Barnegat-Manahawkin Patch Readers Share Moon-Landing Memories

BARNEGAT, NJ — Many Barnegat-Manahawkin Patch readers still remember the moon landing like it was yesterday. As the 50-year anniversary approached, Barnegat-Manahawkin Patch readers shared some stories about when they watched the Apollo 11 mission come to fruition on July 20, 1969.

Here were some responses:

"Seaside Heights , NJ - they blamed the week of rain on the moon landing!! Said the interrupted the atmosphere :) I watched it on my Aunt Aggie’s little TV with tin foil on the antenna- the appliance store on Central Avenue put TVs on in their windows so people could watch as well... I’ll never forget it!" - Judith Ann

"I watched with my brother and parents on our 19” b&w TV at our home. I recorded the audio portion on my reel-to-reel tape recorder. Still have the tape." - Richard Visotcky

"We were in ShipBottom NJ we did not have a TV so we all went to the rental place, ( they had everything) and they stayed open with all the TVs on, we sat on the floor and you could hear a pin drop! I was going to be a senior in high school!!" - Janice Mooney

"On our Honeymoon in Bermuda. All the guests at the hotel applauded the USA for their accomplishment! Proud of America then and Now!" - Rita Marino Oates

"Watched on our black and white TV in a rental house on Barnegat Ave in Surf City." - Mike Cebula

"Watching on a tiny TV in a motel room in Southhold, Long Island, NY, with my Mom and Dad, first husband and newborn son of 3 mos! It was surreal!" - Monica Bell

"Sitting on the couch. Six months pregnant with my daughter. Was amazing. Tv reception not so good. Worrying so much for our astronauts." - Janice Ryan

"Rich & I went to Central Park where there crowds of people and watched the astronauts land. We purchased a banner at Central Park & still have it." - Rosemarie Arikian

"At a hippie party on Long Beach Island with my boyfriend (we are currently married 48 years) and we all thought the event was "far out"!" - Audrey McGrath Fitzgerald

"Middle of the night, on the couch. 7 months pregnant with my second son. Lots of worry for the astronauts safety. A TV blackout when they couldn't communicate with space craft. Holding your breath. Tears when they landed. This was a huge thing 50 years ago. Woke my husband up to see it all. Great thing to witness. My son delivered healthy 50 in October. God Bless America." - Madeline Veira Attanasio

"Watch Live TV in classroom, I'm 3rd. Grade in School 22, Colonia NJ." - Mark Tanzi

"On the floor exactly 3 months old while my parents recorded the moment from the tv on super8 camera." - Bobby Hare

You can read everyone's answers below. And feel free to share your memories with Patch.

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