The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society

BEACON
April 2012 Founded 1974
The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging and promoting public knowledge of and participation in the preservation of the history, culture, architecture and special character of Rehoboth Beach.

New Exhibit Coming Soon!

Our newest exhibit, WWII: Rehoboth opens Memorial Day weekend. The exhibit will help us learn more about our town during this fascinating time in history and the individuals who contributed so much to the war effort. Photographs of local heroes, period furniture, items from Civil Air Patrol Base 2, which was here in Rehoboth Beach, and other fascinating items will be displayed.

Fun and informative programs are scheduled including a lecture on Victory Gardens, an old-time radio show reenactment, dinner at a local restaurant based on a 1940s menu, and a stage door canteen evening of music. Check out these and other great programs on the calendar listing included in this newsletter.

The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society BEACON

Officers
President....Paul Kuhns Vice President....Dick Poole Secretary.Vicki Tull TreasurerAnne Michele Kuhns

Saying Goodbye
We are sad to say goodbye to our wonderful winter intern, Avery Bayard. Avery catalogued many items in our collection, helped with exhibits, did research, gave us a terrific Sea Witch theme window, and graced us with her beautiful smile. She will be missed but promises to stop in every once in a while.

Board of Directors
Linda Darr Hoyte Decker Burton Dukes Steve Elkins Mike Klingel Judy Mellen Terry Plowman Lois Snyder Rayner Melissa Thoroughgood Mame Witsil Harvey Waltersdorf, President Emeritus

Saying Hello
Chloe Marine, a Junior at the University of Delaware, will be our summer intern. Chloe has interned at the Hagley Museum and Library, the Delaware Center for Horticulture, and the Morris Library at the University of Delaware. Chloe has already visited the museum and has great ideas for childrens programs. If you are interested in working with Chloe on childrens programs, please contact the office.

Membership Fees are billed annually Individual.....$ 25 Family..$ 35 Patron...$ 50 Anna Hazzard$100

Hours
Memorial Day Weekend thru October 31 Monday Friday 104
Saturday & Sunday 113 November 1 thru the Friday before Memorial Day Mon, Thurs & Friday 104 Saturday & Sunday 113

Tell a friend about us!

* * * The Beacon newsletter is published three times per year. Society Director....Nancy Alexander Newsletter Layout.....Stan Mills Newsletter Content.....RBHS Members Members are invited to submit items of historic interest for publication. Contact Nancy Alexander at 227-7310

511 Rehoboth Avenue (302) 227-7310 rbhistoricalsociety@verizon.net www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org

CLOSED Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day thru New Years Day OPEN Memorial Day Fourth of July & Labor Day

The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society BEACON

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE:
us to secure the elevator at a discount to market price. Additionally, we are working with Rehoboth Beach Happy Spring to all this sea- High School alumni on a separate Capital Campaign son. We at the Society hope to raise funds for this elevator and because of their you have had a great holiday generosity we have already raised $17,000. season and hope you have a prosperous new year. 2012 If you havent had the opportunity, please stop by the looks to be another successful museum before May 6 to see our second annual Neeyear at the museum. However, dlework exhibit that will feature local artists as we did prior to discussing our plans successfully this past year. By May 26th we will have for the New Year, I wanted to installed the next and probably our most anticipated take the opportunity to summarize our accomplish- exhibit so far, World War II and Rehoboth Beachs ments of 2011 that were only possible with all of your involvement in the war. Our director, Nancy Alexangenerous support. These thanks go out to our mem- der is already working with many locals and the state bers, volunteers, donors and any of you that have of Delaware on stocking the museum with a variety of attended any of our wonderful events or visited the World War II artifacts. Many people do not realize the important role that the Rehoboth community museum. played during the war. We hope to open many eyes The Society had another successful year in 2011. We to the 20th century history of the area. met our third $50,000 challenge match in only our fourth full year since the opening of the museum. I As we move into 2012, Nancy has many new events believe this is a phenomenal accomplishment given planned and we will continue with our annual events, th the current economic environment. This success is all such as the Kick-off to Summer on May 19 and I th because of you, our generous donors. Thank you all ask you also to save the date, Saturday August 4 for your continuous support. Additionally, we re- 2012; we will be holding our seventh annual Beach cently received a $10,000 grant from the Longwood Ball that evening at Kings Creek Country Club. Foundation for a space on the second floor where the public will be able to access our permanent collection In closing, I want to again thank all of our loyal memand archives. This generous grant puts us that much bers, generous donors and diligent volunteers for all closer to our goal of opening the second floor. We of their hard work and sacrifice and if you took the now have approximately 1/3 of the needed funds to opportunity to attend any of our many events or just open the second floor and we will continue to seek visited us at the museum, we thank you from the sources of funding to complete the entire facility. bottom of our hearts for making this museum what is Keep your eye out for the announcement of our today. Capital Campaign. We hope to start the formal Many Thanks, process very soon. In order to get up to the second floor, we need an elevator and, fortunately, a local vendor is working with Dear Members,

Paul Kuhns, President

Spring Appeal. Be on the lookout for your spring fund raising letter. Your donations help make great programs available, help us hire and train interns, help keep the collection of items in our care safe and organized, and make our exhibits the best they can be.

The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society BEACON

Second Annual Needlework Exhibit

Exhibitors from the annual needlework exhibit enjoyed a pot luck reception and the company of needle artists from the area. Ribbons were awarded in ten categories, but the beauty of the intricate handwork of each piece is worth the visit. Stop in to see these beautiful works of art and vote for your favorite to win the Peoples Choice Award.

Volunteering for the Society...

...doesn't take a lot of time. Shown here is Jane Dodge, one of our wonderful docents. Volunteers in the gallery sit for about 6 hours per month and greet visitors and tell them about the history of our beautiful city by the sea. Other volunteer opportunities involve documenting our wonderful collection of items, including scanning and photographing items to put them on the computer system. Or, you may find that your green thumb or handyman skills are of use.

Ken Sale poses by the chair for which he designed a needlework cover.

Sharon and daughter Sadie admire a quilt

Please join Jane and others. Call Nancy Alexander at 227-7310 to donate your time or talent.

Let us Hear from You!

If you are not currently receiving emails from us, please contact us at rbhistoricalsociety@verizon.net. Let us know your email so we can keep you up-todate. We are also on Facebook.

Special Friends Return

Get on Board
Based on the success of our Sea Witch Weekend Magical History tour, we are scheduling summertime tours with the Jolly Trolley. Stay tuned! 4

Under the caring direction of Activities Director Andrew Bourdain, residents of Peach Tree Acres visited the museum. Peach Tree Acres is a home for people with brain injuries and residents make an annual visit to the museum. This year they viewed the surf exhibit and watched surfing and skim boarding videos. They also enjoyed the new canal overlook and patio which, to their and our delight, is completely wheelchair-friendly.

The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society BEACON

The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society

invites you to a

Kickoff to Summer Garden Party

at The Museum Saturday, May 19, 2012 4-6 p.m.
Featuring delicious hors doeuvres, plants for sale, a pick-a-prize raffle, and the presentation of the Hall of Fame Award to Mollie Vardell
___________________________________________________
Yes! I want to help the Society Kickoff the summer with a garden party. Please hold the following number of reservations: Name _________________________________ # _______ Members at $25 # _______ Not-yet Members at $35 #________ Total reservations $_____ Total amount enclosed Please mail or deliver your reservation form and payment to: The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society, 511 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
(raffle tickets will be available at the event: 3 for $5; 7 for $10)

The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society BEACON

This page is cut because I attended the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society Summer Garden Party Back of Reservation Form for the

REHOBOTH BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Kickoff to Summer Garden Party

Saturday, May 19 4-6 p.m. at The Museum
6
Reservation required by May 12. Clip it and mail it now!

May 12 to: Please mail by ociety ch Historical S Rehoboth Bea Avenue 511 Rehoboth ch, DE 19971 Rehoboth Bea

The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society BEACON

The future of the 7th Annual Beach Ball is so bright you'll have to wear shades!
Join us at King's Creek Country Club:

August 4
7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sun, Sand and Shades is our new theme but all of
your favorite things will be there: great food, lively music and fantastic auction items. This year's raffle prize is an iPad. For the live and silent auctions we have artwork by James Drake Iams, a Kindle eReader, his and hers mountain bikes, and other great items. To donate time, an item, or be a sponsor, please call 227-7310. Tickets start at $100 for members and $125 for nonmembers. If you haven't received a save-the-date post card by now, please call the office at 302-227-7310 to make sure we have your correct address. This event is fun, but takes many hands to make it work. If youd like to be a member of the Beach Ball committee, donate an item for the live or silent auctions, or be a sponsor, please contact us.

Storm of 62
Docent Barbara Smith ably staffed our table at the Storm of 62 conference at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center on March 7th to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the storm. Barbara helped us show pictures of storm damage from the museums collection. The 1962 storm hit the northeast on March 59. It caused over $200 million in property damage and killed 40 people. Major coastal erosion from the storm stretched from North Carolina to Long Island, N.Y. The Storm of 62 Delawares Shared Response is the title of a video about the storm and its effect on Delaware. Copies of the video are for sale in the museum gift shop. 7

The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society BEACON

Calendar of Events Join us and bring a friend!

Monthly Upcoming
Board Meetings of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society are usually held on the
first Monday of each Month at 4 p.m. at the museum. Please call the office at 227-7310 to confirm the date, location, and time prior to attending. All events are at the Rehoboth Beach Museum unless otherwise noted. The Rehoboth Beach
Historical Society is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE.

Due to space limitations, tickets or reservations may be required for programs; please call (302) 227-7310. All programs subject to change. Please check for updates at www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.

MAY
5
New Castle Nuptials. If you like needlework and you like weddings you will love this presentation recalling an exhibit of 18th Century Wedding dresses at the New Castle Historical Society. Dresses will be available for viewing. The exhibit closes May 6. Free for members. Free with admission for non-members. doeuvres, plants for sale, a pick-a-prize raffle, and the presentation of the Hall of Fame Award. Ticket prices are reduced for members. See the invitation in this newsletter to make a paid reservation.

19 Kick-off to Summer Party. 4-6 p.m. At the museum. Featuring delicious hors

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World War II: Rehoboth exhibit opens to public. Please see the RBHS website for hours and admissions.

JUNE
5
All programs are made possible by generous donations by individuals, foundations, and corporations.
8
Presentation on Victory Gardens. 1:30 p.m. Join us as Master Gardener Mary Coliazzi shares her knowledge of Victory Gardens. Free for members. Free with admission for non-members. Members Reception. 6-8 p.m. If you are not already a member of the RBHS, why not join? Memberships start at only $25 and provide free admission to the museum and discounts on events. Join us for a fundraising dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Fish On! restaurant in Lewes, DE. Enjoy delicious food inspired by recipes of the 1940s. Tickets are only $40 for members and $45 for non-members. Cash Bar. Look for an invitation or please call 227-7310 to purchase tickets in advance. Presentation by Captain William Manthorpe on Naval defenses during World War II. 7 p.m. Free for members. Free with admission for non-members.

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The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society BEACON

JULY
5 19
Rehoboth Beach during WWII: A presentation by Michael Morgan, author of Rehoboth Beach: A History of Sand and Surf. 7 p.m. Free for members. Free with admission for non-members. Trivia Night. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Do you know Rehoboth History? Test your knowledge against Michael Morgan, author of Rehoboth Beach: A History of Sand and Surf. $10 for members. $12 for non-members. Points will be awarded for creative answers! Cash and other prizes will be awarded.

AUGUST
Annual Watermelon Festival. Date and time to be announced.

Beach Ball. Come out and dance at our 7th Annual party to benefit the Society at Kings Creek Country Club. This years theme: Sun, Sand and Shades. Read about this event in this newsletter and check your mail for a save-the-date postcard and an invitation. To donate time, an item, or be a sponsor, please call 227-7310. Fort Miles and its Role in World War II: A presentation by Gary Wray of the Fort Miles Historical Association. 7 p.m. Free for members. Free with admission for nonmembers.

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SEPTEMBER
15
Live Radio Show: Come see how radio shows of the early 20th Century were staged at a performance by the Ad Hoc Players, complete with sound effects and commercials of the 1930s and 1940s. 6 p.m. $5 for members, $7 for non-members.

NOVEMBER
2
Second Annual Wine and Cheese party. Look out for an invitation to our second evening of delicious wines and delectable cheeses from around the world. Delaware. Cash Bar 11:30, presentation at noon. Captains Table Restaurant, 20859 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach. $25 for members, $30 for non-members.

17 RBHS Luncheon. Speaker James Diehl is the author of WWII Heroes of Southern

FEBRUARY 2013
Date, fees and time to be determined. Join us for an evening of wartime songs and refreshments as Clear Space Theater Company recreates a Stage Door Canteen at their downtown theater on Baltimore Avenue.

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID REHOBOTH BEACH, DE PERMIT # 23

511 REHOBOTH AVENUE REHOBOTH BEACH, DE 19971 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Your invitation to our

Summer Garden Party

is inside!

Collection Acquisitions!
Surprise! This beautiful dish came to the museum from an unexpected place. Someone donated it to the All Saint's Thrift Shop. Lucky for the Society, Thrift Shop Manager Richard Faull chose to donate it to the museum, where it is now on display in the museum along with other items from Horn's Pavilion. Horn's was an emporium that once stood at the boardwalk and Rehoboth Avenue. Patrons could buy fancy boxed chocolates, souvenirs and trinkets, and walk out on a 150-foot pier. The Pavilion was destroyed in the Storm of 1914, and Mr. Horn moved his business to the North Side of Rehoboth Avenue.

We also received some wonderful treasures from the Smock Family. This is a photo of the Dewey Beach Life Saving Station. The man at the far right is Jack Smocks grandfather, Walter J. Dick. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from about 1890 to 1923. Mr. Dick was in charge of making sure the rope for the breeches buoy was set just right so that it did not become tangled when the rescue apparatus was shot by cannon onto a foundering ship.