Coastal Photo - Kalmar Nyckel

Delaware Flag - June 14, 1777 - May 1, 1795 (13 stars/stripes)

Happy Independence Day!

In Congress, July 4, 1776

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Read more

History of Sussex County Flag

Sussex County, Del., can trace its history all the way back to the 17th century, with the arrival of the first Europeans in 1631 at what is present-day Lewes, and then with William Penn’s charter grant from James, Duke of York, in 1682. That very act would give birth to a new Sussex County in the New World, in 1683.Yet, for the nearly 300 years of existence that followed, Sussex County had no tangible symbol – namely a flag – to identify itself.

In the formative years of the United States of America, a new flag for a new nation was sewn and flown throughout the former thirteen colonies. It is a symbol that, over time, has come to stand for ideals such as liberty and independence, and one that evokes a sense of patriotism and pride among Americans. Read more

Milton : Free Concert in Park & History

The Town of Milton is sponsoring a FREE concert by The Movies in Memorial Park tomorrow evening starting at 7 pm.  Bring all the food, drink and friends to have a great evening.  No alcohol please. 

Milton’s heritage is very diverse and interesting. To the history buff, Milton provides a plethora of avenues down which one may traverse through local and U.S. history. Milton is the birthplace of five governors, a town divided in allegiance during the Civil War, home to many officers who participated in the famous War of 1812, and rich in both agricultural and political facts and figures, Milton can be a fascinating location to research.

Originally settled in 1672, it was once known as “Head of the Broadkill” for its geographic location at the head of the Broadkill River. This location, just a few miles from Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, was ideal for shipbuilding in days of old. Many shipbuilders and sea captains lived and worked in Milton, and evidence of this life is still visible in some of the historic homes and landmarks in town.

Prior to the War of 1812, Milton was so renamed in honor of the English poet John Milton. Education and religion were integral parts of daily life in Milton, and remain priorities of Milton citizens today. Proud of their heritage, Milton residents pay homage to history through events and monuments that help all to remember proud moments past. A walk through local cemeteries in town can be an education in itself, with headstones and markers often denoting which residents were seafarers, perished in Civil War prisons or were notable for other reasons. Residents, through local historical societies and historic preservation efforts, attempt to keep Milton’s history documented and its artifacts and architecture protected.

The American Holly is Delaware’s State Tree - and residents are certainly proud of the role it has played in Milton’s history! Once known as the “Holly Capital of the World”, Milton at one time in history produced more Christmas and holiday holly wreaths and decorations than any other location.

In fact, this was highlighted in old black & white newsreel shorts that ran in movie theaters prior to the main feature of the day - showing how Milton residents grew, clipped, formed and shipped these decorations all over the country! The American Holly grows to a height of 60′ and displays dark green leaves and bright red berries. As you travel some of Milton’s avenues today, these beautiful giants are still a wonder to behold!

Other cottage industries have blossomed in Milton throughout history and following the wooden shipbuilding era, including that of button making! Large mother-of-pearl shells were once shipped to many Milton sites from the South Pacific for just this purpose. A group of enterprising men set up shop in homes and garages throughout town, where they cut and polished the button blanks and then shipped them to the northeast for further decoration and use on garments of all kinds. Dig up the rich dark soil in many a backyard garden in Milton today and you will still find sparkling pieces of mother-of-pearl in all shapes and sizes!

Agriculture too, has always been an important part of Milton’s history, and the fresh fruits and vegetables of local gardeners and farmers can still be purchased on the local streets any day in summer. The area also produces large quantities of soybeans, corn and broiler chickens. An afternoon barbecue is not complete without sweet Milton corn and fresh tomatoes, especially when followed up with some creamy smooth homemade ice cream from the family that has made and sold it here in downtown Milton for decades.

This brief summary of Milton’s history simply highlights some aspects of it. If you are looking for history, research Milton thoroughly. The opportunities for discovery are many. In fact, for history lovers, it’s another “paradise found”.

Lewes : History

Lewes, DE has a lengthy and fascinating history. Mike Dipalo, Executive Director of the Lewes Historical Society, has redesigned the historical website to include a new feature, a podcast of Lewes. The site also boasts a complete list of events scheduled for Lewes throughout the year. Below is a little blurb from their site…..

Lewes: What’s in a Name? Pronounced Loo-iss (not Lose), Lewes, Delaware, the county seat of Sussex County, Delaware until 1791, was named for Lewes, Sussex, England. Previously known as Swanendael (Valley of the Swans) and Hoerekill or Hoerenkill (Harlot’s Creek) under the Dutch and briefly as Whorekill and Deale under the English. Contrary to popular belief, the town was never known as Hoornkill, a “Victorianization” of Whorekill/Hoerenkill. In 1680, the magistrates of the town requested of Governor Edmond Andros to consider “summe other name for the Whoorekill.” Lewes received its present name by William Penn, proprietor of Pennsylvania, sometime immediately after his acquisition of the land from the Duke of York in 1682. According to research, records do not exist to explain why the name Lewes was chosen, although it is believed that members of Penn’s family were from the prominent town in the southeast of England of that name. Read more

Delaware : Woodland Beach

Here at CoastalSussex.com we aim to share information and promote quality journalism. With that said, we would like to direct every-one’s attention to www.delawareonline.com where there is a great article on Woodland Beach and other Kent County beaches. Years ago all beaches north of Broadkill were happening spots for love, relaxation and recreation. Here’s a taste:

“I come down just to sit and listen to the water,” says John Monroe, clutching a fishing pole holding taut its long line in the water. “Or sit on the rocks and watch the boats go by.”

This is a hometown beach where, on most days, you’re likely to see only a handful of people.

“It’s not like Rehoboth, where there’s a thousand people every square mile,” the Clayton resident says.

That’s for sure.

The first of several abbreviated beaches stretching unobtrusively at that amorphous place where the Delaware River becomes the upper Delaware Bay, Woodland Beach is home to fishermen, crabbers, families — some retired or just starting — and a stillness, punctuated by the cries of birds and hushed slaps of water against the sand.

And where, if you step on a piece of glass, you’re more than likely not going to cut your foot.

Lewes : History

From The State Web Site:

The Zwaanendael Museum was built in 1931 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the state’s first European settlement, Swanendael, established by the Dutch along Hoorn Kill (present-day Lewes-Rehoboth Canal) in 1631.Designed by E. William Martin (architect of Legislative Hall and the Hall of Records in Dover), the museum is modeled after the old stadthuis (City Hall) in Hoorn, the Netherlands, and features typical 17th century Dutch design elements including a stepped facade gable, terra-cotta (baked clay) roof tiles, carved stonework, and decorated shutters.

The very top of the building’s front features a sandstone statue of David Petersen DeVries, leader of the expedition that founded Swanendael. The face of the building is decorated with intricate sandstone carvings, including the coat of arms of the city of Hoorn.The museum’s exhibits and presentations illustrate the rich history of Sussex County by highlighting its maritime connections and by telling the stories of the people who lived and worked along Delaware’s southeastern coast. The first floor of the museum re-opened in April 2006 with an exciting exhibit, “Lewes: The First Town in the First State.” The second floor is now open with a new exhibit, “Rediscovery through Recovery: Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck Site,” which offers a look into the fascinating world of maritime archaeology.

To learn more about Lewes, Cape Henlopen, Delaware Bay, and the rich history of the region, go to Homework Help in our online Education Center. Current First Floor Exhibit: “Lewes: The First Town In The First State”“Lewes: The First Town In The First State” showcases over 11,000 years of Lewes culture beginning with the original Native American residents, through the period of European colonization, the American Revolutionary War, the birth of the United States as a nation, and the War of 1812. The exhibit utilizes a historic timeline to tell Lewes’ story, supported by an array of artifacts, maps, sketches, lithographs, and photographs of period buildings.

In 2006, the exhibit was presented in conjunction with the Lewes & Delaware 375th Anniversary Celebration, a series of exhibits and events commemorating Lewes’ distinction as the first European settlement in Delaware. The founding of Swanendael (present-day Lewes) in 1631 by a small group of Dutch settlers set in motion a course of events as complex and intriguing as any in colonial America. From competing claims by William Penn and Lord Baltimore regarding ownership of the western coastline of Delaware Bay, to raids, burnings, and court decisions, the small settlement of Swanendael provided the legal basis for the establishment of Delaware as a geographically distinct place-and ultimately to take its spot as “The First State.”

Current Second Floor Exhibit: “Rediscovery through Recovery: Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck Site”

A selection of artifacts recovered from the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck site is now on display at the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes, Delaware. The exhibit, entitled “Rediscovery Through Recovery,” showcases the shipwreck and its cargo, while at the same time, explaining the multi-faceted processes utilized in archaeological and historical research.

The vessel, thought to be the remains of the British commercial ship Severn, is the oldest-known shipwreck discovered in Delaware waters. It provides a unique opportunity to study the economic relationships between the British Empire and its American colonies in the years immediately before the American Revolution.

In order to logically showcase a representative sampling of the tens of thousands of artifacts that have been recovered from the shipwreck, “Rediscovery Through Recovery” will be presented through a series of changing exhibits. Augmented by community meetings and hands-on archaeological programs, each of these exhibits will focus on a different archaeological and/or historical topic associated with the ship and the time period in which it sailed.

The first of these exhibits focuses on ceramics, the largest category of material culture recovered from the shipwreck. In particular, stonewares provide a backdrop for discussions on trans-Atlantic commerce and the extensive economic networks that made Delaware’s colonial society an integral part of the British Empire with strong links to the complex cultures that made up the Atlantic world of the 1770s.

This was copied from State of Delaware website.

June 7th proclaimed Al Stango Day

As a lifelong Lewes resident, I had the opportunity for many years to know Al Stango, albeit as a young kid. I remember him as a very quiet gentleman and always smiling, especially when he was working at his gas station. No matter how hot or cold the weather, Al would always greet you with a big smile and of course, a lollipop.

CoastalSussex.com would be remiss to not acknowledge all he did for Lewes. Al served as the Mayor for 24 years. As Mike Mahaffie, our State Planner, says on his site, Al Stango was one of the reasons he fell in love with Lewes. I totally agree.

Children’s Beach House Golf

The Children’s Beach House Golf Tournament, sponsored by Merrill Lynch, was held today at the challenging Peninsula Golf Course in Long Neck, DE. I was fortunate to play with a few guys from Ocean Atlantic. Even though we only shot -7 in the scramble, the weather was great and the golf spectacular.

As a Lewes resident, I was honored to play in this golf event. The Children’s Beach House has been a Lewes landmark for as long as I can remember. Give them a call at 302-645-9184 if you are intersested in their organization.

The history of the Children’s Beach House is below.. Read more

Next Page »