HISTORY OF CAPE HENNLOPEN AND BEYOND

1966 THE FIRST DELAWARE FAMILY CAMPOUT

Campers from all over nearby states and Delaware bringing attention to the need of facilities to accommodate them, had a smooth campout, at Cape Henlopen the past

weekend. This was the first such affair ever for the Cape Park .

Scheduled to begin Friday evening, several dozen campers arrived Thursday to beat

the 'rush' and get a good location and found everything ready.

The old Fort Miles parade ground at the entrance was laid out in streets and 20

square foot camp sites, registration desk and guides to help locate assigned location, such

as “Red South Three” . Picnic tables, trash cans were set out and the area was 'fogged' for

mosquito’s. Thee Thursday arrivals were held back some as only one gate keeper was on duty to sign them in, but he smiled the whole way through.

For a lot of campers it was the first view of Cape Henlopen State Park, then some had been here just after the Army turned it over to the state.

All were surprised to find so many old Army buildings still standing. One was the

Officers Club where campers held a square dance. Nature Center had hikes for children, who

brought back crabs, clams and friendly snakes, which mom's would not allow in the campers.

Delaware VIP'S made themselves present at the Saturday lunch and were impressed

by the campout activities altogether.

Campers enjoyed the campout and have agrees to do the same thing next year.

Abstract: Carl G. Smith, Wilmington New Journal, Monday, July 25, 1966.