At one time there were dozens of family style restaurants in Ocean City, including the 21st. Street Restaurant (& Asbury Ave.), Watsons at 9th St. across from the Post Office, and among many others, Simms on the Boardwalk.
Simms served a set menu, but it was always very good and inexpensive. Then sometime in the late 70s early 80s, Roger bought it and made it a pinball arcade. I think that is when I took this photo, which seems to show the old Simms Restaurant signs but arcade games inside.
Roger, whose last name I can pronounce but can't spell, Jakobowaski - originally came from Camden, apparently investing his father's inheridance, starting off small, buying the traditional and longtime favorite Taylor Porkroll store, that had a unique mahogany paneling and counter.
It wasn't long before Roger owned a large part of the boardwalk and also the Jimminy Crickets bar and lounge on MacArthur Blvd. in Somers Point.
I don't know what happened to Roger in OC, but from what I understand he is now operating a bottled stream water company out of Upstate New York.
doing a geneolgy. My father was a dishwasher at simms in the 30's. Used to get sunday afternoons off even tho it was busiest day cause he was a semipro pitcher and the owner supported amateur sports
ReplyDeleteMy family on mom's side had a wonderful time in OC dating back to the forties. Grandmother ran a tea room, The Peacock Room on Westley for several summers. Her oldest child, GG waited tables along with her best friend Mary.Middle son Buddy was a life guard and his photo still hangs at Bob's grill. Baby Albert was given free reign on the beach under the life guards watch while collecting bottles for deposit money. My time was spent on the boards and 14th street beach during the 60's and 70's. 9AM to 2PM tanning and using Sun In on my ridiculously long hair. On special occasions my friends and I would catch a David Cassidy or Bobby Sherman concert in Wildwood or AC. I've been lucky enough to travel to many places in my lifetime but OC is my favorite second home. Voltacos hoagies and a Congo Golf game...
ReplyDeletewhat more can you ask for?
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