Rolling Chairs Celebrate 125th Anniversary Monday
Happy Anniversary Rolling Chairs! Atlantic City’s unique Rolling Chairs have been an option for Boardwalk travel since June 11, 1887. A reenactment is planned for the 125th anniversary on Monday, June 11 from 10am-6pm on the Boardwalk.
Two antique rolling chairs provided by Royal Rolling Chairs, Inc. will be gliding from opposite ends of the Boardwalk, pushed and utilized by actors in circa 1800 period clothing. In addition to the recent modernization of the existing fleet of Rolling Chairs, Royal Rolling Chairs owner Bill Boland had several antique chairs restored to reflect the history and authenticity of this unique mode of transportation.
Commemorative buttons and souvenir information cards of the famous Rolling Chairs will be distributed at the Boardwalk Information Center and by CRDA Special Improvement Division Ambassadors during the weekend leading up to the anniversary, and during the day of the anniversary celebration. Among the buttons being given out will be ten (10) specially marked buttons with a “DO AC” sticker that can be redeemed at the Boardwalk Information Center at Mississippi Avenue for a “DO AC” amenity bag.
Royal Rolling Chairs will also be giving away “free” rides on Kool 98.3 all day long on Monday during Dave & Tina in the morning, Jennifer Scott midday and Jackson T. Chase during afternoon drive time. Each show will have two rides to give away. Winners will be able to use their “free ride” any Monday through Friday now through September 30, 2012.
The chairs were first introduced at a convention in 1876. The chairs began to be rented by local AC businessman William Hayday on June 11, 1876. The original chairs were fashioned after wheelchairs and, unlike other vehicles, were allowed on the Boardwalk. At one time only used by handicapped persons, other individuals pretended to need the chairs, and the practice grew to include visitors wishing to use this leisurely form of transportation along the bustling Boardwalk.
Tags: Rolling Chairs
