VOLUME LIV, ISSUE 1
Newsletter www.capemaymac.org
WINTER 2024
Physick House gets major overhaul
Photo by Susan Krysiak
Insulated storm windows were installed this January in the Physick House Museum as part of the HVAC installation project.
Cape May’s Victorian House Museum, The 1879 Physick House, is undergoing a major overhaul to upgrade its fire suppression system, and its heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, thanks to government and private grants and matching fund donations. Planning for this project began in 2021. Since then, work has proceeded in two planning phases for HVAC and one planning phase for fire suppression. Among other work during this planning phase, fire blocking and a new fire door were installed in the Physick House basement. Recently completed renovations to the secondfloor bathroom added new exhaust for ventilation. The seaside City of Cape May is subject to wide swings of temperature and humidity throughout the year. Low humidity during the winter months results in cyclic excessive shrinkage movement followed by re-expansions within furnishings and architectural millwork. Humidity levels in the 30 percent range and lower are common. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 18)
HHHHHHHHHHHH PRESIDENTS DAY WEEKEND
Presidents Day Weekend Friday, Feb. 16-Monday, Feb. 19 is a cool time to visit Cape May. Parking is a breeze and there are tours through the weekend. Take your time and explore America’s First Seaside Resort on this brisk holiday weekend and imagine tipping your hat to Washington and Lincoln as you stroll through town. Here are the highlights! VISIT HERE for more information.
Cape May Lighthouse is Open!
Climb the 199 steps for a wintry panorama of the Delaware Bay. The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is open daily during Presidents Day Weekend from noon to 3 p.m.
Crafts & Collectibles In Winter
On Saturday, Feb. 17 and Sunday, Feb.
18, the first Crafts & Collectibles Show of 2024 kicks off. Throughout the year, Crafts & Collectibles Shows present interesting wares from vendors and crafters in the Northeast. Come browse and shop during this winter show at Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2.
Brunch & Bingo at the Inn of Cape May
Laugh along with your friends as you play a little bingo, compete for prizes, and enjoy a fashion show by Lace Silhouettes/ Cotton Company. It’s all over a scrumptious breakfast buffet at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4)
Photo courtesy of Center for Community Arts
Shown here, ca. 1955, waitresses and other workers had Sundays off and would often take time to enjoy the beach.
“Line in the Sand” at Carroll Gallery A new Carroll Gallery exhibit at the Emlen Physick Estate opened Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend and illustrates and explores the racially-segregated beach experience of Cape May and Atlantic City prior to the civil rights era. Cape May MAC, Center for Community Arts (CCA) and Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation present, “A Line in the Sand: Segregated Beaches in Cape May and Atlantic City,” open through March 25. Prior to the 1960s civil rights era, Black persons were limited to recreation on certain beaches because of the color of their skin. Beaches had been racially segregated at resorts like Cape May and (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8)
In This Issue Coming Attractions....................Page 3-4 From the Director...........................Page 5 Membership News ......................Page 6 Recent Happenings...................... Page 2 Thank You Department......Pages 13-17