Fort Miles; depicting East End Light, Delaware Breakwater. Howard Schroeder, c. 1943. Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Beetle, 2003.11.2. © The Lewes Historical Society

Howard Schroeder is one of Delaware's most illustrious artists of the twentieth century. With a body of work that reflects the tranquil life of Lewes from the 1940s until his death in 1995, Howard Schroeder's work captured and documented a Lewes that was slowly evolving before his very eyes. His work earned him national acclaim when he was featured on the popular CBS show, Sunday Morning.

This work, entitled Fort Miles, is a recent acquisition of the Lewes Historical Society. Donated to the Society by Robert & Ronnie Beetle of Audobon, New Jersey, the story of the painting itself is interesting and endearing. Mr. Robert Beetle's great-unlce, Samuel Rudderow was stationed at Fort Miles from 1942 through the end of World War II and served as a mess cook working primarily in the officers' mess. Mr. Rudderow became good friends with Schroeder and became fast friends. As a token of their friendship during their service at Fort Miles, Schroeder presented Sam with this watercolor of the East End Light. Mr. Rudderow passed away in 1999 and left the painting to Mr. Beetle's father who in turn left the painting to Mr. Beetle. Mr. & Mrs. Beetle, knowing how much Sam's time in Lewes meant to him, decided that Lewes would be the best place for the painting to stay. It is believed that Fort Miles may be one of Schroeder's earliest surviving watercolors and truly reflects Schroeder's mastery of the medium.

Additionally included in this gift were ephemeral objects from Fort Miles including coast artillery pins, Fort Miles mugs and ashtrays, Sam's duffel and orientation booklet, and his discharge papers among other clippings, papers and photos.

For more information, please contact us at research@historiclewes.org.

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