How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The railroads hired other "distinguished men of medicine" […] to make written endorsements and to prescribe a stay at the beach as the cure for every ailment. (2.17)
In case you can't tell, the phrase "distinguished men of medicine" refers to the old timey equivalent of those guys who host late night infomercials extolling the latest diet craze. Atlantic City was founded on the false promise of a magical medical transformation—and amazingly, it worked.
Quote #2
The Boardwalk created the illusion that everyone was part of a huge middle class parading to prosperity and social freedom. (2.31)
This isn't by accident. Atlantic City's business leaders have long been courting working class patrons, knowing that a high volume of less-wealthy visitors is better than a low volume of rich ones. In order to get these working class folks to spend more money, the hucksters on the boardwalk need to play a few tricks.
Quote #3
Boardwalk merchants […] were, in large part, responsible for institutionalizing the concept of the spending spree in American culture. (2.38)
That's certainly impressive, we suppose, in the same way that it's impressive how many seasons of Keeping up the Kardashians there are. In other words, in an unsavory kind of way. These dudes have made it their mission to squeeze as much cash from tourists as possible, and they're not going to let silly things like morality keep them from reaching their goal.