Heart of Town

Looking toward the ocean, you see The Sand Dollar Restaurant. In the seventies and eighties, though, it was known as The Arcade, where a steady stream of kids traveled between pinball machines and the beach. 

Across the street next to Joe's Snacks & Beer is the current day Sea Treasure Gifts. In 1949, Rockaway Amusement Co. opened in that location and bumper car rides became a beloved Rockaway tradition, most recently under the name Rockaway-Dodgem. 

We’re able to share these stories thanks to the Best family and Rosemary Walker, to whom we dedicate this heritage project. Don Best, a local historian, professional photographer, and founding family member of Rockaway Beach, has generously contributed his photos and oral history to the volunteers who spent 3 years on this tour, as well as to countless historical publications. ​

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Rosemary Walker, Rockaway Beach City Recorder, compiled these first-hand accounts for the 1983 Memories of Rockaway by the Sea Magazine. Without her vision, these turn-of-the-century narratives would not have been honored. ​

Woman in plaid jacket and glasses seated at a desk, smiling and writing on paper.
Man wearing glasses and a red cap, looking at the camera outdoors.

Please join us in preserving Rockaway Beach heritage… send your family photos and memories or donate to our historic beautification projects at www.RockawayBeach.net/historic-walking-tour 

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