Atlantic Cape Community College takes residence in three towns, Mays Landing, Atlantic City, and Cape May. So, let's get to know some of the history of each of those towns and learn some new and fascinating information about a few places we find ourselves spending our time. Today's post will focus solely on Mays Landing. Some of the resources used come from our New Jersey Collection. Be sure to stop in and explore some of the interesting facts of our home state!
While this blog is loaded with tidbits of information, I suggest digging deeper into the history of a few of the topics mentioned. There is so much more to learn and discover than what is discussed!
Historical Facts:
The facts are actually quite interesting.
Atlantic County
(Image from page 429 in The New Jersey Almanac Tercentenary Edition)
If you are anything like me, you have lived in the area for your entire life with little to knowledge of its history. I have lived in Atlantic County since birth, that is 32 years! Yet, I knew nothing about its establishment. So, it's time to take a look!
In 1837, Atlantic County was formed. Parts of the new county were originally under Gloucester, however, since its established status, Atlantic County's boundaries have remained relatively unchanged.
What is now known as Mays Landing, was made the county seat and established its courthouse in 1838. In other words, Mays Landing is the county's center of government; it is similar to the idea of having a capital city to a state.
Take a look at the photograph of the Mays Landing Courthouse found in the The New Jersey Almanac on page 433.
A pretty interesting historical fact is that life in Atlantic County was focused on the Great Egg Harbor River and the many benefits it brought the area. Sure, I have gone tubing down the river and enjoy the fun memories it offers, but I never thought too much more. We will explore the depth and impacts of the river throughout the post.
Kennedy, S., Boucher, B., Cunningham, J., & Merlo, P., eds. (1963). New Jersey Counties. In The New Jersey Almanac: Tercentenary Edition (pp. 428–433). The New Jersey Almanac, Inc.
Historical People:
Let's take a look at some people of interest, shall we?
George May
In 1749, George May purchased land near Babcock Creek. For those of you wondering, Babcock Creek runs across Old Egg Harbor Road (near the Lakers football fields) and past the Babcock Creek Preserve. At the time of May's purchase, Babcock Creek had a sawmill and dwelling houses, which were left and acquired by May after Edmund Illiff passed away. May continued to expand his ownership of the land until the 1760s. During this time of expansion, he built a shipyard and trading post.
The area owned by George May became known as May's Landing after it went to auction due to his death. The name has stuck ever since. It is nice to know, after 32 years, why the name of the town I grew up in has its name!
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Fertsch, C. (2020, March 6). A Retrospective on South Jersey History: George May and the Story of Mays Landing. Shore Local News. https://shorelocalnews.com/a-retrospective-on-south-jersey-history-george-may-and-the-story-of-mays-landing/
Hamilton Historical Society. (n.d.). Historic timeline. Hamilton Historical Society. https://hamiltonhistorical.org/historic-timeline#:~:text=The early 1800's saw Mays, along the entire eastern seaboard
Samuel Richards
Samuel Richards was the operator of Ironworks in Weymouth; also known as the Weymouth Furnace.
(Image is from the Weymouth Furnace Photo Gallery on the Division of Parks and Recreation Website)
If you have grown up in the area, you may have enjoyed a tubing trip, kayaking, or canoeing down the Great Egg Harbor River. Well, what you may not have known is those old brick ruins on Weymouth Road are part of a very interesting past-time.
The Weymouth Furnace was founded in the early1800s when the state granted permission to dam the river and begin producing ironworks and waterworks. The Weymouth Furnace was operate under Samuel Richards and produced cannon balls during the War of 1812, stove parts, and water pipes. The business was abandon after a supposed fire. I use the word "supposed" because the shutdown and abandonment of the furnace happened at a time when it was a struggle to compete with coal powered factories during the 1860s.
Not long after, the plant was reopened to produce paper. However, the plant was shutdown once more after a second fire. It was left abandoned by the time the 1900s hit. This area no longer received much attention until the Mays Landing Water Company took over the land and found some of the plant's workers had continued to live in their homes rent free for 25 years. Anyone else thinking about how much money they could save from living rent/mortgage free for 25 years?
Let's take a look at some historical images. Hearing of the history and seeing the history always makes a difference for me; it becomes more real and personal. The image on the left is of some of the abandoned and run-down homes. The image on the right is of "Fountain Gale" who was a fire warden, game warden, and sawmiller. He remained on the land and observed the town's collapse until the state took over the area in 1962. Personally, watching my hometown become a ghost town would be depressing, but I suppose he liked the quiet.
(Images are from pages 285 & 286 of the book titled More Forgotten Towns)
In addition to operating the Weymouth Furnace, Samuel Richards donated land that would be used for the Presbyterian Church, which will be discussed shortly, and built the American Hotel in order to profit on the large number of travelers visiting and passing through the area. (True entrepreneur mindset, am I right?) The American Hotel opened in 1840 on the corner of Main Street and Farragut Avenue. It is now the home of the Mays Landing branch for the Atlantic County Library. As a child, I always wondered why there were so many windows on the one side!
Atlantic County Government. (2022). Weymouth Furnace Photo Gallery. Division of parks and recreation. https://www.atlantic-county.org/parks/weymouth-furnace-gallery.asp
Beck, H. C. (1963). Weymouth Revisited. In More Forgotten Towns of Southern New Jersey (pp. 282–288). Rutgers University Press.
Living Places. (n.d.). Mays Landing Historic District. https://www.livingplaces.com/NJ/Atlantic_County/Hamilton_Township/Mays_Landing_Historic_District.html
William Moore
William Moore was a manager of the Weymouth Furnace Ironworks. In 1864, he bought the American Hotel (smart move, in my opinion). By today's standards, Moore was a multi-millionaire having a net worth increase from $1,000 to $25,000 between 1850 & 1860. By the year of 1870, Moore was worth over $46000. This may not seem like much due to the salaries provided in our current society. We must remember to consider the fact that the average person earned less than $300 per year in that time. I wish I could get some financial advice from this man!
His wealth was displayed in his home of choice, the Sugar Hill Inn. We will discuss some very fascinating facts about this historic building shortly. However, it is a beautiful building even by today's standards. Life of luxury must have been his style.
Another interesting fact about William Moore is that he served as a Republican Congressman in 1867-1871 and State Senator in 1872-1874.
Living Places. (n.d.). Mays Landing Historic District. https://www.livingplaces.com/NJ/Atlantic_County/Hamilton_Township/Mays_Landing_Historic_District.html
Historical Buildings:
Who doesn't look at certain buildings and wonder about its history?
Sugar Hill Inn
(Image Shared from Inn's Website)
Have you ever enjoyed a fabulous meal at the Sugar Hill Inn? I did many years ago. I hear the food is still just as wonderful. If you are ever looking for a romantic dinner, stop by on a summer evening and enjoy their outdoor space overlooking the river.
Being this is an educational blog, let's stop with the advertising and get into some of the history!
In 1789, the Oakes' family built a modest farmhouse. I highly doubt they anticipated their family home would become an historic landmark of the town. Don't you wish you could tell people of the past the mark they left behind? Be mindful of this in your own life; you never know the marks you are making right now.
I know, I know, you are all thinking, "Stop with the sappy stuff, Amanda, and keep focus."
As mentioned earlier, William Moore owned and lived in the Sugar Hill Inn. He is the one who expanded the home in order to create additional rooms for when his dignitaries came to visit in the 1850s. In other words, he brought the luxury to the modest farmhouse.
Here is some of the really cool facts about this specific area and home!
The area commonly known as Sugar Hill, gained its name because it was used as a major trading port due to its location on the Great Egg Harbor River. An even more interesting fact is that the home was used to store molasses, sugar, and rum in its walls! Also, a man named Captain Samuel Snell was known as a hero in this part of Mays Landing when he captured 19 British ships and sold the ships and cargo during the Revolutionary War.
In the early 1900s, the Abbotts family took ownership of the villa.
In 2021, the inn gained its first female owner, Wendy Fabietti, and has continued offering rooms, fine dining, and a romantic view of the river.
Living Places. (n.d.). Mays Landing Historic District. https://www.livingplaces.com/NJ/Atlantic_County/Hamilton_Township/Mays_Landing_Historic_District.html
Wendy, F. (n.d.). History. The Inn at Sugar Hill. http://www.innatsugarhill.com/inn/history.php
The Presbyterian Church, St. Vincent de Paul Church, & the Young Family Park and Rink
Presbyterian Church
(Image Shared from Church's Website)
This church is the oldest church in town. To put it in perspective, it has been in continuous use since 1842! Just think, we are only 20 years away from celebrating its 200th birthday! The land used to build and establish the church was donated by Samuel Richards. You can find this church right on the corner of Main Street and Cape May Avenue. According to the church's website, it is listed in the National Historic Register, but it is not a museum with the exception of a few occasions. This is due to the fact that there is still an active congregation.
St. Vincent de Paul Church
(Image Shared from the Church's Website)
Another church that has been in use for quite some time is the St. Vincent de Paul Church. This church held its very first service on Christmas Day of 1907 under Father McCormick. However, the church wasn't finished and dedicated until June 28, 1908. An interesting fact about the church and McCormick is that he sought permission to host church picnics on the lakefront property owned by Leilings. This was the start of the Lake Lenape Park.
Young Family Park & Rink
(Image from Lake Lenape Park's Website)
After McCormick's request to offer church picnics on the Leiling Family's property, Lake Lenape Park opened in 1910. In 1939, the Leilings ordered a man named Herman Dehm Sr. to build 65 wooden lighthouses to use as landmarks for canoeists.
In 1960, the Young family purchased the park and the roller skating rink. The family reopened the roller skating rink in 1973 which is still in operation today. During my pre-teen and early teen years, this was the spot to be! Occasionally, I revisit my childhood hangout with my children and enjoy a family skating session together. Oh, the nostalgia.
The county now owns the park. While I have not pitched a tent on one of the campsites offered myself, I hear some of the views are breathtaking and it is definitely on my to-do list!
Hamilton Historical Society. (n.d.). Historic timeline. Hamilton Historical Society. https://hamiltonhistorical.org/historic-timeline#:~:text=The early 1800's saw Mays, along the entire eastern seaboard
Living Places. (n.d.). Mays Landing Historic District. https://www.livingplaces.com/NJ/Atlantic_County/Hamilton_Township/Mays_Landing_Historic_District.html
Atlantic City Race Course
(Image from page 681in The New Jersey Almanac Tercentenary Edition)
Ever look at the abandoned race course sitting behind the Hamilton Mall (another area that is quickly fading into a time of the past) and think I wonder what that was or how it looked when it was in operation? Well, perhaps, the image above can provide a glimpse into its history.
The Atlantic City Race Course was opened in the summer of 1946 by a group of investors who pooled $4,000,000 together to open the Atlantic City Race Course. The most commonly known name among its shareholders is Frank Sinatra. While it may not look like much except a ghost town now, it was estimated to bring in over 25,000 fans for its opening day. People came by bus, train, planes, and cars.
So, what happened since then? Well, it is thought that when gambling came to the Atlantic City Boardwalk in 1978, people chose the 24 hour operating times over the race course. I am not a gambler, but I guess that makes sense.
Kennedy, S., Boucher, B., Cunningham, J., & Merlo, P., eds. (1963). New Jersey Counties. In The New Jersey Almanac: Tercentenary Edition (pp. 681). The New Jersey Almanac, Inc.
Living Places. (n.d.). Mays Landing Historic District. https://www.livingplaces.com/NJ/Atlantic_County/Hamilton_Township/Mays_Landing_Historic_District.htm
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The History of Mays Landing
While this blog is loaded with tidbits of information, I suggest digging deeper into the history of a few of the topics mentioned. There is so much more to learn and discover than what is discussed!
Historical Facts:
The facts are actually quite interesting.
Atlantic County
(Image from page 429 in The New Jersey Almanac Tercentenary Edition)
If you are anything like me, you have lived in the area for your entire life with little to knowledge of its history. I have lived in Atlantic County since birth, that is 32 years! Yet, I knew nothing about its establishment. So, it's time to take a look!
In 1837, Atlantic County was formed. Parts of the new county were originally under Gloucester, however, since its established status, Atlantic County's boundaries have remained relatively unchanged.
What is now known as Mays Landing, was made the county seat and established its courthouse in 1838. In other words, Mays Landing is the county's center of government; it is similar to the idea of having a capital city to a state.
Take a look at the photograph of the Mays Landing Courthouse found in the The New Jersey Almanac on page 433.
A pretty interesting historical fact is that life in Atlantic County was focused on the Great Egg Harbor River and the many benefits it brought the area. Sure, I have gone tubing down the river and enjoy the fun memories it offers, but I never thought too much more. We will explore the depth and impacts of the river throughout the post.
Kennedy, S., Boucher, B., Cunningham, J., & Merlo, P., eds. (1963). New Jersey Counties. In The New Jersey Almanac: Tercentenary Edition (pp. 428–433). The New Jersey Almanac, Inc.
Historical People:
Let's take a look at some people of interest, shall we?
George May
In 1749, George May purchased land near Babcock Creek. For those of you wondering, Babcock Creek runs across Old Egg Harbor Road (near the Lakers football fields) and past the Babcock Creek Preserve. At the time of May's purchase, Babcock Creek had a sawmill and dwelling houses, which were left and acquired by May after Edmund Illiff passed away. May continued to expand his ownership of the land until the 1760s. During this time of expansion, he built a shipyard and trading post.
The area owned by George May became known as May's Landing after it went to auction due to his death. The name has stuck ever since. It is nice to know, after 32 years, why the name of the town I grew up in has its name!
Fertsch, C. (2020, March 6). A Retrospective on South Jersey History: George May and the Story of Mays Landing. Shore Local News. https://shorelocalnews.com/a-retrospective-on-south-jersey-history-george-may-and-the-story-of-mays-landing/
Hamilton Historical Society. (n.d.). Historic timeline. Hamilton Historical Society. https://hamiltonhistorical.org/historic-timeline#:~:text=The early 1800's saw Mays, along the entire eastern seaboard
Samuel Richards
Samuel Richards was the operator of Ironworks in Weymouth; also known as the Weymouth Furnace.
(Image is from the Weymouth Furnace Photo Gallery on the Division of Parks and Recreation Website)
If you have grown up in the area, you may have enjoyed a tubing trip, kayaking, or canoeing down the Great Egg Harbor River. Well, what you may not have known is those old brick ruins on Weymouth Road are part of a very interesting past-time.
The Weymouth Furnace was founded in the early1800s when the state granted permission to dam the river and begin producing ironworks and waterworks. The Weymouth Furnace was operate under Samuel Richards and produced cannon balls during the War of 1812, stove parts, and water pipes. The business was abandon after a supposed fire. I use the word "supposed" because the shutdown and abandonment of the furnace happened at a time when it was a struggle to compete with coal powered factories during the 1860s.
Not long after, the plant was reopened to produce paper. However, the plant was shutdown once more after a second fire. It was left abandoned by the time the 1900s hit. This area no longer received much attention until the Mays Landing Water Company took over the land and found some of the plant's workers had continued to live in their homes rent free for 25 years. Anyone else thinking about how much money they could save from living rent/mortgage free for 25 years?
Let's take a look at some historical images. Hearing of the history and seeing the history always makes a difference for me; it becomes more real and personal. The image on the left is of some of the abandoned and run-down homes. The image on the right is of "Fountain Gale" who was a fire warden, game warden, and sawmiller. He remained on the land and observed the town's collapse until the state took over the area in 1962. Personally, watching my hometown become a ghost town would be depressing, but I suppose he liked the quiet.
(Images are from pages 285 & 286 of the book titled More Forgotten Towns)
In addition to operating the Weymouth Furnace, Samuel Richards donated land that would be used for the Presbyterian Church, which will be discussed shortly, and built the American Hotel in order to profit on the large number of travelers visiting and passing through the area. (True entrepreneur mindset, am I right?) The American Hotel opened in 1840 on the corner of Main Street and Farragut Avenue. It is now the home of the Mays Landing branch for the Atlantic County Library. As a child, I always wondered why there were so many windows on the one side!
Atlantic County Government. (2022). Weymouth Furnace Photo Gallery. Division of parks and recreation. https://www.atlantic-county.org/parks/weymouth-furnace-gallery.asp
Beck, H. C. (1963). Weymouth Revisited. In More Forgotten Towns of Southern New Jersey (pp. 282–288). Rutgers University Press.
Living Places. (n.d.). Mays Landing Historic District. https://www.livingplaces.com/NJ/Atlantic_County/Hamilton_Township/Mays_Landing_Historic_District.html
William Moore
William Moore was a manager of the Weymouth Furnace Ironworks. In 1864, he bought the American Hotel (smart move, in my opinion). By today's standards, Moore was a multi-millionaire having a net worth increase from $1,000 to $25,000 between 1850 & 1860. By the year of 1870, Moore was worth over $46000. This may not seem like much due to the salaries provided in our current society. We must remember to consider the fact that the average person earned less than $300 per year in that time. I wish I could get some financial advice from this man!
His wealth was displayed in his home of choice, the Sugar Hill Inn. We will discuss some very fascinating facts about this historic building shortly. However, it is a beautiful building even by today's standards. Life of luxury must have been his style.
Another interesting fact about William Moore is that he served as a Republican Congressman in 1867-1871 and State Senator in 1872-1874.
Living Places. (n.d.). Mays Landing Historic District. https://www.livingplaces.com/NJ/Atlantic_County/Hamilton_Township/Mays_Landing_Historic_District.html
Historical Buildings:
Who doesn't look at certain buildings and wonder about its history?
Sugar Hill Inn
(Image Shared from Inn's Website)
Have you ever enjoyed a fabulous meal at the Sugar Hill Inn? I did many years ago. I hear the food is still just as wonderful. If you are ever looking for a romantic dinner, stop by on a summer evening and enjoy their outdoor space overlooking the river.
Being this is an educational blog, let's stop with the advertising and get into some of the history!
In 1789, the Oakes' family built a modest farmhouse. I highly doubt they anticipated their family home would become an historic landmark of the town. Don't you wish you could tell people of the past the mark they left behind? Be mindful of this in your own life; you never know the marks you are making right now.
I know, I know, you are all thinking, "Stop with the sappy stuff, Amanda, and keep focus."
As mentioned earlier, William Moore owned and lived in the Sugar Hill Inn. He is the one who expanded the home in order to create additional rooms for when his dignitaries came to visit in the 1850s. In other words, he brought the luxury to the modest farmhouse.
Here is some of the really cool facts about this specific area and home!
The area commonly known as Sugar Hill, gained its name because it was used as a major trading port due to its location on the Great Egg Harbor River. An even more interesting fact is that the home was used to store molasses, sugar, and rum in its walls! Also, a man named Captain Samuel Snell was known as a hero in this part of Mays Landing when he captured 19 British ships and sold the ships and cargo during the Revolutionary War.
In the early 1900s, the Abbotts family took ownership of the villa.
In 2021, the inn gained its first female owner, Wendy Fabietti, and has continued offering rooms, fine dining, and a romantic view of the river.
Living Places. (n.d.). Mays Landing Historic District. https://www.livingplaces.com/NJ/Atlantic_County/Hamilton_Township/Mays_Landing_Historic_District.html
Wendy, F. (n.d.). History. The Inn at Sugar Hill. http://www.innatsugarhill.com/inn/history.php
The Presbyterian Church, St. Vincent de Paul Church, & the Young Family Park and Rink
Presbyterian Church
(Image Shared from Church's Website)
This church is the oldest church in town. To put it in perspective, it has been in continuous use since 1842! Just think, we are only 20 years away from celebrating its 200th birthday! The land used to build and establish the church was donated by Samuel Richards. You can find this church right on the corner of Main Street and Cape May Avenue. According to the church's website, it is listed in the National Historic Register, but it is not a museum with the exception of a few occasions. This is due to the fact that there is still an active congregation.
St. Vincent de Paul Church
(Image Shared from the Church's Website)
Another church that has been in use for quite some time is the St. Vincent de Paul Church. This church held its very first service on Christmas Day of 1907 under Father McCormick. However, the church wasn't finished and dedicated until June 28, 1908. An interesting fact about the church and McCormick is that he sought permission to host church picnics on the lakefront property owned by Leilings. This was the start of the Lake Lenape Park.
Young Family Park & Rink
(Image from Lake Lenape Park's Website)
After McCormick's request to offer church picnics on the Leiling Family's property, Lake Lenape Park opened in 1910. In 1939, the Leilings ordered a man named Herman Dehm Sr. to build 65 wooden lighthouses to use as landmarks for canoeists.
In 1960, the Young family purchased the park and the roller skating rink. The family reopened the roller skating rink in 1973 which is still in operation today. During my pre-teen and early teen years, this was the spot to be! Occasionally, I revisit my childhood hangout with my children and enjoy a family skating session together. Oh, the nostalgia.
The county now owns the park. While I have not pitched a tent on one of the campsites offered myself, I hear some of the views are breathtaking and it is definitely on my to-do list!
Hamilton Historical Society. (n.d.). Historic timeline. Hamilton Historical Society. https://hamiltonhistorical.org/historic-timeline#:~:text=The early 1800's saw Mays, along the entire eastern seaboard
Living Places. (n.d.). Mays Landing Historic District. https://www.livingplaces.com/NJ/Atlantic_County/Hamilton_Township/Mays_Landing_Historic_District.html
Atlantic City Race Course
(Image from page 681in The New Jersey Almanac Tercentenary Edition)
Ever look at the abandoned race course sitting behind the Hamilton Mall (another area that is quickly fading into a time of the past) and think I wonder what that was or how it looked when it was in operation? Well, perhaps, the image above can provide a glimpse into its history.
The Atlantic City Race Course was opened in the summer of 1946 by a group of investors who pooled $4,000,000 together to open the Atlantic City Race Course. The most commonly known name among its shareholders is Frank Sinatra. While it may not look like much except a ghost town now, it was estimated to bring in over 25,000 fans for its opening day. People came by bus, train, planes, and cars.
So, what happened since then? Well, it is thought that when gambling came to the Atlantic City Boardwalk in 1978, people chose the 24 hour operating times over the race course. I am not a gambler, but I guess that makes sense.
Kennedy, S., Boucher, B., Cunningham, J., & Merlo, P., eds. (1963). New Jersey Counties. In The New Jersey Almanac: Tercentenary Edition (pp. 681). The New Jersey Almanac, Inc.
Living Places. (n.d.). Mays Landing Historic District. https://www.livingplaces.com/NJ/Atlantic_County/Hamilton_Township/Mays_Landing_Historic_District.htm
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