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Captain Marvin Creamer's Circumnavigation Without Instruments |
Celebrations
A brass plaque commemorates Creamer's extraordinary feat in Red Bank Battlefield Park. It's a place to
relax and watch planes landing and taking off across the Delaware River at Philadelphia International Airport.
25th Anniversary Celebration
It was May 17, 1984, when Marvin Creamer returned to Cape May with his 36-foot Globe Star,
having accomplished what no other person had done. Captain Marvin Creamer
circumnavigated the globe without the use of navigational instruments! He used
no GPS, compass, sextant or even a clock! Creamer's departure and triumphant
return took place on the Delaware River at National Park, NJ, so this spot was
chosen for a 25-year celebration of that historic event on May 17, 2009.
This webmaster and many helpers organized and held a special celebration in
Red Bank Park, the point of Creamer's departure and triumphal return. The Creamer
family, relatives and hundreds of guests, friends and dignitaries attended.
Sunday started out rainy, but the rain stopped before noon and, except for cool breezes, the weather cooperated.
Primary focus of the occasion was of course Captain Marvin Creamer. He flew in from his retirement
home in North Carolina but assured the crowd of admirers that he felt very much at home in South
Jersey where he lived for 87 years - longer than most attendees!
Here are just a few photos of that memorable occasion:
Phil Miller, a longtime friend of Creamer, served as Master of Ceremonies. Municipal Clerk Patricia Frontino presented a proclamation signed by the Mayor and City Council of Glassboro to Marvin Creamer.
Marvin was kept busy signing programs for the guests
Bill Kephart, Director of the Heritage Glass Museum in Glassboro, brought the hourglass that was used on the Globe Star voyage.
The Gloucester County Times printed a 3-page spread on the occasion.
 
The celebration concluded with an hour-long concert of the renowned Pitman Hobo Band, which included several numbers with fitting maritime themes.
Cake, pretzels, chips and soft drinks were available to all and an efficient team of helpers made
many subs/hoagies for band members and guests.
Guests came from near and far. One family drove 12 hours from Indiana just for this occasion and returned immediately afterwards. We were especially happy that Marvin's family was able to attend. It was a memorable occasion for all!
Newspaper reports of the voyage from all over the world were placed on display.
Reporter McAneny wrote in Today's Sunbeam, "Creamer is a twenty-something explorer who has never grown into his 93-year-old body. He is vibrant, full of life and energy." Today's Sunbeam, May 18, 2009.
30th Anniversary Celebration
On
Saturday, March 23, 2013, Rowan University honored Marvin Creamer at a special reception and luncheon at the River Winds Restaurant.
Located only a few hundred yards from National Park, the view of the Delaware was spectacular as
was the weather.
100th Birthday Celebrations
When a person turns a hundred, one day is not enough time to celebrate properly! Marvin Creamer's 100th
birthday on January 24th got much media attention, but family and friends didn't feel that the
occasion was sufficiently celebrated. A second round of toasting (and roasting) was planned for May 29th at the Running Deer Country Club
in South Jersey, just a couple of miles from where Marvin and his siblings grew up.
Here are a few photos of the festive occasion.
A sister, all
three of the Creamer children, many grand- and great-grand children plus numerous friends enjoyed
the time together
Marvin kept guests on the edge of their seats with his fascinating and humorous stories.
It was fitting that Marvin got one last taste of the Globe Star
Dedication of Monument on the Rowan University Campus
On October 28, 2015, Rowan dedicated a monument in Professor Creamer's honor. Reminding of Stonehenge, the 36'
Globe Star's shape was outlined with large stones and a stainless steel
post with signs pointing to major world centers was positioned where the mast
would have been. At 99 years
young, Creamer gave an inspiring speech to the audience and reporters present!
The "mast" with signs pointing to cities around the world, represent the pointer of a compass
and was Marvin's idea.
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