WILDWOOD ─ Mayor Ernie Troiano announced Feb. 13 Wildwood’s intention to lease Holly Beach Park to non-profit historical society Partners In Preservation.
An ordinance also introduced City Commissioners’ intention, stating “the premises is not currently needed for other municipal purposes.”
According to the ordinance, “the leased premises shall be utilized by the Lessee (City) for the purpose of conducting any civil or historic program and/or the promotion of the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the Wildwoods community.”
Holly Beach Park will be leased for five years for “$1 per year.”
“I think it will be nice,” Troiano said Feb. 13.
Tucked between Burk and Andrews avenues, Holly Beach Park boasts a glimpse into a bygone era.
According to historical records, the park’s mini schoolhouse took shape in 1882 as a “small one-room sales office” for the Holly Beach City Improvement Company.
In 1883, Mary VanValin, 15, (daughter of the mayor) opened a school for settlers’ children. Ten students received VanValin’s tutelage. The schoolhouse was also used for church services and other gatherings.
According to Cathy Smith, president, Partners In Preservation, the schoolhouse served as the first borough hall when Holly Beach formally incorporated in 1885. The site became Holly Beach Park in 1939.
Another hidden treasure in the park is the Cape May County Fisherman’s Memorial, a stark piece of granite memorializing the commercial fishermen who never returned home.
Smith has repeatedly asked commissioners the status of the old school-bell; according to Troiano, the bell has been restored (after being removed due to vandalism) and a new tower is being built.
Troiano said more work remains to be done, including new fencing and circular ring around the site’s maypole.
The iconic fountain will again have flowing water, but only one-foot deep to prevent any accidents. Trees have been trimmed and new lighting will be installed, according to officials.
Another development finds shape in housing a collection of old books, moved from a recently demolished real estate office, within the schoolhouse.
According to Commissioner Peter Byron, one of the artifacts includes a list of the original settlers of Holly Beach. Names such as Schellenger, Leaming, and Hand, though faded with time, represent the people whose names grace city street signs.
The Herald sought the location of the books and list and discovered the books will soon be obtained by Troiano.
“It (Holly Beach) was quite a park,” Troiano said Feb. 13.
According to Troiano, as the city improves its parks, each site will be rededicated.
In October 2018, Smith told the Herald how neighbors helped water the flowers by squirting them with their garden hoses and assisted baby herons that fall from their nests.
“It’s a joint effort by the whole neighborhood,” Smith said.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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