On December 5, 1882, James V. Lafferty received Patent Number 268503... and the rest, as they say, is history. ✨🐘

It's so exciting when people send us photos we never knew existed! Just take a look at this incredible shot of Lucy from her earliest days. ✨🐘 We know from "So. Atlantic City" that this was taken prior to 1909, when Margate City was founded. Also, fun fact, Lucy was called "Elephant Bazaar," or simply "The Elephant" prior to the mid-20th century.

If winter is feeling a little gray, add a pop of color with Lucy's new Colorsplash Hoodie! It brings cozy warmth and brightness to chilly days—and it’s quickly become a Gift Shop favorite! Available as a hoodie or long-sleeve tee. Link to purchase in the comments! ❤️💛🐘

Lucy looking majestic in the morning light. If the winter blues are getting to you, take heart—we gain 40 extra minutes of daylight this month. Brighter days are on the way! ☀️🐘

Did you know? On July 20, 1970, Lucy picked up and moved—literally! 🚘🐘 She traveled two blocks south to her current location, a daylong journey that even required temporarily taking down power lines along Atlantic Avenue to clear a path for her.

Lucy is cozy all winter long! So, come on by and say hi to America's oldest (and BEST!) roadside attraction. We can't wait to see you! ✨🐘

On this final day of the year, the Save Lucy Committee pauses to honor the memory of its founding member, Julius R. “Jules” Woods. December 31st marked his birthday; today, he would have been 83 years old. Though we lost him in 2007, his legacy continues to shape our community.

For 29 years, Jules devoted himself to the Margate school system, where he was far more than an educator. He was a gifted teacher, a trusted mentor, and a steady friend to thousands of Margate’s children.

“As one of the founding members of the Save Lucy Committee, it was Mr. Woods who first got me involved—back in 7th grade—selling candy door to door throughout Margate to save Lucy from the wrecking ball,” said Lucy Executive Director Rich Helfant. “He was one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever known.”

We honor the memory of a man who died one hundred years ago today, and has been forgotten by time. Sadly, there are no known pictures of Lorenzo S. Bye, who died on December 30, 1925, and whose final remains lie forgotten in a small cemetery off Delilah Road in Pleasantville, NJ. But Lucy the Elephant remembers… After inheriting a fortune from his family in the early 1900s, Lorenzo Bye soon abandoned a successful career “in the trades” in Atlantic City. With his sudden wealth, Bye began speculating in real estate, and as he entered his forties, he became one of the wealthiest men on Absecon Island. His prior knowledge of property values in Atlantic City gave him a significant edge over powerful land speculators, including the Lippincott Family, who had once employed him. He became a fierce and successful competitor, but his increasingly eccentric behavior made him the subject of repeated public speculation, curiosity, and eventually ridicule. Lorenzo Bye was a complicated and painfully private man. So, what does all this have to do with Lucy the Elephant? Every time you look at Lucy the Elephant, you see her through Lorenzo Bye’s artistic vision. Back in 1881, when Lorenzo was still “in the trades,” developer James V. Lafferty contracted the prominent tinsmith Bye to provide the necessary covering for the wooden elephant he was constructing in South Atlantic City. In the 1880s, the tinsmith was an essential part of Atlantic City’s rapidly evolving skyline, where larger, more elaborate buildings

This photo always stirs so many memories and emotions. Contrary to what some may believe, Lucy is only here today because of the community that supports her. Without that dedication, Lucy would have been demolished long ago.

Lucy is lovingly cared for by the Save Lucy Committee, a nonprofit organization sustained primarily through guided tours, purchases from Lucy’s Gift Shop, and generous donations. While Lucy receives some limited funding through small government grants, the vast majority of her preservation efforts depend on individual supporters.

It’s this remarkable community of people who believe in protecting history that keeps Lucy standing tall for generations to come. ❤️🐘

❤️🎄🐘

Don’t miss Lucy’s annual in-store BOGO sale, starting the day after Christmas! 🐘🎁

Happy Winter Solstice! It may be dark and cold outside, but it’s always bright and warm at Lucy. From here on out, the days only get longer. ✨🐘

He’s mean. He’s green. And he’s heading to Lucy! 💚📸 The Grinch will be visiting this week — come say hi, take a photo, and get a free ornament when you make a donation! 🎄🐘

Lucy is made of wood, metal, nails, windows, and love—lots and lots of love! ❤️🐘