The Fun and Exiting Beachfront Escape of Norfolk, Va
Ocean View, a rich historical beachfront hamlet on the northern-most reaches of the city of Norfolk, was at one time a major resort destination for beachgoers and amusement park lovers, from Florida to Maine and west to the Mississippi.
Ocean View presents a comprehensive pictorial history of this resort, its development as an important residential and recreational section of Norfolk, and the people who made it happen from 1862 to 1965. Hampton Roads, having a significant naval presence at that time as well, sightings of sea planes, airships such as the Los Angeles, war ships and innumerable fun loving sailors were common place. The unforgettable Ocean View Amusement Park drew thousands of visitors to enjoy the ‘Leap the Dips’ roller coaster, the Hilarious Fun House, the romantic Canals of Venice and the exciting Sky-Ride.
Using over 170 photographs, including those shot by Charles S. Borjes, often called “Virginia’s finest press photographer of his day,” we can experience and explore this very special part of Norfolk. From the tranquility of the chapter entitled Mr. Lincoln Walks the Beach, set during the American Civil War, to the fury and excitement of sections like Hurricane!, Fisherman’s Paradise and the Coney Island of the South, and World War II and the Big Band Era, the history of Ocean View is chronicled with unsurpassed detail.
Amy Waters Yarsinske, former President of the Norfolk Historical Society and author of the acclaimed Winter Comes to Norfolk and Virginia Beach Jewel Resort of the Atlantic, has crafted together a wonderful tribute to the people, land, and bayscape of Ocean View. It will appeal to both those interested in local history, and to those who simply enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
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Published by Arcadia Publishing, ISBN 0-7524-0931-X