Now you see her… now you don’t.
The Save Lucy Committee has been fortunate in applying for and receiving funding from historic preservation grant programs at both the state and federal levels totaling almost $1.2 million, but that’s still $800,000 short of the cost to complete this latest phase of construction.
While every dollar counts, we are boldly asking this time for 800 people to donate $1,000 each and become the next generation of lifesavers in Lucy’s story of preservation.
For those of you who have the means and wish to help Lucy in this grand fashion, the Save Lucy Committee would like to thank you for your generous support by including your name on a bronze plaque that’s been specially reserved for Lucy’s Life Preservers to be on display at Lucy the Elephant as a permanent reminder of your contribution to Save Lucy. Additionally, you will receive a gold-plated commemorative pin and a “Friends of Lucy” membership for life!
We realize not every one of Lucy’s friends will be able to make a $1,000 tax-deductible donation at this time, but every amount no matter how small makes a BIG difference! We truly appreciate every nickel, quarter, and dollar that’s been collected over the years. Lucy still stands today because of YOU and your financial support! Thank you for helping us continue to preserve Lucy the Elephant!
JOIN US FOR LIFE
MAKE A ONE-TIME GIFT
Can’t Make a Monetary Donation?
Buy a Lucy’s Great Restoration Project T-Shirt
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Back in 1970, Ed and Sylvia Carpenter along with Josephine Harron and their small, newly-formed Save Lucy Committee were faced with a daunting task – raise enough money to save a rusted, condemned building already scheduled for demolition by moving it to safety on another plot of land owned by the City of Margate. Short of their goal and with Lucy the Elephant staring at the wrecking ball, the group made one last-ditch effort by asking people to donate $1,000 towards the worthy cause.
Thankfully, 62 elephantastic people (or lifesavers, as we like to call them) stepped up to the plate to help SAVE LUCY. So, on July 20, 1970, with the necessary funds in hand, the Save Lucy Committee moved Lucy the Elephant from her original home on Cedar Grove Avenue to her new home on Decatur Avenue (now proudly known as One Lucy Plaza).
Restoration began shortly thereafter, with the Save Lucy Committee raising the money to fund each project along the way. By 1974, the structure was stabilized enough and deemed safe to allow public access, and in 1976 Lucy the Elephant was declared a National Historic Landmark. Thirty years and more than one-and-a-half million dollars later, the initial restoration of Lucy the Elephant was completed in the year 2000.
We’re so thankful for all the supporters who have stood by us over the years, navigating the many twists and turns along the way on the road to Lucy’s
preservation, but the adventure isn’t over quite yet. Just around the corner there’s more to discover about Lucy, and we look forward to having you join us for the ride!
Investing in A Better-Preserved Lucy
It’s been over 50 years since the 1970s restoration began; and, as you can well imagine, maintaining a 140+ year-old wood and metal structure that stands a few hundred feet from the ocean is quite the challenge. The harsh seaside environment has taken its toll on Lucy the Elephant with significant portions of her metal exterior being rusted completely through, exposing the wooden sheathing underneath and allowing water to enter the historic structure.
This has caused extensive staining of the interior plaster; and, if left untreated, the problem will continue to worsen, causing the wood framing to rot and compromising the structural integrity of Lucy the Elephant.
The Challenges Are Many
Originally estimated to be completed by Memorial Day Weekend 2022 at a cost of $1.4 million, work for Phase 2 began in September 2021 with containment scaffolding being installed around Lucy the Elephant to protect the structure from the destructive forces of nature, preventing the famous landmark from being seen by the outside world until work is completed.
Countless hours have been taken throughout this project to ensure every detail in this latest step of Lucy’s preservation is one in the right direction.
For Lucy’s exterior skin to be as effective as it can possibly be against water infiltration and other outside threats, the scope of work was expanded to include additional preventative measures that would further prevent water from entering the structure. Furthermore, bad weather, supply chain issues, increased construction and material costs stemming from COVID, amongst many other delays have pushed the completion date of this project back to mid-August 2022* (see update below…).
* UPDATE * As with any old structure, it is not uncommon to discover additional issues that (while unfortunate) are necessary to address before moving forward with the job at hand. Once again, unexpected findings have delayed construction at Lucy the Elephant, likely pushing the completion date to sometime in the Fall of 2022. Stay tuned for updates about this project and when you can expect Lucy the Elephant to be finished with her makeover!
So what does that mean?
Quite simply, at a final cost now totaling over $2.2 million, Lucy the Elephant needs your help!
For the first time since her creation in 1881, Lucy the Elephant will not be gracing Margate’s beaches this Summer– that is, at least not until the scaffolding is removed later in the season. This will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the Committee’s ability to raise the money needed to support Lucy’s typical year-round operations.
The Committee does have some good news to share, though. The scaffolding surrounding Lucy this Summer will not prevent the Save Lucy Committee from offering modified guided tours through Lucy the Elephant beginning Memorial Day Weekend. You won’t be able to see Lucy from the outside or go onto her howdah, but guests will be able to climb the spiral staircases in her legs and tour the inside of the World’s Largest Elephant!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
This project is being supported in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior; in addition to a capital grant from the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the New Jersey Historic Trust.
The Save Lucy Committee, Inc. also received an operating support grant through the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of Stat
For those wishing to donate by check, please write Lucy’s Life Preservers in the memo and make payable to Save Lucy Committee, Inc.
JOIN US FOR LIFE
MAKE A ONE-TIME GIFT
Can’t Make a Monetary Donation?
Buy a Lucy’s Great Restoration Project T-Shirt