys hawking thier wares, and the mysteries of the Carnie. Fond memories, and best regards Mike Kuzma
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Delete
Blogger Tom Glover said...
HEY MIKE.....WHAT ABOUT SEAT BELTS? HOW WELL I REMEMBER THE THRILL OF RIDING IN A RUMBLE SEAT! TOM GLOVER
Friday, October 29, 2010
Anonymous  
omad said...
Lucky Teter is the name that reminds me most of the fairs. A year ago was riding with my teen age grandson and I said "you drive like Lucky Teter" and he, of course, said "what the heck is that". When I explained he laughed for the next half mile. Don't think my shoes ever got clean from walking the midway after a rain.
Friday, October 29, 2010

4 comments:

Ralph Lucarella said...

HI TOM... THE STATE FAIR WAS SOMETHING I ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD TO. I THINK THE WHOLE IDEA OF THE FAIR CHANGED WHEN GEORGE HAMID TOOL OVER CONTROL. THE FAIR WAS HELD TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE EFFORTS OF MANY PEOPLE WHILE HAMID TURNED IT INTO A MONEY MAKING AFFAIR. THE BIG DAY WAS WHEN WE GOT THE DAY OFF FROM SCHOOL TO ATTEND. I NEVER SAW SO MANY KIDS LOST IN THE CROWDS WHILE THEIR PARENTS WERE WORIED SICK. MOST PEOPLE WENT TO EAT ALL THAT FOOD WHICH WAS AVAILABLE ON THE MIDWAY AND I ALWAYS HAD STOMACH THE NEXT DAY. THE FAIR AND THE MANY CARNIVALS WE HAD IN THOSE DAYS ARE MEMORIES I'LL ALWAYS ENJOY. BEST REGARDS.

Michael said...

We Kuzma kids were fortunate to have an Uncle who had a Model A Coupe with a Rumble seat. He would pack us all(5) into the coupe,and drop us off in the Dirt entrance beside the Bromley Inn. I can still see Pete Barruda (sp)at work doing his paintings of clowns on Homasote boards.
Several hours later, at an appointed time, 5 very tired Kuzma kids piled back into the Model A for our ride back to South Trenton. The excitement still reverberates thoughout my body, and I visualize the Midway with the Carnys hawking thier wares, and the mysteries of the Carnie.

Fond memories, and best regards

Mike Kuzma

Tom Glover said...

HEY MIKE.....WHAT ABOUT SEAT BELTS? HOW WELL I REMEMBER THE THRILL OF RIDING IN A RUMBLE SEAT!

TOM GLOVER

omad said...

Lucky Teeter is the name that reminds me most of the fairs. A year ago was riding with my teen age grandson and I said "you drive like Lucky Teter" and he, of course, said "what the heck is that". When I explained he laughed for the next half mile. Don't think my shoes ever got clean from walking the midway after a rain.