Lucy the Elephant Celebrates 145th Birthday in Margate: Photo Gallery

MARGATE – Few landmarks are as recognizable—or as beloved—as Lucy the Elephant. Standing six stories tall along the beach in Margate, Lucy is not only the symbol of the city but also the oldest surviving roadside tourist attraction in America and one of the country's most remarkable examples of "novelty architecture." 

A Giant Marketing Idea (1881–1882)

Lucy was conceived by James V. Lafferty, a Philadelphia real estate developer who wanted an unforgettable way to attract buyers to his seaside property, then known as South Atlantic City (later renamed Margate).

Inspired by the popularity of Jumbo, the famous circus elephant, Lafferty commissioned architects William Free and J. Mason Kirby to design an elephant-shaped building unlike anything anyone had ever seen. The massive structure was completed in 1881 (some historical records cite its patent and completion extending into 1882). 

Visitors would climb inside Lucy and ascend to the howdah (the carriage on her back), where they enjoyed sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding land that Lafferty hoped they would purchase. 

One of Three Giant Elephants

Lucy was actually one of three elephant-shaped buildings created by Lafferty.

The others were:

• The Elephantine Colossus at Coney Island, New York (destroyed by fire in 1896)
• The Light of Asia in Cape May, New Jersey (demolished around 1900)

Lucy is the only survivor, making her an exceptionally rare piece of American architectural history. 

Becoming "Lucy"

Originally known as the Elephant Bazaar, the building was sold in 1887 to Anton Gertzen, whose family owned it for decades.

Around 1902, Anton's daughter-in-law, Sophia Gertzen, renamed the building Lucy the Elephant. During the Gertzen family's ownership, Lucy served many different purposes, including:

• Tourist attraction
• Real estate office
• Restaurant
• Cottage
• Tavern (until Prohibition)
• Summer residence for a physician and his family 

Near Demolition

By the late 1960s, decades of harsh salt air and neglect had left Lucy in terrible condition.

Developers planned to demolish the aging structure after purchasing the property on which she stood.

A determined group of Margate residents refused to let that happen.

They formed the Save Lucy Committee, led by preservation advocates including Josephine Harron, and launched one of New Jersey's most successful grassroots preservation campaigns. Volunteers raised money, collected donations door-to-door, and rallied public support to save the iconic elephant. 

The Great Move

One of the most dramatic moments in Lucy's history occurred on July 20, 1970.

Rather than tearing her down, workers carefully moved the 90-ton elephant approximately two blocks to city-owned property overlooking the beach—her current home.

The move was considered an engineering feat and became one of the defining moments in New Jersey preservation history. 

Restoration and National Recognition

Following the move, years of restoration followed.

Major milestones included:

• 1974: Lucy reopened to the public after extensive stabilization and repairs.
• 1976: Lucy was designated a National Historic Landmark during America's Bicentennial celebration.
• 2000: A major restoration campaign was completed.
• 2019–2022: Additional state-funded restoration projects repaired Lucy's exterior, structure and protective metal skin to ensure her survival for future generations. 

Lucy Today

Today, Lucy welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Guided tours allow guests to:

• Climb through Lucy's interior museum.
• Learn about Margate's history.
• Stand inside her eyes.
• Walk onto the howdah atop her back for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Margate and Atlantic City's skyline. 

Lucy has now become more than a tourist attraction—she is an enduring symbol of the Jersey Shore and one of New Jersey's most photographed landmarks.

Fast Facts

• Location: Margate City, New Jersey
• Built: 1881 (with patent completed in 1882)
• Original Name: Elephant Bazaar
• Architect/Creator: James V. Lafferty
• Height: 65 feet
• Weight: Approximately 90 tons
• Moved: July 20, 1970
• National Historic Landmark: 1976
• Claim to Fame: America's oldest surviving roadside tourist attraction and the only surviving elephant-shaped building designed by James V. Lafferty. 

For South Jersey residents, Lucy represents more than an oversized roadside attraction. She is a testament to the imagination of the Victorian era, the power of historic preservation, and the determination of a community that refused to let one of its most distinctive landmarks disappear.

On Saturday, August. 1, 2026, hundreds of visitors gathered in Margate to celebrate Lucy the Elephant's 145th birthday. The family-friendly celebration featured live entertainment, carnival-style games, train rides, mini golf, food vendors, guided tours through Lucy, and a patriotic birthday theme that also recognized the 50th anniversary of Lucy's designation as a National Historic Landmark and America's 250th birthday.

The festivities culminated with a community rendition of "Happy Birthday" to Lucy and the distribution of birthday donuts to visitors. Originally scheduled for July 18, the event was postponed because of severe weather, but the rescheduled celebration drew large crowds eager to honor the iconic elephant that has welcomed generations of visitors to the Jersey Shore.

Please enjoy our gallery from the celebration.

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