A Sweet Start in Life
Harry, as he was known, grew up with a passion for confectionery. During high school, he spent his summers working as an apprentice at Laura’s Fudge Shop in Wildwood, New Jersey. Despite teasing from peers who thought his job was "girly," Harry remained undeterred. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he returned to New Jersey and opened his own fudge shop in Ocean City in 1947.
Ocean City, a picturesque resort town, was famous for its abstinence-driven history—no alcohol could be purchased within city limits. This quirky prohibition extended even to cocktails at restaurants and bars. Despite this, Ocean City was later dubbed the drunkest city in New Jersey, reflecting its inherent contradictions, much like Harry himself.
The Dual Nature of a Man
Harry Anglemyer was a man of contrasts. On one hand, he was a generous philanthropist and a prominent member of local civic organizations, including the planning board, the Masons, and the Chamber of Commerce. He was well-regarded and respected, with over 1,500 people attending his funeral in 1964, including influential businessmen and politicians.
On the other hand, Harry led a life that was scandalous for the era. He was rumored to be gay, a fact that was the subject of gossip and speculation. His lifestyle, marked by extravagant displays of wealth and an apparent disregard for conventional norms, made him a polarizing figure. He was known for his meticulous grooming, his significant wealth, and his sometimes provocative behavior, including an unorthodox relationship with a long-time girlfriend whom he never slept with.
The Final Night
Harry’s final night began with a series of visits to local bars, culminating at The Dunes Club, a popular after-hours spot just outside Ocean City. He was seen carrying a box of fudge, intended as a gift for friends and business associates. His time at The Dunes was marked by a mix of joviality and familiarity with the bartender, who made a gay joke at Harry's expense—a remark Harry reportedly took in stride.
Harry’s body was discovered in his Lincoln Continental hours later, his extravagant diamond ring missing. He had suffered severe head injuries, and the cause of death was ruled as multiple head fractures.
A Web of Rumors and Inconclusive Evidence
The investigation into Harry's murder was marred by a lack of concrete evidence. Witnesses reported seeing Harry leaving The Dunes with another man, but the details were inconsistent. A sketch of the suspect was created, but it did not lead to any significant breakthroughs. Despite some leads and suspects, including Christopher Hughes—a known extortionist targeting gay men—the case remained unresolved.
Hughes, who was found in possession of Harry’s ring, was acquitted after a lackluster trial. Key witnesses, including a jailhouse informant who later recanted, and a witness who misidentified the defendant, led to the case's collapse. The evidence was eventually destroyed, leaving many questions unanswered.
The Legacy of Henry Anglemyer
Harry Anglemyer’s death left a void in Ocean City, and his murder became a subject of speculation and intrigue. Tom Donaghy’s research into the case suggests that the answer to Harry’s murder might be more accessible than the official records suggest. He interviewed people who claimed to know the true identity of the killer, although these accounts remain largely unverified.
In the end, Harry Anglemyer’s life and death continue to captivate those interested in this enigmatic figure. While his fudge recipes may have been shrouded in mystery, his murder has become the greater enigma—an unresolved case that still haunts the Jersey shore.