Long Branch Pier Fire — 36 Years Ago
LB Pier Fire, ’87
Long Branch has a long and storied history as a beach resort destination, with its iconic pier playing a central role in that history. When the Pier burned in June 1987, part of the city’s identity went up in smoke too. Going back nearly 200 years Long Branch had a pier on the Atlantic coast — five in total since 1828. All are ancient history now.
In the ensuing four decades since the big blaze there’s been talk — on and off — about building a new pier. Talk only though and that’s a pity. My 5 years of deep-dive research on the pier (and boardwalk) gives me the sense it was very nearly the cradle of city entertainment and connectivity. Stories and memories overflow the mind.
It reeked of rustic Jersey Shore charm. A step beyond carny — a bit more polished. All locals have their own experiences and memories with the city’s landmark pier. There’s a lot to remember. Amusements and arcades. Dancing and drinking. Fishing and eating. So much more. It was safe — mostly. It was clean — mostly. It was affordable — mostly.
Long Branch Boardwalk & Pier History — HERE
I was working at the Atlanticville newspaper office on lower Broadway (the Woolworth building) the afternoon the pier fire started over 35 years ago. I was just launching my journalism career working for the city’s venerable news weekly. The pier fire made for great copy.
It would take a miracle to build a new pier now. It’s probably been a decade since the idea of a new one was last seriously discussed. Even then it had a $125 million+ price tag.
Have a look at these Long Branch Pier fire images:
Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987. Pat Cicalese — who owed the whole works — took this photo. The Newark native had acquired all the property about 1979.
Long Branch Pier aerial mage — during its renaissance, about 1980.
New Long Branch Pier sketch proposal. Long Branch Daily Record, July 1910. The concept never went further. The design was by Cottrell Architects — who did the Asbury Park Casino in 1903.
Long Branch beach and pier, 1912. The new pier — after a decade of delay — was under construction at the time. It looks skeletal here.
Long Branch Pier aerial view, 1950s.
Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987. City firefighters fought hard to contain the blaze but it was no use.
Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987 (Frank Mainieri Photo). City firefighters at the McDonald’s on the boardwalk. City fire officials believe it was “faulty wiring” there that brought down a classic Long Branch landmark.
All Means — Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987. The US Coast Guard tried to help.
Up in Smoke — Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987.
Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987.
Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987. Powerful west winds reaching 30 mph fed the destructive fire.
Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987.
Hooked — Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987 (Frank Mainieri Photo).
Where there’s smoke — Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987.
Dark Day — Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987 (Frank Mainieri Photo). Looking east on Chelsea Avenue; Pistol Pete’s is on the left.
Hot Spot — Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987 (Frank Mainieri Photo). The boardwalk McDonald’s collapses into the sea.
Kid’s World on the Long Branch pier after the fire, June 1987. (Rich Bendock Photo).
No Kids! — Long Branch Pier fire remains, June 1987.
City pier in ruins after June 1987 fire.
Long Branch pier in ruins, June 1987.
Long Branch pier in ruins from major fire, June 1987.
TV reporters at city pier fire conduct interviews outside Pistol Pete’s restaurant, June 1987.
Next Day — Gov. Tom Kean and Mayor Phil Huhn after touring the Long Branch pier fire, June 1987.
Dark Time — Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987.
Long Branch pier fire, June 1987.
Long Branch pier fire, June 1987.
Long Branch pier fire, June 1987.
Long Branch pier fire, June 1987.
Long Branch pier fire, June 1987.
Long Branch pier fire, June 1987.
Big Al’s on the pier in ruins, June 1987.
Pouring it On — City firefighters during the early stage of the Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987.
Into the Sea — Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987.
Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987. Amongst the damage were these arcade pinball machines (Frank Gibson Photo).
Long Branch Pier fire, June 1987.
Sad relic — Long Branch Pier remains, 1995.
Sad state — the once-popular Long Branch Pier in ruins, late 1990s.
Rotting remains of Long Branch pier. The oceanfront site was condemned by the city in August 1997 and finally torn down in April 1998. In conjunction with the city’s $2.6 million beach replenishment project, US Army Corps of Engineers contractors did the demolition work for just $19,000. In June 1998, a three-member condemnation committee ruled that the burned-out remains of the pier/amusement park were worth $550,000. Owner Patsy Cicalese had sought $4 million as just compensation.
CANT BELIEVE ITS BEEN THAT LONG AGO. I WAS THERE THE DAY IT WAS BURNING. WHAT A SHAME. SUCH A PART OF HISTORY IN LB. THE FIREMEN DID A GREAT JOB. I HAVE PICTURES SOMEWHERE. STILL MISS THE PIER — AND ALL THE RIDES AND STANDS.