Cape May-Lewes Ferry in 1964
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is in the news after Delaware’s congressional delegation announced $20 million in federal funding to be used toward building a hybrid-diesel vessel, which is expected to be the first of four energy-efficient boats in Delaware River & Bay Authority’s fleet.
The ferry has been transporting vehicles and foot passengers across Delaware Bay since 1964, when this photograph was made. The entire region came together in preparation for the ferry’s first official crossing. According to DRBA, dedication-week activities included pre-opening inaugural Hands Across the Bay ferry crossings to raise funds for the community celebrations and water float parades. Festivities also included a flyover by a squadron of jet fighter planes, 25 skydivers, receptions and dinners, and public concerts by a bagpipe band, the Air Force Band and the U.S. Coast Guard Band. Tens of thousands of people were involved in the week-long dedication celebrations because of the expected positive impact the new Cape May-Lewes Ferry would have on the economies of southern Delaware and southern New Jersey. Six decades later, the ferry has transported more than 17 million vehicles and served over 50 million customers.
In the years after this image was made, DRBA would acquire the property to the east, which was housing for the workers at Otis Smith’s fish-processing plant. That area allowed DRBA to expand the parking lot and add a green space that is now used for concerts, festivals and other events. Eventually, a terminal and an additional slip would be built.
