The Voice Behind the Iconic Wildwood Tram Car Announcement Seeks Compensation

For decades, the familiar refrain "Watch the tram car, please" has echoed along the Wildwood, New Jersey boardwalk, a ubiquitous part of the Jersey Shore experience. But now, the woman behind that iconic voice is taking legal action, claiming her voice has been used without her consent and without proper compensation.

Unlocking the Untold Story of the Wildwood Tram Car Announcement

The Iconic Voice and Its Origins

Floss Stingel, a longtime resident of the Wildwood area, recorded the now-famous tram car announcement in 1971 as a favor to her then-boyfriend. Little did she know that her voice would become so deeply ingrained in the fabric of the Wildwood community, playing thousands of times a day as the tram cars traverse the two-mile stretch of the boardwalk.

Stingel's voice has become synonymous with the Wildwood experience, a constant presence that has welcomed generations of visitors to the Jersey Shore. The simple yet effective warning has become a beloved part of the Wildwood tradition, a sonic signature that has helped to shape the identity of the seaside town.

The Legal Battle for Compensation

However, Stingel now claims that her voice has been used without her consent and without proper compensation. In a lawsuit filed against the City of Wildwood, the Wildwood Business Improvement District, the Wildwoods Boardwalk Special Improvement District, the Wildwood Historical Society and George F. Boyer Museum, Morey's Piers & Beachfront Waterparks, and St. George's Stores, Stingel's attorneys allege that these entities have profited from her iconic recording for over 45 years, without providing her with any meaningful compensation.

The court documents outline how Stingel's "Watch the tram car, please" phrase has been used extensively to market the Wildwood community for tourism, has been included in various merchandise and memorabilia, and has even been featured in an episode of the popular television series "Sex and the City." Despite the widespread use of her voice, Stingel claims she has received little more than the occasional free tram ticket as compensation.

The Impact on the Wildwood Community

The lawsuit has sparked a complex debate within the Wildwood community, with some residents and business owners expressing concern over the potential impact on the town's iconic tram car system and the broader tourism industry. Others, however, have voiced support for Stingel's efforts to seek fair compensation for the use of her voice, which has become so deeply ingrained in the Wildwood experience.

As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome will likely have far-reaching implications for the Wildwood community and the way it celebrates and preserves its unique cultural heritage. The case has also raised broader questions about the rights of individuals whose voices or likenesses have become inextricably linked with a particular place or experience, and the responsibilities of those who profit from such associations.

The Future of the Wildwood Tram Car Announcement

Regardless of the legal outcome, the "Watch the tram car, please" announcement is likely to remain a beloved and iconic part of the Wildwood experience. Whether Stingel's voice continues to be used or a new voice is introduced, the tram car announcement has become an integral part of the Wildwood tradition, a sonic touchstone that connects visitors to the rich history and vibrant culture of this beloved Jersey Shore destination.

As the legal battle unfolds, the Wildwood community and its many stakeholders will undoubtedly be watching closely, eager to see how this story of an iconic voice and its rightful compensation unfolds. The outcome will not only impact Floss Stingel, but also the future of the Wildwood tram car experience and the way the town celebrates and preserves its unique cultural identity.