Cape May–Lewes Ferry 50th Anniversary Displays Debut

CAPE MAY – Cape May – Lewes Ferry officials announced the debut of specially created 50th Anniversary Exhibits that celebrate the launch of the Cape May – Lewes Ferry service in 1964. The displays are located inside both the Cape May and Lewes Ferry terminal gift shops. The displays feature old pictures, dated newspaper articles, and other memorabilia that commemorate the start of service.
According to Heath Gehrke, Director of Ferry Operations, the exhibits is the first of many planned activities and events to celebrate the history and success of the Cape May – Lewes Ferry. “The Ferry has been a significant part of the Cape May and Lewes communities for the past fifty years,” Gehrke said. “We look forward to celebrating our history and the special bond with our neighbors on both sides of the Delaware Bay.”
Gehrke also credited the late J. Fred Coldren of Cape May, New Jersey who served as the Cape May – Lewes Ferry’s business manager before retiring in 2010, for his assistance with the exhibit project. “Fred was our resident historian, the Ferry’s biggest champion, and we will miss him dearly,” Gehrke said. “He was incredibly passionate about the Ferry and built quite a personal collection of memorabilia, photos and material dating back to the start of the Ferry. For the past three months, Mr. Coldren graciously provided his time, talents, and memorabilia for these terminal exhibits.” Mr. Coldren passed away in his home on Jan. 29, 2014.
Be sure to check out these displays and stayed tuned for further information concerning the 50th Anniversary celebration. Public events and activities are currently being planned to celebrate the Cape May – Lewes Ferry’s 50 years of service and will take place on the weekend of June 28-29, 2014 at both Ferry terminals.
Since its inception on July 1, 1964, the Ferry has transported more than 43 million people and 14 million vehicles across the Delaware Bay. Cars from each of the 50 states and numerous foreign countries have made the popular ferry trip.