Before 1775, a parcel of land near Slaughter Beach known as Thorn Point was originally part of Hart’s lands, which was an early land grant. After the Revolutionary War, a tavern and hotel were built at Thorn Point near the original Cedar Creek outlet and Mispillion Harbor.
On July 20, 1855, The Diamond State newspaper published this review of Thorn Point.
“This old established and well-known house, is now open for visitors and persons wishing to enjoy pure air and the good things of the Bay, can here be surfeited,” the review read. “The proprietor will spare no pains to make comfortable all who may favor him with a visit. Sailing, fishing and gunning can be enjoyed as there is plenty of game. His table will be well supplied and the inner man fully attended to.”
The same paper reported on October 5, 1855, that a tavern license was issued to Robert H. Clark for Thorn Point by William Hitch, Clerk of the Peace of Sussex County for $5, about $191 today.
The hotel became a local landmark for vessels trading along the Delaware Bay. It was noted on Beer’s 1868 Atlas as a landmark. It is not clear when the hotel changed its name from the Thorn Point Hotel to the Cedar Beach Hotel, but in September 1872, the Peninsular News and Advertiser ran an ad for the Cedar Beach Hotel.
“This well-known and popular Seaside Resort has been purchased by the subscriber who is now occupying it. It has been thoroughly repaired and refurnished and is now open for the reception of guests,” the ad read. “Transient boarders will be entertained at reasonable rates. Parties of all kinds provided for. The table will be well supplied with the best the market will afford. The bar is well-stocked with choice liquors. Everything will be done to make the guests of the house feel comfortably at home. The patronage of the public is respectfully solicited.”
The ad reminded guests that checks for meals must be purchased at the bar and it was signed by Robert Bainbridge. There are no records to indicate when Robert Clark sold the hotel to Robert Bainbridge.
In 1883, the hotel was part of an Orphan’s Court map to define the area. It is noted that Thorn Point is nine acres and is described as “stone in the road. Beginning of deed for Thorn Point and said herein to be corner for bald eagle.”
Records indicate that the hotel operated for over 150 years. During the 1920s, the hotel was a regular steamboat stop and became a thriving resort and hotel, offering 40 rooms. The restaurant was well known for their fine dinners and there was a wide bathing beach available.
Mud deposits due to the jetty and the encroachment of the sea caused the closing of the beach. The town of Slaughter Beach, which was two miles south, began to grow around 1922. As Slaughter Beach grew in popularity, Cedar Beach and Thorn Point began to lose appeal.
By 1930, the hotel fell into disrepair and was destroyed by fire for the third and final time in 1932. The hotel stood on what is Beach Plum Drive in Slaughter Beach today.
