NJN Documentary Our Vanishing Past - Lucy the Elephant

Standing 65 feet high, "Lucy" is the world's largest elephant and the oldest animal shaped building in the United States. She was built just south of Atlantic City, New Jersey (in what is now the town of Margate) by real estate developer James Lafferty in 1881. Lafferty patented his unique animal shaped creation, which drew crowds to the Jersey Shore.

He later designed two other elephants. The 40-foot Light of Asia in south Cape May, New Jersey and Elephantine Colossus at Coney Island, New York. Colossus grew to be 122 feet high and housed seven floors of exhibits and rooms.

Both of Lucy's relatives are long gone. Over the years she faced numerous threats of demolition. Members of the Save Lucy Committee fought to rescue her from extinction. Today, Lucy is a National Historic Landmark.

This is one of the great stories associated with NJN's documentary OUR VANISHING PAST. Due to time constraints Lucy's video had to be cut from the final version of the documentary and now lives on the show's website. The program features more than 30 historic places throughout New Jersey, from crumbling ruins in forgotten towns to spectacular restorations in major cities. The documentary also looks at successful preservation efforts, from grassroots citizens groups to innovative developers.

Official Website: http://www.njn.net/television/specials/ourvanishingpast/

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

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• njn
• new
• jersey
• public
• television
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• vanishing
• past
• lucy
• the
• elephant
• Margate
• lafferty
• historic
• landmark
• grassroots
• outreach

[myhideaway08]

I saw the original Lucy when she lived in Alantic city NJ <back in the 70's

[candy10871]

i saw lucy in alantic city

[elephnthoteltagebuch]

Amazonn -Just released true story - The Elephant Hotel Hedwig and the Tagebuch- by:Marie Kobres Bone-first and youngest tour guide of historical landmark

[elephnthoteltagebuch]

Amazon just released;THE ELEPHANT HOTEL, HEDWIG AND THE TAGEBUCH (Journal)-BY:Marie Kobres Bone - true story -Hedwig Pfeil, 12 yrs old - first and youngest tour guide when 'Lucy' stood in front of Gertzen's Elephant Hotel a tourist attraction for hotel - 85 yrs. after Hedwig left the Gertzens- Restored Lucy landmark placed on Historical Registry - true story first and youngest tour guide historical landmark. The Elephant Hotel, Hedwig and the Tagebuch -By Marie Kobres Bone

[joanlagoy]

I lived in Ocean city with my son Richie and

we'd often go over to visit Lucy. She is

really wonderful!

Thank you,

j.LaGoy Melatti