Iconic Boardwalk Voice Seeks Compensation After Decades of Unrecognized Service

Floss Stingel, the familiar voice that has been guiding Wildwood boardwalk visitors for over 50 years, is finally seeking the recognition and compensation she deserves. Despite her iconic status, Stingel has never been paid for the use of her voice, which is heard thousands of times a day during the summer months. Now, she is taking legal action against the city and various entities that have profited from her contribution to the Wildwood experience.

Unsung Hero Demands Rightful Dues

The Unassuming Origin of an Iconic Voice

Floss Stingel's journey to becoming the voice of the Wildwood boardwalk began in 1971, when her then-boyfriend, who worked for the Ramagosa company that owned the tram cars, asked her to record a simple message. Little did she know that her casual recording would become a staple of the Wildwood experience for decades to come. Stingel's voice, delivering the familiar instruction to "Watch the tram car please," has become as much a part of the boardwalk's identity as the rides and attractions themselves.Despite the widespread recognition and use of her voice, Stingel has never been compensated for her contribution. Instead, she has received only free tram car tickets, which she often gives away to others. This lack of recognition and financial reward has led Stingel to take legal action, seeking to finally receive the compensation she deserves.

The Legal Battle for Rightful Ownership

Stingel's lawsuit names the city of Wildwood, the Wildwood Boardwalk Special Improvement District, the Wildwood Historical Society, Morey's Piers, and St. George's Stores as defendants. The suit alleges that these entities have all benefited from the use of Stingel's voice, which is played an estimated 6,000 times per day during the summer months.One of the key challenges in Stingel's case is the timing of the original recording. Since the recording was made before the Copyright Act of 1972, Stingel's attempts to copyright the recording in 2010 were denied. This legal technicality has made it more difficult for her to establish ownership and claim compensation.

The Community's Reaction and the Uncertain Future

The news of Stingel's lawsuit has sparked a mixed reaction from the Wildwood community. Many residents and visitors have expressed their appreciation for Stingel's voice and their hope that the issue can be resolved in a way that preserves the iconic boardwalk experience. However, the defendants named in the lawsuit have yet to respond, leaving the future of Stingel's voice on the boardwalk uncertain.As the legal battle unfolds, Stingel's case has raised important questions about the rights of individuals who contribute to the cultural fabric of a community. Her story highlights the need for greater recognition and fair compensation for those whose work, even in seemingly small ways, has become an integral part of a place's identity. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how such contributions are valued and rewarded in the future.