By James Williams, Editor-in-Chief

Lucy the Elephant, the towering six-story pachyderm watching over Margate Beach, isn’t just a whimsical tourist draw—she’s a national treasure. For the second year in a row, Lucy was voted America’s No. 1 Best Roadside Attraction by USA Today readers and editors, triumphing over nine other cultural landmarks. Yet, despite this surge of national pride, Lucy is now facing a major challenge that could determine her future.

Originally built in 1881 by real estate developer James Lafferty, Lucy was a marketing gimmick that quickly became a beloved icon. Prospective buyers once climbed 130 steps into Lucy’s howdah for a panoramic view of untouched shoreline. Over the next century, Lucy morphed into a restaurant, office, tavern, and even a home. By the 1960s, time and neglect brought her to the brink of demolition—until a group of passionate locals stepped in to save her.

That spirit of preservation has endured. In 2022, Lucy underwent a $2.4 million exterior restoration. Now 145 years old, she’s even older than the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. But Lucy’s latest chapter—an ambitious interior makeover—has hit a wall.

Thanks to a $300,000 state grant and a $500,000 federal appropriation secured with help from U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Lucy was on track for a $800,000 renovation. The project included upgraded HVAC, a fire suppression system, and restoration of her historic plaster and woodwork. That work was slated to begin after progress on her new gift shop, which will house the equipment.

Then, in a stunning move this April, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) rescinded the $500,000 federal funds. The announcement blindsided Lucy’s team and left them scrambling for solutions.

“How do you have a contract, a promise from the government of the United States of America, and they default on it?” asked Lucy’s Executive Director Richard Helfant. “It’s a pretty sad statement to make, but it happened.”

Despite the blow, Lucy’s team remains resilient. Construction on the new gift shop has just begun, with a two-thirds completion target set for spring 2026. Until then, Lucy’s caretakers are operating from a temporary space across the street.

There is still time—about a year—to find the missing money. Helfant and his team have reapplied for 2026 congressional earmarks and are pursuing other grants through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. They’re also planning creative fundraisers, including Lucy’s first-ever Oktoberfest and possibly a benefit concert.

Since the funding cut, Lucy’s supporters have donated $7,000–$8,000 in grassroots contributions. “They come in nickels and dimes, which is awesome, because that’s what keeps Lucy alive,” said Helfant.

Over her long life, Lucy has survived hurricanes, neglect, and near-demolition. She was saved once by the community—and Helfant believes she’ll be saved again.

“Lucy is an elephant,” he said. “She’ll never forget the people who’ve stood by her.”

In the coming months, Lucy’s future will hinge on community creativity, public support, and political will. But if history is any guide, this Jersey Shore icon isn’t going anywhere.

She’s not just a roadside attraction. She’s a survivor—and she still has plenty of stories to tell.