FRIENDS of HEREFORD INLET LIGHTHOUSE

The “Friends of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse” held its 3rd Annual Spring Ball on Saturday April 26th. The yearly fundraising event was held once again at the Historic Abbie Holmes Estate in Clermont, N.J. The Master of Ceremonies was Hereford’s Honorary Keeper, Peter Harp. Music was provided by the band “Punch Line”. After a fantastic meal prepared by the Abbie’s talented chef, most everyone took to the dance floor to the sounds of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. An awards presentation followed and two men were honored that played important roles in the early years of Hereford’s resurrection.

Tom Flud was hired by Mayor Catanoso in 1977 as the first City Administrator. He had a varied professional background which included being a school teacher and grantsman in the private sector. Tom was also a man of many interests and talents, a true renaissance man. The Mayor had been trying unsuccessfully to acquire and save the Lighthouse since as far back as 1962 (2 years before it was set to close!) Tom was put right to work on this project to work as a liason between the City and the State of New Jersey, the owner of the Lighthouse. Tom began to explore every means possible to assist the Mayor in his long time quest.

Not long after starting his new position, the Mayor enlisted a volunteer to help Tom in this daunting task. Steve MacDonald had been Tom’s life long friend and school mate. The two played sports together and even had a garage band that was good enough to play at Steel Pier and Haddon Hall in Atlantic City. Steve was a professional chef that graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. He had worked all over the U.S. and even spent some time in Europe before opening Captain Macs Restaurant with his brother Dave in North Wildwood. Steve was our city’s own “Iron Chef”.

Tom and Steve both shared a strong love for their home town of North Wildwood and its history. Mayor Catanoso, in fact, would eventually designate Steve as the town’s first official Historian in 1981. The two friends led the front line assault in the battle. When talking about it today they admit they really didn’t know what they were doing mostly, they were just “winging it”. Tom puts it this way. “We were 2 young guys (and Republicans) from a small town, meeting all of these important officials (mostly Democrats) in the imposing State Capital.”

With great help from their efforts, on September 2, 1982 the Mayor was finally able to acquire a lease with the State “Whereby the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection turns over the stewardship of the Lighthouse to the City of North Wildwood.” The rest, as they say, is history.

Both of these men never got the credit they deserved and were so humble as not to expect any. This made it even more of a pleasure for me to present them both with the “Friends” highest honor, the Freeling Hewitt Award. Freeling was Hereford’s Keeper for 45 years as well as being a founding member of the Anglesea Volunteer Fire Company (its first chief) and also helped to found the Anglesea Baptist Church.

Councilman Bob McCullion read a proclamation from Congressman Frank Lobiondo honoring Tom and Steve for their work at Hereford. There was also a surprise visit from State Senator Jeff Van Drew and Assemblymen Nelson Albano and Matthew Milan. The three legislatures from the First District praised the honorees and offered continued support for the work being done at the Lighthouse.

I think Tom and Steve were very touched by all of the praise they received that night and former Mayor Catanoso, also in attendance, seemed just as pleased for his two old friends. The Spring Ball was a great success and plans are already being made for next year. In closing I should report that the $18,000 raised from last years (2007) event, financed the recent restoration of Hereford’s rare and beautiful 4th Order Fresnel Lens.

It is now showcased in a new, special display on the second floor where it turns and flashes on its own. Many thanks to all who contributed in some way with this project. Anyone interested in becoming a “Friend of the Lighthouse” can call Hereford at 522- 4520. The membership will entitle you to free admission, 10% discount in the gift shop and the twice yearly 16 page Newsletter.

April 26th, 2008, Abbie Holmes Estate. L-R, Steve MacDonald and Tom Flud accept the Freeling Hewitt Award

Right: Steve MacDonald and Tom Flud discuss plans for the lighthouse, by staff photographer Tom Kinnemand, Atlantic City Press Jan. 11, 1981

Earliest known photograph of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse