Delaware, U.S., Marriage Records, 1750-1954
Past In Review from 02-26-2004
100 years ago
Feb. 27, 1904
Light and Water affairs
Since the letter of “Pro Bono Publico,” was published in our last issue we have made an investigation and find that the larger part of our correspondent’s remarks are justifiable. The Light and Water Commission has started to dig a new well within a comparatively few feet of the abandoned ones, and it is expected to seek to bond the town in a further sum of several thousand dollars to pay for this work and that already done.
It is urged that the operation if the entire Light and Water plant on which there has been spent already about $60,000, is now dependent upon the action of one pump and one well. Should that pump break down or should that well refuse to furnish water, the whole plant would be forced to suspend. Therefore, it is necessary to do something. To this we think there can be no objection. But the question raised by our correspondent is in substance, “Is this the proper course to pursue?”
We admit frankly and freely that we do not know. To put down another well to the same water supply from which the present well is drawing, does not increase the quantity of water, which may be drawn, nor does it wholly safeguard against breakdowns. Should the supply of water be abundant another well will, of course, furnish as much or more water than the present one does, but if the present pump is nearly, or quite, furnishing all the water to be had form that particular source, another pump would not be had from that particular source another pump would not be of much avail. On this point, we believe that no one can be certain until another well is sunk. Then again while it is expected that both pumps will not break down at the same moment, it is usually the unexpected that happens.
We are informed that the Light and Water Commission has endeavored to secure all the light possible on the situation, but that those who should be experts, confess themselves as entirely at fault. A geologist who was preparing a report for the United States Government wrote that he was surprised that rock was not struck at several hundred feet higher than the greatest depth obtained.
We are promised for our next issue a report covering the eleven years work of the commission and it will present many interesting facts.
75 years ago
Feb. 28, 1929
Red Lion
Miss Frances Whittington entertained friends from Newark, Sunday.
Mrs. Harold Dayton spent the weekend with relatives at Salisbury, Md.
March 3rd Sunday School at 9:30; at 10:45 a.m. the pastor, Rev. Harry Taylor, will preach.
Edgar D. Gemeny, of Claybourn, Va., was a caller on a number of friends in this vicinity Tuesday.
Rev. and Mrs. Harry Taylor were entertained at Mr. and Mrs. Lee Richards’ Monday afternoon.
Mrs. Richmond Reed spent Sunday with her daughter, Mrs. Harvey Stradley and family, at Stanton.
John F. Richardson spent Washington’s Birthday with Daniel Johnson and family, in Kirkwood.
Miss Emily Ratledge spent the weekend with her sister, Mrs. A. Arthur Powell and family, at Moylan, Pa.
Mr. and Mrs. Corbit Davidson, of Wilmington, was the weekend guest of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Birros.
Little Evan Miller, Jr., of Wilmington, was the weekend guest of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Burris.
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred F. Davidson and children were entertained at dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Wilson, at Lyndalia, Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Russell and daughter, Dorothy, of Landenburg, Pa., spent Tuesday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Marsey.
Miss Marian Moody, of Women’s College, Newark, spent Washington’s Birthday and the weekend with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Moody.
Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Burris visited his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Burris, at Clayton Sunday, Mr. Burris accompanied them home for a short visit.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Sterling entertained Sunday; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bolden, of Sterling, 3d, Woodie Swain and William F. Silver.
County Treasurer and Mrs. Walter Burris attended a birthday dinner in honor of their grandson, Master Evan Miller, Jr., at the home of his parents in Wilmington, Washington’s birthday.
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred F. Davidson entertained about 30 friends and relatives Thursday evening in honor of Mrs. Davidson’s birthday. Games were played, refreshments served, and a pleasant time was had by all.
Mr. and Mrs. William T. Harrington entertained Sunday, in honor of the birthday of Mr. Harrington and also their grandson, George Robert Moore. Those present beside Mr. and Mrs. Harrington and daughter, Edyth, were: Mrs. Mary Harrington, George Harrington, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Moore and children, Abram Fox, Miss Bessie Davis, Mrs. Mary Moore and Robert Moore, of near New Castle; Mrs. Edward Pinder and son, George, of New Castle, were Sunday afternoon callers.
50 years ago
Feb. 18, 1954
Central Grange Met Tuesday Evening
Mrs. C. Lansdale, Guest Urges Organization Of Juvenile Grange
Central Grange No. 61 of Port Penn met last Tuesday night with worthy Master Joseph Schmidt presiding. The members inspected recent improvements made to the grange kitchen. A rising vote of thanks was given to Mr. Schmidt for his contribution.
Mrs. Millie Elston, Home Economics chairman, reported that the luncheon served to the Feed School, sponsored by the Extension Service of the University of Delaware, in Odessa was a success and netted the grange a profit of $38.57.
Mrs. Charlotte B. Lansdale, a member of Peach Blossom Grange, and State Juvenile Superintendent of the Delaware Grange, was present and gave greetings to Central members and stated that her dream, was that a juvenile grange will be organized in Port Penn. Primary surveys indicate that there is need for such an organization in this historic town.
A resolution was read concerning a way to destroy redwinged blackbirds, grackles, and crowbirds. Central Grange took no action at this time but will discuss it in the near future. These birds are becoming a greater menace to the farmers on this tri-state area every year.
Former Master’s pin, long overdue, was presented to Mr. Baxter on behalf of the grange, by Mr. Moore.
Daniel Williams, Jr., lecturer, was in charge of the lecturer’s hour. He had arranged for a debate on the subject. “The Husband Should Control The Pursestrings.” On the affirmative were: Mr. Phillips, Mr. Baxter and Raymond Haffen. On the negative side were: Mrs. Schmidt, Mrs. Williams and Mrs. P. R. Elston. William Kux was judge. The debate was humerous and heated with much scorn coming from each side. The ladies won the debate following a one-minute rebuttal given by Mr. Phillips and Mrs. Elston. The point that seemed to make more sense than any other was that everything a man knows about his home and budgets, he learned from his mother.
Feb. 25, 1954
Townsend
Frank Marsden, of Elmira, N.Y. was a visitor here on Monday.
Mr. John Dourner of Philaelphia visited friends here on Thursday.
Mr. Benjamin Keirsson, of Wilmington, spent one day here the past week.
If you go to sleep while driving a car there’s no telling where you’ll wake up --if you do.
Never miss a chance to make other people happy, even if you have to leave them alone to do it.
Joseph C. Medders, of Betterton, Md., and his brother Harry from Chestertown were visitors here on Monday.
“Why do people gamble?” asks a news writer. For various reasons -- the principal one being that they want to win.
Mr. Elwood Rheim, of Wilmington visited at the home of his sister, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Reynolds, the past weekend.
Mr. Jerome Skaggs of Greensboro, Md., has been visiting his mother, Mrs. Rosie Skaggs and other relatives.
Mrs. Rodney Baker has been ill the past several days with a leg condition from which her many friends hope she will soon recover.
An editor says this would be a weary world indeed if everybody were alike. Yes, and with everybody different there’s still a lot to be desired.
Dance as usual this Friday night in the Townsend Fire House by the Fire Co. All efforts are made to help make money for necessities required.
Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Shockley, of Easton, Md., visited relatives here on Monday stopping at Kenton on their return trip to see their niece, Mrs. Samuel Weigel and daughter, Sherrill Ann.
The people of this locality are looking forward to the opening of the Antique Shop by Mrs. Elizabeth Beck, of Odessa, which is located on the south DuPont highway and Armstrong Corner Road.
Having spent two months of the winter with his daughter Mrs. Saybolt, of Philadelphia, Mrs. Albert E. Ginn has returned home and appeared much delighted with her visit to the city of Brotherly Love.
By mistake last week we stated that William Gill killed a wild goose as it flew over his head. It was in November 1898 instead of 1888 that the incident happened. The correction is made to keep the record straight.
