History |
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Asher Zamansky
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We may not remember what we ate for breakfast, but we will always remember nickel day at the beach. A strip of ten tickets guaranteed a day of fun.
Sandwiches and drinks, cushioned by ice were packed into "coolers" to sustain us for a picnic on the glistening sand. Our "rich friends" were spared this ordeal. They bought hot dogs and orange sodas at the refreshment stands. Automobiles were a luxury we could not afford so we hauled beach chairs and heavy coolers aboard a crowded street car for our trip to Revere from a hot apartment.Air conditioners were to be in the future. Following our picnic lunch, the left-overs were quickly disposed of by tossing the bags close to the nearest unsuspecting neighbor, or taking a basket shot into one of the barrels along the sidewalk. It was then time to survey the many amusements in which to invest our allowance. The carousel was inviting and we had a chance to grab the brass ring for a free ride. The ring was illusive to our small outstretched arms. The Penny Arcade offered hours of entertainment at a minimum of cost. Decisions were quickly made between skeeball or hunting for the wrist watch in the machine. A derrick claw picked up the peanuts close to the watch - better luck next time. The Cyclone and Roller Coaster, dipping one hundred feet, beckoned the thrill seekers for the ride of their lives. Needless to say, it was not for the faint of heart. Bluebeard's Palace offered passerbys a different type of "thrill." A gust of wind raised the skirts of unsuspecting girls standing on the sidewalk grill. Two piece bathing suits were available at the bath house including towel and soap. Only the more affluent took advantage of renting. The majority wore their bathing suits under their outer clothing. Exhausted and our "bank roll" depleted, it was time to check the clock facing the beach and prepare for our trip home. We will never forget this experience - all for a nickel a day at Revere Beach. *Special thanks to Jeff Pearlman our consultant---- local history teacher and historian.
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