The seaside town of Wildwood, New Jersey, is known for its vibrant boardwalk, sun-drenched beaches, and the familiar refrain that echoes through the air – "Watch the tram car, please." This iconic warning has become as much a part of the Wildwood experience as the salty ocean breeze and the laughter of children playing in the surf. But behind this ubiquitous message lies a fascinating story of one woman's lifelong connection to the town and its beloved tram cars.

Unraveling the Mystery of Wildwood's Tram Car Announcer

The Voice That Defined a Boardwalk Era

For over half a century, the voice of Floss Stingel has been a constant presence on Wildwood's boardwalk, warning visitors to be mindful of the tram cars that ferry beachgoers up and down the 2-mile stretch. Stingel, now 84 years old, has become a living legend in the town, her words etched into the collective memory of generations of Wildwood visitors. But despite her long-standing association with the tram cars, Stingel has never been compensated for the use of her voice, a fact that has now led her to file a lawsuit against the city and other entities involved in the tram car's operation.

The Tram Car's Storied History

The tram cars themselves have a rich history, tracing their origins back to the 1939 New York World's Fair, where they made their debut. In 1949, a local businessman in Wildwood converted the cars' diesel engines to run on batteries, bringing the iconic mode of transportation to the town's bustling boardwalk. It wasn't until 1971, however, that Stingel's voice was added to the tram car experience, as she recorded the now-famous warning while dating an employee of the tram car's operator.

The Iconic Phrase and Its Impact

Stingel's warning, which is activated by the tram car driver at the push of a button, is estimated to be heard around 6,000 times a day. The phrase has become so ingrained in the Wildwood experience that it has been described as "one of the most recognizable phrases in the tri-state area." The tram cars themselves have also become a major draw for the town, with an estimated 500,000 passengers annually, generating an estimated $2.5 million in revenue.

Stingel's Continued Involvement

Despite never being compensated for her iconic voice, Stingel has remained involved with the tram cars over the years. She has performed her famous phrase at special events, including the introduction of new, larger tram cars in 2007 and the service's 60th anniversary celebration in 2009. This ongoing connection to the tram cars has only strengthened the bond between Stingel and the Wildwood community, making her lawsuit all the more compelling.

The Legal Battle for Recognition

Stingel's lawsuit, filed in state court by Emeka Igwe of Philadelphia, seeks to recoup a share of the revenue generated by the use of her voice, as well as the recovery of her legal expenses. The suit also requests an injunction that would silence the tram cars' message until Stingel's dispute is resolved. The defendants, which include Wildwood City and the Wildwoods Boardwalk Special Improvement District, have not yet commented on the pending litigation.As the legal battle unfolds, the story of Floss Stingel and her iconic tram car warning has captured the attention of the Wildwood community and beyond. Her voice has become as much a part of the Wildwood experience as the sights and sounds of the boardwalk itself, and her fight for recognition and compensation has the potential to redefine the relationship between the town and its most recognizable voice.