History of Higbee’s Of Cape May
Higbee's Hotel and Wharf was a prominent landmark in Cape May during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The hotel was established by John Higbee in the 1860s, and it quickly became a popular destination for wealthy vacationers seeking a seaside retreat.
Higbee's Hotel was located on the beachfront at the end of Higbee Avenue, and it boasted a spacious veranda with panoramic views of the ocean. The hotel was renowned for its luxurious accommodations and amenities, including a ballroom, billiard room, and reading room.
In addition to the hotel, the Higbee family also owned a wharf adjacent to the property. The wharf was used to transport goods and passengers to and from Cape May, and it played an important role in the town's economy.
Over the years, Higbee's Hotel and Wharf underwent several changes and renovations. In the early 1900s, the hotel was expanded and modernized with the addition of electric lights and indoor plumbing. The wharf was also rebuilt and expanded to accommodate larger ships.
Despite these upgrades, Higbee's Hotel and Wharf fell into decline in the 1920s as the popularity of Cape May as a vacation destination waned. The hotel was eventually demolished in the 1950s, and the wharf was destroyed by a storm in the 1960s.
Today, the site of Higbee's Hotel and Wharf is a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching, and it serves as a reminder of Cape May's rich history as a thriving seaside resort.
Your Hosts
Jacqueline and Colleen O'Hara have enjoyed Cape May since childhood. Jacqueline has spent almost every 4th of July watching the fireworks on her Great-Aunt’s deck overlooking the Delaware Bay in Cape May Beach. Colleen would visit Sunset Beach and Cape May Point looking for “diamonds” for as long as she can remember.
Both J&C spent their Summers from birth in Wildwood at their respective families' shore homes. Jaq’s first job at 14 was to greet guests and apply waterpark wristbands at Raging Waters on Morey’s Pier and hostess at Samuels Pancake House. She also worked way through college waitressing at The Yacht Club of Stone Harbor by night and waitressing breakfasts in the mornings at The Harbor View.
Cape May, specifically, Higbee’s Beach became their secret happy place 10 years ago. When they started dating and wanted a beach escape to take their dogs in the Summer. From then, both their love for each other and Cape May swept their hearts away, much like the coastal tides.
In 2019, after many, many visits to Cape May, they purchased their first property and named it Higbee’s Hideaway. Indicative of their deep connection with the beach they love and their furbabies landmark. Daily walks along the beach and bulkheads, incredible Golden Hour Sunsets and sharing their “happy place’ with family and friends - priceless.
As both Realtors and entrepreneurs, J+C have chosen to offer specific weeks every summer for rental to share this hidden gem with you. We hope you enjoy these Halcyon Days, just like we have. On the way to Cape May…