Chair #275

ANTIQUE AMERICAN BOARDWALK CHAIR

—Designer unknown

Imaging getting all sugared up on salt-water taffy and pushing yourself around in a chair like this? Antique wicker rolling chairs like these were commonly rented to Atlantic City, New Jersey Boardwalk visitors. On June 26, 1870, the first section of the Atlantic City Boardwalk opened along the New Jersey beach. Beautiful beaches, fresh sea air, luxurious hotels, fine restaurants, alluring shops, and a connecting railroad line from Camden, New Jersey drew visitors from all over the world. Atlantic City soon became a popular summer resort and winter health spa. Alexander Boardman, a railroad conductor, conceived the idea of constructing a boardwalk as a means of keeping sand out of the railroad cars and hotels. The city used its tax revenues to build an eight-foot-wide temporary wooden walkway from the beach into town which could be dismantled during the winter. The rolling chair, introduced in 1884, was the only vehicle allowed on the Boardwalk.

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Oooooh, under the boardwalk, down by the sea,

On a blanket with my baby is where I'll be.