Saturday, July 23, 2011
Delmar Standpipe in 1921
The Standpipe (elevated Water Storage tank) was built in 1913. It was 12’ by 115’ and held 100,000 gallons of water. It was removed about the year 2000. To the left of it is the pump house that today is used as a public works office.
The system in 1923 had a 100,000 gallon storage tank (standpipe) that was 12’ by 115’, a 20’ by 40’ pump house, four wells, two Deming Triplex pumps, 44 fire hydrants and five miles of pipe. It was know as the Delmar Water Works. There were smaller water systems in Delmar prior to this one but they served very localized areas and not the entire town. The standpipe served the town from 1913 until about 2000. As with any water tower it was a landmark and reference point for the town. The water mains serves both sides of town. Each town at that time was approximately one half square mile in size.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Stone House and Stone Garage
The Stone House was built about 1904 by Theodore A. Veasey. He build the Stone House because he had the Veasey House across the street in Maryland and in 1903 Wicomico County decided to go dry putting a stop to his lucrative bar business in the Veasey House. In 1908 Sussex County went dry putting Mr. Veasey once again out of the bar business, but T. A. Veasey was not to be stopped and he changed the stone house into the Stone Garage and sold Overland automobiles. Veasey was into a little bit of everything. He owned hotels, distilleries, engaged in timber and fire insurance and was involved in both banks in Delmar. He married Augusta (Mary) Culver in 1894.
Theodore A. Veasey
Monday, July 18, 2011
Woodlawn Dairy - 1921
From the Progress Edition of the Peninsula News Delmar Delaware 1921
Woodlawn Dairy
John W. Culver, Prop.
The residents of Delmar are indeed fortunate in having an up-to-date dairy where pure milk can be obtained with sanitary surroundings. The Woodlawn Dairy, established 9 years ago and owned by Mr. John W. Culver, has a herd of twelve fine specimen of milch cows whose product is rich, free from unsanitary surrounding as many places are. The product of this dairy is known to all in this community and the demand is greater than the supply.
Mr. Culver, who takes great pride in his dairy and has built an enviable reputation for himself, is one of the most substantial citizens in this section of the State. He is virtually interested in farming, trucking, raising corn and berries and small fruits on his 25 acre tract which is a pleasing sight to behold and at all times every thing thereabouts is like unto a new pin.
Mr. Culver is practically a young man and still has a great future before him. His methods have been the cause of much favorable comment and commendation by the people of this section, and his moves are being watched with interest for they never know when he is going to spring something new on the community which will prove to be an advanced step.
Mr. Culver is a good substantial citizen and has always taken a keen interest in Delmar and vicinity, believing that a great future lies before it. He stands ready at all times to do anything within his power to advance its interests in order that it may have a place on the map such as it deserves.
With men possessed of activity and progress like Mr. Culver who are willing to do whatever they are called upon to do, this section is sure to take advanced strides.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Molded Concrete Block Construction in Delmar
Delmar has been destroyed by two catastrophic fires that destroyed the frame commercial district. The first was in 1892 and the second was in 1901. After the fire of 1901 the town tried to go a code requiring new building to be made of masonry construction. One of the building materials that was becoming popular at that time was molded concrete blocks. It was considered ‘modern,” it was fire resistant, it eliminated the danger of termite & rodent infestation, it needed no paint, and it was quick, cheap, and easy to make.
Delmar has a number of examples of molded concrete block construction. What is today the barber Shop but what started out as First National Bank of Delmar is constructed of molded concrete block, also the building next to it. Of interest the Barber Shop still has the original Bank vault in the back wall of the shop.
This is a nice example of a home built of molded concrete block
The Frank Brown Garage on first street is built of molded concrete block.
Some buildings used brick on the front and molded concrete block on the other three sides.
It was also very popular for foundations, porches, columns, and porch pillars
The prime time for molded concrete block construction was between 1900 to 1930 after 1930 it’s popularity faded.
The buildings constructed of concrete blocks showed a creative use of common inexpensive materials made to look like the more expensive and traditional wood-framed stone masonry building. The Face designs of the block seen most often were rock face, cobblestone, panel face and ashlar, plus it had ornamental potential as any number of wreaths, scrolls could be reproduced. If you look at the front of the barber shop you will see scroll designs faced blocked, in addition to the rock face design.
Helping to create the popularity of these molded blocks was Sears roebuck and Company. In this time period their house kits from a mailorder catalog was popular and although they did not sell the blocks they did sell house designs for molded blocks and machines to make your own block.
To cover all the bases Sears Roebuck offered its version of the block machine in 1905, asserting that ease of production was such that anyone could start their own cottage industry or make blocks for their personal use. The ideal being a farmer, in the winter and on rainy days could manufactured block for their own use or to sell. Due to the weight of the machine and the raw material; molded block were mostly made near towns on a railroad line or waterway.
They sold forms for all kinds of shapes - corners, round for porch columns; even column bases and capitals.
Sears sold a cast-iron machine called the Wizard, which builders used to make their own hollow-core forms by pouring a liquid mixture into the mold, allowing it to dry, slipping them out, and making more. Interchangeable molds allowed the builders to create different finishes: rough-cut stone, cobblestone, brick, diamond, and faux brick. Home owners could tint cornices or glaze their blocks with a glittery granite patina, which was highlighted during dusk and dawn.
Moulded concrete blocks were known by several names. Sometimes called “Art-Blocks”, and other times “Artificial Stone”, the attempts to append a new descriptive name to the product at the time showed that even then there was some resistance to the concept of “Concrete Blocks”.
At the time the concrete-block house was built it often had a matching garage. These early buildings can be identified by their narrow garage doors, originally built for Model T autos and a small storage space. As cars increased in size these garages were usually the first to be knocked down and replaced.
A Competitor of molded concrete blocks was formstone, of which there a couple examples of in the area. More about them later.
Delmar has a number of examples of molded concrete block construction. What is today the barber Shop but what started out as First National Bank of Delmar is constructed of molded concrete block, also the building next to it. Of interest the Barber Shop still has the original Bank vault in the back wall of the shop.
This is a nice example of a home built of molded concrete block
The Frank Brown Garage on first street is built of molded concrete block.
Some buildings used brick on the front and molded concrete block on the other three sides.
It was also very popular for foundations, porches, columns, and porch pillars
The prime time for molded concrete block construction was between 1900 to 1930 after 1930 it’s popularity faded.
The buildings constructed of concrete blocks showed a creative use of common inexpensive materials made to look like the more expensive and traditional wood-framed stone masonry building. The Face designs of the block seen most often were rock face, cobblestone, panel face and ashlar, plus it had ornamental potential as any number of wreaths, scrolls could be reproduced. If you look at the front of the barber shop you will see scroll designs faced blocked, in addition to the rock face design.
Helping to create the popularity of these molded blocks was Sears roebuck and Company. In this time period their house kits from a mailorder catalog was popular and although they did not sell the blocks they did sell house designs for molded blocks and machines to make your own block.
To cover all the bases Sears Roebuck offered its version of the block machine in 1905, asserting that ease of production was such that anyone could start their own cottage industry or make blocks for their personal use. The ideal being a farmer, in the winter and on rainy days could manufactured block for their own use or to sell. Due to the weight of the machine and the raw material; molded block were mostly made near towns on a railroad line or waterway.
They sold forms for all kinds of shapes - corners, round for porch columns; even column bases and capitals.
Sears sold a cast-iron machine called the Wizard, which builders used to make their own hollow-core forms by pouring a liquid mixture into the mold, allowing it to dry, slipping them out, and making more. Interchangeable molds allowed the builders to create different finishes: rough-cut stone, cobblestone, brick, diamond, and faux brick. Home owners could tint cornices or glaze their blocks with a glittery granite patina, which was highlighted during dusk and dawn.
Moulded concrete blocks were known by several names. Sometimes called “Art-Blocks”, and other times “Artificial Stone”, the attempts to append a new descriptive name to the product at the time showed that even then there was some resistance to the concept of “Concrete Blocks”.
At the time the concrete-block house was built it often had a matching garage. These early buildings can be identified by their narrow garage doors, originally built for Model T autos and a small storage space. As cars increased in size these garages were usually the first to be knocked down and replaced.
A Competitor of molded concrete blocks was formstone, of which there a couple examples of in the area. More about them later.
Harry Gibson - 1956
Harry Gibson, local fuel oil and coal dealer, was presented the Lions Distinguished Service Plaque at the regular dinner meeting of the Delmar Lions Club on Wednesday at the Avenue restaurant.
S. N. Culver - 1941
Click On Photo To Enlarge - Notice the misspelling? and notice the politically incorrect reference to suits for fat men? Even in 1941 the store had been in operation for 41 years.
Clyde Gordy - 1930
From State Register September 1930 - Delmar News
Clyde Gordy, colored, residing near Delmar, was instantly killed by lightning while sitting beside an open window in his home last Wednesday evening. His wife who was sitting beside him, was uninjured.
Clyde Gordy, colored, residing near Delmar, was instantly killed by lightning while sitting beside an open window in his home last Wednesday evening. His wife who was sitting beside him, was uninjured.
Friday, July 8, 2011
The First Night Of Art In The Park
The first night of Art In The Park happened last night and it was a success. Presented by the Delmar Historical and Arts Society and spearheaded by Faith Krebs, it was an hour and a half of great family orientated entertainment. The searing sun of the day had started to go down and with the shade of the trees and a light breeze it made it comfortable to sit outside. Art in The Park will be every Thursday In July from 6pm to 8pm. Its very community oriented, meaning whether you know the folks seated next to you on the grass you can become fast friends. Did I mention it is FREE.
Tonight the band was "13 South," a great local band with great sounds. They have been playing in the area for about a year.
Next week will be "Southern Sounds." The week of 7/21 will be "Allen Memorial Praise Band" and on July 28th the music of Frank Antion.
There were several vendors there and if you would like to be a vendor at next week's Art in the Park contact Faith Krebs at 302-846-2546 (tables $10). Also, for food and drink, you can buy from the vendors or you can bring any snacks or beverages you like and set up shop with your picnic goodies. Park only a short walk from the "venue" (after all this is Delmar), sprawl out on the green lawn in the shade with your friends, and listen to some great tunes.
13 South will play Saturday at the Nanticoke River Fest on the front porch of City Hall at 12:30. Come on out and hear them.
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