Days Gone By

Here’s a look back at Dune Drive between 22nd and 23rd streets from September 1977. All of these buildings are still standing, albeit with different business names. Let’s start with Danee’s Restaurant. Just several years earlier, this spot was known as The Drag Inn Steak Shop. Themed inside with racing memorabilia, it was a small luncheonette. You know that spot today as Café Loren. Moving north is the Dune’s Steak and Subs. It had recently taken the space previously known for many years as Reo’s. Today, this building is home to the Serendipity Shops. Next to Dune’s is a familiar site: Gallagher’s Liquors. Originally operated by Bernie and Marie Gallagher, in 1977 Walt Fellenbaum managed the operation. Several years earlier, Fellenbaum moved the liquor store several doors south into this modern, expanded facility. Today, you know this location as Fred’s Avalon Liquors. This business also happens to hold the distinction of being the first licensed establishment in Avalon for retail sales of liquor. The original liquor store was located in the end unit and was operated by Pete Vassallo prior to the Gallaghers. Next to Gallagher’s is the Mouse Trap cheese shop and the northernmost store in this photo, which was the original location of Vassello’s and Gallagher’s Liquors: Morhard Tafel Realty. Notice, too, that there were no traffic islands in Dune Drive at this time. And although we’re not sure what time of day this photo was taken, it seems especially quiet. Our thanks to the late Brian Flynn for this photo – and yes, he was the Brian from Brian’s Waffle House.

If You Have A Photo From The Past Send It To Us: Days Gone By, PO BOX 134, Avalon NJ 08202 - OR - Email info@7miletimes.com