Shown here, The Wheelmen bicycle on vintage bicycles down Beach Avenue on June 11 as part of many activities during their 57th Annual Meet in Cape May from June 9-13.
New tour focuses on town’s sports, leisure history
Victorians in Cape May spent some of their leisure time watching baseball games from the 1860s to the 1930s, and the Philadelphia Phillies even trained here during spring training.
During the summer a host of other sports, recreations and pastimes contributed to making Cape May a lively summer destination ideal for those in need of both excitement and relaxation. A hippodrome for horse racing on the grounds
of the Mount Vernon Hotel drew crowds. The Cape May Yacht Club was built on land donated by Dr. Emlen Physick. High wheel bicycles, also called penny-farthings, were everywhere.
“Cycling was a craze in the 1890s,” said Cape May MAC Chief Outreach Strategist Mary Stewart, author and tour guide for the new Down the Shore Trolley Tour that highlights many favorite historic Cape May
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‘Explore Cape May’ a handy resource
CAPE MAY — Explore Cape May, a self-guided tour book published by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture), is the best resource for those who savor the adventure of a self-guided tour, who like to explore Cape May on their own by foot, bicycle, electric cart or car, and who enjoy seeing the resort’s Victorian gems and architectural treasures up close.
“Explore Cape May: A Self-guided Tour Book of Cape Island,” was written by Cape May MAC Curator Ben Ridings and former curator and board member, Elan Zingman-Leith. This hard-cover book is $29.95 and can be purchased online by CLICKING HERE via Cape May MAC’s Online Museum Shop, as well as in person at Cape May MAC points of sale.
The book includes descriptions and photos of 96 of
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for fire suppression were installed in the basement of the Physick House Museum this spring as part of a large capital improvement project at the Physick House that will include extensive HVAC improvements.
Work continues on Physick Estate upgrades
Work is proceeding steadily on a major overhaul to upgrade the fire suppression system, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for Cape May’s Victorian House Museum, the 1879 Physick House, thanks to help from government and private grants and matching fund donations.
In January, the capital phases of the HVAC and the fire suppression proj-
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Photo by Susan Krysiak
Photo by Susan Krysiak Shown here, Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine shows where new water lines
RECENT HAPPENINGS Spring Wrap-Up
For 2024, our Exhibit Team chose a particularly tasty topic- ice cream. After several months of diligent work including a couple of tasting sessions and a trip to Philadelphia to visit the kind folks at Bassetts Ice Cream, we were ready to open the exhibit, We All Scream for Ice Cream: A History of Summer’s Favorite Treat, on April 14. Curated by Elan Zingman-Leith and Ben Ridings and designed by Steven Olszewski, the exhibit illustrates how ice cream went from savory (oyster and parmigiano) to sweet (vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry) over the course of the 19th century, along with ice cream innovations and innovators. A vintage freezer chest that belonged to Dr. Physick was discovered in the basement of the Physick House and was restored by our Maintenance staff for the occasion. The folks at Bassetts lent us artifacts including ice cream molds and packaging. A nice crowd gathered to celebrate the opening and enjoyed ice cream supplied by Dustin PiccoloKinsey of Fine Fellows Ice Cream. We hope you plan to visit the Carroll Gallery this summer to enjoy the exhibit and make sure to check out the ice cream-themed tee shirts and onesies in the Carriage House Museum Shop.
The exhibit complements the new Physick Estate tour, Down the Shore: Summers in Cape May, which shows how the Victorians beat the heat in the 19th century. From ocean bathing and ice cream to fishing and golfing, this tour explores the various activities that entertained visitors and the Physick family in that era. The tour, which also in-
Cape May MAC joined in the celebration of the ribbon cutting of the new Cape May library in the newly renovated Franklin Street School on June 13. Cape May MAC donated three signed copies of the Dr. Physick and his dogs series of children’s books authored by Curator Ben Ridings and illustrated by Steven Olszewski. Shown here, Cape May County Commission Director Leonard Desiderio, Commissioner Bobby Barr, Cape May County Library Director Andrea Orsini, Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock, Cape May Deputy Mayor Lorraine Baldwin, Cape May Councilman Shaine Meier, Cape May MAC Board of Trustees members Janet Coupland and Bernie Haas, Cape May MAC Curator Ben Ridings and Cape May MAC Director/CEO Jody Alessandrine.
cludes information about architectural features within the house designed to combat the summer heat, will be offered through next March.
On April 23, we gathered at the Inn of Cape May for our annual Volunteer Acknowledgement Reception. It’s our chance to put the spotlight on our many volunteers whose contributions are essential to Cape May MAC’s success. Over the course of the year about 200 people volunteer at a tour or
NEWSLETTER
Published by Cape May MAC, a not-for-profit corporation
P.O. Box 340, Cape May, NJ 08204 • Phone: 609-884-5404 New Jersey Relay Center for TTY Customers: 800-852-7899 Web Site: www.capemaymac.org • E-Mail: info@capemaymac.org
Editor: Jody Alessandrine • Assistant Editor: Jean Barraclough
Contributors: Sandra Adams, Maria Amin, Sara Kornacki, Susan Krysiak, Anna Marie Leeper, Eliza Lotozo, Reilly Shanahan, Mary E. Stewart
OUR MISSION
Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors.
---- v ----
OUR VISION
Preserving Cape May’s rich heritage and assuring its vitality through superior cultural programs and events
event or at one of our historic sites. The tasks they perform are almost endless- greeting people, answering questions, giving directions, processing mailings, cleaning trolleys, weeding the gardens to name but a few. Our new Volunteer Coordinator Maria Amin keeps in weekly touch with the volunteer corps, listing new opportunities. On behalf of Cape May MAC Board and staff- our hats are off to you.
Just the next day, we began our annual staff training sessions. Each year, we offer training so our staff can be the most informed ambassadors to our visitors. This year, we broke the training into three daysApril 24, May 20, and June 4 – and our Training Team, headed by Registrar Donna Szemcsak and IT Director Cathy Baldacchini, came up with interactive programming to boost our staff’s knowledge and hone their customer service skills. One of the highlights of training was a session with Dr. Physick speaking about his family and life in Cape May. Curator Ben Ridings played the good doctor and shared his extensive research in an extremely entertaining way. We’re grateful to our friends at Cape Island Baptist Church for allowing us to take over the church hall for those three days.
Cape May MAC’s public history programs are funded in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission in the Department of State.
Photo by Susan Krysiak
ATTRACTIONS Coming
NatioNal ice cream Day
Sundae Social
Sunday, July 21: 2pm-5pm: In 1984, President Reagan designated the third Sunday in July as National Ice Cream Day! Most ice cream companies are family-owned and have been in operation for more than 50 years. Celebrate this classic American treat with friends and family on the beautiful grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate and cool off under the estate’s shade trees. Kids can play yard games and Fine Fellows Creamery will offer Bassetts Ice Cream for sale. Explore the Cape May County Bookmobile and meet Ben Ridings and Steven Olszewski, author and illustrator of Cape May MAC’s delightful children’s books about Dr. Emlen Physick and his dogs. Bring canned food for the Cape May Community Food Closet. Well-behaved pets are welcome! Don’t miss seeing the free Carroll Gallery exhibit, “We All Scream for Ice Cream: The History of Summer’s Favorite Treat”, open through Nov. 3. CLICK HERE for more information.
Lighthouse Night Climbs
Full Moon Climbs
at the Cape May Lighthouse
Sunday, July 21: 8pm-10pm
Monday, Aug. 19: 8pm-10pm
Tuesday Sept 17, 8pm-10pm
Thursday, Oct. 17, 7pm-9pm
Friday, Nov. 15, 7pm-9pm
Don’t miss this special chance on clear nights to see the spectacular full moon in all its glory and a nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Admission for these special evening climbs during the full moon is $20 adults, and $10 for children ages 3-12. Tickets are available for purchase on site the evening of the event. VISIT HERE for more information.
On evenings of the new moon and the start of a new 29.5-day lunar cycle, the moon is so dark it blends in with the night sky and is invisible to the naked eye. Stars and constellations are more visible on clear nights during the new moon. Climbers can enjoy a nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Admission for these special evening climbs during the new moon is $20 adults, and $10 for children ages 3-12. Tickets are available for purchase on site the evening of the event. VISIT HERE for more information.
SECOND ANNUAL WRITING WORKSHOPS WITH POET LAUREATE SYLVIA BAER: POETRY, FICTION & MEMOIR
Mondays, July 8, 15 & 22: 3pm–5pm
Vintage B.Y.O.B. Restaurant at the Emlen Physick Estate Cape May’s Poet Laureate Sylvia Baer hosts three writing workshops at Vintage B.Y.O.B. Restaurant on the grounds of the Physick Estate this July that explore various writing styles: Poetry, Fiction and Memoir. These workshops are for anyone interested in writing at any level of knowledge and experience. Participants will learn about the essentials of each style with time for writing during each workshop. Sharing work is a personal choice and will not be required. After each session there will be time for discussion with light refreshments included. Each workshop is $25. VISIT HERE for tickets.
NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE DAY CRAFTS & COLLECTIBLES SHOW
Wednesday, Aug. 7: 9am–2pm: Stop by this crafts & collectibles show on the grounds of the Cape May Lighthouse as we salute the lighthouse on National Lighthouse Day. Enjoy family-friendly lawn games and activities, plus the Wetlands Institute will have their marine animal touch tank on the grounds from 10am–12pm. Free admission to the grounds. Purchase tickets on site to climb the lighthouse. Adults $12, Children (ages 3-12) $8. VISIT HERE for tickets.
COMBINATION UNDERGROUND RAILROAD TROLLEY TOUR & HARRIET TUBMAN MUSEUM
Tuesdays, July 9-23: 10am –12pm Tuesdays, Aug. 6-27: 10am–12pm Saturdays, Sept. 7-28: 10:45am-1pm
Visit the renowned Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey that tells the story of this hero of the Underground Railroad and combine it with the Cape May MAC/ CCA Underground Railroad Trolley Tour that is part of the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom. Adults $40, Children (ages 3-12) $35. VISIT HERE for tickets.
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Coming
Harvest Brew Fest
This year’s Harvest Brew Fest is Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10am to 4pm at the Emlen Physick Estate. For more details, CLICK HERE to visit our blog post.
Victorian Weekend
Friday, Oct. 11-Monday, Oct. 14
Victorian Weekend features tours, activities and events that celebrate Cape May’s Victorian architecture and history. Don’t miss the Wheelmen on the grounds of the Physick Estate! In addition, save the date for these amazing experiences.
For the Love of Hats: Learn about the history, etiquette and fashion of hats during this one-hour talk and show over a three-course luncheon at the Inn of Cape May, presented by Lynne Anne Conchez, hat connoisseur and author. Explore her extensive hat collection, featuring pillboxes, cloches, fascinators and more, with nearly 70 women’s and men’s hats from a range of eras.
Victorian Weekend Architectural Walking Tour: Put on your walking shoes and stroll along the sidewalks of streets such as Hughes Street,
Ocean Street and Columbia Avenue, with a knowledgeable guide to show and tell what makes Victorian Cape May so interesting. See where Victorian gamblers won or lost their shirts, where the Great Fire of 1878 burned, and more.
Victorian House Tour: Visitors have the unique opportunity on this self-guided tour to go behind closed doors and see restored private homes, bed and breakfast inns and guesthouses. Tourgoers can meet the homeowners, managers or innkeepers, see unique furnishings and décor, and find inspiration for their own homes and hearths.
Lessons of History Distinguished Lecture Series: Cape May MAC welcomes Dr. Craig L. Symonds to Cape May Convention Hall, Sunday, Oct. 13 at 5 p.m. to present “The War Comes Home to America: U-boats off the Mid-Atlantic.” German U-boats made the mid-Atlantic one of the most dangerous places on earth in the first few months of 1942. The carnage they inflicted was out of proportion to their numbers and ships went down all along the coast from New York to Florida. How the United States dealt with this menace is one of the great stories of naval and U.S. history. Dr. Symonds taught history at the U.S. Naval Academy for 30 years and has earned numerous awards for his teaching and research. He is the author of 17 books translated into six languages and holds the Naval Historical Foundation Dudley Knox medal for lifetime achievement and the Pritzker Military Museum and Library Pritzker Prize for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing. Tickets are limited.
Plus much more!
Cape May MAC Brings Vintage Base Ball to Cape May Oct. 12
Save the date of Saturday, Oct. 12 in Cape May during Victorian Weekend for an exciting Vintage Base Ball game right here in Cape May at Lafayette Field, featuring the Athletic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia! The Athletic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia aims to introduce communities across the region to the sociable and wellplayed game that defined 1864 base ball, and that 12-year period of fine, high-quality local clubs before the professional era took hold. The club is keen to re-establish each of the Clubs the Athletics played from 1859 to 1872, and to bring re-matches 135 years in the making! STAY TUNED for more details to come!
ATTRACTIONS Coming
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Halloween Happenings
Oct. 1-31
Your spine will tingle on a variety of tours and events during Halloween Happenings.
Phantoms of the Physick Estate: The Living Library: Immerse yourself in a world of horror and suspense reimagined from the great authors of the Victorian Period. Do you know how these classic stories of terror will end, or is there another twist you could never see coming? This original play written by Jacklyn Fazio brings the audience along from room to room on the first floor of the 1879 Physick House Museum as the story unfolds and strange happenings occur. Immerse yourself in this spine-tingling Halloween drama.
Voices from Beyond House Tour: Experience an unusual tour in Cape May MAC’s 1879 Emlen Physick House. In the Voices from Beyond Tour, you will hear actual spirit voices captured by Cape May MAC staff over the past 10 years. View historical photos of the Physick family and their staff alongside photos of apparitions seen inside the house. Learn about the equipment and tools used throughout history in paranormal research. Who could these voices belong to and what is keeping them connected to the Physick House Museum? Draw your own conclusions on this exciting paranormal tour.
Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour: What was that shadow? Was it the undead of Cape May’s past wandering their beloved haunts? You might scoff, you might shudder, but rest assured: on board a trolley with an experienced guide you will begin to wonder what’s beyond when you hear the tales of hauntings unearthed in Cape May by renowned psychic medium and author Craig McManus.
Ghost
Walk with Craig McManus: Walk the haunted streets of historic Cape May with your guide, psychic medium Craig McManus, who will talk about the houses where he has sensed paranormal activity.
Channeling
Dinner with Craig McManus: Enjoy a three-course prix fixe dinner at the Inn of Cape May fol-
lowed by a two-hour channeling session with Medium Craig McManus, who will read the energies in the room and channel messages from the spirits of departed family and friends. While he does not read everyone present and cannot control what messages come through, he will bring through as many messages from spirits as possible during the two-hour channeling. This event is not recommended for people under the age of 16.
Murder Mystery Dinner: Bumped Off & Bottoms Up:
Enjoy a three-course dinner and watch as the mystery and drama unfold around you during “Bumped Off & Bottoms Up.” Prohibition has arrived, and that means locals and visitors alike gather at Walter O’Leary’s infamous club for refreshments and entertainment. When an evening of fun takes a terrible turn, can you help bring the murderer to justice?
Plus, much more!
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Membership in a non-profit organization can mean a lot of things
In general, non-profit memberships may offer some free or discounted features, so they’re economical. They may offer opportunities to network and expand your contacts both professionally and personally.
Regardless of those benefits, the common thread is that through a non-profit membership, the member is making a statement in her or his belief in that organization’s mission. Albeit the degree of that belief or passion is different for each person.
Cape May MAC memberships are no different in those respects. And like every other non-profit, we hope that the main reason people become members is because of our mission and persistent adherence to it: The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (trading as Cape May MAC—Museums, Arts, Culture) is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors.
I’m very confident that indeed we have and always do keep that mission front and center throughout our programming, which in 2023 consisted of 8,786 public and private tours and events, as well as, to a lesser degree, selling tickets for business partners such as other non-profits like Cape May Stage and East Lynne Theater, and for for-profit businesses like Cape May Whale Watcher.
As reported in previous issues, Cape May MAC partnered in 2022 with the Cape May County Department of Tourism and the Southern Shore Regional Destination Marketing Organization in contracting Oxford/ Tourism Economics in an economic impact study. The findings revealed that Cape May MAC is directly responsible for infusing $196 million annually into the local economy. So, not only are we fulfilling our mission of promoting the preservation, interpretation and cultural enrichment of our region, but helping local businesses year-round. This is in that the study found that over 50 percent of our contribution to the local economy was in the shoulder seasons, not concentrated in the summer. This is what often makes it worthwhile for business to stay open in the shoulder seasons, if not all year.
Those also benefitting are local property owners. Having things for people to
Jody Alessandrine, Director/CEO
do year-round make those who rent their properties have more opportunities to make rental income. A case can thus be made that because of Cape May becoming a year-round destination, property values are what they are, and the local tax rate can be as reasonable as it is (compared to many tourism destinations even).
All of this makes a Cape May MAC membership not only an investment in this nonprofit, but in the community at-large.
In 2021, Board of Trustees member and Membership Committee Chair Janet Coupland and then Membership Coordinator Kelly Reddington embarked on an analysis of other non-profit organization’s membership programs. They found that compared to similar non-profits, Cape May MAC gave away so much more in its member program. We even had people use all their free amenities then cancel their membership once they left, supposedly, with no intent to return before the annual membership expired. Some people would use their free amenities and book tours, but then not show up because it was free. Our Visitors Services Associates at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth would have to explain why a trolley tour was booked full, when people could clearly see there were available seats. This forced us into taking a hard look at our Membership program. After much discussion and now after three years of imple-
mentation, it was a very wise move to make the membership attractive, without literally losing money we couldn’t afford to lose on over-generous giveaways. Attracting members who really believe in our mission, while getting some really nice perks (still some free admissions and even more membersonly discounts) in the process has been the result.
“The Membership Committee, Board of Trustees and Staff of Cape May MAC all very much appreciate our loyal members and their support of our mission. Many Individual, Family and multi-generational members have been with the MAC family for years, and many of our members are also our volunteers, who are so key to our success as an organization. We hope to continue to attract new members who want to be part of, and support, MAC’s important role in the community,” summed Janet Coupland, who now also serves as our Board’s First VicePresident.
Cape May MAC is eligible for just one operations grant, and that is from the New Jersey Historical Commission. The rest of our grants are for capital improvements and planning grants for those for the three historic sites we maintain and operate. We’re primarily reliant on ticket sales, membership and donations to operate and thus continue making that huge impact on the local economy and property investment.
For the past couple of years, we’ve been embarking on capital projects to install both HVAC/environmental control and fire suppression systems in the 1879 Physick House Museum. Can you believe the house named New Jersey’s Most Beautiful (by Angi.com) and the only Victorian House Museum in Victorian Cape May has had neither? And, thus far, the NJ Historic Trust has been essentially the only source for most of that. So, your membership and other philanthropic gifts goes, in large part, to offsetting those grants since there is no other match.
-- JA
For more information on becoming a member of Cape May MAC CLICK HERE
Welcome new members
Family/Grandparent: Kay Booth & Bob Schwalm of Birdsboro, PA; Savanna & Jonnel Cuddahy of Brookhaven, PA; Anne & Anthony Cullen of Hazlet Township, NJ; Debbie Elmer & Lucy Phillips of Honeybrook, PA; Laurie Fernandez & Chuck Roney of Southampton, NJ; Ryan & Jennifer Forster of Yardville, NJ; Patty & Bill Green of Lumberton, NJ; Harriet Myers of Cape May Point, NJ; Michael Roszko & Helen Hildreth Roszko of Hamilton, NJ;
Joint: Susan & Philip Antman of Morganville, NJ; Rae & Steven Bonfante of Neptune City, NJ; Ian Buza & Tamela Gorman Buza of Flemington, NJ; Cynthia & Mark Coller of Staten Island, NY; Maria & Christa Cottone of Whippany, NJ; James & Regina Dillon of North Cape May, NJ; Christine & Herman Engelbert of Clementon, NJ; Carole Grippo & Chris Pesce of Toms River, NJ; Cindy & Stephen Harker of Palmyra, NJ; Stacey & Everett Hogge of Wallingford, PA; Christine & Glenn Hulse of Cape May, NJ; Jin & David Kupperman of Demarest, NJ; Robert & Wendy Mantz of East Windsor, NJ; Glenn & Laura Morreale of Pennington, NJ; Chris & Rosanna Nash of Belleville, NJ; Christopher Nilan & Jennifer Walsh-Nilan of Bensalem, PA; Mary Peckiconis of Cape May, NJ; Renee Setteducato & Renee Landry of Easton, PA; Laura & Brian Tousignant of Hawthorne, NJ; CC & Ed White of North Cape May, NJ; Mark & Jeanne Whitehead of Villas, NJ; Lou & John Zmroczek of Reading, PA.
Individual: Audrey Faldich of Conway, SC; Corey Fein of Smithtown, NY; Julia Hankerson of Woodbine, NJ; Maria Hanrahan of Forest Hills, NY; Maryann Hermann of Ambler, PA; Emma Jane Maurer of Schuylkill Haven, PA; Anne Mercuri of Pottsville, PA; Denise Reyes of N Cape May, NJ; Rita Rothberg of Woodbine, NJ; Rita Wade of Cape May Point, NJ.
Congratulations to:
Cape May MAC Trustee Wanda Wise Evelyn and her husband Rob, on their daughter Karin’s promotion to Commander in the USCG; Cape May MAC volunteer Camille & Gregory Llewellyn on their 50th wedding anniversary; Quanette Vassar MacNeal, a member of our DEAI Team, on being honored as an Outstanding Alumni by Stockton University; Anne & Jim Walsh, on the birth of their granddaughter Quinn; Diane Weiland, Cape May County Director of Tourism,
Bob Fite
We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Bob Fite, who passed away on May 3 at the age of 96. Bob was a fixture in Cape May, active in many community organizations. An avid tennis player, he was frequently at the Physick Estate and eventually served as a Trustee of Cape May MAC. He volunteered for events when the organization was in its infancy and remained a generous supporter throughout his lifetime. You could always count on Bob to greet you with a warm smile and his signature phrase- “Be of good cheer.”
on celebrating her 50th anniversary promoting tourism in the county.
Get well wishes to:
Tour Operations Associate Barbara Freda.
Our deepest condolences to: Cape May MAC Director Jody Alessandrine, on the death of his Aunt Marie Russell; the family and friends of Visitor Services Associate Diane McCrossty; the family and friends of John Pekich, who for many years wrote the scripts for our Murder Mystery Dinners and Sherlock Holmes Weekends.
Mike Urbanski
The shore was Mike Urbanski’s happy place. When he retired, he settled here and then discovered the World War II Lookout Tower. A proud Navy veteran, he joined our corps of Observers and happily shared his vast knowledge of history with thousands of visitors each year. He was also a Museum Educator, visiting schools and senior centers, his love of history shining through. Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
‘THANK YOU’ NEWS
CAPE MAY MAC PRESERVATION FUND
• $1,000-$2,499 Silver Donors: Russell & Lora Jo Dickhart, Ronald & Terry Diubaldi.
• $100-$499 Friend Donors: William & Susan Dehart.
LESSONS OF HISTORY FUND DONATIONS
• $500-$999 Donors: Joan & Jack Dempsey, Russell & Lora Jo Dickhart.
• $250-$499 Donors: Robin Black In honor of the dedication of Myles Martel to promoting a love for and the knowledge of history to the people of Cape May.
• $100-$249 Donors: Marvin & Lee Zektzer.
• Under $100 Donors: Maria Kastner, Kenneth Kirby, Christopher & Rosanne Traficante.
CAPE MAY MUSIC FESTIVAL DONORS
• Solo Sponsor ($4,000-$9,999): Cape May Star & Wave (David Nahan), William Killeen & Barbara Bittner-Killeen.
• Duo Sponsor ($2,000-$3,999): Cape Publishing (Bernie Haas), Madison Resorts (Dan Alecia), Raysun Property Mgt. Inc. (John & Sylvia Baer).
• Trio Sponsor ($1,000-$1,999): Michael & Nancy Childs.
• Quartet Sponsor ($500-$999): Barry, Corrado & Grassi, PC (Frank Corrado), Chris Clemans Group at Tim Kerr Sotheby’s (Chris Clemans in memory of David Clemans), Barry & Ronnie Cohen (in memory of Danny Cohen), Marlene Lengner, Professional Benefit Consultants, Inc., Karen Van Varick-McGuire & Alan McGuire, WCFA Radio.
• Conductor’s Circle ($100-$499): 410 Bank Street, Jody & Cheryl Alessandrine, Roger & Dani Barnsby, Barbara Biller, Rowen Blue, Anne Burrows, Camelot Motel (Sherry Kejzman), Grace & Nelson Carey, Corbin & Lynda Cogswell, Bill & Sue Currie, Raymond & Maryann Czajkowski, Steven & Anne Docimo, Fred & Rosemary Fellmeth, Kenneth & Dolores Galloway, Susan Greene and Kathleen Sheridan, R.J. Scott Griffith, John & Cheryl Gulish, Larry & Miriam Hirsch, Jeanne Kelly, Tricia Kraemer, Karen Liebowitz, Joe & Deborah, Mammarella, Dale & Jonna My-
ers, Robert & Patricia Pellegrini, Periwinkle Inn (Jerry Pagano), Queen Victoria Bed & Breakfast (Jamie Harvey), Maria Repici and Tom Quigg, Mark & Suzanne Robertson, Joseph Saccon, Sanford & Mary Stewart, Meg Terry, Christopher & Rosanne Traficante, Joy Wadleigh & Richard Hudson.
• Musician’s Circle (Under $100): Cottage by the Sea, LLC (John Vees), Kenneth & Lisa Durrua, Frank & Jeanne-Marie McCall.
CAPE MAY MUSIC FESTIVAL: GEORGE’S ANGELS
• Conductor’s Circle ($100-$499): George & Sharon Bolger, John & Kathy Chiaro, Barbara Cobb, Nora Pascarella, Gabrielle Rinaldi, Rita Selby, William & Elaine Winter.
• Musician’s Circle (Under $100): Cape Publishing (Bernie Haas), Ed & Debbie Drozda (In honor of our dear friends, Shirley Stiles and George Mesterhazy. Beloved, missed, and never forgotten. Cape May will never be the same without them.) Frances Galbraith, G. David Hammond, Amy Hufana, Marc Jacoby, David & Marcia Knipe, David & Myra Kurkowski, Francis Lindquist, Stephanie Lineburgh, Joanne Myers, Albert Paramito, Sandra Pierantozzi, Michael Stern, Rina Terry, Victoria Tryon, Larry Weaner, Wendy Williams.
MAJOR DONATIONS
• Joan & Jack Dempsey, for a $500 donation to Operations.
• Christopher & Betty Marlowe, for a $1,000 donation to Operations.
• The Priester Foundation, for a donation of $7,000 to Operations.
DONATIONS
• Mark Allen, for a $40 donation to the World War II Lookout Tower.
• Andrea Anderson, for a donation of $50 to the World War II Tower in memory of Michael J. Urbanski.
• Barbara Baker, for a $50 donation to the Cape May Lighthouse in memory of Edward Hoffner.
• Joyce Barth, for a donation of $50 to the Emlen Physick Estate in memory of Michael J. Urbanski.
• Elizabeth Borski, for a donation of $200 to the World War II Lookout Tower in memory of Mike Urbanski.
• Patricia Bowman, for a donation of $50 to the World War II Lookout Tower in memory of Michael J. Urbanski.
• British Motor Club of Southern New Jersey, for a $75 donation to the Cape May Lighthouse in memory of Charles Edward Hoffner.
• Erica Burgos, for a $50 donation to the Cape May Lighthouse from Sue Sturtz and the Garnet Health Medical Center in memory of Charles Edward Hoffner.
Photo by Susan Krysiak
The Clemans residence was one of the five properties on the Gardens of Cape May Tour Sunday, June 15. Shown here, Chris Clemans speaks with visitors on the tour in her sunroom, entered through her spacious gardens.
‘THANK YOU’ NEWS
Gardens of Cape May
Photo by Susan Krysiak
Shown here, the Gardens of Cape May tour Saturday, June 15, from noon to 4 p.m. featured five beautiful properties. Many took the rare opportunity to step beyond the frontage and explore the plants, blooms and landscape designs of avid area gardeners. Properties on the tour were the Clemans residence, the Todaro-Franceschi residence, the Viguers residence, the Greater Cape May Historical Society’s Memucan Hughes Colonial House and the Emlen Physick Estate.
• Jim Coughlin, for a donation of $150 to the World War II Lookout Tower in memory of Mike Urbanski.
• Mariann Dempsey, for a donation of $100 to the World War II Lookout Tower in memory of Michael J. Urbanski.
• Drew Donovan, for a donation of $100 to the World War II Lookout Tower in memory of Michael Urbanski.
• Lisa Gangloff, for a donation of $50 to the Cape May Lighthouse and the World War II Lookout Tower in memory of Michael J. Urbanski.
• Teri Graves, for a donation of $25 to the Cape May MAC Preservation Fund In memory of Douglas Borie.
• Catherine Gunning, for a $25 donation to the World War II Lookout Tower in memory of Michael Urbanski.
• Katherine Harty for a $30 donation to the Cape May Lighthouse in Memory of Rosemarie VandenBurg, a beloved Wife, Mother and Nanny.
• Carol Hood for a donation of $50 to the Physick Estate in memory of Mike Urbanski.
• Michelle Italiano, for a donation of $100 to the Cape May Lighthouse In honor of Ed Hoffner.
• Charles Jamison, for a donation of $100 to the Physick Estate in memory of Gigi Embs.
• January ‘65 Class of Frankford High School, for a $540 donation to the World
War II Lookout Tower in memory of Mike Urbanski.
• David Koehler, for a $20 donation to the Physick Estate.
• Paula Kunkel, for a $50 donation to the Preservation Fund in memory of Patrice Gail Sands Smukler.
• Beth LaSerre, for a donation of $20 to the Cape May Lighthouse in memory of Joseph & MaryAnn Hassel, Sr.
• Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition for a donation of $300 to the Cape May Lighthouse in memory of John McCarthy.
• Janie McNutt, for a donation of $50 to Cape May Lighthouse in memory of Ed Hoffner.
• Janie McNutt, for a donation of $50 to the World War II Lookout Tower in memory of Michael J. Urbanski.
• James Mulcahy, for a donation of $100 to the Cape May MAC Preservation Fund in memory of Michael J. Urbanski.
• Joseph Nolan, for a $50 donation to the Cape May Lighthouse, and a $50 donation to the World War II Lookout Tower in memory of Michael Urbanski.
• Rosemary O’drain & Jack Yocum, for a donation of $25 to the World War II Lookout Tower in memory of Mike Urbanski.
• Rita Petruccelli, for a $75 donation to the Cape May Lighthouse in memory of Charlie Markley.
• Jessica Rago, for a donation of $25 to the Cape May Lighthouse in memory of Michael J. Urbanski.
• Richard Somers Questers Chapter 1148, for a donation of $100 to Physick Estate Collections in honor of Mary Stewart.
• Anita Scullin, for a donation of $50 to the World War II Lookout Tower in memory of Mike Urbanski.
• Sharon Sparks, for a donation of $25 to the Cape May Lighthouse in memory of Ed Hoffner.
• Robert Steinberg for a donation of $25 to the Cape May Lighthouse in memory of Mike Urbanski.
• Frank & Carol Supiot for a $25 donation to Operations in Memory of Charles Edward Hoffner.
• Jeanne Terry, for a donation of $100 to the World War II Lookout Tower in memory of Don Trappler, and for a donation of $250 to the World War II Tower in memory of Mike Urbanski.
• Regina Valentine, for a $50 donation to the World War II Lookout Tower in memory of Mike Urbanski.
• WX Brands (Kyle Cook), for donating wines for the Cape May Music Festival Cape May Cabaret.
• Bonnie & Mike Ziech, for a donation of $100 to the Cape May Lighthouse in memory of Charles Edward Hoffner.
• Laura Zulick, for a donation of $50 to the World War II Lookout Tower in memory of Michael J. Urbanski.
Ticket Buyers who added a donation when purchasing tickets: Wayne Anthony, Donna Antonowicz, Ellen Asam, Denis Avila, Jacqueline Baliya, John Balsama, Courtney Baro, Daphne Bauer, Michael Bauer, Eoin Beck, Jennie Belmonte, Carol Benedetto, Maria Berlyn, John Bilcik, John Boecker, Kerri-ann Bright, Lisa Brill, Steve Bruchey, Josie Burton, Linda Caragiulo, Brianna Casablancas, Talia Caterina, Cyndy Cesena, Letitia Clark, Jami Cox, Hanna Cree, Venessa Davis, Jancees De haan, Erica Deuschle, Kayla Dietrich, John Dubyel, Heather Edwards, Cindy Evans, Joseph Ferragina, Diane Finnan, Faith Fish, Patricia Foster, Michelle Fox, Katie Gammage, Cynthia Gartside, Christine Goldberg, Ivy Graham, Joan Greene, Diane Griesbach, Patricia Hall, Paul Hanley, Laura Hart, Christopher Haynes, Michael Hecht, Julie Heimbach, Kellianne Hillis, Linda A. Horner, Elizabeth Howard, Denise Hughes, Judith Hull, Andrew Jacobs, Candace
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‘THANK YOU’ NEWS
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James, Raymond Jones, Sung hee Kim, Amy Kinley, Kelly Lancaster, Monica Lapato, Michael Lanzone, Robert Lewandowski, Joyce Litwitz, Miranda Lorincz, Deborah Ludlow, Daniel Lyman, Nancy Lyons, Julie Magazzu, Sharon Mahoney, James Maloney, Cody Mandrell, Kimberly Manzi, Cheryl Marks, Karen Martin, Mary Mcgough, Kim Mcguigan, Joe Mirakay, Mitchell Medley, Richard Miller, Jessica Moody, Kathleen Moore, Leslie Nagy, Priscilla Navarro, Lara Neeld, Mary Lynne Nielsen, Jill Nuyannes, Douglas Oloughlin, Elizabeth Omalley, Jillian Pagano, Donna Pazian, Deborah Pearson, Allison Petacciato, Kim Piechuta, Alexandra Pirozzoli, John Quigley, Peter Ramirez, Eileen Rizzolo, Cristina Rodriguez, Martha Rohr, Barbara Roncinske, Kathy Rowe, Mary Rutter, Joseph Saccon, Tracy Saccone, Kevin Sampson, Clare Sapienza-eck, Patricia Schieb, Suzanne Schumakoff, Nina Sciacca, Maureen Semco, Juli Servidio, Nancy Shaw, Dale Short, Mark Shumeyko, Kirsten Simmerman, Elizabeth Skrabonja, Debbie Snow, Madeline Snyder, Eduardo Soriano, Sidney Soshkin, Daniel Sosa, Marisa Spalding, Ryan Spero, Gayle Stahlhuth, Susan Straley, Maria Stefanyszyn, Diane Svec-George, Kathy Szwadowski, Brian Szymaniak, Lisa Thamasett, Christine Thomas, Kris Urian, Susan Ust, Robert Vallerschamp, Erin Vietri, Sherman Waddell, David Weiss, Richard Williams, Wendy Williams, Paul Williamson, Janice Young.
ASSISTANCE
• Joyce Barth, for helping on the “Glitter Hour” Trolley Tour revision.
• Jill Bellarmino, for updating and organizing artifact folders and inventory.
• Teddy Bryan, for providing a program on Harriet Tubman for the Blind Center of the Jersey Cape.
• Cape Island Baptist Church (Rosemary Cwik), for use of their facility for Cape May MAC’s three All-Staff Trainings.
• Cape May Stage: Wendy Collins, Ryan Perillo, Denise Shutter, Roy Steinberg, for providing an Earth Day Grounds Crew.
• Rusty Cassway, for presenting a Lunch & Learn about “Shipwrecks of Cape May: Stories of Death and Survival”.
• Eric Christensen, for helping to bring out the Model T display.
• Wendy Collins, for presenting on behalf of Cape May Stage during the Meet Our City Partners portion of the All-Staff Training
• Janet Coupland, for her help with the Cape May MAC archiving project.
• Janet and Warren Coupland, for washing the side porch windows of the Physick House Museum.
• Rebecca Davis, for helping reset the dining room for the 2024 Physick Estate House Tour.
• Pastor Jeff Elliott and the Cape May Lutheran Church, for hosting our Lunch & Learn series.
• Craig Fols, for presenting on behalf of East Lynne Theater Company during the Meet Our City Partners portion of the All Staff Straining.
• Mary Fox, for facilitating Spirits and Oddities, Victorian Obsessions, Underground Railroad, and Welcome to Cape May tours.
• Hope Gaines, for presenting a Lunch & Learn about “The Busy Bee has No Time for Sorrow.”
• Peggy Gora, for helping on the “Glitter Hour” Trolley Tour revision.
• Karen Hammerman, for learning the new Past Perfect Software and assisting with updating the textile inventory.
• Theresa Harris, for helping to weed and maintain the Lighthouse Gardens.
• Camille Llewellyn, for administrative assistance with research and data entry.
• Madison Resorts: Aspasia Bournousouzis, Kathleen Collins, Kim Constantine, Kait Giovinazzo, Brian Jones, Justin Mogavero, Rob Pattillo, Glamari Perez, Lindsay Taylor, for an Earth Day “planting party.”
• Bernadette Matthews, for presenting on behalf of Greater Cape May Chamber of Commerce during the Meet Our City Partners portion of the All Staff Training.
• Kathy Morais, for help with brochure and poster distribution.
• Peter Munsick, for helping to bring out the Model T display.
• Dustin Piccolo-Kinsey, for serving and donating ice cream for the “We All Scream For Ice Cream” gallery opening.
• Matthew Reeves, for serving champagne and bartending at the “We All Scream For Ice Cream” gallery opening.
Photo by Susan Krysiak
Shown here, from left, Past Commander of The Wheelmen Erick Knight and New Jersey State Captain of the Wheelmen Bill Soloway present a thank you gift June 11 to Cape May MAC Board President Tom Carroll, a longtime member of The Wheelmen, at Vintage B.Y.O.B. Restaurant on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate. The gift was in gratitude for Carroll’s work on The Wheelmen’s Annual Meet, which included arranging details with the Cape May Point Science Center for accommodations, meals and meeting space, as well as coordinating with the City of Cape May.
Physick Estate upgrades
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ects began. Work was completed to install historically and architecturally customized storm windows on all the 1879 mansion’s windows. Since then, a new fire suppression system for the basement has been nearly completely installed. The location of the basement is critical to controlling and preventing the spread of a potential fire for several reasons. The basement is where electricals are located, and the house itself, like many historic structures, is constructed with balloon framing. Balloon framing can cause fire to spread upwards quickly. New pipes and new water connections now exist in the basement that, if needed, will bring the necessary amount of water to swiftly suppress a fire.
This fall, installation of the HVAC will begin. Both projects combined exceed $1 million. Cape May MAC’s New Jersey His-
toric Trust grant is for five years for the HVAC portion to be completed. Grant match fund-raising efforts continue.
Planning for this project began in 2021. Since then, work has proceeded in two planning phases for HVAC and one planning phase for fire suppression. Among other work during this planning phase, fire blocking and a new fire door were installed in the Physick House basement. Renovations to the second-floor bathroom in 2023 added new exhaust for ventilation.
The seaside City of Cape May is subject to wide swings of temperature and humidity throughout the year. Low humidity during the winter months results in cyclic excessive shrinkage movement followed by re-expansions within furnishings and architectural millwork. Humidity levels in the 30 percent range and lower are common.
‘THANK YOU’ NEWS
• Stan Sperlak, for presenting a Lunch & Learn on “Art in Nature, Nature in Art.”
VOLUNTEERS
Advisory Team Volunteers: Joyce Barth, Rosalie Gallagher, Peggy Gora. Carol Hartman, Loretta Hughes, John Klos, Barbara Lamont, Brian McGrath.
Brunch & Bingo at Bella Vida Volunteer: Sue Currie.
Cape May Library Book Brigade Volunteers: Sharon Agin, Bill Angstadt, Tina Angstadt, Nancy Battagliese, Mary Burke, Janet Coupland, Rebecca Davis, Chris DuBois, Kelly Gray, Jean Grazel, Alice Haber, Pam Hagan, Kevin Hammeran, Karen Hammeran, Carole Irwin, William Ivins, Kimberley Ivins, Camille Llewellyn, Joe Mammarella, Emma Jane Maurer, Kathy Morais, Melissa Motz, Carey Nathan, Rita Walls, Leann Weinberger, Janis White.
Cape May Music Festival Volunteers: Sharon Agin, Lauren De Simone, Lori Dribbon, Hope Gaines, Kelly Gray, Karen Hammerman, Dagmar Jelincic, Joe Mammerella, Tricia Nolfi, Cathie Russell, Clare Sapienza- Eck, Carol Ulmer.
Crafts and Collectibles in Spring Volunteers: Tina Angstadt, Bill Angstadt, Mary Burke, Sue Carroll, Lori Dribbon, Dagmar Jelincic, Diane Meza, Kathy Morais, Allison Parlin, Frank Scott, Carol Ulmer, Rita Wade, Leann Weinberger, Janis White.
Gardens of Cape May Tour Participating Properties: The Clemans Residence (Chris Clemans), The Colonial House (Harry Bellangy), The Viguers Residence (Joan Viguers), The Todaro- Francheschi Residence (Vidette Todaro- Francheschi).
Gardens of Cape May Tour Volunteers: Tina Angstadt, Mary Burke, Janet Coupland, Chris DuBois, Donna Flegal, Jean Grazel, Scott Griffith, Alice Haber, Carole Irwin, Tricia Kraemer, Kathy Morais, Melissa Motz, Carey Nathan, Carole Ulmer, Carolyn Vinci.
Grounds Crew Volunteers: Tom Carroll, Rebecca Davis, JC de Haan, Robert Evelyn, Walt Gabriel, Robert Gorgone, Carol Lindsay, Melissa Motz, Rick Sasse, Rita Wade, Stephen Ward, Deb Yamashita.
Investment Team Volunteers: Lee Bellarmino, Tom Carroll, Jake Cuomo, Mary McKenney, Martin Zektzer.
Membership Mailing Volunteers: Kathy Genzoli, Ruth Anne Stewart, Tricia Kraemer.
Shore Club Hole in One Fundraiser Volunteers: Lena Marroletti, Richard Mayer.
Trolley Maintenance Volunteers: Rebecca Davis, Camille Llewellyn, Joe Mammarella, Franco Meza, Mark Nathan, Vince Rapone, Jim Walsh, Leann Weinberger, Deb Yamashita.
Volunteer Team Volunteer: Tina Angstadt.
Wall coverings likewise lose their ability to remain adhered to wall and ceiling surfaces. During the summer months humidity levels sometimes rise close to 100 percent during thunderstorms and when the wind is blowing off the bay to the west. In addition to the expansion and contraction of historic materials, the high levels of humidity provide conditions for destructive mold blooms in papers, fabrics, and floor coverings.
The 1879 Emlen Physick House in Cape May houses a significant collection of period furnishings, window treatments, and period interior finishes— 6,000 works d’art in total. The house interior exemplifies extensive wood millwork reflective of the original Frank Furness architecture and later Physick interior changes to reflect changing styles through 1890. Despite the importance of this historic fabric the house lacks control of the interior environment beyond basic heating during the winter months and window air conditioning units in the summer.
“Cape May MAC has long recognized this limitation and the damage from constantly changing temperature and humidity fluctuations is visibly evident in the building fabric and furnishings, exacerbated by the salt air here at the seaside,” said Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine.
At least two previous efforts to develop responsible solutions to this situation failed due to the magnitude of the installation cost and visible intrusions. In 2021, MAC obtained NJHT funding to reconsider system options using newer equipment technology and space on the previously vacated third floor. The resulting Environmental Conditioning feasibility study completed by HMR Architects, and the engineering firm Bruce E. Brooks & Associates, outlined a new hybrid approach using a centrally controlled system of VRF heat pumps, the existing warm air system, and humidity stabilization equipment. This approach eliminated the need for extensive new ductwork installations and the associated cutting and patching of the historic building fabric.
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Would you like to support this project specifically by donating to our matching fund? Every gift is very much-needed and equally appreciated! CLICK HERE
A Look Back AT THE CAPE MAY MUSIC FESTIVAL
The 35th annual Cape May Music Festival was May 26 through June 23. Shown here, members of the Bay Atlantic Symphony play for the Bach’s Lunch at the Inn of Cape May; BAILEN, at Cape May Convention Hall; Erich Cawalla and the Uptown Band at Cape May Convention Hall; the George Mesterhazy Tribute at Episcopal Church of the Advent; New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players at Episcopal Church of the Advent; New York Chamber Ensemble at the Episcopal Church of the Advent. Additional performers included the Atlantic Brass Band, the Bay Atlantic Symphony and Okorie “OK Cello” Johnson.
New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players
Photos by Susan Krysiak
Erich Cawalla and the Uptown Band
George Mesterhazy Tribute
New York Chamber Ensemble
BAILEN
New tour
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pastimes. Stewart said cycling was extraordinarily popular and there was even a route from Cape May to Millville. “There was actually a speed limit instituted, and a road betterment society was formed,” she said. “There was even an anti-women’s bicycle league. They argued against cycling by women —- they thought it was scandalous that women would ride bicycles!”
Stories fill this tour, touching on baseball’s Negro Leagues and their connection to Cape May, golfing and Cape May’s golf courses, a Black tennis pro whose educational legacy remains strong today, where the horse racetracks were, and why horse racing petered out, yachting and the rich and famous, car races on the sand that made national news, and more.
Cape May has been and is today a fun, lively and relaxing place. Take the Down the Shore Trolley Tour and you’ll learn how your ancestors and people like them might have spent their vacations. See where visitors of yesteryear enjoyed their favorite games and sports. Hear about the excitement of Victorian racecourses and racetracks that attracted huge crowds. Learn about the teams, ballfields, courts and greens that are a vibrant part of the history of America’s First Seaside Resort.
The tour is offered on Wednesdays, July 17, 31 and Aug. 14, 28 at 3pm; Fridays, July 12, 26, Aug. 9 and 23 at 10am, and Sunday, July 21 at 2:15pm.
VISIT HERE for more information. -- SK
Photo by Susan Krysiak
Men and women from across the country and abroad who are passionate about vintage bicycles such as penny-farthings attended events in Cape May during their 57th Annual meet in Cape May from June 9-13. Activities included a 100-mile ride, vintage bathing suit competition, meetings, demonstrations and lunch at Vintage Restaurant at the Emlen Physick Estate, social activities and an evening lantern ride in Cape May Point.
Explore Cape May
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the Cape May area’s historic properties and landmarks, with maps. It can easily be used as a walking tour for Cape May’s renowned Historic District, for West Cape May, and for Cape May Point.
Each site is marked with an H, an A and/ or an N, to indicate they are sites of historical, architectural and/or natural interest.
The tour starts at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth and can be broken into sections very easily.
“The center of Victorian Cape May and the Lighthouse near Cape May Point are all very different experiences,” Zingman-Leith said. “The center of Cape May is very urban and picturesque. East Cape May features huge Edwardian houses, and West Cape May and Cape May Point each have their own different history. On a bicycle, you can go slowly enough to appreciate the houses,” he said.
Cape May MAC’s Curator Ben Ridings worked on updating and adding text to the book for this edition, which is much larger than an earlier soft cover edition that had
Spring Wrap-up
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Our DEAI Team presented “The Ripple Effect: How Every Individual Shapes BiasFree Classrooms,” a lecture by team member Janis Washington White on May 3 at Cape May Stage. White’s talk was based on her groundbreaking book, “Erasing Bias from the Classroom: A Guide to Fostering Self-awareness, Open Dialogue and Advocacy.” In it, she speaks to the transformative power we all have as influencers in shaping the educational landscape for our youth. She shared her wisdom and experience in education and the corporate realms in this talk, along with insights on the pivotal role we can play to be part of the conversation that fosters inclusivity in our schools.
Our Special Events staff was particularly busy Mother’s Day Weekend. Our annual Crafts & Collectibles Show filled the grounds at the Physick Estate with an array of local and regional vendors. Author and psychic medium Craig McManus made one of his periodic visits to town and hosted a Channeling Dinner at the Inn of Cape May on Friday. These are one of the hottest tickets in town, as are the Ghost Walks that Craig hosted the following evening. We also offered a Cape May Wine Trail and Brunch & Bingo at the Inn of Cape May that
half the number of properties.
“It’s an ideal way to see Cape May’s architectural details up close,” Ridings said.
Safety, of course, is paramount for anyone riding a bicycle along the busy streets of this seaside resort. Taking care to follow the rules of the road is a must, as is pulling over at points along the route. With the Explore Cape May book in hand, you can pull over to the side of the road and read about several houses at a time, then pedal for another stretch before pulling over again. Cape May lends itself well to bicycle touring.
“I always think that it’s much more fun to learn something about a place that I’m visiting while on vacation,” said Zingman-Leith. “Cape May is special because it is so darned cute, but also because there is so much more here than the beach. There’s an interesting history, there’s lots of social history about how people used to live, there’s Victorian and Edwardian architecture, there’s fishing, and there’s some of the best birding in the world.”
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weekend- truly something for everyone.
We had a slight jumpstart on the Cape May Music Festival when Eliot Bailen and Susan Rotholz of the New York Chamber Ensemble came to town to present informances at the Blind Center of the Jersey
Cape and Victorian Towers. This is part of the educational outreach of the Music Festival, funded by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and a prelude to the
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Photo by Susan Krysiak
Cape May MAC’s Explore Cape May self-guided tour book is perfect for bicycle touring and includes maps and information about Cape May iconic properties including The Abbey, shown here.
Photo by Susan Krysiak
The Cape May Music Festival Bach’s Lunches at the Inn of Cape May were held on Wednesdays, June 5, 12 and 19. Dozens enjoyed a delicious lunch on each of the three Wednesdays, and then an intimate classical chamber music concert by musicians from the Bay Atlantic Symphony.
Spring Wrap-up
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traditional opening of the season on May 26 when the Atlantic Brass Band set up in the bandstand at Rotary Park for a rousing Memorial Day concert. Eliot and Susan were back on May 30 for the first of the New York Chamber Ensemble concerts in the Episcopal Church of the Advent, which started the rollercoaster ride that is the Music Festival. Over the course of the next three weeks, we hosted evening concerts featuring OK Cello, the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players, the Bay Atlantic Symphony (twice), the George Mesterhazy Tribute Concert, and Bailen (an alt music group and the offspring of Eliot Bailen and Susan Rotholz!). We ended the series with a bang with Erich Cawalla and the Uptown Band in the Cape May Cabaret, an event that included dinner catered by the Kara Restaurant Group. The festival also included a Jazz Brunch and three Bach’s Lunches at the Inn of Cape May and Mid-day Music and More featuring Jed Gaylin, Elliot Bailen, and Susan Rothlotz at the Washington Inn.
The Shore Club, a new Group Tour business partner, chose us to be the beneficiary of its Hole in One Challenge on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. We provided two volunteer watchers on the fifth hole, where golfers could win a two-year lease on a new car in return for a donation to Cape May MAC. At the end of the day, we were delighted to learn that the event had generated a $1,000 donation for us, and the
Shore Club has invited us to do it again on July 5.
June 13 was a big day in Cape May and our volunteer corps was there to help. The new branch of the Cape May County Library System opened in the historic Franklin Street School, preceded by a symbolic book brigade, transferring selected books from the Ocean Street Library, via Ocean Street to Washington Street to Franklin Street to the new facility. This is Cape May’s second book brigade; when the library originally moved from the basement of the high school to the Ocean St. building, every book was passed hand to hand! See the list of our volunteers in the Thank You Department.
Another volunteer-dependent event took place on Saturday, June 15 when we hosted our Gardens of Cape May Tour. We’re grateful to our neighbors who so generously opened their private landscaped areas so our guests could see what’s blooming and get the inspiration they need for their own gardens. The five different gardens at the Physick Estate were on display where visitors also enjoyed an assortment of local vendors and a complimentary wine tasting by Cape May Winery. At the Memucan Hughes House (also known as the Colonial House), the headquarters of the Greater Cape May Historical Society, visitors could view the colonial garden restored by the Garden Club of Cape May whose members were on hand to answer questions.
We celebrated Mother’s Day and Father’s Day too. Moms and Dads climbed free (at the Cape May Lighthouse and World War II Lookout Tower) on their respective special days. It’s just a small way for us to say thank you! We continued acknowledging our local supporters by celebrating our annual Community Day on June 23, where we encourage our county residents to be tourists for a day. With proof of residency, locals were able to take advantage of free admission to the Cape May Lighthouse, World War II Lookout Tower, Historic District Trolley Tours, and Emlen Physick Estate Tours. We are always happy to host those neighbors who take advantage of this each time we offer these free tours.
Our educational outreach programming has been humming along this spring. Ben Ridings presented “We All Scream for Ice Cream” for Lunch & Learn on April 17. Ben expounded on the cultural and culinary in his talk, from ancient flavors to popular favorites. Dr. Brenda Leonard was next up with a presentation on “The Music of Mendelssohn” on May 1, a musical journey on the life and works of this Romantic era prodigy. We switched to “Shipwrecks of Cape May: True Stories of Death and Survival” with Rusty Cassway on May 15 and learned about wreck diving and the Octavian Project, a World War II era steamer sunk during Operation Wolfpack. On May 5, Hope Gaines, a Cape May MAC interpreter, and long-time gardener, shared “The Busy Bee Has No Time for Sorrow,” garden lore as it relates to bees and their habits. Hope finished her presentation with a honey tasting. On Juneteenth, we were fortunate enough to hear from Rick Geffken on “Slavery in Cape May County.” Rick came courtesy of the Greater Cape May Historical Society through funding from the Cape May County Division of Culture & Heritage and provided an eye-opening overview of slavery in New Jersey in general and Cape May County in particular.
We continued our visits to the Blind Center for the Jersey Cape, where Teddy Bryan spoke on the history of Harriet Tubman. We also visited Victorian Towers, Margaret Mace School, and Wildwood Catholic Academy. I’m happy to report that we have been working with former Museum Educator Dory Coe to develop several new programs. Dory is quite a researcher and has submitted pieces on “temperance and intemperance” and scandalous Victorian bathing costumes which we hope to have ready to present shortly.
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Photo by Susan Krysiak
Shown here, Cape May MAC volunteers joined Director of Media Relations Susan Krysiak at Fisherman's Wharf June 26 for a live news broadcast with meteorologist Kathy Orr, for FOX29's Orr Down the Shore program, at Cape May's Lobster House Restaurant. Kathy Orr featured Cape May MAC's Fisherman's Wharf Tour as part of the broadcast and Guide John Sparks provided Kathy with a live overview of the commercial fishing industry in Cape May. CLICK HERE for tickets.
