The original Tillie mural from the old Palace Amusement building is peeling away in a shed near the Asbury Park boardwalk. Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The beloved icon sits in darkness, withering away inside a wooden shed just steps from the bustling beachfront.
The paint on his hulking, concrete face is flaking. A chunk of his nose is ready to fall off. The years of salt and wind and neglect have exacted their toll, and spiderwebs hang from the steel frame keeping him intact.
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About the Authors
Reporting
Alex Napoliello is a criminal justice reporter. He has worked for NJ Advance Media and its affiliated properties since 2013. He may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ.
Reporting & Videography
Natalie Paterson is a video journalist. She may be reached at npaterson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @IamNPaterson.
Videography & Photography
Andre Malok is a multimedia specialist. He is a drone pilot and the host of “Outdoors with Andre.” Follow him on Twitter @AndreMalok or email him at amalok@njadvancemedia.com.
Editing
Jeff Roberts is an editor supervising health and education coverage. Email him at jroberts@njadvancemedia.com or connect on Twitter at @thejrob.
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