Lewes, Del. -- The Lewes Historical Society is pleased to announce the publication of the 2006 issue of the Journal, the ninth in a series of annual local history books. Researched, edited, and illustrated by volunteers, they have become popular with both residents of the area and visitors interested in learning more about the history of Lewes.

The theme of the new issue is crime and punishment and justice in days past. A major article entitled “Jurisprudence in Whorekill” by lawyer H. Edward Maull, Jr. details the history of the courts that affected the lives of early settlers in Sussex County. Other articles about specific crimes or trials are by other authors. Bobbi Budin of Bear, Delaware, writes about the asparagus soup murder of Ernest “Yockie” Fisher in 1960. Betty Grunder recounts the murder of Dr. Theodore Wilson by tavern keeper James Wiley in 1799. Local historian Warren MacDonald writes about two early trials in which the Lewes Court used all-women juries.

An article by Ruth Mankin, “Lewes Celebrations Past and Present,” recalls how the town marked the special anniversaries of Lewes’ 300th, 325th, and 350th birthdays with parades, important guests, music and other ceremonies. The cover design using the 375th anniversary logo in full color marks the 2006 issue of the Journal as a part of this special year of celebrations.

Other articles found in the new issue of the Journal include a look at Lewes in the 1930s and 1940s with Hazel D. Brittingham’s article, “Stocking Lewes Pantries and Iceboxes in the 1930s,” and Judith Atkins Roberts’ recollections of the “Fourth Street Neighborhood.” Gary Grunder’s “A History of the Lewes Public Library,” shows that although the present library dates from the 1930s, Lewes has enjoyed a long history of libraries going back as far as the late 1600s.

Continuing the series of biographies of former Lewes mayors, Dennis Forney examines the life of the late George H.P. Smith. Other biographical sketches can also be found in Vol. 9 of the Journal with “Colonel David Hall” by Barbara W. Vaughan, “Kendal Batson” by Betty Grunder, and “Mills Coursey” by Hazel D. Brittingham. Mason L. Weems, the creator of the legend of George Washington cutting down the cherry tree, traveled to Lewes in the early 1800s, described in an article by Warren MacDonald entitled, “Parson Weems Visited Lewes.”

Previous issues of the Journal have traced the history of some of the buildings restored and now owned by the Lewes Historical Society; this issue continues that series with an article about “The Blacksmith Shop” by Judith Atkins Roberts.

Many of the articles are also illustrated by interesting vintage photographs, contemporary photographs by Michael and Doriel Moorman, and artwork by Steve Rogers and Justin Wickens.

Copies of the new issue of the Journal will be distributed at the October 20th meeting to current members of the Society as a benefit of membership. Members who do not obtain their copies at that meeting should receive them in the mail in a few weeks. Copies of the previous eight Journals are available for $ 5.00 each at Books by the Bay, located a 111 Bank Street, Stepping Stone at 107 W. Market Street, and Just for You Unique Gifts at 112 Front Street in downtown Lewes as well as at the Ellegood House Museum Shop (Lewes Historical Society) and the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center at the Fisher-Martin House (Kings Highway).

For more information on the Society or Journal, please call 302-645-7670.

©2002-2005 The Lewes Historical Society