A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....10-24,25-07....Delaware ~ The First State

October 24, 2007 | Billie

[Billie]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.    Over 200,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

Over the past four years we have taken A Few of FR's Finest on a cyber tour of many of the states in this great land of ours; today we are featuring the tiny state of Delaware, also dubbed "The First State", "Diamond State", "Blue Hen State", and "Small Wonder".

"The First State": Delaware is known by this nickname due to the fact that on December 7, 1787, it became the first of the 13 original states to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

"The Diamond State": This nickname was given to Delaware, according to legend, by Thomas Jefferson because he described Delaware as a "jewel" among states due to its strategic location on the Eastern Seaboard.

"Blue Hen State": This nickname was given to Delaware after the fighting Blue Hen Cocks that were carried with the Delaware Revolutionary War Soldiers for entertainment during Cock fights.

"Small Wonder": This nickname is basically a new nickname. It was given to Delaware due to its size and the contributions it has made to our country as a whole and the beauty of Delaware.

Source: http://www.state.de.us/facts/history/delfact.htm

Below are some of the states we've visited since Mama_Bear first took us to "Sweet Home Alabama" on May 23, 2003.

Click on each STATE to view the thread, and it will open in a separate window. (States with a white * have not been profiled yet.)

Delaware's history is a long and proud one. Early explorations of its coastline were made by the Spaniards and Portuguese in the sixteenth century; by Henry Hudson in 1609 under the auspices of the Dutch; by Samuel Argall in 1610, Cornelius May in 1613, and by Cornelius Hendricksen in 1614.

During a storm, Argall was blown off course and sailed into a strange bay which he named in honor of his governor. It is doubtful that Lord De La Warr ever saw, or explored, the bay, river, and state which today bears his name. In 1631, 11 years after the landing of the English pilgrims at Plymouth, Massachusetts, the first white settlement was made on Delaware soil.

A group of Dutchmen formed a trading company headed by Captain David Pietersen de Vries for the purpose of enriching themselves from the New World. The expedition of about 30 individuals sailed from the town of Hoorn under the leadership of Captain Peter Heyes in the ship De Walvis (The Whale). Their settlement, called Zwaanendael, meaning valley of swans, was located near the present town of Lewes on the west bank of the Lewes Creek, today the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal.

Continue reading HERE

Adopted on July 24, 1913, the Delaware state flag has a background of colonial blue surrounding a diamond of buff color in which the coat of arms of the state is placed. Below the diamond are the words "December 7, 1787," indicating the day on which Delaware was the first state to ratify the United States constitution. Because of this action, Delaware became the first state in the Union, and is, therefore, accorded the first position in such national events as presidential inaugurations.

According to members of the original commission established to design the flag, the shades of buff and colonial blue represent those of the uniform of General George Washington. Inside the diamond, the flag recognizes the importance of commerce {the ship} and agriculture {wheat, corn, the ox and the farmer} to the state. Tribute is also paid to the revolutionary war soldiers. The words in the ribbon banner read Liberty and Independence.

Take a virtual tour of Delaware's rich history and culture.

• Delaware was admitted to Statehood on December 7, 1787 - the first state in the union, thus the nickname of "The First State". It is also dubbed "The Diamond State", "Blue Hen State", and "Small Wonder". The state's motto is "Liberty and Independence", and those words are printed on the state flag.
  
  
• Delaware ranks 49th in the nation with a total area of 1,982 square miles. There are only three counties in the state. New Castle County is 438 square miles. Kent County is 594 square miles. Sussex County is 950 square miles. Delaware is 96 miles long and varies from 9 to 35 miles in width.
  
  
• Song: "Our Delaware" (words by: George B. Hynson music by: M. S. Brown) became the official state song in 1925. The verses recognize each of Delaware's three counties.
  
  
• Largest Cities: Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Milford, Seaford, Middletown, Elsmere, Smyrna, New Castle, and Georgetown. Dover, located on the Saint Jones River in the central part of the state, is the seat of Kent County. Dover has been the state's capital since 1777. The capitol building, below, is commonly known as Legislative Hall.
  
  
  
• Highest elevation -- 447.85 ft. above sea level near Ebright Road in New Castle County. Lowest -- sea level along the coast.
  
  
• 2000 Population Estimate - 783,600; 45th among the states; Density: 401 persons per square mile. For additional information, go to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Delaware Economic Development Office, or the Office of Occupational and Labor Market Information.
  
  
• Delaware's climate is moderate year round. Average monthly temperatures range from 75.8 to 32.0 degrees. Average temperature in the summer months is 74.3 degrees. About 57% of the days are sunny. Annual precipitation is approximately 45 inches. Temperatures along the Atlantic Coast are about 10 degrees warmer in winter and 10 degrees cooler in summer. The average growing season varies from 170 to 200 days.
  
  
• On the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, Delaware is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, as well as by the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Delaware's location affords easy access to the major metropolitan areas of the Northeast. Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Baltimore are all within a 2-hour drive.
  
  
• Chief Products: Agriculture -- broilers, soybeans, corn, milk. Fishing Industry -- crabs, clams. Mining -- sand and gravel, magnesium compounds. Manufacturing -- chemicals, food products, paper products, rubber and plastics products, primary metals, printed materials.

Why Delaware? I can't begin to list all the reasons to visit Delaware, but for starters.....

Do you like water? Quiet, peaceful landscapes? Nature at its best? Do you like history? Like to shop? In Delaware you can shop tax-free because there's no sales tax!

Delaware may be the nation’s second-smallest state, but it packs plenty of first-rate opportunities for both vacation and relocation - after all, it didn't get its newest nickname (Small Wonder) by accident!

Let's just let a few pictures do the talking.

For history buffs, these are but a few examples of the rich history that is Delaware....

The historic Fort Delaware State Park on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River offers Civil War reenactments and displays of soldiers’ daily lives. Fort Christiana State Park includes a full-size replica of the Swedish settlers’ sailing ship, the Kalmar Nyckel.

The Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes, Delaware, is modeled after the town hall in Hoorn, the Netherlands, to commemorate Delaware’s first European settlement by the Dutch in 1631.

As I was searching Delaware's history, state symbols, and other facts, a page out of The Official Website for the First State caught my eye, especially since it's almost Halloween. (I chose a few of the pictures and their accompanying 'stories' below for you to enjoy.)

It starts like this:

Rumors and legends of hauntings have grown up around these locations for many years, but please remember as you view the images that seeing is not necessarily believing.

The Delaware Public Archives does not endorse or deny any of these legends, however, the continued existence of these stories is enough to make you wonder...

• Addy-Sea Inn, Bethany, Delaware...
  Room 1 contains a bathtub that has been seen shaking violently. Room 6 has organ music heard within its walls. Room 11 is thought to be haunted by the ghost of Paul Dulaney, who worked for the Addys. Footsteps, thought to be of Kurtz Addy, can be heard on the roof and in the second floor hallway. Kurtz, the son of builder, John Addy fell to his death from the roof.
  
  
• Rockwood Mansion, Wilmington, Delaware...
  Many orbs have been witnessed floating throughout the 45 rooms of this Victorian Mansion. Strange sounds have been reported by staff members. Although investigations have been done, none have been able to identify specific spirits.
  
  
• Ellendale State Forest, Ellendale, Delaware...
  A headless figure has been seen walking along the highway that runs through the park. No one knows who he is, but there is a high rate of accidents reported along this road by the local police.
  
  
• Scotts Run Bridge, St. George's, Delaware...
  The spirit of an old black man named Jacob is said to still play his fiddle by the bridge. Before the Civil War, he played his fiddle while he sat on the railing of the old wooden bridge. He died after falling into the Scott Run stream. It is said that you can still hear his fiddle playing while standing on the new bridge.
  
  
• Slaughter Neck, Slaughter Beach, Delaware...
  The ghost of a man who committed suicide haunts this area. He apparently shot himself while sitting in a ditch. Another ghost that wanders the Boardwalk trail between Slaughter Neck and Broadkill Beach is thought to be that of Jonathan Morris. He owned a farmhouse that once stood near the trails. His spirit is most often felt by his grave, which is located in the old Morris Family Graveyard.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Website Links:

50states.com
Visit Delaware
Destination: Delaware
Historical Society of Delaware
State of Delaware -
The Official Website of the First State

03-27-07 ~ Hall of Fame #19 ~ Final

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 10-22,23-07 Military Tribute

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[Billie]

[Billie]

[Billie]

Very tired tonight - will be back in the morning. Goodnight.

Thinking of our fellow California FReepers who may be close to the fires. :(

[hsalaw]

Thank you for your kind words. I'm in Northern California, and in no danger here, but it's frightening to watch the news and see the pictures of the fires spreading.

And a big HELLO from one of the largest states (CA) to one of the smallest. If Delaware is 49th in size, what state is the smallest? Oh, wait; I bet it's Rhode Island.

Thanks for the lovely pictures.

[DollyCali]

Wow Billie! outstanding. You are guaranteeing that dutchess & I will be ducking doing Ohio for quite a while!

Love the burlap look on the background & I am not sure what the effect is but it is like titanium jewelry for the outside border, some lettering & the separation graphics. Gorgeous.

LOVELY all the way around. Your graphics, font. Wow.. all it takes is time, talent & design gifting!...

I will be back. covered up & I am so glad this will be a two day thread.

Is someone from Deleware posting this to the state thread message board? Might check the roster & see if there are any of the Finest who could do that.. sorry I am limited w/time for now

Will send the link out for others to enjoy.

Thank you sistah for again setting the bar up very high (I can hardly “see it” yet alone “reach it” or heaven help “jump it”)

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning Billie
This is

I have often driven through Delaware to visit family but never stopped. One of these days I have to stop there. It's a beautiful state. I'll skip the haunted places. ;)

[The Mayor]

October 24, 2007

Turn On The Lights

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Matthew 5:13-20

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. —Matthew 5:14

People often ask me what I miss most about serving as president of Moody Bible Institute. Without question it’s the students. I love their passion for Jesus and the way they demonstrate it to the world around them. Non-Christian employers often told me of the students’ exemplary work ethic. Chicago’s police super-intendent once said, "When the Moody students return to campus, it’s like somebody turned on the lights on the Near North side."

This is exactly what Jesus had in mind when He said, "You are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14). It’s a powerful word picture of the impact of contrast. There should be a recognizable difference between the integrity of Christians and the prevailing darkness of our world.

It’s not about making speeches for Jesus; it’s about people observing us. Even though they may not want to hear about Jesus, you can be sure they’re watching to see if He makes a difference in our lives. When Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works" (v.16), He was saying that before we can speak up we have to show up. Our capacity to shine for Jesus is measured by our good works, which reveal His compelling reality in our lives.

Let's turn on the lights. 

You are called with a holy calling
The light of the world to be,
To lift up the lamp of the Savior
That others His light may see.  —Anon.

 

To lead others out of the darkness of sin, let them see the light of Christ in your life.

Bible in One Year:   Jeremiah 3-5; 1 Timothy 4

[MEG33]

Sigh..Just gorgeous! I love your tables, your background colors , your “floating” graphics.your lovely ping graphic! What a beautiful state and presentation. Going back to read more.

[Temple Owl]

Good job!
I live right next door to Delaware and I go there at least once a week. Much better wine selection and prices and there is no sales tax, so guess where I buy my big ticket items!
Also good morning and have a great day.

[The Mayor]

Beautiful job Billie!

[MEG33]

Delaware State Butterfly

Happy Wednesday To The Finest
I am enjoying Billie's beautiful presentation of the
State of Delaware!

[JustAmy]

Beautiful thread, Billie. I really enjoy these cyber tours. Thank you for being our guide thru Delaware. Looking forward to the remaining states.

Delaware is one of the 16 states that I have not visited. My goal is to visit all fifty states; I may need to use these cyber tours to reach that goal.

I am several miles north of the Southern California fires. I join you and others praying for our southern neighbors.

[JustAmy]

Thank you for our Daily Bread, Mayor.

It always gets me started on the right foot.

[JustAmy]

Beautiful, Meg.

Have a warm fuzzy Wednesday.

[jaycee]

Thank you Billie, for such a beautiful thread. The colors are amazing...and so many interesting things to learn about Delaware.

Will be gone most of the day but will join in later to check out all the latest and get caught up on reading! Very interesting!

[MEG33]

Thank you, Amy! I am stealing batteries from my TV remote to post...almost lost that frame trying to figure out why the wireless mouse wasn’t working!LOL I never have used this laptop keyboard..don’t know how to copy and paste with it.

We are having a cool, windy beautiful day...I need to go buy a good supply of batteries..It seems I am using up a lot of them with this wireless.

[ConorMacNessa]

Good morning, Meg - how are you doing today?

[jaycee]

Your addition this morning is lovely, Meg!

[Lady Jag]

DELAWARE

LIBERTY AND INDEPENDENCE

[JustAmy]

"It seems I am using up a lot of them with this wireless. "

I know what you mean .... how can I possibly use this many AA batteries? I buy mine by the 48 battery pack at Costco.