Tony Mart Presents
Stories from Tony Mart Visitors 2
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Bruce
Balderson: Tony Marts was a great place
for music and meeting friends. I was there. I
was lucky to get and still have some memorabilia
from those great years. Reviewing your website
brought back many memorable moments. Thanks.
Johnny Steeb:
Went to school at Pleasantville High, we use to
cruise by every Saturday night we loved to
listen to the music. The Circle Liquor Store
was right across the street. It's been a long
time now so I am trying to remember, but I think
we did go in the and dance once or twice. Also,
we went into the Silk Hat which is gone as
well. Ocean City was the next stop over the
bridge. I trying to remember also if OC had the
Blue Law or not..No Liquor..not sure...but they
were the days. I was at Pleasantville from
1952-1956. And you are great they were the best
years ever..I liked to go back to those days
again.
Leon Estep: I
played at Tony Marts the last summer in a band
called Pressure along with Shotgun. Our big
thing was Syd, who did his Jimmy Hendrix set.
Cindy
(Regan) Arbogast-Royer: I was a
cocktail waitress at TM's in 1970. It was the
best summer of my life. I met lots of people
and never saw them again. There was a band from
Philly, the lead singer was Gregory. If I could
find him, I could find some friends, I just
don't know last names.
Jack Littley: In the summer of 68, I had
just broken up with my long time girl friend.
Tony's kept me from dying of loneliness. The
summer was great. Gunther's Bus was the
headliner. The summer closed with Oliver singing
Good Morning Starshine and Jean. I got the girl
back, we got married and still are. Thanks to
Tony's for saving me.
Joe Seddon: Joe Seddon here, lead singer
and guitarist for Plymouth Rock which consisted
of Frank Appice on drums (Carmine Appice`s
cousin), Ron Lovett on bass, Allen Weber on sax.
I played Somers Point during the 60`s and shared
the stages with such good buddies as Johnny
Caswell and The Crystal Mansion, Ray Sharp and
The Soul Set and many more. This is where i met
Levon Helm and The Hawks. A great band that
later became The Band. At one point i left The
Sterling Brothers, my earlier group, featuring
myself and Mark Hutchinson, and joined Sam Allen
and The Monkey Men. Sam and the guys worked
opposite The Sterling Brothers Band at the
Satellite Lounge in Wrightstown, N. J. many
times. It was fun stuff building that cage, and
hard work. My friend Roy Buchanon took my place
with the Monkey Men when i left for Hollywood.
Roy was my inspiration. I`d visit the old Dick
Lees when he was with The Temps and we
became friends via those meetings. I was 16
at our first meeting. Dave White from The
Mansion was also my producer for Mercury Records
along with Johnny Madera. Caswell was also with
the label, thus we ended up at Bayshores, The
Dunes and Tony Marts. Lots of terrific times,
blasting bands and endless fun. Late hours, some
wild and crazy people who stomped it out there,
and it was magical. Sea breezes and cheap beers!
Time has changed much of that but the memories
linger. I still record, have several albums
online and miss the good old days at " The Mart.
" As a matter of fact, i`ll be eating lunch at
the Point Diner shortly and walking the boards,
passing by what was once the hottest spot at the
shore. My best to all who worked there. " Joe
Drew Antonelli: I tended bar for Tony
1967 thru 1970, some of the greatest memories I
have ever experienced in my lifetime, thru a
very trying time in our country. Ricky and The
Rockets, The Fenderman, Gunthers Bus, and many
more house bands that Tony would bring in , they
were all great Rock and Roll bands and could
make a big name for themselves as long as they
followed Tony's mentoring as to What to play ,
how loud, soft or long to play, and believe me
if they did not listen to Tony they were not
there long. Tony had a real feel for what the
customer wanted and that was evident every night
the place was packed. I did not stay in the
business but if you learned from Tony Marotta
you received a Masters degree in "Club" . He was
a wonderful man that I admired and is often in
my thoughts and prayers. I am so glad that
Carmen is keeping his name going.
Michael "Slammer" Lord: Just like
everyone else on here, my fondest memories were
nights spent at Tony Mart. I will never forget,
getting right up to Carmen's bar, a fresh
Alabama Slammer sitting there waiting for me,
listening to the bands so loud that I still have
hearing problems (probably more from old age
though). To this day, there has never been a
better bartender then Carmen. I remember being
there on the final night, as sad as that day
was. I was allowed to take a bar stool and
several other pieces of memorabilia as well as
many of my friends did. Carmen, your place was
legendary, and too me, you'll always be a
legend. My Grandmother, my Mom and I had all
spent time there through all the years, and the
memories you gave to all of us, can never be
repaid!! Always look forward to seeing you
again, please keep me informed of what's going
on. Many thanks, Michael "Slammer" Lord Sr.
Lee Martin: I worked the last two summers
and the last winter at The Mart. We had a great
time and I made some life long friends there. I
wish I could find some of those others. We were
brothers in arms. Carmen and Tony were and are
great people. I truly appreciated the way they
welcomed me into their home for dinner and
nights of relaxation. Mrs. Marotta's cooking
was tremendous and The Drag was amazing. The
staff was tremendous, Billy D, Slammer, Moon
man, Barry "butlick" Bukowski, Chink, Rocky
Horrowitz, Dubie, Joycie Wah, Dave, Big Ange
(who saved me from brain damage), Suzuki ( a
truly inspirational guy), Steve Wright, and of
course...... Animal. We had a lot of great
times and a lot of great fights.
Saul Shocket: Hi Carmen, my name is Saul
Shocket, & I was the sax player for Tito Mambo &
the Messiahs of Soul in 1965.We worked across
the street at Bayshores, but would exchange
sitting with Levon & the Hawks. I worked along
side another sax player named Diz Lee, who was
an amazing player & mentor to me. Those were
incredibly memorable times, & interesting to see
how many people share these warm memories of
SP/OC days in the 60's. I remember the names of
the BS bouncers, as we trained together during
the days. Do these names sound familiar? Guy
Borrelli, Chris Olson, Denny Lankes, & Ted
Stremback. Ok, great site, tnx,& please keep it
going. SS
Paul Roselle: I was a bouncer at Tony
Mart's in 62, 63, and 64. They were the 3
greatest summers of my life. I loved working for
Tony, Pete and Ron Fry. They treated me great!
Also I loved our customers. In 1964 Philadelphia
magazine came in and did a story on us. We were
called crowd control engineers. I always liked
Conway Twitty the best. He was such a gentleman.
WE WERE THE THE JERSEY SHORE!
Dan Rieck "Cactus Dan": So many good
memories of my several years at Tony Marts. Out
of college and off to bar tend at Tony's in
Spring of 69. Wasn't Poppa happy! In the deep
end at the Junior Lounge doing the evening
rigorous cleaning, icing, and prep work getting
ready for early spring opening. Under the
watchful and benevolent eye of Harry Toscano
(brother of manager Pete Toscano).And then off
to the Anchorage for 7/$1 beer and burger.
Spent most of first season running the service
bar and back end of the big Junior Lounge
bar.Think it was early 70 when the big disco
ball with strobe lights were added. Often did
bar setup during the week for late arriving vets
like Sonny McCullough (triangle bar); Square Bar
(where Mrs.Mart would sit with Tina and the boys
after diner at Mac's. Side Bar always had to be
just perfect for this is where the Boss would
supervise the night's affairs.
Many names flash before: Sonny; Bunny Barton and
BIG Jim Zager (from Pittsburgh); Ronnie
Quigley; Bobby Walls (always on the L
Bar);Eileen Slack as my very capable Lounge
table waitress; Freddy "Mart" (Fred Smartley);
Frank DiGregorio on the back bar (funnier than
Don Rickels); Bernie back in the corner flippin
burgers; Pop Dallas across the street.
Later on Tony allowed me to serve as his
"assistant manager" after Pete had moved on to
driving his Jitney in AC. Always liked Pete and
would sometimes join him after hours in Ac at
the B&B Lounge on Atlantic for drinks and super
sharp cheese. Somehow wound up living in front
apartment upstairs with former VHS football bud,
Mike D'Domenico. Good times. Rented a sofa for
$14/week at Sonny's Bartram Arms.
Developed a sideline of selling flashy neckties
and, then, really wild bell bottom pants which
we sold to the bartenders and doormen.Not
certain that this look was quite what the Boss
envisioned.
Always enjoyed sitting down with Tony at the end
of a long night and listening to some fabulous
stories. Remember his ritual cleansing of tall
shell class with repeated scrubbing, rinsing,
topping with ice, rinsing the ice and finally
topping up with J&B and water. Only drink I ever
remember him drinking.
Bands? Always loved Ricky and the Rockets and
remember their endless practice of CSNY covers
in the afternoon-especially Suite for Judy Blue
Eyes. Gunther's Bus and the upside down go go
dancers with their heads in the beer coolers.
The
Great Brass invasion from Canada of Grant Smith
and the Power. Donovan. Cowsills. Sure do wish I
had been around a couple years earlier for Levon
and the Hawks!!
Still remember Tony's greatest greeting " You
.... Bum"
Best regards Carmen! Hope to see you soon.
Dan Rieck
Pamela Sangle: I certainly remember a
talented band during the summer of 1969: The
Nitetime Sunshine. Does anyone remember this
Hippie style band. They were very friendly and I
think the lead singers name was Larry. Well, we
sure had a ball dancing our heads off and
merging in with the big Philly Pa. crowd was
cool too They got along with us Jerseyites
pretty well. Lot's of fun and great memories for
sure! And we got to see "Oliver" He has recently
passed away but had a great hit single called
"Jean" very nice person too. I remember he asked
one of the bar tenders to go over by my nice
sister and wanted to ask her for her phone
number to maybe get together some time. My
sister was flattered but we lived way up in
North Jersey and he was on tour and we had to go
home the next day. I also remember the fun
watching people get into doing the limbo. They
had a few contests for prizes once in awhile.
Great memories forever!!!!
John King: The first time I ever danced
with a girl (other than my mother) was at Tony
Marts. I think I was 18. I don't remember the
girl's name, but the song was The Cisco Kid by
War.
Denise Christopher:
Hi my name is Denise Christopher, I was checking
out some videos on you tube and found this page.
My father Tony Christopher aka Fish, Punchy,
whatever his nick name may have Been at the
time, haha, enlightened me to his Tony Marts
years, working there out in the parking lot and
moving up to tending bar. I've heard some
stories about Tony Marts, and when they filmed
Eddie and the Cruisers. We have the video on vhs
of course and a few tony marts coasters too
along with a picture in black and white of the
tony marts crew, looks like such a fun time!
I've seen the movie many times with my dad
pointing out this and that in the background!
I've heard about Tony, my dad does a great
impression of him. Lol. I wish I could have been
around that time, there aren't places like that
anymore! Glad I can hear the stories though!
Al Noble: I have
the distinct honor of being the first guy
arrested at the door of Tony Marts for an under
age false ID at the beginning of the 1963
season. It was Easter weekend, when the Bar's
would open up and then close until the Summer.
We came down from College near Philly, drinking
warm Beer (Fallstaff quarts, I think), to get
drunk, and save money in the bars. Anyhow, I
didn't look anything like the picture on the ID.
I was thrown in the Somers Point Jail, where I
spent the entire weekend, plus a few days. No
money to bail me out until my Buddies got back
to Philly and the Banks opened up. At the Court
appearance the Judge told me to tell all my
Buddies that they wouldn't tolerate incidents
like this in the future. He fined me $50. After
I turned 21 I had many fabulous times at the
Point/Dunes. The incident didn't effect my
status as an Officer in the Air Force as I was
Commissioned and sent to Nam. (They needed
Officers then, so were willing to overlook less
than perfect records). Anyhow, will always
remember those times at the shore as some of the
best times of my life.
Ted Cahill: I
was in a band called the Magic Mushrooms that
played Tony Marts in the Summer of 1966 or
1967. Wondering if anyone is around who was
there the, and also wondering if there was any
memorabilia left from that time period. I know
Tony was around there, our manager was Sonny
Casella, and we were out of Philadelphia. We
did a lot of the British music before it was
released here, and we also kind of tore up the
stage at the end of our shows. We were there
until we got on Tony's bad side, and walked. I
have fond memories living above the bar. It was
the ultimate for a 19 year old. Just wondering.
Duke Kiesel: From Pittsburgh Central
Catholic High,1945. Visited Bay Shores &
TMs/Late 40s early 50s/ Grace Kelly & Lizanne
there / bartend. Frank Sheey ?? Friends
George/Nancy McAllister home Longport / Married
Peggy McSorley / where is Sheehy???
Tom McCloud: It was one of the most
memorable & wonderful times of my life. The year
was 1970. I lived at the Old A House in Ocean
city, worked at Sim's Restaurant where I met my
amazing wife of 40 years, drank Harvey Wall
Bangers, and danced to great bands every chance
I had at Tony Mart's w/ my good friends from
upper New York state. We drove to concerts at
the Wildwood Convention Center featuring some of
the greats like Elton John, Emerson, Lake, and
Palmer, Red Bone, Doug Hicks & his Hot Licks,
etc. Thanks for the wonderful memories. Your
friend forever, Tom McCloud
Kathy Staats Accardi: I loved the show in
Ocean City this past Sunday. My parents who are
now living in Florida are always talking about
the great times they had at Tony Marts. Do you
guys have a cd - you were all phenomenal. I have
joined your mailing list and are looking forward
to future events.
Bob Hoffman: Enjoyed the Tony Marts
Allstars on Aug 18th celebrated my 60th
birthday. Great show. Are planning to release a
cd. Your band is great.
Roger Werner: I was a regular at Tony
Marts from 1970-1973 living for two years in
Atlantic City and then moving down the coast to
N. Wildwood and Wildwood. We spent parts of
most weekends at Tony Marts 'The Host of the
Jersey Coast' I think was how they marketed
themselves on radio. I recall seeing Johnny
Caswell and the Crystal Mansion many times. And
there was a great house band with a lead singer
that did a wonderful Mick Jaggar routine..wish I
could remember the name of the band. And then
there was Ricky and the Rockets (Ricky who could
kick the shit out of everyone in Bayonne New
Jersey was part of their introduction...after
the hubcap went flying from back stage). In
1972, I dated a girl who was living and working
in Ocean City. Her roommate dated one of the
Rockets guitar players but I can't recall his
name or hers. I met him often and he would give
Denise and I tickets to the band's shows when
they played a coast venue. One venue was The
Stardust in downtown Wildwood. Ocean City was
an exciting play in the early 1970s. When I
wasn't rocking out at Tony Marts I was getting
very drunk at The Anchor (with 7 for 1 this was
easy and cheap to do). The memories are so
thick I would write about them for hours and
honestly, I haven't thought about Tony Marts in
almost 40 years. They are important memories
indeed.
Jack Canning: 1965 - I recall a Saturday
or Sunday afternoon matinee at Bay Shores when
everyone was becoming impatient waiting for Tito
Mambo to show up for his gig. A boat procession
pulled up at the dock behind the place and a
coffin was lifted
off and carried in and placed on the stage. The
band commenced and during the second or third
number the lid slowly lifted and Tito emerged.
What a hoot.
Motor cycle "gangs" often showed up at Bay
Shores weekend matinees. One afternoon this guy
drives right thru the front door and proceeds to
rev up his Harley circling the dance floor over
and over and over filling the place with choking
exhaust while the crowed went wild. Finally the
cops arrived to spoil the fun.
One hot and sweaty night when I was underage,
the cops raided the place looking for fake IDs.
A bunch of us "illegals" headed for the known
best exit under the circumstances ... the girl's
restroom which had a window at the back of the
place you could climb out of and drop into the
bay. A short swim under the bridge to a little
beach by the parking lot of the Circle Liquor
Store was our path to safety.
Around 2AM you would find your car, often not a
easy task, and head for the Dunes, bleary eyed
and totally under the influence to sweat it out
dancing to the loudest music ever coming from
the elevated band stand. "Johnny Caswell and
the Crystal Mansion" became the local Jersey
band I followed everywhere.
CL: Charles Laudsberry - artist and a bit of a
Somers Point historian:
CL: "All the bars in Somers Point closed at 2
AM. Everyone then drove over that rickety bridge
on the Longport causeway to the Dunes. The Dunes
catered to the late night set and people who
worked as waiters, waitresses, bartenders and
bouncers. Everyone ended up at the Dunes open
past 6 in the morning."
CL: "It was daylight when you crawled out of the
Dunes but breakfast was waiting for you at the
Point Diner then it was crash on the beach so
you could start the ritual all over again or if
you were not as lucky...head back to Philly."
Me: My regular pick me up at the Point Diner was
a buttered cinnamon bun done on the grill with a
double order of bacon. Today my cardiologist is
grateful I'm still around to help with his BMW
payments.
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