Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Chipman Pond and Mill
I took the canoe out today to Chipman Pond, east of Laurel. Chipman pond is a mill pond that is fed by Elliott Pond Branch. In turn Chipman flows into Records pond and eventually the water makes it to Broad Creek. Chipman pond is like most of the ponds in the area, been around since the 1700's, has the usual Cypress, turtles, birds, dragonflies and pond scum. Usually there is no one on it. On the East side is a number of fancy homes in the Old Church Landing Development. It is next to Old Christ Church.
Lowes Campgrounds use to be active here so on the west side of the pond are docks spaced every two hundred feet or so along the shore line. All in broken down condition now.
The usual cypress and cypress stumps
I can't decide on these blue iris like flowers if they are natural or since Chipman has had people living there since the 1700's if they are planted by humans.
I upset a number of birds resting on the old docks
Chipman is like most ponds, a little swampy and a lot of pond scum
An aluminium canoe tends to be nosier than a non metal canoe so usually the turtles have heard you coming and are gone before you get to them. This one took a wait and see attitude.
Dragon Fly on the bow of the canoe
The Old Chipman Mill. The first operators of the mill was John and Josiah Polk. They later sold the mill to the Chipman Family. As for as I know today the spot is owned by the Lowe family. The mill ceased operations in 1948 and the building collapsed or was torn down by the 1980's. At one time the pond supplied power for a saw mill, a grist mill and a carding mill (carding wool).
About all that is left of the mill house is the concrete spill way.
Lowes Campgrounds use to be active here so on the west side of the pond are docks spaced every two hundred feet or so along the shore line. All in broken down condition now.
The usual cypress and cypress stumps
I can't decide on these blue iris like flowers if they are natural or since Chipman has had people living there since the 1700's if they are planted by humans.
I upset a number of birds resting on the old docks
Chipman is like most ponds, a little swampy and a lot of pond scum
An aluminium canoe tends to be nosier than a non metal canoe so usually the turtles have heard you coming and are gone before you get to them. This one took a wait and see attitude.
Dragon Fly on the bow of the canoe
The Old Chipman Mill. The first operators of the mill was John and Josiah Polk. They later sold the mill to the Chipman Family. As for as I know today the spot is owned by the Lowe family. The mill ceased operations in 1948 and the building collapsed or was torn down by the 1980's. At one time the pond supplied power for a saw mill, a grist mill and a carding mill (carding wool).
About all that is left of the mill house is the concrete spill way.
Memorial Service - 1945
From the Bi-State Weekly May 1945
GLEN RAYNE POST SPONSORS MEM. SERVICE FOR WAR DEAD
Memorial service for Delmar District service men who have paid the supreme sacrifice will be held in the auditorium of the Delmar Delaware School at 7:30 P. M., Sunday, May 27.
Sponsored by Glen Rayne Post No. 15, American Legion, the service will be interdenominational in scope, the willing cooperation of the ministers of all local churches having made it possible. The speaker will be Capt. Cecil Harvey - Chaplin U. S. Army Air Corps. Special music will be provided by mixed Glee Club of the Delaware High School under direction of Mrs. James B. Flood, and members of the Post will participate in the memorial service.
The following former residents of this community will be honored: Roland E. Galusha, Harry Neil, James R. Truitt, Howard Poulson, Howard E. Hastings, Paul E. Tingle, Robert B. Hayman, Harold E. Dutton, George C. Curdy, John G. Cropper, Ralph C. McCain, Robert E. Powell.
The Public is invited.
Glen Rayne Post No. 15, will attend as a unit, meeting at Post Headquarters at 7:00 P. M.
GLEN RAYNE POST SPONSORS MEM. SERVICE FOR WAR DEAD
Memorial service for Delmar District service men who have paid the supreme sacrifice will be held in the auditorium of the Delmar Delaware School at 7:30 P. M., Sunday, May 27.
Sponsored by Glen Rayne Post No. 15, American Legion, the service will be interdenominational in scope, the willing cooperation of the ministers of all local churches having made it possible. The speaker will be Capt. Cecil Harvey - Chaplin U. S. Army Air Corps. Special music will be provided by mixed Glee Club of the Delaware High School under direction of Mrs. James B. Flood, and members of the Post will participate in the memorial service.
The following former residents of this community will be honored: Roland E. Galusha, Harry Neil, James R. Truitt, Howard Poulson, Howard E. Hastings, Paul E. Tingle, Robert B. Hayman, Harold E. Dutton, George C. Curdy, John G. Cropper, Ralph C. McCain, Robert E. Powell.
The Public is invited.
Glen Rayne Post No. 15, will attend as a unit, meeting at Post Headquarters at 7:00 P. M.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day Weekend in Delmar
A lot of yard work going on all over town. Some families even made use of child labor. Wait until he is older and discovers Tom Sawyer, it should be the last you see of him painting a fence and smiling.
The American legion had their flags flying.
You know it is summer when Mike and Patty open their Snow Cone Business
Yard sales all over. This one is at the Mason Dixon Auction.
Blinker Light Installed Delmar - 1939
From the Bi-State weekly May 26, 1939
DELMAR GETS BLINKER LIGHT FOR HIGHWAY
After one year's work the Delmar Lions Club was successful in having a blinker light placed at the intersection of US Route 13 and State Street in Delmar this week, when employes of the Eastern Shore Public Service Co. placed the pole and put up the light.
The club began its fight for a light last May after a series of accidents had happened at the intersection. Route 13 is a straight road for two miles on approaching the intersection and there it comes to a dead end. The club is still trying to contact the Maryland authorities in an effort to have a similar light placed at the Maryland intersection. The Delaware State Highway Department notified the club some months ago that a light had been purchased for the corner, but right-of-way have held up the project for four months. The intersection has been characterized by the Delaware State Police as one of the worst traffic hazards in the Delaware road system.
The light will show red on Route 13 and yellow for caution on State Street in Delmar. For many years officers, judges of the town, and town officials have disagreed as to whether or not Route 13 was a through street or State was the through street. With the placing of the red light on Route 13, this indicates that the state authorities feel that State Street is the main thoroughfare through the town.
DELMAR GETS BLINKER LIGHT FOR HIGHWAY
After one year's work the Delmar Lions Club was successful in having a blinker light placed at the intersection of US Route 13 and State Street in Delmar this week, when employes of the Eastern Shore Public Service Co. placed the pole and put up the light.
The club began its fight for a light last May after a series of accidents had happened at the intersection. Route 13 is a straight road for two miles on approaching the intersection and there it comes to a dead end. The club is still trying to contact the Maryland authorities in an effort to have a similar light placed at the Maryland intersection. The Delaware State Highway Department notified the club some months ago that a light had been purchased for the corner, but right-of-way have held up the project for four months. The intersection has been characterized by the Delaware State Police as one of the worst traffic hazards in the Delaware road system.
The light will show red on Route 13 and yellow for caution on State Street in Delmar. For many years officers, judges of the town, and town officials have disagreed as to whether or not Route 13 was a through street or State was the through street. With the placing of the red light on Route 13, this indicates that the state authorities feel that State Street is the main thoroughfare through the town.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Today's Quote
The secret of sucess is sincerity. Once you can fake that you've got it made.
Jean Girdaudoux
Jean Girdaudoux
Philip Breyer - 1951
From the Bi-State Weekly - May 25, 1951
Philip Breyer, local police chief of the Delaware side of Delmar, suffered a fractured collar bone and bruised leg in his scuffle with a run-away truck tire early Monday morning.
Chief Breyer had just finished his assignment of escorting school children across the highway at Jewell St. and was at the corner of Grove St. and U. S. 13 to direct traffic for a funeral when a rear tire and rim from a passing truck came off and ran him down.
He was rushed to the office of Dr. L. V. Sohler and then on to Peninsula General Hospital for X-Ray. He was released after treatment.
No Charges were brought against the driver, Magistrate P. H. Hearn said.
Philip Breyer, local police chief of the Delaware side of Delmar, suffered a fractured collar bone and bruised leg in his scuffle with a run-away truck tire early Monday morning.
Chief Breyer had just finished his assignment of escorting school children across the highway at Jewell St. and was at the corner of Grove St. and U. S. 13 to direct traffic for a funeral when a rear tire and rim from a passing truck came off and ran him down.
He was rushed to the office of Dr. L. V. Sohler and then on to Peninsula General Hospital for X-Ray. He was released after treatment.
No Charges were brought against the driver, Magistrate P. H. Hearn said.
Face The Nation and Clinton
The news media seem to be interested in reporting trivia information instead of news. As opposed to discussing issues they seem to give their attention to discussing comments made by the candidates. The latest is Senator Clinton talking about continuing her run for Democratic nominee for president. Now it is obvious the news media wants for her to drop out so all the attention will be on their chosen one; Senator Obama. The latest simpleton discussion is her comment; "My husband did not wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary somewhere in the middle of June, right?" "We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California."
Some where along the line the Obama supporters interpreted this as she had put a contract out on Senator Obama. Senator Obama has had security service protecting him since last May and I am sure they can do their job, 99% of the time. I have no clue why Senator Clinton expressed any regrets over making her comment, it shows to me she is a weak person that if elected president she is going to be apologizing for her actions the whole time.
Today on Face The Nation; Howard Wolfson Director of Communications, Clinton Campaign was on the show and that seem to be all Bob Schieffer could talk about. Obviously Bob Schieffer is more of a fool today than he has been in the past.
Have you noticed how much mouth Michelle Obama has? This is a race orientated presidential campaign - don't think it isn't - and she is certainly causing more white people to vote for anyone but Senator Obama.
Some where along the line the Obama supporters interpreted this as she had put a contract out on Senator Obama. Senator Obama has had security service protecting him since last May and I am sure they can do their job, 99% of the time. I have no clue why Senator Clinton expressed any regrets over making her comment, it shows to me she is a weak person that if elected president she is going to be apologizing for her actions the whole time.
Today on Face The Nation; Howard Wolfson Director of Communications, Clinton Campaign was on the show and that seem to be all Bob Schieffer could talk about. Obviously Bob Schieffer is more of a fool today than he has been in the past.
Have you noticed how much mouth Michelle Obama has? This is a race orientated presidential campaign - don't think it isn't - and she is certainly causing more white people to vote for anyone but Senator Obama.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Seaford Heritage Days
I stopped by the Seaford Heritage days at the Ross Mansion in Seaford today. This is a very nice event and for all practical purposes it is FREE. Okay it will cost you $3.00 to tour the buildings, but since I have already been thru them I skipped that part.
Gov. Ross Mansion
They had the usual food vendors, artisans, living historians and a number of musical groups including this strolling Banjo Players. Also a nice car show and horse drawn wagon rides.
One thing they had while I was there was a reenactment of a civil war skirmish. Above photo is of the Union Troops taking the field
The Confederates take the field
Yankee Rebel shoot out
A little cannon fire
Gov. Ross was captured by the union soldiers
As I said this is a very good event if you have children or grandchildren and you want to take them somewhere where you are not going to have to sell one of them to a childless couple in a third world country in order to have enough to pay for the other ones to attend (The Delaware Fair is getting to be like that). The battle will amuse them. The musicians will amuse them. You will not escape not buying them something. Myself, I paid $3.00 for a glass of lemonade but I made it up by hitting the Republican Campaign booth and picked up a cool pen that says "Thanks For Your Support, John Brady Big Guy 2008" and a pot holder that says "You won't be burned with the Big Guy as Insurance Commissioner Elect John Brady 2008, Let the Big Guy work for you." Apparently the Big Guy John Brady has some money he is throwing around.
I think it is also going on tomorrow so if you have time stop by and if you are from Maryland you can do a little tax free shopping (Seaford has a Walmart and a Lowes also)
Gov. Ross Mansion
They had the usual food vendors, artisans, living historians and a number of musical groups including this strolling Banjo Players. Also a nice car show and horse drawn wagon rides.
One thing they had while I was there was a reenactment of a civil war skirmish. Above photo is of the Union Troops taking the field
The Confederates take the field
Yankee Rebel shoot out
A little cannon fire
Gov. Ross was captured by the union soldiers
As I said this is a very good event if you have children or grandchildren and you want to take them somewhere where you are not going to have to sell one of them to a childless couple in a third world country in order to have enough to pay for the other ones to attend (The Delaware Fair is getting to be like that). The battle will amuse them. The musicians will amuse them. You will not escape not buying them something. Myself, I paid $3.00 for a glass of lemonade but I made it up by hitting the Republican Campaign booth and picked up a cool pen that says "Thanks For Your Support, John Brady Big Guy 2008" and a pot holder that says "You won't be burned with the Big Guy as Insurance Commissioner Elect John Brady 2008, Let the Big Guy work for you." Apparently the Big Guy John Brady has some money he is throwing around.
I think it is also going on tomorrow so if you have time stop by and if you are from Maryland you can do a little tax free shopping (Seaford has a Walmart and a Lowes also)
1904 Ad
Friday, May 23, 2008
Spending in 1913
Below is a list of disbursements for the year for the Town of Delmar Maryland as of May 1, 1913
Sussex Light and Power Co ------------------- $451.17
Note in the Bank of Delmar -------------------$200.00
Chester Smith - Surveying & Grading -----------$77.00
Hollis Lowe - Surveying & Grading ------------$18.82
NYR&N RR Co - Frt on Shells--------------------$45.00
Joseph Polyette - 2 cars of shells-------------$75.00
C. W. Mitchell - shells------------------------$ 2.76
E E Freeny - hauling dirt ------------------$ 9.30
T S Culver -Hauling Dirt --------------------$ 6.35
Delmar Lbr Mfg Co - Lumber ------------------$7.42
N B LeCates - damage assessed by opening 6th st- $50.00
A Brewington - Looking after fire engine repairs -$28.30
W L Sirman - Ground rent yrs 1911 & 1912 -----$33.55
L A Truitt & Co - coal------------------------$ 5.12
John W. Culver - cement crossing on 4th st alley-$18.88
T G Elliott - pipe, hdwe & Etc ---------------$44.25
L W Gunby - pipe ----------------------------$11.01
Delaware Buggy Hdwe Co ------------------------$10.50
Chas W. Hudson - work on street---------------$ 9.30
Geo T Jones - Printing notices receipts &Etc--$11.75
E W Hastings - dirt --------------------------$ 3.45
W B Stephens - office rent--------------------$ 6.00
Gordy & Holloway - Cement Crossing-------------$72.40
Earl B Elliott - Cement Crossing---------------$62.50
R H Lowe - ½ cement crossing at V H Gordy------$ 9.00
E W Palmer, D H Foskey, and T L Long – Service on 7th st-$ 9.50
Jos F Wells and W W Culver - moving trees------$ 4.00
M H German - assisting surveyor, comm. On licenses and property-$29.29
D H O’Neal - commission collecting St Taxes------$ 4.52
C P Sturgis, W J Calhoun – shells--------------$16.08
Minus LeCates------------------------------------$ 2.32
J W Freeny - assessing property & Grade stakes---$ 3.25
H L Elliott - hauling shells on 4th st-----------$ 2.60
W B Dunn - commission on collecting taxes--------$ 4.91
W S Marvel – Screen for ditch--------------------$ 1.00
Jas H Cordrey, Chas E Hearn – assisting surveyor--$16.13
S Truitt, Thos W Hitchens, Thos E Hearn – assisting Surveyor-$ 9.50
W B Elliott – commission collecting St taxes-----$32.40
W B Elliott – work on street---------------------$451.16
E E Gordy – commission Collecting Cor taxes------$101.53
E E Gordy – stationary and postage---------------$10.80
Total Disbursements-----------------------------$1,963.89
Now I totaled the numbers and came up with $1,967.82 or $3.93 off but I copied the numbers right so did they make a mistake?
Sussex Light and Power Co ------------------- $451.17
Note in the Bank of Delmar -------------------$200.00
Chester Smith - Surveying & Grading -----------$77.00
Hollis Lowe - Surveying & Grading ------------$18.82
NYR&N RR Co - Frt on Shells--------------------$45.00
Joseph Polyette - 2 cars of shells-------------$75.00
C. W. Mitchell - shells------------------------$ 2.76
E E Freeny - hauling dirt ------------------$ 9.30
T S Culver -Hauling Dirt --------------------$ 6.35
Delmar Lbr Mfg Co - Lumber ------------------$7.42
N B LeCates - damage assessed by opening 6th st- $50.00
A Brewington - Looking after fire engine repairs -$28.30
W L Sirman - Ground rent yrs 1911 & 1912 -----$33.55
L A Truitt & Co - coal------------------------$ 5.12
John W. Culver - cement crossing on 4th st alley-$18.88
T G Elliott - pipe, hdwe & Etc ---------------$44.25
L W Gunby - pipe ----------------------------$11.01
Delaware Buggy Hdwe Co ------------------------$10.50
Chas W. Hudson - work on street---------------$ 9.30
Geo T Jones - Printing notices receipts &Etc--$11.75
E W Hastings - dirt --------------------------$ 3.45
W B Stephens - office rent--------------------$ 6.00
Gordy & Holloway - Cement Crossing-------------$72.40
Earl B Elliott - Cement Crossing---------------$62.50
R H Lowe - ½ cement crossing at V H Gordy------$ 9.00
E W Palmer, D H Foskey, and T L Long – Service on 7th st-$ 9.50
Jos F Wells and W W Culver - moving trees------$ 4.00
M H German - assisting surveyor, comm. On licenses and property-$29.29
D H O’Neal - commission collecting St Taxes------$ 4.52
C P Sturgis, W J Calhoun – shells--------------$16.08
Minus LeCates------------------------------------$ 2.32
J W Freeny - assessing property & Grade stakes---$ 3.25
H L Elliott - hauling shells on 4th st-----------$ 2.60
W B Dunn - commission on collecting taxes--------$ 4.91
W S Marvel – Screen for ditch--------------------$ 1.00
Jas H Cordrey, Chas E Hearn – assisting surveyor--$16.13
S Truitt, Thos W Hitchens, Thos E Hearn – assisting Surveyor-$ 9.50
W B Elliott – commission collecting St taxes-----$32.40
W B Elliott – work on street---------------------$451.16
E E Gordy – commission Collecting Cor taxes------$101.53
E E Gordy – stationary and postage---------------$10.80
Total Disbursements-----------------------------$1,963.89
Now I totaled the numbers and came up with $1,967.82 or $3.93 off but I copied the numbers right so did they make a mistake?
i thank You God for most this amazing day
i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
(i who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun's birthday;this is the birth
day of life and of love and wings:and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)
how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing any-lifted from the no
of all nothing-human merely being
doubt unimaginable You?
(now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)
-----------e.e. cummings
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
(i who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun's birthday;this is the birth
day of life and of love and wings:and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)
how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing any-lifted from the no
of all nothing-human merely being
doubt unimaginable You?
(now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)
-----------e.e. cummings
Fish Dogs - Their Time Has Come
Well as reported in this Aftenposten article they are looking at making hot dogs out of salmon. According to them a hot dog (or sausage) gets its special flavor from the seasonings used in preparing them not from the meat that makes them up. I guess hot dogs (like scrapple) is one of those products you don't want to know what goes into it. The photo I stole from Aftenposten shows forced enthusiasm for eating those dogs.
Day In The Park
As a reminder today is the last day to reserve a space to sell stuff at the annual Day In The Park in Delmar. "Day In the Park" will happen on June 7, 2008 at State Street Park in Delmar. So if you are interested in having a booth at "Day In The Park" you will need an application and you will have to hunt down a member of the Chamber of Commerce to get that application as it is too late to write to; The Greater Delmar Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 416, Delmar DE 19940 ATTN: Day In The Park.
See my previous post
See my previous post
Smokin Joe Frazier is coming To Delmar
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Delmar Planning and Zoning - May
The Delmar Planning and Zoning Commission met tonight. Commissioner Ed Ferro and Joe Dixon were missing. This was Joy Slabaugh, newest commissioner, first P & Z meeting. Since at times people think I am in some way involved in an official capacity at these meetings I attend let me say I am not I just attend them as all good citizens should. My usual disclaimer is what I write is not the minutes of the meetings, it is just my interpretation of what took place and what I am interested in posting. If you want to know the real story go to the meeting.
Bill Mervine of Prestige Homes was finally given permission to build at Lot 3 Bynum Lane. It took a letter from the town attorney (Jim Waehler) to convince them that he could. It was approved 4 to 1 with Mike Houlihan voting against it as he said he was an elected official and the people that voted for him didn't want the land built on.
Frank Nechay came asking for an extension of time for his Lighthouse Square Flex Warehouse development (By Holiday Inn). He said they had semi-closed on May 14th but still had a Storm Water management plan to work out. The time extension was granted.
The Bank of Delmarva came for final Plat Approval for their Rt 13 Site. As you may recall they desire to build next to Rite Aid. This time the person who appeared was Wade Insley, attorney and 30 year Director of the Bank Of Delmarva. Obviously the implied threat was there.
Wade H. Insley III
The Commission deep in thought
The issue is the height of the sign. Commissioner Carl Anderton would like for all new businesses in Delmar to have a sign that is not much larger than ten foot. He has been successful in getting a few new businesses to go along with him. They do not have to as the ordinance says they can have a thirty foot tall sign. Bank of Delmarva wants to put in a 19 foot tall sign. Now I have mixed feelings over it. First I don't want Route 13 to have a lot of large signs on it but second if the business has the right (as based on our Code) than they should be allowed to do it. The thing to do is to change the code. It would be nice if the Bank of Delmarva would go along with the ten foot sign but Mr. Insley's attitude did not in any way attempt to be reasonable about the height of the sign. Needless to say since he had the code on his side and no one except Carl seems interested in going up against the Bank of Delmarva they voted to approve Final Plat and sign Design. Big thumbs up to Carl Anderton for trying to improve Delmar.
Steve Fuller of the Foskey Lane Business Park development came for revised preliminary approval. As you may recall from a previous post Steve Fuller is connected with Stillwater Ponds development that once approval was given he turned around and put it up for sale. So will he do the same thing for this development? The Foskey Lane Business Park is on the North side of Foskey Lane opposite Harvey Mack and borders on Rt13.
Sakina Byrd came asking for approval to operate a Day care at 203 E. State Street (Delaware). She was reminded that she would need a business license and she could not have her customers park in the church parking lot beside her house/business. Approval was given.
Michael Digennaro of Delmar Auto Outlet asked for approval to put up a pole shed at the Auto Dealership to detail and do minor repairs. Approval was given.
Foster Vernon, who applied to operate a Hot Dog Stand in Delmar, sent a letter to the commission to say he was withdrawing his application as with all the permits and Health Department requirements he would be unable to make a profit with the business. It is indeed a poor reflection on the state of business in Delaware when a man wants to open the quintessence small business of a hot dog stand and can not do so due to government regulations.
Doug Marshall had asked for a letter saying the property he was going to build on was grandfathered in due to it lot size. The Maryland attorney said it was and the Commissioners gave approval for it.
Bill Mervine of Prestige Homes was finally given permission to build at Lot 3 Bynum Lane. It took a letter from the town attorney (Jim Waehler) to convince them that he could. It was approved 4 to 1 with Mike Houlihan voting against it as he said he was an elected official and the people that voted for him didn't want the land built on.
Frank Nechay came asking for an extension of time for his Lighthouse Square Flex Warehouse development (By Holiday Inn). He said they had semi-closed on May 14th but still had a Storm Water management plan to work out. The time extension was granted.
The Bank of Delmarva came for final Plat Approval for their Rt 13 Site. As you may recall they desire to build next to Rite Aid. This time the person who appeared was Wade Insley, attorney and 30 year Director of the Bank Of Delmarva. Obviously the implied threat was there.
Wade H. Insley III
The Commission deep in thought
The issue is the height of the sign. Commissioner Carl Anderton would like for all new businesses in Delmar to have a sign that is not much larger than ten foot. He has been successful in getting a few new businesses to go along with him. They do not have to as the ordinance says they can have a thirty foot tall sign. Bank of Delmarva wants to put in a 19 foot tall sign. Now I have mixed feelings over it. First I don't want Route 13 to have a lot of large signs on it but second if the business has the right (as based on our Code) than they should be allowed to do it. The thing to do is to change the code. It would be nice if the Bank of Delmarva would go along with the ten foot sign but Mr. Insley's attitude did not in any way attempt to be reasonable about the height of the sign. Needless to say since he had the code on his side and no one except Carl seems interested in going up against the Bank of Delmarva they voted to approve Final Plat and sign Design. Big thumbs up to Carl Anderton for trying to improve Delmar.
Steve Fuller of the Foskey Lane Business Park development came for revised preliminary approval. As you may recall from a previous post Steve Fuller is connected with Stillwater Ponds development that once approval was given he turned around and put it up for sale. So will he do the same thing for this development? The Foskey Lane Business Park is on the North side of Foskey Lane opposite Harvey Mack and borders on Rt13.
Sakina Byrd came asking for approval to operate a Day care at 203 E. State Street (Delaware). She was reminded that she would need a business license and she could not have her customers park in the church parking lot beside her house/business. Approval was given.
Michael Digennaro of Delmar Auto Outlet asked for approval to put up a pole shed at the Auto Dealership to detail and do minor repairs. Approval was given.
Foster Vernon, who applied to operate a Hot Dog Stand in Delmar, sent a letter to the commission to say he was withdrawing his application as with all the permits and Health Department requirements he would be unable to make a profit with the business. It is indeed a poor reflection on the state of business in Delaware when a man wants to open the quintessence small business of a hot dog stand and can not do so due to government regulations.
Doug Marshall had asked for a letter saying the property he was going to build on was grandfathered in due to it lot size. The Maryland attorney said it was and the Commissioners gave approval for it.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Delmar Delaware Incorporation Map 1899
We, Benjamin F. Barker, Joseph J. Ellis and Jackson L. Ellis, Commissioners named in the act of the General Assembly of the State of Delaware, Incorporating the Town of Delmar in Sussex County of the State Of Delaware passed at Dover February 28th 1899 after having been duly qualified by taking the oath of office prescribed by said act and having called to our assistance Samuel E. Foskey, a surveyor, who was likewise qualified did in the month of May and June in the year 1899 proved to survey said town and established it's limits, streets, alleys, lanes, and sidewalks, and in do herely certify that this is a correct plot or map of said town.
Witness our hand this 7th day of July A.D. 1899
B. F. Barker, Commissioner
J. J. Ellis, Commissioner
J. L. Ellis, Commissioner
Samuel E Foskey, Surveyor
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The Just Like Me Presidential Election
For all our government interference, in real life, people will break into groups based on what I like to call the “Just-like-me” (JLM) theory. People exhibit “natural Tribal-like” tendency to group into clusters or groups that are Just-Like-Them. The groupings tend to be based on economics, racial, ethnic, religion, gender, age, and “values”. People will live in neighborhoods that exhibit the Just-Like-Me, they even work in companies that come close to Just-Like-Me. At sport games you see the audience split into their clusters. When you raise your children you want for them to be Just-Like-Me, only richer and smarter. One of the fears in raising our kids was sending them to public school as the school systems has no “values” and it is a along way from Just-Like-Me. There is an entire marketing philosophy called cluster marketing that addresses the Just-Like-Me idea.
Before in elections, I was home free because all the candidates were Just-Like Me - old white guys. This year is an entirely different story; we have a black guy, a white woman, and an old white guy running. I hear more and more people saying I am going to vote for so and so because he is black, like me, or they are voting for the woman because she is like me or I am going to vote for the old white guy because he is Just-Like-Me.
Let me say I am not happy with any of the candiates. None address adequately the economic situation in America which is the number one problem. I feel none are going to change anything. All have been in government long enough to do something and they haven’t.
To me Senator Obama is like a cheap pie, all crust and no filling. But the Media is so backing this guy they just shove him down our throats every chance they get. No other candidate can run against him because the Media runs them down. He gets tons of free publicity on the TV stations and he is not asked hard questions, no one is publishing his background. It is a media set up. For those reasons and the Just-Like-Me theory it says I am not going to vote for him.
Senator Clinton - you have to be kidding, but I will give her big credit for busting ass in this campaign and fighting on even when the media is knocking her down, but again the Just-Like-Me comes into play - plus I don’t think she has any idea about the economy.
Senator McClain is not Just-Like-Me. Old, white and a man, yes, but I don’t agree with all of his views and frankly he puts you to sleep listening to him.
The only logical choice is to write in OutRaged Richard or vote for Ron Paul for president.
Before in elections, I was home free because all the candidates were Just-Like Me - old white guys. This year is an entirely different story; we have a black guy, a white woman, and an old white guy running. I hear more and more people saying I am going to vote for so and so because he is black, like me, or they are voting for the woman because she is like me or I am going to vote for the old white guy because he is Just-Like-Me.
Let me say I am not happy with any of the candiates. None address adequately the economic situation in America which is the number one problem. I feel none are going to change anything. All have been in government long enough to do something and they haven’t.
To me Senator Obama is like a cheap pie, all crust and no filling. But the Media is so backing this guy they just shove him down our throats every chance they get. No other candidate can run against him because the Media runs them down. He gets tons of free publicity on the TV stations and he is not asked hard questions, no one is publishing his background. It is a media set up. For those reasons and the Just-Like-Me theory it says I am not going to vote for him.
Senator Clinton - you have to be kidding, but I will give her big credit for busting ass in this campaign and fighting on even when the media is knocking her down, but again the Just-Like-Me comes into play - plus I don’t think she has any idea about the economy.
Senator McClain is not Just-Like-Me. Old, white and a man, yes, but I don’t agree with all of his views and frankly he puts you to sleep listening to him.
The only logical choice is to write in OutRaged Richard or vote for Ron Paul for president.
Drinking in Delmar - 1904
From the "Delmar News" May 20, 1904
A DISGRACEFUL AFFAIR
One of the most disgraceful affairs that has taken place in Delmar for some time past occurred last Saturday night. The participants in this affair were several young men from Salisbury, ably assisted by some from Delmar. The Salisbury boys came up on train No. 80, arriving here at 10 p.m. with the intention of having a good time drinking brandy, purchased from a nearby distillery. They loaded up in a wagon and drove out into the country where it is said that all the brandy that was for sale was purchased. They returned to town and by the time they arrived here things were beginning to look double to them. From that time until the south bound passenger train at 2:50 a.m. they had a big time at least it seemed so to them. Several pistol shots were fired, and they had lots of amusement all to themselves, making things miserable for all who were unfortunate enough to be in the locality of the depot.
That young men will engage in anything so degrading is a disgrace to mankind, and there should be a law to prevent such affairs. It also appears to us that if we are to have no saloon we should also not tolerate such an affair as that of Saturday night. When the saloon was allowed to exist in Delmar we were not disgraced to any greater extent than this affair is a disgrace. If we are to have no saloon why should not the law affecting the sale of intoxicants be enforced to it's fullest extent?
A DISGRACEFUL AFFAIR
One of the most disgraceful affairs that has taken place in Delmar for some time past occurred last Saturday night. The participants in this affair were several young men from Salisbury, ably assisted by some from Delmar. The Salisbury boys came up on train No. 80, arriving here at 10 p.m. with the intention of having a good time drinking brandy, purchased from a nearby distillery. They loaded up in a wagon and drove out into the country where it is said that all the brandy that was for sale was purchased. They returned to town and by the time they arrived here things were beginning to look double to them. From that time until the south bound passenger train at 2:50 a.m. they had a big time at least it seemed so to them. Several pistol shots were fired, and they had lots of amusement all to themselves, making things miserable for all who were unfortunate enough to be in the locality of the depot.
That young men will engage in anything so degrading is a disgrace to mankind, and there should be a law to prevent such affairs. It also appears to us that if we are to have no saloon we should also not tolerate such an affair as that of Saturday night. When the saloon was allowed to exist in Delmar we were not disgraced to any greater extent than this affair is a disgrace. If we are to have no saloon why should not the law affecting the sale of intoxicants be enforced to it's fullest extent?
Men Vs Women and Movies
I was watching the movie "The Curse of the Golden Flower", which I thought was good, and had a fleeing thought to ask my two daughters to join me in watching it. I realised however it was pointless to ask them as there is a totally different world between which movies men enjoy and what movies women enjoy. Since I just have daughters and no sons, the movies I enjoy I usually enjoy alone as they have no appreciation of the Dirty Harry Movies, "Braveheart," "Saving Private Ryan," "Apocalypse Now," "Reservoir Dogs," etc. I, however, have sit thru those mind numbing movies they watch like "Steel Magnolias", "The Ya Ya Sisterhood,""Pretty Woman" etc.
I have tried to have them appreciate the humor of the Three Stooges - nothing, they actually thought the Three Stooges movies were stupid!!
I have tried to teach them the classic movie quotes so they could use them in intelligent conversation, like;
"Badges? We Ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges. I don't have to show you any stinking badges." (The Treasure of the Sierra Madre)
"What we have is a failure to communicate" (Cool Hand Luke)
"Make him an offer he can't refuse" (The Godfather)
"I love the smell of napalm in the morning" (Apocalypse Now)
"Say hello to my leetle friend" (Scarface)
""You can't Handle the truth" (A few Good Men)
"Lets Play Global Thermonuclear War" (War Games)
"I'll be back" ( The Terminator)
"Go Ahead, make my day" (Sudden Impact)
"Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?" (Dirty Harry)
But it is useless, I have never heard them use any of those quotes.
I have tried to have them appreciate the humor of the Three Stooges - nothing, they actually thought the Three Stooges movies were stupid!!
I have tried to teach them the classic movie quotes so they could use them in intelligent conversation, like;
"Badges? We Ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges. I don't have to show you any stinking badges." (The Treasure of the Sierra Madre)
"What we have is a failure to communicate" (Cool Hand Luke)
"Make him an offer he can't refuse" (The Godfather)
"I love the smell of napalm in the morning" (Apocalypse Now)
"Say hello to my leetle friend" (Scarface)
""You can't Handle the truth" (A few Good Men)
"Lets Play Global Thermonuclear War" (War Games)
"I'll be back" ( The Terminator)
"Go Ahead, make my day" (Sudden Impact)
"Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?" (Dirty Harry)
But it is useless, I have never heard them use any of those quotes.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Where are the birds?
I have noticed the LACK of small birds (Wrens, Titmouses or titmice, Sparrows etc) in my backyard. This has occurred in the past week. Did the rain drive them away somewhere?
North Water Tower Dump
The North Water Tower is being drained for it's inspection. The North water tank is a single pedestal elevated storage tank that holds 250,000 gallons (at 8.33 pounds a gallon that is over 2 million pounds up there). The tank is about 125 feet in height and when full the water level elevation is 119.5 feet above ground level.
The North water tower was built in 1999 by Brown Steel construction (Caldwell Tanks). The cost was $700,000 and funding was provided by USDA Rural Development with a split of Delaware 41% and Maryland 59%.
There is a drainage pond on the grounds that is there specifically for when the tower is drained.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Evita at the Dupont Theatre
We went to the Dupont Theatre in Wilmington today to see "Evita". A great musical and I don't care what people think of Madonna, she made the musical version that is the standard for Evita. Anytime you see the live production you compare it to the Madonna version.
This version however is another story. The Performers; Malia Tippets (Eva Peron). Omar Lopez-Cepero (Che), Philip Peterson (Juan Peron), and Munib Raad (Magaldi) all did well in their parts. For some reason this production did not work. I know for some one from the ass end of Delaware to comment that a national tour of Evita isn't up to par may seem ridiculous but altho the parts were all good the total production was not. I can't put my finger on it but it didn't work as well as I had expected.
A second problem was; it was sold out and when we brought the tickets the best we could do was on the mezzanine. If you have ever sit on the mezzanine floor at the Dupont theatre you know the seating is designed for a 4 and 1/2 foot tall person that weights 75 pounds. You can not stretch your feet out nor can you even bring your legs together due to the curve of the street in front of you. It was like sitting in the center seat on a four hour airplane flight.
The Laurel Train Station
The Laurel Train Station was also open today on the tour. As you can see from the photos below there is a lot of work to be done. I am under the impression this station building was built in the 1920's. I will not again repeat the story about how the Delmar train station was offered to the town for the sum of one dollar and the town refused it. The Delmar train station was eventually torn down as was the old Delmar school and a number of other historical buildings in Delmar. But if you do not have support to maintain these buildings it is better to see them go then for them to be an eyesore. The Laurel station however has been under restoration since the mid 1990's and looking at it there will be another ten years until it is complete. The exterior however has been given a face lift. Some of the special features in the building are; terrazzo tile on border of floors, slate roof, brick waiting platform, ticket counter, cove type ceilings.
St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal Church
I went on the Laurel Historical Society House tour today and one of the highlights was St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal Church. The church was open today and for a country church it is spectacular. A fresh coat of paint had been given the church and the inside sparkles. St. Mark's was one of six churches that were part of Old Christ Church. The other's were St. John's in Little Hill, St. Luke in Seaford, St. Philip's in Laurel and St. Andrew's in Ellis Grove (later used as the parish house for St. Marks.) With the exception of the aluminium siding, Storm widows and ceiling the building is all original.
St. Mark's was founded in 1857 by Rev. Richard Cadle who died in the same year. I guess it shows the stress of starting up a new church.
The last regular service was held in 1963 It was closed because of the lack of people attending it and it was described as not dynamic.
I have done a previous post on this church.
Friday, May 16, 2008
A Couple of Amusing Posts
I see over on Ponder Mints he is listing his most popular posts. The Post, he did, that I found amusing was his Murphy Law post, describing changing the oil in his car. I think we can all relate to trying to fix something ourselves and having it end up costing twice or more of what it would have cost if we paid someone to do it.
Another one I enjoyed is over at Civil 3D Rocks where Dana Breig Probert writes to her defunct laptop. A high percentage of her posts I enjoy and that is in spite of her exposure to Canadians (She lived there a while). After working for a Canadian owned company in Snow Hill Maryland I have a high distrust of Canadians. I think they are posed to invade the US, why else would 90% of the population live next to our border. The French speaking ones you particularly can't trust.
Another one I enjoyed is over at Civil 3D Rocks where Dana Breig Probert writes to her defunct laptop. A high percentage of her posts I enjoy and that is in spite of her exposure to Canadians (She lived there a while). After working for a Canadian owned company in Snow Hill Maryland I have a high distrust of Canadians. I think they are posed to invade the US, why else would 90% of the population live next to our border. The French speaking ones you particularly can't trust.
The Delmar School Band 2008 Spring Concert
Well after a false start on Monday, when it was cancelled due to that little bit of rain we had, the School Band Concert came off last night. Under the direction of David Smith the Sixth Grade Band, the Middle School band, the High School Band and the Jazz band performed. All in under three hours. As I said; Mr. Smith’s band students range from 6th grade through 12th grade, and as each band played you could see the progression their talent took in the step up to the next band level. For every performance, the obvious plan was to give it their all, and that’s exactly what they did.
It was a disappointment to see the auditorium only at about 80% capacity. For a concert that featured the three bands in one evening the auditorium should have been Standing Room Only. Particularly since this is a free event and family orientated.
The Sixth Grade Band
The Sixth Grade Band did an amazing job considering their age and experience. I think the best number they did, out of the five numbers, was “Rock Around The Clock”.
The Middle School Band (Seventh and Eight Grades) One of the good things to happen from when I videoed my children in band is video recorders have gotten smaller and do not block other peoples view.
The performance of the Middle School Band represented Delmar Middle School and the Delmar community with amazing skill and class. They performed six numbers and I think the best number was “When Camels Cakewalk To Cairo”.
The High School Band This year with out uniforms. The President of the Band Boosters said the uniforms had been order (at a cost of about $12,000) and should be here by fall.
High School Band selections performed include “Fanfare For The Common Man,” “1812 Overture,” “The Phantom Regiment,” “And Hold In Memory— featuring Solo and duet of Steven Smith and Michael Birely,” “Broadway In The 90’s featuring Alto Sax Solo of Annika Nichols and “Cartoon Symphony”.
The “1812 Overture” was the best for me as even a hard of hearing person can hear it. They also had the effects of cannons, sort of, during the number.
The Delmar High School Band is a prize of the Delmar community. People outside our community may look to bigger schools for exceptional musical talent. Believe it or not, exceptional musical talent can be found right in Delmar at our High School. An indication of this is the twelve band members selected from the Delmar High School band and the six members of the Middle School band selected for Sussex County Band.
Josh Smith doing a solo
And The Jazz Band did their usual thing.
It was a disappointment to see the auditorium only at about 80% capacity. For a concert that featured the three bands in one evening the auditorium should have been Standing Room Only. Particularly since this is a free event and family orientated.
The Sixth Grade Band
The Sixth Grade Band did an amazing job considering their age and experience. I think the best number they did, out of the five numbers, was “Rock Around The Clock”.
The Middle School Band (Seventh and Eight Grades) One of the good things to happen from when I videoed my children in band is video recorders have gotten smaller and do not block other peoples view.
The performance of the Middle School Band represented Delmar Middle School and the Delmar community with amazing skill and class. They performed six numbers and I think the best number was “When Camels Cakewalk To Cairo”.
The High School Band This year with out uniforms. The President of the Band Boosters said the uniforms had been order (at a cost of about $12,000) and should be here by fall.
High School Band selections performed include “Fanfare For The Common Man,” “1812 Overture,” “The Phantom Regiment,” “And Hold In Memory— featuring Solo and duet of Steven Smith and Michael Birely,” “Broadway In The 90’s featuring Alto Sax Solo of Annika Nichols and “Cartoon Symphony”.
The “1812 Overture” was the best for me as even a hard of hearing person can hear it. They also had the effects of cannons, sort of, during the number.
The Delmar High School Band is a prize of the Delmar community. People outside our community may look to bigger schools for exceptional musical talent. Believe it or not, exceptional musical talent can be found right in Delmar at our High School. An indication of this is the twelve band members selected from the Delmar High School band and the six members of the Middle School band selected for Sussex County Band.
Josh Smith doing a solo
And The Jazz Band did their usual thing.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Events For the Weekend
Wow, the middle of May must be the prime weekend for events. Besides all of those events you will read about in the Daily Times here are some others of interest to me.
Salisbury University graduates this weekend at the Wicomico County Civic Center.
The Delmar Library is having a book sale at the Library on Saturday morning.
The Nursing Home in Delmar is having a Family Fun Day from 1 to 4 PM, Delmar Band will be there.
Saturday is Armed Forces Day
The Laurel Strawberry Festival is on Saturday at St. Philips Episcopal Church starting at 7:30 A. M. with Scrapple sandwiches available.
Connected with the Strawberry Festival is the tour the Laurel Historical Society will have open. Some of the places that will be open is the Henry store, St Marks Church, the two houses the Laurel Historical society owns etc.
Salisbury University graduates this weekend at the Wicomico County Civic Center.
The Delmar Library is having a book sale at the Library on Saturday morning.
The Nursing Home in Delmar is having a Family Fun Day from 1 to 4 PM, Delmar Band will be there.
Saturday is Armed Forces Day
The Laurel Strawberry Festival is on Saturday at St. Philips Episcopal Church starting at 7:30 A. M. with Scrapple sandwiches available.
Connected with the Strawberry Festival is the tour the Laurel Historical Society will have open. Some of the places that will be open is the Henry store, St Marks Church, the two houses the Laurel Historical society owns etc.
The Bailiff of Delmar Maryland
Since it is Police week it would be appropriate for me to write about the Bailiff job in Delmar, Maryland. Prior to having a policeman or police force, Delmar Maryland had a position known as Bailiff. In the Town Charter are a number of standard clauses about what the town can do. Usually protect and safeguard the citizens was one. Also however was maintain the streets. The Bailiff position started out as safeguarding the citizens but by the 1900's the duty of Public works or Street Commissioner was also added. In addition he collected Town taxes. This was before government and civilian positions became specialized and everyone was expected to do what ever was required to make the town work.
On June 12th 1912 Mr. William B. Elliott was appointed the town Bailiff. He replaced Mr. Daniel H. O'Neal as bailiff. Because the bailiff collected taxes he had to post a $100 bond.
"Now the conditions of the above bond are such that the said William B. Elliott shall faithfully perform the duties of Bailliff of the Town of Delmar, Maryland, and shall pay over all mony coming into his hands, and perform all acts and duties of said office, then this bond shall be void, other wise, to remain in full force and virtue of law.
Witness our hands and seals, this 28th day of June 1912."
Bailiff Elliott, who was about 62 years of age in 1912, was paid a percentage of the taxes he collected. This percentage appears to have been in the 15% to 20% range.
His job as law enforcer in Delmar was to keep the peace and enforce ordinances. I did not see a reference to the pay he received for this but other bailiffs in the area would receive a percentage of the fine imposed by the Justice of the Peace(about half of the fine) and a bounty of about 30 cents on each person picked up. From the Delmar Maryland Council minutes we see he was ordered on May 11, 1914 to break up ball playing on the streets of Delmar, Md. He was also in the same meeting told to notify Chas Sturgis to take out a town license or abide by the law. In February 2, 1914 the council ordered him to prevent skating on the street of Delmar, Maryland. Extra assistant bailiffs were hired for his absences and on February 2, 1914 Thomas C. Knotts was appointed to act as backup bailiff.
His pay was broken down into the type of job he was doing at the time, thusly his police duty was paid separate, his tax collecting was paid separate and his street commissioner job was paid separate.
In 1912 when he was appointed bailiff the council paid him 15 cents an hour plus 10 cents more if he used his horse, showing that the labor of a man was worth 50% more than the labor of a horse. This pay seems to have been related to the work on the streets he had to do. Part of his street work consisted of rounding up men to work on the streets. As readers of this blog know from a previous post in 1912 all men between 21 to 50 living in Delmar were required to work one day a year to maintain the streets. In addition I am of the impression he hauled the cinders and shells around the town patching pot holes in the street. In 1913 he was paid $451 dollars for street work.
William B. Elliott had the Elliott Brickworks located on the west side of Delmar. I hope to do more on the brickworks when I do a post on west Delmar and Frogtown.
On June 12th 1912 Mr. William B. Elliott was appointed the town Bailiff. He replaced Mr. Daniel H. O'Neal as bailiff. Because the bailiff collected taxes he had to post a $100 bond.
"Now the conditions of the above bond are such that the said William B. Elliott shall faithfully perform the duties of Bailliff of the Town of Delmar, Maryland, and shall pay over all mony coming into his hands, and perform all acts and duties of said office, then this bond shall be void, other wise, to remain in full force and virtue of law.
Witness our hands and seals, this 28th day of June 1912."
Bailiff Elliott, who was about 62 years of age in 1912, was paid a percentage of the taxes he collected. This percentage appears to have been in the 15% to 20% range.
His job as law enforcer in Delmar was to keep the peace and enforce ordinances. I did not see a reference to the pay he received for this but other bailiffs in the area would receive a percentage of the fine imposed by the Justice of the Peace(about half of the fine) and a bounty of about 30 cents on each person picked up. From the Delmar Maryland Council minutes we see he was ordered on May 11, 1914 to break up ball playing on the streets of Delmar, Md. He was also in the same meeting told to notify Chas Sturgis to take out a town license or abide by the law. In February 2, 1914 the council ordered him to prevent skating on the street of Delmar, Maryland. Extra assistant bailiffs were hired for his absences and on February 2, 1914 Thomas C. Knotts was appointed to act as backup bailiff.
His pay was broken down into the type of job he was doing at the time, thusly his police duty was paid separate, his tax collecting was paid separate and his street commissioner job was paid separate.
In 1912 when he was appointed bailiff the council paid him 15 cents an hour plus 10 cents more if he used his horse, showing that the labor of a man was worth 50% more than the labor of a horse. This pay seems to have been related to the work on the streets he had to do. Part of his street work consisted of rounding up men to work on the streets. As readers of this blog know from a previous post in 1912 all men between 21 to 50 living in Delmar were required to work one day a year to maintain the streets. In addition I am of the impression he hauled the cinders and shells around the town patching pot holes in the street. In 1913 he was paid $451 dollars for street work.
William B. Elliott had the Elliott Brickworks located on the west side of Delmar. I hope to do more on the brickworks when I do a post on west Delmar and Frogtown.
Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week
As pointed out by a commenter to one of my posts this is Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week. Frankly it is a day I have not known about or paid much attention too. It was created on October 1, 1961 by way of Public Law 87-726 It pays tribute to those who serve in Law enforcement and those who have died in the line of duty. It is suppose to be a day on which the American Flag is flown at half staff, so we will see how many government agencies observe this today. I see the Delmar Post Office, for one, isn't observing it today. So give your Delmar policeman a hug to day and wish him the best.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Ellen Brown - 1937
From the Milford Chronicle May 14, 1937
DELMAR GIRL WINNER IN EIGHTH ANNUAL GORGAS ESSAY CONTEST
Miss Ellen Brown, 16 years old, a junior in the Delmar High school, was the Delaware State winner of the Eighth Annual Gorgas Essay Contest, according to the announcement of Admiral Cary T. Grayson, chairman of the board of directors of the Gorgas Memorial Institute. The State winners receive checks for $10 each, and their essays enter into the competition for the national prize.
The Gorgas Essay Contest, conducted each year by the Gorgas Memorial Institute as a part of its program of Personal Health Education, attracts the efforts of thousands of high school students throughout the nation.
DELMAR GIRL WINNER IN EIGHTH ANNUAL GORGAS ESSAY CONTEST
Miss Ellen Brown, 16 years old, a junior in the Delmar High school, was the Delaware State winner of the Eighth Annual Gorgas Essay Contest, according to the announcement of Admiral Cary T. Grayson, chairman of the board of directors of the Gorgas Memorial Institute. The State winners receive checks for $10 each, and their essays enter into the competition for the national prize.
The Gorgas Essay Contest, conducted each year by the Gorgas Memorial Institute as a part of its program of Personal Health Education, attracts the efforts of thousands of high school students throughout the nation.
Shawn Brittingham Wins School Election
As reported in the News Journal Shawn Brittingham received 143 votes to Greg Cathell's 66 votes. This will be Shawn's third term on the Delmar School District Board of Education
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Air Mobility Command Museum
I was in Dover today and had an hour or two to kill so I went by the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover Air Force Base. It is a great place to go if you like military planes and it is FREE. At the time I visited there was not many other visitors so you didn't feel pushed along looking at things. With Armed Forces Day coming up I sure it will be very busy.
Some of the aircraft's they have are; B-17, C-47, BT-13, KC-97 C-130, C-7, C-119, and more and more, about 25 aircraft's.
An interesting fact they had on a display was a C-5 carries 6 and half railcars of fuel.
Some planes are inside the hanger and others are outside.
I was in the Air Force a long time ago and many people think if you are in the Air Force you fly, well not everyone. In the four years I was in I never flew on an Air Force plane. Any long range travel I did was by contractor aircraft. The last year I was in I did most of my traveling by Army ships (Yes the Army has Ships - AKL's, LCM's, LCT's landing craft). My experience is not much different from many other Air Force personnel.
Howard in 1965 on board an Army AKL somewhere in the South China Sea
The Butcher of Armitsar
Today in 1919 British Indian Army Gen. R.E.H. Dyer (the butcher of Armitsar,) with a group of 90 Indian Army soldiers marched into the garden at Amritsar, Punjab, India and ordered them to open fire on a protest meeting attended by some 10,000 unarmed men women and children. Within ten minutes 379 people were dead with several hundred more were wounded. You may recall that scene from the movie “Gandhi”.
General Dyer was praised by the British and his and the British actions converted thousands of loyal Indians to hatred for the British. He was relieved of his command and sent to England where he was viewed a hero to many British admirers, who presented him with a collected purse of 26,000 pounds sterling and a jeweled sword inscribed "Saviour of the Punjab."
The British view was not unlike the American view of Lt Calla when the My Lai Massacre occurred. The American VFW attempted to collect $100,000 to help with legal expenses to defend his actions and called anyone who referred to Lt Calla as a butcher as being Un-American.
General Dyer was praised by the British and his and the British actions converted thousands of loyal Indians to hatred for the British. He was relieved of his command and sent to England where he was viewed a hero to many British admirers, who presented him with a collected purse of 26,000 pounds sterling and a jeweled sword inscribed "Saviour of the Punjab."
The British view was not unlike the American view of Lt Calla when the My Lai Massacre occurred. The American VFW attempted to collect $100,000 to help with legal expenses to defend his actions and called anyone who referred to Lt Calla as a butcher as being Un-American.
School Board Election Today
Today Tuesday, May 13th between 10 A.M. to 8 P.M. you can vote at the Delmar High School for either; Shawn B. Brittingham or Gregory A. Cathell, to fill a five year term on the Delmar Board of Education. Voters must be 18 years of age, a Bona Fide resident of the school district, living in Delaware, and a Citizen of the United States.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
William L. Sirman
William L. Sirman (Sirmon)was one of the Delmar town leaders in the late 1800's. He was born in 1840 and was in Delmar by the early 1860's. He was a teacher, merchant, Railroad agent, Postmaster, Adams Express agent, farmer, Delaware House Majority leader in 1891, an unsuccessful candidate for Governor of Delaware, Justice of the Peace, lumber and manufacturer and on most of the commissions, boards and council in Delmar.
Little can be written about the early years of Delmar that he or his family does not figure into it some way. Past posts I have written refers to his general store, Sirman and Co, being burnt in the big fire of 1892 and his son William B Sirman who was part owner of the cane mill I wrote about a few days ago. An 1868 ad refers to his store as Wm. L. Sirman and Co. Dealer in dry goods, groceries, hardware, tin ware, queensware, and all kind of county produce, lumber and P. M. (Postmaster).
He was the son of William and Mary Sirman (Sirmon). His wife was Martha Ellen Augusta Gordy and he had two sons; William B, and Edwin T. His wife died in 1899. His sons worked in his operations until the early 1900's when they went to work for the railroad. Edwin T. continue to live in Delmar and William B. went to Norfolk with the Railroad. In the early 1900's William L. Sirman died and his empire seem to have fallen apart after his death. His empire had pretty much dwindled before then. He lost heavily in the fire of 1892. The second major fire in Delmar of 1902 started in his stable and burnt 50 homes that had been constructed after the 1892 fire. In the two fires W. L. Sirman lost over $65,000.
Since I have been writing about mills what I want to write about was the mills owned by William L Sirman. In 1868 W L Sirman (Sirmon) erected a steam driven sawmill on the west side of Delmar. In 1883 he moved the mill to the East side of Delmar, more specifically between First and Second Street on Grove Street. In addition to the saw mill he also had W. L. Sirmon Basket And Crate Company next to the saw mill. The saw mill was steam driven and the steam was produced by burning the waste produced from the saw mill it self. The saw mill could produce 5,000 feet per day and operated 11 months out of the year. It employed ten men plus the men in the Basket plant.
In the early 1900's Grove street was paved in cinders. Like most Eastern shore towns used clam or oyster shells to pave the street, but Delmar also used cinders obtained from the Rail Road operation in Delmar and used them to pave the streets. At the corner of First and Grove Street, on the North Side, stood the Delmar Public school, next to it was a Carpenter's shop and than the W. L. Sirmon Saw Mill and Basket Company. Behind the Basket Company on Second Street stood a 10 by 10 building referred to as the Jail. You have to imagine students back then, at this time of year, in an "Un-air conditioned" school house trying to study with the windows open and listening to the scream of the saw at the saw mill. They could also listen to the trains going thru town a block away and the teamster hauling logs to the saw mill and than hauling lumber and baskets away. Besides the sounds, there would also be the smell of mules pulling wagons, the smell of fresh cut wood from the mill and the smell of smoke from the fires that feed the steam boilers for the saw mill. Like I said the business went away in the early 1900's and residential houses were built in it's place.
The second saw mill he had was near Hastings Saw Mill on Connelly Mill Road. In 1880 he had six employees, 2 boilers, a 25 HP engine at that saw mill.
In addition to the saw mills W. L. Sirmon, Elijah Freeny and M. H. Fooks operated a brick yard near Delmar from 1864 to 1866.
Little can be written about the early years of Delmar that he or his family does not figure into it some way. Past posts I have written refers to his general store, Sirman and Co, being burnt in the big fire of 1892 and his son William B Sirman who was part owner of the cane mill I wrote about a few days ago. An 1868 ad refers to his store as Wm. L. Sirman and Co. Dealer in dry goods, groceries, hardware, tin ware, queensware, and all kind of county produce, lumber and P. M. (Postmaster).
He was the son of William and Mary Sirman (Sirmon). His wife was Martha Ellen Augusta Gordy and he had two sons; William B, and Edwin T. His wife died in 1899. His sons worked in his operations until the early 1900's when they went to work for the railroad. Edwin T. continue to live in Delmar and William B. went to Norfolk with the Railroad. In the early 1900's William L. Sirman died and his empire seem to have fallen apart after his death. His empire had pretty much dwindled before then. He lost heavily in the fire of 1892. The second major fire in Delmar of 1902 started in his stable and burnt 50 homes that had been constructed after the 1892 fire. In the two fires W. L. Sirman lost over $65,000.
Since I have been writing about mills what I want to write about was the mills owned by William L Sirman. In 1868 W L Sirman (Sirmon) erected a steam driven sawmill on the west side of Delmar. In 1883 he moved the mill to the East side of Delmar, more specifically between First and Second Street on Grove Street. In addition to the saw mill he also had W. L. Sirmon Basket And Crate Company next to the saw mill. The saw mill was steam driven and the steam was produced by burning the waste produced from the saw mill it self. The saw mill could produce 5,000 feet per day and operated 11 months out of the year. It employed ten men plus the men in the Basket plant.
In the early 1900's Grove street was paved in cinders. Like most Eastern shore towns used clam or oyster shells to pave the street, but Delmar also used cinders obtained from the Rail Road operation in Delmar and used them to pave the streets. At the corner of First and Grove Street, on the North Side, stood the Delmar Public school, next to it was a Carpenter's shop and than the W. L. Sirmon Saw Mill and Basket Company. Behind the Basket Company on Second Street stood a 10 by 10 building referred to as the Jail. You have to imagine students back then, at this time of year, in an "Un-air conditioned" school house trying to study with the windows open and listening to the scream of the saw at the saw mill. They could also listen to the trains going thru town a block away and the teamster hauling logs to the saw mill and than hauling lumber and baskets away. Besides the sounds, there would also be the smell of mules pulling wagons, the smell of fresh cut wood from the mill and the smell of smoke from the fires that feed the steam boilers for the saw mill. Like I said the business went away in the early 1900's and residential houses were built in it's place.
The second saw mill he had was near Hastings Saw Mill on Connelly Mill Road. In 1880 he had six employees, 2 boilers, a 25 HP engine at that saw mill.
In addition to the saw mills W. L. Sirmon, Elijah Freeny and M. H. Fooks operated a brick yard near Delmar from 1864 to 1866.
State Checkbook
I had forgotten (there is just too much information out there) about the State of Delaware Checkbook being on line at the News Journal site. As Shawn Brittingham pointed out most of the school district checks are cut by the state so somewhere in this should be school district checks. I think it is difficult to use as you need to know a vendor name or Department name. However check it out. As a starting point you can type in "Delmar" and the checks cut to the Town of Delmar, Delmar Fire department, Delmar School District, Delmar Auto, etc will come up. Maybe try putting in school teachers last names or Mayor and Council people last names, or town employees, etc, etc to see what comes up. Some of the checks make you wonder why - like why Delmar Feed Mills receive a rent subsidy check from the State Housing Authority. I guess they own a house somewhere they are renting. Actual putting in "Laurel" amazes me as the town of Laurel and other organizations in Laurel really get a lot of grant money. I am sure if you play with it you can figure out how to use it and it will amuse you on rainy days.
