Lucy the Elephant…and understanding the Jersey Shore – Part 2
Late one season, I was contacted by PugsleyTonks about an expedition down the shore in search of Lucy the Elephant. To be honest, I felt that I had no choice but to host him and guide him through our land. The only things that he seemed to know about the Jersey Shore were Atlantic City, Lucy the Elephant, and something about “Snookie.” If I had not hosted him, he would likely have ended up dead under the boardwalk in Atlantic City. So, as a mission of mercy and education, I let him in my home and took on the assignment of hosting PugsleyTonks on his visit down the shore.
First off, PT told me that he would be arriving on the Jersey Shore via the Cape May – Lewes Ferry. This approach to the shore was a bit unusual, as most tourists from Ohio do not arrive on an hour and half ferry ride from Lewes, Delaware. Apparently, he was on some obscure driving trip. He claimed that this path made sense to his travel itinerary. On the good side, arriving at Cape May (southern tip of Jersey Shore) gives you the opportunity to see the many barrier islands that became populated after the 1940’s. The islands are Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, along with the popular town of Wild Wood. These islands, as well as, the more northern island containing Margate City (i.e. Lucy) and Atlantic City are what makes up the South Jersey part of the Shore.
South Jersey Shore is mostly populated by Philadelphians. The south Jersey Shore was famous for Atlantic City during the Jerry Lewis/Dean Martin era, as well as a retreat for kings and Presidents at the southern most tip of Cape May. Princess Grace (Grace Kelly to Philadelphians) and her family were famous inhabitants of Ocean City. Interesting enough, Ocean City is still an alcohol free area since the founding of this Methodist retreat. This dry tradition continues to this day (despite many referendums to change) as part of the brand of America’s Best Family Resort. This dry fact of Ocean City seemed excessively troubling to PugsleyTonks during his visit. I had to ensure him that my personal stock of beer and bourbon would get him through the night.
Ocean City Half Marathon…PT did NOT participate
Several cities in the South Jersey Shore have boardwalks which are either built above the ocean or along the dunes. Beautiful white beaches and rolling waves for body surfing are trademarks of the barrier islands. Salt water taffy and fudge are specialities, along with typical Philly style cheesesteaks and pizza. Come and visit like many of the Shoobies, who brought lunch in a shoebox and “came for the day, dip in the bay, lobster red and home to bed”.
Steel Pier of Atlantic City 
More of Monopoly City…
By contrast and for the sake of completeness, the north Jersey Shore is the shoreline above Atlantic City. The north Jersey Shore is populated mostly by central and north Jersians as well as New Yorkers who vacation there rather than Long Island. And, for the most important lesson of this writing…Snookie is NORTH Jersey Shore. She has absolutely nothing to do with the good folk of South Jersey Shore.
Thank you for this opportunity to educate those of you in the fly over states. The Philly Kid
Hi Philly kid and PT! I grew up in south Jersey (Galloway Township) and I’d say your two part post is very accurate! I remember summer trips (about 20 minutes down the parkway for us) to the ocean city beach and boardwalk. Some of my fondest memories where trips to gillian’s wonderland water park and amusement park on the boardwalk in ocean city. Once I became a teenager the boardwalk was the place to be on summer nights! Also I like your picture of the Atlantic City beach and skyline, I used to work at the Ocean Resort, formerly the Revel, when it opened in 2012. PT if you haven’t already watched I highly suggest you watch Boardwalk Empire on HBO it’s a very interesting perspective of how Atlantic City/ the surrounding Pine Barrons grew through prohibition. My town is located across the bay from Atlantic City and is at the edge of the Pine barrons so I found it very interesting to me to watch that show and do some additional background research on my own. The one comment I would make is that I would push that New Yorker/Philadelphian shore town line slightly north. In my experience Brigantine (which is the island north of Atlantic City) is populated with locals and some philly summer homes, although it’s more locals and less summer homes then other south Jersey towns such as Sea Isle, Avalon, Ocean City and Stone Harbor. I would consider the New York summer shore towns to start at Long Island.
Keep up the awesome posts of American nostalgia!
-Jason
It’s really a cool and helpful piece of information. I am happy that you just shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.