VOLUME LIV, ISSUE 3
Newsletter www.capemaymac.org
SUMMER 2024
Photo by Susan Krysiak
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 (CONTINUED ON PAGE 13)
‘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 (CONTINUED ON PAGE 14)
Photo by Susan Krysiak
Shown here, Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine shows where new water lines 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(CONTINUED ON PAGE 11)
In This Issue Coming Attractions.................... Page 3-5 From the Director...........................Page 6 Membership News .......................Page 7 Recent Happenings...................... Page 2 Thank You Department........Pages 8-11