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A love lock eight stories up

March 12, 2018

I found a lock attached to the fencing atop the 80-foot Fort Miles observation tower this weekend in Cape Henlopen State Park. I assume it's a love lock, and from the look of the lock, it must be a strong relationship.

We all know about love locks on bridges – where couples attach a lock and throw the key in the water to symbolize everlasting love – but I doubt there are many tower love locks.

Love locks attached to bridges are popular all over the world. In fact, officials have had to remove the locks on Pont des Arts bridge in Paris because the weight of the locks posed a threat to the integrity of the bridge.

I've crossed that bridge and also the Love Lock Bridge in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. It's not quite as romantic because the bridge crosses a road and the locks are sold in the Embassy Suites gift shop. But it's the same idea.

We have Lewes Shells hidden all over the place so why not love locks, but I have a feeling state park officials will soon remove the tower love lock.

  • Ron MacArthur has lived and worked in Sussex County all his life. As a journalist for nearly 50 years, he has covered everything from county and town meetings to presidential visits. He also has a unique perspective having served as an elected official and lived on both sides of the county.

    Contact Ron at ronm@capegazette.com

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