LEWES HISTORY
1925
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Wednesday morning,
November 18th, 1925 , were crowded in the Lewes
Presbyterian church , more than 300 passengers and crew of the
burned Clyde Line steamer, Lenape, awaiting the morning hours for
relief trains. Some sleep from exhaustion, baby's cry, coffee
and food is given to all.
The Rev. Leishman , pastor
of the church, remarked “we had a lot of unexpected company, but
everyone in Lewes gave their all to make the guest comfortable.
At 4 o'clock this morning
the entire town was aroused by the fire whistle's long shrill blast,
followed by three short blast, meaning something frightful was
happening. Every available man and woman dressed hastily and rushed
to the fire house. There, they learned a ship was on fire and was
running into the Breakwater, ablaze from fore and aft. It was feared
that the passengers and crew were still on board, but then came
assuring news that all had been taken aboard the pilot boat
Philadelphia and soon will be landed at the Lewes pier. Everyone
who had a vehicle headed for the dock with dry clothing, blankets and
food and water. It was a long wait for the Philadelphia to land and
all that was seen was the burning Lenape.
The scene will never be
forgot, there were many women and children among the throng,
babies crying, children shrieked , and most women were terrified.
Several had infants in their arms, several with just blankets for
covering. No one had time to dress. Coffee, food and water, lots of
dry clothing was prepared by the towns people and offered to the
survivors.
Soon most were transported
to the Presbyterian church, two miles away, some were walking there
in groups also. Prayers of thanksgiving were offered at the alter
rail. Within minutes wet clothing had been replaced with dry, some
ill fitting , garments. Receivers were appreciative.
All passengers had lost
their baggage, and most with out money. They were assured there was
enough cash money in Lewes to send them all back to New York or on
to Jacksonville and that railroad trains were due anytime now to do
just that
By 9 o'clock everyone had
been accounted for and made comfortable, some fell asleep from
exhaustion, others huddled in the pews and aisles , chatting with one
another. The ships Captain Devereaux was among the guest assuring
that relief was on the way, not to worry.
SOURCE: , November 19,
1925, Wilmington Morning News . Abstract Harrison Howeth.
No comments:
Post a Comment