SJ Attractions - Odd but Interesting

Lakehurst, NJ isn’t much more than a dot on most maps of New Jersey, but on May 6, 1937 at 7:25 p.m. an event took place that would make this sleepy little town know worldwide.

The Hindenburg, the largest zeppelin ever in America had just crossed the Atlantic, on its maiden voyage of the year, when it exploded over Lakehurst. Thirty-six people died and so did the popularity of zeppelins as mass transit. This attraction may not draw the crowds that let’s say Great Adventure may, but it’s still worth visiting.

As you approach the Naval Air Center where it happened, the guard at the gate gives you a special “Hindenburg pass”. About a mile down the main base road, past the gargantuan airship hanger on your left, you'll see a little sign lettered "Hindenburg" shaped like a Zeppelin. This points to the site. Another little Zeppelin, atop a wind vane on a pole, marks the exact spot of the disaster.

Call (732)244-8861 or email info@nlhs.com to find out more about this seldom visited, but interesting attraction.

Sticking with our theme of odd but interesting lets head out to Tabernacle and visit the Carranza Memorial. I know what you’re thinking, “The what?”

For those of you who may not be familiar with good ole’ aviator captain Emilio Carranza, he was a brave pilot out of Mexico who, inspired by Lindbergh’s Trans-Atlantic flight attempted to bring the same fame and recognition to his homeland by flying from New York to Mexico in July of 1928.

Leaving New York on July 13 (Should have been an omen) Emilio headed out for glory. About an hour later he found it as his plane crashed into the Scrub Pines of South Jersey.

It’s said that his body was found clutching a flashlight in his hand, "like he was looking for a clear place to land." Guess he never found it.

Paid for by the school children of Mexico, a monument marks the spot where Emilio’s body was found. Planted around the monument are scrawny cacti stunted by cold New Jersey winters. At most times, it is a lonely place, but another “Odd but Interesting Site”

Every year, on July 13th, an entourage from the Mexican consulate in New York trudges out to the monument and has ceremony for Emilio, perhaps the most unsung aviator in history.

Hey, at least he tried.

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Author: Steve Kelly - Editor, SouthJersey.com