Long Branch's fame as the Nation's First Seaside Resort waned in the years following World War II."Refuges of the famous saw economic, political change", Asbury Park Press, October 19, 2006. Accessed July 10, 2007. "But the moderate climate and ocean bathing soon helped Long Branch develop a reputation as the nation's 'first seaside resort.'" The defining moment marking the end of this era occurred on June 8, 1987, when the largest fire in the history of the city destroyed the landmark amusement pier and adjoining Haunted Mansion, "Kid's World" Amusement Park and other businesses.Williams, Carol Gorga. "Blaze scarred Long Branch for next 20 years", Asbury Park Press, June 8, 2007. Access January 17, 2011.
Long Branch's fame as the Nation's First Seaside Resort waned in the years following World War II."Refuges of the famous saw economic, political change", Asbury Park Press, October 19, 2006. Accessed July 10, 2007. "But the moderate climate and ocean bathing soon helped Long Branch develop a reputation as the nation's 'first seaside resort.'" The defining moment marking the end of this era occurred on June 8, 1987, when the largest fire in the history of the city destroyed the landmark amusement pier and adjoining Haunted Mansion, "Kid's World" Amusement Park and other businesses.Williams, Carol Gorga. "Blaze scarred Long Branch for next 20 years", Asbury Park Press, June 8, 2007. Access January 17, 2011.