TOUR AMERIA 2023 – BUTTERFLY CAMPING RESORT, JACKSON, NJ

July 28, 2023

Lucy The Elephant – America’s Oldest Roadside Attraction

Remember I said that we came up the East Coast for two major events? Well, I sort of forgot that there was a third must do we had to attend to.

That third item was to go see Lucy The Elephant in Margate, NJ. Ms. Barbara said that if we were in NJ there was no way we were leaving without seeing it. Thus, early Friday morning the three of us – Ms. Barbara, Jarrett our grandson, and myself – made the trip to the Jersey Shore to view Lucy in all her glory.

A few quick facts about Lucy:

Constructed of wood and tin, the six story elephant was designed by James V. Lafferty, Jr. in 1881 as a way of attracting potential buyers to lots he wished to sell in South Atlantic City. He would take them up to the howdah and show them the various lots that were for sale.

Lucy, according to a pamphlet about her, is constructed of: a million pieces of timber; 8,560 ribs; 200 kegs of nails, four tons of bolt; and, is covered with 12,000 square feet of tin.

Lucy has seventeen widows, a skylight, and two glass eyes.

The body is 38 feet long and 80 feet in circumference; the head is 16 feet long and 48 feet in circumference. The ears are 17 feet long and 10 feet wide. It is estimated that each weighs 2,000 pounds.

The tusks are 22 feet long; tail 26 feet and glass window eyes are 18 inches in diameter. The legs are 22 feet long and 10 feet in diameter.

Standing tall since 1881 Lucy has had various owners, been moved once to where she now stands and has undergone a complete restoration in the 70’s. She has also been in used in various ways.

Up in her belly there is a large multipurpose room that has been used as a tavern, an apartment, a guest cottage and so many other things. Today, you can even rent it for a special occasion of your own. However, you might think twice about that for the simple reason that. . .

You ascend to the room on a spiral staircase in my leg, and you descent back down on another spiral staircase in another leg. It’s an interesting trip no matter what direction you are going.

From the large room in her belly another spiral staircase takes you up to the

howdah where you get a nice view of the Jersey Shore.

So that you have it, Lucy the World’s Largest Elephant, America’s oldest roadside attraction and a National Historic Landmark.

Thanks again for spending some time with us.  It’s always great to be able to share our story with family and friends. Comments? Feel free to share them with me. And always remember, cherish every moment of every day that God gives you and live those moments to the fullest.