Gardner and Marion Hastings' Palace Of Sweets

From The Peninsular Press - Delmar 1921


If asked by a young man where he could obtain a choice box of candy for his sweetheart, or if a stranger should drift into town and make inquiry for a soothing drink of soda water, plate of ice cream or a good smoke, the first thing that would come to your mind would be the PLACE OF SWEETS. Isn't that an admitted fact? Most assuredly for be it remembered that at this popular rendezvous, for young and old, the sweet tooth can be satisfied, the thirst quenched in "dry" Delaware with -- Soda of the best mixture. Then the soothing sensation derived from a good smoke is always at your command. What more could be asked?

On August 8, Mr. G. L. Hastings, the genial proprietor of this exceedingly popular establishment, assumed control, with his son, Mr. M. L. Hastings, as manager. To know these men or to meet them is a pleasure. They have the happy faculty of meeting the people on the level, give them courteous treatment and sent them away satisfied.

The establishment has two departments - tables for the ladies and tables for the gentlemen - married and single. The first thing possibly that attracts your attention upon entering is the large fountain where the genial manager is able to have served up to you all of the latest "soft" drinks. They are refreshing and invigorating, made by the latest New York recipes. The display of boxed candies cannot help but attract the attention of the young, middle aged and elderly ladies - all have a sweet tooth somewhere in their heads. Who does not like to inject the incisors into some of Whitman's choice boxed candies? It usually follows with the men that after taking their usual drink that they like to indulge in a good smoke - made from choice Cuba stock or from the famous Piedmont district of the Old Dominion State. All said and done, the place presents a clean, sanitary and attractive appearance which goes far in attracting and thus making any establishment a drawing card. This has been the success of the Sweets - good goods, satisfied customers, sanitary, square dealing.

Mr. G. L. Hastings, the owner, is a large dealer, in lumber and piling, a public spirited citizen and exceedingly progressive. Mr. M. L. Hastings, manager of the Place of Sweets, was one of the Delaware's noble sons who crossed the waters to France and did gallant service that "the world might be safe for democracy". He served under the colors for nearly a year on French soil. He is popular with all classes, is progressive and like his father stands at all times to do any thing that will be the future development of Delmar and community.

G. L. Long and Delmar

Above George Lorenzo Long

George Lorenzo Long was one of the people who left his mark on Delmar. Produce grower, packer and shipper, largest carload hauler of Holly in the winter, the town' largest property owner at the time, builder of homes, he owned sawmills, trucks, and warehouses, a director of Bank of Delmar, on a number of boards, and a member of the town council (couple of terms). Long was one of a number of people who had a great influence on Delmar from Elijah Freeney, Elijah Holloway,, T. A. Veasey with his hotels and car lots, The German family and Brickrow, Liborio Villani and his Delmar manor, and the John M. Disharoon Family and Houihan family with their Holly Oaks.

G. L. Long was born November 20, 1876 near Frankford Delaware. His family later moved to Melson. When he married Amanda Ellen Penuel in 1897 he moved to Delmar. Prior to 1930 he was one of the most successful men in town, but by 1930 the great depression put him out of business. Altho Delmar avoided some effects of the depression because it was railroad town not every one worked for the railroad and they could not escaped the effect of the great depression. G. L. Long was one of those who did not. In 1933 he moved to Salisbury, at age 57, to start over again. He achieved success once again altho not to the level he had achieved in Delmar.


G. L. Long was a builder of homes and by 1921 he had built 42 homes in Delmar, most of these were of the American Four Square Style. Matter of fact a high percentage of the American Four Squares in Delmar were built by him. Above is a photo from The Peninsula News (Delmar newspaper) in 1921 showing Pine street and a row of homes he built.


This is Pine street today as you can see the homes are pretty much the same as in 1921. Today the street is paved but it was paved along time ago and to walk it or drive it you can feel the effect of lack of maintenance on the Maryland side of town.

Delmar Economy Store Ad - 1946

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.

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

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.

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.