Barnacle Bill's Video Game Graveyard
Since Hurricane Sandy caused massive destruction to the Ortley Beach amusement center, the sidewalk has been a graveyard for destroyed arcade machines.
Barnacle Bill's arcade and miniature golf course has been an Ortley Beach landmark for decades. During Hurricane Sandy, both the arcade and golf course suffered significant damage.
During the cleanup of the arcade, dozens of arcade cabinets, pinball machines, and crane games, all of them destroyed by flooding ocean water, were pulled out to the sidewalk creating a video game graveyard of sorts.
Though the destroyed machines account for about 30 years of collecting, Bill's owner Bill Petruzel said, Barnacle Bill's will be rebuilt, hopefully by this summer.
shorefriend
7:37 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Last summer I rode my bike past Barnacle Bills at least 5 days a week and 2 of the days I was usually lured in by their delicious Ice Cream.
I always commented on how clean and well kept the place was, the min golf with it’s beautiful landscaping and flowers, it was such a hot spot for teens and small children, family’s enjoying a beautiful summer night, laughing.
I wish the owners good luck and I will patronize once they open, they seem like great community stewards!
bill hall
7:39 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
absolutely a sad story,they will bounce back!!
suz
7:46 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
So sad...another memory put out by the curb.
barbara
10:06 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
so sad, spent much time there as a teen.......
Mr J
10:25 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Bill Good Luck with the rebuild. It would be easy to throw in the towel and give up Thank you for staying and keeping this landmark in our hearts
rosemary oughton
11:00 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
You will overcome, have faith. We will see it all again
Chief Wahoo
11:09 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
The Video of Paul Bunyan being knocked out for the count, should tell you what the future is for NJ......
Billabong
11:42 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
My parents took us to Bill's when we were kids. As a local, I'll bring my kids when Bill's is back up and running. I know the summer season is vital to these businesses but us locals can help give a good jump start to the businesses that are rebuilding.
rod knecht
12:03 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
I remember playing the Jame Bond 007 pin ball machine trying not to tilt it when I was in high school... I have fond memories of the Barnacle Bills, and hope he sticks it out...
donna simone
1:17 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
for bill, jojo and family, our friends and neighbors......thank you for sending out positive energy, you are truly the heart of ORTLEY BEACH! looking forward to a new start,making new memories and keeping the old ones alive! with love and many thanks! d & c
Sandra
6:13 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
I loved passing that place everytime I would go through town. I know that "Coastal Amusements" In Lakewood distributes and manufactures games over there. Awesome stuff. Might be a good time to check out the March/April Trade shows too in Vegas. I use to photograph these games at the warehouse. These are awesome money pushers and video games. I am sure that the new stuff no matter where ya get it from will be enjoyed and CAN'T wait to patronize the store when it comes back Yeah. comin' back 2-Barnacle Bills! Good name too. Good luck.
barbara
10:21 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
I would love to see this shore landmark rebuilt. Always thought it was a nice place to take the kids. One step at a time, but progress will be made. I have faith in the people of this area who have businesses and will patronize them when they rebuild.
Eleanor George
2:06 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Everyone loves Barnacle Bills. Ortley could never be the same without it. Thanks for rebuilding.