Following Nucky’s imprisonment, Frank “Hap” Farley was next in line as the Republican leader. He was dealt a bad hand as Atlantic City and the rest of the United States was experiencing the the Great Depression. During this era that followed the Great Depression, Atlantic City saw a continued decline once again. Although, it wasn’t without the efforts of Hap Farley as he was dedicated to politics and his city. Hap had been quoted as saying, “Whatever you do, do it thoroughly or don’t touch it” (Johnson, p.130).
Hap truly lived by this motto as he was very involved in politics and put much effort into making great strides. While not as extravagant or bold as Nucky, Hap got the job done. Hap formed the “21 Club” where senators, Republican and Democrat alike, met in Atlantic City’s hotels to discuss political issues. Hap was the leader and orchestrator behind this club where he earned respect from both parties. According to Johnson, “The 21 Club lasted for nearly 25 years and was valuable public relations for both Farley and the resort” (p.138).
Hap truly lived by this motto as he was very involved in politics and put much effort into making great strides. While not as extravagant or bold as Nucky, Hap got the job done. Hap formed the “21 Club” where senators, Republican and Democrat alike, met in Atlantic City’s hotels to discuss political issues. Hap was the leader and orchestrator behind this club where he earned respect from both parties. According to Johnson, “The 21 Club lasted for nearly 25 years and was valuable public relations for both Farley and the resort” (p.138).
During Hap’s reign, World War II played a big role in Atlantic City’s fortune, both good and bad. During World War II, Atlantic City was used as a training ground for the United States Army. The resort town benefited greatly from the American Army using its hotels. “The war may not have bee a good thing for the local racketeers, but it was great for the resort’s economy. Many hotels and boarding houses throughout the resort were converted to barracks and offices” (Johnson, p.139).
Because of the presence of the American Army in Atlantic City, the city felt pressure to temporarily close down their illegal gambling rooms. As a result, racketeering also had to take a step back. But after the War had ended, racketeering was still successful under Hap. Johnson claims, “By 1950 things had returned to normal. While Farley’s people were less brazen than Nucky Johnson, the rackets flourished under Hap. Protection money continued to be to paid to the organization...”(p. 143).
Post-World War II, is where Atlantic City began to suffer. As Johnson puts it, “Atlantic City was a victim of postwar modernization” (p.156). Atlantic City benefitted as a resort town early with it’s appeal to families, gamblers, and those who desired alcohol but now the competition was growing and the developments post-war were destructive. “More affordable airfare and an expanded interstate highway system gave tourists more options for spending both their leisure time and their discretionary income. In addition, new resorts such as Disneyland overshadowed Atlantic City’s attractions” (Newburger, Sands & Wackes, n.d., p.IV). Less visitors resulted in hotel owners and other businesses leaving while they could. Atlantic City became less desirable as the quality of the town dwindled. The population and visitors also took a big hit. The population, post-war, dropped 40,000 in the years 1960-1980 (Newburger, Sands & Wackes, p.IV). Atlantic City needed a boost. The idea of legalizing gambling in the 1970s might just be the one that brings this city back to life.
Because of the presence of the American Army in Atlantic City, the city felt pressure to temporarily close down their illegal gambling rooms. As a result, racketeering also had to take a step back. But after the War had ended, racketeering was still successful under Hap. Johnson claims, “By 1950 things had returned to normal. While Farley’s people were less brazen than Nucky Johnson, the rackets flourished under Hap. Protection money continued to be to paid to the organization...”(p. 143).
Post-World War II, is where Atlantic City began to suffer. As Johnson puts it, “Atlantic City was a victim of postwar modernization” (p.156). Atlantic City benefitted as a resort town early with it’s appeal to families, gamblers, and those who desired alcohol but now the competition was growing and the developments post-war were destructive. “More affordable airfare and an expanded interstate highway system gave tourists more options for spending both their leisure time and their discretionary income. In addition, new resorts such as Disneyland overshadowed Atlantic City’s attractions” (Newburger, Sands & Wackes, n.d., p.IV). Less visitors resulted in hotel owners and other businesses leaving while they could. Atlantic City became less desirable as the quality of the town dwindled. The population and visitors also took a big hit. The population, post-war, dropped 40,000 in the years 1960-1980 (Newburger, Sands & Wackes, p.IV). Atlantic City needed a boost. The idea of legalizing gambling in the 1970s might just be the one that brings this city back to life.