The exact number of gargoyles at the Flanders is unknown, according to Voudouris. “That’s a good question,” he said. “Many of them are not obvious. You have to look for them. Once you start finding them, you realize there are a lot.”
Voudouris said many sculptors and architects of the era created gargoyles and other ornamental elements to reflect the building’s surroundings. Hence, the Flanders’ depictions of fish, lobsters, crabs, ships and sea shells. Though pleasing or interesting to the eye, the gargoyles have a functional purpose as well. “They are placed on the sides of buildings to protrude out and divert rainwater away from the walls,” Voudouris said. “The rainwater hits the statue and rolls off its front, and not straight down the walls.” The gargoyles and other ornamental cement work are just as clearly defined as they were upon their installation in 1923. Many of the gargoyles are strategically placed around the building’s windows. From ground level they appear to be fancy trim. Upon closer inspection, the mythical creatures emerge. Those particular gargoyles are painted a dark green color, as they were originally, Voudouris said. Others are the natural gray color of the cement. It may be debatable as to their effectiveness against evil spirits, but not their ability to withstand wind-blown sand, hurricanes, a fire and Superstorm Sandy. “I had a cement guy here doing some repair work and he was marveling at the durability of the figures,” Voudouris noted. “He said they mixed cement a lot differently (when the Flanders was built). They mixed it to last. Those figures have stood the test of time.” A visual tour of the Flanders reveals the aforementioned gargoyles, and also many examples of the Flanders crest. Voudouris said he expects a large crowd of celebrants for the annual Mother’s Day brunch at the property. Those planning to attend might want to look skyward at the building and check out one of Ocean City’s less appreciated visual treats. Lobsters, crabs and sea shells abound on many of the Flanders’ ornamental concrete elements.