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Levy-Neafie House 28 Congress Street Cape May, NJ 08204 Phone: 609-602-6380 E Mail: barbara_skinner@hotmail.com |
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History |
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In the late 1800's John Levy, a very prominent Philadelphia businessman and controlling partner of the Levy-Neafie Shipyard, built this elaborate twin structure. His partner, Jacob Neafie occupied #30 Congress St. while Mr. Levy occupied #28 Congress St. These men operated one of the country's largest shipyards during the Civil War Era known as the Levy-Neafie Shipyard. Mr. Levy died shortly after the structure was finished and sadly was not able to enjoy the summer home for very long. This shipyard has an illustrious history of famous war ships and early submarines. Mr. Neafie is credited for inventing what would become the modern day propeller for the shipping industry. The railings are taken from ship rails and the italianate design is intended to soften harsh lines as your eye is drawn up to the cupola through the decorative gingerbread and curved arches.Across the street the very wealthy and successful businessman E.C. Knight owned one of Cape May's premier summer homes. Gifted to his daughter, Annie Knight, she became the famous owner of the neighboring Congress Hall Hotel. The Skinners purchased the property from their own ancestors who had first purchased #30 Congress from the original owner and later were able to acquire the adjacent home. R.W. Skinner became the personal attorney for Miss Annie Knight who resided across the street, on Congress Place, facing Congress Hall. Neighborhood Highlights - Miss Knight not only owned the grand Congress Hall Hotel, but many other properties throughout the town. Among the many properties she owned, included the 7 Sisters facing the beach front as well on North and Windsor Ave. She also controlled Cape May politics. She was considered the most powerful woman (not to mention the wealthiest) and ran the town. Annie Knight's fortune stemmed from a Cuban sugar company. She was a colorful figure, who drove her own horse carriage and held teas and dances in the Congress Hall for the young ladies and gentlemen to learn ballroom dancing and the genteel arts. When Miss Knight died in the late 1930's, she endowed many hospitals and societies for the poor. Her brother moved to Newport, Rhode Island and the memories of her influence in Cape May are now held only by a few, those who have remained here over the generations. The view from the Levy-Neafie House is largely thanks to Miss Knight, for she forbid anything to be built on the grand lawn of Congress Hall which overlooks the ocean. This lawn was to remain a "pleasure ground and a parade ground" for the public to enjoy. One of the memorable events of the neighborhood was the required attendance at Annie Knight's weekly ballroom dance classes. Intimidatingly formal, this was a daunting event for toddlers, who were required to wear their Sunday best, including their starched dresses, patent leather shoes and gloves. After curtseying to Miss Knight in the Congress Hall ballroom, the children proceeded to learn their steps. |
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