Wildwood Doo Wop.com

The history of the Wingate property is one of the most dramatic in the island's history, at least in terms of physical transformation. Originally a small one-story motor court owned and operated by the Wingate family, the motel was expanded several times over the years. By the turn of the 21st Century, however, the property was tired and apparently on its last legs. It was rescued by the Morey Organization, which transformed it into the Starlux, the sparkling entity that ushered in the era of "Neo" Doo Wop in the Wildwoods. The Wingate sat for decades on the northeast corner of Atlantic & Rio Grande, one of the busiest intersections on the island. It was neighbored for decades by the Rio Motel and its various properties to the immediate east and west/northwest. The Sea Shell Motel and ice cream parlor buildings still operate across the street to the south and southwest, respectively.

• The Wingate was built and owned by Lewes D. Wingate.
• At the time of the motel's opening, Wingate was perhaps the most prominent member of the Wildwoods' business community. Among the posts he held at the time, he was the Director of the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce and President of the Greater Wildwood Hotel-Motel Association.
• A full page add in the April 10, 1958 edition of the "Jersey Shore Times" featured a color profile photo of the motel and a black-and-white headshot of Mr. Wingate (along with a list of his current posts). It also prominently advertised "Air Conditioning" as one of the motel's amenities and listed room rates as ranging from "$8 to $10 A Night!" An enlarged replica of this ad currently hangs on the wall outside of the Starlux's game room.

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