1909 LEWES IMPROVEMENTS

1909 LEWES DELAWARE

IMPROVEMENTS COMPLETED

“Greater Lewes” was the slogan sounded at the Lewes Board of Trade banquet held Friday evening, March 1^st, to celebrate the completion of the towns electric, water and sewerage projects. The delightful meal and speeches represented the ambition's of progressive citizens who had desire to transform the bustling “village by the sea” into a major seaport.

The citizens of Lewes can now vaunt they have the most up to date electric, water and sewerage systems in the county of Sussex, in addition to the fact that the advantages and opportunity of development abound favorably.

The electric plant has a large capacity of service, there are 96,000 gallons of water at high pressure with which to fight fire when needed in addition to the home, business or factory supply. The sewer system if fully complete and in operation.

The banquet brought together Delawareans to announce the efforts and hospitality of the pilot town. Those present were; Mayor Thompson, Charles Maull, president of the board, Delaware Governor Hunn and his Lieutenant Governor, Phillip Cannon, Insurance Commissioner Marshall, State Auditor, Purnal Norman, Port Collector, Robert Houston, senators, Richard Kenney, Charles Wright of Seaford, Franklin C Maull, Robert Holliday, superintendent of the Delaware Railroad, postmaster Carter, , Chalkey Hatton, Harry Miller, Dan Bernard, George Rommel, Jr., morris Taylor nd C. B. Halfarm of Wilmington. General George T. Hall of Milford, Dr Hearn of Philadelphia, E. A. Melson of Bishopville, Maryland, Dan Fooks of Laurel, J. F. Sipple, president of Third National Bank of Baltimore.

Dr Hiram Burton, Captain Thomas Schellinger, Harry Lyons, Bill Thompson, A. L. Burton, Dr Orr, Robert Arnold, Dr. Hall, William Teal, Art Marshall, Fred Willard, Bill Roach Miles Willard, , Charles Mason, Lewis Willard, Fred Wolfe, John Schellinger, Thomas Enos, George Lubker, Robert Waples, Charles Atkins, P. B. Vickers, C. R. Wolfe,

editor of the Pilot newspaper, all of Lewes. Ed Marshall and Joe Thompson of Rehoboth, Theodore Reed and J. W. Thompson of Philadelphia.

A tempting menu was served, the favorite dish being Diamond Back

terrapin, Lewes style, There as no limit to the hospitality and guest did justice to the foods and choice wine set before them.

Charles H. Maull presided and acted as toastmaster although he had been ill all day but was in felicitous manner this evening. He told that five years ago a progressive element gained control of Lewes affairs and this gathering was to rejoice the accomplishments. The streets were now paved from end to end and near one hundred new houses built in addition to the lights, water and sewer systems being completed. Also the town now had two banks.

Mayor Thompson welcomed the visitors, Governor Hunn said there was a peculiarity to the banquet , a feeling of good fellowship , that cannot always be found.

Director of Lewes Public Works, A. L. Burton, declared we have the best lighted town in the state, and must move forward with manufacturers and keep the two railroads busy.

Senator Kenney spoke of inland waterways which would flow to the port of Lewes which would become “The City By The Sea” where millions of tons of cargo will pass.

J. R. Sipple. President of Third National Bank of Baltimore paid tribute to the town and its people, Dr. Hiram Burton recalled historical incidents of the towns growth, and called for Congress to demand improvement of the Harbor. Robert Houston, Port Collector, said there is no port near that processes the Lewes ports advantages. Editor Wolfe calls for more railroad passenger service from Lewes, General Holiday gave high regard to Lewes citizens and offered any help he could give.

Captain Schellinger spoke in favor of coaling stations and Dr Burton signaled for a congressman with an interest in the port and pledge himself regardless of party.

Others, including Chalkey Hatton, Harry Miller, Joe Thompson, made brief remarks.

Abstract of article in Wilmington Morning News on Saturday. March 1, 1902 by a Staff Correspondent.