Happy 225th Birthday, Delaware!

[methodwriter85]

Today marks the 225th anniversary of when the state of Delaware signed the Constitution, becoming the first state to do so. Let's hear it for the Diamond State! Woo-hoo!

 

 

[Daddydavek]

For such a small state it has a long history and was in the forefront of many issues. Interesting place. Congrats to your state and to you!

[Mark Arbour]

Today marks the 225th anniversary of when the state of Delaware signed the Constitution, becoming the first state to do so. Let's hear it for the Diamond State! Woo-hoo!

 

 

 

You, Delaware, and Pearl Harbor all happened on the same day. Makes sense.

 

For such a small state it has a long history and was in the forefront of many issues. Interesting place. Congrats to your state and to you!

 

Interesting place? Really? Well, I guess to guys like us who live in Missouri, Delaware is interesting.

[Bill W]

Happy Birthday Delaware. Are you possibly reconsidering the wisdom of getting mixed up with some of the other 49?

[Daddydavek]

Delaware Interesting Facts

 

 

First State

 

Delaware was the first state to ratify the federal Constitution -- December 7, 1787, becoming the first state in the Union. And because of this, according to "Delaware Facts" (from State of Delaware Web page), Delaware is given the first position in such national events as presidential inaugurations. The delegates met at the Golden Fleece Inn on the Green in Dover. (from Smithsonian Guide, p. 380)

 

Second Smallest State

 

Delaware ranks 49th in the nation with a total land area of 1,955 square miles. Note: Rhode Island is the smallest state. Delaware is also one of the smallest states in terms of population. Its 1990 Census population count is 666,168, ranking it 46th in population. Alaska, North Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming are the least populous states. (from Book of the States, p. 424)

 

Lowest State

 

Delaware's average altitude is about 60 feet above sea level, making it the lowest average altitude of any state. (from Frommer's, p. 154)

 

Delaware also has one of the lowest high points: Ebright Azimuth at 442 feet is the highest point in Delaware. Located at the junction of Ramblewood Drive and Ebright Road in Wilmington, Delaware. Only Florida has a lower high point. (from Delaware Geological Survey and State Highpointers Club WWW site)

 

Fewest Counties

 

Delaware has 3 counties, the fewest of any state having counties. Alaska does not have counties. Other small numbers are Hawaii which has 4 and Rhode Island which has 5. (from American Counties)Longest Twin Span Suspension Bridge

 

Delaware Memorial Bridge is the longest twin span suspension bridge in the world. The bridge, which was opened in 1951, connects Delaware and New Jersey. (from New Castle County Web page and "Delaware," World Book Encyclopedia)

 

Most Ph.D.s

 

According to a survey by the National Science Foundation, Delaware has more doctoral-level (Ph.D.) scientists and engineers, as a percentage of the population, than any other state. Delaware also has a higher rate of patent awards, per person, than any other state. (from State of Delaware Web page, Economic Development)

 

Only State Without a National Park

 

Delaware does not have a National Park, but it does have a National Wildlife Refuge, Bombay Hook. (from Facts about the States, p. 90)

 

One of the Oldest Churches

 

Old Swedes (Holy Trinity Church) is one of the oldest churches in America still in use. It was built in 1698. Located: 606 Church Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. (302) 652-5629 (from Smithsonian Guide, p. 360)

 

First Flying of the Stars and Stripes Flag

 

Tradition holds that the new 13-star flag, the Stars and Stripes, was first unfurled in the Battle of Cooch's Bridge, September 3, 1777. (Only Revolutionary battle fought in Delaware.) (from State of Delaware Web page, "Attractions & Historic Sites: Rural New Castle County, Delaware")

 

Washington Really Was Here

 

General George Washington and his staff met at the Hale-Byrnes House during the American Revolution's Brandywine campaign. (Mid-18th-century brick building with a fieldstone springhouse.) Located: along the White Clay Creek. (from State of Delaware Web page, "Attractions & Historic Sites: Rural New Castle County, Delaware")

 

Washington also stayed at the Robinson House. Built approximately 1723. In Revolutionary War days it was inhabited by notables such as George Washington, Lafayette, Anthony Wayne, Robert Morris and General "Lighthorse" Harry Lee. Located: Naaman's Road and Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703. (302) 798-7335 (from State of Delaware Web page, "Attractions & Historic Sites: City of Wilmington, Delaware")

 

One of the Last States to Use Corporal Punishment

 

Delaware and Maryland were the last two United States states to use corporal punishment, the whipping post. In Delaware the last flogging took place in 1952. Corporal Punishment was not abolished in Delaware until 1972. (from "Corporal Punishment" in Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice, p. 251)

 

Cradle of Methodism in America: Barratt's Chapel

 

Barratt's Chapel, erected in 1780, is known as the "Cradle of Methodism in America." The Methodists established the New World chapter of their religion here in 1784. This building in listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located: One mile north of Frederica on US 113, RD #2, Box 25, Frederica, DE 19946. (302) 335-5544. (from State of Delaware Web page, "Attractions & Historic Sites: Kent County, Delaware")

 

Home of the "Penman of the Revolution": John Dickinson

 

John Dickinson (1732-1808) was known as the "Penman of the Revolution." John Dickinson Plantation, his boyhood home near Dover, is a museum. It is furnished with family pieces and antiques of the period. Today, farm outbuildings and a log dwelling have been constructed to complete the interpretation of an 18th-century Kent County, Delaware plantation. Located: Off of US 113, south of Dover & Dover Air Force Base, Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE 19901. (302) 739-3277. (from State of Delaware Web page, "Attractions & Historic Sites: Kent County, Delaware") Note: Virginia's George Mason is also known as the Penman of the Revolution. (from Smithsonian Guide, p. 356 and Dictionary of American Biography, v. 3)

 

Birthplace of the Inventor of the Phonograph: E.R. Johnson

 

Personal Name Reeves Johnson (1867-1945) was born in Wilmington and grew up in Dover. Johnson was inventor of the phonograph and founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company, today known as RCA. The Johnson Victrola Museum is in Dover. Designed as a 1920's Victrola dealer's store, it features an extensive collection of phonographs, records and memorabilia related to the Victor Talking Machine Company. It also has an oil painting of Nipper, the dog from the RCA trademark "His Master's Voice". Located: Bank Lane & New Street, Dover, DE. 19901. (302) 739-4266. (from State of Delaware Web page, "Attractions & Historic Sites: Kent County, Delaware"; Frommer's, p. 208; and Dictionary of American Biography, supp. 3)

 

First John Deere Tractor

 

The first tractor John Deere made is in the Messick Agricultural Museum, Inc. in Harrington, Delaware. The museum features old tractors, implements, tools, antique kitchen, smokehouse equipment, gasoline engines, treadmills, antique wagons, and more. Open Monday-Friday; call for an appointment on weekends. Located: One Vernon Road (DE 14W), Harrington, DE 19952. (302) 398-3729. (from State of Delaware Web page, "Attractions & Historic Sites: Kent County, Delaware")

 

First Coastal Zone Act

 

In 1971, in an effort to protect beaches and wetlands, the state legislature of Delaware passed the nation's first Coastal Zone Act, barring industries that pollute. (from Delaware (United States), The National Geographic Atlas)

 

Hexagonal Victorian Building: Old Library Museum

 

The Old Library Museum in New Castle is an example of fanciful Victorian architecture and is attributed to Philadelphia architect Frank Furness. It was erected in 1892 by the New Castle Library Society. Today it holds the exhibits of the New Castle Historical Society. Located: 40 E. Third Street, New Castle, DE (302) 328-2923. (from Frommer's, p. 196 and Smithsonian Guide, p. 350)

 

One of the Largest Shell Collections: Delaware Museum of Natural History

 

The Delaware Museum of Natural History houses one of the hemisphere's largest shell collections. Located: Route 52, between Greenville and Centreville, DE. (302) 658-9111. (from Frommer's, p. 187, 190)

 

One of the World's Largest Amber Collections: University Gallery, University of Delaware

 

University Gallery on the campus of the University of Delaware has one of the largest amber collections in the world. Donated by Leslie and Sarah Jastak-Burgess, the collection includes amber carvings, jewelry, and other works. The colors include many shades of amber, ranging from creamy bone and fiery red. Call for appointment. (from UD Messenger, Summer 1993 & Winter 1994) Selected pieces from the Amber collection are currently on display in Daugherty Hall.

 

Mason-Dixon Line connection.

 

The Mason-Dixon Line forms the state's western border. By the way, Delaware's border with Maryland runs through two towns, the names of which were created by combining the names of the two states: Marydel and Delmar. (from Frommer's, p. 153 and "Delaware," World Book Encyclopedia, p. 97)Premiere Museum of Americana: Winterthur Museum

 

Winterthur Museum has one of the foremost collections of American furniture and decorative arts. It has nearly two hundred period rooms, furnished in styles ranging from 1640 to 1840. Located: Route 52 (800) 448-3883. (from Smithsonian Guide, p. 365f and Winterthur Web page) By the way, the "h" in Winterthur is silent.

 

Internationally Famous Collection of Pre-Raphaelite Art: Delaware Art Museum

 

Located: 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE (302) 571-9590. (From Delaware Art Museum Online)

 

Nylon Capital of the World: Seaford

 

Seaford, Delaware, is the site of the DuPont Company's first nylon manufacturing plant. It was established in 1939. (from Smithsonian Guide, p. 356)

 

Leader in Incorporations

 

Due to its favorable incorporation laws, many out-of-state businesses choose to incorporate in Delaware. In 1990, more than half of the country's Fortune 500 companies were incorporated in Wilmington. (from Facts about the States, p. 90)

 

First Christmas Seals

 

Wilmington, Delaware, was the first place Christmas seals were introduced in the United States in December 1907. The designer of the seals was Emily P. Bissell, a Delaware author. (from "Delaware," World Book Encyclopedia, p. 97)

 

First Beauty Contest

 

In 1880, the first beauty contest in the United States was held in Rehoboth Beach. Thomas Edison was one of the three judges in this contest, called the "Miss United States" contest. This contest is considered to be the foreunner of the Miss America pageant. (from Frommer's, p. 154 and "Delaware," World Book Encyclopedia, p. 97)

 

Poultry Place: Sussex County

 

Sussex County raises more broiler chickens than any other county in the United States. (from Frommer's, p. 154)

 

Home of Tax Free Shopping

 

Delaware is one of only five states having no sales tax. The others are: Alaska, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. (from Book of the States, p. 262)

 

I think the one about how more than half the Fortune 500 largest companies are incorporated in the State of Delaware is of particular interest to anyone who is invested in the market. Just my humble opinion. DDK

Edited December 8, 2012 by Daddydavek

[TetRefine]

I like Delaware for their tax free shopping. I think my university keeps several of the liquor stores located right across the border on I-95 in business.

[methodwriter85]

I like Delaware for their tax free shopping. I think my university keeps several of the liquor stores located right across the border on I-95 in business.

 

Have you hit up Christiana Mall yet, Tet? They renovated the shit out it, and it looks great. You would almost never guess that the mall was built in 1978. The only parts of the mall where you can see that would be JCPenney's.

 

I moved to Delaware when I was 9, so sales tax was never really anything that I was used to or understood. When I visted Tennessee, I couldn't get over how high the sales tax was.

 

Thanks for all the trivia there. The low altitude of Delaware made it a hard adjustment to living in Western Pennsylvania, which has a higher elevation. I'd feel sick driving in cars and I didn't know why, until someone told me I'm likely just sensitive to elevation changes.

 

I did a summer internship at Delaware Museum of Natural History, and it was cool how well-known it was. And I'd take naps at Daughterty Hall on a regular basis, so I saw parts of the amber collection.

Edited December 9, 2012 by methodwriter85

[Menace]

Happy B-Day~

[Krista]

Kentucky is better.. buuuttt Gooo Delaware..