Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Fest Attracts Diverse Group of Seashore Enthusiasts

NORTH WILDWOOD – “North Wildwood is full of thieves, pickpockets, and scallywags!” said the Mad Dutchman (known as John) as he paced about the stage during the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Festival.
The Mad Dutchman and partner, Mary, put on a show for “pirates of all ages” June 20 as the sun shone bright upon the gray-blue waters of the inlet and the wide Atlantic. The troupe “Bloody Historical” came especially to educate and entertain and to answer one popular question: What was it like to be a pirate?
Although North Wildwood has most likely seen “thieves, pickpockets, and scallywags” in its history, the only pirates roaming the lighthouse grounds carried plastic swords and ice-cream cones. Residents, summer visitors, and artists of all kinds joined in the celebration of sea and humankind’s attachment to her.
In the days before North Wildwood or even the village of Anglesea existed, pirates did indeed sail along the coast of New Jersey. From the shelter of the Delaware Bay to the many coves and inlets along the coastline, the men and women who chose the pirate life knew they must keep ahead of their enemies, including other pirates and the Royal Navy.
Lee A. Ireland, a local author, wrote about those days in his book “Pirates of America and Their Treasures.” Chronicling the exploits and adventures of well-known and lesser known buccaneers, Ireland stakes the claim that “they were real, and they were here!”
Yet many who made their living off the sea did not fly the Skull and Crossbones from their topmast. Debbie West, member of American Legion Post 331, came to spread awareness of the Tatham Life Saving Station and museum in Stone Harbor. Built as part of an initiative in 1848, the lifesaving station served sailors and passengers during the days of sailing ships and beyond.
A famous rescue occurred in December 1912 when the tugboat “Margaret” ran aground 300 yards offshore. Despite cold winds and massive waves, the lifesaving crew rescued 10 out of 11 sailors and was awarded the Gold Life-Saving medal – the highest honor possible.
“You have to go out but you don’t have to come back” exemplifies the courage of those who risked their lives for others. Living by sea poses unique challenges for modern and historical communities alike.
“We must keep the doors open,” said West who served in the Air Force during the Vietnam era. Post 331 calls the Tatham Station home, a living reminder of all who “gave some, and some gave all.”
Cathy Smith also came to remind festivalgoers of preserving Wildwood-by-the-Sea’s past as well. The Partners in Preservation serves as a non-profit organization “developed to foster awareness and appreciation of the community’s historic resources.” Smith spoke of the many tours and landmarks hosted and cared for by the organization, including the J. Thompson House (owned by the Wildwood Civic Club) and the Doo Wop Museum.
“In my opinion, Doo Wop is the next history,” said Smith. “I took the tour for the first time last week and it was great.” Smith grew up in Wildwood, as did her mother. “I know everybody!”
The festival was not just a window into North Wildwood’s rich nautical past, however. Many families explored the different booths offering treats, artisan handbags, watercolor paintings and more.
John Mano, who has spent extensive time in Gettysburg, Pa., creates pieces from paper Mache, constructing them into historic houses or those from his own imagination. “I went to art college and got into it in the 70s,” Mano explained. He spoke of how life changed and then “there was no art for 30 years.”
Later, exploring his passion for history in Gettysburg, Mano dreamed of the Farnsworth House and saw it made of paper Mache. “I believe that doors open and that paths are laid out before us,” Mano explained the experience. “I just made a conscious decision to walk through it.”
Nancy Patterson also made a decision to walk through the creative doors opened for her. Writer and illustrator, Patterson creates in watercolors and writes the children’s series on New Jersey Lighthouses.
“My mother started me out on watercolors,” Patterson said, remembering her childhood. “I took a break to take care of her.” Patterson is a friend of the East Point Lighthouse as well, the next location for her third book. In great need of repair and care, the East Point Lighthouse means a great deal to Patterson. She is hopeful of positive changes and progress in its restoration.
The past and present mingled effortlessly at the Maritime Festival, and although Bloody Historical, John, Nancy, Debbie, and Cathy are only five representatives of all the talented and creative souls there, they tell the ongoing story of North Wildwood’s timeless link to the sea.
For over 100 years, the Hereford Inlet light has shone above Anglesea, guiding the way through rough weather and changing times. It is our saga and all those who come may share in its glow.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.