DelMar History: April 2019

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

DEATH OF CAPTAIN JOHN STEEL WINGATE, US COAST GUARD RETIRED

LEWES DELAWARE OLD TIMERS

CAPTAIN JOHN STEEL WINGATE

RETIRED COAST GUARD

Captain John Steel Wingate, age 77, one of the last of the old regime of

Life Saving Service and sailing vessel Coast Guard men, of Lewes, died in Beebe

Hospital at Lewes. He was born June 29, 1872 in Lewes to John M and Eliza Jane

Pettyjohn Wingate. 3 May 1892, age 19, he married Abbie Hazel in Lewes and they

had a son, Urbon Poynter Wingate, born August 18, 1894 . Abbie died in 1936 and retired Captain Wingate married on June 29, 1937 to Kathryn W. Short.

In 1895 at age 23 he joined the Life Saving Service at Lewes, which became the

U. S. Coast Guard Station, served at Cape Henlopen and Rehoboth stations until 1909

when he became Captain of the Cape Henlopen Station until 1929. He retired the Coast

Guard in 1932, serving 37 years.

During his years in the Coast guard and Life Saving service lifeboats were operated

by man power with oars and he participated in many rescues of windjammer crews off

Cape Henlopen. He was on duty, April 13, 1926 when the Cape Henlopen Lighthouse fell into the sea and recalled the incident often. His most daring rescue was the schooner

Sarah W. Lawrence that floundered on Hen and Chicken Shoals February 10, 1909, her

crew of 10, including the captains wife who caught the blame of the incident because a

woman on board a sailing ship was considered bad luck. This rescue lasted five hours in

the worst weather he ever experienced . He often spoke of the 1900 snowstorm when

the port of Lewes was blocked from early February until March 20^th.

After retirement at his Pilot Town home H e spent a lot of time caning chairs and

hanging wall paper.

Captain John Steel Wingate is survived by his son Urbon Poynter Wingate , a

granddaughter, Charlotte Jane Howarth and great grandchildren.

The Rev. Dr. William Leishman of Lewes Presbyterian Church officiated his funeral

and burial in the Lewes Presbyterian Churchyard.

Abstract: Wilmington Morning News, Thursday , February 9, 1950

AUGUST 1950 BAY SWIM ATTEMPT.

HISTORY OF CAPE HENLOPEN AND BEYOND

AUGUST 1950 BAY SWIM

Lewes, Delaware, Saturday, 19 August, 1950 :

Two of the Rehoboth Beach lifeguard members and a seven member family and

other swimmers will attempt to swim from Cape Henlopen to Cape May Sunday, at

7 am.

The swim is 10 miles of dangerous riptides of the Delaware Bay as it empties into

Atlantic Ocean. This newspaper item says the feat was never accomplished according to

veteran watermen and the Captain of Rehoboth's lifeguards, Dr. Paul Burnham, said it

cannot be done. The two Rehoboth lifeguards are Leon Ryan of Newark and Patrick

Marshall of Rehoboth. Burnham warns the 10 mile swim will be more like a 30 mile swim

bucking the riptide sand swift currents.

Other entrants are the two lifeguards of Rehoboth, the seven members of the Mercer family of Fall River, Massachusetts and 17 year old Wandalee Rogers of Wildwood,

New Jersey.

The Coast Guard calls for calm waters and there is no indication weather will

halt the swim Sunday and they will cooperate with the swimmers. There will be small

craft to accompany the swimmers for safety.

The swimmers and guest will hold a dinner Sunday night at the Cape May Tuna

Club with awards to be presented.

Abstract: Saturday, August 19, 1950, Wilmington News Journal.

A SHPS BELL FOR LEWES FROM DESTROYER LEWES.

HISTORY OF LEWES, SUSSEX COUNTY, DELAWARE

1950

A SHIPS BELL FOR LEWES

In 1940 folks of Lewes watching the Delaware Breakwater saw a flock of old

World War I Navy destroyers steaming toward the Capes, four stackers they were,

flush decks, bound to Britian. One of them was the ' Lewes ', that went into British

escort duty. Now, ten years later, the ' Lewes ' is to be scrapped and Lewes, Delaware

will get her 'ships bell '.

Abstract: Thursday, August 10, 1950, Wilmington Morning News

Monday, April 29, 2019

1969 BOY SCOUT CAMPOREE

HISTORY OF CAPE HENLOPEN AND BEYOND

1969 BOY SCOUT CAMPOREE AT STATE PARK

Evidently Cape Henlopen State Park was a big sponsor of the Sussex County Boy Scout

annual Spring Camporee held at the park May 23 to 25, 1969, under the direction of the

chairmen, Roland G. Lyon of Seaford and Dave McManus of Lewes.

350 Scouts attended the three day camp out for the Oceanography Merit Badge with an

“Oceans Around Us” theme, to promote ocean exploration by “ Aquanauts”.

The activities included a compass course , a pirates treasure hunt, oceanography

short course given by University of Delaware Marine Biological Lab personnel , nature

trail hikes, visit to the Naval Facilities at Cape Henlopen, rides on the Army BARC'S

now based at Fort Miles.

The Saturday night campfire was open to the public and a large crowd was present. Sunday

morning the Retreat Ceremony and “Tap Out” was held with an awards ceremony.

Abstract: Delmarva News, Selbyville, Thursday, May 15, 1969

Sunday, April 28, 2019

FENWICK ISLAND POEM 1959

THE FENWICK ISLAND POEM

This is a poem written in 1959 by R. L. S. whosoever that may be, a guest at the

McSparram Cottage of Fenwick Island, Delaware. It appeared in the Selbyville

Delmarva News, Thursday, August 6, 1959 evidently as the guest was leaving the beach

to go back home, school, whatever.

When the sun rises over the ocean,

And the sale air fans your brow,

And the waves beat the shore in commotion

You hurry down to chow.

For something tell you your hungry

As you never are in town

No matter what they are serving

It's no trouble to get it down

And then you go clamming or fishing

Or maybe take a swim

O r Crabbing if that's what your wishing

If that happens to be your whim.

When each guest has departed

On his self appointed chore

I gather my books and pillow

And saunter down to the shore.

With the white sand for a cradle

I idly dream and sleep

And watch the waves come dancing

In from the ocean deep.

Best of all is the twilight.

When the moon takes a path o'er the waves

And the lighthouse is draped in shadows

As it towers o'er the Indian Graves.

Fenwick we hate to leave you alone in the wintery blast

But when the winter is over and spring has come at last

We will be back to love you and stroll your sandy shore

To gather shells and driftwood washed from the ocean floor.

We will feast again on your dinners

Of chowder and soft shell crab

And revel in your sunshine

Oh Island that's never drab

1969 HUNT FOR DEBRAAK

HISTORY OF CAPE HENLOPEN AND BEYOND

DeBRAAK HUNT HISTORY 1969

The D & D Salvage Company, Pennsylvania treasure hunters will be back in June to search

the Cape Henlopen capes waters for the lost sloop of war, DeBraak, 270 years ago. This will

be their fourth and final attempt, said Mario S. Busa, spokesman for D & D. The wait is

for a final agreement with a dredging company to move necessary equipment to the Cape

Henlopen capes near the lost vessel. D & D had a contract for three years which had

expire but and extension was granted . D & D has invested $65,000 in the search so far.

The dredge they are waiting for will remove six yards of sand at a swipe, and cost $1600

a day .

DeBraak sank off Cape Henlopen May 24, 1798 during a afternoon storm and was said to

have a cargo of Spanish booty worth millions. The are 'other' who say the cargo was cocoa

and copper. The search area is an old sailing ship graveyard with many sunken hulks.

There have been artifacts found and recovered but have not proven to be of the DeBraak

but were turned over to the University of Delaware and the Delaware State Archives.

Abstracts: The Sussex Bureau, Wilmington News Journal , Tuesday, May 13, 1969.

1969 SAVE THE DUNES

HISTORY OF CAPE HENLOPEN AND BEYOND

1969

SAVE THE DUNES

Delaware State Representative, George R. Quillen, Republican of Harrington,

Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, has said the committee is waiting

for an 'opinion' from the Delaware Attorney General on how to prevent the public from

removing sand off the Cape Henlopen dunes. The matter had been brought to his attention by

John Stenger, Lewes High School science teacher who has spent the past two years in an

effort to protect the 'living dunes”, as they are called by many Cape Henlopen area natives.

The call is to have legislation passed that brings the dunes under jurisdiction of a

State Agency of Recreation or Conservation like the State Park Commission or the State

Forestry Commission.

The National Geographic Magazine has called the “dunes” of Cape Henlopen the

great wonder of the Atlantic Coast, and meet visitors as they arrive on the Cape May -Lewes Ferry. Lewes town officials have allowed contractors to haul sand off the dunes and use for construction. Also interested is Delaware State Representative Robert M. Dodge, of

Rehoboth, Republican, and is to discuss the matter with Lewes Mayor Al Stango as

whatever is done should be done with approval from Lewes.

Stenger has said he will never cease the fight to save the dunes from ravage has

taken his fight plans to The U. S, Secretary of Interior, Stewart Udall, Governor Charles

Terry and Mrs. Lyndon Johnson.

The National Geographic Magazine article described the Cape Henlopen dunes

as a haven for highly specialized forms of life, are themselves alive and moving, born of

the eroding coast, driven by winds and creep inland five to fifteen feet each year.

Abstract: Ted Miller, Sussex Bureau, Wilmington Morning News, Friday, May 9, 1969.

Saturday, April 27, 2019

SKUNK CABBAGE OVERALL

Skunk Cabbage, aka, charogene, chou puant, chou sconse, col de mofeta,

dracontium, foetidum meadow cabbage and polecat weed. People use skunk cabbage

to treat bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough, rheumatism, ring worm, scabies, some cancers, snake bite, and to stimulate the digestive system.

Abstract: WebMd Vitamins & Supplements

Symplocarpus fortidus, eastern skunk cabbage, aka swamp cabbage, clumpfoot

or meadow cabbage, fortid pothos, polecat weed, is a low growing plant in wetlands of

Eastern North America . The leaves of which, when tampered with, gives off a fragrance of

the skunk, but is not harmful nor poisonous . These leaves are rather large , 20 inches long and 15 inches broad, the roots grow deep into the mud, downward, the plant reproduces

from a pea size seed that is generally carried off by animals or by flood waters. The flower

is used to treat respiratory and nervous disorders, and rheumatism. The plant is of the Plantae kingdom. Araceae family.

Lysichiton americanus, western skunk cabbage, aka yellow cabbage, swamp lantern,

in the Pacific Northwest. Here is is of the Arum family. This plant does not produce heat

as does the Eastern skunk cabbage. The plant is considered a weed, bears eat the roots. It's leaves are spicy or peppery to taste and were used to cure sores and swelling. In Britain it

is used in ornamental gardens but not recommended to be cultivated.

Abstract: WIKIPEDIA

SKUNK CABBAGE SECRETS

SKUNK CABBAGE

SKUNK CABBAGE SECRETS

The SKUNK CABBAGE SECRETS by Mary McF Leister of the Baltimore Sun,

Sunday, February 2, 1975.

Out in the marsh and swamp the pointed tips, teepees, of skunk cabbage is pushing through the frozen earth, ice and snow, into February, gray and cold, There they stand, or sit, like teepees, gray green, yellow green, purple and red, onto the unready earth, with it's own self generated life of radiance. It's teepee is 20 to 30 degree above the winter air around it. Then there is the pungent heart, it's secret.

All life, plants, animal, generate heat. It is unknown generally why the cabbage

liberates greater amount of heat than other plants, is it thermogenesis ? This is the reason

for it's early arrival, from purple cowl to wide spread tropical summer leaves. As a matter

of fact, there are relatives in Malaya jungles which were carried by glaciers through Asia

to the seaboards. If skunk cabbage made that trip through Asia it surely needed help by

man on his migrations. Even with its unpalatable taste and odor perhaps it was the only food

available. In later civilizations it became a medicinal herb and was used by them as a

stimulant and narcotic.

If in late winter or early spring you peer into the narrow slit doorway, of a 4 inch

leathery teepee you can see the lone thick stem 'spandix', with the knobby head of the

blossom. Sometimes the knobby head is covered with off color lavender blooms hidden

by straw color stamens and pistils. You also find the carrion fly awaiting his dinner.

The skunk cabbage spadix hold 15 flowers which produce one large dark seed which

lay on the ground long after the plant has disappeared. These are hard to find during the hot

months for overgrowth of other vegetation. Then there is the second secret , it has been discovered that it's spring growth begins long before mid winter by just laying in the swamp.

Abstracts: Baltimore Sun, Sunday February 2 1975 by Mary McF. Leister.

SKUNK CABBAGE 2

SKUNK CABBAGE

SPRINGS EARLIEST WILDFLOWER

Spring is wildflower time, rich colors of new blossoms, the return of life. However,

one wildflower arrives with scorn and toils through life unappreciated, the skunk

cabbage. This wildflower rushes into spring before spring is ready for it by generating

their own heat, as much as 20 degree and melts itself through ice and snow, frozen earth,

to sprout it's blossom, a ball cluster called the spadix, covered with a leaf like spathe,

dark purple and green, no more that two inches high, that have a pungent odor. Years ago

it was called foetid hellebore.

Skunk cabbage make it's odor for the same reason other wildflower make a sweet odor. The

bees, butterflies and hummingbirds go to the sweet smelling ones, while the cabbage

attracts ants and beetles. The whole skunk cabbage plant stinks.

Despite the bad smell, American Indians made a meal of the leaves and made several

medicinal uses of it.

The Skunk Cabbage is found near wet soil, swamps and marshes, early in March, but they

lay low and you need to search for them.

Abstract: Herald Palladuium, Michigan, Thursday, March 8, 1990, by Sarett Naturalist,

Mike Campbell.

SKUNK CABBAGE 1

SKUNK CABBAGE

SPRINGS EARLIEST WILDFLOWER

Spring is wildflower time, rich colors of new blossoms, the return of life. However,

one wildflower arrives with scorn and toils through life unappreciated, the skunk

cabbage. This wildflower rushes into spring before spring is ready for it by generating

their own heat, as much as 20 degree and melts itself through ice and snow, frozen earth,

to sprout it's blossom, a ball cluster called the spadix, covered with a leaf like spathe,

dark purple and green, no more that two inches high, that have a pungent odor. Years ago

it was called foetid hellebore.

Skunk cabbage make it's odor for the same reason other wildflower make a sweet odor. The

bees, butterflies and hummingbirds go to the sweet smelling ones, while the cabbage

attracts ants and beetles. The whole skunk cabbage plant stinks.

Despite the bad smell, American Indians made a meal of the leaves and made several

medicinal uses of it.

The Skunk Cabbage is found near wet soil, swamps and marshes, early in March, but they

lay low and you need to search for them.

Abstract: Herald Palladuium, Michigan, Thursday, March 8, 1990, by Sarett Naturalist,

Mike Campbell.

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

JUNCTION& BREAKWATER

HISTORY OF CAPE HENLOPEN AND BEYOND.

JUNCTION & BREAKWATER RAIL ROAD IMPORTANT TO CAPE.

The Delawarean newspaper has reported the New York City capitalist are to complete the

Junction & Breakwater Rail Road to Lewes to make ties with New York City markets

From Georgetown train tracks will be laid to Seaford and on south to Cape Charles

through Millsboro, Berlin, Maryland , and Eastville, Virginia.

It is expected the railroad will develop the sandy strip between Cape Henlopen and

Cape Charles into thickly settled and highly productive region supplying fruits,

vegetables, fish, oysters and wild game birds to northern cities.

Abstract: Middletown Transcript , Saturday, March 28, 1868

1868 EASTER TIME CAPE HENLOPEN STORM

HISTORY OF CAPE HENLOPEN EASTER TIME STORMS

1868

A northeast gale and snow storm which began Friday, March 20, ceased of

Saturday the 21^st. Sunday March 22 was a beautiful clear day.

Long Island Sound reported steamer delays,, a schooner sunk off Branford Point,

and another blown high and dry to the beach on the sound.

A sloop was capsized off Cape May Friday, March 20, and four Crew members

were drowned.

At Cape Henlopen the bark Daniel Nichols is ashore and the Five Fathom Lightship

recently towed to her station outside the Delaware Bay, is adrift.

All ocean bound steamer were a day late in departure at the New York port.

Railroads were clear, trains run their schedule with regularity both north and south.

Abstract: New York Daily Herald, Monday, March 23, 1868

1920 war department respond to cape lighthouse aid.

HISTORY OF CAPE HENLOPEN AND BEYOND

1920 WAR DEPARTMENT DOOMS CAPE HENLOPEN LIGHT

The July 15, 1920 , Wilmington Morning News reports that Delaware Representative,

Dr. Layton's request for assistance , receive bad news from the War Department which

told Layton the action of the ocean seas is to blame for the erosion of the Cape Henlopen

Light House off Lewes capes.

The War Department said the dune threatened is due to the natural action of the sea and

the northeast gales, the construction of the Delaware Breakwater had no effect upon

this action.

Since 1847 charts show that the shore line to the south below Cape Henlopen has been

and still is wearing away but making a move north. A Civil Bill in Delaware has an

appropriation for erection of another lighthouse to take place of the Cape Light.

Layton has said they could have preserved the point of the cape by sinking a scrap

vessel, full of concrete, in a proper place to form a breakwater to protect the Cape

Henlopen Lighthouse foundation.

ABSTRACT: July 15 1920 Wilmington Morning News .

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

FIVE MAST SCHOONER AGROUND OFF CAPE HENLOPEN LIGHT. 1920

HISTORY OF CAPE HENLOPEN AND BEYOND

ILE DE CEYLON STRANDED OFF CAPES 1920

Wilmington Evening Journal, Thursday August 19, 1920 : Lewes, Delaware

The five mast sailing schooner, Ile De Ceylon, Captain, A. P. Vanhanysse, 35 days out

from London, with a cargo of chalk for Philadelphia stranded in thick weather one mile off

Cape Henlopen light at 10 pm Tuesday night. She is of 1023 tonnage, crew of 24, no

passengers , Van Hemelryek of Antwerp owners.

The Coast Guard crews of stations 139 and 140 Lewes remained with the vessel until

she was re-floated Wednesday by a harbor tug and the Coast guard crews at the hawsers.

After being floated the schooner was given berth in the Breakwater. Heavy fog shut shore

lights down and the pilot had no means of navigation aids. She was hard aground and

in danger of breaking up but at dawn a four foot ebb tide lifted her off the sand bar to deep

water.

Monday, April 22, 2019

1930 CHEVROLET SIX

HISTORY

BALTIMORE SUN INTRODUCES

1930 CHEVROLET SIX

The 1930 six cylinder Chevrolet swept into popularity , every car buyer saying it

is wise to choose a Six and if you want to know why get a demonstration of the new

Chevrolet Six and learn what a difference the two cylinders make.

The Chevrolet Six rides and drives smother. When you idle the motor, drive fast in

second gear, or travel for hours at top speed, the power flows easy and evenly all the

time. There is no tremor at the steering wheel, no rumble and rattle in the body, resulting

in a pleasant, comfortable and restful drive.

The six cylinder smoothness does more than give enjoyment in the drive, it protects

the entire chassis of the continuous vibration giving longer and less costly life.

The 50 hp Chevrolet Six has hill climbing capacity, no loafing or gear changing

even on the steepest hill.

Chevrolet offers the luxury of a Fisher Built Body, tastefully upholstered , built of

steel and hardwood . The long frame chassis is set on four springs, along with hydraulic

shock absorbers, to allow curves to be taken at higher speeds. Four wheel, weather proof

breaks give a quite, positive, effortless braking control.

The new Chevrolet Six is as economical s you can buy. The gas, oil and tires and

service cost no more than usual, The cost is $495, fob, Flint, Michigan..

Abstract: Tuesday, May 6, 1930, Baltimore Sun

1915 Wilmigton Easter

1915 EASTER IN WILMINGTON

LATE HOURS AMENDS

An ideal day came April 4, 1915 after a record snow storm and Easter made

amends for the snow and winds of Saturday by turning to sunshine and blue skies

Sunday. By Sunday afternoon the weather was really balmy. A fact that the April weather

is a bit erratic. Was it not for small snow drifts at the shady side of buildings and a brisk

northeast wind, the day before could have been a bad dream. The 'blizzard' had it's

effects as many millinery creations were left at home for fear the weather would be

rough on them and there was a strange effect on the pageant as more overcoats and

winter apparel were seen. However, the display of bouquets was great, jonquils, violets,

carnations, sweet peas, and lillies of the valley, were abundant.

When Wilmington awoke Sunday morning the first time was the weather question.

By 9 am the sun was bright at 40 degree and brisk winds.

The churches were full and the day decided to be ideal after all by 10:30 and

brought back to mine the glory of Easter. By 4 pm the temperature was 55 degree and

after dinner the parks were thronged . Sun made quick work of the snow and the roads were

clear for Sunday afternoon jaunts.

All in all, Wilmington, had a usual Easter but the parade was sort of dim. The

Hotel duPont held an Easter Concert in it's lobby and attracted a throng of people in their

Easter finery. The hotel orchestra played under direction of Frank Dummig who also played

a violin duet with Luis Flores, The pianist, Katamasvski, gave solo, Vera Gilbtide amd W. D.

Blair were vocal soloists

Abstract: Wilmington Evening News Journal April 5, 1915.

1902 EASTER STORM

HISTORY OF EASTER STORM

FRIDAY MARCH 28, 1902

FAIR WEATHER FOR EASTER

The Wilmington Evening Journal, Friday, March 28, 1902 reported fair weather for

Easter, calling for the rain storm to be over by Saturday night and a clear and balmy

Sunday on the 30^th. The rain storm from the Mississippi and Ohio valleys moved in this

direction with rain arriving after 7 am. The downfall is gentle and is expected to spend it's

force by Saturday evening and there will be sun shine Easter.

Abstract: The Wilmington Evening Journal, Friday March 28, 1902.

Sunday, April 21, 2019

EASTER STORMS

HISTORY OF EASTER STORMS

CAPE HENLOPEN

A fast moving pre - Easter northeaster hit Delaware Friday, March 27, 1959

with everything listed in the weather books. March this year did so go, out like a Lion.

We had thunder storms, drizzle, rain, sleet and snow. Saturday, NE winds will be around,

with sunny but cold weather.

The storm lased near 30 hours and the North East cities got up to 9 inches of snow.

It's beginning was at 2:25 am, with the light drizzle, but the day ended with rather warm

breezes.

The Nor'easter, March 1959, had winds of 23 mph and a ½ inch of rain. North

Delaware got the snow, lower Delaware got rain with out much temperature change.

Nationally, the storm left 8 inches of snow in central Michigan, traffic was jammed

in Wisconsin, Boston and southern New England found up to 9 inches of snow.

This blizzard was rated as one of the worst in five years. It began in Wyoming and

took at least seven lives.

Abstract: Saturday, March 28, 1959, Wilmington Morning News.

1959 EASTER EGG HUNT

EASTER 1959

REHOBOTH EGG HUNT FIVE DAYS LATE.

The Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Rehoboth was postponed last week at Easter

because of bad weather. It was this morning, April 4, 1959 amid a few rain showers

which fell just before the hunt began. There were almost 150 youngsters, aged 21 months

to 12 years old, all of which, went rooting in the wet beach sand.

Mayor Clarence Lynch, City Manager, McWilliams and Police Chief, Bill Marvel

and staff supervised the crown of small fry. Town Commissioner, William F. P. Shain kept

score of the prize winners.

Douglas Wardrup, age 9, found the 'Gold ' Egg for top prize of $3. Steve

Wright, age 12, brought in 22 eggs, Mary Lou Dermille, of the McWilliams family, had the

largest number found by a girl. Youngest boy was Ronnie Steel, Rehoboth, the youngest

girl was 3 year old Gil Goodwin. All children received gifts, candy, favor from Rehoboth

Merchants.

Harold Joseph, Rehoboth Maintenance Department, supervised the hiding of the eggs with the help of the Rehoboth School Boys Fraternity.

Abstract: Wilmington Morning News, April 5, 1959

CLAPPER RAIL RETURN

HISTORY OF CAPE HENLOPEN AND BEYOND

CLAPPER RAIL RETURNS MID APRIL

With dark April nights the Clapper Rail returns, Listen for the gah-gah-gah in the salt marshes for the hard to find host.

The Clapper Rail, just as regularly as geese, are coming northward to the salt marshes of Cape Henlopen and the eastern shore, to their breeding grounds, building

level platform nest with dried reeds and grass in the low bushes in the marshlands, where

the hen lays up to sixteen lavender splotched eggs

Clapper Rail's are colony birds and winter south of New Jersey and spend summers in marshes from North Carolina to Connecticut.

Seldom mentioned in sport's and hunting magazines, they are good game birds, the

bird watchers are most interested in them too. They are larger than quail or woodcock,

smaller than grouse or pheasant, almost the size of a chicken fryer, sixteen inches from the tip of a dusky yellow bill to the dusky green end of it's toe. Brownish gray on top, lighter below, with spots of olive and match the marsh grass where they live. The jut hatched

chicks are jet glossy black, look like bantam chicks.

The 'clapper' part of it's name is not hard to figure out, a noisy bird it is, delights to break early morning and evening stillness with it's crackles, mostly done by the males to

impress the hens laying eggs.

They eat what they can find, tiny crustacean, tender marsh grass seedlings, insects.

Enemies are fish hawks, march rats, high tide and soft crab seekers. They learn early to run like hell as long as you can, then hide. The Clapper Rail can outrun any track star, including

Jessie Ownes. They are near imposable to 'flush out' for they are master hiders.

The hunting season for rails is September and usually done by boat at high tides, and best after a hard easterly gale when the marsh is filled with water with no place to run.

The Clapper Rail is not fast on winged flight.

Running is the Clapper Rail's game. On low tine and a place to run they ask no odds

from man, dog or devil. Their best dogs cannot pin a clapper down. When hard pressed they

light in water, submerge, and craw ashore hundreds of yards away, out of sight to the

baffled hunter.

Abstract: Sunday, April 18, 1938, Baltimore Sunday Sun, by Lee G. Crutchfield.

Saturday, April 20, 2019

BENNY GOODMAN

RADIO HISTORY

BENNY GOODMAN AND THE 'SWING' ERA.

Benny Goodman, a daring young man with a 'swing' band, off stage is noted as

being quiet, unassuming, shy and very conservative, but put him in a formal black diner

suit with black tie, and he becomes filled with wild rhythm surging through his veins. He

is off in a burst of “hot” jazz. Benny describes his jazz as “rhythmic integration” which he says is so to speak, 'go to town', like anything goes.

His music goes over big with the family at the radio and those on the dance floor. He

is big with the college crowd, even professors. Fans are know to travel great distances to here and watch him play. His records have a big sales the world over. Benny is “King of Swing”

All of Benny's behavior and tastes are quiet and modest. He shows no bad effects

of his mothers pampering in the presences of ten brothers and sisters , she calling him a child prodigy . Mother got him his first clarinet when he was six years old. Benny studied

at the Chicago Lewis Institute. At age 12 he was a regular member of five piece orchestra

on a Lake Michigan excursion steamer.

When he returned home from these lake trips his mother pampered him, the best ,

bed, clothes, and his favorite foods were set before him. She even learned to make

many of the dishes that pleased his tastes on the trips afield. One dish, 'apple delight' ,

made with peeled and cored fresh apples, slightly steamed, filled in centers with apricot

jam, then spread them with an egg and sugar meringue, sprinkle with almonds, bake in

a slow oven.

Another dish, Macaroon custard, baked sweets, cakes and pies, and chocolate

eclairs , then there is Peach Melba. All dishes of mother Goodman.

His mother also gave us a new way to prepare chicken. Cut up the meat. Fry it in

olive oil with garlic, as the chicken browns, add chopped onion and chili peppers, next cut up tomatoes and parsley, and last a cup of uncooked rice before covering it with hot chicken stock. A bit of saffron is added to season. Benny's seafood favorites are lobster,

clams, baked or steamed. For more elaborate and sensuous dished, was pressed duck

white fish, brook trout, pompano and swordfish.

Benjamin David Goodman was born 15 July 1909 in Chicago, to David Goodman ,

a Russian clothing tailor, and Dora Rezinski Goodman, born in Lithuania.

Benjamin David Goodman married Alice Hammond in Las Vegas, 27 March 1927, and he died in New York City May 1985. Records show he had one daughter.

Abstract: Baltimore Sun, Sunday. April 17, 1938, by Grace Turner.

Thursday, April 18, 2019

FENWICK ISLAND 1962 SRORM FLOODED

HISTORY CAPE HEMLOPEN AND BEYOND

1962 FENWICK ISAND FLOODED

Another history lesson of the 1962 Northeaster damages and such to the

Atlantic Coast of Delaware, which involved Fenwick Island and it's lighthouse.

In the 1850's Fenwick was probably not an island, the two inlets being silted

shut creating an long sandy strip of dunes that had a connection to the mainland at

Brethany. One of the old inlets was in the town of Fenwick, near Lewes Street, the other

one to the south was well down the dune's toward Ocean City. In March 1962 Fenwick

Island became an Island again.

1859 the United States Lighthouse Board decided to build a lighthouse on the Maryland – Delaware State line. The highest spot in town is where the lighthouse stands, just

a slightly higher, than surrounding terrain. At that time the lighthouse and keepers house

were the only permanent structures on the beach.

Soon after the lighthouse being built and in operation, vacationing at the beach

became popular and a 'assortment' of cottages were set in the shadow of the light, and

short walk to the surf. Fenwick was visited by damaging storms in 1933 and 1944, but the

island of dunes was still around. Now, after the 1952 Bay Bridge and deluge of beach

goers, it's still there.

The storm in March 1962 broke through the dune's and Fenwick's beach cottages were flooded. The road out was well covered with ocean waves and sand.

But, there she stands, stood and will stand awhile, was the Fenwick Island Lighthouse,

high and dry .

Abstract: Wednesday, April 17, 2019, Rehoboth Delaware Coast Press, Michael Morgan's Delaware Diary and other sources.

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

SALISBURY DAILY TIMES

HISTORY DELMARVA

SALISBURY MARYLAND'S DAILY TIMES

A newspaper, 'The Wicomico News, was first published in May 1886, a weekly,

by it's first editor, Charles L. Truitt and his cousin Alfred Truitt, the publisher.

46 years later it became a daily, December 3, 1923 it appeared as 'The Evening Times' , thence, Salisbury Times, thence, Shoreman's Daily. 1967 it took up the

Daily Times name and had a Sunday issue “ The Sunday Times”. 1989 the Daily Times

was on the streets early mornings. Today the Daily Times is published seven days a week.

The paper works was for many years found on Main Street, later, a new building was

built on Upton, Street, now Carroll Street. Across the street was the city hospital. This plot

was where the Wicomico High School had stood and before that, during the Civil War,

had the encampment of Union troops. The school was demolished and replaced by a modern

newspaper plant in 1957. That structure was sold in 2008 to the Peninsula General Hospital and the paper moved to Northwood Park and installed a multimillion dollar press. In 2011

the parent company, Delmarva Media Group, transferred operations to Wilmington's News Journal facility at Wilmington. On October 20, 2017, the Daily Times returned to Salisbury

to make it's home at downtown Salisbury at 115 South Division Street, the Salisbury Fire

Department's vacated #16 station house

Daily Times, first owned by the Truitt family of Salisbury, sold to Brush-Moore News, Canton, Ohio, in 1937, 30 years later they sold to Thompson Newspapers, Toronto,

Canada, thence to Gannett in 2000. The on line news product is “Delmarva now”.

Abstract: Daily Times, Wednesday, June 21, 1967, Salisbury, Maryland

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.

1966 FIRST CAPE HENLOPEN CAMPOUT