Quarterly Quarterly

Delmarva
HISTORY
SPRING 2009 • FREE
NATURE
ARTS
ISSUES
Quarterly
One man, one mission, one fishing lure: the CW Crab
The prisoners of Lewes, and how they
came to love their adopted hometown
An oyster schooner resurrects the age of sail
France's finest strawberries, grown in Delaware
Northampton sculptor forges nature from steel
July 20-26, 2009
www.pleinaireaston.com
410-822-7297
.
2008 Grand Prize Award Winner Greg LaRock: detail “Plandoen Shadows”
Lectures • Demos • Collectors Party • Music • Outdoor Theatre
Most Events are FREE & Open to the Public
Presented by: Easton Main Street & the Avalon Foundation in partnership with the Academy Art Museum
Spring has sprung!
Dogfish Head
downtown
Rehoboth Beach
Brews
Spirits
& Eats
Open 7 days
Lunch & Dinner
Year Round
302.226.BREW
Dogfish Head
Brewery
Milton
Tours
Tastings &
Sales
Free tours
Tues—Sat
reserve your
spot online
at
www.dogfish.com
www.dogfish.com
Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009 • 1
Spring 2009
Vol. 7 No. 3
Features
18
Be The Crab
The story of one man
and his fishing lure.
By Jack Hoban
40
The Low Whistle
Of The Wind
America’s oldest working oyster
schooner, ressurected.
By Carol Child
Departments
Arts
Nature
13 Life Wrought In Metal
BY SCOTT WHITAKER
36 Broadway on Delmarva
BY HAL ALPIAR
Keeping Up With The St.
Joneses
50 The (not
BY ROB KUNZIG
so) Good Earth
BY LYNN REMLY
60 Birdwatching
BY LYNN REMLY
at Little Creek
History
Books
61 Books For
BY SCOTT WHITAKER
56
The Thaw
29 Built on Hope, Teackletonia Lives
BY LYNN R. PARKS
63
Through a Lens, Darkly:
Bodine’s Bay
32 From Afrika
BY LEAH HOENEN
BY WILLIAM AMELIA
Columns
64 Books, Briefly
BY SCOTT WHITAKER
Culture
24 If You Bake It, They Will Come
BY MOLLY ALBERTSON
47 Strawberries
BY JANEL ATLAS
Of The Woods
54 In Full Cry
BY KATHRYN PIPPIN
to Delaware
79 Name-Dropping
BY LYNN REMLY
80 Strictly Delmarva
BY DAVE FREDERICK
Reports
12 Festivals
65 Events
8
77 All Hail the State of Delmarva!
BY DAVID HEALEY
2 • Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009
Thanks to
Beebe, I
can drive
again.
- Sue Cisick
H E A L T H G R A D E S®
GUIDING AMERICA TO BETTER HEALTHCARE®
2009
“I’m sorry I waited so long to have this surgery done.”
Double-knee replacement patient Sue Cisick can now
drive to Pennsylvania to visit her grandchildren and
get back to living her life the way she wants to.
Beebe is among the best in the country because of the
continuum of care our patients receive, including: pre-
Beebe Medical Center has been ranked in the top
operative education, surgical team, post-operative
10% of U.S. hospitals and is the only hospital
nursing, and physical therapy following surgery.
in Delaware ranked best in overall orthopedic
services 3 years in a row.
To find an orthopedic surgeon near you, call the Beebe
physician referral line at
(302) 645-3332.
s 2ECIPIENTOFTHE(EALTH'RADES/RTHOPEDIC
Surgery Excellence Award™ - 3 years in a row
s /NLY(OSPITALIN$ELAWARETOBERANKED
among the Top 10% in the nation for
/VERALL/RTHOPEDICS
s 2ANKED"ESTINTHE$ELMARVA0ENINSULAFOR
/VERALL/RTHOPEDICSnYEARSINAROW
Lewes, Delaware
www.beebemed.org
Delmarva Quarterly
INSIST ON QUALITY.
INSIST ON BEEBE.
s &IVE3TAR2ATEDFOR*OINT2EPLACEMENT4OTAL+NEE
2EPLACEMENTAND(IP&RACTURE2EPAIR
Spring 2009 • 3
An adjusting economy bodes well for Delmarva’s future
The beautiful thing about winter is the monochromatic
palette of browns and grays it drapes across the peninsula
in preparation for the color of spring. In leafless woods
along highways, redtail hawks sit on their branchy thrones
with white breast feathers puffed for warmth. They’re
visible now as they prepare for their mating flights, but in
a few months when buds and leaves begin to
emerge they will have much more cover in
their woods homes.
Farmers up and down Delmarva spot the
redtails occasionally in the winter when
they’re hunting or clearing hedgerows or
checking on the condition of their winter
wheat and rye and barley. There was a time,
when farmers kept most of their chickens free
ranging around their places, that redtail
hawks were known more familiarly as chicken
hawks. Big fat chickens fed on worms and
grain on open ground are no match for deadly
hawks with their razor-tipped talons and laser-like eyesight. No wonder farmers shot them routinely. A couple
of redtails could wipe out a flock of chickens in the
course of a month. Now, of course, killing hawks is illegal.
But the memory of those days, and the current state of
our economy, brings into focus the importance of food
and protecting our resources for the benefit of the most.
These days on Delmarva, especially with the price of
wheat so high, the farmers’ battle with nature has shifted,
particularly in the winter, toward snow geese. Because
huge flocks of these beautiful birds can wreak havoc in
fields of tender-shooted wheat and other small grains, and
because the snow goose population is so healthy, all the
stops are being pulled to discourage them. Gas-fired
sound guns go off randomly in fields where snow geese
like to forage, in an attempt to drive them away. State
agencies have removed almost all regulation on hunting
them. There are virtually no limits on how many can be
taken, the seasons have been extended to cover almost the
entire time the geese winter here, any kind of decoys and
electronic recording devices are permitted to lure them
into gun range and hunters can take the plugs from their
shotguns and fire away. Even with that, the
snow geese – infamously difficult to hunt –
are hard to discourage. Some farmers have
resorted to placing huge paintings of eagles
in their fields knowing that a single pass of a
flying eagle over a feeding flock will make
the geese take flight. The ploy works for a
while until the birds figure out the paintings
are harmless. So the battle against snow
geese, and healthy populations of whitetail
deer that can also wipe out acres of soybeans, goes on.
The geese, the deer, and so much more
wildlife know instinctively that our peninsula is a bountiful place for life. As the world adjusts to a new economy
where food takes on higher importance, sustainable agriculture and the economy surrounding it will also grow in
importance. That’s good news for Delmarva, blessed with
so much tillable ground and decent rainfall.
Agriculture also contributes to a healthy quality of life
where being outdoors is valued and where the open
spaces and woods surrounding endless waterways foster
healthy populations of wildlife. As always, the challenge
is to keep it all in balance, protect what’s important,
respect the land and all that it raises – furry and leafy.
As tough as the times are, the adjusting economy bodes
well for Delmarva’s future in the long term. In the short
term, the browns and grays of winter will give way to all
the warm colors of spring. - Dennis Forney, publisher
COVER PAINTING • SAILING HOME • 28“ X 31” OIL ON CANVAS • 2008 • LAURA ERA
Laura Era was raised on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and
has been an artist since birth. She became a full time artist
after oystering for many years alongside her waterman husband (with children in tow). She has taken workshops from
Daniel Greene, Burton Silverman and Raoul Middleman.
She has painted hundreds of portraits on commission in
pastel and oils and teaches classes and workshops.
This painting was done for Easton's annual Banner
Auction in 2007 (eastonmainstreet.com/event_banner_2008.html).
Era is co-owner of Troika Gallery Fine Art Studio in
Easton (troikagallery.com). Troika will host its Annual
Spring Group Show, featuring all 34 of the gallery's
renowned artists, from April 3 to June 2. Meet many of the
featured artists at an opening reception during Easton's
First Friday Gallery Walk, April 3 from 5-9 pm.
Delmarva Quarterly is a publication of Cape Gazette Ltd., P.O. Box 213, Lewes, Delaware 19958. Editor: Rob Kunzig. We can be reached by telephone at 302.645.7700.
Our web address is www.capegazette.com. Cape Gazette Ltd. also publishes Beach Paper and many other fine publications. To subscribe to Delmarva Quarterly, send your
name and address and $12 for one year or $18 for two years - to Delmarva Quarterly, P.O. Box 213, Lewes, DE 19958. Submissions, letters and advertising welcome. We
pay for all items published. Email: [email protected]
4 • Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009
2009 Health & Wellness Expo
at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center
in Salisbury, Maryland
Mark Your Calendar Now!
Friday, March 27 from 5pm-8pm
Saturday, March 28 from 8am-4pm
FREE
Over 30 Free Health Screenings Available
from the Health Care Professionals of
Peninsula Regional Medical Center.
Blood Pressure
Stroke Assessment
Vision & Hearing
Bone Density
Skin & Foot Care
Lung Function
Diabetes Risk Assessment*
Cholesterol/Blood Glucose/
Kidney Function*
*Requires a 12 hour fast.
For more info:
www.WicomicoFestivals.org
1-800-332-TOUR
Delmarva Quarterly
The whole family will enjoy this free event
featuring over 30 health screenings,
live entertainment, health-related vendors,
a kid’s corner & much more!
Spring 2009 • 5
DONNA TOLBERT-ANDERSON PHOTO
CLEANLINESS IS GODLINESS - DONNA TOLBERT-ANDERSON - A robin dries off after a bath, shaking the water from its rusty breast.
6 • Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009
GILLETTE
PORTRAIT ARTS
specializing in
fine art portraiture
weddings
families
seniors
celebrating local traditions
and contemporary cuisine
Lunch and Dinner
call
410.632.4855
for an
appointment
NOW OPEN: UPSTAIRS BAR
new dinner menus every weekend
eclectic wine list
artisan desserts and pastries
Live Entertainment Weekends
reservations suggested
www.thepaletterestaurant.com
410-632-0055
NEW STUDIO
OPEN 106 W
GREEN ST.
www.gilletteportraitarts.com
Spend A Day This Spring
ES
ANTIQU
ART &
ING
M FRAM
CUSTO
312 N. Washington Street
Snow Hill, MD
410-632-4050
HOURS:
Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Books, News, Toys,
Sweets, Cards,
Gifts & More
MAGGIE’S CAFÉ
Coffee, Espresso, Cappuccino,
Tea, Chai Tea, Pastries
Delmarva Quarterly
Daily lunch & dinner specials.
Full bar with weekend entertainment.
Come see us for all your Nascar needs open for all races with bar specials.
We book parties & design menus
for your needs.
208 West Green Street , Snow Hill, MD
410-632-9890
310 N. Washington St.
410-632-3885
Open Tuesday
through Sunday
Spring 2009 • 7
Reports
Plein Air Easton! Dates
Announced
Artists invited to participate
BY ANN DORBIN
N
ow is the time to gear up for
the 5th Annual Plein
Air–Easton! Competition &
Arts Festival, to be held July 20-26,
2009. The Competition Prospectus,
which describes the process for artist
entries, gives information about the
entry jurist and awards judge, and
outlines the competition guidelines,
will be released Dec. 1, 2008.
America has caught plein air fever,
as this spontaneous and exciting art
form – where artists leave their studios to paint “in the moment” amidst
the great outdoors – experiences a
robust revival that has spurred a new
art movement. Plein air events and
artist groups have emerged from
coast to coast. Plein Air – Easton! has
quickly established itself as the East
Coast’s premier plein air festival.
Many are calling it the top event in
the country.
Artists, art collectors, art and
nature enthusiasts, students, tourists,
local businesses, and spectators alike
have discovered that this event truly
lives up to its slogan of offering “Art
for Everyone.” Plein Air–Easton! has
become one of Easton’s largest
events.
Over each of the event’s previous
four years, Plein Air–Easton! has
attracted crowds and posted increasingly impressive figures for art sales.
Plein Air–Easton! is presented by
Easton Main Street in partnership
with the Avalon Foundation and hosted by the Academy Art Museum,
which provides an accredited museum venue for the competition exhibit.
The rapid success of Plein
8 • Delmarva Quarterly
PHOTO COURTESY OF RICHARD A. DORBIN
People crowd into the Academy Art Museum for the excitement of Plein Air – Easton!
Air–Easton! has largely occurred
because of the talents and dedication
of festival organizers and community
volunteers who have worked tirelessly to establish the event. The Avalon
Foundation will continue to maintain
communications with artists and the
general public. Donations from
Friends of Plein Air–Easton! support
the event while promoting conservation and tourism through the arts and
a strong sense of place.
Mark your calendars now for the
5th Annual Plein Air–Easton! July 2026, 2009. For more information, call
410-822-7297 or visit www.pleinaireaston.com. DQ
Come Along!
March 6, 2009: Submissions deadline for entry in national competition
March 27, 2009: Announcements of
Competition Artists
July 20-26, 2009: Competition &
Arts Festival
Rediscover
Virginia’s
Eastern Shore
Enjoy Historic Garden Week,
a stroll through the country
PRESS RELEASE
O
ffering a taste of town and
country alike, this tour itinerary takes visitors to two widely admired colonial plantations in
Northampton County as well as four
exceptional homes in the charming
Accomack County villages of
Accomac and Onancock.
An important Bay-side port since
1680, Onancock is a lively enclave of
colorful shops, restaurants and architecturally diverse residences. In contrast, a seemingly timeless tranquility
pervades Accomac, the county seat
Spring 2009
since 1677, with a National Historic
District comprised of more than 150
buildings.
All sites are open from 9:30 a.m. to
5 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.
Homes open on the 2009 tour
include the following:
Eyre Hall (3215 Eyre Hall Dr.,
Cheriton, VA) Celebrated 18th century plantation preserved by eight generations of the Eyre family, with magnificent gardens established circa
1805.
Windingdale (35344 Windingdale
Dr., Belle Haven, VA) Beautifully furnished planter’s house dating to 1780,
framed by fields and long views over
Occahannock Creek.
23 King Street, Onancock (23417)
Early 19th century property in colorful harbor town of Onancock, cleverly
updated and decorated to offer interesting surprises.
West View (23317 Front St.,
Accomac) Imposing 1941 home recalling its builder’s elegant colonial
childhood home, with park-like setting in the three century old county
seat, Accomac.
Hollyberry (23347 Back St.,
Accomac, VA) Charming residence
built on original 1786 lot in Accomac
and furnished with a stylish mix of
art, antiques and contemporary
pieces.
Drummond Place (23368 Back St.,
Accomac, VA) Fine Federal-period
brick house situated on four serene
village acres, graced with a superb
treasury of antiques and collectibles.
Other Places of Interest:
Onancock: Local harbor area, as
well as Ker Place (1799). Eastern
Shore of Va. Historical Society,
Grounds restored by The Garden
Club of Virginia. Museum entrance
fee, $5. Historic Cokesbury Church
(1854). DQ
Want To Go?
To receive a mailed brochure, or to
address questions regarding ticket
purchases, bus tours, local accommodations or any other concerns, contact Mary Hamilton Stuart at:
(757) 678-7889
or:
[email protected].
Or visit:
www.VAgardenweek.org.
Delmarva Quarterly
PHOTO COURTESY OF EASTERN SHORE GARDEN TOUR
The gardens at Eyre Hall, like the rest of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, gushes with color.
UDel College
Investigating
Electric Cars
Research mirrors California
efforts, uses Scion convert
BY RACHEL SWICK
J
ust down Pillottown Road in
Lewes is a hidden yet well-known
treasure.
The University of Delaware College
of Marine and Earth Studies (CMES)
is a place of learning and wonder for
all who attend.
It is here that students learn about
the world around them, namely the
environment.
Jon Lilley started at the college in
2002 and was immediately given the
opportunity to intern in Washington,
D.C. He took the position happily,
returning to Delaware in 2004. Now,
Lilley is a full-time graduate student
working with Professor Willett
Kempton, known to many as the man
who researched the possibility of a
wind farm off the coast of Delaware.
With Kempton, Lilley is studying
electric vehicles and whether they
can be used in every day life.
Lilley is especially interested in the
potential the batteries used in electric
vehicles have as a way to sell power
back to the grid. The theory when cut
back to basics is that a resident could
use an electric car to commute short
distances to work. The power created
by the vehicle would be stored in a
battery and then at the end of the day,
any power left in the battery could be
funneled into the power grid, allowing the resident to gain credits. While
protecting the environment by using
an entirely electric vehicle, the resident is also powering the grid and
being paid for it.
“For the grid, it is good to have
these electric vehicles,” said Lilley.
“Using batteries, the vehicle is totally
electric – no gas.”
Electric cars have between 120 and
150 mile ranges on one charge,
depending on the speed and temperature, said Lilley.
Lilley and the graduate students at
CMES with Kempton are trying out
this theory on a converted Scion car.
The car was converted by a team in
California before being shipped to
Delaware.
“We recently got approval to plug
into the grid,” said Lilley.
The University of Delaware College
of Marine Studies was founded in
1970 in order to further marine
research in Delaware. The college is
continually expanding, recently
adding a geological science component.
"Is there any resource that is more
fundamental to life, more inspiring,
more mysterious than the earth
itself?" asked Dean Nancy Targett.
"Together, the land and sea hold the
keys to the health and the welfare of
the Earth and all its inhabitants.” DQ
Spring 2009 • 9
More studies
underway at UDel
Dr. Art Trembanis and his students are using DOERRI
(Delaware Oceanographic and Environmental Research
Remote Instrument), an autonomous underwater vehicle, to research many areas including a focus on estuaries.
Dr. Tim Targett and his students are looking at “effects
of physicochemical factors such as temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen (DO) on young fish that use
estuaries as nursery grounds.” Each year in Delaware,
fish kills in the estuary are responsible for the deaths of
millions of fish. Targett and his team are working to
examine the areas and why the juvenile fish seem to be
especially sensitive.
Dr. Mohsen Badiey and his research team are collecting
data from several observing systems, similar to the
Delaware Bay Observing System (DBOS). In Delaware,
the DBOS consists of a series of lighthouses, which are
equipped to detect tides, currents, temperature and
salinity among other properties. These systems could
play a major role in the future study of the bay’s health.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CMES
UDel students visit a DBOS lightouse to collect data.
Striper Tacos
win kudos at
competition
Young chefs vie for the
honor of best Rockfish dish
PRESS RELEASE
T
he smells of gourmet cooking
welcomed visitors to the
Roland E. Powell Convention
Center in Ocean City, Md. Jan. 24 as
10 young chefs sliced, diced, and
sautéed a wide range of ingredients
for the Junior Rockfish Cooking
Contest. The second annual contest,
held as part of the East Coast
Commercial Fishermen's and
Aquaculture Trade Expo, featured
girls and boys from Maryland and
Delaware competing in two age categories: 7- to 12-years-old and 13- to 17years-old.
Contestants came prepared with all
the ingredients, pans and utensils
10 • Delmarva Quarterly
PHOTO COURTESY OF CMES
Eric Yetter, winner of the 7- to 12-year-old
age group, prepares his rockfish.
necessary to make their original
recipes, which followed a wide range
of culinary influences, from traditional Eastern Shore fare to Asian and
Tex-Mex-inspired dishes. Each contestant was provided with two
pounds of rockfish, and start times
were staggered to allow judges ample
time to savor the dishes.
Judges included a chef, two food
writers, and a Maryland Sea Grant
representative. Each dish was evaluated in the privacy of a curtained
booth, where it was scored on originality, taste, attractiveness and predominance of rockfish.
Eric Yetter, of Clear Spring, Md.,
won the younger age group for his
Eastern Shore Rockfish Special
recipe, which featured Old Bay seasoning, lemon pepper, and olive oil.
Alison Bechtoldt, of Burtonsville,
Md., took first prize in the older age
group for her colorful Rockfish Tacos.
Winners were awarded cash prizes
and plaques, and all contestants
received chef aprons, pins, cookbooks
and certificates.
The contest, which was sponsored
by the Delaware Sea Grant College
Program, Maryland Sea Grant
College, and Maryland Seafood
Marketing Program, will return next
year.
"The Junior Rockfish Cooking
Contest was a success," said Doris
Hicks, an organizer of the event and
seafood specialist for Delaware Sea
Grant. "The chefs were amazing
young people - they had great poise,
they were courteous and efficient,
and all of their dishes tasted wonderful." DQ
Spring 2009
Maryland Grabs Land
For Conservation
9,242 acres purchased; 4,769 in Worcester County
BY ROB KUNZIG
D
espite a stumbling national
economy, the state of
Maryland intends to spend $71
million to set aside 9,242 acres of land
for conservation.
Governor Martin O’Malley called
the deal a chance to invest in the
state’s future.
“What we have here is a once-in-alifetime opportunity to acquire properties that are really ideal and ecolog-
ically very valuable,” he said when he
announced the purchase in December
2008.
4,769 acres lie in Worcester County,
which acts as a transient home for
large flocks of migratory birds. A single family has cared for the land for
more than 100 years, and will be paid
an average of $3,030 per acre.
Another purchase nets 4,473 acres
of St. Mary’s, Charles and Cecil coun-
ty land, including more than 19 miles
of shoreline along the Potomac River
and Chesapeake Bay.
The land will be purchased from
the Maryland Province of the Society
of Jesus for an average of $12,718 per
acre.
The purchases were made as part
of Program Open Space, an initiative
under which O’Malley has purchased
8,175 acres for the state. DQ
Mind The Osprey
Used line is a problem for Delmarva’s
fish hawks - dispose of it properly
PRESS RELEASE
S
oon, one of the most recognized
birds on Delmarva will make its
way back to our area.
Though the osprey is often mistaken for an eagle, the brown-and-white
bird is smaller, sporting black
bracelets (marks on its wrists), and
crook in its wing as it flies clearly
distinguishing it from other birds of
prey, explains U.S. Fish and Wildlife
biologist Pete McGowan.
Sadly, in the early 1970s, ospreys,
also known as fish hawks, were nearly wiped out by DDT. The birds have
made a comeback since the pesticide
was banned; now, trash poses a threat
to the well-being of these magnificent birds.
McGowan, who has been studying
ospreys for years with colleagues
from the U.S. Geological Survey's
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center,
believes that half, or more, of all
osprey nests on the Bay and sur-
rounding rivers contain fishing line
or similar cordage material.
He encourages people to properly
dispose of their fishing gear and
debris.
Safely stow or throw away any
unused fishing line, tackle, and other
trash so that birds and other animals
will not become entangled in these
materials. "Potential for entanglement is high," notes McGowan, "And
often causes injury or death."
- Recycle monofilament line when
feasible.
- If fishing line is to be discarded,
take it home and cut it into small
pieces first; then dispose of it in a
trashcan.
- Do not throw any plastic, or
pieces of plastic, into the water.
- If you find fishing line, balloon ribbon, kite string, rope, plastic, or other
debris that may harm wildlife, dispose of it properly .DQ
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CAPE GAZETTE
Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009 • 11
Festivals
St. Michaels Wine
& Food Festival
T
he premier food and wine festival of the Mid-Atlantic
is held on the beautiful waterfront campus
of the Chesapeake Bay
Maritime Museum in
St. Michaels. Join
them for cooking
demonstrations
with celebrity
chefs, wine tastings
with world
renowned vintners,
enjoy live entertainment and sample
food from an array of
specialty purveyors.
Share your passion for
great food and excellent wines
and spirits during this special weekend.
They invite the best of the culinary
and wine world to share their love for
Salisbury
Festival
S
alisbury welcomes
spring with the
Salisbury Festival,
Friday April 24 through
Sunday April 26. Come down to
Riverwalk Park and enjoy the fun!
The festival opens on Friday with a
ribbon-cutting at 4 p.m. and a free
block party that night, with food and
games. Saturday kicks off with the
Ben Layton Memorial 5k walk/run.
The carnival will be open until 10
p.m., and exhibition spaces will be
active all day long.
The festival winds down on
Sunday, closing at 5 p.m.For more
information, call the Salisbury Area
Chamber of Commerce at 410-7490144.
12 • Delmarva Quarterly
food and wine with you. This is a rare
opportunity to get close to some of
the most well respected people
in the culinary and wine scene
as they share their knowledge. Take a look at just a
few of our 2009 line-up of
guest chefs and speakers
and plan for a great
weekend at the St.
Michaels Food and Wine
Festival:
- Cesare Lanfranconi,
Executive Chef/Partner,
Spezie Restaurant,
Washington DC
- Ken Gladysz, Executive
Chef, The Hotel Hershey
- Matt Hill, Executive Chef, Charlie
Palmer Steak, Washington DC
- Patrice Olivon, Program Director
of Culinary Arts, L’Academie de
Cuisine, Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Paint
Snow Hill
P
aint Snow Hill is excited to
invite artists and enthusiasts
alike to participate in their 6th
year of plein air painting from April
17 to April 19. Last year brought 70
artists to paint the beauty of Snow
Hill, and this year, a “wet paint” art
show and sale will be held on April
19 from 1 – 4 p.m. Regarded by many
as “spring training,” the event draws
Delmarva’s best artists. Come see
them in action.
Pork In The Park
W
icomico County is looking
forward to welcoming you
to the fifth annual Pork in
the Park Bar-B-Que and Beer Festival
to be held at Winterplace Park in
Salisbury, MD on April 17-19, 2009.
This event now hosts over 84 BBQ
competitor teams.
The festival is three days of great
events with entertainment for the
whole family. Each competitor team
will spend the weekend slicing, seasoning and sizzling chicken, pork and
beef in hopes that their cooking earns
some of the $17,000 in cash prizes.
The festival is open from 4pm to
10pm on Friday, 10am to 10pm on
Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday.
For more information and a complete
entertainment line-up please visit
www.PorkinthePark.org or call 410548-4914.
Spring 2009
Arts
Life Wrought
From Metal
Albert “Buck” Doughty sculpts his native land in
steel, from roosters to entire landscapes
BY SCOTT WHITAKER
T
exture. Dry, rumpled oil lacquered onto a canvas is next to
heaven, almost like touching a
lover's skin. Sharkskin-smooth
glazed clay in your palm is like holding cool sunlight.
When once I fancied myself a
painter, texture was key for communicating ideas. I wanted the viewer to
reach out and touch the paint, to
caress the canvas, to press their ear to
touch it, caress the smooth corners of
a fishing shack's beams, and run your
fingers down steel screens cut into
dragonfly wings.
Many artisans behind tables and in
cramped booths allow you to touch
their work, and more often than not
the work is painted canvas, or wood,
or in the case of sculpture, wood,
stone, and bronze. Around these parts
bronze sculpture belongs to Turner,
whose work is known across the
nation. His sculptures are strong, and
often huge – Doughty's work is no
where near as enormous, but there's
something large in his work, something elemental in the steel he shapes
from scrap metal into animals and
forms familiar to anyone living on the
Delmarva Peninsula.
Imagine being able to reach out and
pluck a small deer from a swampy
marsh pool, whose steel surface
reflects light like a mirror, and whose
marsh reeds are delicate but strong
ribbons of steel. My four-year-old
likes that piece. The deer fits into the
palm of his hand. To watch him make
it drink and feed from the environs is
the equivalent of peering through the
cattails at the animal itself, its head
above the water, its coat shiny in the
fading fall light.
Doughty's work inspires play. Of
the many sculptures he's made, all
inspire the viewer to reach out and
touch. The oyster shack in the mud
with its rough siding and rickety
dock; a familiar scene to anyone ridPHOTOS COURTESY OF WWW.HOGISLANDCREATIONS.COM
ing the back roads of the shore, the
Doughty sculpted this crab shack from steel, lending a sense of heaviness to the outdoors.
delicate dragonflies with their steel
Delmarva Quarterly
it and feel the crushed aspirin, glass,
sand, and hair that I had mixed into
the paint, as if the texture somehow
created the lips which would vocalize
and whisper and hum.
This past fall I had the pleasure of
attending a small steel sculpture
show by Northampton County artist
Albert 'Buck' Doughty at the Blarney
Stone Pub in Onancock, Va. Buck's
art is playful; you can pick it up and
Spring 2009 • 13
Above: Doughty renders steel into mud effortlessly. Here, a clam is pried from the metal.
Below: While his marsh scenes are heavier, Doughty’s rooster is composd of thin sheets.
screen wings, and the sand dollars,
which are heavy and true in your
palm like a gold coin, or a baseball.
Rising like a sunny Grecian morning is the grape vine, winner of Best
in Show at the 4th Annual
Chesapeake Art Festival at Lakeside
Park, whose etched vines and perfect,
steel grapes make one’s mouth water.
I wanted to bend over and bite them.
It’s not just hyperbole but a real
sense of the living world Doughty
forges in steel. His clams are so realistic the young man next to me said,
“I wish I had a knife so I could pop it
open and eat it.”
All of the work on display was
regionally-inspired, though his catalogue features fantasy sculptures,
dragons and the like. What impresses
is the detail. Steel is hard stuff. Sure,
he forges it and shapes it while it's
hot, but still, it takes a steady hand
and a sharper eye to render the
world in metal.
But perhaps that should come as
no surprise. Born out of a Hog Island
lineage, Doughty's family roughed
out the early part of the 1900s on a
fly and mosquito-ridden Hog Island
working oyster beds, fishing and
hunting the marshes, ferrying
Northerners out on the water on fishing and duck hunting trips, and tending the wild hogs that tore from one
side of the island to the next. The
island was only accessible by boat,
and like the island, Doughty's creations are tough and beautiful at the
same time, like the skin of a shark, or
the carapace of a loggerhead turtle.
And if you've had the pleasure of
touching either of those, you know
the thrill in touching something that
is once exquisite and tough. DQ
Scott Whitaker is the author of “Field
Recordings,” which won the 2005 Dogfish
Head Poetry Prize. He lives in Onley, Va.
On the Web:
For news, contact information and the
artist’s biography, visit Albert
Doughty’s website at:
www.hogislandcreations.com
Visitors can also view 48 high-quality
images of Doughty’s sculptures.
14 • Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009
Bay
Boat
Beach
Live where you play.
1 Bedroom condos start at $368,000
2 Bedroom condos start at $650,000
You can have it all at Marina View, located on Rehoboth Bay, 250 yards
from the Atlantic Ocean. These beautiful condominiums offer you a host of
amenities and an unparalleled lifestyle. Picture yourself strolling along the
beach, taking the boat out for a spin or hanging out with friends on the
rooftop pool and catching the breathtaking sunsets. It can all be yours at
Marina View. Visit Today!
Call 302-227-1700 or www.mvdewey.com
MV
MARINA
VIEW
Located on Rehoboth Bay at Rt. 1 and Collins Avenue in Dewey Beach, Delaware.
Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009 • 15
16 • Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009
Hike
Bike
Ride...
with our latest
Delmarva
map
Delmarva - National
Geographic announces their
first Trails Illustrated map of
the peninsula. Perfect for
hiking, biking, and
experiencing the
Peninsula.
These new waterproof,
tear-resistant maps
provide unique
coverage to all
eco-tourists
at $14.95.
To obtain your copy
of the outdoor
recreational map,
contact the
Cape Gazette at
(302) 645-7700.
Or visit
www.capegazette.com
Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009 • 17
Chuck Wilkinson wanted to catch more rockfish. He saw
his answer in a swimming crab. At first, he watched,
studied; now, after 20 years, he’s learned how to...
Be The Crab
JACK HOBAN PHOTO
BY JACK HOBAN
D
elmarva fisherman Chuck Wilkinson witnessed the
scene hundreds of times: A strong incoming tide in
the lower Delaware River sweeping blue-claw
crabs over the rock jetty and into the hungry jaws of
striped bass (rockfish). This was nature at its best, the
food chain working to perfection. That was the moment of
clarity in 1989 when the idea hit him. “I thought, ‘if they’re
feeding on crabs like that, a crab lure would catch a ton of
fish’.” Chuck didn’t know it then but his realization would
consume him for the next 19 years. “To be honest, when I
started out, I just wanted to catch more fish,” he said.
Chuck’s next stop was tackle shops in Delmarva to see
if there were any crab lures already on the market. The
only crabs on the market looked like rubber creepy
crawlers, nothing like he had in mind. So he headed to his
Hockessin garage and started to design the prototype that
would become CW Crab. Today this crank bait-style lure
is stirring waters in the tackle industry and hooking a lot
Delmarva Quarterly
of fishing pros along the way. His lures are now sold by
Cabela’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Tackle Direct and hundreds of tackle shops.
If you’re looking for a get-rich-quick story, stop reading
now. Chuck may eventually become wealthy from his
invention, but it has taken him almost 20 years, many setbacks and many thousands of dollars to bring his idea to
market.
“People have said, ‘this is so simple, why didn’t someone think of it before’?” said Chuck. “Well, it wasn’t so
simple running my construction company during the day
and working on the crabs every chance I got. It’s been a
very long road of trial and error.”
To make CW Crab a reality, Chuck needed four ingredients: money, a love of fishing, a very understanding wife,
and more money. “It was tough on Claudette and the
kids,” said Chuck, of his wife and two sons, Chad and
Chase. “But they have always believed in me and encouraged me every step of the way.”
Spring 2009 • 19
Prince of tides
Chuck would fish the Delaware River on what he called
his two-week tide schedule. When the incoming tide is
running hard, six to seven miles per hour, especially right
before and up to the slack of high tide, stripers can really
turn on. Stripers like to feed at certain times and tides –
when the high tide is flooding first thing in the morning
or as the sun goes down in the evening. This can be an
incredible time to fish.
“When the tide is right, the moon is right, they pile on
the crabs,” said Chuck. “I would fish four days every two
weeks, take notes on how the lures performed and then
return to my shop and tweak the lures. I would always
create lures in batches of 12-15 crabs, each lure taking 4-6
hours to complete. So you can see how time consuming it
was. Out of a batch of 12, three or four crabs wouldn’t
swim well, another three or four would swim OK and
three or four would swim perfect. The crab-lures had to
swim in a straight sideways motion like a real crab. Once I
got the crab lures to track properly, the fish took care of
the rest.”
Evolution of an idea
Chuck’s first prototypes were hand-carved out of red
cedar. He would put a piece of cedar, encased in wood
filler, into plaster molds he made from real crabs. This
gave his crab lures the exact shape of a crab. Chuck created over 300 prototypes. He applied for a patent in 1995,
which was awarded in 1996. That’s when the real work
started.
If he were going to market his lure, he would have to
mold it out of plastic. He talked to lots of engineers who
thought they could design a working mold with all of the
details he wanted. “They thought they could make it
work, they wanted to make it work, but they couldn’t,” he
said.
He met an old-school engineer in northern New Jersey
who thought he could do it. He told Chuck to give him a
few days and he would get back to him. A week later he
called with the news – he could do it. The bad news was
that to make a set of working molds for the crab bodies
and a set for the swim fins would cost $ 32,000.00. Chuck
knew he had no other choice but to bite the bullet.
After the molds were completed, he had to develop
counter-weight sizes to make the crabs swim properly.
Chuck spent the next few years trying to have his lures
manufactured to US specifications. But the costs were too
high. He knew he had to bring the cost way down. Since
he had working prototypes, and most of the development
work was done, Chuck started to look into overseas manufacturing. A year later, he went with a lure manufacturer
just outside Shanghai, China. They knew CW Crab was
unlike any other fishing lure and, even with the language
barrier, they understood what Chuck was looking for. “I
wanted to make the lure look like it would crawl out of
the package and bite you,” he said.
Matching the hatch
Chuck adheres to two basic fishing laws: Matching the
hatch and presentation.
“If you can match what the fish are feeding on and
present it in a natural way, the fish will take care of the
rest. If you don’t have these two elements you’re not fishing – you’re just wishing,” he joked.
Chuck started fishing the ponds and streams around
Hockessin, Delaware, with his dad when he was four. As a
boy he would ride his bike to all of the local streams and
farm ponds. It didn’t take him long to learn all about
matching the hatch. “Fly-fishermen will go to a trout
stream and flip over rocks to see what kinds of larva are
hatching. If they can match the larva that is naturally
hatching, it can mean the difference between catching one
or 101.
“In my teens, I started tying all of my own flies. It got to
the point where my fishing buddy, Keith, and I would go
to local trout streams and farm ponds and literally catch
every fish. We always let them go so we could come back
and catch them again.” As Chuck grew so did his fishing
territory, from the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays to the
ocean. “In the early 80s, I fished the Delaware Bay for sea
trout; I had several different jig patterns that I tied myself.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CWCRAB.COM
The CW Crab is a simple crank-bait with a treble hook, available in sinking or floating varieties. Its genius is in the details.
20 • Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009
If we were marking fish on the depth finder, we would
drop the jigs down and catch tide runners one after another. People would freak out when they saw us releasing 1215 pound sea trout.”
Chuck believes 10 percent of the people catch 90 percent of the fish. “You have to be born with it,” he said. “A
lot of fishing is feel and reaction. But this lure is going to
change that ratio. It gives the 90 percent a fighting
chance.”
Creating the buzz
Every year new lures hit the market. What makes CW
Crab unique is that it’s a one-of-a kind lure. Most new
lures are a variation of an earlier lure, with a new paint
pattern or finish. “My lure is so different it catches people
almost as good as it catches fish. The fishing lure business
is just like any other business. Your best advertising is
word of mouth.”
Research shows that 32 percent of people buy a lure
because a friend told them about it. Twenty-four percent
will buy if touted by their favorite fishing writers or pros.
The percentage drops off dramatically when it’s hawked
on TV or other media. “So my best business card was to
put CW Crab into the right people’s hands. I put my lures
in the hands of some serious guys,” said Chuck, referring
to icons like Lefty Kreh, Al Ristori, Stu Apte, Mark Sosin,
Jose Wahebe, “Crazy” Alberto Knie and Chris Fisher.
Chuck also sent thousands of emails to fishing writers,
fishing pros, tackle shops and distributors, many on
Delmarva. The response was huge. They heard back from
30 to 35 percent of their target audience.
Feedback from users has been incredible. Joe Cermele
of Salt Water Sportsman Magazine wrote on his blog,
“Chuck, my hat goes off to you for designing what’s got to
be one of the coolest lures I’ve seen. You can bet I’ll be
pitching them for stripers and weakies come spring.”
Lenny Rudow from Boating Magazine wrote: “Most artificial crabs don’t track properly or swim realistically. In
fact, most don’t even look like actual crabs. Enter the CW
Crab. Pick up a CW, and you’ll immediately realize there’s
never been a lure like this before. It’s a crank bait with a
shell and swim fins molded from the real thing. Stripers
turned on, and smashed it time and again.”
Chuck added, “We have testimonials of people catching
tarpon, permit, redfish, stripers, snook, sea trout, flounder,
cobia, triple tail, catfish and even largemouth bass in tidal
creeks,” said Chuck.
Greg Walker, a Delmarva fisherman who has tested
Chuck’s new lure, is sold: “It’s a great lure,” said Greg, 51,
who’s been fishing all his life. “I fished some of Chuck’s
prototypes in the Chesapeake and the Delaware Bay and
had great success with the rockfish. My biggest catch on it
was a 15-pound rockfish. Word is getting out. I gave the
lure to many of my friends and they are having success
with it.”
Keith Tolley, another CW Crab user, said Chuck has a
can’t-miss product. “All you have to do is look at it and
you can see why fish attack it. I dip mine in oil to give it a
Delmarva Quarterly
This Snook fell for a mottled-green CW Crab.
crab scent. When it’s in the oil it looks like the real
thing.”
Loose lips…
Trying to keep an idea under wraps for a decade can
make anyone a little paranoid. “There’s always the fear
that the word will get out and a big company will copy
your product. I had to keep this thing a secret. I didn’t
show it to the public until February 2007,” said Chuck,
who didn’t even tell his fishing buddies about the lure
until it was safely patented. “Some of the big guys in the
industry told me that the way I released the lure will help
protect it from copycats.”
Even as the word of his product hit the media, Chuck
was determined to market and distribute the lures his way.
“As far as distribution, I found out quickly that I didn’t
have a clue. In June, I picked up two great reps. I found
out that you might have the world’s best widget, but you
really need to know who to show it to and how to get it in
the door.”
CW Crabs come in three different types: a floater, suspender and sinker. All three weights are available in three
different blue-claw crab color patterns. Chuck has plans to
manufacture them in different sizes and colors to match
the crabs in bodies of water around the world, such as the
Calico crab, which will be available soon.
Looking back over his experience, Chuck said he got an
education in business he could never have learned in
school. “There were so many lessons and stops and starts
it’s hard to imagine learning them in a text book,” he said.
After 19 years developing the CW Crab, what’s his business philosophy? Chuck smiled and described a screen
saver on his computer: “There’s a dude surfing a 10-foot
wave. The guy is slicing through the tube and inside the
wave is a huge great white shark with the caption, ‘Never
let them see you coming’.” DQ
Jack Hoban writes from his home in Wilmington, Del.
Spring 2009 • 21
Poetry
Tidal Advance
By Gary Hanna
The tide is waving in
filling the bay and fish
are safe on the street
for another night, or
perhaps a day, hoping
that nature will not
change.
Today we are like castaways
Sailing for home
wanting the wind at our
back, searching the sea.
But the wind in our lives
is fickle and in the blink
of a crackling light
the gale force will change
raising the wave, scattering
the horizon, reducing
all hospital ships
to the vacancy of water.
the face of my new
More likely and closer
to home, the wind will rise
from the mangroves
like an army of stings
And we will run, searching
for another planet,
another place
to call home, teeth gritting
the sand, gaunt skin and bones
strolling the shore,
waiting for the tide.
Gary Hanna writes from his home in Dagsboro, Del.
South-turned house;
The light crackle
of the woodstove seems
to be the soft refrain
of Bay-gusty wind .
With each beat of
wind, fire and water
hiss and pop
Too Early Spring Sonnett
By Michael McGarrity
Cold fingers of rain
tingle lightly down
together.
We celebrate under covers
as the lights thunderclap off.
Michael McGarrity writes from his home outside of Onancock,
Va..
TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEST!
MARCH
3/3 Robert Cray Band 3/6 The Celtic Tenors
3/13 Tommy Sands Trio 3/20 Graham Parker
3/21 StonesWorld
3/28 Saffire
APRIL
4/2 Josh Ritter
4/10 Chris Smither
4/11 Strange Design
4/18 Charlie Musselwhite
4/19 Los Lobos
4/24 Mason Jennings
4/25 Bitter Creek
MAY
5/1 Bettye LaVette
5/2 The Seldom Scene
5/8 Four Bitchin’ Babes 5/9 Jambulay
5/16 John Eaton
5/20 Glenn Miller Orchestra
5/29 Livingston Taylor 5/30 Girlyman
DELAWARE
HOME
SHOW
April 4-5
Delaware
Fairgrounds,
Harrington
For tickets, call the Avalon’s Box office
410-822-7299
The Avalon Theatre
40 E. Dover St., Easton, Md. 21601
www.avalontheatre.com
22 • Delmarva Quarterly
DelawareHomeShow.com
Spring 2009
Virginia's only resort island,
Comfort Suites
on Chincoteague
Island
Platinum Award Winning
2 Waterfront Pools
Free High Speed Internet
Private Balconies Overlooking the Bay
CREATING FROZEN DESSERTS
FOR 35 YEARS
41st annual seafood festival is May 6th!
Show your Seafood Festival Ticket and receive
a 15% Discount off a waterfront Suite
Smoke-Free Facility.
4195 Main Street,
Chincoteague Island, VA
Ph 757-336-3700 • Fx 757-336-5452
www.chincoteaguechamber.com/
comfortsuites
Welcome to
Chincoteague
Chincoteague Chamber
of Commerce
757-336-6161
Visit
a place
for all
seasons
www.chincoteaguechamber.com
30th Annual Easter
Decoy & Art Festival
April 10 & 11, 2009
Chincoteague Combined School
4586 Main Street
Chincoteague, VA
www.chincoteaguedecoyshow.com
Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009 • 23
Culture
If You Bake It,
They Will Come
The Smith Island Cake, an Eastern Shore
tradition, is now a state treasure
BY MOLLY ALBERTSON
L
et them eat cake," Marie
Antoinette, queen of France,
infamously uttered before being
overthrown and beheaded. Indeed, let
them eat – that’s just what the
Maryland Senate and the 200 or so
residents of Smith Island are praying
will be a shot in the arm for the little
island.
Smith Island Cake was recently
made the official dessert of Maryland,
and its supporters hope it will draw
attention, and tourism, to the island
that used to make its living from fishing, crabbing, oystering and boating,
but has fallen upon hard economic
times.
Smith Island is Maryland's only
inhabited offshore island in the
Chesapeake Bay. The ferry ride from
Crisfield, on the mainland, across
Tangier Sound to the island is a 45minute trip. Electricity didn’t arrive
until the early 1950s, and street names
and house numbers came ashore in
the early 90s. Many visitors say it’s a
trip back in time, and like many such
rural communities, Smith Islanders
cherish their traditions.
Maryland State Senate Bill 287,
sponsored by 37 senators, was passed
and signed into law on April 24, 2008.
The bill says that Smith Island Cake
is, "a unique state tradition." It says
that Marylanders have been baking
and eating this dessert to celebrate
holidays for generations.
The cake, decadent, moist and tall,
has been a staple at dinners and celebrations for as long as anyone can
remember. In fact, no one is sure
24 • Delmarva Quarterly
when people started making what
used to be a simple yellow cake with
chocolate icing, or when it became a
battle of feminine pride and neighborly boasting. That's when the
women of the island, the original bakers of the cake, began jostling for who
could stack the tallest cake with the
most layers. Originally, the cake was a
four layer, fairly typical cake, but as
Smith Island ladies started comparing
desserts, the cake got higher. "There
was a flurry of competition to see
who could make the tallest among
them. That’s when it got to be up to
10 layers," said Kendell Barrett, owner
of Kendell's Cakes, in Falls Church,
Va.
Unlike a typical cake, the layers are
thin, delicate and compacted. There
is a debate on just how many thin layers are used: Some say it's eight,
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SMITH ISLAND CAKE COMPANY
The Smith Island Cake, in all its majesty. This specimen has nine layers of yellow cake.
Spring 2009
while ambitious bakers stack 10 layers
together. It's always separated with
rich icing, the traditional being a
chocolate ganache to separate the yellow-cake layers. But as it grows in
popularity, bakeries are experimenting with new flavor combinations,
from carrot cake in the springtime to
gingerbread in winter.
The Smith Island Cake Company,
located on the island in Ewell, opened
in July in what used to be the
Driftwood General Store. Owner
Theresa Siejack bought her first property on the island in 1993 and now
owns several tourist-related businesses, including a bed and breakfast. Her
bakery makes the 10-layer cakes from
scratch with real eggs, butter and
milk, which she says makes each cake
smell and taste scrumptious. She
opened the bakery to maintain the
traditions of the island and to employ
locals. They stick to traditional
recipes and flavors, but will alter
cakes upon request and will ship to
homes nationwide.
The Sweet Shop in Crisfield makes
the cake with 10 individual layers.
While making the cake is labor intensive, most bakeries have it down to a
science. "You spread about a cup full
of batter into a 9 inch pan, and bake
for a few minutes," Donna Crockett
said. They cool the cakes and then
prepare the icing. "If you've got all
your layers and the icing is ready, it
takes 10 minutes to put together.
Then you let it refrigerate for several
hours," she said. But Crockett and the
team at The Sweet Shop have had
years of experience putting together
the sumptuous treat. The bakery has
been open nearly three years, and
most of the bakers grew up making
the treats.
Crockett, a baker, said they make
the cakes in many flavors. During the
holidays, the bakery makes a special
red velvet edition that is a big seller,
she said.
Some ladies on the island, who
bake the cakes out of their homes and
sell them to local inns and tourists,
stick to the traditional recipe while
others get as adventurous as to sprinkle candy bar toppings in between
layers. Barrett pushes the envelope,
filling her cake with a variety of exotic fillings from dulche de leche
mousse to raspberry mousse and
lemon curds or pasty cream spreads.
Barrett was inspired by the cake
and made a new, modern spin on it
with her Smith Island Cupcakes. In
the recipe, she calls for the best
ingredients she can find, and she likes
to keep it local, or at least Delmarva
made. She calls for Lewes Dairy
Cream. "It's the best cream you can
get. I've tried all kinds of them, and
for 24 years I've been using Lewes
Dairy," she said. Barrett spent childhood summers south of Rehoboth
Beach. She also spent time on Deal
Island. "I may have had my first slice
of Smith Island Cake then," she said.
All this cake tasting is delicious,
but has the bill helped Smith Island?
Are foodie tourists coming in droves
to taste a piece of heaven on a plate?
Barrett said she doesn't think so. "I
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOMERSET COUNTY TOURISM
Dilapidated shanties like this are common on Smith Island, where a tightening economy is
forcing residents to the mainland for jobs. State officials hope the cake will boost tourism.
Delmarva Quarterly
Theresa Seijack, owner of Smith Island
Cake Company, shows off a slice.
don't know if it helped them or not.
Maybe a few of the surrounding area
bakeries are nice and busy, but
they’re not on the island," she said.
Bakeries ship the frozen cakes with
great success to homes across the
country, as far as Texas, Wyoming
and Alaska, and as close to home as
Maryland, Virginia and Delaware,
according to The Sweet Shop. Most
ladies on the island who sell the
cakes ship for extra cost, but some of
them only ship traditional chocolate
flavors. Some offer delivery to
Crisfield by ferryboat and a few will
deliver to Salisbury, Md. with special
arrangements.
Julie Widdowson, of the Somerset
County Tourism Department says the
bill has made a difference. Although
she has no statistics to show it,
Widdowson said she has heard from
many of the Smith Island women who
bake the cakes and sell them to
tourists that sales are up. Late this
summer there was a celebration for
the bill and the crowd doubled the
population of the community, she
said. Widdowson said people have
Spring 2009 • 25
called the tourism department
requesting more information on the
island and they want to know how to
order the cake. Smith Island has been
featured in many newspapers and
magazines because of the bill, which
is media attention that is precious to
any tourist industry that would not
have occurred without the Senate
bill.
Linda Kellogg, owner of The Inn at
Silent Music on the island, said the
bill seems to have helped the popularity of the cake, and it has
increased awareness of the island.
“Tourism will help the economy, but
people are struggling with how to
deal with that balance of keeping the
community how it’s been for centuries, which is why people visit, and
if it changes, will people want to
come?”
She says people on the island are
not simple or old fashioned, but they
love their historic ways and want to
maintain traditions. That’s worth the
ferry ride, and the slice of cake is a
bonus. DQ
Molly Albertson loves all things food, especially thick layers of cake. As a gourmand,
she has worked in professional kitchens and
enjoys sharing the world of food through
writing. She lives in Philadelphia, Pa.
Get a slice of
Smith Island anywhere!
Many peninsula bakeries will ship Smith
Island Cakes anywhere from Lewes,
Delaware to Mesquite, Texas. Give
them a call and order your cake today.
Kendall’s Cakes
703-536-2200
Smith Island Cake Company
410-425-CAKE (2253)
The Sweet Shop
410-968-2200
26 • Delmarva Quarterly
Poetry
The Centre at Salisbury
By Brian Felder
There's a place to sit in front of Macy's,
no doubt designed for men waiting on their wives,
where I sit and read while mine shops.
With a book and a cup of coffee I can kill hours,
though it seems an odd way to play out one's life.
As I watch an older couple pass by,
doing their second lap around the mall,
I wonder if that will be us someday,
when my eyes fail as his have
and there's nothing left for her to buy.
It's the kind of thing one thinks
when waiting in front of Macy's,
when the novel one brings fails to distract
and the mind wanders.
Brian Felder writes from his home in Milford, Del.
Breakfast with birds
By E. Leyunes Bautista
The birds are huddled
at Choptank river.
Awakened by windchimes
lifted by the wind,
their upswing and sudden turn
caught my eyes.
I wondered how they knew
to cover each others’ backs
perhaps a journey
to another feeding ground.
I forgot to burn the wood
I woke up early, cold
from a solitary sleep,
no warmth from the woodstove
to ease my weary mind.
Morning rushed me
from the breakfast table
to a workday of uncertainties.
Unlike the birds taking to the wind
I watched the windchimes anxiously.
Plein Air Artists
By Nancy G. Hickman
Plein air artists around Snow Hill.
We clueless peer over their shoulders
to see what they choose to paint,
never mind how.
I run my errands around town:
hardware, post office,
oyster fritter from the VFW,
and see a dozen artists
painting a dozen different scenes.
The thing they have in common,
aside from brimmed hats against sun,
is the way they each stop painting
after a stroke or two,
and stare hard at the canvas,
as if they are sure it has
something important to tell them.
Nancy Hickman writes from her home in Snow Hill, Md.
E. Leyunes Bautista writes from his home in Cabridge, Md.
Spring 2009
s
’
A
AR
T
Studio Art Gallery
5 Sisters
749 S. Coastal Hwy., Rt. 1
(Next to Happy Harry’s)
Bethany Beach, DE 19930
(302) 537-9116
Call ahead for seasonal hours.
www.tarasstudio.com
___________
tara @ tarasstudio.com
A P R I L 2 4 - 2 6 , 2 0 0 9 • S T. M I C H A E L S , M D
LEARN • TASTE
EXPERIENCE
RELAX
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
D E M O C R AT
Delmarva Quarterly
50¢
Spring 2009 • 27
295
95
95
40
83
95
13
213
55
49
40
301
213
95
Church Hill
Queenstown
2
97
1
13
300
8
301
6
313
4
50
3
301
7
404
113
Milford
8
13
5
St. Michaels
1
9
Milton
10
404
313
50
11
404
12
301
13
15
50
14
113
16
Berlin
113
17
Princess
Anne
22
C
21
Onancock
13
23
24
25
H
Chincoteague
20
DELMARVA
PENINSULA
Public lands and major routes
19
26
64
18
Snow
Hill
13
28 • Delmarva Quarterly
13
1. Bombay Hook NWR
2. Eastern Neck NWR
3. Wye Oak State Park
4. Tuckahoe State Park
5. Martinak State Park
6. Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area
7. Killens Pond State Park
8. Prime Hook NWR
9. Ellendale State Forest
10. Redden State Forest
11 . Cape Henlopen State Park
12. Delaware Seashore State Park
13. Fenwick Island State Park
14. Trap Pond State Park
15. Nanticoke Wildlife Area
16. Blackwater NWR
17. Pocomoke River State Forest
18. Assateague State Park
19. Assateague Island National Seashore
20. Chincoteague NWR
21. Saxis WMA
22. Martin NWR
23. Kiptopeke State Park
24. Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR
25. Fisherman Island NWR
26. Janes Island State Park
Spring 2009
History
Built on hope,
Teackletonia lives
An historic home in Princess Anne gets a new
lease on life, and a chance to share its story
BY LYNN R. PARKS
I
t wasn’t that Littleton Dennis
of effort had been in vain.
He had inherited $50,000, a grand
Teackle didn’t try to earn a good
sum in those days, and based the
But more than two centuries after
living. The resident of Princess
mansion on manors that he saw in
he built it, Teackletonia, now called
Anne, Md. was a merchant and entreScotland during a 10-month tour of
the Teackle Mansion, still remains,
preneur, owned timber and farm
that country and England in 1799.
sturdy and upright. Visitors come to
lands and had an import-export busiadmire its symmetry, its marbleBarbara Bloodsworth, a member of
ness. He started a sawmill, was the
the Somerset County Historical
floored bathroom and its efficient
president of a bank and helped to
Society, which owns the house, said
kitchen. Surely, despite his failures,
establish a railroad company.
that the society has not been able to
there is some triumph in that.
Rather, it was that none of his busifind any original drawings for the
Teackle started construction on the
ness ventures succeeded. He lost
mansion in 1802, two years after mov- house. “It was very definitely
money on his timber when the U.S.
ing with his young bride, the former
Littleton’s design,” she said, but
government refused to pay for wood
Elizabeth Upshur, also from
whether he had the help of an archithat it bought from him during the
tect, they do not know.
Accomack County, to Princess Anne.
War of 1812, saying the lumber did
not meet its specifications. His
steam-powered sawmill burned
down, the bank failed and the railroad company, intended to be the
first to cross the Delmarva
Peninsula, was unsuccessful.
In 1807, when Teackle was 30, he
was forced to relinquish ownership
of all of his property, including
Teackletonia, the mansion that he
built in Princess Anne, and the 20
slaves who worked there, to his
father, John Teackle, a resident of
Accomack County, Va. He regained
ownership of his house in 1815 but in
1821, after the Bank of Somerset
failed, he was declared an insolvent
debtor and the house was advertised
for sale by the county sheriff.
By 1848, the year that he died,
Teackle was living, alone, in
Baltimore, in a room in the Exchange
Hotel. His wife, Elizabeth, was dead
and he had been forced to sell all of
PHOTO COURTESY OF LYNN R. PARKS
his property.
Thanks to the Somerset County Historical Society, the Teackle Mansion is open to visitors.
He must have felt that a lifetime
Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009 • 29
After Teackle’s death, the mansion
family were people of importance.”
and its nine acres were sold off in
He gathered up all that he could
parcels. In the 1930s, it was made
find of his grandmother’s writings
over into apartments. In the 1950s,
and donated them to the university
when the mansion was threatened
library.
with demolition to make way for the
There is nothing of Elizabeth
new U.S. 13, area residents, led by sisTeackle or her husband that remains
ters Maude Jeffries and Catherine
in the house. But a visitor to their
Ricketts, fought to save it. The histor- home can imagine the young couple,
ical society acquired part of the manexcited with the prospect of life in a
sion soon after that and 14 years ago,
new town and, at least at first, with
became owner of the entire structure. enough money to do as they pleased.
Bloodsworth said that the 24-room
An analysis of the paint on the drawmansion was a “very elegant house
ing room walls has shown that the
for the time.” Of particular interest,
original colors in the room were two
she said, is the master bathroom,
shades of pink, no different, perhaps,
tucked between two dressing rooms
from what a 19-year-old woman in the
next to the master bedroom. The
early 21st century would choose. And
bathroom, which at one time had a
symmetry seems to have been parasmall marble tub, is equipped with a
mount to Littleton, showing, perhaps,
cistern underneath; one
a youthful adhersquare tile of the marence to the new
The modern
ble floor can be lifted
ideas he had gleaned
up to pour waste bathduring his trip
visitor to her
water into the cistern.
Teackletonia can abroad.
“This was very exotic
“Everything had to
imagine a lonely, be symmetrical,”
at the start of the 19th
century,” Bloodsworth
Bloodsworth said.
depressed
said. “This was a time
“If there is one archElizabeth,
when even the well-toway, there has to be
do didn’t have a special
an archway opposite
wandering from
room to take a bath in.”
it to match, even if it
room to room
It would have been
doesn’t go anylargely Elizabeth who
where.”
and seeking
used the bathroom.
As time went on,
refuge in the
Bloodsworth said that
youthful optimism
Littleton, busy with one warm, bustling
in the Teackle
business venture or
household must
kitchen.
another and also with
have given way to
his duties as state legissadness and worry.
lator, a position he held
Their second child,
off and on from 1822 through 1835, was a son, died shortly after birth in
away from home a good bit. Elizabeth February 1805. Littleton’s contract to
was left to manage the household on
sell lumber to the U.S. government
an ever-tightening budget. In her letcollapsed soon after that and his
ters that survive, she often mentions
father had to step in to save
her struggles to pay for food and
Teackletonia two years later.
other household goods.
The modern visitor to her
Those letters, as well as diaries and Teackletonia can imagine a lonely,
journals that Elizabeth wrote, are part depressed Elizabeth, wandering from
of the collection at the University of
room to room and seeking refuge in
Virginia library. Elizabeth Ann
the warm, bustling kitchen. And
Upshur Teackle, the only surviving
while no one knows, Bloodsworth
child of Elizabeth and Littleton, marlikes to think that the sunnier of the
ried Aaron Quinby at the age of 38
two master suite dressing rooms was
and moved to the Eastern Shore of
Elizabeth’s. “She was alone so much, I
Virginia, finally residing in her mothlike to think that she had the nicer
er’s ancestral home. Their son,
room,” Bloodsworth said.
Bloodsworth said, became an attorAnd then there’s Littleton, terribly
ney and as an adult, “realized that his
disappointed, surely, and worried
30 • Delmarva Quarterly
about the future. One imagines him
huddled over a desk in his unheated
office and struggling for the answers
that would keep his family out of
bankruptcy.
The structure of the Teackle
Mansion is sound, Bloodsworth said.
The historical society is in the
process of having a geothermal heating and air conditioning system
installed, a $650,000 project. It also
plans to replaster where necessary
and repaint with the original colors
that the paint analysis has found.
Already, it has had all the exterior
bricks repointed and a new, cedarshingle roof put on.
The historical society rebuilt the
original beehive oven next to the fireplace. Through experimentation and
classes in hearth cooking, chef Dave
Ridgway has learned how to build a
fire in the small oven, let it burn until
the bricks are good and hot and then
remove the coals. Once the oven has
cooled to the point that he can recite
a favorite Bible verse, he knows that
the oven is ready for bread baking.
The society is always on the lookout for regionally-made furniture
from the time that Littleton and
Elizabeth Teackle lived in their house.
Its members also research Elizabeth’s
writings now held at the University
of Virginia library for clues as to
what her house was like when she
lived there.
“This is a wonderful old house,”
said Bloodsworth, who spends lots of
time there, cleaning and training
docents. “It is definitely worth all our
efforts to preserve it.”
One imagines that somewhere, the
once lonely Elizabeth and her once
despondent Littleton are smiling. DQ
Lynn Parks is a freelance writer who lives
and writes from Seaford, Del.
If You Go:
The Teackle Mansion, Princess Anne,
Md., is open March through midDecember, Wednesdays, Saturdays
and Sundays, 1 to 3 p.m. It is also
open by appointment. For information, visit the Web site:
www.teackle.mansion.museum.
Spring 2009
Spring
Arts &
Crafts
Show
Ocean City Convention Center
Memorial Day Weekend
MAY 23 & 24, 2009
Float –In
Duck Dash
Car &
Motorcycle Show
Live
Entertainment
Children’s Area
FEATURING CRAFTERS
FROM SEVEN STATES
FREE Admission • FREE Parking
SHOW HOURS:
Saturday, May 23 • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 24 • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
For more
information call:
410-726-1283
or
800-OC-OCEAN
Fishing Tourney
5K Run
Canoe & Kayak
Races
Pageant
Gospel Concert
And Much More!!
July 9th - 11, 2009
For More Information
Call 302.629.9173
www.nanticokeriverfest.com
BUILDING GREEN
Structural Insulated Panels
Environmental Advantages
• Use regenerable wood skins
• Reduce pollution through energy conservation
• R-Control SIPs are free of CFCs, HCFCs,
HFCs & urea formaldehyde
• Reduces Buildings Carbon Footprint
Offering Design Services
Projects include Interior Decorator Services
Visit our office in Downtown Seaford,
107 Pennsylvania Ave. • Seaford, DE 19973
302-628-5232
www.tullramey.com
REMODELING • ADDITIONS • NEW CONSTRUCTION
Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009 • 31
German prisoners of war fill a ditch in
Dewey Beach. Others, like Fritz Rau, were
put to work at the menhaden plant in
Lewes.
Fritz Rau was captured near Tunis during
the North African campaign. He had to
endure overcrowded prisoner of war
camps before leaving for America.
German submariners are unloaded off of
U-858 on May 14, 1945. The submarine
surrendered at Fort Miles.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DELAWARE PUBLIC ARCHIVE
32 • Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009
History
From Afrika
To Delaware
Formerly of the Nazi infantry, Fritz Rau
found an unlikely home in Lewes
BY LEAH HOENEN
W
orld War II reached the
home front in Lewes when
German prisoners of war
reached the town’s former Civilian
Conservation Corps camp, where the
Hulling Cove retirement community
now sits. They were credited with
helping save agricultural harvests in
the state, as American farms lost
labor to the war effort, and they filled
vital roles in industry. Their work in
Delaware brought the federal government $2.4 million in pay.
Among the hundreds of thousands
of German soldiers and sailors who
lived and worked in the United States
as prisoners of war between 1942 and
1946, Fritz Rau experienced the best
and worst that would come from the
war, from the biggest battles to lifelong friends made in Delaware’s
small, coastal town.
Fritz Rau returned to Lewes, which
made him an honorary citizen in
1980. He kept in close contact with
his former employer, Otis Smith, who
looked after his German charges both
during and after the war, and his boss
at the menhaden plant, Robert
Kennedy, until their deaths.
Conscripted into the Wehrmacht,
Rau fought in Operation Barbarossa,
the largest military operation in history. In the wicked cold of the 1941
Soviet winter, he suffered frostbite to
his feet and was sent home to convalesce. The journey by train lasted
three weeks. Following his successful
recovery, Rau returned to the Eastern
Front. But, before he left the hospital,
he met an officer seeking volunteers
Delmarva Quarterly
PHOTOS COURTESY OF REINER BAUER
The Nazi prisoners of Lewes, Del., in their uniforms. Rau is second from the right, top row.
for the Afrika Korps. Weary of the
Russian cold, Rau signed up to fight
in a warmer clime with the legendary
General Erwin Rommel.
Near Tunis, he and his entire unit
were captured by allied forces on
May 9,1943. Rau experienced firsthand the downsides of poor
American preparation for large numbers of prisoners of war – overcrowded, sprawling camps with inadequate
supplies of food and water. In the
summer heat, with no efficient waste
disposal system, the camps reeked,
Rau said. The conditions there were
so poor, he relished the 21-day journey he took on a freighter ship from
Oran, Algeria, to Norfolk, Va. in June
1943.
Following processing, he was sent
by Pullman car three days west to
Roswell, N.M., where he worked out
of a large prisoner camp picking cotton by hand. Before long, he and
many other prisoners were sent back
East by train. It was common procedure for defense officials to move
prisoners of war frequently.
From Fort DuPont, Delaware, where
the first prisoners of war to be kept
in the state arrived in 1944, men were
assigned various areas in Delaware.
Rau was attached to Fort Miles and
sent to Lewes. The government relied
on Conservation Corps camps, built
like military barracks, to house prisoners. The strategy saved them the
cost of building camps from scratch.
Spring 2009 • 33
Today, Rau lives in Frankfurt, Germany.
By the terms of the 1929 Geneva
Convention, prisoners of war may
work for their captors, and businesses
were permitted to petition the War
Department for prisoner of war
laborers. Several in Delaware did so,
including poultry manufacturing
plants and farmers.
Rau worked at the menhaden fish
plant owned by Otis Smith at Lewes
Beach. There, with the other prisoners, he was initially put to work
alongside other laborers in the processing section of the plant, where
larege machiens required maintenance and operation. The oily fish
were cooked, their oil pressed out,
and their bodies dried and ground
into meal.
Rau says the plant managers were
pleased to have their new German
work force. Fortunately for the prisoners, and likely also for the management, plant engineer Emil Brugge was
himself a German. He was able to
easily communicate with the prisoners and, by getting to know a bit
about each man, he could recommend
to management tasks which would
most fully utilize each prisoner’s
skills. German translators were scarce
at the front, even more so on the
home front. The War Department
often relied on English-speaking
Germans to run prisoner of war
camps.
Brugge learned two things about
34 • Delmarva Quarterly
Rau: he could speak English, and he
could use a typewriter. He suggested
Rau might be able to help Robert
Kennedy, plant manager, in his office.
The work was agreeable. It made him
even more proud of and thankful for
his knowledge of English than he had
been before. Kennedy was not the
only one who took advantage of his
bilingualism. Otis Smith had thirty
German workers in his employ and
was unable to communicate with
them in their own language. He asked
Fritz if he would be willing to give
him a bit of instruction in the
German language. The pair set up
regular meetings, which were mutually beneficial.
Rau was responsible for various
tasks in the office. Robert Kennedy
compared him and Josef Rosengarten,
who also worked in the office, to the
elves in the fairy tale of the shoemaker and his elves. No matter what the
condition of the office at the end of
Kennedy’s day, he would return to
work in the morning to find that Rau
and Rosengarten completed what
tasks needed to be done and left the
office neat and orderly.
After a stint in the factory laboratory, checking protein levels in fish
meal, he was permanently assigned to
work in the office. Always glad, then
as now, for the chance to use English,
Rau was grateful for his proficiency
in the language, for it had afforded
him not only a good job position, but
a chance to gain new skills in office
management, which he knew he
would be able to put to good use
when he returned home to Germany.
Fritz was also thankful to be working
in a place a little removed from the
odors of the fish factory floor. He has
told me that the men who worked at
the fish factory had pegs on the outsides of their barracks buildings.
They could remove their working
clothes and clean up outside, so as to
avoid offending their barracks-mates
with the fragrances of their labor.
The time he was detained in Lewes
seemed to pass happily for Rau. He
offered instruction in his native language and used his second language
often, developing his skills and
expanding his comfort level in
English. He learned all about office
management and other practical
working-world skills.
Rau recalls a day when an Army
official from Fort DuPont approached
Smith in his office and demanded
that he immediately stop feeding the
Germans at his plant. Smith scoffed at
the idea, reminding the man that his
plant required of people hard physical labor and said he would not
expect hungry men to do hard work.
The meals did not stop.
The days were routine and Rau saw
little of Lewes, besides what he saw
through the windows of the bus, driven by a Lewes native, that carried him
between the camp and the fish plant
each day. The routine was broken
near the end of the war when the
submarine U-858 surrendered to the
U.S. Navy and docked at Fort Miles.
Rau said the prisoners were anxious
for news from home, but had little
opportunity to speak with the submariners.
The Allied victory in Europe came
in May 1945. War with the Germans
was over. Yet, it was not until the
summer of 1946 that the terms of
German prisoners-of-war were officially over. The 6,500 Germans who
spent part of their wartime incarceration in the First State would remain
until April, 1946.
The United States had made a deal
with its allies, and the German prisoners of war were not made aware
until the terms of that deal most
strongly impacted their lives. Fritz
was put on a troop ship in 1946 that
was headed for the European continent. The ship landed in Belgium,
where, at a transit camp, the men
anxiously awaited train transport to
Germany where they could begin to
try to reconnect with their families.
When a British soldier made an
announcement and asked who among
the men spoke English, one of Rau’s
companions pointed him out. The
officer instructed Rau to accompany
him onto another vessel that was taking men further along in their journey.
It was common for the British to
tell German prisoners-of-war that
they were being taken to Germany by
ship, that the rail lines had been
bombed out. The ships were not
Spring 2009
headed for Germany, however. Per
the terms of the deal closed between
the United States, Britain and France,
America’s European allies had been
permitted to use the prisoners of war
from the United States for labor in
their countries. The prisoners had
not been notified of this until they
were en route to their next work destinations.
“They sold us,” Rau says sadly.
“They sold us.”
When he was finally allowed to
return to his home country, he could
not go home.
East Prussia was no longer part of
Germany. The east and west had
been separated into zones of occupation by the Allied powers. Rau
stayed in the port city of Hamburg,
which had been terribly damaged by
bombing. Hamburg was where his
mother and his future wife lived, so
he stayed, having found them on his
own, without the help of the Red
Cross.
The vast majority of the country
had been left in ruin and it was a
struggle across the board to make a
living and to try to set up lives again.
Fortunately for Rau, Smith knew
the difficulties his former German
employees would face at home. He
and Kennedy had kept track of the
hours the men had worked for them
and had calculated what they would
have made had they been paid a
wage. Based on that, they sent care
packages across the Atlantic.
The items in those packages were
greatly helpful to men trying to
begin their lives again in a war-ravaged country.
Josef Rosengarten, for example,
traded cigarettes for a bicycle. The
bicycle provided him with reliable
transportation and he was able to get
a job. Rau was touched by Smith’s
gestures, and remains grateful for
someone so thoughtful and caring to
support his friends in the best way
that he could.
He says time and time again what
good men Smith and Kennedy were
and what a difference they made for
him. DQ
0LG$WODQWLF$UWLVWV DQG 7KHLU :RUNV
6HOHFWLRQV IURP WKH %LJJV 6KRW &RPSHWLWLRQ
0DUFKWKURXJK -XQH
)HGHUDO6WUHHW'RYHU'( ZZZELJJVPXVHXPRUJ
2SHQ7XHVGD\³6DWXUGD\DPXQWLO SP 6XQGD\ SP³SP)5(( $'0,66,21
...surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
Travel our Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Byway and participate in these events:
• Berlin Spring Celebration April 11
• Delmarva Birding Weekend April 23-26
• Ward World Wildfowl
Carving Competition April 24-26
• 800.852.0335 • skipjack.net/le_shore/heritage
Leah Hoenen holds a BA in History from
Salisbury University.
Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009 • 35
Arts
Broadway on
Delmarva
Wilmington’s DuPont Theater brings
famous shows to the peninsula
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DUPONT THEATER
BY HAL ALPIAR
W
hen did you last experience
that special curtain-goingup moment as part of a
Broadway show audience? Months
ago? Years ago? Never?
Well, who wants to drive three or
four hours or more, pay $100-200
each for tickets, and rack up lodging,
eating and parking expenses just to
see some show that seems like it
might be good, but you have no way
of knowing for sure?
Don’t torture yourself, but don’t
miss seeing the best of Broadway
either. You can accomplish both by
driving to Wilmington, Del. and visiting DuPont Theatre, the chemical
company’s “gift to the community.”
“This is the oldest, continuously
operating legitimate theatre in the
entire United States,” says Diana
Milburn, theater manager of audience
development and group sales – and,
according to her coworkers, an
accomplished opera singer.
“Thanks to the DuPont Company’s
support for over 90 years, the theatre
has survived the toughest of times,”
Milburn adds. In fact, she says, except
on the governor’s orders – during, for
example, the flu epidemic of 1918 –
the theatre’s doors have never closed.
From a business funding and budgeting standpoint, the spectacular
1,252-seat theatre is clustered together
with its parent structure, the Hotel
DuPont, and the nearby DuPont
Country Club. The three operations
are treated as a separate Small
Delmarva Quarterly
Business Unit (SBU) of the DuPont
and Helen Hayes, to John and Ethel
Company.
Barrymore, and Sir Laurence Olivier
DuPont management charges this
in “Murder on the Second Floor.”
SBU with adhering to the same
Autographed photos and memoraaccountability standards as other
bilia that line the glass-encased lobby
product and service SBU divisions of
displays testify to the performances
the company. The result is an operatof so many more magical names over
ing and funding structure that offers a the years. And behind the glamour
degree of recession-proof budget sup- and gushing excitement ignited by
port not typically available to most
visits from Gregory Peck, Carol
theatres.
Channing, Gloria
With just six fullSwanson, and Robert
time staffers, the
Since the theatre’s Redford are the
DuPont Theatre
whispered stories
doors opened in
never rests, but it
that help build the
also never produces
1913, when 25-cent theatre’s name and
its own shows. The
culture.
balcony seats
Theatre instead acts
You’re as likely to
as an agent. Milburn,
find display case repwere available,
together with the
resentations of Joel
virtually every
expert scheduling
Grey in “Cabaret,”
and timing guidance
the world’s most
legendary show
provided by General
panand performer has renowned
Manager John
tomime performer
Gardner, scouts,
Marcel Marceau, and
graced the
negotiates, books,
Pulitzer winners
DuPont stage.
and pays the
Eugene O’Neill and
Broadway troupes
George Gershwin, as
for their shows. The team also negoyou would Broadway’s current top
tiates theatre rental arrangements
award-winner Stacy Keach as Richard
with other between-show performNixon in “Frost/Nixon,” which made
ances, including concerts headlined
its rounds at the theater in December
by celebrities like Tom Jones, Hall &
2008. Theatre staffers are already
Oates, and Bobby Rydell.
buzzing about glass case photo space
Since the theatre’s doors opened in
for Tony Award-winning “Spamalot,”
1913, when 25-cent balcony seats were
when the show arrives the last week
available, virtually every legendary
of March.
show and performer has graced the
Parents of Delmarva children, from
DuPont stage, from Sarah Bernhardt
pre-school to eighth grade, will not
Spring 2009 • 37
want to miss the DuPont Theatre’s
schedule of outstanding Children’s
Theatre Series productions. And if
Wilmington is too far to travel, a
number of these performances are
offered in Dover, Del.
With over 40,000 children in attendance last year, Children’s Series
Coordinator Barbara Slavin, a former
pre-school owner and elementary
teacher, says “there is great emphasis
on supporting and supplementing
existing school curricula.”
“Each performance,” says Slavin, a
Wilmington native and part-time
Ocean View, Del. resident, “is a natural extension of the educational experience and study guides we make
available through various Internet
links.”
“Curriculum standards for individual shows,” says Slavin, “are attained
with some or all of the following con-
nections: family relationships; language/communication skills; multicultural,” and more.
Milburn and Slavin both emphasize
that, for Delmarva residents, DuPont
Theatre productions are closer, easier
to get to, and less expensive than
those offered in New York, Baltimore,
or Philadelphia, but with the same
performers.
The Rehoboth Beach Art League
and the Adult Plus Program at
Delaware Technical & Community
College have been loyal patron
providers. Both arrange regular series
subscription and transportation packages to and from the acclaimed theatre.
Adult Plus Program participants,
according to program director Linda
Forte, “receive member discounts, but
the transportation/seating arrangement packages we host are available
to the general public, and to all ages.
Many Delmarva parents take advantage of these trips by making them
special family events,” she says.
Information for the Del Tech &
Community College Program is available from Linda Forte at 302.856.5618.
Patrons and theatre management
alike acknowledge today’s tight economy limits travel distances and entertainment budgets. But all agree that
Broadway hits at the DuPont Theatre
– plus children’s performances both
there and in Dover – offer families a
great option for these lifetime memories. There is, they say, no reason to
miss the world-class theatre experience, year-round, in Delmarva’s own
backyard. DQ
Hal Alpiar is a an award-winning business
writer based in Millsboro, Del. He blogs at
www.halalpiar.com.
Catch a show!
The Dupont Theater offers great programming
for kids - and teachers can utilize online study
guides to make the trip fun and educational.
April 6, 2009: “Four Score and Seven Years Ago.” The
story of two men of different races and different sides of
the Civil War, who befriend one another in an exciting
and suspenseful musical. Grades 3-8; $6.
Study guide:
www.artspower.org/shows/four-score-and-seven-yearsago/assets/FS-study-buddy.pdf
Delaware State University, Dover; grades K-5; $6: “Nate
the Great.” New musical about teamwork and friendship
featuring pint-size detective Nate from the first of
Marjorie Weinman Sharmat’s classic book series.
Delaware State University, Dover; grades K-5; $6.
Study guide:
http://theatreworksusa.org/uploads/studyguide_780pdf
April 20, 2009: “Silent Boy.” Dramatic adaptation from
Lois Lowry’s book based in Pennsylvania in the early
1900s about precocious and curious Katy Thatcher and
autistic neighbor Jacob. At Delaware State University,
Dover. Grades 4-8; $6.
Study guide:
www.artspower.org/shows/silent-boy/index.htm
May 16, 2009: “Junie B. Jones.” Join Junie B. fans to see
the “bestest” musical ever featuring First Grader (at
Last!), Boss of Lunch, One-Man Band, and Top-Secret
Personal Beeswax Journal. Make it a party group or bring
a gang of friends and save $1 per ticket! At the Schwartz
Center, Dover. Grades K-5: $12.
Study guide:
http://theatreworksusa.org/uploads/studyguide/studyguid
e_622pdf
May 11, 2009: “The Jungle Book.” Musical based on
Rudyard Kipling classics, takes Mowgli on a life full of
adventure and conflict. Filled with mystery and danger. K5; $6.
Study guide:
www.theatreiv.org/guide/jungle.pdf
On the
Web:
Find more on shows, times and availability at:
www.duponttheater.com
Or contact Barbra Slavin at:
[email protected]
May 14, 2009 and May 15, 2009: 10am and noon at
38 • Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009
va
Delmar
Y
HISTOR
NATURE
ARTS
ISSUES
rly
Quarte
SPRING
FREE
2009 •
CW Crab
lure: the
fishing
ion, one
they
one miss
and how
n
Lewes,
hometow
ners of
adopted
The priso
love their
of sail
came to
s the age
resurrect
r schooner
ware
in Dela
An oyste
n
grow
berries,
finest straw
from steel
France's
nature
s
tor forge
ton sculp
Northamp
One man,
Have your artwork showcased
all over the peninsula on the
cover of the Delmarva Quarterly!
Submit artwork samples for consideration.
NO ORIGINALS, PLEASE.
Preference will be given to items grounded
in aspects of the peninsula experience.
Upon selection, final artwork must be available
in high resolution digital file or high quality slide.
Send samples & contact information to:
Dennis Forney, publisher
Delmarva Quarterly
P.O. Box 213, Lewes, DE 19958
or [email protected]
Delmarva Quarterly
Cycle on gently curving roadways
through picturesque small towns and majestic
Chesapeake landscapes in
Caroine
Come cycle
this weekend with
Caroine!
Our FREE
Cycling Guide has:
s 11 Bike Routes
s Attractions
s Lodging
Call 410-479-0655 or
visit tourcaroline.com
Spring 2009 • 39
The Low
Whistle
of the Wind
BY CAROL CHILD
E
very star in the sky shone upon the Maggie S. Myers as she
sailed across the Delaware Bay from Bowers Beach to New
Jersey. She navigated up the shipping lanes, her clipper bow
folding the waves over the bay like fine lace. She carried as cargo the
50-foot yellow pine pole that would become her new mast. Huge
hulls of freighters and tankers of exotic registry loomed up beside
her, dimly lit as by a single candle. They whispered past her in the
blackness.
She reached the Jersey shoreline soon after sunup. Her captain,
Frank “Thumper” Eicherly IV, guided her five-foot draft up the shallow, curving Cohansey River to Fairton and her rendezvous with the
rail at Flanigan Brothers boatyard, home of second- and third-generation boat builders. That was in September 2004. Today, with one
40 • Delmarva Quarterly
Spring
2009
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLANIGAN BROS. / DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION BY TERESA RODRIGUEZ
How a renaissance waterman saved the
Maggie S. Myers, an historic oyster schooner
mast and sails restored, the Maggie S. Myers is believed to
The Maggie S. Myers was listed on the National
be the oldest working oyster schooner under sail in the
Historic Register in 1983 by Harry and Jeannette Killen.
United States. The 115-year old boat has never been out of
They bought her in 1960 from John DuBois of
commission. Her two masts were cut down when she was
Mauricetown, N.J., and worked her out of Leipsic dredging
motorized – probably during World War II, when the
crabs, oysters and clams. Killen family photos show the
states of New Jersey and Delaware lifted power-dredging
Maggie’s crew shoveling oysters into piles that climbed
restrictions and most captains outfitted their schooners
halfway up the wheelhouse.
with motors and wheelhouses.
In 1946 John DuBois sold the Maggie to Seacoast Oyster
Eicherly and his wife, Jean Friend, both from Bowers
Company of New Haven, Conn., and bought her back in
Beach, have owned the Maggie S. Myers for 10 years,
1950 when the company dissolved. James E. Munson, mandevotedly sinking most of her earnings into her restoraager of Seacoast, negotiated the transactions. He kept a
tion. Indeed, Eicherly works the Delaware Bay out of
diary. His son, Bob Munson, of Port Norris, N.J., 13 in 1946,
North Bowers nearly daily, weather and regulatory condisaw the Maggie and recalls that the mast had been
tions permitting. His crew of up to six, sometimes all
stubbed already, further evidence that she was motorized
women, dredge for conchs, oysters, horseshoe crabs, and
prior to that year.
blue crabs. They catch toadfish for the Chinese market in
Munson’s diary notes that one of the changes Seacoast
New York City. They collect mussels. At the end of the
made was to install a coal-powered, steam-generating
sometimes 15-hour days, they unload their catch onto
boiler on deck used expressly to boil starfish. They had an
trucks waiting at the Bowers dock.
apparatus that looked like big mop heads, steel with cotThe Maggie S. Myers was built as a two-masted
ton mesh, that snagged starfish when dragged along the
Delaware Bay oyster-dredge schooner by
bay’s bottom. The starfish were boiled and
Rice Brothers in Bridgeton, N.J. and comtossed overboard. Today, the few starfish
“She looks so
missioned in 1893. She is 50 feet long and
Eicherly and crew dredge up amid the
18 feet wide. The 24.62-ton schooner is the cool,” Eicherly
other catch are thrown back, or dried to
22nd boat to get a New Jersey oyster
become tourist trinkets and Christmas
observes, with
license.
ornaments.
When she was built, the Maggie had
When Harry Killen underwent openchildlike awe.
four berths and a wood stove for cooking.
heart surgery in 1985, he and his wife sold
“She’s low to the the Maggie to Willis Hand. They hated to
She and her crew would stay out all week,
water and
as did the other oyster schooners.
see her go. Hand’s son, W.C., worked her
Without a motor, it took too long to sail
of Port Mahon, Del. crab dredging; but
dredges by hand. out
into dock every evening with the catch.
with only 22 days of work a year, Maggie
She turns on a
On Friday they’d sail the oysters up to
wasn’t paying her way. The Hands owned
Philadelphia, often piled so high the capsong, like a snow another boat. They were watching the
tain had to close the windows of the
Maggie deteriorate.
goose flying
wheelhouse so they wouldn’t spill
Then one day in 1998, Eicherly heard
through. The crew then hurried home for
Captain
Willis Hand talking to W.C. about
around in the
the weekend to be with their families.
the Maggie. They planned to salvage the
air.”
The Maggie is living history, and
motor and beach her.
Eicherly is enthralled by her past. He
“The instant we saw her, it was love at
beams, almost dancing as he recalls the
first sight,” says Jean Friend.
16-foot oar he stumbled upon years ago. Besides her masts
“She looks so cool,” Eicherly observes, with childlike
and sails, Maggie probably had large oars in case the wind awe. “She’s low to the water and dredges by hand. She
didn’t blow.
turns on a song, like a snow goose flying around in the
air.” Fat Maggie, he calls her. Indeed, when she comes
Five Years Without Underwear
straight at you across the water, she looks like an overfed
goose.
“Maggie is thick-skinned, beefy,” he says. The ship’s hull
Hand sold the couple the Maggie for $5,000.
is eight to 10 inches of thick wood, and on cold winter
They bought her to use as a pleasure boat, but their
days, she cuts through the bay ice with ease.
dreams soon foundered when their working boat, The
U.S. Coast Guard records show that the Maggie was
Phragmites, berthed next to the Maggie at dock, was
motorized somtime before 1946. The forward mast was
crushed by ice.
removed to make room for a fuel tank, and the centerThe Maggie had to go to work.
board trough, running bow to stern along the bottom cen“She had holes the size of golf balls,” Eicherly recalls.
ter of the hull, was cut and capped off to accommodate
“Once
we had thirteen pumps to keep afloat. She looked
the pair of motorized winches which operate the two
like a fireboat. It took a hundred trips to get the down
dredges. The centerboard runs longitudinally along the
payment to take her to the rail.”
hull to help stabilize the boat and prevents it drifting with
They commissioned Donald Flanigan of Flanigan
the wind. Eicherly finds that the Maggie’s mast and sails
Brothers
boatyard. “One day Jean called us,” says Flanigan.
help stabilize her, as her original design intended.
42 • Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009
“’Do what Maggie needs to make her
float,’ she said. ‘Oh, boy…,’ I thought.”
It took three months to repair her
that first year, 2001. “That was the
beginning of the Maggie Myers
Restoration Project,” Eicherly says
with a half laugh. The couple’s out-ofpocket expenditures went up to
$60,000 annually.
Friend said, “The Maggie’s at the
boatyard so much that when I go to
there, the guys greet me with, ‘We
hear you’ve gone five years without
underwear!’”
The Flanigans’ Web site, www.flaniganbros.com, meticulously documents each step of Maggie’s restoration, in stunning photographs and
simple text, including her new
bowsprit installed in the autumn of
2007.
Bard, Waterman, Conservationist
At the boatyard, when he isn’t
revving a chainsaw or installing stays
and riggings to the mast, the slightlybuilt Eicherly, wearing his knit cap
and looking like an early-day, bearded
Pete Seeger, picks up his guitar and
Undiminished by dry land, the Maggie sits at the Flanigan Bros. Boatyard in New Jersey.
serenades the workers with a sea
chantey. Eicherly wrote the
Flanigan’s Web site theme song, “The
logical knowledge that stems from adapting his life to the
Shipwright’s Lament.” He and Friend are Delmarva
rhythms of Delaware Bay.”
Friends of Folk members, occasionally performing at their
Eicherly and Friend served on the Atlantic States
venues
Marine Fisheries Commission Horseshoe Crab Advisory
Thirty years ago Eicherly read Donald H. Rolfs’s “Under Panel, assisting the U.S. Geological Survey indexing of
Sail: The Dredgeboats of Delaware Bay.” That book made
horseshoe crabs. They have taught at Delaware
him want to eat, sleep and feel the waterman’s life. But
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
there were earlier influences; namely, “Moby Dick” – he
Control (DNREC) Green Eggs & Sand workshops. They
saw himself as a young Ishmael – “Huckleberry Finn” and
hosted University of Delaware students on the bay for a
“Tom Sawyer,” which he read growing up on the
day as part of their geography class, Environmental
Susquehanna River in Columbia, Pa.
Videography. They’ve also helped members of the Sierra
“They called us river rats,” he says. “I thought, ‘I’m
Club learn about horseshoe crab conservation and shorebird preservation.
gonna build a sailboat and sail away.’”
Ever the innovator, Eicherly discovered in 2008 that he
A few years ago Eicherly made history when he introcould use mussels for conch bait, eliminating the need for
duced an innovative mesh bait bag design that uses only a
horseshoe crabs altogether.
quarter to an eighth of a horseshoe crab, which watermen
traditionally have used for conch bait, cutting his needs by
more than 75 percent. Today, watermen up and down the
Securing a legacy
Atlantic coast use his bait bag. Dr. Carl N. Shuster Jr., who
is recognized as the world’s foremost expert on horseshoe
Friend worked on the water with Eicherly for eight
crabs, calls Eicherly “one of the shining lights in the
years until they bought the Maggie. “It was different then.
whole story of the Delaware Bay.”
It was hard work. We fished. We had a smaller boat,” she
Among their activities, Eicherly and the Maggie have
says. Now she keeps in touch by radio the same as
worked with the U.S. Geological Survey tagging horseshoe Eicherly does out on the Bay with fellow watermen.
crabs out on the bay. USGS biostatistician Dave Smith,
“The Maggie supports many mouths,” says Friend.
who headed the survey, says, “Thumper is a uniquely con- "You're only as good as your crew. When they are wet,
servation-minded waterman. He possesses traditional eco- you give them dry clothes; when they are hungry, you
Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009 • 43
William “Thumper” Eicherly IV, is a waterman and conservationist. He spends much of the Maggie’s earnings on her restoration.
feed them; when they are thirsty, you give them something to drink.” All last winter Friend, a New Hampshire
native, operated a weekly soup kitchen in Bowers Beach,
renting the space, buying and preparing the food herself –
a kind of Mother Hubbard whose cupboards never run
bare. “Anything anybody needs, they know they can turn
to us,” says Friend. “We’ve given them bed covers, food,
anything.”
She produced an annual Bowers horseshoe crab festival,
wrote and published a monthly Bowers newsletter and
much more – up until this year. Caught in the ever-tightening net of fishing regulations, the couple had to curtail
their efforts. Consequently, Maggie forewent her rendezvous with the rail the fall of 2008, despite her imminent need for a new wheelhouse and centerboard.
“We must get all Maggie’s restoration done in the next
five years or not at all,” says Eicherly, “while Donald
Flanigan is still working, and while oyster schooners and
watermen are still working.
“It’s like putting the schooner through college,” he
reflects.
Their concern is for the Maggie’s legacy. “We want the
Maggie to be used even more to educate, especially children,” says Eicherly. “We want her to become an educational living museum. We want to pass her down as a living archive in Delaware. All we need is five years.”
And so, as the mornings roll in, one upon another,
Friend gets up and makes the coffee for Eicherly, who sails
away on the Maggie, dredging under sail when conditions
allow, thereby cutting his fuel use to a third. Eicherly sews
his own sails out of Gore-Tex. “It’s lightweight and doesn’t
rot because it’s resistant to UV damage,” Eicherly says.
44 • Delmarva Quarterly
Gore-Tex is a waterproof-breathable material made from a
plastic laminate that is sealed onto fabric – better than the
old cotton sails that mildewed and rotted and weighed
600 to 800 pounds.
“How quiet…”
He tells his story of sailing home for the first time the
evening of December 16, 2004 across the Delaware Bay.
It was sunset when he and the crew got to the Ship John
Shoal lighthouse. They circled the lighthouse and raised
the Maggie’s sail. He idled the engine. Going against the
tide and with a light breeze they made one and a half
knots. They looked over the stern and saw little bubbles
as they moved.
Then they were going three and a half knots, too fast to
dredge for oysters. They had discovered an oil leak on the
way over, so Eicherly turned off the engine, and again they
were sailing at one and a half knots, just the right speed.
He went below deck to capture the oil and put it back in
the drum and save it.
From below, he recounts, “You could hear the sounds of
the crew above, working. You could hear the sounds of
the other fishing boats out on the water, and you could
hear the chain dredging, running along the bottom, the
riggings as the boat tipped and moved and the low whistle
of the wind as the breeze caught the sail. Imagine if all the
boats out on the Bay had sails, how different it would
sound. How quiet it would be.” DQ
Carol Child is a freelance writer, essayist, award-winning poet, and
photographer. She works from home in Smyrna, Del.
Spring 2009
DOVER POST
FULL PAGE AD
GOES HERE
Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009 • 45
DONNA TOLBERT-ANDERSON PHOTO
SPRING SENTRY - DONNA TOLBERT-ANDERSON - As the days grow longer, the sun lingers a little later on this sharp-shinned hawk.
46 • Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009
Culture
Strawberries
Of The Wood
Middletown’s Mike Wellick specializes in
heirloom seeds and alpine starwberries
BY JANEL ATLAS
B
ack before Christmas, Mike
Wellik was already getting
ready for Mother’s Day. While
most of us were wrapping gifts and
settling in for a cold winter, the
Middletown, Del. man was setting his
seeds for hanging baskets filled with
strawberries.
“It takes about four months from
seed to first fruit,” says Wellik, a cottage grower of alpine strawberries.
For more than 20 years, Wellik has
collected varieties of heirloom strawberries, specializing in alpine strawberries. Also known as woodland
strawberries or wild strawberries,
these plants are in the Rosaceae family, just like the strawberries you can
find at the grocery store.
But that’s where the similarities
end; grocery store strawberries are
usually large, bright red, and mildtasting. All strawberries sold commercially are of a variety developed
by cross-breeding a strawberry native
to Chile and one native to Virginia,
explains Wellik.
Since then, they have been bred so
that the berries can be picked when
they’re greener, ship better, and pro-
duce the greatest yield.
The result, according to Wellik, is
that “they’ve bred the flavor out of
them.”
Alpine strawberries, which were
cultivated in Europe for centuries
before the arrival of garden strawberries from the New World, are “strawberries with taste,” says Wellik, who
now runs Middletown-based fraises
des bois (French for “strawberries of
the wood”).
Fragaria vesca produces strawberries that are substantially smaller
than garden strawberries. Some of the
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIKE WELLIK
Instead of a large greenhouse, Mike Wellik grows his strawberries in his garage and backyard. He says his production is unaffected.
Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009 • 47
Fragaria vesca is smaller than strawberries commonly found in the supermarket.
cultivars put out runners, while others form multiple crowns in a cluster.
With names like “Yellow delight,”
“White soul,” and “Pineapple crush,”
Wellik’s berries represent a movement for strawberries with taste. “It’s
my goal to preserve some of the heirloom seeds, because many of them
just aren’t available anymore,” said
Wellik.
Last year, fraises des bois shipped
seeds worldwide, with about 16 varieties of seeds available for purchase
by horticulturists, hobbyists, farmers
and dabblers. In his personal seed
collection, Wellik has more than 40
varieties.
In 2009, Wellik is expanding his
business to include wholesale offerings, including the Mother’s Day
hanging baskets. Already, garden centers in places as varied as Vermont
and California have placed orders for
the lovely, edible gifts.
He has witnessed an increase in
interest from both individuals and
companies for alpine varieties; Wellik
attributes this to the downturn in the
economy—more people are growing
their own produce—and the rise in
demand for organic foods. "This is a
trend that we're seeing in New Castle
County and elsewhere. People are
very interested in small scale farming
and growing sustainable gardens in
their backyards," explains Anna
Stoops, New Castle County
Cooperative Extension Agriculture
Agent.
48 • Delmarva Quarterly
Fraises de bois is conducting several research studies, including germination trials, experimentation with
different colored berries to see how
local bird thievery is affected.
Another area of research is in hydroponic systems and growing media. "I
was really impressed by the work that
Mike is doing," says Stoops, who has
visited Wellik's gardens and also collaborated with him on a grant proposal.
As both a grower and a researcher,
Wellik cares about sustainability and
responsible management of his
plants. He has done work with making organic container mix from composted coffee grounds.
Instead of a large greenhouse,
Wellik does all of his work in his
garage and backyard. "His acreage
can actually be measured in square
footage, but he has some major production," says Stoops.
To grow plants in his garage, Wellik
built a flood table complete with ebb
and flow and uses special lighting.
Among the admirers of Wellik’s
alpine strawberries: the owner of the
famous Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia.
French cuisine saves a special place
for alpine strawberries, especially as
a component of pastries. For several
seasons in the 1990s, Wellik delivered
as many pounds of strawberries as his
plants produced to Le Bec-Fin’s pastry chef.
“These berries are a French delicacy, and many Europeans now living in
the United States are showing an
interest in them because they remember the delicious taste of them from
childhood,” explains Wellik.
A self-described alpine strawberry
evangelist, Wellik says he gets peeved
when he reads misinformation.
“Many books state that they are just
cute little ornamentals,” appropriate
only for lining a front walkway, but
they are very productive plants with
growing commercial value.
Wellik also reports that fraises des
bois is working toward organic certification through the Delaware
Organic Food and Farming
Association. “We have had great success with worm castings, and we’re
also doing research with coffee
grounds as a soil amendment,” said
Wellik, who recently received state
certification as “All Natural.”
While the dearth of French restaurants on Delmarva equates to few
local restaurant markets for Wellik’s
strawberries, fraises des bois is doing
business nationally and internationally. “There are no real competitors,”
says Wellik in amazement. “It kind of
blows my mind. I’m not a horticulturist by trade, but an entomologist, but
I see that the market for is simply not
satisfied.”
Currently, Wellik is working to
expand his wholesale business, both
on Delmarva and nationally, and he is
also working as a consultant for several large companies in the commercial horticulture field.
In just a few weeks, mothers all
over the country who receive one of
fraises de bois’ hanging baskets filled
with strawberries will discover what
Wellik has known for years. The fruit
isn’t just pretty. It’s delectable. DQ
Janel Atlas, a freelance writer and editor,
lives in Newark, Delaware. Contact her at
[email protected].
On the Web:
For news, contact information and
horicultural info, visit Mike Wellik’s
website at:
www.fraisesdesbois.com
Spring 2009
Poetry
The Crab-Pot Maker
Daydreams
By Scott Whitaker
The far away groan of a tractor
roaming the backroads
Brings her back to wire work,
back to shaping U halves.
The mind
when it wanders at work is wonderful
And she works
as much to work
as to smoke and gossip
outside her trailer.
Her fingers like a
silversmith’s hammer
Shape parlors, bait boxes.
All that is left
of her finger flesh
Is calloused skin, bone.
She cannot recall
the touch of milk,
But can lover
her husband, and break
the claw of a jimmy blue before
it draws blood.
It is enough for crab pots,
And she carries on far
into night. Her neighbor brings beer,
And the radio
gives enterprise to the dark,
and to her,
And starlight creeps through pines
to find trap in cages.
Her bones hum
from bending wire,
they have transformed.
She turns her fingers over.
In the moon they are silver flutes.
Scott Whitaker writes from his home in Onely, Va.
CLASSIC CUSTOM FRAMING & GALLERY, INC.
608 Snow Hill Road
Salisbury, MD 21804
(410) 548-9008
M-F 9:30-5:30
Saturday 10:00 - 4:00
Closed on Sunday
! Chesapeake Maps by Myrna McGrath
! Original - S/N prints by Keith Whitelock
! Landscape, Still life, Local landmark
“Poplar Hill Mansion” by Kay Hickson
(all available in small & large format)
! 1800’s EASTERN SHORE SURVEY MAPS
LIFESTYLE ESSENTIALS
Home
of the
Eastern Shore
Art League
BLUE CROW
ANTIQUE MALL
Largest & Newest Antique Mall
on Virginia’s Eastern Shore
~ 35,000 Square Feet ~
Custom Framing • Antiques • Collectibles • Vintage Items
Decorative Arts • Climate Controlled
Open 7 Days Mon. - Sat. 10-5 Sun. 12-5
(757) 442-4150
[email protected] • bluecrowantiques.com
32124 Lankford Hwy. Rt. 13 Keller, VA 23401
Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009 • 49
Poetry
The (not so)
Good Earth
With Dogfish Head Poetry Prize-winning”Farm,”
Linda Blaskey tells the hard truths of the land
BY ROB KUNZIG
L
inda Blaskey sits at a table outside of The Coffee Mill in
Rehoboth Beach. She looks
unbothered, examining her surroundings through wireframe spectacles. I
wonder if she's somehow forgotten
that she won the 2008 Dogfish Head
Poetry Prize less than a week ago.
I place her chapbook, a slim, peagreen volume titled "Farm," on the
table between us. She regards it with
curiosity. "Farm" was published by
Dover-based Bay Oak Publications as
part of the Dogfish Head Poetry
Prize. The winner receives 100 copies
of his or her chapbook, $200 in lieu of
those copies' royalties, and two cases
of Dogfish Head beer in lieu of an
advance. Hers is the sixth book in the
series, which publishes only
Delmarva poets. Past winners include
Michael Blaine, Scott Whitaker, James
Keegan, Emily Lloyd and Anne
Colwell.
It's her book. It's her name, plainly
printed, and her picture, with her
elbows on the hood of a John Deere
tractor. But she feels only a slight
connection, a distant, obligatory kinship.
"I don't think this chapbook is representative of what I'm doing now,"
she says, "and that really worried me,
a lot. Rereading some of the poems, I
almost wanted to call up Jamie and
say, wait! Hold the presses!"
Jamie Brown, who teaches at
Wesley College and edits the
Broadkill Review, founded the John
Milton Poetry Festival, which hosts
the prize. He receives dozens of man-
50 • Delmarva Quarterly
ROB KUNZIG PHOTO
Linda Blaskey spent her childhood in the Ozarks, which provide the setting for “Farm.”
uscripts, each containing 20 or more
poems. The submissions are judged
anonymously, screened by a double
blind panel until a winner is decided.
Blaskey was runner-up for a number
of years, Brown notes. He was unsurprised when the judges chose “Farm”
as 2008’s winner.
On first opening “Farm,” I was pre-
pared for a collection of pastoral
poems, sweetly singing the nobility of
hard work, nature and the agrarian
life. The first poem, “Grandpa Plowed
with Mules,” seemed to confirm this,
with the poet comparing her John
Deere tractor to her grandfather’s
tried-and-true mule team, vindicating
the honesty of farming by flesh, blood
Spring 2009
and instinct, not technology.
calamity carries forcefully from life to
But with the next poem, the book
art, regardless of circumstance. It
immediately hardens its bucolic
hurtles into another poem, “Loading
purview into something bleak,
Hogs for Market.”
unflinching and unsympathetic.
In “Hogs,” a young man wrestles in
“Sandhill Cranes” is written from the
the mud with an uncooperative pig –
perspective of an amputee farmhand,
“good practice,” Blaskey writes, “for
his leg claimed by a fodder chopper.
the war in his future for the steam
He watches the cranes “go about their and the mud / he will fall down in to
elegant meditations,” and while he
avoid being / caught…” Later, the boyrecognizes their beauty, he is heartsoldier will sit awake at night, hearing
broken by their legs, “carried out
the metal door of the automatic pig
behind them / in graceful escape.”
feeder “banging shut banging shut /
“Farm” turns out to be a different
banging shut like a rifle report.”
book entirely. Thankless hardship
The staccato spacing in “Hogs”
replaces heartland nostalgia and
marks a stylistic departure for
stares unflinchingly
Blaskey; indeed, it
into the reader’s
the beginThankless hardship marks
heart. It is a mean
ning of a change
book, shocking in its replaces heartland
that has defined her
refusal to comprosince “Farm.”
nostalgia and stares work
mise, its unswerving
She is, by her own
honesty.
admission, a “puncunflinchingly into
“Farm life is really,
tuation person,” and
the reader’s heart.
really hard, and in
letting the holes in
It is a mean book,
the Ozarks, it's dou“Hogs” stand open
bly hard,” says
like wounds was a
shocking in its
Blaskey. “The land is
challenge. She’s
refusal to comprorocks. We had a
happy with the end
neighbor up the
product, and so are
mise, its unswervroad who would
others: Fleda Brown
ing honesty.
come and visit, and
and Billie Travalini
he had no hand.
included the poem
There was this black
in their anthology
leather cup over the
“On The Masonstump of his arm. He lost it in a farm
Dixon Line: An Anthology of
accident.”
Contemporary Delaware Writers.”
There’s a logic typically associated
While the experimental arrangewith farms – the farmer plants the
ment of “Hogs” was a conscious selfseed, the seed grows into a plant and
conscious challenge, it has deeper
bears produce. Blaskey’s poems short- roots in her creative process.
circuit this exchange. Farmers spend
Blaskey’s poems are inspired by a
their lives prying open the rocky soil,
“trigger” – a single word, sound, or
only to drop dead without warning,
memory. In “Two Pastorals,” the trigas in the eponymous poem “Farm.” A
ger was the Delaware sky on a particjar of honey, like the one in “Sorrow,”
ular morning; in “Hogs,” it was the
only reminds us of the dead. Children banging of the automatic feeder. She
go to war and return only in body,
takes the trigger, writes the poem,
leaving their souls elsewhere.
and immediately reads it aloud – only
War is pervasive throughout
after the words taste air does the
“Farm.” On first reading “Sandhill
poem begin to truly take shape. The
Cranes,” I assumed the farmhand was
unpunctuated, traumatized cadence
a veteran, his leg lost in combat.
of “Loading Hogs for Market”
While Blaskey wrote the poem with a emerged from this process.
farm accident in mind, the real-life
Blaskey was thrilled that the poem
archetype for the character did, in
was included in “On the Masonfact, have his leg blown off by a land
Dixon Line.” “I’m between Fleda
mine. Not that it matters, anyway –
Brown and Joann Ballingit,” she says.
the shock of sudden and violent
“It’s such an honor.”
Delmarva Quarterly
Fleda Brown, former Delaware poet
laureate, pushed Blaskey towards
poetry. At the time, Blaskey wrote
short stories for theatrical adaptation
on Philadelphia stages. She lacked the
concentration for a novel, but never
really considered writing poetry. She
tried, and was hooked.
“I have absolutely fallen in love
with writing poetry,” she says. “In the
beginning, it was like new shoes that
kind of hurt your feet.” “Farm,” however, suggests a poet comfortable in
her medium, ready to expand and
push boundaries of form and content.
She is constantly reminded of her
status as a Delaware writer. Even
“Farm,” with its Ozarks sorrow,
recalls the experience of the peninsula’s deep agrarian roots. Perhaps the
local musk was picked up when the
poems passed through the creative
annals of her writer’s group. Perhaps
the Delaware air was too insistent to
be ignored – after all, it found its way
into “Two Pastorals:”
I breathe deep, now, on this
level plane, sucking in the world
around me, searching for that
familiar memory and hold damp,
flavored air in my lungs
until forced to let go.
“Writing is an odd thing,” she says.
“It's very solitary, so in that way it's
individualized. But you know, you
can't be like that all the time.”
Right now, Blaskey is “playing
around” with the idea of a book.
Having harvested her past, perhaps
she’ll now look to her present and
future, and hold the air in her lungs a
little longer. DQ
Rob Kunzig is editor of Delmarva Quarterly.
Buy “Farm”
You can buy “Farm” at John Milton &
Co. Used Books in Milton, Del.
You can reach them at:
302-684-3514
Or you can contact Bay Oak Publishers
for more information about where to
find “Farm.”
www.bayoakpublishers.com
[email protected]
Spring 2009 • 51
Poetry
The poetry of
Linda Blaskey
Enjoy poems excerpted from “Farm,” winner
of the 2008 Dogfish Head Poetry Prize.
Grandad Plowed with Mules
I drive a John Deere,
slick green like young wheat,
over the ground, scent the air
with diesel, sing loud
Johnny B. Good or parts
of The Hallelujia Chorus.
The disks drag the earth
into perfect furrows,
tire tracks buried,
leaving mystery behind.
But Grandad walked behind
mules. Always, he named
them Babe and Old Jack.
Kept it simple. He let me
lean back in the sweat-slick
traces, our footprints, big/small,
The mules’ great haunches
bunched and pulled, bunched
and pulled. Long ears twitched
waiting for direction.
My voice/his voice
rises from the crawlspace
beneath my breastbone –
kissing for left, whistling for right.
Sorrow
A Mason jar of purest clover honey
left behind on a winter windowsill
December sun pierces the comb;
prisms scatter over bare counters, bare floor.
She would never have tolerated
the thin film of dust that rimes the lid
and golden shoulders of the jar.
52 • Delmarva Quarterly
Farm
For every potato dug,
two rocks.
For every live calf,
another born still.
For every peach picked,
one tunneled by worms.
Two plates
on the oilcloth
where the old folks eat
by kerosene light, always
an eye on the door,
the horizon, the empty
lane that invited their
children away.
For every egg gathered,
one rotten.
For every bucket of water
carried away from the spring,
one more needed.
For every day of rain,
three weeks of drought.
Cows milked,
wood corded,
fence mended –
until the Saturday
the old man came
in from the barn,
slapped his felt hat
against his knee
and died on the spot,
leaving his wife
to follow their boy
and two girls
down the dirt road, her feet
raising phantoms in the dust.
Spring 2009
Celebrate life on the Delmarva Peninsula!
295
:LOPLQJWRQ
Subscribe to the
95
Delmarva
95
40
95
13
213
301
HISTORY LITERATURE ART MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY ARCHITECTURE NATURE THEATRE POETRY
●
213
'RYHU
$
5 , 9(5
313
❏ $12 for 1 year or
5
5
113
(
❏ $18 for 2 years
<
<(
●
$
13
1
(DVWRQ
/HZHV
Name_______________________________________________________
404
404
313
5HKR
*HRUJHWRZQ
50
5,
●
%
(5
,9
&+237$1.
●
Quarterly
404
5
●
$:
301
●
(/
7(
●
13
300
8
(6
●
'
&KHVWHUWRZQ
&+
55
49
____________________________________________________________
9
(5
City & State__________________________________________________
13
&DPEULGJH
113
50
____________________________________________________________
$
2FH
(
$1
7,
( %
$
<
113
&2
3
.( 5,9
(5
6DOLVEXU\
2
3RFRPRNH
&LW\
1
&
$
60,7+
,6/$1'
7
13
&ULVILHOG
C
H
,
Please enclose proper payment & send to address below.
1
02
(
&
13
1
7
<
,&
$
2
32
%
$
$FFRPDF
&2
7$1*,(5
,6/$1'
.(
(
62
8
1
'
.
5
Phone______________________________________________________
($
*8
1
Zip Code ___________________________
&DSH &KDUOHV
$
7
/$
(DVWYLOOH
Send to:
Publisher (for Submissions or Subscriptions)
Delmarva Quarterly
P.O. Box 213
Lewes, DE 19958
Send us your submissions!
For more information: (302) 645-7700
Short Stories • Poems • Cartoons Essays • Artworks
Personality Profiles • Reviews • Reports
Submit photocopies or prints. No originals, please.
Written submissions can be emailed to:
[email protected]
The Delmarva Quarterly is also available at book stores,
newsstands, hotels, B&Bs, and tourism offices throughout the
Delmarva Peninsula from Wilmington, DE to Cape Charles, VA.
Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009 • 53
Culture
In Full Cry
Fox hunting’s rich Eastern Shore heritage
BY KATHRYN PIPPIN
F
or those who ride to the hounds,
there is no more alluring sport
than fox hunting. The galloping
of horses, hounds in full cry, the
notes from the hunt horn, and the
huntsmen‘s commands are exhilarating – and nowhere is fox hunting’s
popularity more pronounced than in
Chesapeake country.
In colonial society, all social classes
followed the sport and the indigenous
grey fox. Always the farmer’s enemy,
the deceptive fox actually appeared to
enjoy the chase. Some huntsmen rode
to hunt, others hunted to ride. British
letters often critiqued the huntsmen’s
passion. English poet William
Shenstone in 1760 wrote: “The world
may be divided into people…that
think, and foxhunters.” Oscar Wilde
also succinctly quipped of fox hunting: “The unspeakable in full pursuit
of the uneatable.”
The earliest record of an organized
hunt is in 1747, when Lord Thomas
Fairfax of Northern Virginia rallied a
group hunt. Fairfax also introduced
the sport to George Washington.
Fox hunting was an important part
of colonial social life at Mount
Vernon. Washington owned a pack of
hounds with such names as Singer,
Musik and Chaunter, and a stable of
horses. Washington’s February 12,
1768 diary entry read: “Went foxhunting with Col. Fairfax…who dined here
with Mrs. Fairfax…catched two foxes.
[sic]”
Throughout the 19th Century,
Maryland continued to grow as the
first state for fox hunting. The organized hunting club provided hunting
opportunities for those who lacked
time and other resources to personally own a pack of hounds. Today,
Maryland has nine clubs.
During the earlier times, the fox
was sometimes killed – today, it is
illegal. The Maryland Code of 1930
made it a misdemeanor “for any person who shot a fox being pursued by
a dog or dogs…”
Eastern Shore sportsmen interbred
the slower English dogs with the
faster Virginia and the mouthy
Kentucky dogs. Maryland bred
hounds were in great demand
throughout the United States.
The sport’s pomp and circumstance
attracts participants and even non-
PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER B. BODINE / AAUBREYBODINE.COM
A detail from “Riding To The Hounds” by A. Aubrey Bodine, showing a Chesapeake field pursuing their quarry.
54 • Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009
participants who admire the
pageantry. Most hunts last all day
during the season running from
September to March. The hunt
requires great stamina and athleticism, especially in fence and ditch
jumping.
The official echelons of the hunt
club include: the Master of foxhounds, the huntsman, the whippersin, and the hunt secretary. Members
who follow the hounds are known as
the field.
The Master is responsible for the
care and handling of the hounds,
supervising the breeding program.
The Master also arranges with farmers to use their land and compensate
them for any broken fences. The hunt
is so organized that there is a designated person to close gates.
Using the traditional hunt horn
with its one note variations to command, the huntsman is responsible
for the hunting of the hounds. The
field master directs the field towards
the hounds. The whippers-in handle
the flanks assuring the hounds do the
huntsman’s bidding.
The horses are known as the
hunters. They are thoroughbreds bred
for endurance. Recently, Robert J.
Zindorf, Jr. of Queen Anne’s County
bred these horses whose legs are not
as tall as race-track thoroughbreds.
To be registered, a club’s hounds
must total 12 couples. The hounds
begin to hunt at 12 to 18 months. The
best of the pack exhibits stamina, a
keen sense of smell and obedience to
the huntsman’s commands.
The field traditionally wears scarlet
coats, tight-fitting khaki-colored
britches, white shirts, tall black boots
and rounded black velvet hats. On
some occasions, the attire of the hunt
club members includes black cutaway
coats with top hats. The stock-tie is
traditionally fastened with a gold
safety pin worn horizontally, never
vertically.
In Chesapeake country, fox hunting
conjures up a portrait of color, dash,
and excitement, completed by the
enthralling cacophony of hounds in
full cry. DQ
Kathryn Pippin writes from her home in
Nassau, Del.
Delmarva Quarterly
WILD DELMARVA - KEVIN FLEMING - By definition, American Bittern are masters at the
art of camouflage. Raising their striped necks they blend in with the salt marsh background. This one was doing its best to blend into the winter salt marsh near Rumbley,
Maryland on Tangier Sound. You can see more of Fleming’s work and his son Jay
Fleming's photographs at www.WildDelmarva.com as they photograph the peninsula for a
new book: Wild Delmarva.
Spring 2009 • 55
ROB KUNZIG PHOTO
Above: Flowing 10.5 miles through Kent County, the St. Jones River is fed by a watershed of 36 square miles. “Jone” is Welsh for “John.”
Below: John Dickinson’s plantation is one of Delaware’s most cherished landmarks. Here, the patriot penned his famous treatises.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DELAWARE DIVISION OF HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS
56 • Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009
Nature
Keeping Up With
The St. Joneses
Kent County’s St. Jones River has watered
dissidents, Quakers and revolutionaries
BY LYNN REMLY
A
mere 10 miles long, the St.
Jones River flows entirely
within Delaware’s Kent
County, from Dover to the Delaware
Bay. Small as it is, the river has
watered an outsized plot of history,
boasting among its settlers some of
the biggest names in the formation of
a new republic: William Penn, who
founded the land on Quaker ideals;
John Dickinson, who helped establish
the nation’s legal framework; and
Caesar Rodney, whose steady and
sometimes dramatic actions ensured
its independence.
Far from the stately image we have
of him today, the young William Penn
was the despair of his father Admiral
Sir William Penn, a wealthy man with
close ties to the British monarchy. At
first, young Penn’s course was normal
enough, as he followed the usual educational path of gentlemen of his
class, at grammar school and with
tutors. But nothing that followed was
at all usual.
Penn’s real education started when
his father was briefly exiled to
Ireland, where the boy met a Quaker
missionary, Thomas Loe. From that
point on, Penn wholeheartedly
embraced Quaker ideas of tolerance,
freedom of conscience, and pacifism
– and he determined to spread the
word.
The Friends, as the Quakers call
themselves, emphasize that every
person must follow conscience and
revelation “from God within” to
determine their religious beliefs and
their actions, according to Ann
Delmarva Quarterly
Upton, Quaker Bibliographer at
Haverford College’s Magill Library in
Haverford, Pa. “Penn recognized that
the authority for spiritual connection
lies within the individual, that it
doesn’t come from another person or
from any worldly authority.”
Flouting worldly authority is not
usually a good career move, but Penn
persisted in his Quaker beliefs and
rejected the established church.
When the family returned to England,
he enrolled at Oxford, but only in
body, not in mind, preferring to contemplate “the divine presence” rather
than focus on a career.
He considered medicine but also
dabbled in politics and economics.
His exasperated father made him
study law, and for a time Penn considered a navy career, then floated
back to his law studies. “Let’s just say
that Admiral Penn’s relationship with
his son was challenging,” Upton says.
Penn couldn’t stick to a career, but
he stuck to his faith, and the result
was a new settlement in colonial
America. When his father’s death left
him a wealthy man, Penn suggested
that the King settle the Quakers in
the New World, thus ending one element of religious strife. Seeing a way
out of turmoil, King Charles II granted Penn a charter in 1681 for 45,000
acres of land belonging to the King’s
brother, the Duke of York, who in
1680 had chartered St. Jones County.
He ceded it in 1682 to Penn, who
renamed it Kent County.
Looking to create a town from
which agricultural products could be
shipped from existing and new plantations, Penn chose a site at the head
of navigation of the St. Jones River,
where he founded Dover in 1683.
“The river was the main transportation way, navigable from the bay up
to Dover at the time,” according to
Gloria Henry, site supervisor of the
Dickinson Plantation Museum near
Dover. “The local dirt roads were
often impassible, so crops, mail, and
people traveled up and down the St.
Jones.”
Penn understood that he had created not only a religious sanctuary but
also an experiment in utopian government. His 1682 Frame of Government,
Pennsylvania's first constitution, saw
later iterations but is notable in providing for trial by jury, freedom of the
press, and religious toleration.
Voltaire hailed it as a document
bringing the Golden Age down to
Earth.
Not bad for a college dropout.
While Penn established what he
termed “the seed of a nation,” the
cause of freedom in the new land was
taken up by another pen, John
Dickinson (1732-1808), who was
known as the "Penman of the
Revolution." Though Dickinson came
from a family of Quakers and was
strongly influenced by Quaker belief
and practice, he was first and foremost a lawyer, and the written word
was his legacy.
Coming to the colonies as Quakers,
the Dickinson family became devout
members of the Third Haven Friends
Meeting in Talbot County, Md. In
Spring 2009 • 57
1739, however, Dickinson’s father
Samuel, a wealthy tobacco planter
and merchant, suffered a crisis of
conscience when his daughter Betsy
was wed in an Anglican church and
was censured by his fellow Quakers
for a “disorderly marriage.”
As a result, Samuel Dickinson
never participated in the Meeting
again and in 1740 moved the family
away to Poplar Hall, a plantation on
Jones Neck whose 5,000 acres extended to the waters of the St. Jones. The
river drains the sandy soil of Kent
County, soil that could not support
tobacco, so Samuel Dickinson wisely
shifted to grain crops, which augmented his wealth. “Some of the land
along the river was marshy and
required ditching to make it arable,”
Henry says, “but corn, wheat, and flax
grown on it meant big money.”
Dickinson became one of the finest
lawyers and thinkers of his day. He
read law in Philadelphia in 1750 and
later in London at the Inns of Court.
Returning home in 1757, he built a
respectable law practice in
Philadelphia and took up politics in
Pennsylvania and the Lower Counties
(Delaware).
Dickinson’s defining moment came
in 1765, when the British Parliament
passed the Stamp Act, requiring that
documents and newspapers had to be
printed on special stamped and taxed
paper. In response, Dickinson
penned his pamphlet, The Late
Regulations Respecting the British
Colonies, which urged Americans to
seek repeal of the act by pressuring
British merchants.
As a result, the Pennsylvania legislature appointed him as a delegate to
the Stamp Act Congress, which met
to discuss the Act and the question of
Great Britain’s authority to create
laws and taxes for the colonies.
Dickinson’s training in the British
Constitution and common law naturally carried over in his thinking
about rights in America, and in 1765
he drafted the Resolutions of the
Stamp Act Congress, which rejected
taxation without consent as unconstitutional and asserted that colonists
have the same rights as Englishmen.
The Act was repealed in 1766 but
was followed by the equally onerous
58 • Delmarva Quarterly
Townshend Acts in 1767. Once again,
Dickinson’s 1767 “Letters of a
Pennsylvania Farmer,” giving voice to
colonial complaints, were reasoned
and calm, but gave the basis for
action. “You can feel his legal mind
in his letters, both in reasoning and
expertise,” according to Gloria Henry.
While arguing the rights of
colonists, Dickinson was forever
thoughtful, opposing independence in
1776 and even refusing to sign the
Declaration of Independence. “He
was not opposed to revolution,”
according to Madeline Dunn, Curator
of Education at the Delaware Division
of Historical and Cultural Affairs in
Dover. “He was opposed to the timing,” arguing that Congress should
complete the Articles of
Confederation and establish a foreign
alliance before declaring independence. Later, dipping his pen again,
Dickinson signed the Articles of
Confederation, the first draft of
which he himself wrote in 1776. He
joined the Constitutional Convention
in Philadelphia in 1787 and afterward
supported the new constitution in a
series of nine essays, then retired
from politics in 1794.
While Dickinson always said that
he preferred to spend his time in his
library, his neighbor on the opposite
side of Kitts Hummock Road, Caesar
Rodney, preferred a life of action,
which began with a detour from the
normal course of a landed gentleman’s life and reached its peak on the
midnight road to Philadelphia.
Rodney’s grandfather William had
come to America in the 1680s and
had been Speaker of the Colonial
Assembly of the Lower Counties in
1704. Caesar Rodney was born on his
family's 800-acre plantation Byfield
on St. Jones Neck, and like Dickinson
and Penn, Rodney began the training
of a gentleman, with tutors and at the
Latin School in Philadelphia.
His father’s death in 1745, however,
threw Rodney’s career onto a different course. At age 17, he had no
opportunity for higher education or
training: as the eldest son, he was left
to run the family farm. There was no
opportunity to enjoy a Paris or
London experience – his mother’s
death in 1763 made Rodney the sole
support of his younger brothers and
sisters, a role that left no time for formal study.
Although not blessed with quite the
advantages of Penn and Dickinson,
Rodney accepted the role of landed
gentleman; he was both farmer and
governor. As a farmer, he, like
Dickinson, had to concern himself
with ditching and clearing the land
along the St. Jones. But he would also
have been able to set fish weirs to
supplement the food needs of the
plantation. As part of the governing
class, he served as high sheriff,
recorder of wills, and justice of the
peace, among other local offices.
Even more, he made revolution his
cause and held high office as
American independence was planned
and declared, even though he was not
a lawyer.
While the independence resolution
was pending before the Continental
Congress in July, 1776, Rodney
received word at Byfield from his fellow delegate Thomas McKean that
George Read had voted against independence and that Rodney was needed in Philadelphia to vote in favor.
He rode 80 miles through the night,
arriving just in time to cast a “yes”
vote for Delaware. Today, the ride is
immortalized on the Delaware State
Quarter.
On lands watered by the St. Jones
River at the close of the 18th century,
three remarkable men – a man of
faith, a man of law, and a man of
action – struggled through their private revolutions to make the way for
democracy in America. DQ
Lynn Remly writes from her home in Hudson,
Ohio.
Spring 2009
Explore what Delaware’s unique Cape Region has to offer.
Visit the newly, expanded capegazette.com!
Anytime from any location, residents and visitors can enjoy online coverage
offered by one of the nation’s best community newspapers. Access information on:
Local News and Weather
Business
Arts and Entertainment
Sports
Classified Ads
Great Shopping and Dining
Photo Galleries
Printable Store Coupons
Stay in touch
or plan your
visits with
17585 Nassau Commons Blvd., Lewes, DE
(302) 645-7700
Delmarva Quarterly
Spring 2009 • 59
Nature
Birdwatching
at Little Creek
Avian admirers will find plenty to love
at the mouth of the St. Jones River
BY LYNN REMLY
A
s spring approaches, thoughts
naturally turn to the world outside our warm houses and to
the wildlife that will soon pass
through our backyards. Little Creek
Wildlife Center, near the mouth of
the St. Jones River, is one more of
Delaware’s many areas geared toward
letting people encounter nature.
Though the second smallest state,
Delaware’s entire eastern shore borders the Delaware Bay, and the variety of landscapes along that 90-mile
coastline, including marshes, ponds,
PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA COMMONS
The short-eared owl will display its tufts
when feeling defensive.
60 • Delmarva Quarterly
farmlands, and other open spaces,
make Delaware a perfect avian stopoff on the Atlantic Flyway, a major
bird migration route. As a result,
about 170,000 bird watchers visit the
state every year, bringing in over $14
million to the state’s economy.
Kent County includes not only the
16,000 acres of Bombay Hook
National Wildlife Refuge but also
Woodland Beach Wildlife Area to the
north and Little Creek Wildlife Area
just to the south. According to Wayne
Lehman, manager of all state wildlife
and fisheries areas in Kent County,
the various Little Creek tracts comprise 4,721 acres, and plans for future
acquisitions would connect Little
Creek to Bombay Hook, creating the
longest continuous protected area on
Delaware’s coast.
“Little Creek Wildlife Center is
managed for all wildlife,” Lehman
emphasizes, “but it is a major wintering area for many species of waterfowl and also a permanent nesting
area for others.” Canada geese, snow
geese, and various species of ducks
migrate at various times throughout
the year, creating a constant spectacle
from January to April, Lehman says.
Manmade impoundments of brackish water, originally created for mosquito control, have the added benefit
of attracting wading birds, such as
herons and egrets. The largest
impoundment is 600 acres, providing
plenty of room for the long-legged
residents. In addition, the annual
arrival of thousands of horseshoe
crabs on the shores of theb ay in May
draws those bird species that feed on
the eggs, including red knots, dunlin,
and yellow legs.
Among the more unusual birds to
look for is the Short-eared owl, Asio
flammeus, a brown owl who will
feign death to avoid detection. Seen
especially at Port Mahon, the birds
are active an hour or two before sunset (mid-November through
February), Lehman notes. The male’s
call resembles the hooting of a steam
engine, and the bird’s nomadic habits,
moving up to 1,200 miles, make it an
unreliable visitor and therefore all the
more desirable to see.
Although there is no visitor’s center
or formal schedule of programs at
Little Creek, miles of dirt roads make
the park accessible to hikers and drivers, and a 60-foot observation tower
gives viewers a perfect point from
which to survey the landscape and
what it holds. There are also three
photographic blinds and a boardwalk.
The Little Creek Store in the nearby
town of Little Creek allows visitors to
get a cup of hot coffee or chocolate
on a cold day, Lehman says, and he
frequently gives talks about the area
for visitors, on request. DQ
Lynn Remly also wrote “Keeping Up With
The St. Joneses” on page 56.
If You Go:
Little Creek Wildlife Area is about 5
miles east of Dover. From Kitts
Hummock Road, go north on state
route 9; the main entrance is about a
mile on the right, clearly marked. For
information, call (302) 284-1077.
Spring 2009
Books
Books for the Thaw
Celebrate spring with a good book
BY SCOTT WHITAKER
I
n fits and starts, winter begins to
loosen its grip on Delmarva. The
air fills with the loamy smell of
softening dirt, the creeks bubble over,
and robins line the budding branches.
The outdoor season has commenced,
but avid readers will want to bring a
little literature with them. We have a
few suggestions.
“The Animals’ Winter Sleep” By
Lynda Graham-Barber with Nancy
Carol Willis (Birdsong Books,
$6.95, soft cover)
What delights in this neat little
book is the color and texture reminiscent of warm Crayolas and snow
days, provided by artist Nancy Carol
Willis, and a pleasant text by Lynda
Graham-Barber that has moments of
music: “Inside a dead maple
tree/with family all around/among
twisted roots/in a den underground.”
For the grownups and older kids
there’s a cool appendix of how the
animals in the narrative lyric cope
with winter, organized by the time of
day during which the animals are
most active – perfect for a teaching
moment.
“Autumn Journey” by Priscilla
Cummings (Cornell Maritime
Press Tidewater Publishers, $12.95,
soft cover)
Reprinted from 1997 is Cummings’
excellent and timely young adult
novel about Will Newcomb, newly
relocated to rural Pennsylvania after
his father lost his job on the docks in
Baltimore. His father isn’t the same
man, always gone long hours by himself, or fighting with his mother, leaving Will to help with his two-year old
twin sisters. The only thing Will can
hope for is the child-like noises made
by Canada geese flying overhead,
Delmarva Quarterly
which awaken in a Will an urge to fly.
When his father’s annual hunting
trip looms closer, Will begs to go, but
his father doesn’t want him along.
Will’s grandfather takes him instead,
and the two conspire to make Will a
hunter in a single morning. But it is
on this fated hunting trip that Will’s
life tips; just as he aims for his first
kill, his grandfather suffers a heart
attack, and Will must leave him to
sprint home and bring help.
And here is where Cummings’ narrative takes flight, for “Journey” is not
just Will’s story but also that of Gray
Feather, a young goose, separated
from the flock in a hailstorm. He is
nearly killed when Will wanders back
down to the pond to gather his grandfather’s shotgun and knapsack. Will’s
guilt over his grandfather’s heart
attack makes him take up the shotgun
in anger, but he only wounds the
goose, and suffers more guilt. Will
nurses it, spurned on by his young
enthusiastic teacher, whom, like Will,
marvels in that “primal sound” of the
goose. His healing of the goose is also
his personal healing. “Journey”
reminds us that family becomes more
important when times become desperate.
Spring 2009 • 61
environmentalist is profiled, as well
as Native Americans, tugboat captains, watermen, and duck hunters.
Harp and Horton push through the
Nanticoke’s many faces, dotted by
sprawl “like pellets sprayed from a
blunderbuss.” Horton sorts out the
environmental mess, which at best is
gloomy, yet there is hope, perhaps
foolish hope that sturgeon will once
again spawn on the Nanticoke, or that
even The Captain John Smith
National Historic Water Trail can
protect this wild area. But perhaps it’s
not all gloom. A resurgence of interest in the Nanticoke Tribe may mark
a new dawn in the reclaiming of a
land woven firmly in the heart of
Americana: John Smith, Indians,
Pioneers, hunting and trapping, living
off the wild.
“Glimpses of a Vanished Eastern
Shore.” by Kirk Mariner (Minoa
Publications, $19.95)
Eastern Shore history buffs will
find much to admire in Kirk
Mariner’s love letter to days gone by,
and with reason. Mariner’s storytelling gifts, along with photographs,
histories gleaned from interviews,
and the author’s own research provide a fascinating backdrop to the
pictures, many from private collections or postcards, and make a fine
venture into the forgotten.
Those familiar with Shore history
will recognize the big names that pop
in and out of Mariner’s pictorial journey – William Scott, Benjamin Scott,
and Henry Wise – but better yet are
forgotten details: the arson fires that
nearly destroyed Onley in the 1960s;
the mysterious skeletons and skulls
unearthed under the Onancock Hotel
in 1935, or Henry “Polk” Lang’s liquor
smuggling enterprises, which was
more well known than his oyster
business which shipped over 59,000
gallons per season at its peak.
The photographs add texture to an
already interesting mix of histories.
Particularly interesting are the busy
scene on the dock of the Cape
Charles Harbor, the photos of the old
Eastville Courthouse;u and, of course,
Parksley Field, which boasted the
62 • Delmarva Quarterly
class D pennant-winning Parksley
Spuds, and had on its roster Hall of
Famer Jimmy Foxx.
A must for local historians and fans
of Kirk Mariner’s cult classic “Off 13:
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Guide
Book.”
“The Nanticoke: Portrait of a
Chesapeake River” by David W.
Harp and Tom Horton (The Johns
Hopkins University Press, $29.95)
The preface states that the book
will “focus attention on one of the
Bay’s finest tidal rivers and its watershed.” And Horton’s luminescent
prose gives light to the river-tops, and
their less famous watersheds, but
Harp’s the real hero for the Nanticoke
cause, capturing the stillness and
quiet of the river-world, his photographs morphing from wide panoramas to close up portraits of flowers
and weeds, just as the river morphs,
moving from one area of the
Delmarva Peninsula into another.
There, majestic subjects include
cypresses along the James Branch,
white cedars and “whale wallows,”
unique depressions whose “hydrology
and soils harbor some of the peninsula’s rarest plants, and a host of
amphibians and insects.” But it’s not
just the natural world Harp and
Horton serve up. Tom Tyler, a local
“A Beachcomber’s Odyssey” by S.
Deacon Ritterbush, Ph.D (Ritz
Dotter Publishers $39.95)
“A Beachcomber’s Odyssey” reads
like part essay, autobiography, nature
exploration, and textbook. Each chapter gets a breakdown of the area and
what to expect, shell or other wise,
but “Odyssey’s” best moments are
when Ritterbush’s prose is married
with image: the striking driftwood
artifact that resembled a childhood
dog, the shattered pottery found on
Jamaica’s beaches, or the worn glass
fishing float found near Waikiki,
O’ahu.
Readers hoping for beachcombing
tips will find the minutiae Ritterbush
dishes out on ceramics, and fossils
helpful. “Odyssey” is a pleasant find –
enough to make one grab a bucket
and a winter jacket and hit the shore
after a storm while the tourists are
away.
“Now the Drum of War: Walt
Whitman and his Brothers in the
Civil War,” by Robert Roper,
Walker Books, $28.00
War opens with a barrage of blood
and shells, as “false twilight” falls
upon George Whitman’s unit, and
“the scent of pennyroyals, crushed by
soldier’s shoes remained intense,” as
Walt’s younger brother navigates
America’s critical junctures for identity and union. “War” remains aloft,
Spring 2009
backtracking through the family’s
lean years as America began to
engender itself as a nation of great
cities – in particular New York and
Washington. We see New York growing as Whitman moved about its river
run streets as an editor, journalist,
and poet, prowling Manhattan for
inspiration among Opera Halls and
hot spots. Roper allows Whitman to
be Whitman, through notebooks that
catalogued men he met in the streets,
or later in Washington’s hospital
wards.
“The real war will never get into
the books” the poet once said, and
indeed Whitman’s frustration is evident as Roper shows Whitman putting off the publication of “Drum
Taps,” adding to it after Lincoln’s
assassination, even halting the printing of it after he’d prepared it. “Drum
Taps was a success largely because of
lack of competition,” offers Roper,
who points out the dissonance
between the written word and the
enormity of his Civil War experience.
He argues Whitman worked, suffered
even, to bridge his encompassing
vision, reminding us that Whitman
was a mythmaker, one whose powers
failed to capture the enormity of
being a solider on the modern battlefield. The real war did get written
down, not by poets or journalists, but
by the soldiers themselves. This is
where younger brother George steps
in, a recorder of details and short
prose that enlarged and informed
Whitman’s writing. Often George’s
letters were the basis for Walt’s journalistic pieces.
At the center of the epistles stands
Mrs. Whitman, the bare-knuckle
mother who was tight with money
throughout their life. It was George
whom all were anxious about, George
who had an uncanny knack for living
through the worst battles; once his
coat was shredded by bullets, though
he was never touched.
Now the Drum of War is an instant
classic, mixing poetic biography with
well-paced war reenactments and the
Whitman family narratives of nearpoverty, madness and Tuberculosis.
DQ
Scott Whitaker also wrote “Life Wrought
From Metal” on page 13.
Delmarva Quarterly
Classics
Through a Lens,
Darkly: Bodine’s Bay
In his homage to the Chesapeake, a pictoralist
photographer from Balitmore remains peerless
BY WILLIAM AMELIA
B
odine’s Chesapeake Bay
Country,” (Tidewater), a collection of masterful photographs
of the Delmarva region by A. Aubrey
Bodine, is actually a classic reborn.
Bodine (1906-1970) first made his
name at the Baltimore Sun as a photographer with an uncanny pictorial
eye. His extraordinary work soon
earned him regional acclaim and
international renown as one of the
finest photographers of the twentieth
century.
Between 1952 and 1970, he published four books of his photography:
“My Maryland,” “Chesapeake Bay
and Tidewater,” “Face of Maryland,”
and “Face of Virginia.” More than
100,000 copies were sold. In time,
though, they went out of print.
In 2003, Tidewater Publishers
approached Bodine’s daughter,
Jennifer B. Bodine, proposing a new
book of similar format to the previous four.
“Bodine’s Chesapeake Bay
Country” is the result, a beautiful
compilation of his unique monologues and pictures thoughtfully edited by his daughter.
The book contains 286 digitally
restored images, an elegant survey of
memorable black and white photography that is quiet in mood with
Bodine’s signature open curves and
natural perspectives
Harold A. Williams, a former editor
of The Sunday Sun, wrote of Bodine’s
patience, “To get sunlight, mist or
shadow precisely the way he wants
them, he will wait hours, days, even
longer. It is not uncommon to hear
PHOTO COURTESY OF WWW.AAUBREYBODINE.COM
him say, ‘Let’s wait until the middle
of April - though this may be
February.’ “
Bodine’s photography chronicled
for decades nearly every aspect of
bay life. His artist’s eye detected his
subjects at the right time, in the right
weather and with the click of his
camera shutter, he preserved them
perfectly.
His prints have won awards around
the world. They hang in museums
and libraries and 14 are on permanent
exhibition at the Smithsonian
Institution.
“Bodine’s Chesapeake Bay
Country” is an artistic asset for
Delmarva and a reader’s delight. DQ
William Amelia writes a regular column on
classic books. He lives in Dagsboro, Del.
Spring 2009 • 63
Books
Books, Briefly
Be sure to check out these other great titles
BY SCOTT WHITAKER
“Delmarva Remembered” By
Morgan Lee (Cherokee Books,
$12.95, 2007)
Lee’s breezy romp through
Delmarva’s history and geography,
particularly the Great Cypress
Swamp, and musings by the author
interspersed with the musings of
other “Delmarva folk” should please
both casual historians and hardcore
enthusiasts alike. Great photos and
anecdotes will keep you reaching
back for this volume long after you
finish it. Reading “Delmarva
Remembered” is like listening to a
good storyteller at your local barber
shop or church fellowship hall.
“Cecil County: Images of America
Series” by Milt Diggins (Arcadia
Publishing, $19.99, 2008)
Arcadia Publishing continues its
excellent local history series with
“Cecil County,” mixing historical
briefs with startling photographs
encompassing the railroad expansion,
the war years, and commercial and
industrial development that together
64 • Delmarva Quarterly
shaped the county. Carefully
researched and brimming with detail,
Arcadia Publishing and Diggins score
with this carefully composed volume.
“The Eye of the Stallion” by
Douglas N. Arvidson (CrossTIME,
Crossquarter Publishing group,
$14.95, 2005)
Arvidson’s horse-loving warrior
heroine, Sonoria, begins her quest to
fulfill her destiny in Stallion, first of a
trilogy. Fans of fantasy and sci-fi will
no doubt warm to the heroine, a
strong female character and rolemodel, as they follow Sonoria and her
wild companions across a restless,
violent world. Though derivative of
other trilogies, those looking to fulfill
a “Twilight” or “Harry Potter” void
might enjoy Arvidson’s work.
“The Cymbry of ’76 or Welshmen
and their Descendants of the
American Revolution, second edition” by Alexander Jones
(Genealogical Publishing
Company, $20.95, 1968)
A reprint of an address given to the
Welsh Congregational Church in New
York in 1855 by the author details the
prominence of Welshmen in the
founding of America. More useful to
the genealogist are the appendices
which examine and detail Welsh
names, culture, and language.
“Virginia’s Colonial Soldiers” by
Lloyd DeWitt Bridgestock
(Genealogical Publishing
Company, $38.50, 1998)
Gathered and gleaned from dozens
of sources both from private collections and public, is a thorough register of Virginia’s colonial soldiers,
which at the time was the only protection from danger, Indian, or otherwise. Details of the militia’s rolls
include physical descriptions, birthplace, age, etc. Those looking for
wisps of family history will find this
volume useful. DQ
Scott Whitaker also wrote the books column
on page 61.
Spring 2009
Culture
All Hail the State
of Delmarva!
For years, would-be secessionists have made
the case for America’s new 50th state - why?
BY DAVID HEALEY
O
n my living room wall is a
large, framed map of the
Chesapeake Bay that shows
water depths and shoals, lighthouses
and buoys. It's intended for sailors,
but the more anyone studies it, the
less they notice the blue and the
more they notice the long peninsula
separating the Chesapeake from the
Delaware. It is an entity unto itself,
isolated by the twin bays.
Delmarva is composed of
Maryland's nine Eastern Shore counties (Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's,
Somerset, Caroline, Dorchester,
Talbot, Worcester and Wicomico), the
Virginia counties of Northampton
and Accomack, and the entire state of
Delaware. Given the geography and
the common heritage involved, it's
not surprising that from time to time
someone suggests the peninsula
might be better off as the 51st state.
Marylanders on the Eastern Shore are
usually the ones carrying the torch.
"Maryland's War of Secession,"
trumpeted the headline in the
Baltimore Post on Dec. 14, 1931.
"Eastern Shore's old threat to break
away and form 'Delmarva' revived."
The newspaper claimed the residents of Maryland's Eastern Shore
felt themselves "unjustly treated" by
the sharp-tongued H.L. Mencken and
other Baltimore pundits in the wake
of yet another vicious lynching. Shore
residents complained their critics had
gone too far in branding them all as
backward racists.
"Since Baltimore won't treat the
peninsula right, it may be just as well
Delmarva Quarterly
TERESA RODRIGUEZ GRAPHIC
for the nine Eastern Shore counties to
join in forming the commonwealth of
Delmarva," the newspaper reported.
The Baltimore Post might have
been trying to sell newspapers with
its sensational headline, but the sen-
timent was real enough. From time to
time, Shore residents had been doing
their best to secede from the rest of
the state for most of Maryland's 400year history. (Considering that Shore
residents make up only about 8 per-
Spring 2009 • 65
cent of Maryland's population, it's
managed in 1632 to convince King
possible the rest of the state would
Charles I to carve off the colony of
hardly miss them).
Maryland. The Calverts would have
These Delmarva residents have
gotten Delaware too, if Dutch settlers
guarded their power jealously.
hadn’t already occupied the area.
According to "Somerset County: A
Later claimed by William Penn,
Brief History" by Jason Rhodes, the
Delaware was part of Pennsylvania
Eastern Shore Compact of 1809 dicbefore declaring its own independtated that one of Maryland's senators
ence from the Keystone State prior to
must be from the Shore. That rule
the Revolutionary War.
was upheld until 1896.
As a general rule, the logic of geogRepeatedly in the 1800s, the Eastern raphy plays only a small role in stateShore contemplated breaking away
hood. Case in point: How in the
from Maryland and allying itself with
world did western Maryland ever end
the rest of the peninsula. In 1833,
up with a two-mile-wide isthmus out
Delaware Gov. C.P. Bennett sent a let- near Hancock — except as a way to
ter to Maryland Gov. George Howard
make sure it had some connection
offering to take over
with the mountains as
the unruly Eastern
well as the sea? Even
Shore. A proposal
the famous MasonIf Delmarva
was approved by a
Dixon line dividing
were to be
vote of 40-24 in the
Maryland from
Maryland House of
Delaware and
carved off as a
Delegates to put the
Pennsylvania follows
separate state, it
issue to referendum,
arbitrary measurewould be about
but Shore residents
ments of longitude
never got the chance
and latitude rather
the size of
to decide further –
than natural boundConnecticut and aries. Yet there is no
the measure was
allowed to die quietly. have a populadenying that
Decades later, the
Delmarva has its own
tion larger than
entire nation was
sense of place.
caught up in a war of
But could Delmarva
Rhode Island or
secession on a masactually become its
South Dakota.
sive scale. While
own state? The most
Maryland stayed in
recent states are
the Union (a decision
Alaska (1959) and
forced when Abraham Lincoln had
Hawaii (1960), but that doesn't mean
most of the rebellious state legislathe march toward statehood has
ture thrown into prison at Fort
ended. Delmarva might have to get in
McHenry), the Eastern Shore held
line, however, considering that the
strong Southern sympathies in defiVirgin Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico
ance. Delaware was a slave-owning
and even "New Columbia"
state and Virginia became the leading (Washington, D.C.) all have their eyes
state of the Confederacy.
on that 51st star.
Residents of the stranded Virginia
"It seems highly unlikely," admitted
counties on Delmarva made it clear
Puller Adkins, a clerk at the Delmar
which side of the fight they were on.
Public Library in Delmar, Del. — a
The Baltimore Sun reported on Aug.
town with a name that’s already two5, 1861, that the Federal ship
thirds of the way toward a merger.
Cherrystone was met by locals "who
She said that statehood isn't a comhauled their cannon to the shore in
mon topic in town, known for its hiscarts and fired on the vessel."
tory as a rail hub on Delmarva.
It's worth noting that it was really
"That would mean Maryland giving
just a stroke of the pen — or rather
up its vacation spot and racetrack
the royal quill — that separated the
money," she said. "Virginia would
Delmarva triplets in the first place.
have to give up Chincoteague and
Virginia held claim to the peninsula
Assateague."
until the well-placed Calvert family
Adkins was willing to take a stab at
66 • Delmarva Quarterly
picking the Delmarva state symbol.
"A tractor for the state symbol. And
if it was up to me I would pick
'Jeopardy' as the state sport. I'm not
much of an athlete, but I love that
show."
If Delmarva were to be carved off
as a separate state, it would be about
the size of Connecticut and have a
population larger than Rhode Island
or South Dakota. The biggest city
would be Wilmington – or perhaps
Salisbury, if urban northern Delaware
wanted to reunite with Pennsylvania.
Delmarva would certainly be the only
state with scrapple playing an official
role – probably as the state breakfast.
The most recent real-life proposal
for Eastern Shore secession came in
1998, when Maryland state Sen.
Richard F. Colburn and Sen. J. Lowell
Stoltzfus introduced Senate Bill 564
calling for a straw ballot on the measure among the residents of the nine
shore counties.
The bill got a hearing but received
an "Unfavorable Report" from the
Senate Committee on Economic and
Environmental Affairs.
According to Jessica Stewart, chief
of staff for Sen. Colburn, the bill was
introduced for reasons concerning
stricter environmental regulations
that threatened the shore's $2 billion
poultry industry – an issue that is
heating up again as Maryland’s legislature tightens restrictions.
"It is becoming more and more
apparent that certain people in the
State of Maryland intend to go after
the Delmarva poultry industry for
various reasons," Stewart wrote in an
e-mail response to the secession
question. "I would never say never as
far as re-introducing legislation calling for the secession of the Eastern
Shore from the rest of Maryland.
Since there has been a State of
Maryland, there has been talk among
the people on the Shore about secession."
All hail Delmarva! Now pass the
scrapple. DQ
David Healey is a lifelong Marylander and
Chesapeake City resident. He is also the
author of "1812 Rediscovering Chesapeake
Bay's Forgotten War" and a Civil War novel,
"Sharpshooter."
Spring 2009
Events
What’s going on in your county, your town, your peninsula
MARCH 2009
S
M
1
8
15
22
29
2
9
16
23
30
T
W
T
F
3 4 5 6
10 11 12 13
17 18 19 20
24 25 26 27
31
APRIL 2009
S
7
14
21
28
S
M
T
T
MAY 2009
F
1 2 3
5
6 7 8 9 10
12 13 14 15 16 17
19 20 21 22 23 24
26 27 28 29 30
March
ARDEN
March 1: Tater Patch Band with Caller TBA 1:30-2 p.m. Dance
lesson, 2-5 p.m. Contra dance. Arden Gild Hall, 2126 The
Highway. 302 478-7257 or 610 277-0844.
March 4 & 25: Israeli Dancing with Sharon Kleban. 7:30-9:30
p.m. Arden Gild Hall, 2126 The Highway. 302-478-7257.
March 8: Spring Fling Antiques & Collectibles. Antiques and
Collectibles. Free admission & parking. Tea and cakes are
served 10:00 a.m. to Noon; Lunch is served Noon-3 p.m. Arden
Gild Hall, 2126 The Highway. 302 475-2608.
March 25: The Aviv Quartet on Tour from Israel. Founded in
Israel (1997) as a private initiative of four young musicians, Aviv
String Quartet succeeded to win a series of prestigious prizes
such as 1st Prize and the Grand Prize in Melbourne Chamber
Music Competition, Australia (1999). 8 p.m. Arden Gild Hall,
2126 The Highway. 302 475-2608.
March 27-28: DTAFest 2009. State competition comes to
Arden. Arden Gild Hall, 2126 The Highway. 302 475-2608.
BERLIN
March 13: Downtown Merchants 2nd Friday Art Stroll. You can
meet the Artists, view the arts, browse our shops, and dine in
our restaurants. A great way to have fun. 5-8 p.m. Historic
Downtown. 410-629-1895.
CAMBRIDGE
March 4: Hunting & Trapping - Dorchester Traditions. Hear
about traditions of hunting and trapping Dorchester-style from
two long-time hunters/trappers. The South Dorchester Folk
Museum (SDFM), in cooperation with the Dorchester County
Historical Society, presents this free program in its oral history
series. 7 p.m. Dorchester County Historical Society, 902
LaGrange Ave. 410-228-6175.
March 14: Eagle Festival. Come to the Blackwater National
Wildlife Refuge's 9th annual Eagle Festival! Enjoy children's programs, exhibits, bird walks, demonstrations, displays, food and
more. 410-228-2677.
March 14: Harriet Tubman Day. Enjoy a celebration including
dinner and tours of the birthplace of this famous conductor of
the Underground Railroad, and early human rights pioneer.
Harriet Tubman Museum. 410-228-0401.
March 14: Second Saturday. Explore Historic Downtown
Cambridge during our monthly Second Saturday celebration
featuring gallery openings, late shopping hours, entertainment,
and fine and casual dining options. 5 p.m. 410-228-1000.
CAPE CHARLES
March 13-15, 17 & 21-22: Performance. Willy Wonka Jr. Friday
& Saturday, 8 p.m. Sunday, 3 p.m. Arts Enter, 305 Mason Ave.
757-331-2787.
March 28: Performance. Cashore Marionettes. 8 p.m. Arts
Enter, 305 Mason Ave. 757-331-2787.
CECILTON
March 14: Workshop III "Gardening With Your Kids" Teach
your children the rewards of home gardening for food and
Delmarva Quarterly
W
S
4
11
18
25
S
M
T
W
T
F
1
3
4 5 6 7
8
10 11 12 13 14 15
17 18 19 20 21 22
24 25 26 27 28 29
31
S
2
9
16
23
30
March 27: Ted Kooser Reading from his Poetry. Two-time U.S.
Poet Laureate (2004-2006), the highly regarded Nebraskan
poet Ted Kooser was the first poet from the Great Plains to hold
the position. 4 p.m. Norman James Theatre in William Smith
Hall, Washington College. 410-778-7899.
March 28: Who Does She Think She Is? A fundraiser for
Artworks, Chestertown's community craft and art center, is in
the works. We celebrate women artists, past and present, as
part of Women's History Month. 8 p.m. Prince Theater. 410778-6300.
March 31: Free Pizza Night @ the Alley Teen Center. The Alley
Teen Center offers an after-school tutoring program and recreational activities for your ages 13 - 17 years old. 5 p.m. 327
High St. 410-778-3844.
pleasure. The nation's #1 hobby! Priapi Gardens, 8:30-10:30
a.m. Priapi Gardens, 5996 Augustine Herman Hwy. 410-2759438.
CENTREVILLE (MD)
March 14: Samba in Spring Dance Party with hostess Amanda
Showell for an evening of Samba and Ballroom Dance. Early
bird lesson from 7-8 p.m. Dance party 8-11 p.m. 206 S.
Commerce St. 410-758-2520.
March 14: Stamp Club: Fun with paper, rubber stamps, inks and
ephemera. Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St. 410-7581251.
March 29: Crop Club. Join paper crafter Cathy Downes and
have fun and making progress on your memories with unique
album designs. All experience levels are welcome. Centre for
the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St. 410-758-1251.
CHESAPEAKE CITY
March 14: St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Noon. 410-885-5040.
CHESTER
March 27: Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department wine Pairing
Extravaganza. This event features knowledgeable wine stewards as they match exquisite vintages to the masterful cuisine
samplings of accomplished regional chefs! 7-10 p.m. Kent
Island Volunteer Fire Department Community Room. 410-6436288.
CHESTERTOWN
March 3: Dr. Seuss Birthday Party Luncheon. Enjoy a festive
lunch while learning about our agency as a whole. Lunch is FREE
and all are welcome. Noon. Shared Opportunity Service Inc.,
601 High St. 410-778-7911.
March 3: Sustainable Gardens and Good Green Gardening
Ideas. Bob Bell , Landscape Architect sharing Sustainable
Gardens and Good Green Gardening Ideas. 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Town Hall.
March 6: Chestertown’s 1st Fridays. Arts and Antiques.
Extended shop hours, with arts and entertainment throughout
Historic Downtown.
March 6: Mixed Media Exhibit. Wood and glass, acrylics and
photography? Graphite and watercolors? Collages. See what
happens when artists mix it up. Artworks, 306 Park Row. 410778-6300.
March 15: Band Concert - Eastern Shore Wind Ensemble. The
all-ages community concert band will present a varied program
of concert-band music. Dr. Keith Wharton is the band's music
director and conductor. 4 p.m. Emmanuel Episcopal Church,
Cross & High Sts. 410-778-2829.
March 21: Chamber Music Concert. Kent County Friends of
Chamber Music. Eastwind Consort (clarinet, flute, basson). 8
p.m. St Paul's Church Parish House. 410-778-2876.
March 21: Sue Matthews “ A Tribute to Judy Garland” Sue
Matthews returns with an all new program featuring Stef
Scaggiari. This tribute to a true American idol, Judy Garland will
span decades of her work and the amazing music she made
famous. 8 p.m. Prince Theatre. 410-810-2060.
March 21: Sombarkin Concert - A Benefit for Chester River
Home Care & Hospice. 7 p.m. Kent County High School
Auditorium. 410-778-7668.
CHINCOTEAGUE
March 28: Acoustic Concert Series: Bryan Bowers, Traditional
American Folk Music. Bowers is a virtuoso on the autoharp and
gifted singer and songwriter. 7:30 p.m., Senior Center on
Church St. 757-336-5636.
March 29: “Noel Coward in Two Keys”, studio production by
North Street Playhouse North. 7:30 p.m. Senior Center on
Church St. 757-336-5636.
CHURCH HILL
March 6-22: “Of Mice and Men” John Steinbeck's own adaptation of his novel tells of two drifters, George and Lennie, who
have delusions of living off the "fat of the land." Fridays &
Saturdays, 8 p.m. Sundays, 2 p.m. Church Hill Theatre. 410758-1331.
DOVER
March 14: Celtic Harvest. This group has been playing before
packed houses and folk festivals in Delaware for more than ten
years. They are true “keepers of the flame” of traditional Irish
and Scottish music. 7 p.m. The Schwartz Center for the Arts,
226 S. State St. 302-678-5152.
March 20: The Jason Bishop Show Illusionist. From his breathtaking double levitation to his cutting edge Op-Art and plama
screen illusions, Jason Bishop features stunning and original
state of the art Magic. One thing that distinguishes Bishop is
his virtuosity. Additionally, the show is delivered with a totally
modern energy and outstanding rock and pop soundtrack. 7
p.m. The Schwartz Center for the Arts, 226 S. State St. 302678-5152.
March 27-28: The Music of Cole Porter. Cole Porter’s wit and
playful style in lyrics and music will never find a challenger. He
lived life and music with style, with energy, and a hearty appreciation for the subtle, the grandiose, the lively, and the silly.
Doug Yetter and Ken Skrzesz bring his music to the stage. 7
p.m. The Schwartz Center for the Arts, 226 S. State St. 302678-5152.
Spring 2009 • 67
EASTON
March 1: 6th Annual Legacy Institute for the Environment. A
program of instructional sessions, hands-on field experiences,
and volunteer service. Environmental experts from key organizations will guide and facilitate the learning experiences. The
Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center. 410-604-1661.
March 3: The Robert Cray Band. One of the greatest blues guitarists and vocalists of his generation. 8 p.m. The Avalon
Theatre, 40 East Dover St. 410-822-7299.
March 6: 4th Annual Raise the Roof. An opportunity for
friends near and far to participate in the construction of homes
and hope for local families. Local chefs and businesses will
donate food and beverage. 6-8 p.m. Peninsula Construction
model home, 28280 Hemmersley St.
March 6: First Friday Gallery Walk. The locals go all out with
incomparable Eastern Shore hospitality. Stroll the brick paved
walks to browse an abundance of art galleries, antique and specialty shops and award-winning restaurants - all nestled among
vintage Federal-style buildings. 5-9 p.m.
March 6: The Celtic Tenors. Formed in 2000, the trio of
Matthew Gilsenan, James Nelson and Daryl Simpson have
toured the world repeatedly and captured the imaginations of
millions with their incredible vocals and musicianship, combining the music of their native Ireland with pop, classical and folk.
8 p.m. . The Avalon Theatre, 40 East Dover St. 410-822-7299.
March 7: “My Black Bird Has Flown Away” The one-hour play
on the life of the late disability advocate and award-winning
writer-historian, Hugh Gregory Gallagher, was written by
Carlton E. Spitzer and is directed by Anita Tecce. The Avalon
Theatre, 40 East Dover St. 410-822-7299.
March 8: Talbot Cinema Society – Weeping Camel (Germany)
2003. Nominated for 6 International Awards, including the
Oscar, and winner of 9 others, this brilliant documentary is a
joyous film. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., refreshments; 5:45 film
introduction, 6 p.m. film starts. The Avalon Theatre, 40 East
Dover St. 410-745-5025.
March 13: The Tommy Sands Trio. Irish Bard Tommy Sands
carries on the centuries-old tradition of capturing what is happening in society through song, giving the listener a first-hand
account of life, love, hope and freedom. 8 p.m. The Avalon
Theatre, 40 East Dover St. 410-263-8289.
March 14: Ballet Theatre of Maryland. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. The
Avalon Theatre, 40 East Dover St. 410-263-8289.
March 19: Mid Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. Music in
Motion. 7:30. A discussion of the works will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The Avalon Theatre, 40 East Dover St. 410-822-7299.
March 20: Graham Parker. 8 p.m. Recognized as one of the
best and most influential British artists of the late ‘70s and early
‘80s The Avalon Theatre, 40 East Dover St. 410-263-8289.
March 20-22: The 16th Annual Antiques Show and Sale.
Because the antiques are "green", the theme for this year`s
show is Renewable, Recyclable, Responsible. Waterfowl
Building, 40 South Harrison St.
March 21: StonesWorld. What do you call a 5-piece group
playing jazz and Latin versions of Rolling Stones songs?
StonesWorld is a group of talented musicians led by Stones saxophonist Tim Ries performing unique arrangements of classic
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards tunes. 8 p.m. The Avalon
Theatre, 40 East Dover St. 410-263-8289.
March 21: Native Plants and Wildlife. Interested in attracting
birds, butterflies and other friendly critters to your yard? Want
to know more about native plants? Then join us for a morning of
learning how important native plants are to the Eastern Shore
and its ecosystems. 10-11 a.m. Main House, Pickering Creek
Audubon Center. 410-822-4903.
March 28: Saffire. The Uppity Blues Women Fairwell Tour.
They say all good things must end, and (unfortunately) after
almost 25 years, this applies to one of the most raucous, fun
and entertaining acts ever to play the Avalon. 8 p.m. The
Avalon Theatre, 40 East Dover St. 410-263-8289.
ELKTON
March 7: Maple Sugaring. Boil up a taste of real maple syrup
from our own maple trees. Learn the history of maple sugaring
in Amerca. Enjoy pancakes and syrup. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Fair Hill
Nature Center, 630 Tawes Dr. 410-398-4909.
March 21: Spring Trail Day. Get outside and volunteer to prepare our trails for spring classes. Lunch provided. 9 a.m.-Noon.
Fair Hill Nature Center, 630 Tawes Dr. 410-398-4909.
March 28-29: The Lion King. Join Cecil Junior Dance Troupe
68 • Delmarva Quarterly
on a journey through a magical land with your favorite Lion King
characters, which will captivate audiences of all ages. Through
the amazing talent of our young dancers and the magic of our
beautiful costumes and scenery, this show will please right from
the start. 7 p.m. Elkton High School. 410-287-3456.
March 7: Bluebird Workshop. Learn how to bring back this
beautiful native bird. Build a house for your own backyard. 10
a.m. and 2 p.m. Fair Hill Nature Center, 630 Tawes Dr. 410398-4909.
GALENA
March 14: Ham and Oyster Dinner. A favorite of locals and
visitors alike; these dinners come with all the fixin's. All-YouCan-Eat Ham and Oyster Dinner. 3-6:30 p.m. Galena Fire
House. 410-648-5050.
GEORGETOWN (DE)
March 7: Annual Friends of the Millsboro Library Gala/Auction.
5 p.m. Sussex Pines Country Club. 302-934-9539.
LEWES
March 8: Brandywine Baroque. Alessandro Stradella's The
Force of Fatherly Love. Rare early opera, La forza de l'Amor
paterno, featuring Laura Heimes, Julianne Baird, Tony Boutté,
Sumner Thompson, Jose Lemos & Peter Becker. 3 p.m. St
Peter’s Church.. 302-594-1100.
March 28: Coastal Concerts Music Series in Lewes. The Aviv
String Quartet. 8 p.m. Bethel United Methodist Church Hall.
302-645-1539
MILTON
March 6-8 & 13 & 15: Gypsy. By Stephen Sondheim, Jule
Styne & Arthur Laurents. Gypsy is based on the 1957 memoirs
of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist, and focuses on
her mother, Rose, whose name has become synonymous with
"the ultimate show business mother." Milton Theatre, 110 Union
St. 302-684-3400.
NEWARK
March 1, 6, & 7: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare.
(abridged). Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, Jess Winfield.
Directed by Judith A. David. Features all 47 of the Bard's plays
condensed into a high energy, lightning-paced 97 minutes; you
snooze, you lose! Chapel St. Player, 27 N. Chapel St. 302-3682248.
March 7 & 21: History and Heritage of Pencader Hundred and
Cooch's Bridge battle site with new Revolutionary War memorial and historic markers. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pencader Heritage
Museum, Rt. 72 and Old Baltimore Pike. 302-737-5792.
March 28: Newark Chorale. A Festival of Choirs Celebrating
Music, Life, and Love. And the Night Shall Be Filled With Music.
The New Ark Chorale and guest choirs, including The
Wilmington Music School's Select Choral Ensemble. 7 p.m.
Newark United Methodist Church, 69 E. Main St. 302-3684946.
NORTH EAST
March 8-9: Selective Memory Getaway. An overnight getaway
for women of all ages, concluding with out Christian Women's
Fellowship luncheon and program. Sandy Cove Ministries, 60
Sandy Cove Rd. 800-234-2683.
March 9: Sandy Cove Christian Women’s Fellowship. A miniature getaway! A delicious luncheon, fellowship with other
women and a special program featuring Anita Keagy. 11:45 a.m.
Sandy Cove Ministries, 60 Sandy Cove Rd. 800-234-2683.
March 12: Girls Night Out. Join us for dinner and a program.
Special guest: Annie Herring. 6:30 p.m. Sandy Cove Ministries,
60 Sandy Cove Rd. 800-234-2683.
March 13-15 & 20-22: Amadeus. Winner of a Tony Award for
Best Play and eight Oscars, including Best Picture, this provocative work weaves a tale of breathtaking dramatic power.
Milburn Stone Theatre at Cecil College, 1 Seahawk Dr. 410-2871023.
March 18: Seasoned Citizens Day. A special monthly luncheon
for senior adults. Includes inspiring music and message and a
delicious luncheon. 9:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sandy Cove Ministries,
60 Sandy Cove Rd. 800-234-2683.
March 21 & 22: Annual St. Patty’s Day Open House and Boat
Sale. Free refreshments. New & used boat deals. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Jackson Marine Sales.
March 28: 15th Year Celebration Concert. Upper Chesapeake
Community Band; marches, patriotic, big band, folk, classical,
and novelty music mingled with anecdotes about the Upper
Chesapeake Community Band's 15 year history. Milburn Stone
Theatre at Cecil College, 1 Seahawk Dr. 3 p.m. 410-658-4534.
OCEAN CITY
March 1: Reach the Beach Dance Nationals. American Cheer &
Dance Academy returns to Ocean City for its 12th annual competition. The best dance teams compete for a national championship title. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Convention Center, 40th St. &
Bay.
March 6: Opening Reception Art exhibit "The Clay Guild of the
Eastern Shore:" Light refreshments provided. 5-7 p.m. Art
League of Ocean City, 502 94th St. 410-524-9433.
March 6-8, 13-15 & 20-22: St. Patrick's Indoor Soccer
Tournaments. Estimated attendance over 100 teams over three
weekends with guaranteed fun in this popular tournament.
Northside Park, 125th St. & Bay. 410-250-0125.
March 7-8: "Shirley Hall Memorial Student Art Show". Original
Artwork by local students grades 6-12. 1-4 p.m. Light refreshments provided. 5-7 p.m. Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th
St. 410-524-9433.
March 9-11: Art Workshop- "Watercolors for Beginners and
Beyond". Instructor: Barbara Doyle Schmid. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Art
League of Ocean City, 502 94th St. 410-208-0419.
March 11: Art Movie/Discussion. "Dale Chilhully- Gardens &
Glass" led by Anne Hanna. 7-9 p.m. Art League of Ocean City,
502 94th St. 410-524-9433.
March 12 & 19: Drop in Art Studio. All media welcome. 10
a.m.-1 p.m. Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St. 410-5249433.
March 14: Handbell Ringers Concert. The American Guild of
English Handbell Ringers, Area III gather for their spring festival,
which culminates in a concert filling the ballroom with 500
ringers & beautiful music. Participants from all over the MidAtlantic. Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay. 302-677-0187.
March 14: St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival. Annual parade &
festival celebrates the "wearin o' the green." An Ocean City tradition with over 100 entrants including marching bands, floats,
law enforcement groups & more. Followed by entertainment,
food & beverages at festival. Festival, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., parade at
noon. 60th St. south to 45th St. 410-289-6156.
March 14-15: Ocean City Hot Rod & Custom Car Show.
Premier indoor car show showcasing some of the top feature
cars in the Mid-Atlantic along with special attractions & live
entertainment. Sat., 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay. 410-798-6304.
March 20-22: Home, Condo & Garden Show & Art & Craft Fair.
Fresh ideas on decorating, remodeling, accessorizing or building
your home all under one roof. Exhibitors display new products &
services for home & garden, complemented by artists showcasing their most creative crafts & gift items. Fri., noon-7 p.m.; Sat.,
10 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Convention Center, 40th
St. & Bay.
March 22: Mid-Atlantic Symphony. Performance "Music in
Motion," features "Le Tombeau de Couperin" by Ravel &
Mozart's Symphony No. 40, along with pieces by two contemporary composers. Sunday, 3 p.m., pre-concert discussion, 2:30
p.m. Community Church at Ocean Pines, Rt. 589. 888-8468600.
March 23-26: Watercolor Workshop. "Poured Paint"
Intermediate to Advanced students. Instructor Nancy Mysack.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St. 410-
Spring 2009
524-9433.
March 28: Free presentation for artists "Making your artwork
into giclee prints" led by Brendan Buschi. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Art
League of Ocean City, 502 94th St. 410-524-9433.
OCEAN VIEW
March 21: The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Presents
"The Many Sounds of Music". 7:30 p.m. Mariner's Bethel
Church. 888-846-8600.
ONANCOCK
March 12: International Film “Mrs Pettigrew Lives For A Day”
8 p.m. Roseland Theater, Market St. 757-787-8805.
ONLEY
March 21: Arts Council of the Eastern Shore (ACES) presents
the Bowen McCauley Dance Group. 8 p.m.. Nandua High
School, Rt. 13. 757-302-0366.
OXFORD
March 7: Annapolis Bluegrass Concert. Oxford Community
Center. 410-226-5904.
March 8: Pancake Breakfast. What could be better than pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash brown potatoes, pastries, coffee, juice, and more - served to you on a Sunday morning.
Oxford's Volunteer Fire Department. 8-11 a.m.
March 13: OLA Card Party. The Oxford Ladies Auxliary will
host its annual Card Party at the Oxford Firehouse. Join old
friends and new for a few fun rounds of cards, a tasty lunch
made by the OLA, and some light beverages. 410-924-4601.
PRINCESS ANNE
March 5-27: Poor People's Campaign & Robert Houston
Photograph. Mosely Gallery University of Maryland Eastern
Shore. Reception March 5 from 4-6 p.m. 410-651-2200.
QUEENSTOWN
March 28: Calvary United Methodist Ham and Oyster Dinner.
Hearty ham and oyster dinner, served family style with potato
salad, coleslaw, Maryland beaten biscuits, green beans and
more. 3-7 p.m. Calvary United Methodist Church. 410-8277113.
REHOBOTH BEACH
March 7: 9th Annual Rehoboth Beach Chocolate Festival. The
baking contest will feature more restaurant entries than ever
before- to be announced! It’s a fabulous day of chocolate, with
tastes galore, vendors, a raffle, kids games and much more!
11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. 302227-2772.
March 15: Dogfish Head Rehoboth Beer Dinner. "All things
Chocolate...what more needs to be said?!" Some menu ideas
include: Watermelon Salad with Chocolate Vinaigrette, ChiliSpiced deep fried chocolate ravioli, a Chocolate flight, Spiced
Cocoa nib rubbed lamb kabobs with dirty rice, World Wide
Stout chocolate cake with chocolate butter cream and toasted
almonds. 6:30 p.m. Dogfish Head Brewings and Eats. 302226-BREW x206.
March 21: Rehoboth Beach Merchants' Attic II and General
Public Garage Sale. The State's largest indoor garage sale.
Delmarva Quarterly
Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. 800-441-1329, ext 12.
RIDGELY
March 3: Conservation Landscape Design Series. This series of
four classes will guide participants through the landscape
design process from site analysis and plant selection to installation, with inspiring thoughts from leading conservation designers and stunning photographs of native plant gardens-public
and private-from throughout the region. 1-3 p.m. Adkins
Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd. 410-634-2847.
March 4: Journal Writing With Nature Spring Series.
Workshops about discovering nature through art and words.
This series features two guest presenters who will collaborate
with poet Erica Weick to explore creating paper and journals
and viewing the natural world through a camera lens. 9 a.m.noon. Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd. 410-634-2847.
March 4: Discover Nature with Words. Poet Erica Weick will
lead planned exercises to ease the way and lead you to explore
uncharted territories, to learn fun ways to see spring with all of
your senses. We will walk in the forest, listen, take notice, and
write. The workshop offers the opportunity for a morning of
guided introspection, nature observation, and much writing.
Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd. 410-634-2847.
March 5: Green Cleaning Basics. Ingredients in commercial
cleaners can pollute the environment both inside and outside
your home. Learn how to make your own "green" cleaning products and discuss natural products available in stores. Samples of
both caustic and natural products will be on hand for comparison. 1-2:30 p.m. Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd. 410634-2847.
March 12: Pysanky: The Art of Ukrainian Eggs. Create a beautiful egg in a Ukrainian tradition reaching back to antiquity. These
eggs use symbolic motifs rooted in nature and the cycles of life.
Bring a bag lunch; drinks will be provided. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd. 410-634-2847.
March 29: Gearing Up to Garden with Kids. Spend an afternoon in the Arboretum's Children's Funshine Garden. Pack a
lunch and dress for both indoor and outdoor activities. 11 a.m.2:30 p.m. Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd. 410-634-2847.
RISING SUN
March 14: Buddy Holly Tribute. Gary Yoder, Buddy Holly
impersonator, will sing classic 50's while you enjoy your favorite
Dove Valley wine. Food will be available to purchase during the
event. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Dove Valley Vineyard & Winery, 645
Harrington Rd. 410-658-8388.
ROCK HALL
March 28: Spring Arts & Crafts Show. Hand crafted arts and
crafts including: miniatures, pottery, photography, knitting,
quilts, woodworking, fresh flowers, wreaths, soaps, lotions, jewelry, purses, American Girl doll clothes, herbs cutting boards,
candy, cheeses, garden art.10 a.m.-4 p.m. Rock Hall Fire House.
410-778-1432.
SALISBURY
March 4: Children's Program. Birds. This program is designed
for children of the preschool to first-grade age. Early learners
hear lively stories pertaining to the environment. Following the
reading, a craft activity is conducted.
March 14: NestWatchers. Discover how you can make a contribution to science by studying nests in your own backyard,
work station, or schoolyard. Build a birdhouse and get all the
tools you need to participate in the NestWatcher program
offered by the Cornell lab of Ornithology. 1-3 p.m.
March 18: Children's Program. Nests. This program is
designed for children of the preschool to first-grade age. Early
learners hear lively stories pertaining to the environment.
Following the reading, a craft activity is conducted.
March 21-22: Ross Smoker- Woodpecker. Make an antiquestyle Hairy or Downy Woodpecker utilizing traditional hand
tools and acrylic paints. Leave with a completed project mounted with a strap. Blanks and some materials provided.
Intermediate to Advanced Carving. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
March 28: Nancy Carver Thompson: Watercolor "Heron on the
Marsh". Nancy Carver Thompson is a renowned artist and traveler specializing in landscapes and portrait watercolor paintings.
Paint a 'Heron in the Marsh' with watercolor using Thompsons'
step-by-step method. All materials provided. This class is for all
levels of expertise. Class size is limited. 9:30-3:30.
SNOW HILL
March 3, 10, 17 & 24: Self Defense Course. 6 p.m. Snow Hill
Library. 410-632-3495.
March 6: Arts on the River. First Friday Merchants and gallery
owners open their businesses for extended hours. Special
openings, discounts, and light refreshments are featured. 5-8
p.m. Downtown. 410-546-1978.
March 7: Day hike. 2-4 p.m. Furnace Town Living Heritage
Museum. 410-632-2032.
March 7: Nightwalk. 7-9 p.m. Furnace Town Living Heritage
Museum. 410-632-2032.
March 7: Feathers in Focus Photo Shoot. 1-3 p.m. Pocomoke
River State Park. 410-632-2566.
March 16: Talent Show Auditions. 1-7 p.m. Snow Hill Library.
410-632-3495.
March 18: Watershed, local ecosystems program for youth.
3:30 p.m. Snow Hill Library. 410-632-3495.
March 25: Glass Art program. 2 p.m. Snow Hill Library. 410632-3495.
March 28: Nature Sprouts. Pocomoke River State Park. 410632-2566.
March 29: Clean Up Day. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Furnace Town Living
Heritage Museum. 410-632-2032.
March 30: Talent Show Auditions. 1-7 p.m. Snow Hill Library.
410-632-3495.
ST. MICHAELS
March 7: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Saturdays for
Kids. "Bird's Eye View: Looking Down on the Bay from Above."
10 a.m-12 p.m. for four to six year-olds. 1-3 p.m. for seven to
nine year-olds. 410-745-2916.
March 9-11: Exhibit Host Training. This three-day course
teaches participants about the Museum, community history and
storytelling and how to enhance the visitor experience. 10 a.m.3 p.m. Van Lennep Auditorium, Chesapeake Bay Maritime
Museum Steamboat Building. 410-745-2916.
March 10-11 & 24-25: Boater’s Safety Courses. Participants
completing the course and passing the test will receive this
Certificate. The course is also recommended for anyone looking
to become a safer, more experienced boater. 6-10 p.m. Van
Lennep Auditorium, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Steamboat Building. 410-745-2916.
March 14: “Youth Habitat Court” Using acting and role-playing, kids will learn about the environment and the challenges it
is facing. They'll stage a simulated community meeting to
explore and learn about habitats, human-land issues and
ecosystem dynamics. Kids are encouraged to bring a favorite
costume piece and their imaginations. 10 a.m.-noon.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. 410-745-2916.
March 21: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Saturdays for
Kids. "Marshes and the Environment: Learn About the Animals
and Habitat of a Marsh." 10 a.m-12 p.m. for four to six yearolds. 1-3 p.m. for seven to nine year-olds. 410-745-2916.
March 21: “From Seed to Shoreline” This workshop will be
held at Environmental Concern's Wetland Learning Center in St.
Michaels, at the headwaters of San Domingo Creek. The
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, 213 N. Talbot St. 410-7452916.
March 26: David Harp and Tom Horton, “The Nanticoke
Portrait of a Chesapeake River” Marrying photography with
prose, longtime collaborators David Harp and Tom Horton capture the natural beauty and rich history of the Nanticoke River in
their newest book. 11 a.m. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Steamboat Building Auditorium. 410-745-2916.
March 28: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Saturdays for
Kids. "Little Hunters and Gatherers: Learn About the Skills and
Culture of Chesapeake Native Americans." 10 a.m-12 p.m. for
four to six year-olds. 1-3 p.m. for seven to nine year-olds. 410745-2916.
March 28-29: Half-Hull Model Class. Work with the
Museum's Model Guild instructors to create a Pride of
Baltimore half-hull model. The end product will become a beautiful wall-hanging in your home. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mitchell House
on Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Campus. 410-745-2916.
TRAPPE
March 14: County Church Breakfast. Celebrating its 10th consecutive year. The down home, all-you-can-eat menu includes
eggs, pancakes, French toast, warm syrup, grits, home-fried
Spring 2009 • 69
potatoes, sausage (nitrate free and fresh ground by Simmons
Center Market in Cambridge), scrapple, sausage gravy, biscuits,
strawberry preserves, coffee, tea, orange juice, and tomato juice.
7 a.m.-10 p.m. Trappe United Methodist Church.
WILMINGTON
March 1: Delaware Valley Chorale and Orchestra March
Performance. Featuring Grand Mass in C Minor by Mozart &
Serenade to Music by Vaughan Williams. David Christopher,
conductor & Guest Soloists. 3 p.m. Grace United Methodist
Church, 900 Washington St. 302-762-5520.
March 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15: Oliver. Saturdays 7 p.m. Sundays 2
p.m. Delaware Childrens Theatre, 1014 Delaware Ave. 302655-1014.
March 3: Ani DiFranco. Self-described the “Little Folksinger,”
Ani DiFranco’s music has been classified as both folk rock and
alternative rock, although she has reached across genres since
her earliest albums. “I’ve got myself a new mantra,” Ani
DiFranco shares on her new studio album. “It says ‘Don’t forget
to have a good time.’” 8 p.m. The Grand, 818 N. Market St.
302-652-5577.
March 4: Bellydance Superstars. Hailed as the next big dance
show phenomenon to follow Riverdance, the Bellydance
Superstars are the world’s premier touring belly dance troupe,
taking this ancient art form into the mainstream. From their
beginnings as part of the 2003 Lollapalooza 45-city tour, this
American troupe is comprised of the highest caliber performing
dancers practicing the art. 8 p.m. The Grand, 818 N. Market St.
302-652-5577.
March 4: WOW! Wee Ones at Winterthur. Join us for stories
related to Winterthur’s collection and garden. This early childhood literacy series incorporates active learning through music,
movement, and exploration of objects in a warm and welcoming
setting. This month's story: Ms. Bridie Chose a Shovel. Meet at
Visitor Center at 10:15 am. Program: 10:30-11:30 a.m. For ages
3-6 and adult caregiver. Winterthur Museum & Country Estate.
800-448-3883.
March 5-6: Winterthur Ceramics Conference. Coming to
America: Imported Ceramics & the Wares They Inspired.
Winterthur looks back over 300 years of earthenware,
stoneware, and porcelain consumption in America to learn more
about the wares themselves: Who imported ceramics, who
made the American ones, and how were such objects integrated
into American households? Winterthur Museum & Country
Estate. 800-448-3883.
March 6: Branching Out: Cultivating Community Engagement.
This Symposium offers insights and ideas into how public horticulture and other non-profit organizations can effectively
engage their communities and help their institutions grow
beyond their walls. Longwood Gardens. 302-831-2517.
March 6: Unlacing the Victorian Woman. Participants will
delight in this educational and entertaining program! Presented
by Barbara Meyer Darlin, who combines her skills as a designer,
seamstress, historian, and performer, “Unlacing the Victorian
Woman” enchants audiences by revealing a day in the life of a
fashionable turn-of-the-20th-century society woman—with onstage costume changes, right down to her chemise. Daily routines, social customs, and etiquette are also discussed. 6:30
p.m. Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Pkwy. 302-5719590.
March 6: The Dixie Hummingbirds. A pioneering force behind
the evolution of the modern gospel quartet sound, the Dixie
70 • Delmarva Quarterly
Hummingbirds were among the longest-lived and most successful groups of their era. 8 p.m. The Grand, 818 N. Market St.
302-652-5577.
March 6-7 & 13-14: City Theater Company Casarino Royale by
Matt Casarino. Part of the CTC Community Series! As part of
our commitment to developing new work and providing a critical outlet for emerging artists, CTC celebrates award-winning
Delaware playwright Matt Casarino with an evening of his oneact plays. Expect acerbic wit, sly social commentary, and furiously funny scenarios. 8 p.m. OperaDelaware Studios, 4 S.
Poplar St.
March 7: Jay Black. As seen on A&E, SHOWTIME's "White
Boys in the Hood" and "Last Comic Standing," it's hot young
comic JAY BLACK! He performs at colleges all over the USA,
and was just voted the Readers' Choice for COLLEGE COMEDIAN of the YEAR in Campus Activities Magazine! Jay is also
screenwriter and a popular blogger on AOL's TV Squad! 8 p.m.
The Grand, 818 N. Market St. 302-652-5577.
March 7: Brandywine Baroque. Alessandro Stradella's The
Force of Fatherly Love Rare early opera, La forza de l'Amor
paterno, featuring Laura Heimes, Julianne Baird, Tony Boutté,
Sumner Thompson, Jose Lemos & Peter Becker. 8 p.m. The
Barn at Flintwoods. 302-594-1100.
March 12: Pages of Time: Mother & Daughter Book and Craft
Club. Join us for this month's Mother (Adult Female) &
Daughter Book and Craft Club meeting just for girls! March's
Book Selection: Soft Rain: A Story of The Cherokee Trail of Tears
by Cornelia Cornelissen. Winterthur Museum & Country Estate.
800-448-3883.
March 13: Stars of Doo Wop #2. The second concert of the
season in The Grand’s annual and very popular Richard Nader’s
Stars of Doo Wop series. This concert features Frankie Lymon’s
Teenagers (“Why Do Fools Fall In Love”), The Harptones (“A
Sunday Kind of Love”) and The Cleftones (“Sentimental
Reasons”). 8 p.m. The Grand, 818 N. Market St. 302-652-5577.
March 14: Jake Shimabukuro. A ukulele virtuoso may sound
like a goof, but according to the San Francisco Chronicle, "you
won't believe sounds like that could possibly be made on a
ukulele." With his lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary technique, Jake has redefined the petite stringed instrument with a
dazzling repertoire ranging from jazz, blues, and funk, to folk,
standards, and rock. 8 p.m. The Grand, 818 N. Market St. 302652-5577.
March 14: Second Saturdays Garden Walk: Minor Bulbs and
the Wild Garden. Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800448-3883.
March 14: Fair Hill Horsemen’s Ball. An evening of fine dining,
dancing, and a live auction in the beautiful setting at Longwood
Gardens. Proceeds benefit Fair Hill International and Union
Hospital. 7-11 p.m. Longwood Gardens. 410-620-3709.
March 14: An Afternoon with Jane Austen. Perfect for
Women’s History Month, this program features songs that Jane
Austen wrote about in her notebook along with readings from
her novels. Performers include Julianne Baird (soprano), Karen
Flint (harpsichord), and Edward Mauger (narrator). 2 p.m.
Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Pkwy. 302-571-9590.
March 15: One Night of Queen. One Night of Queen has
blazed international stages, playing theatres, arenas and festivals to sell-out crowds. Along with his band, The Works, Gary
Mullen delivers the sound and the incredible showmanship that
was the hallmark of Queen in concert. You’ll be rockin’ to your
favorite rabble-rousing renditions of “Bohemian Rhapsody,”
“Somebody to Love,” “We are the Champions” and many more!
7 p.m. The Grand, 818 N. Market St. 302-652-5577.
March 21: UD Chamber Orchestra Concert. Join us for a concert of classical and neo-classical works, including Haydn’s
Symphony no. 44 in e minor and Stravinsky’s Concertino for
Twelve Instruments. Directed by Dr. Brian Stone, the Chamber
Orchestra is the most select orchestra at the university. 3 p.m.
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
March 28: Mélomanie. Featuring guest artists Linda Kistler,
violin, and World Premiere of Mélomanique (2008) by Chuck
Holdeman. This piece is featured on the CD, Playing in the
Garden - Musical Inspirations from the Winterthur Garden, a
benefit compilation for the Winterthur Garden, which is available for purchase directly from Mélomanie. 8 p.m. Grace
United Methodist Church, 900 Washington St. 302-764-6338.
WORTON
March 8: Open House. Come and see what Camp Tockwogh is
all about! Enjoy lunch, a tour of the property, and lots of information about our summer camp program. FREE! 11:30 a.m.
Camp Tockwogh. 410-348-6000.
March 27-29: Clean Up Weekend. This weekend is designed
to help Camp Tockwogh prepare for its busy warm-weather season. Get a taste of summer camp by staying in our cabins and
trying out some of our activities. All meals are included, plus a
free t-shirt! All proceeds benefit the strong kids campaign. 6-8
p.m. check-in. Camp Tockwogh. 410-348-6000.
March 28: Spring Festival. – For the Kids. Join the Easter
Bunny for egg hunts, egg dying, games, crafts and more. Ages
12 and under. 1-4pm. Worton Park. 410-778-2083.
WYE MILLS
March 6: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Concert. Jun Markl,
Conductor. Soloists, TBA. Baltimore Choral Art Society.
Stravinsky: Apollo. Mozart: Requiem, K. 626 Complete by
Franz Sussmayr after Mozart’s death. Friday 8 p.m. Chesapeake
College Performing Arts. 410-827-5867.
YORKLYN
March 14: “Darkroom in the Digital Age” Workshop with
Photographer Jon Cox. 1-4 p.m. Center for the Creative Arts,
410 Upper Snuff Mill Row and Route 82. 302-239-2434.
March 14: “Creating Books by hand” Workshop with Judith
Robison. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Center for the Creative Arts, 410 Upper
Snuff Mill Row and Route 82. 302-239-2434.
April
ARDEN
April 5: Atlantic Crossing with Susan Hankin and Donna Hunt
calling. 1:30-2 p.m. Dance lesson, 2-5 p.m. Contra dance.
Arden Gild Hall, 2126 The Highway. 302 478-7257 or 610 2770844.
April 11: The Horseflies. One of the earliest bands to bring
truly inventive ideas and energy to traditional American fiddle
music, The Horseflies have created a unique sound that remains
fresh, powerful and captivating. Artful original songs, a wild
groove. 8 p.m. Arden Gild Hall, 2126 The Highway. 302 4752608.
April 24, 25 & 30: Ruddigore or ... The Witch's Curse. Gilbert
& Sullivan's "supernatural melodrama", presented by the
Ardensingers: A cursed Baronet (destined to commit a crime a
day), Margaret (driven to madness by her love for the "bad
Baronet"), lovely Rose (engaged to shy Robin, a young farmer
with a dark and secret past), Robin's treacherous foster brother
(a "gallant seaman"), and many more! 8 p.m. Arden Gild Hall,
2126 The Highway. 302 478-5733.
BERLIN
April 10: Downtown Merchants 2nd Friday Art Stroll. You can
meet the Artists, view the arts, browse our shops, and dine in
our restaurants. A great way to have fun. 5-8 p.m. Historic
Downtown. 410-629-1895.
April 11: 14th Annual Spring Celebration. A celebration of the
season. There will be events for children and adults alike. The
day includes Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, games, crafters,
pig race, entertainment and food vendors and an Easter Bonnet
Parade! Main Street. 410-641-4000.
BETTERTON BEACH
April 18: Annual Betterton Beach Clean Up. Join community
volunteers to clean the beach for the upcoming summer season.
All ages welcome. Lunch provided. 9 a.m. – noon. County Parks
& Recreation. 410-778-2083.
CAMBRIDGE
April 10-12: Antique Show and Sale. This unique show and
sale features antiques for the home and garden. Held at
Governor's Hall at Sailwinds Park, 200 Byrn St.
April 11: Second Saturdays. Explore Historic Downtown
Cambridge during our monthly Second Saturday celebration
featuring gallery openings, late shopping hours, entertainment,
and fine and casual dining options. Welcome the contestants in
Spring 2009
the Miss Maryland International competition as they come
down from their pageant headquarters at a meet-and-greet in
downtown Cambridge! 5 p.m. 410-228-0020.
April 11: Crab Run Half Marathon. Environmental Conscience
Awards and Premiums. Goodie bag and post-race party, premium dri-fit long sleeve t-shirt to all finishers, and cash awards.
The Crab Run Half Marathon starts on Somerset Ave side of The
Dorchester County YMCA, heading towards the Choptank River
following the same route as the Eagleman Ironman 70.3
Triathlon run. The 13.1 mile out and back course is flat, fast and
fun. 8 a.m. 410-221-0505.
April 25: Dorchester-Cambridge Multi-cultural Festival. Enjoy
live music, kids activities, exhibits, food and more and this festival highlighting the area's diverse cultures.
CENTREVILLE
April 18: Spring Auction. Gunston’s Annual Auction includes
cocktails, dinner, a silent and live auction. Great food and fun
for all! 6-11 p.m. Gunston Day School. 410-758-0620.
April 25: Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage. Historically
and architecturally significant homes are open for touring in the
Centreville area. Included on the tour. “The Heritage.” The 900
acre family estate granted to Richard Tilghman in the 1660s by
Lord Baltimore. His descendants still reside there. 10 a.m.- 5
p.m. Centreville Area. 410-758-1817.
CHESTERTOWN
April 3: Chestertown’s 1st Fridays. Arts and Antiques.
Extended shop hours, with arts and entertainment throughout
Historic Downtown.
April 4: Kent School Annual Auction. Kent School's Annual
Fund Raising Auction is a fun filled event featuring great food
and music surrounded by fabulous items to bid on through our
live and silent auctions. 7-11 p.m. Kent School, Wilkins Lane.
410-778-4100.
April 6: Taste of Chestertown. Chestertown's top chefs compete for the title of Best Taste of Chestertown, and your vote
determines who wins! Live music, dancing, wine & beer stations, silent auction. 12-4 p.m. All under a tent on the banks of
the Chester River in Wilmer Park!
April 13: Urban Animals Unveiled. Lisa Couturier is a nature
writer who has worked as an environmental journalist and as a
magazine editor, during which time she traveled to remote parts
of South America, Central America and South East Asia. She is
the author of "The Hopes of Snakes: And Other Tales from the
Urban Landscape." 4:30 p.m. Casey Academic Center Forum,
Washington College. 410-778-7899.
April 14: Urban Animals Unveiled. The Sophie Kerr Committee
and the Center for Environment and Society presents a lecture
by Lisa Couturier, Environmental Writer. 4:30 p.m. Casey
Academic Center Forum, Washington College. 410-778-7888.
April 17: Attacca String Quartet. 8 p.m. Norman James
Theatre, William Smith Hall, Washington College. 410-7787839.
April 18: Chamber Music Concert. Kent County Friends of
Chamber Music. Envoy String Quartet. 8 p.m. St Paul's Church
Parish House. 410-778-2876.
April 22: The Senior Reading. Bid farewell to your favorite senior writers as they read from their original pieces. Reception follows. 7 p.m. The Rose O'Neill Literary House, 407 Washington
Ave. 410-778-7899.
April 23: Native Plants and Rain Gardens. Horticulturalists,
Robin & Cindy, will teach about Native Plants and Rain
Gardens. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Town Hall.
April 24-25: 10th Anniversary Concert Chester River Chorale.
Mozart "Coronation Mass" along with favorites from past spring
concerts. First United Methodist Church. 8 p.m.
April 25: Earth Day Festival. Celebrate clean air, clean land,
and clean water for the Earth and its animals. Starting with the
12th annual dog parade, highlights include live music, food concessions, ecology exhibits, environmental education, pet tricks,
canine competitions (high jump contest, limbo contest, doggie
look-alike contest), pet beauty contest, pet photos, pet safety
and education, and other offerings for kids of all ages. 9 a.m.-4
p.m. Wilmer Park. 410-778-7295.
April 25: 12th Annual Mutt Strut & Pet Fair. The 2-mile walk
starts at 8 am in Fountain Park and ends at Wilmer Park where
the pet fair begins. Face painting, moon bounce, pet contests,
pet education, entertainment-fun for all ages. Help us to help
the animals. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Fountain Park and Wilmer Park.
Delmarva Quarterly
410-778-3648.
April 28: Free Pizza Night @ the Alley Teen Center. The Alley
Teen Center offers an after-school tutoring program and recreational activities for your ages 13 - 17 years old. 5 p.m. 327
High St. 410-778-3844.
April 28: W.C. ALL Learn at Lunch Lecture. Noon. Heron Point
Residential Community. 410-778-7221.
CHINCOTEAGUE
April 4-5: Daffodil Festival. 2nd Annual Flower, Home &
Garden Show…plus 8th Annual Spring Craft Show. The
Chincoteague Center, 6155 Community Dr. 757-336-0614.
April 10-11: Easter Decoy & Art Festival. Approx. 100 local and
national carvers and artist exhibits. Sales, contests, and auction.
757-336-6161
April 11: Second Saturday Art Stroll. Arts and Crafts
Demonstrations, Exhibits, Live Music, Readings and Book
Signings, Wine Tastings...and the unexpected. The Art Stroll
takes place at participating galleries and shops around the
Island from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. In many cases, there are also special
events during the day at the downtown park. 757-336-6161.
April 18: Acoustic Concert Series: Guy Davis, Country Blues.
Musician, composer and storyteller, Davis is an authentic and
spellbinding bluesman. 7:30 p.m., Senior Center on Church St.
757-336-5636.
April 18: Bluegrass Concert. Featuring Roadside Café & Pocket
Change. 7 p.m. The Chincoteague Center, 6155 Community Dr.
757-336-3030.
April 19: Los Lobos. Merging blues, rock, country and folk with
the homegrown music of their native E. Los Angeles, Los Lobos
has become one of America’s seminal bands. This is a show we
are very pleased to bring to the Avalon and it will be an excellent evening of great American music.8 p.m. The Avalon
Theatre, 40 East Dover St. 410-745-5025.
April 20-24: Don Andrews, AWS – Watercolor Landscapes
with a Color Emphasis. Watercolorists, this is five intensive
days with Don Andrews. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Calhoon MEBA
Engineering School, Rt 33. 410-745-3466.
April 23: Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. The
Avalon Theatre, 40 East Dover St. 888-846-8600.
April 25: Bitter Creek. Local faves Bitter Creek perform various flavors of bluegrass music, ranging from the traditional - like
the Stanley Brothers "How Mountain Girls Can Love" to
"Eastbound and Down.” 8 p.m. The Avalon Theatre, 40 East
Dover St. 410-822-7299.
ELKTON
April 4-5, 9-11, & 13: Easter Egg Hunt. Enjoy a hayride, visit
from the Easter Bunny, egg hunt, and a prize of their choice for
each. Visit the barnyard buddies. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Milburn
Orchards, 1495 Appleton Rd. 410-398-1349.
April 17: Frog Frenzy. Bring your family (and a flashlight) on a
night hike to look for singing frogs and toads. Bonfire & hotdogs. 6:30 p.m. Fair Hill Nature Center, 630 Tawes Dr. 410398-4909.
CRUMPTON
April 10: Eggstravaganza. Enjoy face-painting, crafts, entertainment, great egg hunts and of course our special guest, the
Easter Bunny! 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Crumpton Senior Center. 410758-0835.
DOVER
April 1: Delaware Symphony Orchestra presents “Musical
Jokes” We’re not kidding – this music is hilarious! From
Mozart’s wicked caricature of village musicians, to Saint Saen’s
sly digs at fellow composers this concert makes April Fools Day
fun! 7:30 p.m. The Schwartz Center for the Arts, 226 S. State
St. 302-678-5152.
April 17: Those Funny Guys. Pat Hazell, declared by Showtime
one of the five funniest people in America and Mike Rayburn,
the world’s funniest guitar virtuoso have joined forces to create
Those Funny Guys, an evening of clean, clever unforgettable
comedy. 7 p.m. The Schwartz Center for the Arts, 226 S. State
St. 302-678-5152.
April 28-29: Seussical. Presented by The Schwartz Center for
the Arts & St. Thomas More Academy. 7 p.m. The Schwartz
Center for the Arts, 226 S. State St. 302-678-5152.
EASTON
April 3: First Friday Gallery Walk. The locals go all out with
incomparable Eastern Shore hospitality. Stroll the brick paved
walks to browse an abundance of art galleries, antique and specialty shops and award-winning restaurants - all nestled among
vintage Federal-style buildings. 5-9 p.m.
April 4-5: Easton Choral Arts Society. Saturday 8 p.m; Sunday
3 p.m. Avalon Theatre, 40 East Dover St. 410-200-0498.
April 5: Talbot Cinema Society – Tales of Manhattan (USA)
1942. The hero of this fanciful tale is an expensive dress coat.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. refreshments, 5:45 p.m. Film
Introduction; 6 p.m. Film starts, followed by discussions. The
Avalon Theatre, 40 East Dover St. 410-745-5025.
April 10: Twilight Dinner Performance. An Evening of
Flamenco featuring Anna Menendez and Company. Anna
Menendez and Company return for an exciting evening of dance
and music. Anna Menendez is a flamenco dancer based out of
the Washington DC area. She has worked as a performer,
teacher and choreographer since 1996. Her credits include performances at the Spanish and Mexican Embassies, the Kennedy
Center, Lisner Auditorium, and the Smithsonian Institution.
Academy Art Museum, 106 South St. 410-822-ARTS.
April 18: Paddling the Pickering. Come out and enjoy spring
while paddling on Pickering Creek! The whole family can enjoy
the wildlife and fresh leaves that flourish in the Chesapeake Bay
this time of year. Please bring sunscreen, water bottles, and
your sense of adventure! 10 a.m.-Noon. Main House, Pickering
Creek Audubon Center. 410-822-4903.
April 18: Herbs – Herbs – Herbs. Herbal learning day; plant
sales; taste treats. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sinking Springs Herb Farm
Retreat, 843 Elk Forest Rd. 410-398-5566.
April 18: Wildflower Walk. Enjoy a spring morning hike
through the forest to identify beautiful native wildflowers. Bring
a camera if you would like to capture the beauty of these flowers before they are gone. 10 a.m.– noon. Fair Hill Nature Center,
630 Tawes Dr. 410-398-4909.
FENWICK ISLAND
April 18: Ocean to Bay Bike Tour. Riders can choose a 20-, 35-,
or 50-mile route through the Quiet Resorts. Close to 700
cyclists, serious and amateur, visit the area for this high-profile
event. Fenwick, Bethany, and surrounding areas. 800-962SURF.
FRANKTOWN
April 18: Arts Council of the Eastern Shore (ACES) presents
Virginia Handbell Concert. 8 p.m. Franktown Methodist
Church. 757-302-0366.
GALENA
April 4: Texas Hold'm Poker. Texas Hold'm Poker benefits local
citizens in need through Christmas Baskets, eye exams, eye
glasses, college scholarships etc. All profits go back to the community and you get a charitible tax benefit. Doors open 6:30
p.m. Game begins 7:30 p.m. Galena Fire Hall. 410-703-1432.
April 26: All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast. A favorite of locals and
visitors alike. This country breakfast is sure to please. 7:30-11
a.m. $7/adult, $3/child ages 3 to 12, Free for children under age
3. Galena Fire House. 410-648-5050.
GEORGETOWN
April 17-19 & 24-26: Spring Musical. “Guys and Dolls” The
bright, brassy, immortal musical about New York gamblers.
Possum Point Players, 441 Old Laurel Rd. 302-856-4560.
GRASONVILLE
April 25: Wild Game & Wine Pairing. Wear your finest camou-
Spring 2009 • 71
flage or outdoor gear and enjoy an evening of exotic foods and
wines to benefit the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center.
Event will be held at Prospect Bay Country Club. 410-827-6694.
LEWES
April 10: Great Delaware Kite Festival. Kite fliers of all ages
compete for medallions and prizes. Food and kite vendors.
Cape Henlopen State Park. 302-645-8073.
April 23-26: The Delmarva Birding Weekend. Celebrates the
migration of thousands of warblers, shorebirds, waterfowl, and
raptors with more than 35 different trips and tally rallies. The
weekend combines boat trips, canoe treks, and expeditions by
foot. Throughout the Delmarva Peninsula. 443-944-8097.
April 25: Brandywine Baroque. Johann S. Bach Cantatas &
Concerti. Brandywine Baroque and the University of Delaware
Collegium performance featuring Brandenburg Concerto No. 4,
Concerto for Two Violins, Cantata 209: Non sa che sia dolore,
Hoffman: Meine Seele rühmt und preist. 7:30 p.m. St. Peter's
Church. 302-594-1100.
MASSEY
April 25: Chili Fiesta Fly-In. Old fashioned grass roots airport
fly-in. Pilots and planes come from near and far. Spectators, aviation enthusiasts and chili aficionados come and enjoy the chili,
hot dogs, airplanes and to see the museum. Bring some of your
favorite chili for others to appreciate, if you are so inclined. 10
a.m.-4 p.m. Massey Aerodrome, 33541 Maryland Line Rd. 410928-5270.
MILFORD
April 24-26: Jake’s Women. Spring Comedy. Friday &
Saturday 8 p.m. Sunday 3 p.m. Second Street Players Riverfront
Theater, 2 S. Walnut St. 302-422-0220.
NEWARK
April 4 & 21: History and Heritage of Pencader Hundred and
Cooch's Bridge battle site with new Revolutionary War memorial and historic markers. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pencader Heritage
Museum, Rt. 72 and Old Baltimore Pike. 302-737-5792.
April 24: Brandywine Baroque. Johann S. Bach Cantatas &
Concerti. Brandywine Baroque and the University of Delaware
Collegium performance featuring Brandenburg Concerto No. 4,
Concerto for Two Violins, Cantata 209: Non sa che sia dolore,
Hoffman: Meine Seele rühmt und preist. 8 p.m. Gore Hall,
University of Delaware. 302-984-2000.
April 24-25: Hay Fever. Written by Noel Coward. Directed by
Jamie Cunningham. A cross between light farce and a comedy
of manners, this play is set in 1920's England at the Bliss family
country house. Audiences will watch in wonder as the eccentric
Bliss family leaps to melodramatic and emotional extremes at
the slightest provocation. They will be amazed at the spectacle
of the weekend house quests losing their battles against this
unpredictable theatrical assault. Noel Coward has provided a
humorous theatrical experience the audience will not soon forget. Chapel St. Player, 27 N. Chapel St. 302-368-2248.
NORTH EAST
April 8: Seasoned Citizens’ Day. A special monthly luncheon
for senior adults. Includes inspiring music and message and a
delicious luncheon. 9:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sandy Cove Ministries,
60 Sandy Cove Rd. 800-234-2683.
April 9-10: 10 Minute Play Festival. An emerging artist project. Play submissions encouraged. 8 p.m. Cecil College,
72 • Delmarva Quarterly
Milburn Stone Theater, 1 Seahawk Dr. 410-287-1023.
April 18: Celtic Festival. A sell-out tradition. Hosted by balladeer, Charlie Zahm. Come enjoy an evening of Celtic music,
dance, and magic. 8 p.m. Milburn Stone Theatre at Cecil
College, 1 Seahawk Dr. 410-287-1023.
April 20: Sandy Cove Christian Women’s Fellowship. A mini
getaway. A delicious luncheon, fellowship with other women
and a special program. 11:45 a.m. Sandy Cove Ministries, 60
Sandy Cove Rd. 800-234-2683.
April 25-26: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Join Cecil
Dance Theatre in this beloved fairy tale where the trusty seven
dwarfs whistle their way to work while the evil queen attempts
to stir up a cauldron of trouble for our beautiful and kind-hearted young heroine. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Milburn Stone Theatre at
Cecil College, 1 Seahawk Dr. 410-287-3546.
OCEAN CITY
April 3-5: Adult Basketball Tournament. Perfect for those looking for a little friendly competition. Team entry allows you to
join with friends & test your skills against others for tournament
champion. First session open to ages 35 +. Additional session
open to all ages. Northside Park Recreation Complex, 127th St.
& Bay. 410-250-0125.
April 3-5: Reach the Beach All Star Internationals. American
Cheer & Dance competitions. One of the largest all star & college events in the country. Fri., 7 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.- 11
p.m.; Sun., 7:30 a.m.- 11 p.m. Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay.
April 10-12: Easter Art & Craft Fair. Over 100 exhibitors displaying unique hand-crafted items including wearable art, jewelry, lawn & garden decor, toys, florals, fine art, caricature & more.
Admission includes Easter Kids Fair. Fri., 11-5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5
p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay
April 10-12: Easter Kids Fair. Continuous events, activities &
entertainment including Beanny the Easter Bunny, egg hunts,
coloring tables, magic & puppet shows, clowns, sand art, dancing, games, contests & more. Admission includes art & crafts
fair. Fri., 11-5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay.
April 17-19: Adult Basketball Tournament. Perfect for those
looking for a little friendly competition. Team entry allows you
to join with friends & test your skills against others for tournament champion. First session open to ages 35 +. Additional session open to all ages. Northside Park Recreation Complex, 127th
St. & Bay. 410-250-0125.
April 23: Hooked Rug Exhibit. Traditional hand-hooked rug
exhibit featuring an extensive variety of rugs, wall hangings, pictures & more in primitive or tapestry style. Exhibit held during
the 16th annual MD Shores Rug Hooking School. Noon- 8 p.m.
Dunes Manor Hotel, 28th St. & Baltimore Ave. 410-289-4110.
April 24-25: Sweet Adelines Regional Convention &
Competition. Twenty-seven choruses from the Mid-Atlantic
region compete for medals & the opportunity to represent
Region 19 at the international convention. Shows throughout the
event. Show of Champions Saturday at 8 p.m. Convention
Center, 40th St. & Bay. 717-529-3129.
April 24-26: MD International Kite Exposition. Come enjoy
one of the largest kite festivals in the USA. Multi-level precision
flying events using dual & quad line kites. Internationally known
kite flyers show unique displays. Fri.-Sun., 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. On the
Beach, N. Division St.- 6th St. 410-289-7855.
April 24-26: 39th Annual Ward World Championship Wildfowl
Carving Competition and Art Festival. View World Class bird
carvings, bid at the benefit auction at 3 p.m. on Saturday, shop
at over 100 exhibitor booths, and enjoy kid’s activities. Show
hours, Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Roland E. Powell Convention Center. 410-7424988.
OCEAN PINES
April 26: Mid-Atlantic Symphony Season Finale. Professional
symphony orchestra performs a concert entitled "The Sailor &
the Princess." Also a Mozart Symphony Concert ante featuring
Nicholas Currie & Jonathan Carney. Sunday, 3 p.m. Pre-concert
talk at 2:30 p.m. Community Church, Ocean Pines, Rt. 589.
888-846-8600.
OCEAN VIEW
April 25: The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Presents "The
Sailor and the Princess" Begins: 7:30 p.m. Mariner's Bethel
Church. 888-846-8600.
ONANCOCK
April 9: International Film. 8 p.m. Roseland Theater, Market
St. 757-87-8805.
OXFORD
April 25: 15th Annual Oxford Day. All of the organizations and
businesses in town have been working hard to prepare for this
all-day family event. So invite your friends and family to visit,
plan on staying home, put aside the yard work and errands. Just
relax, walk around our wonderful town and enjoy all the activities.
April 25: Second Annual Duck Duck Dash. The event gives
children the opportunity to race plastic ducks and win prizes. 10
a.m.-3 p.m. Causeway Park.
April 25: Bach to the Future Concert. Oxford Community
Center. 410-226-5904.
PERRYVILLE
April 18: River Sweep. Earth Day shoreline clean up. Rain or
shine. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 410-457-2484.
PORT DEPOSIT
April 18: Annual Car Show. Classic cars; great prizes. 10 a.m.-2
p.m. VFW Post 8185. 410-642-2847.
April 18: River Sweep. Earth Day shoreline clean up. Rain or
shine. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 410-457-2484.
PRINCESS ANNE
April 4-5: 44th Annual Daffodil Show presented by The
Somerset County Garden Club. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday,
Noon-4 p.m. Teackle Mansion, 11736 Mansion St. 410-6513803.
QUEEN ANNE
April 11: Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Over 4,000 plastic and
boiled eggs are hidden (special prize eggs are marked so look
closely in and on your eggs!) Open to children under the age of
10. 1 p.m. Tuckahoe State Park, Cherry Lane Picnic Area. 410820-1668.
REHOBOTH BEACH
April 11: Rehoboth Beach Merchants' Attic III and General
Public Garage Sale. The State's largest indoor garage sale.
Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. 800-441-1329, ext. 12.
April 19: Dogfish Head Rehoboth Beer Dinner. "From delicate
to robust, chart a course through the wide world of cheese with
us." Begins: 6:30 p.m. Dogfish Head Brewings and Eats. 302226-BREW x206.
RIDGELY
April 1: Journal Writing With Nature Spring Series. Workshops
about discovering nature through art and words. This series
features two guest presenters who will collaborate with poet
Erica Weick to explore creating paper and journals and viewing
the natural world through a camera lens. 9 a.m.-noon. Adkins
Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd. 410-634-2847.
April 1: Photography and the Mind’s Eye. Photography can
trigger some interesting reflections. Images of nature can reveal
truths that are new and interesting, yet profound and awesome.
Join photographer Ann Rohlfing to search for symbolism
through the viewfinder. Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd.
410-634-2847.
April 4: Back to Basics: Bird-watching. The Arboretum's bird
population is diverse throughout the year. Bring your binoculars
and join a walk to learn the basics of bird-watching and identification. 10:30 a.m. Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd. 410634-2847.
April 4: Gardening for a Rainy Day: Using Rain Gardens and
Rain Barrels for a "Greener" Landscape. Gardeners are always
looking for ways to keep their gardens green. Consider ways to
truly "green" your garden and manage both storm water and
surface runoff at this workshop that addresses two easy methods of capturing rainwater: rain barrels and rain gardens. 10
a.m.-2 p.m. Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd. 410-6342847.
April 6: Botanical Art Series-Exploring Ferns. This workshop
will focus on learning about ferns and capturing their beauty in
watercolor. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Adkins Arboretum, 12610
Eveland Rd. 410-634-2847.
April 18: Arbor Day 5K Run Family Fun Run/Walk. Join fellow
runners and nature enthusiasts for the fourth annual Arbor Day
Run. The event, which features a 5K Run and a one-mile Family
Spring 2009
Fun Run/Walk, will kick off with a Kids' 100 Yard Dash at 8:45
a.m. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd.
410-634-2847.
RISING SUN
April 11: Kids Egg Hunt (Cork Hunt). First annual kids egg hunt
(cork hunt). This event is for anyone under 12. Prizes for contestants including candy and the grand prize of a gift certificate
from Wal-Mart. 3-4 p.m. Dove Valley Vineyard & Winery, 645
Harrington Rd. 410-658-8388.
April 11: Adult Egg Hunt (Cork Hunt). First annual adult egg
hunt (cork hunt). This event is for "kids" over 21 who want to
have a fun-filled afternoon. Prizes for contestants, including
Dove Valley wine basket, Dove Valley tee shirts, and gift certificates from local restaurants. 4-5 p.m. Dove Valley Vineyard
and Winery, 645 Harrington Rd. 410-658-8388.
ROCK HALL
April 18: RHVFC Family Fun Day & Yard Sale. Join us at the
Firehouse for a day of Family Fun. Music; Food; Crafts; Blowups
for the Children and those young at heart; entertainment. Visit
our Yard Sale--who knows what treasures you may find. 10
a.m.-4 p.m. Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company. 410-639-7636.
April 25: Taste of Rock Hall. Come spend a night filled with
fun, food, and music at the Taste of Rock Hall to benefit the
Rock Hall Elementary School! This year will be inspired by a
fifties theme. 6-9 p.m. Chesapeake Room at the Rock Hall
Volunteer Fire Department. 410-639-2543.
SALISBURY
April 24-26: Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving
Competition & Art Festival. Carvers & visitors from across the
world convene for the most prestigious competition of wildfowl
art. Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, 410-742-4988, ext. 120.
SNOW HILL
April 1: Free Day at Furnace Town Living Heritage Museum. 10
a.m.-5 p.m. 410-632-2032.
April 3: Arts on the River First Friday Merchants and gallery
owners open their businesses for extended hours. Special openings, discounts, and light refreshments are featured. 5-8 p.m.
Downtown. 410-546-1978.
April 4: Owl Prowl. 7 p.m. Pocomoke State Park. 410-6322566.
April 4: Dayhike. 2-4 p.m. Furnace Town Living Heritage
Museum. 410-632-2032.
April 4: Nightwalk. 7-9 p.m. Furnace Town Living Heritage
Museum. 410-632-2032.
April 11: Easter Egg Hunt. Burbage Funeral Home.
April 17-19: Paint Snow Hill and Sidewalk Art. Downtown.
410-632-2555.
April 19: Archeology Dig. 1-4 p.m. Furnace Town Living
Heritage Museum. 410-632-2032.
April 22: Smithsonian Intrigue program. 2 p.m. Snow Hill
Library. 410-632-3495.
April 25: Nature Journaling for Kids. 2 p.m. Pocomoke River
State Park. 410-632-2566.
April 27: Classic Car Program. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Snow Hill
Library. 410-632-3495.
Delmarva Quarterly
ST. MICHAELS
April 18: 3rd Annual Bay Day. The Chesapeake's version of
Earth Day, with 50 organizations and programs about the Bay's
ecology. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 410-745-2916.
April 22: Gerald Winegrad, The Future of the Chesapeake Bay.
Do We Have the Courage and Will to Prevent Its Collapse? 7
p.m. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Steamboat Building
Auditorium. 410-745-2916.
April 23-26: St. Michaels Food and Wine Festival. Nationally
Acclaimed Chefs and Sommeliers, Tasting Pavillion Featuring
Wine and Food Tastings, Chef Demonstrations and Seminars,
VIP Reception Honoring Guest Chefs, Food, Wine and Travel
Auction. 443-205-2185.
April 25: Day on the Bay Cruise to St. Michaels Food and Wine
Festival. Cruise across the bay to St. Michael's for the St.
Michael's Food and Wine Festival. Observe gourmet chefs giving recipe demonstrations; attend wine seminars, and wine and
spirits tastings. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Departure Location:
Annapolis City Dock.
April 29: Habitat Night. Shore Restaurant will donate a portion
of the evening’s proceeds to Habitat for Humanity Talbot
County. 5:30 p.m. 410-820-6186.
STEVENSVILLE
April 23-26: Bay Bridge Boat Show. New and brokered boats,
marine accessories and services. Bay Bridge Marina. 410-2688828.
VIENNA
April 25: Nanticoke River Shad Festival. Celebrate spring and
the return of the American Shad to the Nanticoke River with
music, art, local foods, exhibits, craft vendors and games for
kids. Held on the banks of the Nanticoke River near Vienna from
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
WILMINGTON
April 1: WOW! Wee Ones at Winterthur. Join us for stories
related to Winterthur’s collection and garden. This early childhood literacy series incorporates active learning through music,
movement, and exploration of objects in a warm and welcoming
setting. This month's story: Paul Revere's Ride. For ages 3-6 and
adult caregiver. Meet at Visitor Center at 10:15 a.m. Program:
10:30-11:30 a.m. Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800448-3883.
April 1: Wednesdays at Winterthur. Walk among the
Winterhazels. Join us for demonstrations, talks, and guided
walks covering a wide range of gardening topics. 11:30 a.m.
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
April 2: An Evening with Umphrey's McGeeis. An American
band from Chicago, deftly shuttling between styles, from
straight-up pop and rock to jazz, prog-metal, and classical.
Though the band's approach to their live performances has
much in common with Phish and the Grateful Dead, they are
much more influenced musically by progressive rock bands such
as King Crimson, Yes, Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, Frank Zappa,
and Genesis, as well as heavy metal bands such as Iron Maiden.
8 p.m. The Grand, 818 N. Market St. 302-652-5577.
April 3: Kathleen Madigan. The Grand welcomes back one of
the most popular headliners in the country with her bright and
sarcastic observational humor and unpretentious style. 8 p.m.
The Grand, 818 N. Market St. 302-652-5577.
April 4: Simon Shaheen. Dazzling his listeners as he deftly
leaps from traditional Arabic sounds to jazz and Western classical styles, this Palestinian oud virtuoso brings Arabic music to
The Grand. 8 p.m. The Grand, 818 N. Market St. 302-6525577.
April 4: Bank to Bend Garden Lecture. Great Dixter: Past,
Present, and Future. One of England’s premier gardens, Great
Dixter was home to renowned gardener and garden writer
Christopher Lloyd and continues to inspire garden enthusiasts,
writers, and artists. 11 a.m. Winterthur Museum & Country
Estate. 800-448-3883.
April 7: Cherryholmes. The Cherryholmes sound is made up of
driving instrumental virtuosity and explosive vocal harmonies,
featuring a mixture of original songs written by members of the
band and carefully chosen classics. 8 p.m. The Grand, 818 N.
Market St. 302-652-5577.
April 8: Wednesdays at Winterthur. Planting the Perfect
Spring Container. Join us for demonstrations, talks, and guided
walks covering a wide range of gardening topics. 11:30 a.m.
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
April 9: Evening Lecture & Book Signing: London Country
Houses. Speaker, Carolyn Knight, Courtauld Institute, University
of London. Based on research from her just-published book, Ms.
Knight will examine the social and artistic development of these
17th-19th century dwellings and their gardens and contrast them
to the great country houses located on estates far from the city.
6 p.m. Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
April 11: Second Saturdays Garden Walk. Winterhazels and
Early Azaleas. Discover popular and little-known landscape features while walking with a Winterthur horticulturist. Dress for
the weather and wear walking shoes. 1 p.m. Visitor Center.
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
April 11: Russian National Ballet. Cinderella. Leading dancers
from across Russia, along with stars of the Bolshoi and Kirov
Ballets, have forged under the direction of Sergei Radchenko, to
stage this delightful Russian version of Cinderella, with the timeless music of Prokofiev. Special family matinee! 2 p.m. The
Grand, 818 N. Market St. 302-652-5577.
April 15: Wednesdays at Winterthur. On the Trail of Spring
Estate Hike. Join us for demonstrations, talks, and guided walks
covering a wide range of gardening topics. 11:30 a.m.
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
April 16-17: The Sewell C. Biggs Winterthur Furniture Forum.
Harbor & Home: Furniture of Coastal New England 1725-1825.
Over the past decade, fresh research has yielded exciting discoveries about the work of these master craftsmen. Winterthur
Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
April 16-17: Spring Break Camp: Make Sail! Children in grades
3rd through 5th are invited to two full days of fun at Winterthur
during spring break. Try lots of hands-on activities. 8:30 a.m-5
p.m. Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
April 19, 25 & 26: The Fabulous Fable Factory. 2 p.m.
Delaware Childrens Theatre, 1014 Delaware Ave. 302-655-1014.
April 19: Kathy Mattea. With melodies steeped in emotion
and timeless narratives, Kathy Mattea, the beloved Grammy®
award-winning singer of “18 Wheels and A Dozen Roses” and
“Where’ve You Been,” will perform with her acoustic band for
her “Moving Mountains” Tour. This unique experience gives an
exceptional view of the American musical landscape delivered
by an unmistakable voice. Mattea honors all those who labored,
past and present, in the mines that shaped America with her
2008 release, Coal. “Mattea remains one of Nashville’s most
spiritual singers, and the songs she sings about love lost and
humility are as fine as any she has recorded,” says USA TODAY.
7 p.m. The Grand, 818 N. Market St. 302-652-5577.
April 22: Wednesdays at Winterthur. Darlings of Spring:
Daffodils. Join us for demonstrations, talks, and guided walks
covering a wide range of gardening topics. 11:30 a.m.
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
April 23: Pages of Time: Mother & Daughter Book and Craft
Club. Join us for this month's Mother (Adult Female) &
Daughter Book and Craft Club at Winterthur--just for girls!
April's Book Selection: The Voyage of Patience Goodspeed by
Heather Vogel Frederick. For girls in 4th - 6th grade and their
female adult caregiver. 6-8 p.m. Winterthur Museum &
Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
April 26: Brandywine Baroque Concert: Johann S. Bach
Cantatas & Concerti. Musicians from Brandywine Baroque will
be joined by the University of Delaware Collegium to perform a
program focused on Johann S. Bach. 3 p.m. Copeland Hall,
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
April 26: Brandywine Baroque. Johann S. Bach Cantatas &
Concerti. Brandywine Baroque and the University of Delaware
Collegium performance featuring Brandenburg Concerto No. 4,
Concerto for Two Violins, Cantata 209: Non sa che sia dolore,
Hoffman: Meine Seele rühmt und preist. 3 p.m. Winterthur
Museum. 302-594-1100.
April 29: Wednesdays at Winterthur. Under the Trees: Shade
Gardening Tips. Join us for demonstrations, talks, and guided
walks covering a wide range of gardening topics. 11:30 a.m.
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
WORTON
April 5: Healthy Kids Day. YMCA Tockwogh invites your family
to spend a Sunday afternoon at our beautiful camp to enjoy the
great outdoors and promote healthy living. Lots of fun activities
and healthy refreshments. FREE and open to the public. 1-4 p.m.
410-348-6000.
Spring 2009 • 73
May
ARDEN
May 1-2: Ruddigore or ... The Witch's Curse. Gilbert &
Sullivan's "supernatural melodrama", presented by the
Ardensingers: A cursed Baronet (destined to commit a crime a
day), Margaret (driven to madness by her love for the "bad
Baronet"), lovely Rose (engaged to shy Robin, a young farmer
with a dark and secret past), Robin's treacherous foster brother ,
and many more! 8 p.m. plus a 2 p.m. matinee on May 2.
Arden Gild Hall, 2126 The Highway. 302 478-5733.
May 8: Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers. Don't make the mistake of thinking of Rod Piazza as one of the "young turks" of the
blues, or part of the "new generation" of blues greats. At this
point in his career, Piazza has been recording longer than his
mentor George "Harmonica" Smith. Arden Gild Hall, 2126 The
Highway. 302 475-2608.
May 24: Spring Community Garage Sale. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Arden
Gild Hall, 2126 The Highway. 302 475-2608.
BERLIN
May 2: Berlin Blues & Jazz Bash. Live music & competition of
blues & jazz bands. Main St. 410-641-4775.
May 8: Downtown Merchants 2nd Friday Art Stroll. You can
meet the Artists, view the arts, browse our shops, and dine in
our restaurants. A great way to have fun. 5-8 p.m. Historic
Downtown. 410-629-1895.
May 9: Jazz and Blues Bash. Part of the Spring Arts Weekend.
Look for a variety of bands performing on two stages. 10 a.m.-5
p.m. Main Street. 410-641-0784.
May 16: Cruisers. Classic cars of the 50s, 60s & 70s cruise the
streets of Berlin & on display on Main Street. Music, entertainment, shops decorated with the "Cruising" theme. Saturday, 10
a.m.- 3 p.m. Main St. 410-641-4775.
CAMBRIDGE
May 2: Beacons of Light" Lighthouse Tour. Depart Hoopers
Island and visit 6 lighthouses on the Chesapeake Bay while
learning of their history as well as local folklore. You will visit
Hoopers Island Lighthouse, No Point Light, Point Lookout, Smith
Point, Solomons Lump, and Holland Island Bar. This is a 5-hour
cruise with a stop for lunch at a restaurant. 410-397-3743.
May 6-8: St. Paul's Flower Fair. Get your garden going with
flowers, seedlings, bedding plants, and hanging baskets for sale.
Oyster fritters, crab cakes, homemade ice cream, cakes and
more. Crafts, a silent auction, and an indoor yard sale. St. Paul’s
United Methodist Church. 410-228-1000.
May 9: Groove City Jazz & Blues Festival. The Deanna Bogart
Band headlines this year's edition of the Groove City Jazz &
Blues Festival. Daylong outdoor music festival features two
stages, more than half a dozen acts, and vendors offering food,
drinks, crafts, kids' activities, and more! 1 p.m. 410-228-1000.
May 9: Second Saturday. Explore Historic Downtown
Cambridge during our monthly Second Saturday celebration
featuring gallery openings, late shopping hours, entertainment,
and fine and casual dining options. 5 p.m. 410-228-1000.
May 16: 5th annual Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage
Day. Celebrate Dorchester County's unique traditions and heritage throughout the Heart of Chesapeake Country. Heritage
Day features live music, art, food and drink, walking tours, skipjack rides, and games for the kids. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 410-2281000.
May 16-17: Horn Point Antique Fly-in. Watch several hundred
antique airplanes fly over Horn Point. Browse displays by aviation vendors and enjoy food. Visit the past with our annual
antique airplane fly-in at Horn Point Aerodrome! 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
301-490-6759.
May 23: Spocott Windmill Day and Beckwith Strawberry
Festival. Checkout the post-style windmill grinding grain, a
Colonial tenant house, Victorian school house, and Lloyds
Country Store Museum. Beckwith United Methodist Church.
410-228-1000.
CAPE CHARLES
May 2: Performance. Linda Lay and the Springfield Exit Bluegrass Concert. 8 p.m. Arts Enter, 305 Mason Ave. 757331-2787.
May 15: Performance. Stefan Dulcie Piano Concert. 8 p.m.
74 • Delmarva Quarterly
Arts Enter, 305 Mason Ave. 757-331-2787.
May 30-31: AE School of Dance Annual Performance - "Alice in
Wonderland". Saturday, 8 p.m. Sunday, 3 p.m. Arts Enter, 305
Mason Ave. 757-331-2787.
CENTREVILLE (MD)
May 16: A Garden Affair. A family gardening event. Learn
about environmentally friendly gardening and landscaping practices; featuring rain garden tours, speakers, workshops and displays, plant clinic, plant sale, raffle and activities for children,
Light food and beverages available from vendors. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Centreville Library, Wrights Chance & Courtyard Square of
Centreville. 410-758-0166.
CHESTERTOWN
May 1: Chestertown’s 1st Fridays. Arts and Antiques. Extended
shop hours, with arts and entertainment throughout Historic
Downtown.
May 6: Mother's Day Celebration Luncheon. Enjoy a festive
lunch while learning about our agency as a whole. Lunch is Free
and all are welcome. Noon. Shared Opportunity Service Inc.,
601 High St. 410-778-7911.
May 8: Kent School Spring Musical. Kent School's Class of
2009 will present the annual Spring Musical. Show. 7:30 p.m.
Kent School, Wilkins Lane. 410-778-4100.
May 15-17: Washington College Reunion Weekend. Various
events and times throughout the weekend. Washington College
Campus. 410-778-7215.
May 17: Band Concert - Eastern Shore Wind Ensemble. The
all-ages community concert band based will present a varied
program of concert-band music. Dr. Keith Wharton is the band's
music director and conductor. 4 p.m. Emmanuel Episcopal
Church. 410-778-2829.
May 22: Partners' Breakfast. We welcome any organization
who wishes to become a partnering agency to our partners'
breakfast. If you are interested in becoming a partner please
contact Jenn Franckle the Community Relations Assistant at
Shared Opportunity Service Inc. 8 a.m. Shared Opportunity
Service Inc. 601 High St. 410-778-7911.
May 22-24: Chestertown Tea Party. Come downtown to commemorate the local merchants' revolt against the British tea tax.
A reenactment, parade, concessions, & craft highlight the day
on Saturday.
May 23: Chestertown Classic Long Distance Run.
May 26: Free Pizza Night @ the Alley Teen Center. The Alley
Teen Center offers an after-school tutoring program and recreational activities for your ages 13 - 17 years old. 5 p.m. 327
High St. 410-778-3844.
May 29: Chester River Health Annual Golf Tournament.
Participation as a golfer, sponsor or both is an opportunity to
spend an enjoyable, relaxing day on the links while supporting
one of the most vital components of our community. Chester
River Yacht & Country Club.
May 30: Music in Fountain Park. 15th season of Music in the
Park by the fountain in Historic Downtown Chestertown. Bring a
blanket or chair. 7-8:30 p.m. 410-778-0500.
May 30: 4th Annual Health Freedom Walk. Walk in honor of a
slave or abolitionist as we start on a journey of health. Explore
sites related to the Underground Railroad and Black History
while freeing yourself from the bondage of poor health habits.
Walk with your friends, family and colleagues. Wall starts at 9
a.m. at Wilmer Park. 410-778-2533.
CHINCOTEAGUE
May 6: 41st Annual Seafood Festival. 757-787-2460.
May 9: 15th Annual International Migratory Bird Celebration.
Held at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Workshops,
walks, activities, etc. 757-336-6122.
May 9: Earth Day on Chincoteague Island. Live music all day
long featuring MAMA JAMA, Earth Band and local folk singers.
Art show, Farmers Market, Educational displays, Tye Dye Booth,
Children’s play area, Save the Turtle Booth, Wetlands
Environmental Trailer with Native Plant Sale. 0 a.m.-5 p.m.
Downtown Waterfront Park. 757-336-5775.
May 9: Second Saturday Art Stroll. Arts and Crafts
Demonstrations, Exhibits, Live Music, Readings and Book
Signings, Wine Tastings...and the unexpected. The Art Stroll
takes place at participating galleries and shops around the
Island from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. In many cases, there are also special
events during the day at the downtown park. 757-336-5636.
May 16: Will Kimbrough. Singer – Songwriter. An astounding,
in-demand guitarist (Americana Music Association
Instrumentalist of the Year), a producer, and creator of timeless
songs in both pop motifs and dusty Americana, Will Kimbrough
is an American musical treasure. 7:30 p.m. Chincoteague
Senior Center on Church Street. 757-336-5636.
May 24: Bob Zentz. Music at the Dock. Robert Reed
Downtown Waterfront Park will be alive with the sounds of
music this summer. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the view
of Chincoteague Bay while you listen to the music. 757-3365636.
May 24: The Blessing of the Fleet. Held at the Robert Reed
Waterfront Park. 757-336-6861.
May 31: “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel”, studio production by
North Street Players North, 7:30 p.m. Senior Center on Church
St. 757-336-5636.
DENTON
May 2: Denton Spring Gala. Stroll or take a carriage ride
throughout Denton to enjoy local art, music, food and wine. 5-9
p.m. Downtown Market St. and under tents. 410-479-4315.
DOVER
May 1-3: 76th Annual Old Dover Days Festival. This year’s
event will get underway with a pancake breakfast followed by a
crafts and artisan fair. A parade will decorate the town followed
by traditional maypole dancing. Music includes The Dover
Symphony Orchestra and the Harry James Orchestra. Events
take place on Legislative Mall, Downtown Dover and The Green.
302-734-1736.
May 14: The Lost Bayou Ramblers. Whether performing in
their native Louisiana or abroad, the Lost Bayou Ramblers passionately embrace their cultural and musical heritage, playing
music intimately linked to the agrarian, working class lifestyle.
Their music stems from a time before electricity, when the Gulf
Coast’s incapacitating heat only amplified the backbreaking
stresses associated with the toil necessary to sustain a successful farm. The Lost Bayou Ramblers are like a snapshot of a
bygone era. Their music is emotionally raw, intense – in a word,
authentically Cajun. 7 p.m. The Schwartz Center for the Arts,
226 S. State St. 302-678-5152.
May 16: Fifth Annual Biggs Museum Gala. Over 400 friends of
the Biggs Museum attend its largest annual fundraiser, the Biggs
Museum Gala, to celebrate the arts and their impact on our culture, all the while enjoying delectable fare and cocktails, partaking in the Silent Auction and Raffle and enjoying live music by
Trademark and dancing. 6 p.m. In the heart of Historic
Downtown Dover, held in a tent on Legislative Mall, overlooking
the Museum. Biggs Museum, 406 Federal St. 302-674-2111.
EARLEVILLE
May 2: Mount Harmon Nature Trails. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mount
Harmon Plantation, Grove Neck Rd. 410-275-8819.
EASTON
May 1: Annual Spring Gala. In culmination of the 50th anniversary year, the Academy Art Museum will celebrate with the
famed Alex Donner Orchestra. The youngest of a small coterie
of America`s most popular bandleaders, Alex Donner is a native
New Yorker who performs with his own orchestra from New
York to San Francisco to London to Palm Beach. Academy Art
Museum. 410-822-2787.
May 1: First Friday Gallery Walk. The locals go all out with
incomparable Eastern Shore hospitality. Stroll the brick paved
walks to browse an abundance of art galleries, antique and specialty shops and award-winning restaurants - all nestled among
vintage Federal-style buildings. 5-9 p.m.
May 16: Tree ID. Join us for this morning hike at Pickering to
learn about trees. You will be introduced to many native Eastern
Shore trees via sight, touch and perhaps smell. Learn how to use
a field guide that will help further your future explorations. 10-11
a.m. Pickering Creek Audubon Center Main House. 410-8224903.
May 17: Talbot Cinema Society – Laughter in Paradise (UK)
1951. Producer-director Mario Zampi succeeds in bringing off
an outstanding comedy about a famed practical joker Henry
Russell`s one last joke - his will. Doors open 5:30 p.m. refreshments; 5:45 p.m. - Film Introduction; 6 p.m. - Film starts; followed by discussions. The Avalon Theatre, 40 East Dover St.
410-745-5025.
Spring 2009
May 21: 5th Annual Mid-Shore “Choose Three” Plein Air
Competition begins. Artists have canvases stamped at Talbot
County Visual Arts Center in Easton from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and
paint out begins. 410-364-5637.
ELKTON
May 1-29: 12th Annual Expressions of Healing Art Exhibit. Art
exhibit featuring the collective works by those who participate
with Upper Bay Counseling as a celebration of "Mayas Mental
Health Awareness Month". Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m;
Tuesdays 6 p.m.-8 p.m; first and fourth Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cecil County Arts Council, 135 E. Main St. 410-996-3401, Ext.
1201.
May 9: Artist Open Studio. A self-guided, county-wide driving
tour. An opportunity to visit artists at work in their studios. 10
a.m.-4 p.m. Countywide. 410-392-5740.
May 9: Weave, Lunch, Gardens on Mother's Day Weekend. 45
minute basket weaving class followed by a gourmet lunch. Fill
your basket with dried spring flowers. Walk the labyrinth.
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Sinking Springs Herb Farm Retreat, 843
Elk Forest Rd. 410-398-5566.
FAIR HILL
May 16: Colonial Highland Gathering. 47th annual Scottish
Games. Spend the day watching Highland dancing, piping and
drumming competition, see the massed bands pass in review.
Enjoy authentic Scottish food, browse the various vendors and
visit the Clan tents. Watch the Scottish Sheep Dog demonstrations and visit the exhibits and enjoy Celtic entertainment. 8:30
a.m. – 5 p.m. Fair Hill Race Track. 302-453-8998.
May 23: Fair Hill Races. Experience the tradition of steeplechase racing and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Fair Hill
Races. Pony rides, vendors, kids activities, food available. All
proceeds benefit Union Hospital. Gates open at 10 a.m. First
race at 1 p.m. Fair Hill Natural Resource Area. 410-620-3709
GALENA
May 9: Galena Dogwood Festival. One Hundred and Fifty
Years of Galena! The 5K Walk/Run starts at 9 a.m. and the
Parade at 10 a.m. The parade has many new attractions. There
will be a Baby Contest, Crafts, Demonstrations, Exhibits, Birds of
Prey, & Amusement Park. Family Oriented Magic, Mime, Fire
Eating, Story Telling, Song and Dance, Juggling and ‘Monkey
Business’. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 410-708-8314.
May 10 & 24: All-You-Can-Eat-Breakfast. A favorite of locals
and visitors alike. This country breakfast is sure to please. 7:3011 a.m. Galena Fire House. 410-648-5050.
May 11: Police Unity Tour. The Police Unity Tour will be coming
through town at 12 p.m. This involves close to 600 Police on
bicycles and about 125 Motorcycles along with 25 pieces of
support equipment.
LEWES
May 1-3: Lewes Merchants' Spring Sidewalk Sale. Merchants
in the Historic Commercial District surrounding Second Street
offer bargains for shoppers. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Lewes Commercial
District around Second St. 877-465-3937.
May 2: Lewes British Motorcar Show. Offers visitors the
opportunity to see nearly 100 beautiful cars. Entrance fees allow
visitors to tour inside of the Society's museums at no additional
charge. The day culminates with the Winners-Circle parade
down Second Street. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Lewes Historical Society
Grounds. 877-465-3937.
May 3: Blessing of the Fleet at Fisherman's Wharf. A tradition-
Delmarva Quarterly
al maritime ceremony to ask for protection of the city's seafarers at the beginning of the fishing/boating season. Fisherman's
Wharf. 877-465-3937.
MILFORD
May 1-3: Jake’s Women. Spring Comedy. Friday & Saturday 8
p.m. Sunday 3 p.m. Second Street Players Riverfront Theater, 2
S. Walnut St. 302-422-0220.
May 16: Second Street Players Presents a Children's Dessert
Theatre: "The Frog Princess" Second Street Players Riverfront
Theater, 2 South Walnut St. 302-422-0220.
MILTON
May 15-17 & 22-24: “Mixed Emotions” By Richard Baer. Milton
Theatre, 110 Union St. 302-684-3400.
May 23-24: Milton/Prime Hook Horseshoe Crab Festival.
Downtown Milton and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
302-684-1101.
NEWARK
May 1-3 & 8-9: “Hay Fever,” written by Noel Coward. Directed
by Jamie Cunningham. A cross between light farce and a comedy of manners, this play is set in 1920's England at the Bliss
family country house. Audiences will watch in wonder as the
eccentric Bliss family leap to melodramatic and emotional
extremes at the slightest provocation. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pencader
Heritage Museum, Rt. 72 and Old Baltimore Pike. 302-7375792.
May 24: Newark Chorale. An American Tapestry VI. Music for
and about America for the Memorial Day weekend. 4 p.m.
Newark United Methodist Church, 69 E. Main St.
302-368-4946.
May 30: Delaware Valley Chorale May Performance. A musical journey through many lands and cultures.featuring Un traveled Worlds by Halley. David Christopher, conductor & Nancy
Chronister, piano. 7:30 p.m. Newark United Methodist Church,
69 E. Main St. 302-762-5520.
NORTH EAST
May 1-2: Spring Garden Market. Beautiful annuals, perenials,
hanging baskets, shrubs. Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-4
p.m. St. Mary Anne's Church, Main St. 410-287-5522.
May 8-9: Station Players. Dance, music and theatre are inexorably woven to create a truly engaging experience. 8 p.m.
Milburn Stone Theatre at Cecil College, 1 Seahawk Dr. 410-2871023.
May 9: Artist Open Studio. A self-guided, county-wide driving
tour. An opportunity to visit artists at work in their studios. 10
a.m.-4 p.m. Countywide. 410-392-5740.
May 18: Sandy Cove Christian Women's Fellowship. A mini
getaway. A delicious luncheon, fellowship with other women
and a special program. 11:45 a.m. Sandy Cove Ministries, 60
Sandy Cove Rd. 800-234-2683.
May 22-25: Memorial Day Weekend Family Fusion. Family
focused fun and learning. Sandy Cove Ministries, 60 Sandy
Cove Rd. 800-234-2683.
May 27: Seasoned Citizens’ Day. A special monthly luncheon
for senior adults. Includes inspiring music and message and a
delicious luncheon. 9:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sandy Cove Ministries,
60 Sandy Cove Rd. 800-234-2683.
OCEAN CITY
May 1-2: Festivals of Music. Music festival for middle, junior &
high school instrumental & choral organizations. Fri., 8 a.m.-8
p.m. Parade on Boardwalk, Sat., 9 a.m. Convention Center, 40th
St. & Bay. 610-327-3050.
May 7-10: Springfest. Start the season enjoying live entertainment including local, regional & nationally known favorites.
Crafters in big-top tents & food vendors of every variety.
Springfest serves up a continuous variety of musical performances on two stages. Inlet Parking Area. 800-626-2326.
May 14-17: Cruisin' Ocean City. Popular car show features
3,000 hot rods, customs, classics, street machines, muscle cars
& more. Live entertainment, celebrity guests, special attractions,
boardwalk parades, manufacturers vendor midway & more.
Thurs.-Sat., 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Convention
Center, 40th St. & Bay and Inlet Parking Lot. 410-798-6304.
May 16-31: Salute to the Services. Special discount program
honoring those serving community & country. Participating
hotels, motels, restaurants & attractions offer discounts during
this time to military, police, EMS & fire personnel showing their
credentials. Townwide-Ocean City. 800-626-2326.
May 18: International Museum Day. Enjoy free admission to
the museum & explore Ocean City's best-kept secret.
Interesting displays on history, the lore of the sea & more.
Monday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. OC Life Saving Station Museum, South
end of Boardwalk. 410-289-4991.
May 23-24: Spring Arts & Crafts Show. Ocean City's only
Memorial Day weekend craft show featuring vendors displaying
garden accessories, jewelry, candles, florals, wood crafts &
more. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Convention
Center, 40th St. & Bay. 410-213-0735.
May 30: Council of Baltimore Ravens Roosts Annual Parade.
Annual parade showcasing 50 member roosts from MD, DE &
PA, as they show pride for the Baltimore Ravens. Players, cheerleaders, mascots, bands, floats & more appear in this two-hour
parade. Featured appearance by the Pep Band of Baltimore's
Marching Ravens. Saturday, 10 a.m. 19th St. & Baltimore Ave. to
28th St. 443-618-5130.
May 30-31: Ride Across MD. Motorcycle ride (but cars &
trucks welcome) to benefit fight against breast cancer. Ride
begins in Columbia & ends in OC. Francis Scott Key Motel, &
OC Area. 410-992-9999.
ONANCOCK
May 8: 2nd Friday in Onancock. Shops and galleries stay open
5-8 p.m. Enjoy dining and entertainment. 757-789-3151.
May 9: Onancock’s Annual Super Saturday Town-wide Yard
Sale. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 757-787-7600.
May 14: International Film. 8 p.m. Roseland Theater, Market
St. 757-787-8805.
OXFORD
May 8-24: Born Yesterday by Garson Kanin. A barely literate
big time junk dealer comes to Washington to put through an
unscrupulous deal, accompanied by his wide-eyed, street-wise
blonde companion. He makes the mistake of hiring a journalist
to give her some couth and she turns into a willing student of
the way American democracy (and real love) is supposed to
work. One of the funniest scripts ever written with a vital civics
lesson along the way. Oxford Community Center.
May 10: Pancake Breakfast. What could be better than pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash brown potatoes, pastries, coffee, juice, and more - served to you on a Sunday morning. 8
a.m.-11 a.m. Oxford's Volunteer Fire Department, Oxford Road
(Route 333)
May 23-24: Oxford Fine Arts Fair. This exceptional event
showcases the work of local and national artists participating by
jury selection. Be sure to sample the fair’s fresh homemade
strawberry shortcake, available for purchase along with other
savory treats for lunch on the center’s grounds. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oxford Community Center.
May 30: Rummage Sale. Take your "used to be treasures" to
the Oxford Firehouse for the semi-annual Rummage Sale. The
Ladies Auxiliary will be accepting your donations from 9am to
4pm on May 29. Of course, now that you will have gotten rid
of all your "junk", you should stop by the Rummage Sale. 9
a.m.-noon. Oxford Volunteer Fire Company. 410-924-4601.
QUEEN ANNE
May 2: Historic Sites Open House. Historic sites throughout
Queen Anne’s County throw open their doors, allowing visitors
to step back in time. Please call or stop by the visitors’ center
to pick up a free copy of the Heritage Explorer’s Guide Map.
410-604-2100.
May 24: Guided Canoe Trip. Join park staff for an entertaining
and educational canoe trip up Tuckahoe Creek. Trip will depart
from the boathouse; reservations required. 6 p.m. Tuckahoe
State Park. 410-820-1668.
QUEENSTOWN
May 12: Spring Fling Golf Tournament. Annual Golf
Tournament, Post Tournament Banquet, hole-in-one prizes,
other contests, free beverages. 8 a.m. Harbor Golf Links. 410643-8530.
May 30: Sporting Clay Shoot. Entry fee includes 50 targets
and lunch. Prizes and side games. 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Pintail
Point Farm. 410-758-2152.
REHOBOTH BEACH
May 15-17: 26th Annual Rehoboth BeachSidewalk Sale. Rehoboth Beach/Dewey Beach Resort Areas. 800-441-1329 ext 12.
Spring 2009 • 75
RIDGELY
May 6: Spring Native Plant. Native flowers provide food and
habitat for wildlife and add color to home landscapes. A broad
selection of flowering trees and shrubs, perennials, ferns and
grasses for spring planting. More than 250 species of wildflowers, grasses, vines, shrubs and trees, many propagated at the
Arboretum’s nursery from locally collected seed are for sale. 9
a.m.-1 p.m. Adkins Arboretum. 410-634-2847.
May 6: Journal Writing With Nature Spring Series. Workshops
about discovering nature through art and words. This series
features two guest presenters who will collaborate with poet
Erica Weick to explore creating paper and journals and viewing
the natural world through a camera lens. 9 a.m.-noon. Adkins
Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd. 410-634-2847.
May 6: Nature Journal as Art. Join teaching artist and naturalist Maureen Mikolajczak and build your own journal. Using
nature as our inspiration, we will experiment with papermaking
from natural materials and create our own handmade journals.
Bring dried flowers or any plant material you may wish to
include in your own distinctive journal cover. A variety of artistic
materials will be provided. Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd.
410-634-2847.
May 9: Spring Native Plant Sale. A wide range of trees, shrubs,
grasses, vines, and perennial herbaceous plants is for sale. Used
gardening and nature-themed books and magazines are also for
sale. Members receive 10% discount on plants, gift shop purchases, and new books. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Adkins Arboretum, 12610
Eveland Rd. 410-634-2847.
RISING SUN
May 2: Rising Sun Youth Fishing Derby. Annual youth derby.
Open to youth 12 and under. 8 - 11 a.m. Community Pond. 410658-5353.
May 2: First Annual Car Show. Many cars, live entertainment
and local art & craft vendors. Dove Valley wine is the only alcohol beverage allowed. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dove Valley Vineyard &
Winery, 645 Harrington Rd. 410-658-8388.
ROCK HALL
May 2: RHYC Opening Day Regatta. Kick off of the regatta
season at the Rock Hall Yacht Club. Laser, Windmill and
Lightning class one-design sailboats compete. Rock Hall Yacht
Club. 410-639-2181.
May 3: Rock Hall Spring Bikefest. Motorcycle enthusiasts
return for a day of fun, food, cold beverages, live music, slow
ride games, and contests at Rock Hall Bayside Landing & Park.
$3/bike.Classes: Stock, Modified, HD Sportsters, Imports, Ladies
Bikes, People's Choice, Vintage, and Customized. 1-5 p.m.
Bayside Landing and Park. 410-639-7611.
ROYAL OAK
May 2: Sixth Annual Spring Event. Silent and Live Auction, Full
Open Bar, Great Food and Music. 6-10 p.m. The Oaks. 410819-3780.
SALISBURY
May 1-10: Waterfowl of the World in Miniature by Robert Kerr.
Carver Robert Kerr has created miniature interpretations of
every species of the world’s waterfowl. This exhibit allows the
viewer to compare the characteristics of species from around
the globe while marveling at the lifelike detail of each piece.
May 15-31: Things with Wings. This exhibition showcases
some of the winged gods and hybrid creatures that appeared in
ancient Greek art. The Greeks conceived of messenger gods like
Hermes and Iris as winged, so that they could swiftly deliver
their messages to gods and mortals alike. The exhibit includes
Greek bronze and marble statuettes, vases and gems, all featuring things with wings. Reception May 15, 5-7 p.m.
SEAFORD
May 22-24: Heritage Weekend. Civil War reenactments and
demonstrations, vintage car show, mansion and museum tours,
live music, food vendors, carriage rides, and much more.
Governor Ross Plantation. 302-629-9690.
SNOW HILL
May 1: Arts on the River First Friday Merchants and gallery
owners open their businesses for extended hours. Special openings, discounts, and light refreshments are featured. 5-8 p.m.
Downtown. 410-546-1978.
76 • Delmarva Quarterly
May 2-3: Warren Mansion Tours, hosted by Furnace Town
Living Heritage Museum. 410-632-2032.
May 10: Archeology Dig. 1-4 p.m. Furnace Town Living
Heritage Museum. 410-632-2032.
May 13: Sweet Adelines performance. 2 p.m. Snow Hill
Library. 410-632-3495.
May 16: Lions’ Club Homecoming & Auction. 12-4 p.m. 410546-1978.
May 16: Town-wide Yard Sale. 410-632-2080.
May 17: Outdoor Survival. 1 p.m. Pocomoke River State Park.
410-632-2566.
May 19: International Museum Day. Julia A Purnell Museum.
410-632-0515.
May 20: 50th Anniversary Open House. 6 p.m. Snow Hill
Library. 410-632-3495.
May 23: Adopt-a-Raptor Show. 7 p.m. Pocomoke River State
Park. 410-632-2566.
May 24: Archeology Dig. 1-4 p.m. Furnace Town Living
Heritage Museum. 410-632-2032.
May 31: Strawberry Day. 1-4 p.m. Furnace Town Living
Heritage Museum. 410-632-2032.
ST. MICHAELS
May 4: Habitat.Night. Key Lime Cafe, 207 North Talbot St.
May 7: John Wennersten, The Patapsco and Anacostia. The
Patapsco and Anacostia Rivers have evolved over time from
agricultural and transportation arteries to industrial river sinks
for sewage and manufacturing toxins. 11 a.m. Chesapeake Bay
Maritime Museum Steamboat Building Auditorium. 410-7452916.
STEVENSVILLE
May 16: Kent Island Day. This event commemorates the
founding of Kent Island in 1631. Displays, activities & crafts are
presented which demonstrate Kent Island’s Heritage. 10 a.m.-5
p.m. Historic Stevensville Downtown Center. 410-643-5358.
May 30: Wings & Wheels for Sight. Antique/Classic cars and
airplanes on display. Remote controlled model aircraft and
ultralight airplane demonstrations. Food, children’s rides, airplane and helicopter rides. Model train display. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Bay Bridge Airport. 410-643-7726.
May 30-31: Chesapeake Bay Wine Festival. Join us for the 2nd
annual wine festival featuring the finest wines in the area, local
food, artisans & live entertainment all with the backdrop of the
Chesapeake Bay. 12-6 p.m. Terrapin Park. 410-739-6943.
WILMINGTON
May 1-2, 7-10, 14-16: City Theater Company The Beard of
Avon by Amy Freed. Delaware premiere! Once again CTC turns
Shakespeare inside out, this time with help from one of our
favorite writers, Amy Freed (Freedomland). This rollicking comedy explores an age-old question: who really wrote the works
attributed to the Bard? OperaDelaware Studios, 4 S. Poplar St.
May 2: Mélomanie May Performance. Featuring guest artists
Eve Friedman, flute and Robert Pace, composer, World Premiere
of Sextet (2009) by Roberto Pace and works by Hagerty, WF
Bach & Biber. 8 p.m. Grace United Methodist Church, 900
Washington St. 302-764-6338.
May 2: Natalie MacMaster. Cape Breton fiddler Natalie
MacMaster’s live performances are a testament to her incandescent musicianship and boundless energy. 8 p.m. The Grand,
818 N. Market St. 302-652-5577.
May 2: Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Display of a group of magnificent historic automobiles. Step back in time to see the types of
vehicles that graced Winterthur from about 1925 to 1953.
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
May 2, 3, 9 & 10: The Fabulous Fable Factory. 2 p.m.
Delaware Childrens Theatre, 1014 Delaware Ave. 302-655-1014.
May 3: 31st Annual Winterthur Point-to-Point! Celebrate the
thrill of steeplechase racing! Enjoy tailgate picnicking, an
antique carriage parade, the glamour of historic Rolls-Royces,
and the excitement of thousands at the Brandywine Valley's signature spring event! Winterthur Museum & Country Estate.
800-448-3883.
May 6: A Walk with the Kurume of Azalea Woods. Join us for
demonstrations, talks, and guided walks covering a wide range
of gardening topics. 11:30 a.m. Winterthur Museum & Country
Estate. 800-448-3883.
May 6: WOW! Wee Ones at Winterthur. Join us for stories
related to Winterthur’s collection and garden. This month's
story: Loud Emily. For ages 3-6 and adult caregiver. Meet at
Visitor Center at 10:15 a.m. Program: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
May 8: Sparx. 7:30 p.m. Tatnall Performing Arts Center, 1501
Barley Mill Rd. 302-652-4337.
May 9: Across the Pond. Display of a group of magnificent historic automobiles. Step back in time to see the types of vehicles
that graced Winterthur from about 1925 to 1953. Winterthur
Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
May 9: Second Saturdays Garden Walk. Spring Ephemerals
and Fern Fiddleheads. Discover popular and little-known landscape features while walking with a Winterthur horticulturist.
Dress for the weather and wear walking shoes. 1 p.m.
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
May 13: Rhododendron Hybrids and Hybridizers. Join us for
demonstrations, talks, and guided walks covering a wide range
of gardening topics. 11:30 a.m. Winterthur Museum & Country
Estate. 800-448-3883.
May 13: Chris Botti. Through his singular combination of lush
atmospheres and thoughtful improvisations, PBS star trumpeter
Chris Botti has earned both critical acclaim and popular appreciation in the realm of contemporary jazz. Italia, Botti’s most
recent release is a suite of songs and music inspired by the
romance of Italy. 8 p.m. The Grand, 818 N. Market St. 302-6525577.
May 15-17: Spring Photography Workshop. Getting To Know
Your Digital Camera: A Primer for Flower & Garden. Shutterbugs
take note! Master flower and garden photographer Allen Rokach
will demonstrate the basics for using in-camera menus and
options on your point-and-shoot and SLR digital camera.
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
May 16: Cadillac, LaSalle, and Buick. Display of a group of
magnificent historic automobiles. Step back in time to see the
types of vehicles that graced Winterthur from about 1925 to
1953. Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
May 20: Traces of Pink: the Role of Azaleas at Winterthur. Join
us for demonstrations, talks, and guided walks covering a wide
range of gardening topics. 11:30 a.m. Winterthur Museum &
Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
May 21: Pages of Time: Mother & Daughter Book and Craft
Club. Join us for this season's last Mother (Adult Female) &
Daughter Book and Craft Club meeting at Winterthur--just for
girls! Once a month on Thursday evenings, we'll get together to
discuss a young adult historical fiction book we've all read, try
some tasty historical snacks, and make a cool book-related craft
to take home. 6-8 p.m. Winterthur Museum & Country Estate.
800-448-3883.
May 23: Packard and Studebaker. Display of a group of magnificent historic automobiles. Step back in time to see the types
of vehicles that graced Winterthur from about 1925 to 1953.
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
May 27: Follow Your Nose: Fragrant Plant Walk. Join us for
demonstrations, talks, and guided walks covering a wide range
of gardening topics. 11:30 a.m. Winterthur Museum & Country
Estate. 800-448-3883.
May 30: Elegant Estate Automobiles. Display of a group of
magnificent historic automobiles. Step back in time to see the
types of vehicles that graced Winterthur from about 1925 to
1953. Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
May 30-31: The Rainbow House. (Theatre for the Very Young)
2 p.m. Delaware Childrens Theatre, 1014 Delaware Ave. 302655-1014.
May 31: Delaware Valley Chorale May Performance. A musical
journey through many lands and cultures featuring Un traveled
Worlds by Halley. David Christopher, conductor & Nancy
Chronister, piano. 3 p.m. First and Central Presbyterian Church,
1101 Market St. 302-762-5520.
WORTON
May 1-3: Women’s Wellness Weekend. A weekend retreat on
the beautiful Chesapeake Bay at Camp Tockwogh devoted to
women's physical, mental, and spiritual health. Meet new
women, bring your friends, and enjoy recreation, entertainment,
food, scenery, and peace! Check-in 6-8 p.m. Camp Tockwogh.
410-348-6000.
May 3 & 31: May Open House. Come see what Camp
Tockwogh is all about! Enjoy lunch, a tour of the property and
lots of information about our summer camp program. FREE!
11:30 a.m. 410-348-6000.
May 22-25: Memorial Day Family Camp. Bring your family to
Camp Tockwogh for a long weekend of exciting activities like
Spring 2009
water skiing, sailing, horseback riding, and so much more! All
the fun of a top-notch resort, but kid-friendly and at a reasonable price! Check-in from 6-8 p.m. 410-348-6000.
WYE MILLS
May 15: “Pinocchio” Join in the merriment as this classic story
comes to life with exuberance and song. An award-winning
presentation that has thrilled audiences throughout the United
States and Canada. 7 p.m. Chesapeake College Performing Arts
Center. 410-827-5867.
May 15: Young People Theater Series. Each season consists of
a carefully selected variety of dance, music, puppetry and
drama. More than 10,000 people attended the children's theater presentations in the last season. 7 p.m. The Rufus M. and
Loraine Hall Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake
College. 410-827-5867.
Ongoing Events
and Exhibitions
ARDENTOWN
March 21- May 30: Footloose. In 1984, the movie Footloose
starring Kevin Bacon, captured the heart of America. With its
youthful spirit, dazzling dance and electrifying music, Footloose
launched a dance craze that spread across the nation. Footloose
has the heart, it’s got the music and it’s got everyone on their
feet! The New Candlelight Theatre, 2208 Millers Road. 302475-2313.
CENTREVILLE (DE)
April 3-25: Judy Antonelli – Stateside. Backroad, pastel by
Judy Antonelli. Opening Reception : Friday, April 3rd, 5:30 8:30 p.m. Long-time Hardcastle Gallery artist Judy Antonelli is
our feature for this month’s exhibition. We have been showcasing Judy’s original paintings very successfully for the last 30
years and this show is sure not to disappoint her collectors.
Mon- Fri, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hardcastle
Gallery, 5714 Kennett Pike. 302-655-5230
May 1-30: Wachovia Securities Team Event. Client Art
Exhibition. Winterthur Spring, acrylic by W. James McGlynn.
Art on the Town Reception : Friday, May 1st, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Mon- Fri, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hardcastle
Gallery, 5714 Kennett Pike. 302-655-5230
CENTREVILLE (MD)
March 1-May 31: Members Best Exhibits. Area artist and artisan members of the Queen Anne’s County Arts Council display
their work at the following Centreville locations: The Centreville
National Bank, PNC Bank, Ashley Premier Properties, An Optical
Galleria, Queen Anne County Partnerships for Children, and
Delmarva Financial Group. The exhibits are open during regular
business hours. 410-758-2520.
March 1-31: Spring classes begin at the Centre for the Arts in
Centreville: Tap for all ages, Ballroom dancing, Guitar and Mixed
Media Art for Homeschoolers, Driftwood Carving, Pennywise
Marketing, Newsletters: Creating, Printing & Mailing, Knitting,
Stamp Club, Crop Club and Zumba. 410-758-2520.
CHESTERTOWN
March 1-May 31: Exhibit. Garden Puppet Theatre Museum will
exhibit puppets adapted from the Barrie story of Peter Pan
called Never, Never, Never Land written and performed by Patsy
Hornaday for the Tea Room Puppet Players of Church Hill Kent
County Visitor Center. 410-778-5841.
March 6-28: About Face. The human face and beyond facades, masks, and concepts of the face. First Friday 5-8 p.m.
Thursday and Friday 11 a.m.-4 .pm. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Chestertown Arts League, 312 Cannon St. 410-778-5789.
March 6-28: Artworks. Mixed Media. Wood and glass,
acrylics and photography? Graphite and watercolors? Collages.
See what happens when artists mix it up. Artworks, 306 Park
Row. 410-778-6300.
March 6-April 30: Go Figure. Linda Hall, one of the six partners of the Artists’ Gallery will be the featured artist for March
Delmarva Quarterly
and April. As the title says, each painting will be celebrating the
human figure in many venues. Reception on First Friday from 58 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 12:30-4:30
p.m. Artists’ Gallery, 239 High St. 410-778-2425.
March 29-April 19: 61st Annual Open Juried Art Show. Artists
from throughout the region submit art in seven categories for
judging: graphics, painting on paper and on canvas, pastels,
mixed media, photography, sculpture. Over $2000 in prizes
awarded. Opening reception on March 23, 3 p.m.-5 p.m;
Awards presented at 3 p.m. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Heron Point, 501 East
Campus Ave. 410-778-5789.
April 1-30: Exhibit. Garden Puppet Theatre Museum.
Featuring "Rosie and Friends" based upon the children's book by
Marcy Dunn Ramsey titled Rosie’s Posies. Rosie became the
logo for The Gala Garden Party fund raisers supporting the
Town of Chestertown Beautification Fund Projects. 410-7785841.
April 3-25: The Benedictine School Show. Photographic
images from the students. First Friday 5-8 p.m. Thursday and
Friday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Chestertown
Arts League, 312 Cannon St. 410-778-5789.
April 3-28: Fiber Art. Sheep wool spun into fiber art. Fiber
artists will surprise us as always. Some art works may send a
message about recycled materials. Fiber arts include basketry,
fiber, knitting, needlework, papermaking, quilting, sculpture, surface design, wearable art, weaving & more! Artworks, 306 Park
Row. 410-778-6300.
May 1-30: Annual Members Show. Members will display their
new art works. An Artist member will speak to the importance
of Art in this changing world. Artworks, 306 Park Row. 410778-6300.
May 1-30: In Motion. Eschewing the static - art which conveys
motion. First Friday 5-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday 11a.m.-4 p.m.
and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Chestertown Arts League, 312
Cannon St. 410-778-5789.
May 1-31: Ribbons and Patterns. One of the six partners of the
Artists’ Gallery will be featuring their art for a collection of nontraditional watercolors. In that, the texture, shape and patterns
dictate the images. Reception on First Friday from 5-8 p.m.
Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 12:304:30 p.m. Artists’ Gallery, 239 High St. 410-778-2425.
CHURCHHILL
March 6-22: “Of Mice and Men.” John Steinbeck's great novel
comes to the stage. A true American classic! 8 p.m. 410-7581331.
April 17-May 3: Catch Me If You Can. By Jack Weinstock and
Willie Gilbert. No, this isn't your standard Tom Hanks and
Leonardo DiCaprio fare. Overflowing with mirth, this Broadway
whodunit is exciting from beginning to end. Fridays and
Saturdays at 8 p.m. Sundays 2 p.m. Church Hill Theatre. 410758-1331.
marks, objects, and paintings that highlight Mr. Johnson's successful business enterprises and chronicle the development of
the sound-recording industry. Tues-Fri, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sat, 9
a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Open most holidays
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Johnson Victrola Museum, Museum Square, 375
S. New St. 302-739-4266.
March 1-May 31: Eye to the Sky: Climate and Crops. Discover
how farmers past and present anticipated changing weather.
Learn to be your own weather watcher! The Delaware
Agricultural Museum and Village, 866 North DuPont Hwy. 302734-1618.
March 4-May 31: Exhibition. Biggs Shot II. The second juried
photography competition of artists living and working in the
Greater Delmarva Peninsula. The competition is open to all photographers-both amateur and professional. This exhibition will
offer visitors a wide view of local talent as well as local artistic
perspectives. The competition is open to artists working in film,
digital, and video formats. Biggs Museum of American Art, 406
Federal St. 302-674-2111.
EASTON
March 6-27: Focus on Plein Air: Selections from the 2008
Plein Air–Easton! Photography Contest. Exhibit includes all winners from the 2008 Plein Air–Easton! Photography Contest.
Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Church Alley Gallery, 32 S.
Washington St. 410-820-7738.
March 6-31: Troika Gallery presents one of its most popular
features, Russian artist Victor Nizovtsev. The show exhibits
masterful oil paintings of theatrical figurative composition, fantasy, landscapes, and still life, uniquely inspired from Greek
mythology, Russian folklore, childhood impressions, great
Masters of the past, and routine daily life. Opening reception
and artist talk, March 6, 7 p.m. Troika Gallery, 9 S. Harrison St.
410-770-9190.
April 3-May 31: Troika Gallery Spring Group Show, featuring
many of the gallery’s 34 artists. Meet artists at opening reception on April 3, 7:00 p.m. This sophisticated gallery has an elegant ambiance, yet offers the charm and warmth of a friendly
working studio found nowhere else on the Eastern Shore. Troika
Gallery, 9 S. Harrison St. 410-770-9190.
April 4-May 31: Easton Farmers' Market. Seasonal farm produce, farm products and meats, seafood, and baked goods are
presented, as well as unique hand-crafted items are sold by the
people who harvested or created them. Wednesdays and
Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Parking lot off Harrison St. 410-8208822.
April 16-May 30: Mid-Shore Student Art Exhibition. The exhibition features the works of approximately 170 student artists in
the Eastern Shore community including home school and special education students. The selected art represents both traditional and non-traditional work completed in the 2008-2009
school year. The Mid-Shore Student Art Exhibition opens with a
reception on April 16, from 4-7 p.m. award presentation at 6
p.m. Academy Art Museum, 106 South St. 410-822-2787.
ELKTON
March 2-13: Portrait of the Artist. This open exhibition will
examine self-portraits, photo portraiture and other "likenesses".
In the front gallery, solo artist, Kathy Buckalew will present
"Artists' Portraits" show-casing artists at work. Cecil County
Arts Council, 135 E. Main St. 410-392-5740.
March 27-April 27: Found Object Art Exhibition. Opening
Exhibit on Friday, March 27 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Open found
object show featuring local "Trashy Women" Group. Gallery
hours Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cecil County Arts Council,
135 E. Main St. 410-392-5740.
DOVER
March 1-May 31: Exhibit: "Sealed in Glass, Stone, and Tin". A
variety of 19th-20th century Delaware-made and -used containers including medicine bottles, stoneware jars and jugs, and
products from Delaware's canning industry. Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.4:30 p.m. Sun 1:30-4:30 p.m. Museum of Small Town Life,
Museum Square, 316 S. Governors Ave. 302-739-4266.
March 1-May 31: Johnson Victrola Museum. The museum is a
tribute to Delaware's native son, Eldridge Reeves Johnson,
founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1901.
Exhibits include phonographs, recordings, memorabilia, trade-
GREENVILLE
March 6-28: “Explorations ~ Celebrating 30 Years ~ 19792009” A Group Show featuring seasoned gallery favorites Anne
Boysen, Virginia Jacobs and Laura McMillan, and introducing
new artists Denise Dumont, Chris Raymond and Carol Woolford.
Opening Reception March 6, 5-8 p.m. The Station Gallery, 3922
Kennett Pike. 302-654-8638.
April 3-25: “Then & Now ~ Celebrating 30 Years ~ 1979-2009”
Stephen Springer Davis and Mitch Lyons. The first two artists to
exhibit at the Station Gallery in 1979 return to show new work.
Steve has evolved from hand carved rubber stamp art on paper
to intimate pastels, and now landscape paintings in oil. Opening
Reception April 3, 5-8 p.m. The Station Gallery, 3922 Kennett
Spring 2009 • 77
Pike. 302-654-8638.
May 1-30: Louise Clearfield ~ “Reflections” A new series of
paintings inspired by Chanticleer Gardens in Pennsylvania and
the landscape of Victoria, British Columbia. Opening Reception
May 1, 5-8 p.m. The Station Gallery, 3922 Kennett Pike. 302654-8638.
LEWES
March 1-May 31: First Town in the First State. Utilizing an historic timeline, the exhibit presents over 11,000 years of Lewes
culture beginning with the original Native American residents,
through the period of European colonization, the American
Revolutionary War, the birth of the United States as a nation,
and the War of 1812. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings
Highway. 302-645-1148.
MILFORD
March 1-May 31: The Milford Museum's permanent exhibits
tell the story of the city from its earliest beginnings on the
Mispillion River. Exhibits include model ships representing
Milford's maritime past and a 300-piece silver collection of
coins, spoons, and novelties. Milford Museum, 121 S. Walnut St.
302-424-1080 or 422-2187.
NEW CASTLE
March 1-May 31: Emeline Hawkins: Her Journey from Slavery
to Freedom on the Underground Railroad. The exhibit chronicles the compelling story of Emeline Hawkins and her family,
and their 1845 odyssey on the Underground Railroad from slavery in Maryland, through Delaware, to freedom in Pennsylvania.
New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St. 302-3234453.
March 1-May 31: Archaeology of the New Castle Court House.
The exhibit highlights the many phases of archaeological investigations at the New Castle Court House. New Castle Court
House Museum, 211 Delaware St. 302-323-4453.
RIDGLEY
March 1-27: Annual Art Competition Exhibition. The show will
include two- and three-dimensional fine art by regional artists.
The show's theme-Discovering the Native Landscapes of the
Coastal Plain-celebrates the Arboretum's conservation mission
and the region's nature and landscapes. Adkins Arboretum,
12610 Eveland Rd. 410-634-2847.
March 28-May 29: Fine art photographer and mixed-media
artist Denée Barr will exhibit new works. A reception for the
artist will be held on Saturday, April 18 from 5-7 p.m. Barr's work
features Adkins Arboretum, as trees are an inspiration for her
work. Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd. 410-634-2847.
SALISBURY
March 1-May 10: Exhibit: Waaterfowl of the World. Robert
Kerr Ward Museum.
March 1- May 31: Solo Exhibition: David Bartlett. Solo
Exhibition: David Barltett. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Art Institute & Gallery.
Mon.-Sat. 410-546-4748.
SNOW HILL
March 1-April 1: Exhibit: Photography of Ray Gillette-Whaley.
Worchester Co. Library. 410-632-3495.
April 1-May 31: Exhibit. An American Childhood. New exhibit
featuring children's toys & clothing from the 19th & 20th centuries. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Julia A Purnell Museum. 410-632-0515.
ST. MICHAELS
April 19-May 31: St. Michaels Freshfarm Market. Locally
grown produce, crafts, flowers, plants, and more. 8:30 a.m.11:30 p.m. Muskrat Park on St. Michaels Harbor, Willow and
Green Sts. 202-362-8889.
STEVENSVILLE
April 29-May 31: Kent Island Federation of Art’s 44th Annual
open Judged Art Show. Open Art show in 2D. Wednesday thru
Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Kent Island Federation of Art. 410-643-7424.
WILMINGTON
March 1-21: Who's Your Daddy? Families in Early American
Needlework. This exhibition explores how family ties are honored and strengthened through needlework, how needlework
can serve as primary source material for historical and
genealogical research, and the function of needlework through
78 • Delmarva Quarterly
gifts and inheritance by subsequent generations. Fellows
Gallery. Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-4483883.
March 1-31: Orchid Extravaganza. Bask in the lush oasis of
Longwood's Conservatory as thousands of orchid blooms provide a breathtaking respite from winter's chill. Don't miss the
popular International Orchid Show & Sale on March 27–29.
Longwood Gardens. 610-388-1000.
March 1- April 12: Paintings from the Reign of Victoria: The
Royal Holloway Collection, London. This exhibition includes 60
of the most important paintings of the Victorian period, encompassing the full range of subject matter and style. Artists represented include, among others, Sir Edwin Landseer, William
Powell Frith, and Pre-Raphaelite painter Sir John Everett Millais.
Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Pkwy. 302-571-9590.
March 1-May 3: Backyard Monsters: The World of Insects.
The huge, moving creatures in the exhibit measure 6 to 8 feet in
length and inhabit natural settings with looming blades of grass.
Two static dragonflies with 10-foot gossamer wingspans soar
nearby. Delaware Museum of Natural History, 4840 Kennett
Pike. 302-658-9111.
March 1-May 17: John Sloan in Philadelphia and New York.
Welcome back! This focused exhibition celebrates the return of
several of John Sloan’s works, which have been traveling as part
of Seeing the City: Sloan’s New York since early 2008. Sloan
made his hometown of Philadelphia the subject of many of his
works before moving to New York in 1904. His images of pedestrians and public places helped define New York City in the popular imagination. Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Pkwy.
302-571-9590.
March 1-May 31: Dinosaur Gallery. The only dinosaurs on permanent display in the state. The towering dinosaur skeletons,
Tuojiangosaurus and Yangchuanosaurus, represent Asian relatives of the familiar North American dinosaurs, Stegosaurus and
Allosaurus. Delaware Museum of Natural History, 4840 Kennett
Pike. 302-658-9111.
March 1-May 31: Hall of Birds. Dinosaurs are a perfect fit with
the Museum’s extensive collection of birds, given to the
Delaware Museum of Natural History, 4840 Kennett Pike. 302658-9111.
March 1-May 31: Hall of Mammals. Displays in this section of
the Museum bring mammals together from around the world:
North and South America, Antarctica, Africa – as well as animals that live in Delaware streams and marshes. Delaware
Museum of Natural History, 4840 Kennett Pike. 302-658-9111.
March 1-31: Animal Adaptations. The Animal Adaptations
case demonstrates how animals survive despite difficult environmental pressures, including real specimens of the black
rhino, giant anteater, and cheetah. Delaware Museum of
Natural History, 4840 Kennett Pike. 302-658-9111.
March 1-May 31: Discovery Room. The interactive Discovery
Room is a place where children of all ages can play, see, and do.
The Discovery Room features fun hands-on science activities
where budding paleontologists can try on explorer's garb, future
marine biologists can observe tropical fish, and curious kids of
all ages can discover surprises in a life-sized tree. Delaware
Museum of Natural History, 4840 Kennett Pike. 302-658-9111.
March 1-May 31: Shell Gallery. The entrance to the Shell
Gallery is a simulated Australian Great Barrier Reef that delights
visitors as they walk over it. Visitors can see a 500-pound Giant
Clam shell, learn about scallops, nautilus, and other mollusks.
Delaware Museum of Natural History, 4840 Kennett Pike. 302658-9111.
March 1-April 5: Moe Brooker. The Substance of Feeling.
Abstract paintings with rhythmic patterns and layered, colorful
surfaces that reflect his positive and life affirming view of the
world. DuPont II Gallery. Delaware Center for the
Contemporary Arts, 200 S. Madison Street. 302-593-2586.
March 1-April 12: Connie Imboden: Reflections. Connie
Imboden has been photographing the human body for twentyfive years, and from the beginning she has held a unique perspective on this traditional subject in the history of art. DuPont
I Gallery. Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, 200 S.
Madison Street. 302-593-2586.
March 1-May 1: Fences and Boundaries. Works by Saul
Sophrin. Capturing the changing dynamic and his reaction to it
in drawings, linocuts and paintings. Willingtown Square Gallery.
Delaware History Museum. 302-656-0637.
March 21-May 25: Harbor & Home: Furniture of Southeastern
Massachusetts, 1710–1850. Don’t miss this exceptional display
of furniture that explores the cultural identity and furniture making traditions of southeastern Massachusetts, including Cape
Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. Highlights include 18thand 19th-century clocks, chests, chairs, desks, and dressing
tables. Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. 800-448-3883.
April 1-19: All the Great Books (abridged) by Reed Martin &
Austin Tichenor. Directed by Anne Marie Cammarato. In the
spirit of last season's The Complete Works of William
Shakespeare (abridged), All the Great Books (abridged) is a
hilarious comedy that will make you realize how much (and how
little) you know about great literature! Delaware Theatre
Company, 200 Water St. 302-594-1100.
April 1-May 22: Spring Blooms. Thousands of bulbs and acres
of flowering trees color the landscape, and special events every
weekend help you celebrate the glorious weather. Highlights of
the season include The Curtis Institute presents The Four
Seasons on April 3; Easter Weekend on April 11 & 12; a kidfriendly Kite Flying Weekend on April 18 & 19; and fun for the
whole family on Arbor Day Weekend, April 25 & 26. A
Longwood springtime favorite, the Wine & Jazz Festival is back
on May 2. This year the Festival will feature a special evening
concert with a headlining artist. Longwood Gardens. 610-3881000.
May 2-31: Ancestry and Innovation: African American Art
from the American Folk Art Museum. This exhibition features
textiles, paintings, works on paper, and sculpture by contemporary African American artists. Delaware Art Museum, 2301,
Kentmere Pkwy. 302-571-9590.
WORTON
May 3-31: Open House. Come and see what Camp Tockwogh
is all about! Enjoy lunch, a tour of the property, and lots of information about our summer camp program. Camp Tockwogh.
410-348-6000.
May 22-25: Memorial Day Family Camp. Bring your family to
Camp Tockwogh for a long weekend of exciting activities like
water skiing, sailing, horseback riding, and so much more! All
the fun of a top-notch resort, but kid-friendly and at a reasonable price! Check-in 6-8 p.m. Camp Tockwogh. 410-3486000.
YORKLYN
March 1-6: Exhibit. “Between Fences” The Smithsonian
Institution traveling exhibition explores the cultural impact of
fences throughout American history.. The Center for the
Creative Arts. 302-239-2434.
March 12-27: “An Artist’s Life: A Tribute to Bernie Felch.
Sculpture and paintings from the life work of local artist Bernie
Felch. Reception Thursday, March 12, 6-8 p.m. Center for the
Creative Arts, 410 Upper Snuff Mill Row and Route 82. 302239-2434.
March 12-April 24: Exhibit: Mitch Lyons. Clay Monoprints.
Center for the Creative Arts, 410 Upper Snuff Mill Row and
Route 82. 302-239-2434.
April 3-24: “Annual Members Exhibition” Mixed media show
of work by CC Arts members. Reception Friday, April 3, 6-8
p.m. Center for the Creative Arts, 410 Upper Snuff Mill Row and
Route 82. 302-239-2434.
May 1-29: “The Face of Farming: Delaware’s Farm Families”
Photographs and commentary by artist Kathy Buckalew.
Reception Friday May 8, 6-8 p.m. Center for the Creative Arts,
410 Upper Snuff Mill Row and Route 82. 302-239-2434.
May 1-29: Exhibit: Val Schulte. “Whimsical Pals” Paintings.
Center for the Creative Arts, 410 Upper Snuff Mill Row and
Route 82. 302-239-2434.
Submit Your Event:
To have your event included, contact
Joni at 302-645-7700 or mail your
event to:
Joni Weber, c/o Delmarva Quarterly,
P.O. Box 213, Lewes, DE 19958
Or email:
[email protected]
Please keep entries to 40 words or
shorter.
Spring 2009
Name-Dropping
Old World Names In
a New World State
Delaware’s founding fathers imported town
names from Wales, England and Ireland
BY LYNN REMLY
T
he St. Jones River, flowing
from Dover to the Delaware
Bay, may have taken its name
from Robert Jones, an early settler
who in 1671 had a patent for land
along the river. Alternatively, it may
be named for "St. Jone," the Welsh
spelling of St. John. Either way, its
origin is Welsh, since Jones was from
Wales, where naming sites after
saints is commonplace.
According to the Geographic
Names Information System, the river
has also been known as Jones Creek,
Joness Creek, Kishlen, Saint Jones
Creek, Warge Kijhlen , Wulfs Creek,
and Wulfscreek.
Another Welshman, Daniel Jones,
settled the land that became the
Rodney estate, Byfield, in the early
1680s. Jones was Caesar Rodney's
maternal great-grandfather, and following his death, Byfield became the
family seat for three generations of
the Rodney family. The name is not
Welsh, however; it is derived from
the Danish “by,” for town, and “field.”
Hence, Byfield is the place or town
near the field.
Welsh settlement in what is now
Delaware was significant, and many
place names reflect this. There were
actually two settlements called the
Welsh Tract. The first came about in
1684 when William Penn granted to
Welsh settlers 40,000 acres of land
situated in Chester, Delaware, and
Montgomery counties in
Pennsylvania.
The second was created in 1701,
when Penn granted a tract of 30,000
Delmarva Quarterly
acres in today’s Delaware to David
Evans, William Davies, and William
Willis, all from Radnor, Pa. Before
1723, all of what is now Pencader
Hundred, an unincorporated subdivision of New Castle County, was
known as the "Welsh Tract."
Pencader Hundred takes its name
from Pencader in South Wales, UK.
Following Penn’s notions of tolerance, New Castle County became
home to a Baptist society from Wales
as early as 1703. In 1733, eight or ten
families more from the same country
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CAPE GAZETTE
Legislative Hall in Dover, Del.
settled at Duck Creek, in Kent
County, a small town that had once
been named Salisbury. As Duck Creek
grew and prospered, it outgrew its
homely name, and in 1806, the
Delaware Assembly changed the
name of the town to today’s Smyrna,
after the prosperous classical Greek
port city, today’s Izmir in Turkey.
Other nonconforming groups
arrived in the area and left their
names. Newark, Del., has parallels
in Scotland and Ireland
(Aberdeenshire, Dumfries, Galloway,
Fife, Orkney Islands, and South
Ayrshire) as well as in England
(Nottinghamshire’s Newark-onTrent). Founded by Scots-Irish and
Welsh settlers in 1694, the town
derives its name from two Old
English words meaning “new building.”
The Delaware towns Canterbury
and Dover and their county, Kent, all
recall an English homeland but also
recall a certain amount of early confusion about names. In the original
settlement of England by the
Germanic tribes – the Angles, Saxons,
and Jutes – the Jutes were said to
have occupied the Isle of Wight and
Kent. They were thus “the men of
Kent,” or Cant-ware, and their city
was their “burg,” hence
Cantwarabyrig, or Canterbury. Thus
the county of Kent and the town of
Canterbury actually refer to the same
early settlers of England. DQ
Lynn Remly also wrote “Keeping Up With
the St. Joneses” on page 56.
Spring 2009 • 79
Strictly Delmarva
Talking To Trees
Finding the mystical in spring’s own sport - lacrosse.
BY DAVE FREDERICK
A
clairvoyant contact from a whispering weeping willow tree spoke to Coach Rob Schroeder in a dream,
summoning him. The career coach and teacher of
science at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes woke, got
in his car and drove west. Coach knew that tree and its
power.
“All the years Coach Milt Roberts and I traveled to
lacrosse games at Navy and Johns
Hopkins he would stop, and
then he got out and talked to
that tree,” Schroeder said.
“The tree’s name was
Adam.”
Roberts is in the National
Lacrosse Hall of Fame as well as the
Delaware Sports Hall of Fame, and his writings for the magazine Black Sports can be
found in the NFL Sports Hall of Fame. He
passed away in 1991 at the age of 72.
Roberts was poetic, mystical, spiritual and
humorous. His respect for nature and
Indian mythology wrapped around his life
like a totem, telling a story. The story was
always lacrosse.
Schroeder, the son of acclaimed Lewes
artist Howard Schroeder, drove the dark
two-lane roads west through small towns
like Ellendale and Greenwood. He drove past
Denton, Md. The destination was usually Johns
Hopkins, where Roberts had been an allAmerican, or the Naval Academy where he had
coached.
Riding with Roberts was never destinationdriven; he was always observing and teaching,
seeing night hawks and that lonely, powerful tree,
a life force, a teacher and a brother.
And somewhere along the nondescript roadside,
Rob Schroeder parked his car and walked the field to
stand in front of the tree to absorb the message.
Rob was a low-light image on a dark night – alone in a
stark field refracting a sepia silhouette illuminating the
tentacles of the tree wafting gently in the black air.
“The tree was dead,” Schroeder said. “All those years
riding with Milt and he always stopped to talk to that tree.
And now Milt is gone and the tree is gone with him.”
All earthly life is ephemeral, lasting but a blink, and
Coach Schroeder, himself an athlete and bird-watching
80 • Delmarva Quarterly
man of nature, knew that the dead tree was not there to
complete the circle and wrap it up – oh, now I get it – but
to keep him vigilant and inquisitive. His teacher had left
him with the greatest gift.
Each spring, both men and women on Delmarva play
the game religiously. The stick itself is a totem of history –
just pan the crowd at a Salisbury or Washington College
game and you will see adults with sticks from their playing days. Expect to see converts at high school games,
adults who never played, now deacons of expertise,
watching their kids play the fastest game on two feet.
Lacrosse is musical and spiritual, tactical and tenacious. It is where white and blue collar meet in a melding of cultures inside a helmet. And there is always that
magical stick. Salisbury University is hard rock, fast
up-and-down-lacrosse. They can go war-party
and knock out an opponent before they get a
chance to circle their wagons.
Coach Jim Berkman’s teams are 321-30
over the last 20 years with eight
Division 3 National Championships.
The last six seasons the Gulls are
126-2 with five National
Championships.
The Washington College
Shoremen of Coach J.B. Clark are
125-46 over the last 10 seasons. This April 25
the annual “War on the Shore” is in
Chestertown.
Women play a non-hitting style of
lacrosse; the sport is burgeoning in popularity across the Delmarva Peninsula.
The Cape Henlopen High School’s
boys team, nestled where the
Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic
Ocean, has won five state championships over the last 10 years. Milt
Roberts founded Cape lacrosse in
1976, the first public school in
Delaware to offer the sport.
Short pants and springtime
DAN COOK PHOTO
appear prior to the vernal equinox
on Delmarva. Coach Milt Roberts’ mystical spirit permeates all that is lacrosse. All else is mystery. DQ
Dave Frederick haunts this column regularly. He is also Sports Editor for
the Cape Gazette in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Spring 2009
Gardening made
fun and easy
Everything you need to become an Expert Gardener.
t0SHBOJDBMMZBQQSPWFEDPNQPTUFOSJDIFETPJM — DVTUPN
NBEFGPSSBJTFECFEHBSEFOJOH
Custom
Formula Soil
t&YUSBIFBWZEVUZDZQSFTTGSBNFT —OBUVSBMMZSFTJTUBOUUP
SPUBOEUFSNJUFT
t$VTUPNESJQJSSJHBUJPOTZTUFN — BVUPNBUJDBMMZEFMJWFST
the right amount of water
3" x 12"
Cypress Frame
Drip Irrigation System
Mulch
Landscape Fabric
t.VMDI — IJHIFTURVBMJUZ
t%FMJWFSZBOEJOTUBMMBUJPOBWBJMBCMF
Find out how you can become an Expert Gardener:
DBMM1-800-936-8524.
8JUIJONJMFTPG4BMJTCVSZ.%
TM
GARDEN SYSTEMS
XXX&YQFSU(BSEFO4ZTUFNTDPN
Admission Only $2
Kids Under 12 Free!
Join us for a fun, family-friendly weekend on Maryland’s Eastern Shore!
Tasty BBQ & Other Great Food • Cold Beverages • Kids Rides & Games
Crafts • Live Music • Car & Motorcycle Show
www.PorkinthePark.org
1-800-332-TOUR
410-548-4914
Winterplace Park in Salisbury, MD
Friday, April 17 from 4pm-10pm
Saturday, April 18 from 10am-10pm
Sunday, April 19 from 11am-5pm