REHOBOTH BEACH OLDTIMERS
RUTH COWGILL EMMERT
Ruth Cowgill Emmert, early
Rehoboth restaurateur, opened the Dinner Bell Inn in 1938 with
just four tables, then
built it up to be one of the most popular eating establishments
on the
Delmarva Coast. Ofter in
season a 1000 people per day would take meals there, ofter waiting
in line along the street
awaiting a table. Eventually sleeping rooms were added overlooking
her flower garden that
added charm.
Her restaurant business
provided her means to be a important humanitarian to which role
she excelled.
Ruth Cowgill was Quaker
born and raised, she had a desire to help people.. A 'free
lunch'
program during the
Depression was her idea. During WWII she befriended many homesick
servicemen stationed in
the Cape Henlopen area, serving them her famous white cake.
People who worked for her
also were treated with respect and she made them feel like family.
Mrs Emmert was active in
civic affairs, the Republican Club, Art League and Soroptimist,
and in 1958 was the
Delaware Coast Press Personality of the Year. In 1978 Lieutenant
Governor Gene Bookhammer
made her Honorary Lieutenant Governor.
In 1974 Ruth Emmert sold
the Dinner Bell Inn and continued with her unselfish interest of
which there were many.
She loved Rehoboth Beach, the ocean and white sands, blue skies
and nice, friendly people,
good food and flowers. The community of Rehoboth Beach
greatly benefited by her
presence.
Ruth Cowgill Emmert died
August 1987, age 88, in Pennswood Village Community,
Pennsylvania.
Abstract from James D.
Meehan's “Rehoboth Beach Memoirs” by Harrison H 04/04/18
for
www.delmarhistory.blogspot.com
& facebook's 'Growing up in Rehoboth' page.
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