Celebrating 100 years of baby parades

July 1, 2009

It was like taking a step back in time when Maureen Nulty and her family hosted a 100th anniversary party for the city’s baby parade at their summer home at 21st Street and Wesley Avenue, built by Dr. Gilbert Palen in 1909. Thomas Simmons purchased the home in 1911 for $4,500 and in 1937 the home was sold by John and Sallie Hood to Fran and Irene Overn for $21,000. In 1964 three couples sold the home to Addie and Walt Diemer (inventor of Double Bubble gum) who sold it to Lewis and Diane Brandolini in 1988, who finally sold it to George and Maureen Nulty in 1991. The Nulty’s converted the duplex (considered by many as a tear down) into a single family home bringing new beauty to the old gem. The Nulty’s planned this party to celebrate the milestone of the home; however with George’s untimely passing last fall the Nulty offspring stepped up to help Maureen plan the festivities.

One hundred and twenty five guests dressed in old-fashioned attire relaxed on the wrap-around veranda while others enjoyed hors d’oeuvres under the large white tent set up in the side yard. Maureen Nulty looked fabulous in a black and white polka dot bathing outfit with matching bloomers and hat as she mingled with her guests. Son-in-law Jason Martinez sported an old-fashioned golf outfit while son-in-law Art Mangano looked sharp in a vintage Phillies uniform. The Nulty daughters, Megan, Erin and Caitlin filled me in on the history of this fabulous home as we waited for their brother Sean to arrive at the party. Peg Oyen, Joe and Liz Vasturia, Ann and Mark Baiada, Sally and Art Mangano, Grace Roselli and Audrey Farrell clowned around on the front lawn in their old-fashioned bathing suits while cameras flashed and folks walking home from the beach enjoyed the fun.

Beth Pasternak, sporting long dangling rhinestone earrings, and ladies from the neighborhood, Marge McGuckin, Anne Dahme, Kathy Madison, Nancy Cammarota, Kathy Risley, Kathleen Haggerty and Kelly and Kathryn Falconi, showed up as vintage beauty queens with Gary Pasternak as Bert Parks. Mary Ann Suter, a former Miss Wildwood, wore a Miss Wildwood sash and her mother’s beautiful flower shawl. Joan Andrews and Marie Shafron’s vintage bathing suits cost them a bundle as both ladies got parking tickets Saturday morning while shopping for their outfits on Asbury Avenue. Peter Shafron’s black mustache looked real and he liked it so much he’s thinking about growing one. Jim Andrews, who celebrated his 70th birthday last week, topped off his outfit with a straw hat.

Joe Falconi and wife Kathleen Haggerty, and their daughters Kelly and Kathryn Falconi divide their time between homes in Washington, D.C. and Ocean City where they have lived on 21st Street for 35 years. Lorraine DeNinno read a poem she wrote about the “Queen of Wesley Avenue” that garnered lots of laughs from the crowd. I enjoyed chatting with Betty Cox who has lived next door to the “Queen of Wesley Avenue” for many years. Betty has eight children, 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild so she is invaded by her off-spring at her home all summer. Betty’s son, Joey, is well known as he loves biking around the neighborhood and waving hello when he passes by. Marge McGuckin made sure I checked out the sumptuous buffet set up in the dining room then she gave me a tour of this fabulous home. Meanwhile back on the veranda I caught up with Joan and Harry Bellwoar who told me about the christening, with sparkling cider, of the new sailboat at the sailing foundation at the Bayside Center.

Bob Suter arrived late after completing the boating class given by the U.S. Coast Guard at the senior center from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bob admitted it was painful, but he got a 98 and only missed two questions. Former owners of this 100-year-old home, Michelle and Jim Brandolini, received a warm welcome when they arrived at the celebration. The DJ was just getting warmed up when I bid farewell to the revelers as this party was going to last long into the night.

The Colony Club held its 60th annual installation luncheon at the Tuckahoe Inn on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon. Linda Gronert, who chaired the affair, was tending to last minute details when I arrived along with Carol Evans and Marge Roth. Marge can be seen biking the Boardwalk with husband Bob on their bicycle built for two. Peg Hagerty reports she has a new great-grandchild that makes two. Cathy Guinosso and husband Pete are heading for California to celebrate granddaughter Katie Nicole’s first birthday. Gini Trotman is looking forward to her annual summer vacation with her parents, two weeks in Canada. I enjoyed lunch chatting with Debbie Veasey, Peggy Doyle and Marion McCaughey. Peggy and husband Larry are headed for St. Lucia to celebrate their 38th wedding anniversary. Marion is looking forward to her vacation in Hawaii with daughter Susan to celebrate her graduation from college. Nicollette Mirra took lots of pictures for the president’s scrapbook. Marion McCaughey served as installing officer using different types of herbs to represent their office held in the club. When outgoing president Barbara Weber passed the gavel to incoming president Elaine Novello, they exchanged past president and president pins. First vice president Linda Gronert will be working on the year book this summer while second vice president Karen Morelli will schedule guest speakers for the fall and winter meetings.

The Crab Trap was the perfect setting for Eve Circle’s End of Season Dinner with 17 members in attendance. Chris Sauer dropped her mom, Jean Fenstermacher, and Barb Adams off at the door then looked for a parking space. After weeks of therapy it was great to see Gretchen Bingham out and about after twisting her replaced knee. Kieran Murray stopped by several times to check on our dinner and introduced our pretty and efficient waitress, Tatiana Tsoy, who moved to the United States from Russia four years ago. Marion McCaughey and this columnist showed off our summer sandals only to be outdone by Joan Wilson who had a bottle opener built in the sole of her sandals. Wendy Nickles shared photos of her two grandsons as members wished Wendy much happiness on her upcoming wedding to take place August 15 on the Ocean City beach. Alice Wolf enjoys working at the Music Pier box office, but wants to wear a sign that says “I don’t sell Beach Tags.” Floss and Bob Davis stopped by after dinner to say hello to fellow choir members, Kathy Heller, Sue Park and Beth Lennox, and Bob joked about being the only male in a room full of women.

Barbara Weber passes the gavel to Elaine Novello (center) at the Ocean City Colony Club installation while Cathy Finnegan, Linda Gronert, Karen Morelli and Marion McCaughey look on.

Sally and Art Mangano, Grace Roselli, Audrey Farrell and Peter and Marie Shafron are ready for the beach.


Maureen Nulty (3rd from left) hosts 100th Anniversary party with her family, Megan and Jason Martinez, Erin Nulty, Art Mangano and Caitlin Nulty.

Kathy Madison, Nancy Cammarota, Kathy Risley, Kathleen Haggerty and Kelly and Kathryn Falconi showed up as bathing beauties.

Anne Dahme, Beth and Gary Pasternak, Marge McGuckin and Mary Anne Suter flash their winning smiles at the anniversary party.

Betty Ermilio, Marge Roth, Toni Costanza, Cathy Guinosso and Barbara Riggione enjoy the Colony Club installation luncheon.

Lois Werner, Pat Custard, Nancy Caine, Wendy Nickles and Ann Landolfi pose for a picture at Eve Circle Dinner.