The Mahana family were longtime
summer visitors to the Wildwoods and in the late 50's Fred's
parents purchased a store on the west side of the boardwalk
between 26th and 25th streets. It was there that the Mahana
Puppet Theatre was born. The playhouse was family operated with
Fred acting as director, producer and manager and younger brother
John assisting him on stage. Fred's Mom would sell tickets and
refreshments out front. The shows would run approximately 20
minutes and featured various skits and musical numbers with
voice characterization performed by Fred. Eventually Fred would
move from Newark and make Wildwood his permanent home where
he would continue to run the puppet theatre along with his wife
Sylvia. It would not be long before Fred would turn his attention
toward the amusement industry.