The Wildwoods Featured on British Travel Show
Doo Wop played a significant role in the cultural history of America and nowhere else in the country does Doo Wop shine so brightly.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Wildwoods emerged as one of the most popular vacation destinations for families, particularly from the Philadelphia and New York City areas.
The Wildwoods Featured in British Travel Show
Along with its iconic beach and boardwalk attractions, Wildwood became known for its unique architectural style characterized by vibrant colors, neon lights, and futuristic motifs, which came to be known as “Doo Wop” architecture.
Doo Wop architecture drew inspiration from the Space Age and the burgeoning car culture of the time. Motels, diners, and other commercial buildings in Wildwood embraced this flamboyant architectural style, featuring elements such as boomerang shapes, kidney-shaped pools, Googie-style signage, and futuristic facades.
The result was a visually striking environment that captured the optimism and exuberance of the postwar era.
The significance of Doo Wop in Wildwood lies not only in its architectural distinctiveness but also in its cultural impact.
Also See: Shorebreak Cafe Opening Second Location
The bold and playful designs of Doo Wop buildings reflected the spirit of leisure and fun associated with the beachside vacation experience.
For many visitors, the sight of these colorful motels and neon signs became synonymous with the carefree atmosphere of a summer getaway.
This past fall, we had a visitor from across the pond who stopped by to film a segment about the Wildwoods, the generations of visitors and it’s Doo Wop.
George Clarke is a British architect, television presenter, and writer, best known for his work on various home renovation and architectural programs on British television.
He gained widespread recognition as the presenter of the Channel 4 series “The Home Show” and “Restoration Man,” where he explores innovative and creative architectural solutions for renovating and restoring buildings.
Clarke is currently exploring America to document the historic Americana and so he decided to stop by the Wildwoods.
In the special, he stopped by the Doo Wop Experience Museum to talk with Doo Wop Preservation League President John Donio Doo Wop and the history of Wildwood.
Clarke also visited the Daytona Inn and Suites, Morey’s Piers, and the Cadillac Diner.
The episode aired on British TV and then was later uploaded on YouTube for us all to enjoy.
Check out the episode below.