JOHN ROBERT STENGER STAFF NATURLIST

JOHN R. STENGER

CAPE HENLOPEN STATE PARK STAFF NATURLIST

AUGUST 1968

The Delaware State Parks Commission has named John Robert Stenger, age 42,

as a staff naturalist for Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, Delaware.

Stenger, a Lewes High School science teacher is a “friend” of all public lands of the

Cape Henlopen area that include the new state park, nearby state owned beaches

and savannah but also William Penn's ancient Common Land, a gift to the people of

Lewes and Sussex county.

To date, much of this flat sandy, but green, scene has been exploited by trainloads of sand

from leased areas of the Common Land's. Stenger challenged the town of Lewes' policy

policy of leasing the 'mining rights'.

In mysterious ways, best known to Sussex lawyers, both the town of Lewes and the county

officials have responsibility for this early colonial heritage. It is a 'known' that all real

estate along the Sussex coast has a steeply rising value, both by the dollar and the demand

of natural lands for recreation.

The William Penn Common Land's area is the first Delaware scene to greet travelers of the

Cape May – Lewes Ferry and border the popular state park at the capes.

So far, Stenger, the Lewes Historical Society and a civic group headed by Dr. James Marvil

have been no match for the 'sandmen' and Lewes town council interest in the revenue from

that source.

Last spring the state parks agency offered to administer the William Penn Common Lands

but were turned down .

Mr. Stengers remarks about the town dump smoking away in view of ferry patrons have had

no visible effect.

Now, there is more need than ever for a good, long range public policy to look at the future

of the centuries old common lands in trust of all the people.

Mr. Stenger now needs to ride each day to his job at the park and is a good man to keep an

eye on the whole thing.

Addendum: John Robert Stenger was born in Clarksburg, Harrison county, West Virginia,

to Louis Jean and Zula Edra Weaver Stenger on 17 October 1926. In 1945 he enlisted in the service of his country, and on 28 January 1949, he married to

Margaret Elizabeth Onestingel. They have issue. 

Thank God for our John Robert Stenger,      the cape dunes are still there.

Source: Wilmington New Journal August 10, 1968 Abstract by Harrison H. 03/31/18

JULY 4TH 1968 VISIT TO ZWAANDAEL MUSEUM

ZWAANENDAEL MUSEUM

LEWES

JULY 4 1968

Special summer exhibits were established at the Zwaanendael Museum and the collection

of 21 bottles which were on loan from Mr & Mrs William Craig of Lewes consist of

mineral water bottles, medicine and whiskey bottles and other rare types dating back

to the 1800's.

Indian artifacts exhibit from Island Field Site at South Bowers was the 4^th of July week

and arranged by Thomas Wilson and Ronald Thomas, archaeologist.

Lewes and Rehoboth post card exhibit of early 1900's , a copy of “Breakwater Light”, a

Lewes newspaper, dated April 1, 1882, a 1876 Rehoboth Beacon of the Rehoboth

Camp Meeting Association of the Methodist Espicopal Church were also available to

view at leisure.

Source: Delmarva News, Selbyville, Delaware , Thursday July 4, 1968

Abstract by Harrison H, March 31 2018 for facebooks Lewes to Ocean City

Memories.

CANNON BALL HOUSE ARTIFACTS

LEWES CANNON BALL HOUSE

ARTIFACTS

Lewes, Delaware Wilmington Morning News Monday, January 29, 1968

When restoring the kitchen of the Cannon Ball House on Front Street in Lewes,

workers found flints, bright and unused, which were for flintlock pistols,  imbedded in the

walls of the structure.

Also was found a hand made iron hammer had been found between the lathes. This 'find'

helps confirm that the 'kitchen' section is considerable older than the rest of the house.

Work on the Cannon Ball House is being pushed as to have an opening early for summer

tourist to view a collection of picture and objects relating to the life of Delaware River

and Bay pilots.

At 3d and Shipcarpenter Street, the Burton-Ingram House addition is being completed.

Rabbit's Ferry House, the country store, and the plank house are also ready for visitors,

all at the historic compound.

Dr. James E Marvil and other officers were returned to office for the year. Capt. Irvin Walls

has been made chairman of the Country Store and Capt. W.S. Ingram chairmen of the

Antique Show & Market to be held during the summer season.

Source: Wilmington Morning News January29, 1968 and abstract by Harrison H.

March 31, 2018, at Lewes.

LEWES COAST GUARD STATION CLOSD

LEWES COAST GUARD STATION CLOSED

Friday, March 1, 1968

The Coast Guard officially closed its station in this seashore town but it does not effect the

service the station's personnel has been providing.

Captain M. B. Williams, Chief of Search & Rescue at 3d District New York Headquarters,

said the closing the station is a matter of a change in dormitory space. “We had a small

group in an old large building in Lewes, costly to maintain”.

At Indian river Inlet Station, thirteen miles away, we have a new modern building, easy to

maintain, with space available,

It is not known what to do with the unused Lewes Station , built in the 1930's, at this time said the deputy commander at Cape May Station, Captain Bill C. Bart. 18 of the 19 men

will transfer to Indian River and one to Cape May.

SOURCE: Wilmington Morning News, Wednesday, December 11, 1968

abstract, by Harrison H, 03/31/18

LT HARRY McFALLS KIA SILVER STAR

LEST WE FORGET

1ST LT HARRY McFALLS'

LEWES

Thursday, May 9, 1968, Wilmington News Journal

Lewes, Delaware:

The Silver Star has been presented posthumously to the widow of 1^st Lt. Harry P. McFalls'

killed in action in Vietman, January 10. 1968.

The award was presented to Mrs. Sarah Burnside McFalls' by Col. Harry Jennings of the

Delaware National Guard at the Lewes Army Reserve Center, with duplicates going to the

daughters of McFalls', Betty, age 8 and Cynthia, age 5. Lt. McFalls' father, Sgt First Class

Henry S. McFalls of Fort Bragg, North Carolina was present at the ceremony. Also awarded

were the Bronz Star for general valor and a Purple Heart.

The Silver Star,is the third highest valor awarded just below the Medal of Honor and the

Distinguished Service Cross.

McFalls was killed leading his platoon in the 9^th Infantry division in a combat assault on a

heavy fortified enemy bunker complex, exposed himself to enemy fire to carry wounded out

of an open field to the safety of a tree line.

A ten year veteran of the Army McFalls began service at Ft. Miles, Lewes , in the MP Corps,

was a graduate of Officers Candidate School, served in Germany before being assigned to

Vietnam last November.

The widow, Sarah Burnside McFalls, is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs William A Burnside

of Lewes.

Rehoboth trash problems 1968

REHOBOTH TRASH PROBLEMS

1968

Friday, January 12, 1968 Rehoboth Commissioners had on their agenda refuse

collection problems since the city, last summer, was told by state officials to curtail

burning at the town dump and told the town to expect stricter regulations on the dump.

The city has been negotiating for property between Lewes and Rehoboth to replace the

dump located near the canal on Delaware 14.

The commissioners have been told that every effort should be made to have the problem

solved before the 1968 summer crowds arrive at the beach.

A representative of the St. Regis Paper Company gave a presentation of a paper refuge sack

system to collect household garbage and trash and told of several communities which require

the use of a large paper sack instead of the metal trash cans for curbside pickups.

Source: Abstract of Wilmington Morning News, 13 January 1968 by Harrison 03/28/18.

MARYLAND SETTLEMENT AT ST MARYS

MARYLAND

MARCH 25 1634

THE SETTLEMENT OF MARYLAND:

On 25t of March, 1624, three hundred eighty four years ago, the first colonist

to Maryland, arrived at St. Clements Island, about twelve miles from Point Lookout

on the Chesapeak Bay up the Potomac River, to St. Mary's River, and found the

settlement of St. Marys.

King Charles I of England , in 1632, had granted George Calvert, the first Lord

Baltimore, proprietary rights to the region east of the Potomac River in exchange

for a tax on the income derived off the land.

Maryland was named for Henrietta Maria, consort of Charles I.

When George Clavert died, his son Cecilus took control and established a haven for

Roman Catholic's being persecuted in England.

The select group arrived at St. Clements aboard the Ark and the Dove.

Source: www.history.comthisdayinhistory.com History.com staff.

BOOKHAMMERS OF LEWES

BOOKHAMMERS OF LEWES

ACCORDING TO RICHARD B. CARTER.

AN ABSTRACT OF CARTERS BOOK

“GENE BOOKAMMER & HIS WORLD”

Among many newcomers to the seaport town of Lewes after the end of the Civil War,

came a war veteran, Sylvester Seymour Bookhammer and his second wife, Mary Elizabeth

Frymier Bookhammer, somewhat younger than Sylvester.

The Bookhammer family, of German descent, came to America in 1700 thereabouts, settled

in the Pennsylvania area of Hayfield , somewhat north of Philadelphia in Montgomery county,

North Penn Valley, near Lansdale. The township was founded in 1742, either named for a

Welsh village of Hertfordshire, England, or, an early settler, with no records, by name of John

Hatfield. The main roads of the time that intersected at Hatfield were 40 Foot Road and

Cowpath Road. There was a hotel and tavern built at this intersection.

Our veteran, Sylvester was born in this village in 1830, the son of Jacob Bookhammer, also

born at Hatfield in 1803. His mother, Elizabeth Zane Bookhammer, was born in Montgomery

in 1812.

The name Bookhammer had various early spellings such as Buchammer and Buchheimer.

After spending his youth in Hatfield he moved into Philadelphia where he was a barber and

a dry goods merchant. It was now when he married his first wife, Mary Louise Elbert, and

prior to the Civil Was she born two daughter, Amanda, 1853 and Laura 1858.

As the Civil War came about Sylvester Seymour Bookhammer joined the the Army and was

a soldier in 1861 , of the 88^th Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment under the command of

Colonel George McLean . He was commissioned 1^st Lieutenant in Company K, commanded

by Captain William Powell, October 5^th, 1861 and was to serve three years. This regiment

was assigned to Washington , D. C. October 1861 as 'provost duty' in Alexandria, Virginia.

In 1862. after several others assignments, Sylvester was promoted to Captain, the K Co.

Commander. After several major battles, in one he was wounded, and found to be unfit for

duty, resigned November 1862 for medical reason and returned to home in Philadelphia.

The wound he received in battle plagued him the rest of hiss life.

His return home was all the more necessary as his wife fell ill and died in October 1862

leaving daughters, age 4 and 9, motherless.

After five years back in Philadelphia at his old jobs and female help of relatives in the raising

of his daughters, at age 35 he remarried an eighteen year old Mary Elizabeth Frymier,

daughter of Abraham and Anna Elizabeth Long Frymier. Anna Elizabeth Long was born and raised in Baltimore Hundred, Sussex, Delaware, daughterof William Benjamin and Nancy Wharton Long, probably of Frankford. Other families connected to the Longs were Hocker, Dukes and Tunnells. Anna maintained strong ties to her Sussex county home but took on the role of raising the two stepdaughters and was an important part of their lives., however, when Sylvester and Mary Elizabeth moved to Lewes,they now nearly grown, remained in Philadelphia with grandparents.

Mary Elizabeth, still in Philadelphia gave birth to a daughter 1868 which only lived a few

months. Five years later she gave birth, May 14, 1873 , to Sylvester Allen Bookhammer.

two more sons were born, Heisler Jacob in September 14, 1874 and William Hayes, October

26, 1876. Hayes came from GOP presidential nominee at that time, Rutherford B. Hayes.

When Sylvester and Mary Elizabeth moved to Lewes with their new son in the autumn 1873,

their barber shop on Second Street was opened and they lived next door. The Masonic Lodge

was across the street.

Sylvester was active in the Republican Party and in 1889 was appointed postmaster

which he occupied until 1893 when he died at age 63. After his death Mary Elizabeth

opened a 'notion' shop where the barber shop had been. She also was 'postmistress' a few

months. Remember, she was younger, now only mid forties.

The three Bookhammer boys left few records, they were educated in local schools, helped

with the family business and post office. Fished, hunted rabbits, birds and such in the area.

8 year old 'Billy' worked the barber shop, shoe shine boy, and at 14 was a big help to father in

the post office. Saving his pay and ernings he purchased and raised livestock, pigs, cows and

such.

Sylvester, eldest boy, attended Delaware College, was a member of the football team, and

earned a two year associate degree, then returned to Lewes to become what was said to be

at “loose ends” along with his brother Heisler, Uncle Hi as he was better known.

Being at “loose ends” all three brother decided to 'hit the road' and become railroad bums,

jumped a empty freight car at Lewes at left town. William, got as far as Nassau and changed

his mind and jumped off and returned home. Uncle Syl and Uncle Hi went on. Heisler got

to Paducah Kentucky, he married Lena Negal , had a daughter, Harriett, was a barber, died

young at 33 in1907. Sylvester made it to Atlanta, Georgia, entered an apprenticeship with

a podiatrist and became an eminent foot doctor.

William returned to Lewes and was of great importance to his mother. The main reason why

William did not follow his brothers to 'loose ends' was because he was much in love with

Winifred Jenkins, from another newcomers family, very atractive teenager, born in Somerset

Maryland to Charles Alonzo Jenkins who came with his father, Levin to find work on the

wooden harbor pier and the Iron pier.

Winifred Jankins and William Hayes Bookhammer became man and wife in due course. They

were the ancestors of 'The Bookhammers of Lewes' .

These then were the people from whom William Hayes and Winifred Jenkins Bookhammer

and “The Bookhammers of Lewes” were descended. On one side a age old maritime U. S.

Life Saving Service family, the other side a disabled Civil War Vet , town postmaster and

barber. Good, hard working, middle class, people.

Abstract: Harrison H, of Dick Clarks Gene Bookhammers World publication .

WILLAIMSBURG, DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

WILLIAMSBURG, DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

ABOUT 1902

A small hamlet, Williamsburg, in the early 1900's sat on the Cambridge to Seaford Railroad

a few, maybe 5 miles from Hurlock, and was first known as Bunker Hill, although it is not

considered to be a colonial town, the first hone built there was in 1804 less than thirty years

following the Revolutionary War.

Henry Jones, a school teacher, land surveyor and farmer built his home, small in size and

of plain construction.

The first business is said to have been a wheelwright, John Woolen, who made spinning

wheels for spinning flax and wool and cart wheels for local farmers horse drawn carts.

The next business was a whiskey and rum shop which also sold a few groceries so as to

look decent. This business attracted many patrons, they came from “toward the bridge”,

from Puskum , east of North West Fork, also “Grubbing Neck” at the next county border.

The frequent meeting of these different groups who liked to test their abilities of superior

fighting were somewhat disturbing and caused the place to be known as Bunker Hill. It also

took up the name “slabtown' due to the fences and hog pens closed in by slab wood.

This did not suit John Woolen who went to the difficulty of going to Legislature to have the

town named Williamsburg. in about 1840.

After the railroad depot was established improvements came about, but slowly. By 1904

or so there were two general stores, a wood works for cabinets, the wheelwright, a flower

or grist mill, a canning house for vegetables and fruits, a public school , a Methodist

Church and near twenty five dwellings.

Early families were the Medfords, Nathaniel and Rebecca, William and Margaret Bonner,

William Lowe who owned land known as “Taylors Neglect” in 1758. Vacant land was known

as “Nanticoke Manor” . A tract of 1000 acres which adjoined Williamsburg was “Lockermans

Manor”.

A Corkran family, James and John among them, married into the Medfords. Descendants

of these early families were still living in Willamsburg in early 1900's, Enoch Lowe, the

Justice of the Peace the past 30 years lives in the Lowe homestead. George, John and

Joseph Corkran farm their fathers former premises and operate the milling and merchants

business'. Medfords are prosperous farmers nearby. Also descendents of Hubberts,

Paynes and Browns still live in the area.

During the War of 1812 Williamsburg raised a militia company of the Dorchester 11^th

Regiment commanded by John Rowens, Captain, Arthur Lowe, Lieutemant, and

David Andrew, Ensign.

Abstract: Elias Jones, History of Dorchester County:

UNITY WASHINGTON CHURCH HURLOCK MARYLAND

UNITY WASHINGTON METHODIST CHURCH

HURLOCK, MARYLAND

Sunday, October 30, 1960, the Unity Washington Methodist church of Hurlock

observed 159 years of Methodism in Hurlock.

1801 the first Methodist meeting house was built and named Washington Chapel two

miles out of town toward Waddells Corners on property where the Unity Washington

Cemetery is now.

Washington Chapel was moved to the town of Hurlock in 1888 to the corner of Main

and Oak Streets on property donated by John Martin Hurlock and eleven years later was

expanded by adding a new sanctuary and an addition that were dedicated February 4, 1900.

The land for this chapel was donated by Thomas L. and Elizabeth Johnson Wright. Unity

Washington Methodist became a member of Maryland Annual Conference of the Methodist

Protestant Church.

In 1960, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Wright, Mrs Daniel Ccorkran , was living and

active in church affairs as the oldest living member of Unity Washington church.

Both Unity and Washington churches served rural Hurlock and merged May 4, 1953 when

Rev. John J. Bunting was pastor but died one year later. Rev Carlisle Hubbard the new

pastor, continued Rev Buntings plans for an education building and May 1956 the new

$117,000 had it's foundation poured and a new pastor, Rev Edwin Horney, from Ebenezer

Churrch in Newark, Delaware took the pulpit at Hurlock. He and Herman Eugene Rue

chairman of the building committee saw the22 room addition completed and opened March

10, 1957.

By 1960, the $117,000 debt has been reduced to $20,900 and on Sunday, October 30, the

Director of Maryland House, Rev. Dr. George Pigueron will preach and a lunch by The

Women Society, headed by Ms Russel Stevens will be served. Afternoon, the Rev. Dr. Roy

Tawes, a former pastor at Hurlock in 1938 to 1942, now superintendent of Peninsula

Conference, will speak.

Abstract: March 24, 2018 by Harrison Howeth, from Salisbury Daily Times, Saturday

October 29, 1960, newsppers.com for Rembering Hurlock facebook page &

www. Delmarhistory..blogspot.com

LINDEN WAYNE BRITTINGHAM DEATH IN VIETNAM

DEATH

LANCE CORPORAL

LINDEN WAYNE BRITTINHAM

MILTON, DELAWARE

March 17, 1968 Wilmington Morning News: Milton, Delaware

Sunday afternoon Lance Corporal Linden Wayne Brittingham, KIA in Vietnam on March 1

was buried in Henlopen Memorial Cemetery along the Broadkill River.

The Marine, son of Mr. & Mrs Linden R. Brittingham would have been 20 years old on March 6 but was killed by hostile gunfire in Thua Thien Province.

Brittingham graduated Milton High School in 1966, enlisted in the Marine Corp that

October, had training at Paris Island and been in \Vietnam seven months, due home in July.

In high school he was co captain of the football and basket ball teams and ran on the track team for two years. He was the class president his senior year.

In addition to his parents he is survived by three brothers Kenny, at Panhandle A & M College

in Oklahoma, Keith and Donnie at home., a sister, Lisa, at home. His grandparents, H.O.

Brittingham and wife, Robert Burton and wife also survive him.

TALL PINES OF REHOBOTH

TALL PINES OF REHOBOTH BEACH

Wilmington New Journal , Wilmington, Wednesday April 16, 1969

Where are they ? What happened to them ? Why ?

There aren’t many spots along the Atlantic Coast, south of Long Island, where pine fores

extend to the shore line but one is right here at Rehoboth. Most of it was cut off so the land could

be farmed and grazed, then later for the streets, cottages, and hotels for a resort after 1880.

There is some of the original pine forest left just north of the town and is named “The Pines”.

The trees are not the 'old growth' pine, taller and larger sized, that are found inland on more fertile land, but are some are of a respectable age and size. They have long been a Rehoboth distinction and sets Rehoboth Beach apart from other beach resorts between New Jersey and Florida.

Loblally pine is not a long life tree, and the shallow top soil and sand of the beach area's don't

afford it well so many of the past generation are dead or dying and there are no new seedlings that

are noticed, never get started or the off shore winds wont let them survive.

So, it is clearly high time we get some expert advice as to what to do to keep the Pines

famous and healthy for looks, shade and smell.

International Paper Company has an experimental “Super pine” a genetically superior tree

of fast growth, straightness of trunk and dense wood fiber. They reduce the plant to harvest time

of 50 years to 25 years.

Is it not time that the city of Rehoboth Beach look into such stock to keep The Pines alive to

give character ?

Abstract: March 21, 2018 by Harrison H.

MILTON LIBRARY CLOSED BY BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT CONSTRUCTION

1993 MILTON BRIDGE REPLACED

Officials have condemned the Milton library because of structural cracks caused by the

old  'Red Bridge'  replacement across the Broadkill River on Union Street.   A riverside building

with a barber shop and video store was also commended last week due to cracks in riverside walls.

The library is to stay closed until the bridge 'fix' is completed said the mayor Jack Hudson.

There is also concern for Milton Sausage & Scrapple which is also right on the river who

say they have cracks in walls too.

Pile driving is to continue another two weeks and that will evidently be of some consideration

for the damages.

Library workers will be able to work in the rear section which is on solid ground and not on

the river banks. There have been no injuries, no books have fallen of the shelves but the library

does not want to take any chances.

Mayor Hudson also said the town has had an economic let down due to the construction as

beach bound route 5 traffic detours around the project which was to have been finished by the past

Memorial Day weekend.

The engineers have put blame on underwater iron debris from other old bridges at the site that

hindered the pile driving for the replacement bridge.

Source: Wilmington New Journal, Thursday, May 20, 1993. Abstract March 20, 2018

REHOBOTH'S JOHN BROWN PARKS SUPERVISOR

REHOBOTH'S JOHN 'GAS' BROWN

John Lewis Brown, a Rehoboth Beach municipal employee since 1966, the former parks

supervisor, now a semiretired parks supervisor, does 'leaf mulch' at the towns compost

pile. His compost, pure mother nature doing her work, is much better than fertilizer, he says.

Some time ago he was top dressing some town flower beds with the black humus and some

spilled on a grass plot near by and Brown noticed later that this grass was greenest, tallest,

and healthiest he had ever seen. That was 20 years ago.

Brown and former mayor Lester Johnson worked together to develop the composting pit

because Rehoboth Beach is a 'Tree City” and has many leaves that were some sort of a

problem to dispose of. Now, the leaves go into the compost pile and saves tranportation cost,

plus e cost of disposal at the county dump. The compost pile is on a vacant 2-1/2 acre plot

along the Lewes – Rehoboth Canal that once was a 'wilderness' that held squatter chicken

coops and hog pens, where now the rains, sun and time do the work on the leaves.

Ever now and again, residents will bring in vegetable trimming and watermelon rines to add

to the pile. It's the best stuff for our flower beds in the city's parks.

John Lewis Brown died Sunday December 16, 2007 at age 89, and is buried in Epworth

Methodist Cemetery, Rehoboth. He was born in Clayton to John Lewis Stanley Brown and

Jessie Cannon Brown. He once had a country store in Williamsville before serving during

WWII in the Army overseas. After the war he worked

for Shoregas of Dover and served account in the Cape Henlopen area were he met Ellen

Moore, married, and moved to Rehoboth to raise his family.

John Lewis Brown is to be remembered for his attention to the beautification of Rehoboth,

his serving as marshal for many Rehoboth parades and his friendliness to all who passed

by him.

HOLLYVILLE NEWS MARCH 20 1914.

HOLLYVILLE NEWS 1914

How about spending a few days back in 1914 at Hollyville with some news items

out of the Friday, March 20, 1914 “Delaware Pilot” newspaper.

First the Unity Methodist Episcopal Church wants you to stop in Sunday at 10:30 to hear

G. R. Ellis expound the gospel which may be the last opportunity you have. Also attend

Sunday School at 9:30 that same morning.

The 'groundhogs' allotted time to show himself expired last Monday and we are happy to

the know the spring birds will be singing their merry tunes very soon as is custom.

A good heavy snow last week furnished merriment for our people, but not so close to April

for some farmers trying to work their grounds for strawberries, early grain crops and gardens.

Mr & Mrs George Hurdle are now at home with Jesse Joseph and it always pleases us to

have desirable people settle down in our community. We learn that George has traded his horse for one of more value.

We give thanks to our mail carrier for he never misses a trip and has been on the job five years

with the best service.

We take notice of our up to date ladies who have taken the fad of horse back riding and are

often seen in riding habits.

It is with sorrow we have lost one of our neighbors, Wrixham McIlvaine, a resident of

many years with great respect of the citizens far and near.

Miss Mary Prettyman visited her sister, Mrs John Joseph, Friday and Saturday.

Please do not forget the festival at the 'American Mechanics Hall'. Come out to help the

school cause as we are sure the students will feel more like studying if the surroundings

are made more pleasant.

Abstract by Harrison H., march 18, 2018 for www.delmarhistory.blogspot.com and

facebook's page 'Lewes to Ocean City Memories'

1940 LEWES HIGH SCHOOL BAND

1940 LEWES HIGH SCHOOL BAND

Lewes High School band has marched through another successful year with a new

new leader, Prof. Anthony Ingram who arranged concerts which help bring fame.

The band was able to purchase snappy blue and white uniforms that improved

their appearance.

In April the band was invited to perform in the State Band Day activities in

Wilmington.

The members are:

Clarinets: Violet Beebe, Betty Bryan, Homer Bryan, Ralton Dennis, Peggy Ewing,

Bill Hastings, Betty Guerin, Ervin Lange, Phil Marsh, Joan Marshall, Bob Maull, Carlton

Pepper, Kendal Prettyman, Sara Rickards, Eleanor Shutts and Robert Thompson.

Edna Lange played the oboe, Irene Hazzard the Baritone, tenor saxophone Richard Dennis,

baritone saxophone Stephen Vaughn, bass clarinet Bill Schmierer and Mary Frazer played

chimes and lyre.

Flute; Alfred Graves and Lelia Parker. Alto Saxophone, Alfred Best, Ton Best and Bill

Joseph.

Trumpet: Don Ewing, Peggy Hocker, Ann Ingram, Elisabeth Joseph, Dan Littleton,

Jack Morris, Tom Morris, Jimmy Short and Charles Wagamon.

Horns: Kathleen Baynum, Allen Beebe, Jim Palmer, Jim Thompson.

Trombone: Whitney Dough, Herb Hazzard, Bill Hocker, Hilliard Palmer, Risden

Passwaters, Herb Shutts.

Tuba: Gene Perry, Emerson Stauffer and Francis 'Dutch' Warrington.

Percussion: Eve Brewer, Walt Donovan, Earl Ewing, Don Jefferson, Jim Riley,

Pete Stevens and Bill Thompson.

The Drum Major was Josephine Brittingham.

Source: U. S. School Yearbooks, www.com. Abstract: March 16, 2018 by Harrison

for www.delmarhistory.blogspot.com and facebook's page Lewes to Ocean City Memories.

HURLOCK

1902 HURLOCK

Hurlock came with the Dorchester & Delaware Railroad in 1867 when they put a station

there. Later the railroad became the Cambridge and Seaford Rail Road,.

John M. Hurlock built the first storehouse in 1869 who also built the first dwelling in 1872.

At that time there was a fine forest of oak on all sides of the station  and here the Methodist

held camp meetings each year.     James M. Andrews sold lots for $25.

William Wesley Howeth built the second home there in 1885, after which the following

families of T. W. Noble, Henry Sinclair, B. F. Carroll, Thomas Wright and Thomas Hackett

built dwelling in 1887. Also in 1887 James Dean built a hotel.

Hurlock continued to grow, so in 1893 it was incorporated. There were fifteen stores of all

descriptions, two hotels, a grist mill, a saw mill and a box factory that had twenty men

employed, two canning houses, a creamery, a machine shop and the Hurlock Drop

Forge a principal industrial enterprise. The town had a post office with a postmaster,

William H. Stevens. Hurlock had t wo churches, Methodist Episcopal and Methodist

Protestant, two doctors, Dr. Nichols and Dr. Haefner.

In 1890, another railroad, the B. C. & A. R. R. came to cross the Cambridge & Seaford R. R.

which gave Hurlock a boom with 460 inhabitants and growing thriftly.

Abstract: March 14, 2019, by Harrison H. for www.delmarhistory.blogspot.com & facebook's

Rembering Hurlock page. Source: 'History of Dorchester County Maryland' by Elias Jones,

Baltimore Maryland 1902.

RECOLLECTIONS 1934

RECOLLECTIONS

Corn bread and hominy, the big one bushel pot hung in the kitchen large corner fireplace, a

colored mammy cooked large oven pones, six, maybe seven inches thick, twelve or fifteen

inches across, cooked all day. Eating was eating.

Most families had ten or twelve children and again that many slaves to feed.

There were no 'cook stoves' , all cooking was done over an open fire in the immense fire

place, in the kitchen corner. Food cooked and simmered all day.

Cereals were ground by water wheel power windmills. But not the hominy, it was beaten

in a mortar with an iron pestle that left blisters on the hands after doing your fair share.

Once or twice a week we had johnny cake, wheat bread and Maryland beaten biscuits.

There would be cracklings all ground up in the hominy. There was corn bread with oysters,

they were eysters then , a mush like sponge bread, with bacon, or hog belly as old timers

remember it.

Sorghum was home raised and made up into wooden barrels. Fish, mostly mackerel, was

broiled over the same fire where the pot hung.

The hogs ranged and fed in the white oaks and the acorns they ate gave the pork a nutty taste.

In the fall, when it was 'cold', we did up maybe twenty hogs, weighing 150 to 400 pounds,

and dressed out a beef cow every winter so we lived well to do, food wise.

The spinning wheel and loom were household necessities as all raised their own wool,

flax and cotton.

A decanter sat on the big 'sideboard' , yet no one ever got drunk, though there was wine, peach

and apple brandy to fill the decanter and a reserve in the closet which was locked and mother

` had the key. Mom did the brandy distilling too.

Source: Baltimore Sun, Tuesday March 13, 1934, by Thomas Hackett, age 77, a druggist \

in Hurlock, Dorchester County, Maryland, who could only write with a pencil because he

had been 'hit' twice by a tin lizzie.

Abstract March 13, 2018 for www.delmarhistory.blogspot.com by Harrison Howeth.

LEGISLATURE REUNION 1879

DELAWARE HISTORY

1879 DELAWARE LEGISLATURE MEMBERS

Rehoboth, August 30, 1979 Douglas House Reunion for the members of the Delaware

Legislature, all but four were present. Guest were former Governor Cochran and the Secretary of

State , James Wolcott, representing the Department of State in absence of Governor Hall who was

attending the funeral of Farmer Bank cashier Wilds.

About 60 in the party left on the train from Harrington at noon, arriving at 3 o'clock, taken to

the Douglas House and put in charge of Joe Willard, proprietor. The party consisted of the two house

members, both 'speaker's', press , Senate and House officers and a few invited guest.

Chancellor Saulsbury and governor sent regrets, not being able to attend.

After a few hours for socializing and excursions to the beach and bay, the dinning room was

open and quickly filled to work on the 'Reunion Supper' .

Governor Cochran sat at he head of the table and the Reception Committee Chairman ,

James Ware, sat at the other end. Speakers, Harrington and Dr. Chandler, were seated on either side.

Everyone did justice to the repast, “fames condi mentum optimum est”. No toast nor speeches were

had.

After the meal. Member visited the beaches, the bay, some visited in Lewes, the Life Saving

Station, then back to the porch of the Douglas House.

Senators present were the Speaker Harrington of Farmington, Harry Sharply of Wilmington,

J.W. Cooch of Coochs Bridge, O. H. McWhorter of St. Georges. J. F. Denny of Smyrna, Issac

Conaway of Georgetown, and the clerk Osborne of St. Georges.

Representatives that were there are I.N.fooks of Georgetown, M. Conoway of Leipsic,

J. Savins of Moorstown, Dean of Newark, Riggs of Clayton, Cochran of Middletown,

Giles Lambden of New Castle, Speaker Chandler, Brandywine Springs, Hall, Milford,

Hearn, Greensbourough, Jim Wear, Wilmington, Collins of Smyrna, Houston of Lewes,

Dave Needles of Felton, Sharp of Camden, Clerk John Saulsbury and Landale of Dover.

Guest were P. F. Causey , C. E. Treidler, Milford, John O'Byrne and John Farra,

Wilmington, W. F. Causey, St. Louis, john Salisbury George Shakespear, Librarian, R. R.

Kenney, Librarian, Dover, , George Kerr, Col. Lowbar, Newark, W. T. Crrroasdale, editor

Every Evening Journal, Pete Hardcastle, Kenton, Bob Lamdon, Laurel, W. W. Meridith, New

York City, C. C. Shockley, Paynter Frame, P. C. Purnell, Georgetown, Robert Reynolds, State

Treasurer, Petersburg, and W. A. Comegys, Middletown..

Press embers among the guest were W. Scott Way of the 'Transcript' , Harry Brown of

the 'Gazette', O'Bryan of 'Herald', A. Francis of the 'Republican', H. H. Colclazer, the ' Evening

Journal'.

That evening there was a 'hop' in the Douglas House dinning room, for members and guest,

and now, a number of ladies from Lewes, Milford, and Rehoboth, to dance the hours away until

midnight., when the music retired to the porch and the ladies to their carriages for home. Quite a

few gentlemen sat on the porch to listen to a Negro minstrel with guitar sing ballads until wee

morning hours.

Saturday, special trains took the party home after going to Rehoboth to dine with

Uncle Brinton at the Bright House.

Source: Wilmington News Journal, Monday, September 1, 1879.

Abstract March 13 2018, by Harrison h. for www.delmarhistory.blogspot.com

LEWESTOWNE PAINTING BY DANIEL RODNEY KING.

LEWESTOWN

A RARE PAINTING

BY

DANIEL RODNEY KING

1844

In 1844, a young Lewes artist , Daniel Rodney King, a descendant of Caesar

Rodney, painted a picture of “Lewestowne” from the banks of the Hoornekill Creek,

a view of schooners at anchor and qaint hip roof dwellings of days gone by.

Later, the famous Delaware artist, Stanley Arthurs, at the request of A. Felix

duPont, of Rehoboth Beach , painted a facsimile, which was presented to Lewes by

duPont this past week. Mr. duPont had acquired the original , the only one in existence,

and had Arthures reproduce the painting in it's original colors.

The Arthurs' reproduction was sent to Captain Harry Lyons, who was the

chairman of the Lewes Tercentenary Commission, with the suggestion that it be placed

in the Zwaanendael House as a permanent relic.

Source: Salisbury Daily Times, Salisbury, Maryland, Saturday, January 6, 1940.

Abstract: March 7, 2018 by Harrison H, for www.delmarhistory.blogspot.com and John

Hurlocks facebook page, memories Lewes to Ocean City.

LEWES COAST GUARD STATION BECOMES BELHAVEN SURF GENTLEMENS CLUB.

LEWES COAST GUARD STATION

1940

Lewes, Delaware Wednesday, April 24, 1940 :

The old Lewes Coast Guard Station is being moved to the Cape Henlopen beach front to

become the Belhaven Gentlemens Surf Club, under direction of Steve Pierce, has been cut

into two sections, moved from it's foundation, set on heavy iron wheels and sits 100 yards, still

on government property, from the foundation , as of today.

It was feared the iron wheels would damage the road bed. State highway officials measured

the sections and gave the final OK, so tomorrow the contractor will start the journey to the

beach front, using heavy wood planks for the iron wheels as to not to damage the road way .

It's maritime features, lookout tower and exterior appearance will be retained.

Source: Salisbury Daily Times, Salisbury, Maryland, Wednesday, April 24, 1940.

Abstract March 7, 2018 by Harrison H. for delmarhistory.blogspot.com & facebook.

LEWES DAIRY

LEWES DAIRY

An abstract of an article of Volume V, November 2002, Journal of Lewes Historical

Society, by HDB, which I take to be Hazel Downs Brittingham. Also mentioned are

Mustard, Layton and Allied Families by Helene Mustard Layton. 1946.

A farm, 240 acres, upland and marsh was purchased in 1919 by Emory B. Brittingham,

fronting on Lewes Creek, recently newly aligned and deepened to form the Lewes &

Rehoboth Canal. The farm was backed by Canary Creek and the Great Marsh stretched

beyond. The farm, originally was 429 acres and known as the Pilot Town Farm.

A former owner, Harbeson Hickman , wealthy land owner had named it “ Sea View Farm”

and in 1861 his family called it :Sea View Villa”. The Hickmans dwelt in the sizable

farmhouse which was called “the old Hickman Mansion House”. A writing by a

Hickman descendant described the 'Villa' as having a garden bordered by boxwood and a

view of the willow trees along the creek and the bay. After a fire had destroyed the barn

and other outbuildings the family moved into Lewes to the “Ocean House” that Mr.

Hickman purchased in 1870. This ancient house was demolished to make room for the

Lewes Dairy office buildings.

The 'Pilot Town Farm' included a history laden section of old Lewestowne, the stone

giving testimony to the 1631 Dutch Swanendael and their fortification , now St. Peters

Episcopal Cemetery,

As the land was being cultivaed the Brittingham boys found many arrowheads which their

mother saved. Today the Sharp Campus of the University of Delaware College of Marine

Studies sits on the land and the bay holds a harbor for its vessels.

Recently portions of the farm has been recorded as “deVries Airfield” and the “ Brittingham

Home Place”. Abstracr 03/03/2018 Harrison H. for facebook's 'Lewes to Ocean City'.

LEWES' MARKET STREET BRIDGE

MARKET STREET BRIDGE OVER LEWES CREEK

An abstract of “Spanning the Creek” by Hazel D. Brittingham, Betty Grunder, and

Robert G. Stewart, in Volume V, November 2004 Journal of the Lewes Historical

Society.

Market Street bridge was one of the first of the earliest to cross Lewes Creek and was noted

in Shankland's 1723 survey of Lewestown.

In that survey the town was to have four principal streets, Front, Market, Shipcarpenter

and Mulberry, with numbered side streets. Lewes then had an outdoor market place

like most other towns. This market place was behind the small brick jail which faced

Back Street. Back Street is, was, whatever, 2^nd Street, so the jail house was at 2^nd and Market.

On 6 November 1773, the Pennsylvania Three Lower Counties Legislature authorized the

construction of a toll bridge at the bottom of Market Place to cross the Lewes Creek. This

bridge was to have a 16 x 8 foot 'draw' space  fitted with a 'lift' and chains for raising it for ships

to pass under.. Named as commissioners for this too bridge were John Rodney , Henry

Fisher and Henry Neill. They were charged “to build, erect, a bridge and causeway

over the Lewes Creek, to begin at or near the place where the fort stood, thence, in a

straight distance to the point of fast land on the cape side of said creek.

The legislative act also established a 'subscription fund' , not to exceed , 1000 lbs to

pay for the project. Any person contributing 3 lbs , with his family members as well as

servants, were exempt of the toll. Toll was one pence for person on foot and three pence

for horse and rider.

Peter White was the carpenter chosen to build the bridge, and paid 57 lbs, 14 shillings,

and nine pence for the job. Mr. White completed the bridge on 12 August 1775.

During the Revolutionary War money was hard to come by, the scarcity of contributors

and low revenue from tolls, with the need for maintenance, Market Street Bridge became

a financial liability and not the money maker envisioned.

Market Street Bridge was important to the towns people of Lewes as it allowed them to cross

the creek with their livestock for grazing , quick access to fishing, to gather oysters, harvest

beach plums cranberries and huckleberries, as had been designated by the Warner Grant

Act of William Penn.

Lewes town records of 1819 to 1823 show the Market Street Bridge continued to be a

problem and it was planned to tear it down, clear the creek up to South Street and erect a

new improved Market Street Bridge, however, it was 1914 when the bridge was removed.

Absract March 2, 2018 by Harrison H., for www.delmarhistory.blogspot.com and

Facebook's Lewes to Ocean City pages.