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In the summer of 1885, Patrick Collins opened on
Decatur Street "...a fine marine boarding villa,
convenient to the Iron Door and the big hotels, and a
first class establishment." By 1900, Collins Cafe
was advertising its fine old whiskies, fresh seafoods,
Milwaukee beers and "neatly appointed rooms for
ladies."
_____Andrew Zillinger, chief steward of the Merion
Cricket Club on Philadelphia's Main Line, purchased the
inn in 1906 and changed its name to The Merion.
Several members of the club provided financial backing
for the purchase to assure themselves a quiet oasis in
Cape May with the same high standards they had come to
expect. Rooms on the second floor were converted to
private dining rooms and an outdoor beer garden was added
(with a separate entrance for ladies).
_____Throughout the 20th century, The
Merion Inn has retained the charm and the graciousness of
the Victorian era. The Merion Inn's traditional regional
seafood specialties, sizzling steaks and classic
cocktails have kept generations of Cape May locals and
visitors returning again and again.
_____Enjoy a
cocktail and listen to live music in our beautiful
turn-of-the-century bar -- the oldest in Cape May! We
look forward to serving you in keeping with the tradition
of hospitality and excellence begun over a century ago.
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