History Archives

Cape May’s Deep Ties To The Coast Guard

April 30, 2018 by administrator

A Proud Coast Guard Community

Cape May, New Jersey is known for many things; the Victorian homes in Cape May, sandy beaches and great restaurants, and being one of the world’s premier birdwatching destinations. Yet, it’s the area’s newest national honor that makes it most proud — A Coast Guard Community.

The official county-wide designation was bestowed on May 8, 2015 and was one that involved a rigorous application process and approval by not only the U.S. Coast Guard but both houses of Congress. Only 18 cities and one other county have received the designation, which recognizes an above-and-beyond bond between the Coast Guard and the community.

Cape May’s ties go back to the early 1800s when the Guard first established a presence with 12 Life Saving Stations in the area. That bond grew tighter after the establishment of the Training Center (TRACEN) on Sewell’s Point in 1948. And, since 1982, TRACEN has been the only USCG training facility for enlisted personnel in the country. That means that 80% of the current force have all gone through Cape May in their Coast Guard careers.

TRACEN is the third largest employer in Cape May County, bringing in an estimated $174 million in direct and indirect revenue to the county. About 40,000 family and friends of graduating “Coasties” come to Cape May every year – year-round. Many from the north drive down via the Garden State Parkway, while others more west fly into regional airports before driving, and those coming from the south frequently drive over via the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.

Strong Community Connection

Aerial photo of the USCG water tower in Cape May, NJ

Members of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and CG Auxiliary (a volunteer group) connect with the community in a variety of ways. Their biggest connection is through the Partnership in Education Program. In it, Guardsmen work directly with students both in and out of the classroom to heighten awareness of traditional Coast Guard values: drug-free lifestyle, emphasis on scholarship, personal initiative, responsibility and individual self-worth.

The Coast Guard also offers boating safety classes, helps with turtle hatching and other wildlife protection and rescue activities, offers tours of TRACEN to school groups and the public by reservation on weekends, presents Sunset Parades at the base open to the public, and helps at local events such as music festivals, Harborfest, and community parades.

The connection to Cape May is far stronger for most Coasties than just memories of Boot Camp days. More than a few have fallen in love with locals, gotten married, bought houses, and settled down or retired here post active service. For instance, retired Coast Guard officer Tom Carroll and his wife Sue were pioneers in the B&B business in Cape May when they opened their first inn, the Main Stay, in 1972. They remain very active in the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts — so much so that the Carriage House Gallery on The Emlen Physick Estate was renamed The Carroll Gallery in their honor.

Related Post: 10 NJ Facts About the Coast Guard

For their part, civilian community residents take considerable efforts to make the Guard — especially new recruits — feel at home. Every year, through Operation Fireside, more than 180 Cape May families open their homes to 500+ recruits for a traditional meal on Thanksgiving and Christmas while they are away from their own families and traditions.

The Coast Guard Family Assistance Fund helps bring friends and family of graduating recruits to Cape May every week, often paying plane fares and, in cooperation with local hotels and motels, arranging for free or reduced-rate stays.

Festival Opens TRACEN To The Public

Since receiving the Coast Guard Community designation in 2015, signs have been distributed throughout the county so visitors in each municipality are greeted with blue signs announcing they’re entering “A Proud Coast Guard Community.” The idea is that for all passers-by to clearly see the Coast Guard seal and be reminded about the significant USCG presence in the area.

The annual Cape May Coast Guard Community Festival, held the first weekend in May, is an outgrowth of that designation. “The festival is an opportunity for the community to have access to TRACEN one day a year and learn more about the Coast Guard through ship tours, search and rescue demonstrations, guided trolley tours, and observing recruits during the day,” said Mike Couch, executive director of the Cape May County Community Foundation.

The Foundation hopes to continue to grow the weekend festival into a longer event, but for now it starts with Friday night ceremonies, continues with the Saturday festival on base, and ends with closing ceremonies on Sunday.

For more information on the Community Foundation visit CoastGuardCommunity.org, or call 609-888-6120. Donations are always welcomed, but opportunities also exist for sponsorships of key events and programs, and volunteer positions to help organize and work the various events involved in the Festival.

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Cape May’s Only Victorian House Museum

March 22, 2018 by administrator

A Visit Back in Time to the Emlen Physick Estate

Cape May is known for many historic sites that you just can’t see anywhere else in the world, the Emlen Physick Estate being one of them. Now a Victorian house museum operated by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts, the estate transports you through time to see how a wealthy Victorian household operated and what they would do for entertainment.

Tea set at the historic Emlen Physick Estate house museum

History of the Physick Family

Emlen Physick, Jr. (1855-1916) was a trained physician from a short, but successful line of physicians dating back to the 1700s. His Philadelphia-based grandfather Philip Syng Physick (1768-1837) was considered the father of American surgery, working alongside Benjamin Rush and many other well-known American founders. The name Emlen stems from his grandmother, Elizabeth Emlen, who passed it down to her son as his first name and then the grandson for whom the estate is now named.

Unlike his forebears, Emlen, Jr. did not take to medicine. After his fathers death, Emlen Jr. came into an extremely large sum of money, completed his education in med school, then retired before his medical career ever began. With his new large estate built by Frank Furness, Emlen Jr. assumed the life of a gentleman farmer, meaning he spent many hours with his beloved dogs while the paid servants did the heavy lifting on the farm.

The estate is the reason for the formation of the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities, as the estate was about to be destroyed after years of neglect and graffiti. This was an eye-opener, and people in Cape May realized important pieces of history like this and the Cape May Lighthouse need to be preserved. It was then that the MAC was formed, renovating the estate with some TLC, and transforming it into a fun tour about the lives of the wealthy of the Victorian era.

Touring The Estate

On the tour, you’ll be transported back to the 1800s and stand in awe of the Francis Furness architecture (considered an inspiration to Frank Lloyd Wright), stunning wall papers, and overall room designs that more than stand the test of time. Modern day home owners would easily want the sculpted fire places, wood screenings, and large farmhouse doors in their homes today.

The engaging and passionate tour guides give you an insider’s view on the lifestyles of the Physicks, the importance of the African American population in maintaining much of the history that’s been restored to the estate, and the credence of local ghost stories. For more information, visit the Emlen Physick Estate web site. Of course, the best way to experience history is firsthand and touring the estate for yourself!

Getting There from The Ferry

Take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry over from Lewes, Delaware to North Cape May, NJ. Although the estate is only 10 minutes from the Ferry, if it’s the summer season, ask the Ferry booking team about trolley tours leaving directly from the Ferry terminal.

If you’re arriving any time of the year by car drive down Ferry Road, cross into Cape May following Rt. 109. Soon after you cross the bridge into Cape May, take a left on Sydney Ave. and then take a right on to Washington Ave. The estate is on your left with parking behind The Carriage House.

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Lewes Day Trips and Weekend Excursions

October 5, 2017 by administrator

There's Always a Reason to Travel!

Whether you’re looking for a quick day-trip, a weekend-excursion or something in between, there’s always a reason to hop aboard the Cape May – Lewes Ferry and check out the beaches and towns surrounding Lewes. Take a look at a few options below, make some plans, book your Ferry travel and we’ll see you on board!

Take the DART Shuttle Into Lewes

Year-Round | Lewes, DE

Lewes offers a wide variety of year-round activities, from shopping and dining in the quaint downtown area, to historical tours, museums and more. You can even take the Ferry over as a foot passenger, and hop aboard the DART shuttle to get into town. The Route 204 bus conveniently picks up and departs from in front of the Lewes Terminal every half hour, seven days a week in the summer. View the schedule, here.

For more information about Historic Lewes, DE: visit Lewes.com or HistoricLewes.org.

Cape Henlopen State Park

Year-Round | 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE

Swim in the ocean waves, bike through the sand dunes, fish from the Bayside fishing pier, camp beside historical WWII towers, and explore all 7,000 acres of Cape Henlopen State Park! Located at the point where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Henlopen offers a unique combination of natural wonders and cultural history. Discover the beauty and diversity of Cape Henlopen coastal environment encompassing ocean and bay beaches, maritime forests, and tidal salt marshes. During your stay, be sure to visit Fort Miles, a WWII military base that features the Fort Miles Museum, Artillery Park, and Battery 519 tours. With excellent wildlife-watching, stunning scenery, world-class beaches, and year-round historical and environmental programming, there are endless adventures to discover at Cape Henlopen!

Book Ferry Travel

More information about Cape Henlopen State Park.

Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Year-Round | Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, DE

Visitors to Rehoboth Beach can enjoy a mile-long boardwalk lined with old-fashioned family amusements, attractions, beach stores, and good eats. The boardwalk is a year-round place for festivals, events, and daily strolls to enjoy the ocean views. The boardwalk is a combination of old-fashioned charm and modern amenities. Bike and surrey rentals are available by the hour or by the day.

For more information about the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk: click here

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55 Years Of Fond Ferry Memories

September 15, 2017 by administrator

The First Ferry Ride & A Lifetime of Memories

On July 1, 1964, Lee and Marietta Howard were on vacation with 13 family members. The family was planning to go to the Wildwood boardwalk for the evening, but Lee’s grandmother Ruby saw an advertisement in the newspaper for a ferry which they could ride for $1 per person. Instead of going to the boardwalk, the group of 15 decided to go for a ride on the Cape May – Lewes Ferry on what turned out to be its very first day in service.

Lee and Marietta now live in Verona, New Jersey and have a vacation home in Wildwood Crest. Being so close, they still like to visit the ferry and see everything that’s changed over the years – and in 55 years, a lot has changed, both for the Howards and at the ferry. The then-newlywed couple has now been married for 56 years, and their eldest daughter (with whom Marietta was pregnant when they first rode the ferry) now has a son in college. The ferry has also grown tremendously: there’s a new terminal building, activities outside, and a restaurant on either side. The ferries themselves have also been remodeled and updated countless times over the years.

Visiting the ferry is especially nostalgic for the family who rode on one of the very first voyages. It’s like stepping back in time to the very first time they rode across the Delaware Bay, and it also allows them to remember the family members with whom they traveled. Lee and Marietta stopped by the terminal in August to take a walk down memory lane and to get a souvenir for their cousin Walter’s 70th birthday. Walter was also among the 15 family members on the first ferry, and while he’s since moved to Florida, he still carries fond memories of the ferry and spending time in Cape May with his family.

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Lewes Through The Lens Of Time

June 27, 2017 by administrator

Past and Present Come Together in Lewes, DE

When you only get to see your sisters once or twice a year, you make the most of the time spent together. That’s exactly what Linda does when she visits her sisters Nancy and Trish in their hometown of Lewes, DE every year.

Passengers posing for picture inside the Motor Vessel

“She has a bucket list,” says Nancy, “and it gets longer every time we see her. This trip is on it, so today we rode over to Cape May for lunch.” The sisters, along with their aunt Betty Ann and their childhood friend Sandi (both of whom also live in Lewes), make it a point to go to Cape May for lunch once every summer, and on their way back to Lewes they were already planning their trip for next year, wanting to go into Cape May rather than staying at the Ferry’s terminal.

What started as a discussion about their day trip turned into a reflection on the town of Lewes: how it’s changed, how it’s stayed the same, and why they’ve stayed for so many years.

Nancy, Trish, Linda and Sandi lived on the same street growing up and went to Lewes High School together, so they’ve seen the growth and development of Lewes firsthand.

“We lived in Lewes when there were horses in the backyards and dogs roaming around the streets,” says Sandi. “Sometimes you might even see a chicken,” Trish adds. The town did seem to revolve around the chicken and fish factories, after all. At one time, Lewes was even the largest fishing port in the United States. The factories were what supported the town and its citizens for decades.

“If the wind blew one way, you’d smell the fish factory; if it blew the other way, you’d smell the chicken factory; if it was a good day, the wind wouldn’t blow at all,” Betty Ann says, only half joking.

The day before their annual trip to Cape May, the group took a quite literal walk down memory lane, during which they walked the streets of Lewes, stopping at all of the landmarks they frequently visited growing up, reminiscing on their memories. “We even ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by the canal for lunch,” Trish says of the afternoon. “It was like we were kids again.”

Despite everything that has changed in Lewes over the years, the women still remember why people go in the first place, and why most of them never left.

“The good thing about Lewes is that if you’re walking or driving down the streets, it’s because you want to be there,” they all agree. Lewes lies away from Route 1, which runs through most of the other Delaware beaches, meaning there aren’t so many people passing through the town. It’s more of a destination than a town that people drive through on their way to their final stop. Everyone walking the streets of Lewes is exactly where they want to be.

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Cape May Museums

June 3, 2017 by administrator

Cape May History: Step Back in Time

Whether you’re looking for an escape from the brisk autumn winds or need a rainy day activity, Cape May Museums offer intriguing options for keeping everyone in your traveling party engaged. Here are a few worth visiting, even on the most colorful and crisp fall days.

Historic Cold Spring Village

Cold Spring Brewery, built in 2016 with old barn wood in an 1804 barn style

720 Route 9 South
Cape May, NJ 08204

609.898.2300

This interactive museum lets you travel back in time to the “age of homespun” between 1789 and 1840. A visit can include a walk around 30 acres of land, or a visit to one or more of 26 restored historic buildings. During your visit, you will have the chance to meet historically clothed interpreters who educate you about the lifestyle and issues of the time. Children can join in the festivities, trying on costumes, making crafts, and playing the games of that time. Many visit just to dine at the Cold Spring Garage Restaurant, the only building standing in its original site, imbibe at the “new” Cold Spring Brewery built in an 1804 styled barn, or just treat themselves at the on site bakery, ice cream parlor, or country store.

For more info: https://hcsv.org/

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum

Jet fighter on display at Naval Air Station Wildwood museum.

500 Forrestal Road
Cape May Airport, NJ 08242

609.886.8787

Stop inside Hanger One to see dozens of historic airplanes, helicopters, jet aircrafts, and more. Carefully curated to reflect the naval history of the South Jersey, Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) is now celebrating its 20th anniversary. Interactive exhibits include airplanes from WWII, the watch tower from Bader Field (Atlantic City’s original and the nation’s first airport), and exhibits dedicated to the Coast Guard. Everyone from vets to budding pilots and historical buffs love exploring every nook and cranny of this memorable space. Make sure to test your docent’s knowledge when inside and find out why it’s called Naval Air Station Wildwood, but is located on the property of Cape May Airport, and is really located in Erma! You’ll be sure to come to the conclusion that someone was imbibing at nearby Cape May Brewery, long before the brewery was there!

For more info: usnasw.org

Cape May Fire Department Museum

643 Washington Street
Cape May, NJ 08204

609.884.9512

This small museum is filled with powerful stories and history. It is free and open to the public for all to enjoy. Learn the history of the Cape May Fire Department and see their antique 1928 American La France Fire Engine.

Emlen Physick Estate

1048 Washington Street
Cape May, NJ 08204

609.884.5404

Travel back into Victorian times as you walk into the Physick Estate. Admire the architecture and decorative arts, and learn about this notable Cape May family. This estate gives you an insight on the changing lifestyle of the past and is a unique place to visit. Operated by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC), the estate includes a Carriage House Cafe and Team Room and is part of area trolley tours. If coming from points south, consider a Ferry day trip excursion in the summer directly to the estate.

For more info: capemaymac.org

The Museum of Cape May County

504 Route 9 North
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

609.465.3535

Learn about the county’s original settlers in the 1600s into the 1800s as you walk through the museum. Catch a glimpse of what a doctor’s office looked like in the 1700s with all the different tools and pharmaceuticals that were used. You will also be able to see what a family’s home that was built in 1704 was like, and the changes that were made into the 1800s. Stop to see their new room that pays honor to those who have served, from the Revolutionary War to the current. The museum also serves as a genealogical research area to help people explore their Cape May County roots.

For more info: cmcmuseum.org

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4 Must-See Museums In Delaware

May 25, 2017 by administrator

Dive Into Delaware's History!

A day trip on the Ferry can be a fun way to enjoy both sides of the Delaware Bay any time of the year! During the chillier months, you can explore indoors with these unique Delaware museums, all within an easy drive of the Lewes Ferry Terminal.

Zwaanendael Museum – Lewes

Take a unique look at Lewes, Delaware’s first European settlement, and the role it played in the War of 1812. Experience the vast history of southern Delaware through artifacts as well as exhibits featuring shipwrecks and lighthouses. Don’t miss the museum’s most popular attraction, The Fiji Merman, a half monkey, half sea monster that locals call “Monkeyfish.” Free admission.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4:15pm
For info: delaware.gov, or 302-645-1148

Johnson Victrola Museum – Dover

Travel back in time to the early 20th century, seeing and listening to real phonographs from that time. At this museum in Dover, DE, you can experience one of the early innovations in recorded sound, the Victor Talking Machine, and learn about the life and work of E.R. Johnson, the Delaware-native who made this technology possible.
Free admission.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 9:30am-4pm
For info: delaware.gov, or 302-739-3262

Air Mobility Command Museum – Dover Air Force Base

Well, some of this museum is outdoors, but plenty of great indoor exhibits! Helicopters, fighters, cargo haulers, and even a presidential aircraft are just some of the amazing things you’ll see at the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover, DE. You can step inside some of the planes, or test your skills on the flight simulator!
Free admission & parking.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9am-4pm
For info: amcmuseum.org, or 302-677-5938

Nanticoke Indian Museum – Millsboro

The Nanticoke Indian Museum is home to much of the history and artifacts of the Nanticoke Indian tribe. During your trip, see one-of-a-kind jewelry, pottery and much more, all while immersing yourself in the local history of the Nanticoke Indian Tribe.
Admission: Adults $3, Children $1
Winter hours: Thursday-Saturday, 10am – 4pm
For info: nanticokeindians.org, or 302-945-7022

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The Gateways of Lewes

April 11, 2017 by administrator

Get to Know the Gateways of Lewes

The “Gateways of Lewes” are six roads forming a continuous network of greenway leading into the town and out to the ocean. The Gateways also provide an active and enjoyable way to explore the more than three centuries of Lewes history. You’ll definitely want to make a day of traveling these trails by boat, car or bike, leaving plenty of time to take in the natural beauty and interesting stopping points.

Canoeing at Trap Pond State Park near Lewes

The “Gateways from the Land”—Kings Highway, Savannah Road and New Road—run generally east to west, perpendicular to the coast, passing through numerous historically significant areas, including downtown Lewes. The “Gateways from the Sea”—Pilottown Road, Gills Neck Road and Cape Henlopen Drive—run approximately north to south, parallel to the coast. This route follows the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and the beach.

This route follows the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and the beach.

Among the interesting places you’ll find along the Gateways from the Land are the Lewes Presbyterian Church (est. 1692) and churchyard, the Zwaanendael Museum (built in 1932 to resemble the ancient City Hall in Hoorn, Holland) on Kings Highway, and Bethel Cemetery and the War of 1812 Memorial Park just north of the Canal Bridge on Savannah Road. Along the Gateways from the Sea are the Cannonball House (with a War of 1812 cannonball embedded in its foundation), historic Victorian homes of Delaware River and Delaware Bay pilots, the Lightship Overfalls (a floating lighthouse built in 1938), and Canalfront Park.

Bike trail in Delaware State Park

At the end of the Gateways from the Sea greenway is the 5,193-acre Cape Henlopen State Park. There, you can hike a three-mile paved loop trail, six miles of beach along the Atlantic Ocean, or the 1.6-mile crushed-gravel Walking Dunes Trail, which ends at the 80-foot-high Great Dune. They’re called “walking dunes” because they actually move slowly across the park.

In the park, you’ll discover a World War II observation tower that was part of Fort Miles and used to spot enemy battleships. It’s a shorter climb up one of the former military bunkers in the park, but the view is still impressive. Be sure to visit the Seaside Nature Center to check out the live Osprey Cam.

Visit www.delawaregreenways.org for more information.

A Proud Coast Guard Community

Strong Community Connection

Festival Opens TRACEN To The Public

Ready To Sail?

A Visit Back in Time to the Emlen Physick Estate

History of the Physick Family

Touring The Estate

Getting There from The Ferry

Check Out The Latest Edition of the Twin Capes Traveller!

Ready To Sail?

There's Always a Reason to Travel!

Take the DART Shuttle Into Lewes

Cape Henlopen State Park

Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

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The First Ferry Ride & A Lifetime of Memories

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Past and Present Come Together in Lewes, DE

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Cape May History: Step Back in Time

Historic Cold Spring Village

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum

Cape May Fire Department Museum

Emlen Physick Estate

The Museum of Cape May County

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Dive Into Delaware's History!

Zwaanendael Museum – Lewes

Johnson Victrola Museum – Dover

Air Mobility Command Museum – Dover Air Force Base

Nanticoke Indian Museum – Millsboro

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