A Century of Beachfront Culture
Beach Area 1 emerged as a vibrant destination in the early 20th century. In 1915, John McLean opened the Capstan Inn, followed by the Dardanella Dance Hall in 1918, which became a social hotspot for decades. The area flourished mid-century with attractions like Playland Amusement Park (1932–1985) and a lively boardwalk scene. However, as tourism patterns shifted and infrastructure aged, the beachfront began to decline.
The 2007 Fire and Its Aftermath
A major turning point came on November 30, 2007, when a devastating fire destroyed approximately 90%...