HURRICANE SANDY: Images of Seaside Heights before the storm

NEW JERSEY — Seaside Heights has gone through many transitions throughout its storied history. Over the past few years, the MTV crowd has commandeered the image of the beachside town, making some believe that the entire Jersey Shore is a haven for drunken antics. There are plenty of New Jerseyans and out-of-state visitors who know better than that, and Hurricane Sandy has reminded us all of what may be lost forever.

The loss of life in the wake of the storm has forever changed families in the Garden State and the greater tri-state area. The destruction of the coast and so many communities will be felt for years. Rebounding is necessary. Rebuilding is appropriate. But as Gov. Chris Christie recently stated in a press conference (and I’m paraphrasing): There will always be the memories of Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant, Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Long Beach Island and the “old” Jersey Shore. Most of the memories are positive, featuring vacations, families, good times, amusement park rides, seafood and games of chance.

The communities still stand, but they have been battered by winds, flooding and power outages. It will take time to heal.

Below, find a photo essay on the images of Seaside Heights. The photos were taken several years ago, and they take on a new meaning in light of Sandy’s destruction.

Leave your memories of the Jersey Shore and your hope for its renewal in the comment field below.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com