WII-16 Lucy the Margate Elephant
Posted by: 
Wayfarer II
N 39° 19.251 W 074° 30.697
18S E 542098 N 4352496
No legend of the South Jersey seashore history matches the sight of a 65-foot high wooden elephant.
Waymark Code: WM2TV
Location: New Jersey, United States
Date Posted: 10/18/2005
Views: 116
Of all of
the programmatic and zoomorphic architecture along Route 40, Lucy stands out in
many regards. First, it is one of the oldest extant structures along the
road. (Actually, it's not really on the Route 40, but it is close enough.)
Second, it is one of the most unusual. Finally, it is one of the largest,
standing 65 feet tall.
Originally
built in Philadelphia in 1881, it was brought to South Atlantic City (now
Margate) by its creator James Vincent de Paul Lafferty, Jr. In 1882
Lafferty even received a patent from the U.S. government for all buildings
constructed in the shape of animals. Over the years, Lucy has served as a
real estate office, a tourist attraction, a rental "cottage", a bar, boarding
house, hotel, restaurant and refreshment stand. In the 1920's postcard above,
Lucy is known as the "Elephant Hotel". After 120 years, Lucy still stands
thanks to a 1970 relocation and the work of some dedicated and vigilant
preservationists.
Lucy is
located at 9200 Atlantic Avenue in Margate City, a few minutes south of Atlantic
City (tel. 609-823-6473). A trip to visit Lucy is well worth the time.
She is available to groups of 10 or more by appointment. If you'd like to
know more about Lucy, visit her at:Lucy the Margate Elephant.