Atlantic City, NEW JERSEY - Young's Million Dollar Pier - 1933 - NEON SIGNS :  Million Dollar Pier was built by Captain John L. Young in partnership with Kennedy Crossan a builder from Philadelphia. Young was an experienced showman who in 1891 had begun operating Young's Ocean Pier in Atlantic City (on the site where Central Pier was later located). In 1906 he announced that he was going to build a new pier "to cost a million dollars!" at the foot of Arkansas Avenue. The new pier opened as Young's Million Dollar Pier on July 26, 1906, with a length of 1,900 feet (580 m). It was owned by Associated Realties Company, a corporation that was owned by Young and Crossan. The Million Dollar Pier had what was claimed to be the world's largest ballroom, as well as a Hippodrome Theater with 4,000 seats, Exhibit Hall, Greek Temple, aquarium and a roller skating rink. In 1908 Young built a mansion on the pier for himself, with the address as "No. 1 Atlantic Ocean." At the ocean end of the pier, there were daily fish net hauls that were often directed by Captain Young himself.  During its early decades, the pier also hosted many conventions and events, including the 1925 Miss America Pageant. Dance Marathons were held at the pier from 1931 to 1933. During the 1930s the pier offered a circus, vaudeville acts, orchestras, movies, net hauls and swimming (with locker facilities provided). The pier, however, struggled financially and its owner, Associated Realties Company, went into bankruptcy in 1936. The reorganized company that emerged from bankruptcy was still owned by members of the Crossan family, but Captain Young was no longer its president. Young died at his winter home in West Palm Beach, Florida on February 15, 1938 at the age of 84.  This Linen Era postcard, published in 1933, is in good condition.  "C.T. American Art."  Curt Teich Co.  Chicago.  No. 3A-H1227.  Miller Bros. Atlantic City, N. J.  No. 7.