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Lucy the Elephant, America’s oldest roadside attraction, celebrates 144th birthday
Lucy the Elephant, the oldest roadside attraction in the United States, has reached a milestone, celebrating her 144th birthday.Located along the beach in Margate, New Jersey, the six-story wooden and tin structure was built in 1881.Over the years, Lucy has served various purposes, WPVI reports.Margate is located on Absecon Island on the Jersey Shore. It is around 5 miles from Atlantic City. According to the website for Lucy the Elephant, she was built by James Lafferty of Philadelphia as the Elephant Bazaar, “as a spectacle to attract prospective real estate buyers.”The structure got its name, Lucy, in 1902 thanks to Sophia Gertzen, who turned the giant elephant into a tavern.In 1903, she became a summer home for a British doctor and his family.In the 1970s, Lucy underwent a significant restoration and was designated an official historical landmark in 1976.To commemorate Lucy’s 144 years, organizers hosted a festive birthday party over the weekend, featuring food, rides, and games.See Lucy in the video player above.
Lucy the Elephant, the oldest roadside attraction in the United States, has reached a milestone, celebrating her 144th birthday.
Located along the beach in Margate, New Jersey, the six-story wooden and tin structure was built in 1881.
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Over the years, Lucy has served various purposes, WPVI reports.
Margate is located on Absecon Island on the Jersey Shore. It is around 5 miles from Atlantic City. According to the website for Lucy the Elephant, she was built by James Lafferty of Philadelphia as the Elephant Bazaar, “as a spectacle to attract prospective real estate buyers.”
The structure got its name, Lucy, in 1902 thanks to Sophia Gertzen, who turned the giant elephant into a tavern.
In 1903, she became a summer home for a British doctor and his family.
In the 1970s, Lucy underwent a significant restoration and was designated an official historical landmark in 1976.
To commemorate Lucy’s 144 years, organizers hosted a festive birthday party over the weekend, featuring food, rides, and games.
See Lucy in the video player above.
