The Lewes Historical Society is pleased to announce the publication of the 2007 issue of the Journal, the tenth in a series of annual local history books. Researched, edited, and illustrated by volunteers, they have become popular with residents of the area and visitors alike, who are interested in learning more about the history of Lewes.

The new issue contains articles about some aspects of the nautical history of Lewes with an exciting story by Bob Kotowski about the burning of the SS Lenape in Lewes harbor in November 1925 and another by Steve Rogers about the sinking of the menhaden ship Long Island in September 1936 and the B.F. Macomber in 1946. Wayne Kirklin contributed an article tracing how the lightship Overfalls came to reside in Lewes.

Other articles by Hazel D. Brittingham and Ruth Mankin examine cookbooks, namely the publications by local food columnist, the late Elaine Mitchell, and some of the recipes found in historic cookbooks forming part of the Lewes Historical Society archives.

Herbert Archdeacon wrote an article detailing the extensive role played by Delaware in the Revolutionary War and how Delaware came to be a separate state. Also learn why Delaware is called the “Blue Hen State.”

Life in Lewes in the late 1800s is described through the diaries of an interesting Lewes entrepreneur, Lizzie Carter, in an article by Betty Grunder.

Continuing the series of articles found in earlier issues of the Journal about buildings owned by the Society, Judy Roberts describes three little outhouses found at the LHS Complex in “Privies.” Also, Barbara W. Vaughan writes a biography of former Lewes Mayor Dr. Ulysses W. Hocker, who served during the Depression years 1931-1935, adding to the Journal’s series about former mayors.

An added feature of this year’s issue is a full index to all ten volumes published from 1998 to the present. This will enable readers who have collected the whole set of books to easily locate topics of special interest.

Local marine artist Steve Rogers contributed the art work for the cover, which shows the sinking of the menhaden vessel Long Island with some survivors clinging to debris and others in a small purse boat rowing away from the doomed ship. Rogers also drew an amusing pen and ink sketch to illustrate Archdeacon’s article. Justin Wickens also put pen to paper with a group of sketches to illustrate three other articles. Several vintage photographs also add to the authenticity of this issue.

While each member household of the Society receives a complimentary copy of the Journal as a benefit of membership, the public is also invited to purchase copies of this 64-page publication for $5 each. Several local stores sell copies of the Journal at no profit to themselves as a service to the Society: Books by the Bay, Stepping Stone, Just for You Unique Gifts, the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center and the Thompson Country Store, all in Lewes. Books can also be ordered on-line at www.historiclewes.org.

©2002-2005 The Lewes Historical Society