The Lucy Evelyn | lbiviews

A local businessman named Nat Ewer had a vision of creating a truly unique gift shop on Long Beach Island. He purchased a three masted schooner named the Lucy Evelyn at an auction and towed her to Long Beach Island. The schooner sat at anchor waiting for a tide high enough to get her to her final location.

The ship was finally brought to her location and sand was pumped in to completely landlock her. A doorway was cut in her starboard side. In addition to the gift shop, you could take a tour of the crew’s cabins and walk on the deck. The location was where the schooner’s wharf stands today. Her bow faced the ocean. Today, there is a very good reproduction of a sailing ship in approximately the same location. 

Her masts were an excellent landmark for boaters. They could be seen for miles from the ocean or the bay. During holidays and special occasions she would have flags flying from her rigging. 

One winter night in February 1972,  she burned due to a faulty heater. 

The Lucy Evelyn at anchor in Little Egg Harbor, Long Beach Island, NJ

There isn’t much left of the Lucy Evelyn. However, if you look closely when you are visiting the schooner’s wharf, you will see some mementoes.

A spar from the Lucy Evelyn

Ventilator from the Lucy Evelyn

The ship had a colorful, if somewhat unlucky history. She was active in the packet trade to Cape Verde and was shelled during World War II by a German submarine. For More information about the Lucy Evelyn and other ships Cape Verde packet trade, you can visit: