Employees of the Cape May County Department of Facilities and Services took to the sky on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 to give the 100-foot high flag pole in front of the historic Cape May County Courthouse, Circa 1850, at 11 North Main Street in Cape May Court House, New Jersey a much needed face-lift. Grounds Department employee Michael Carpenter, of Cold Spring, a 21 year employee with the County and Painter Krzysztof Baczek, of Middle Township, a 15 year employee volunteered to restring and paint the county’s unique pole.

Through the years, the height and the beauty of the flag pole have generated many comments and questions. The flag pole, designed by Mr. Fleetwood of the Millville Iron Works, was the first and only flag pole of its type made by Millville Iron works. The Company erected the pole at its current location in the County during the Depression years, more than 85 years ago.

The County had originally received recommendations from an outside contractor ranging from shortening the pole, replacing hardware and painting it for $10,000 to entirely replacing the pole for an estimated $25,000. Also, the Middle Township Fire Department had offered to restring the flag pole, however, their Ladder Truck was 15 feet short of the top of the pole. The County then decided to complete the project in-house which entailed renting a boom lift, purchasing material and the labor of two brave employees. The project cost approximately $3,500 and the County’s very special Flag Pole is still shining and standing tall.