Wildwood's Iconic Tram Car Voice Sparks Legal Battle
For over 50 years, the distinctive voice warning visitors to "Watch the Tram Car, Please" has become a beloved part of the Wildwood, New Jersey boardwalk experience. However, the woman behind that iconic voice is now taking legal action, claiming she never gave permission for its use and has never been compensated.Uncovering the Story Behind Wildwood's Legendary Tram Car Announcement
The Voice That Defined a Boardwalk Tradition
Generations of visitors to Wildwood, New Jersey have grown up with the familiar sound of the tram car's warning announcement, delivered in a distinctive female voice. This voice belongs to Floss Stingel, a lifelong Wildwood resident who recorded the message as a favor for her boyfriend in 1971. Little did she know that her five simple words would become an integral part of the boardwalk experience for decades to come.A Lifetime of Uncompensated Use
Despite the widespread use of her voice recording, Stingel claims she never gave anyone permission to use it and has never received any compensation. Over the years, the recording has been used in various mediums, from television shows and documentaries to being played an estimated 6,000 times per day during the summer months. Stingel's attorney, Emeka Igwe, argues that the use of her voice without proper authorization and compensation is a violation of basic American law.The Tipping Point: Plush Tram Car Toys
Stingel's decision to take legal action was sparked by the recent appearance of plush tram car toys on the market, which feature her iconic voice. She says that while others are profiting from the use of her voice, she has not received any of the proceeds. This, combined with the decades-long uncompensated use of her recording, has led Stingel to seek legal recourse.The City's Response and the Lawsuit
Stingel has filed a lawsuit against the city of Wildwood and several other defendants, seeking compensation for the use of her voice. The mayor of Wildwood has stated that the city does not own the tram cars and does not comment on pending litigation. Stingel's attorney, Emeka Igwe, has indicated that the lawsuit may expand to include additional defendants and that they are hoping for a quick resolution.The Potential Impact and Implications
The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the use of individuals' voices and likenesses in commercial settings. Stingel's case raises questions about the rights of individuals whose voices or images have become closely associated with a particular product or experience, even if they did not explicitly grant permission for their use. The resolution of this dispute could set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future, potentially impacting the way businesses and municipalities approach the use of public figures' voices and likenesses.As the legal battle unfolds, the Wildwood community and visitors alike await the outcome, which could forever change the iconic tram car experience that has been a part of the boardwalk's fabric for generations.