Young's Million Dollar Pier
The Applegate Pier, built in 1884 and located at the foot of Tennessee Avenue, was the first successful amusement pier built in Atlantic City. It was multi-decked and 665 feet long. The Applegate pier was bought by John Young in 1891, and he named this pier the "Ocean Pier." The Ocean Pier burned down in 1902. John Young built a bigger and better pier that opened in 1910. This was the Million Dollar Pier.
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Million Dollar Pier
Postcard by P. Sander - from the collection of Thomas Topham.
John Young's Million Dollar Pier. The pier included the world's largest ballroom, named The Hippodrome, and a huge exhibit hall. The pier hosted movies, conventions, and exhibits of every description. Teddy Roosevelt gave a speech there in 1912. Some of the big bands played there including Glenn Miller, Jimmy Dorsey and Artie Shaw.
Million Dollar Pier
Postcard by E.C. Kropp Co. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.
Young's Million Dollar Pier.
John Young's Home
Postcard by Detroit Publishing Co. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.
John Young made his home out near the end of Million Dollar Pier. His home was made from marble, and the garden included statues imported from Florence, Italy. John loved to fish, and often fished off of his pier with his friend Thomas Edison, who designed the lighting for his house and garden. Young loved to entertain. In 1910 he held a dinner for President Taft, and members of his cabinet, at his home by the sea.
President Theodore Roosevelt - 1912
President Theodore Roosevelt made a campaign speech at Million Dollar Pier in 1912.
Million Dollar Pier Net Hauls - 1913
Postcard by Post Card Distribution Co,- from the collection of Thomas Topham.
At the very end of Million Dollar Pier, John Young operated a "Creatures of the Deep" attraction, that featured deep-sea net hauls twice daily.
Million Dollar Pier Deep Sea Net Haul - close up.
Postcard by Atlantic Foto Service - from the collection of Thomas Topham.
The deep-sea net hauls yielded all types of sea creatures. Wide-eyed tourists hung over the rails gawking at the catch. Up to 46 different species were identified in these net hauls.
Million Dollar Pier Deep Sea Net Haul - closer up.
Postcard by Jersey Supply Co. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.
On the back of the card: An unusual and instructive sight is the daily net haul of myriads of deep sea denizens; varieties ranging from common dog-sharks, tiny sea-horses, rare tropical species to giant fish and mammals.
Million Dollar Pier - At Night
Postcard by Saltzburg's Merchandise Co. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.
The Pier Shops at Caesars - 2008
The Pier Shops at Caesars now stands where Young's Million Dollar Pier used to be. The Pier Shops extend well out into the ocean. You can still fish from the end of the pier.
To find out about the Pier Shops at Caesars follow this Link: Pier Shops
Note: The pier Shops at Caesars is now "The Playground."