A weathered and worn tramcar, once a staple of the Wildwoods boardwalk, has been rescued from a scrapyard and is now poised for a historic restoration.
Sightseer Tramcar number eight, a veteran of the boardwalk’s bustling tourist scene, had been retired after decades of service.
The tramcar’s faded paint and rusted frame tell a story of sun, sand, and countless passengers.
Preservationists at the Wildwood Historical Society have taken the vehicle into their care.
The goal is to return the iconic tramcar to public view and preserve it for future generations.
Description
The tramcar’s exterior is marked by weather‑worn paint that has long been exposed to the elements.
The once bright yellow and blue colors have dulled, revealing the metal beneath.
A thick Coca‑Cola wrap currently covers portions of the paint, obscuring the original finish.
The vehicle’s frame shows signs of rust where the metal has been exposed for years.
The overall appearance reflects the tramcar’s long history on the boardwalk.
History
During its years of operation, the tramcar was a familiar sight for tourists and locals alike.
It was part of the Sightseer fleet that operated along the Wildwoods boardwalk.
The tramcar’s name, number eight, identified it within the fleet.
The vehicle was heard and seen for decades, becoming a recognizable element of the boardwalk’s landscape.
Its presence contributed to the area’s cultural heritage.
Retirement and Final Resting Place
The tramcar was retired from service after many years of operation.
Its final resting place was a location where it remained for an extended period.
The vehicle’s condition had deteriorated during its time there.
The Wildwood Historical Society saw an opportunity to rescue the tramcar from this fate.
Donation
The non‑profit organization that operates the Sightseer tramcars donated the vehicle to the Wildwood Historical Society.
The donation was a key moment for the society, which has long sought to preserve the region’s transportation heritage.
The society accepted the tramcar and began planning its restoration.
The donation ensured that the tramcar would not be lost to further decay.
The society’s leadership was ready to take on the project.
Community Sentiment
Wildwood Historical Society member Larry Lilli expressed the community’s affection for the vehicle.
He said, “Everybody knows the tram car no matter where you go.”
Lilli’s statement highlights the tramcar’s iconic status in Wildwood.
Preservationist Perspective
Wildwood Historical Society president Taylor Henry emphasized the importance of securing the tramcar.
He said, “We just wanted to get it and make sure it was safe.”
Henry’s comment underscores the society’s initial priority in rescuing the vehicle.
District Support
Patrick Rosenello of the Wildwoods Boardwalk Special Improvement District praised the society’s efforts.
He said, “We’re thrilled that the Historic Society has taken on this mission. We’re going to support them in any way we possibly can.”
Rosenello’s words demonstrate the district’s commitment to the project.
Towing to Museum Lot
The tramcar was towed from the boardwalk to a lot outside the George F. Boyer Historical Museum.
The lot serves as a temporary storage site for the vehicle.
The towing process preserved the tramcar’s condition during transit.
The society now has the tramcar in a secure location for restoration work.
Current Condition
At present, the tramcar is covered by a Coca‑Cola wrap that will be removed during restoration.
The vehicle’s engine requires sandblasting to remove rust and old paint.
The roof of the tramcar will be reattached to restore structural integrity.
These steps are part of the planned restoration process.
Restoration Steps
The restoration plan includes removing the Coca‑Cola wrap from the paint.
The engine will be sandblasted to prepare it for repainting.
The tramcar will be repainted yellow and blue to match its original colors.
The roof will be reattached to ensure the vehicle’s stability.
These tasks will restore the tramcar’s appearance and function.
Future Display Plan
The historical society intends to display the tramcar at the George F. Boyer Historical Museum.
The museum will serve as the public venue for the restored vehicle.
Visitors will have the opportunity to see the tramcar up close.
The display will honor Wildwood’s transportation history.
Logistics of Moving Inside
Moving the tramcar into the museum presents a logistical challenge.
Taylor Henry explained that the society may need to install a larger door.
Alternatively, the society could disassemble the tramcar and reassemble it inside the museum.
Henry said, “We’re either going to have to put in a bigger door, or, if it’s possible, take it apart and put it back together inside.”
Estimated Cost
The society estimates that the restoration and relocation will cost tens of thousands of dollars.
The estimated cost covers materials, labor, and museum modifications.
The society seeks funding to cover these expenses.
Community Support
The Wildwoods Boardwalk Special Improvement District has pledged support for the project.
Patrick Rosenello emphasized the district’s willingness to assist.
Community members have expressed enthusiasm for the restoration.
The project reflects a collective effort to preserve local heritage.
Significance
The tramcar is a tangible link to Wildwood’s past.
Its presence on the boardwalk for decades made it a cultural icon.
Preserving the vehicle maintains a physical reminder of the area’s tourism history.
The restoration will allow future generations to experience a piece of Wildwood’s legacy.
Safety Priorities
Taylor Henry reiterated the society’s initial focus on safety.
He said, “We just wanted to get it and make sure it was safe.”
Henry’s statement reflects the society’s priority in rescuing the tramcar.
Safety was the first concern before restoration.
Door or Disassembly Options
Henry also addressed the logistical options for moving the tramcar inside the museum.
He said, “We’re either going to have to put in a bigger door, or, if it’s possible, take it apart and put it back together inside.”
The statement outlines the potential solutions.
The society will evaluate feasibility.
Key Takeaways
- Sightseer Tramcar #8 rescued from a scrapyard and donated to the Wildwood Historical Society.
- Restoration will involve removing a Coca‑Cola wrap, sandblasting the engine, repainting yellow and blue, and reattaching the roof.
- The society plans to display the tramcar at the George F. Boyer Historical Museum, with potential costs in the tens of thousands.
Closing
As the Wildwood Historical Society moves forward with the restoration, the community watches with anticipation.
The tramcar’s return to the museum would bring a beloved piece of local history back into public view.
The project demonstrates the power of preservation efforts.
Future visitors will be able to sit in the engine for photographs, experiencing a living piece of Wildwood history.
