Anglesea Day Celebrated; Will City’s Name Change?

NORTH WILDWOOD ─ “Welcome to our second Anglesea Day,” said City Clerk and Historian Scott Jett, as the celebration began June 3. Anglesea Day dawned bright and clear. 
City residents, council members, and guests including County Clerk Rita Fulginiti and Laurie Thomas, public records and archives clerk, gathered in council chambers at 10 a.m. to share and learn about Anglesea’s past.
Jett opened doors of memory as the hotels of Anglesea were remembered and commemorated for their historical significance and present contributions today. In the words of Fulginiti, “We’re together because of our heritage.”
Jett began with the “grandfather of Anglesea,” Frederick Swope, who purchased the area of Five Mile Beach that became North Wildwood. Born in 1836, Swope became involved in the slate quarry business in York County, Pa. and later returned to Philadelphia where he entered the real estate business in 1874.
In 1878, Swope founded the Five Mile Improvement Company, a company destined to develop wild holly woods and dunes into a community.
Swope solicited investors who, in Jett’s words, asked two questions: “How will you get people there? What will you do with them when they get there?”
Undaunted, Swope threw his energy into securing a railroad line and built the Hotel Anglesea. However, obstacles impeded Swope’s progress.
Jett explained that Swope “couldn’t get materials and workers here,” and that the founder of Anglesea had “a lot on his plate” with other business ventures.
Finally, in 1884, the hotel was finished, yet with Swope’s attention elsewhere, the hotel struggled. In 1895, under the ownership of Alexander Gray, it was “reduced to ashes,” according to the Lifesaver’s Log.
In a later newspaper account, rumors of the fire being “incendiary” raised the question about arson activity, although it was never confirmed. “He (Gray) wouldn’t have been the first,” said Jett, referring to frustrated business owners who set fire to struggling establishments.
Despite the Hotel Anglesea’s struggle for survival, the Hereford House enjoyed a longer presence in the community.
Sarah Watson of Philadelphia built a cottage with 21 guest rooms and included both a restaurant and a saloon. Watson’s daughter and son-in-law lived with her; Sarah and Andrew Weeks lived in Anglesea and Andrew served as the first clerk of the borough.
A native of Great Britain, Andrew had settled in Philadelphia in 1869 and returned to the city after the death of his wife. He sold the Hereford House, which thrived until the 1930s.
Passenger trains stopped running to North Wildwood in 1933 and the district became “run down.” Although the Hereford House no longer stands, its existence reminds of hard times and the human spirit determined to overcome.
Another Englishman, Charles Mace, father of Dr. Margaret Mace, founded the Hotel Royal at what is today Pine and Central avenues. Mace saw the sea encroaching on the land and had the hotel moved to Spruce and Old New Jersey.
“A benefit of the technology,” explained Jett. Jett explained that several structures were moved to avoid the rising tide levels, including the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse.
“He (Mace) was a go-to-guy,” Jett said. Other hotels that served residents and guests of Anglesea included the Walnut House, now Echoes’ Bar, the Hotel Scott, the Hotel Hilton, and the Hotel Germantown.
The Hotel Germantown is today the Anglesea Pub. The Germantown survived the Depression and retains its liquor license. “Thanks to the Bishop family,” Jett added.
Councilwoman Margaret “Peggy” Bishop, who attended Anglesea Day, added comments and insight of her own on the Germantown.
Bishop’s husband, Lewis, was born on its second floor, and the Bishop family operated the hotel from 1961-17 to 1981. “Is it haunted?” asked a resident. Although reports of “paranormal activity” at Echoes (the Walnut House) and the Anglesea Pub exist, Bishop replied, “I don’t know if its mind over matter or what.”
During the question-and-answer time, a few inquired about the future of North Wildwood’s name. “I hope you change the name to Anglesea,” one resident said. “It’s a beautiful name.” Councilman Joseph Rullo replied, “Start a petition.” Though the idea has been informally discussed, no plans to change North Wildwood’s name exist at this time.
Fulginiti, who often speaks with Jett and assists in research, concluded the presentation. “You have a gem in Scott Jett,” said Fulginiti. “Our heritage makes us feel special. Once we start uncovering things, it’s down a path this is fantastic.”
When Anglesea began in 1885, America had come through an economic depression, the Statue of Liberty had been given as a gift from France, and citizens were full of hopes and dreams for a better future.
A part of that dream found root in the sandy soil of Anglesea. “We’re together because of our heritage,” said Fulginiti.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.