When people think about New Jersey, the first impression is the fist pumping of the Jersey Shore or the drama of The Real Housewives. Photo: Mike Incitti
Sometimes I wonder if the fumes from Snookie’s hair spray can reach us through the television screen. When people think about New Jersey, the first impression is the fist pumping of the Jersey Shore or the drama of The Real Housewives. Believe it or not, there’s a show about the Garden State that’s actually good and it’s called Boardwalk Empire.
The second season of Boardwalk Empire just came to a close. This program takes place on the streets and boardwalk of Atlantic City during the 1920s. Even with Prohibition some consider it to be a golden age. I guess Nucky Thompson is to thank for that. He was a respected politician to the public and a ruthless racketeer behind the scenes. He made liquor available in the back rooms of nightclubs, casinos, and restaurants all over Atlantic City.
After his rise to power, the city became known as “The World’s Playground.” Nucky collected on every illegal gallon of liquor, gambling, and prostitution that took place in his reach. He did business with gangsters such as Arnold Rothstein, Lucky Luciano, and Al Capone. Are you wondering why he wasn’t arrested? I almost forgot to mention his brother was the Sheriff.
Last September, I embarked on a quest with photographer Mike Incitti in search of clean surf. An hour later, we were looking for an exit off the parkway into Atlantic City. After driving around enormous casinos owned by some guy name Trump, we finally reached the beach. While checking the surf, I couldn’t help but wonder if Nucky had gazed out at the ocean in that same spot. The calm waves and salty air could’ve given him peace from the world of corruption that he helped create. What if he stood there staring out at the surf, waiting for his new shipment of liquor from Europe? I’ll never know the answers but imagining was a good way to pass the time until the tide got lower.
