1975 OFF SHORE OIL

OFF SHORE OIL

1975

President Trump recently gave the Ok for off shore drilling for oil along the east coast in

2018.

Below newspaper abstract gives the Delaware coastal area thoughts about 'off shore drilling”.

From the Philidelphia Inquirer August 24, 1975, by staff writer Andrew Wallace :

Lewes, Delaware.. 24 August 1975;

Oil exploration has not yet begun of the Delaware Atlantic coast, but the residents of Lewes,

known to be a sleepy seaside town, talk about making room for pipe lines, tank farms and

refineries. They say it's inevitable.

Gordon West, age 39, who has the Sportsman Haven Bait Shop feels it will endanger the fishing,

the hunting and economy.

Other residents and merchants are just as sure the town will benefit. Drilling oil will bring new

money and fresh blood.

Sidney Sennenbaum, age 55, skipper of the party fishing boat “Penguin” thinks it will bring more

people which will increase business.

Last week the U. S. Interior Department designated sites off Rehoboth Beach that will be coming

up for sale in May. Lewes residents are sure it will be their town, not Rehoboth, that will be in

for a change. What may happen to land values, economy, fishing and above all of these, the placid

life style of Lewes.

Paul Stokes, Jr., owner ASCO Ltd., a real estate and insurance business said oil companies have

little interest and the biggest facility would be a support station and the effect would be small and

spread over a long time.

David Keifer, Delaware State Planner, says it is too early to speculate about anything and pointed

out the the prime site is closer to the New Jersey coast line.

Sonny Johnson, salesman for Suburban Propane of Rehoboth feels the influx of money would help

the economy and bring jobs.

Leonard Maull, Lewes native, feels the oil field need to be far out to sea, ubseen, and the oil

transported to refineries in Philadelphia, and would not like to see refineries or tank farms around

here.

Paul Hughes, who came here to open the Customhouse Book Store had said he would not like to

see Lewes become another Delaware City. He feels Lewes is the sleepy little seaside town but

maybe could stand a 'boost'.