DELAWARE - THE FIRST STATE
Small in size - Large in History, Food and Personality
Fenwick Island - "Looking Up" Delaware - On the state border of Maryland and Delaware stands an 87-foot lighthouse built in 1858. The Fenwick Lighthouse guided ships on the most southernmost part of Delaware shores till 1978 (119 years of service). Along the coastal waters are eleven WWII watch towers standing from 50 to 84 feet high. These towers were to protect Delaware Bay from being invaded by possible German ships and submarines.
Rehoboth Beach/Bethany Beach - Taking a Delaware coastal drive. Courageous patrolmen worked long, difficult hours saving 419 lives from over 62 shipwrecks along the Delaware coast at the Indian River Lifesaving Station. Continuing to drive north one passes many breathtaking B&B's. An example is the 1902 Addy Sea which averages $350 for a nightly summer stay. The pristine sandy shores go as far as the eye travels.
Millsboro - Traveling Metal-To-The-Pedal inland today searching for ODDNESS in Delaware. A front yard invaded by huge, recycled art sculptures (2nd Time Designs). Down the road a must time-travel stop at Pure Oil Gas Station fully operating in the 1930's.
Bethany Beach/Fenwick Beach/Seaford - Time Traveling through Delaware - Whispering Giants is the work of Peter "Wolf" Toth. His wood carvings represent the native Nanticoke tribe occupying Delaware. Every state displays a carving from his Whispering Giants series (Bethany Beach). A hand cut stone monument bears British coat of arms. It was placed in 1751 and approved by King George III (Fenwick Beach). A series of abandoned train tracks once laid and heavily used in the "nylon capital of the world - Seaford. The progression of time in what is called, "The First State" - Delaware.
Dagsboro/Seaford - Small Town USA - Delaware Style! Weaving in and out of small towns one senses the nostalgic life. 1940's Clayton Movie Theatre (Dagsboro) still providing films today. Old neighborhoods with worn out streets offering beautiful, restored homes of the past generations. Dick's Barber Shop continues offering a haircut in a one-chair shop for over 60 years (Seaford). A hungry local stop at George's Chicken Shack, located at the local American Veterans Legion. The one-item menu is simple - Fresh BBQ chicken, homemade mac salad and warm baked beans (Seaford).
Lewes - Hitting the streets in the "first town in the first state - Lewes, Delaware (1631). Floating lightships, early canneries and picturesque narrow streets, lined with restored colonial homes are just the beginning! Buckle up as we take to the streets in the next coming days - Only in Delaware!
Lewes - British Cannon Ball, an Anchor Chain and a 1524 Hand-Chiseled Block - Oh MY! In 1813, the town of Lewes was under a brutal attack by the British. An old historic home harbors an actual cannon ball lodged into the wall. The home is easily identifiable as a large rusty anchor chain is attached to the home and stretches across the hand-placed historic brick sidewalk. Within a short distance is a huge hand-cut stone dating 1524. This stone traveled thousands of miles from Italy. How it has survived for almost 500 years is mind boggling. The stone is a block taken from the home of one of the first explorers to touch foot in America - Giovanni da Verrazzano. Amazing finds in Lewes, Delaware.
Lewes - Not a LIGHTHOUSE but a LIGHTSHIP! 170 were built (1820-1952) and only a few survive today, one of them being docked in a canal located in Lewes, Delaware. These floating lightships were used in areas where a lighthouse could not be built. The erect beam reaches 26 feet high, and the electric lens lantern shoots out 15,000-candle power over the seas, guiding other vessels. A crew of 15 worked in hazardous conditions as the lightships remained in the waters during severe storms when all other vessels sought shelter. Also, most of the crew experienced permanent hearing damage from the deafening foghorns. For a mere $5 one can board and tour this 1938 422-ton vessel. A must visit in the historic "first town in the first state" - Lewes.
Lewes - The Zwaanendael is easy to find as there is no other structure like it in the US. It was built in 1933 to commemorate the 300-year anniversary of the first settlement of Europeans (Dutch) in this area. The original territory was called New Netherland and the border was along the South River. That territory now is known as the states of New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. The South River name was changed in 1644 to what we now know as the Delaware River. This beautiful structure was designed from the Town Hall located in Hoorne, Holland honoring the colonial Dutch. As you spend time inside, you will be fascinated about the amazing changing history of the Lewes, Delaware. Admission is free!
Millsboro/Dogworthy - Unbelievable History - Students walked up to 3 miles, including days of snow, to this one-teacher schoolhouse (est. 1896). Inside, the boys and girls were not allowed to sit together. The original outhouse sits in the back. A local storeowner donated the property, which carried his last name - Godwin School (Millsboro). In front of the Prince George Chapel (est. 1765) is a huge tombstone honoring a truly dedicated soldier of 3 wars. In memory of his military career, the town was named after him (Dagworthy). The chapel was named for Prince George, who later become King George III of England. During his reign he lost the American colonies.
Rural Roads - Avoiding the crowded coastal roads brings us to another side of Delaware. There are miles of quiet rural roads with no interruptions of large-scale supermarkets, mega gas stations or four-way traffic signals. Taking explorable drives without a GPS can be quite rewarding. Delaware
Lewes/Bethel/Seaford - In the 1800's the US was expanding in every direction. The growing number of immigrants required homes and buildings to be built. Many of these buildings, almost 200 years later, stand restored and serving a purpose today. In 1681, a barren land turns into a gathering place for people to freely worship. Three churches later, the St Peter Chapel still serves the community of Lewes with their freedom of worship. In 1884, a small, wooden church is built to serve the ship building community of Bethel. Today, it continues to thrive as the Bethel Community House. A 2-story bank, The First National Bank, is built in 1868 to serve the community of the growing seaport city of Seaford. Today, it offers occupancy as an apartment complex. If only the walls of Historic buildings could talk! The stories we would hear. Delaware
Fenwick Island - A museum like no other - Over 5,000 pieces of sunken treasure from centuries ago brought up from the dark ocean floors. Dale, the scuba explorer who found them all, spends most of his days in this museum sharing animated stories of booty, pirates and sharks. DiscoverSea Shipwreck Musuem.
Georgetown - 200 chickens and 160 gallons of oil tossed in the "World's Largest Frying Pan". It measures a whooping 18 feet serving for 37 years at the Delaware Delmarva Chicken Festival. Six other states claim the fame they have the biggest pan such as Iowa's pan frying 528 eggs or 88 pounds of bacon or 440 hamburgers. Delaware's pan leans sideways stashed in a small barn with a variety of other accumulated stuff at the Marvel Carriage Museum in Georgetown, Delaware (population 7,436). The owner hopes to have it on public display in one of his many public barns turned into museums soon.
Georgetown - In Georgetown, Delaware, a huge barn houses dozens of horse-drawn carriages. 17th to 20th Century Modern Transportation for the rich and famous. If your business owned one, you were considered reputable. The vehicles were slow (4 to 12 mph) and very uncomfortable on the bumpy poor roads with almost non-existent suspension. It was a status symbol for the world to see. Walt Disney's and Queen Elizabeth's carriage are a beauty to admire. The typewriter replaced the pen. The tractor replaced the hoe. The sewing machine replaced the needle and thread. The automobile replaced the horse-drawn carriage. The Marvel Carriage Museum is a unique learning experience of our fascination and history of transportation.
Wyoming - Today, we drive along several rural roads to a 4th generation farm. This family-owned farm offers fruit picking in their fields, and homegrown fruits and vegetables in their large fruit stand. People drive miles around just for the daily handcrafted Apple Cider Donuts. They easily crumble in your hands and bring your taste buds to life with the granulated sugar coating. The farm continues to carry the reputation of the best Apple Cider Donuts in Delaware. A must visit in Delaware.
Do you know there are over 200 times more chickens than people in the State of Delaware? Now that I have your attention, let's check out some geographical facts about the 2nd smallest state. This small state is a mere 96 miles long and from 9 miles to 35 miles wide. The state is relatively flat at a mere 58 ft above sea level. Delaware is absolutely beautiful offering an abundance of rivers, lakes and over 30,000 acres of swamps. Small in size, big in beauty!
Dover - His Favorite food is Sheet Metal and Battery Acid. Meet Miles the Monster, as he bursts out of the concrete at Dover International Speedway. Yes, he is arrogantly holding a real race car. Miles breaks two world records: 1) Largest monster at 45 ft, 20 tons) and 2) Most expensive monster at 6 million dollars. In 2012, Miles ran for President of the United States with a very fitting campaign slogan, "Concrete Change for 2012". You can see his glowing red eyes from Highway 1, a half-mile away.
Dover - A 13-foot quill rests against a 4-ft cube in Constitution Park. The cube is balanced on one point representing the delicate balance of the 3 branches of the Federal government (legislative, executive, and judicial). The sculpture was dedicated on the 100th anniversary date of 12/07/1987 when Delaware ratified the Constitution, being the first state to do so. Delaware's official nickname is the "The First State". The nickname was the idea of a first-grade class at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School. More to come about the historical city of Dover. (Sculptor - Rick Rothrock)
Dover - Be in complete AWE strolling the streets of Historic Dover Green District. The quaint streets are occupied with seventy-nine buildings from the 1700's and 1800's. It was purposely laid out to serve as a gathering area for the rapidly growing city of Dover (designed by William Penn). It played a significant role in the American Revolution War and founding of the United States. As time marched on, so did the role of this district in the Womens Rights and Civil Rights movement. An unforgettable experience stepping back into colonial times of the formation of the United States of America.
Dover - In the early years of a growing nation, Delaware’s first state capital was built. Two hundred thirty-one years later, it continues to be a shining beacon amongst 78 other colonial buildings in the Historic Dover Green District. The most recent renovation is amazing as it looks as though this 231-year-old building was built yesterday. In 1933, all powers were moved to a new, more spacious home in Legislative Hall. Today, free tours offer a rich, first-hand learning experience about "The First State.”
Delaware is known for some real old-fashioned home cooking. How about Delaware Chicken and Slippery Dumplings? No round, doughy dumplings here. Huge, mouth-watering flat, wide noodles and chunks of fresh chicken smothered in a homemade creamy chicken gravy. To complete this Delaware meal, I chose hot apples with cinnamon and collards as my two side orders. This Delawarean masterpiece was eaten at Hall’s Restaurant (Est 1979). Be sure to sit at the counter. A most unique experience Only in Delaware!
Dover - The man riding on a galloping horse is everywhere in Delaware. He even made it on the back of the Delaware State Quarter, making him the first person honored on a US Statehood Quarter. Why? Who is this guy? What significant role brought him to this notoriety in the state of Delaware? Oh, He has quite the story to tell. We are taught about the historic ride of Paul Revere warning the town of the British Soldier coming. Few of us know the historic ride of Ceasar Rodney. In the coming days, learn about the Revolutionary man who changed the history of the world! Delaware - The First State.
Dover - One man changed the world and most of us don’t even know his name - Caesar Rodney. America wanted Independence! One vote, either way, would change history. Caesar rode a trenching 80 miles through a violent thunderstorm from Delaware to Philadelphia. He was deathly sick. He was tired. He was determined. He knew the importance of his presence. He arrived, just in time, to the convention covered in mud. He clutched the pen signing his name to the Declaration of Independence. It was done - America declared its independence. Caesar Rodney broke the two-way deadlock of the state of Delaware casting the third vote in favor of Independence. More to come......
Dover - Move over Paul Revere! Ceasar Rodney's eighty-mile horseback ride, from Dover Delaware to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is a riveting story of courage, patriotism and determination. He continued in serving his country by becoming the first president (governor) of Delaware. Several years later, cancer took his life at the age of 56. He is remembered with a beautiful tombstone located in Poplar Grove, Delaware. Ceasar Rodney was born, served as a statesman, and buried in Dover, Delaware. A poem excerpt recounting this time in history:
Comes a rider swift on a panting bay;
"Ho, Rodney, ho! you must save the day,
For the Congress halts at a deed so great,
And your voice alone may decide its fate."
Answered Rodney then; "I will ride with speed;
It is Liberty's stress; it is Freedom's need."
"When stands it?" "To-night." "not a moment to spare,
But ride like the wind from Delaware."
"Ho, saddle the black! I've but half a day,
And the Congress sits eighty miles away --
But I'll be in time, if God grants me grace,
To shake my fist in King George's face."
Comes a rider swift on a panting bay;
"Ho, Rodney, ho! you must save the day,
For the Congress halts at a deed so great,
And your voice alone may decide its fate."
Answered Rodney then; "I will ride with speed;
It is Liberty's stress; it is Freedom's need."
"When stands it?" "To-night." "not a moment to spare,
But ride like the wind from Delaware."
"Ho, saddle the black! I've but half a day,
And the Congress sits eighty miles away --
But I'll be in time, if God grants me grace,
To shake my fist in King George's face."
Dover - The beautiful State Capital (Legislative Hall) building of Delaware. It sits across from the original, restored Capital building referred to as the State House. Both buildings are awesome to experience. The grounds are filled with lifelike statues surrounded with a variety of thriving colorful flowers. Each statue comes to life when one reads the narrative plaque offering a unique in-person opportunity in learning Delaware history. As you continue walking throughout the Historic Green District, it truly feels as though you have stepped back in the early colonial days of the United States.
Dover - The local tavern, The Golden Fleece Tavern, was the place to meet for earth-shakers and ground-movers in the 1700’s. The most important meeting consisted of 49 state delegates anonymously ratifying the US Constitution on December 7th, 1787. Yep, in a tavern. Oh, the beer was flowing that day!
Dover - Most of us recognize the icon! A lot of us used one to blare our favorite tunes from a spinning disc. Across America, almost every household had this brand in their home. It is a phonograph, a turntable, and many refer to it as a record player. In the capital city of Delaware, there is a barely marked museum housing 100’s of these originals. Most of them still play today. Also, is the world’s largest collection of Victor records: approximately 55,000. Why in Delaware? The man, E.R. Johnson was born and raised there. He was told he wasn’t smart enough to go to college. Yet, his hard work brought Thomas Edison’s invention to a mass production level. Also, his brilliant marketing created a movement where everyone had to have one in their home. And yes, the iconic dog listening intently to the music was a real dog named Nipper. The Johnson Victrola Museum offers any music enthusiast an opportunity to learn how it all began - the record player. Check it out!
Dover - The roar of the massive plane engines gets the heart pumping as you enter Dover Air Force Base (AFB) The adrenaline continues, standing along the heavily guarded fences, as you gawk at the massive cargo planes departing and arriving on the runway. Dover AFB is the busiest and largest air freight terminal in the Department of Defense. The AFB also offers a super fun and interactive Air Mobility Command Museum jammed packed with an array of flying machines. Devoted volunteers are eager to share stories and fascinating facts. In the yard are more flying machines, including a retired Air Force One, and a beautiful 911 Memorial with actual beams from the 1st tower. A must visit for all those who visit the capital city of Delaware - Dover.
Middletown - A head-turning roadside attraction along highway US 13! Everyone slows down to grab a passing glimpse of the huge skull silo, a monster axe man and a plane crashed at the edge of the highway. Welcome to Frightland! Rated as one of the top 10 Scariest Haunted Attractions in the country by Travel Channel, Forbes and Huffington Post. Over 50,000 victims flock here during the Halloween season.
Middletown - The tallest lighthouse in Delaware sits in someone's backyard. The owner enjoys the nightly light beaming over her home. The lighthouse, Liston Rear Range Lighthouse, stands at 120 feet. It is made of wrought iron and was built in 1877. Another interesting fact is it is located the furthest from the water at 3 miles. To try and grasp the size, check out the door at the bottom.
Dover - Did you know there are over 2,500 farms in the 2nd smallest state of the US? Thirty-nine percent of total land in Delaware is farmland. In the capital city, one can immerse into the agriculture industry's beginning. This huge museum showcases life as it once was in the 1800's. The indoor/outdoor exhibits help visitors better understand the hard manual work it took to put food on the table for many. Go, check it out!
Port Penn - You need to travel to a village of 259, Port Penn, for this rare find in Delaware. A houseboat used in the 1800's can be found near the marshes. These one-room dwellings, called floating cabins, were a temporary home to many fishermen on the river. Trappers also used them, calling them skinning shacks, spending long periods of time in the marshes during hunting season. The small village offers a restored one-room whites-only schoolhouse. Also, protruding from an old log, is a carved life-sized figurine of a fisherman adjacent the schoolhouse. The simple plaque reads, "This carving is dedicated to our watermen of the past, present and future." The locals were very welcoming, offering huge smiles and waving hands, as I drove throughout the streets.
Newark - Land of the Giants needs doctors also. Check out the world's largest medical bag standing at a skyscraping 20 feet and stretching 15 feet. Obviously, it rests, partially open, at a medical center located in Newark, Delaware.
New Castle - 34-Foot-Tall Stainless-Steel Mary. Thousands of cars pass her each day crossing the Delaware Memorial Bridge which joins New Jersey and Delaware together. 500,000 dollars and prayer of over 800,000 rosaries brought the artist, Charles C. Parks, from Santa Clara, California to New Castle, Delaware to sculpt her. The beautiful, manicured grounds and perfectly placed benches offer a serene place to get away from it all.
Pea Patch Island - You can't get there by car. You can't fly there like the Heron. You have to board a small ferry, which will take you to a Delaware island for this very unique experience. More to come in the following days. Get ready!
As you approach the colossal fort, you feel the deafening blast. Your nostrils sense the smell of burnt black powder in the air. The Civil War soldiers successfully completed their mission. This is only the beginning of an incredible day stepping back to the Civil War era. More to come in the next coming days from Delaware Fort, located in the middle of the Delaware River.
Travel back into a time when common country men were fighting each other. Experience the difficult life the fort occupants endured by witnessing it as a personal experience. Are they interpreters in costume? Is it possible, the men and women of this era were mysteriously transported from the past to the present? A most unique and unforgettable means learning about Civil War Era. Only at Fort Delaware State Park.
Fort Delaware is converted into the largest POW camp in the United States. The fort sits on 6 acres and is completely surrounded by a 12-ft deep and 30ft-wide moat. Over 33,565 Confederate prisoners lived here in horrific conditions. The fort is considered one of the most haunted prisons in the world. As you depart the ferry, be ready for a full day of engaging activities and educational entertainment. As you return to the ferry, your thoughts will be racing with the good, bad and ugliness of Fort Delaware. An absolute must when visiting the "First State".
Annually, 5,000,000 (mil) people will pass through the doors of the Biden Welcome Center off of the North America's busiest motorway (I95 JFLK Memorial Highway). Located near the Stateline of New Jersey. Seven restaurants and several gift shops make this an enjoyable break from the roads.
New Castle - Entering New Castle, I immediately ditch the car to walk the cobble stone streets surrounded by buildings dating back to 1674. This remarkable colonial town has one stop everyone raves on about - Jessop's Tavern. Several locals insisted that I try the signature Bread Pudding smothered in a hot butterscotch bourbon sauce. AMAZING to the last lick! The tavern is housed in a 347-year-old building. As I enter, loud voices are echoing off the old walls. A smile comes across my face as I instantly realize the staff is completely in colonial costume. So much fun! So much energy! Can't wait to explore the colonial town of New Castle.
New Castle - What was it like to live in the colonial times? Horses and buggies were the main mode of transportation. Children went to the local store hoping to buy a few penny candies. Taverns burst with laughter and the sound of a piano keys. We have been taught about it, but what is the personal experience? The colonial town of New Castle (est. 1651) offers a glimpse of the way it was. Many of the streets are the original hand-placed stone and bricks. Walking the streets and alleys, you are able to enjoy the elegant colonial homes, old hand-painted signage on the brick walls, and the original buildings bursting with commodities and wares for sale. There is so much history in this small town located in the "First State.”
New Castle - Streets, over 300 years old, come to life in New Castle, Delaware. A great colonial town to spend the entire weekend. So much to enjoy! So much to see! So much to learn!
New Castle - Stepping back in time retracing the steps of Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, Louis Napoleon and even Black Hawk. Take a stroll through one of the most historical alleys in Delaware - Packet Alley. This commerce alley offered easy access to boats for shipping and receiving goods back in the beginning years of the United States of America. The huge white painted advertisement on the brick wall still holds today.
New Castle - Visiting the city of New Castle is a like walking through a U.S. history book. Many of the streets are still made of stone and lined up with beautiful, restored colonial homes. On the outskirt, we find the Delaware River with sandy shores. Along the shore is Battery Park which offers findings most of us never learned about in History classes. How about a Diver Bell (constr.1839)? When the shoremen needed to work underwater they crawled upward into the Diver Bell. When one sees it for the first time, it looks like the world's largest paperweight. Looking out onto the waters one can see several floating called Breakers (constr. 1804-1882). may look like pieces of a small pier in the river. They were vital in saving many wooden ships from huge, floating ice. The Frenchtown Railroad Ticket office (constr. 1832) is beautifully restored along the original RR tracks. A wonderful park to visit in the historic colonial town of New Castle.
Wilmington - The "Crying Giant" copper sculpture rises over 13 feet in the air weighing 5,700 pounds. The artist, Tom Otterness, was inspired after the tragic 911 experience. Over 20 other sculptures, by various artists, create a wonderful walking experience throughout Sculpture Park. The second photo is taken by a mirror reflection from a building located on the property.
Wilmington - What does a coffee break, a future president and the bloodiest day of the entire Civil War have in common? This monument explains it ALL. During a fierce battle, between the south and north, an obscure commissary soldier boldly delivers coffee to the exhausted men on the front line. Later, this brave soldier became President of the United States. His heroic story became his platform during his campaigns. His name is William McKinley. This one-of-a-kind monument is surrounded by massive old trees. The roadside is gorgeous, being outlined with historic stone bridges and the beautiful Christina River. If in Wilmington, a must visit.
Wilmington - The Dupont (duPont) family, worth over 14.3 billion dollars today, began their entrepreneurship in Wilmington, Delaware manufacturing gunpowder in the early 1800's. Several of the original Dupont colonial estates are beautifully managed today throughout the city. One early 1900's estate is in ruins and left to decay. Working your way through a bush covered pathway leads you to this abandoned estate. This six-acre property does offer a beautiful and romantic garden to stroll through located near the 8-car garage. As you enter the original wooden gate, you are completely surrounded by magnificent statues and florals. Originally, the garden was designed and maintained by Marian Coffin. She is considered one of the first women to work as a professional landscape architect.
Wilmington - The Rich lifestyle goes beyond normalcy! Various Depont colonial estates offer over 20,000 square feet with some having 9 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. Downtown, the Hotel duPont holds 217 exquisite rooms for a mere $300 a night. How about joining the Dupont Country Club for a membership rate of $520 a month? Yes, one month for a single membership! All in the name of the 14.3 billion Dupont (dePont) family.
Wilmington - "We will cross that bridge when we get to it." Only 3 authentic covered bridges continue to survive time in Delaware. One of them is The Smith's Bridge, which was built in 1839. A covered bridge is considered authentic not due to its age, but by its unique construction of using a truss system for suspension. A truss system uses heavy timber lumber assembled in a triangle. A triangle is the only two-dimensional figure that cannot be distorted under stress. Oh, the sound of rattling boards underneath your tires, as you roll through, is worth the trip itself. The other two bridges are Ashland and Wooddale Covered Bridges.
Wilmington - Water bottle filled! Protein bars packed! Are you ready? We are about to embark on a journey to the highest point in Delaware. Parked at the curb and pack strapped to my back, off we go! Two steps from the sidewalk, I arrive, exhausted! I sit on the black bench provided to reclaim my breath as I find myself 447 feet above sea level. The monument sign is found in a quaint neighborhood aligned with a small park. There is nothing to see, but now we can claim we hiked, I mean walked, to the highest point in Delaware! FYI - Florida has the lowest high point in the United States at 345 feet. Delaware is #2.
Delaware, you are so small, yet offer so much! An amazing shot of a random home closes out our exploration of "The First State" - Delaware. Onward to Maryland!